bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Knowledge and Practice among Patients with Non-communicable Diseases Attending Mbale Regional Referral Hospital in Eastern Uganda: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Nambala Esther , Byakika-Tusiime Jayne , Gavamukulya Yahaya
Published: July 2019

Aim: To determine nutritional knowledge and practices among patients with Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) attending Mbale Regional Referral hospital, in Eastern Uganda.

Study Design: A mixed methods cross sectional study design was used.

Place and Duration of Study: Mbale Regional Referral Hospital among patients attending the NCD clinic from May to July 2017.

Methodology: Two hundred sixty clients were recruited for the study. Quantitative data was collected through structured administered questionnaires. Quantitative data was analyzed at univariate, bivariate and multivariate levels. Chi square test and logistic regression were used to determine the association between nutrition knowledge and utilization. Qualitative data was coded first and summarized according to the themes.

Results: The mean age of the respondents was 55 years (SD= 14) and hospital was the main source of nutrition information (n=156, 60%). Most respondents (n=156, 60%) had a high level of nutrition knowledge, however only 48.8% (n=127) were utilizing the knowledge. Those who had attained secondary level of education were 2.308 more likely to utilize the nutrition knowledge than those who had never studied P value of .028, 95CI (1.093-4.874). Those with tertiary education were even 9.261 times more likely to utilize the knowledge P value <.001 95CI (2.721-31.522). Those with adequate knowledge were about 1.6 times most likely to utilize the nutrition knowledge compared to those with inadequate knowledge level, however, with the adjusted odd ratio of 1.573 at 95% CI (0.923- 2.868) the results were not statistically significant (P value .098).

Conclusion: NCD patients had adequate knowledge, with a few of them utilizing the knowledge. High education level was associated with better nutrition practices.
Isolation, Identification and Antibiogram of Salmonella from Cloacal Swabs of Free Range Poultry in Nsukka, Nigeria
Authors: V. Olovo, Chinasa , E. Reward, Eleazar , N. Obi, Scholastica , C. Ike, Anthony
Published: July 2019

Aim: Poultry is a common source of antibiotics resistant Salmonella in humans. This study aimed to isolate and identify Salmonella in free range chicken and turkey in Nsukka, Nigeria and to determine the antibiotic resistance profile of the isolates.

Study Design, Area and Duration of Study: The study followed an experimental design. It was carried out in Nsukka metropolis of Enugu state, Nigeria. Samples were collected from 3 communities and 1 market from March to July 2016. A total of 150 cloacal samples comprising of 100 samples from chicken and 50 samples from turkey were used.

Methods: Isolation was carried out according to the International Organization of Standardization (ISO) and World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recommendations using pre-enrichment in buffered peptone water, enrichment in Tetrathionate broth and primary isolation on Xylose Lysine Deoxycholate (XLD) agar. Identification was carried out according to the recommendations of ISO and OIE using comprehensive biochemical and cultural identification procedure. Antibiotic sensitivity testing was by disc diffusion method, while the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined using the broth dilution technique, according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) guidelines.

Results: A total of 3 Salmonella spp. were isolated from the 150 samples, giving a prevalence of 2%. The positive samples comprised of 2 (2%) from chicken and 1 (2%) from turkey. All the isolates were 100% susceptible to 3 of the antibiotics tested, but showed differing degrees of resistance to the rest antibiotics. The MIC of 3 antibiotics tested on the isolates ranged from 1 µg/ml to 16 µg/ml, while the MBC ranged from 0.25 µg/ml to 64 µg/ml.

Conclusion: Free range poultry species including chicken and turkey could be important in the transmission and spread of antibiotic resistant Salmonella in the study area.
Herbicide Formulation, Spray Nozzle Design, and Operating Pressure Affects the Droplet Size Spectra of Agricultural Sprays
Authors: McGinty Joshua A. , Morgan Gaylon D. , Dotray Peter A. , Baumann Paul A.
Published: July 2019

Aims: Determine the droplet size spectra of agricultural sprays as affected by herbicide formulations, spray nozzle designs, and operating pressures.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted in April 2014 at the United States Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Service Aerial Application Technology Research Unit Facility in College Station, Texas.

Methodology: The spray droplet size spectra of six herbicide formulations as well as water alone and water with nonionic surfactant were evaluated in a low-speed wind tunnel. These spray solutions were conducted with five different flat-fan spray nozzle designs, producing a wide range of spray droplet sizes. The wind tunnel was equipped with a laser diffraction sensor to analyze spray droplet size. All combinations of spray solution and nozzle were operated at 207 and 414 kPa and replicated three times.

Results: Many differences in droplet size spectra were detected among the spray solutions, nozzle designs, and pressures tested. Solutions of Liberty 280 SL exhibited the smallest median droplet size and the greatest proportion of spray volume contained in droplets 100 µm or less in size.  Solutions of Enlist Duo resulted in smaller median droplet size than many of the solutions tested, but also exhibited some of the smallest production of fine spray droplets. Median droplet size was found to vary greatly among nozzle designs, with the greatest droplet size and smallest drift-prone fine droplet production observed with air-inclusion designs utilizing a pre-orifice. Increasing the operating pressure from 207 to 414 kPa resulted in a decrease in median droplet size and an increase in the production of droplets 100 µm or less in size.

Conclusion: Herbicide formulations and spray nozzle designs tested varied widely in droplet size spectra and thus the potential for spray drift. Increasing operating pressure resulted in decreased droplet size and an increase in the production of drift-prone droplets. Additionally, median droplet size alone should not be used to compare spray drift potential among spray solutions but should include relative span and V100 values to better predict the potential for spray drift due to drift-prone spray droplets.
Moisture Content and Packaging Condition on the Germination of Amaranth BRS Alegria Seeds
Authors: Costa Patrícia Monique Crivelari da , Bianchini Aloisio , Caneppele Carlos , Azevedo Patrícia Helena , Silva Ana Lucia da , Santos Matheus Azevedo dos , Pereira Pedro Silvério Xavier
Published: July 2019

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the packaging conditions and the initial moisture content of amaranth BRS Alegria seeds, stored in the period of 13 months (10 months ambient conditions and 3 months in cold chamber). The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme with two initial moisture contents (9.82% and 7.84%), and two packing conditions (sealed and unsealed), with four replications, totaling 16 plots. The germination was in 12 hours photoperiod and 25°C constant temperature, for 7 days. The variables analyzed were percentage of germination (PG), first germination count (FGC), non-germinated seeds (NGS), germination speed index (GSI) and mean germination time (MGT). The sealed 9.82% seed lot presented better results for PG, NGS and GSI (77.5%, 22.5% and 24.88, respectively). The moisture content of 9.82% is adequate for the storage of Amaranthus cruentus BRS Alegria, with no further drying required. It is recommended to seal the packages for the storage of amaranth seeds of BRS Alegria, as it maintains its physiological quality for longer.
Mechanism of Spasmogenic Activity Stimulated by Aqueous Ethanolic Leaf Extract of Mucuna pruriens on Isolated Uterine Muscle of Albino Rats
Authors: Francis B. , Uchendu C. N. , Obidike R. I.
Published: July 2019

Aims: To investigate the effect of aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of this medicinal plant on isolated uterine smooth muscle strips of the rat and to determine its mechanism of action.

Study Design:  Laboratory-experimental design was used in this study.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Biochemistry of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Nigeria, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology of the Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, and the Department of Veterinary Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Nigeria between June and October 2014.

Methodology: Fresh leaves of Mucuna pruriens were identified and collected by a taxonomist from Nsukka, Nigeria. The leaves were then air dried and pulverized into powder. This was then subjected to cold extraction using petroleum ether (70-90) and 70% aqueous ethanol, after which the extract was left to dry at room temperature. Estrogenised uterine strips (12mm) were harvested from non-pregnant, sexually matured albino rats (180 g -250 g) and suspended in a 35ml organ bath containing Krebs’ physiological salt solution. The organ bath was connected to an isometric electronic force displacement transducer and a physiograph. Drugs such as Salbutamol, Isoprenaline, Adrenaline, Propranolol, Atipamezole and Prazosin were used as either agonists or antagonists to determine the mechanism of action of the extract. Atropine sulphate and Cyproheptadine were also used as test drugs. Concentrations of these drugs presented in the body of this work represent the final nutrient bath concentrations.

Results: M. pruriens caused a dose -dependent increase in uterine muscle contraction with an EC50 of 0.88 mg/ml, n=4. The contraction was unaffected by atropine sulphate (0.042 µmol), but abolished by salbutamol (0.012-0.4 µmol), isoprenaline (0.06-0.23 µmol), and adrenaline (16 nmol). The uterine muscle contractions were enhanced by propranolol (1 µmol) in a dose- dependent manner. Prazosin (0.069-0.14 µmol) and atipamezole (3.3-13.7 nmol) were unable to abolish contractions stimulated by the extract. However, 0.2 µmol of cyproheptadine caused 80% suppression of the extract –induced uterine contraction

Conclusion: It is concluded that aqueous ethanolic leaf extract of M. pruriens, has ability to cause uterine smooth muscle contraction hence, justifies its reported use traditionally as a uterine stimulant. This contraction is most likely exerted via the 5-HT receptor activation (activated by low concentrations of serotonin).
Análise crítica da Legislação Federal Brasileira para controle de qualidade: equipamentos de radiodiagnóstico
Authors: Batista Wilson Otto , Ribeiro Joseane Cardoso
Published: July 2019

Introdução: os equipamentos de radiodiagnóstico evoluíram desde unidades muito simples à incorporação de sistemas digitais. Concomitante, a qualidade da imagem gerada por esses equipamentos tem alcançado elevado padrão diagnóstico. Todas as modalidades do radiodiagnostico médico e odontológico têm, nas últimas décadas, incorporado novos recurso de aquisição e processamento da imagem inclusive com a utilização da tecnologia digital. No entanto, normalmente, as regulamentações destinadas à avaliação da segurança e qualidade da imagem, apresentam algum nível de desatualização. Objetivo: o objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar criticamente a regulamentação brasileira aplicável ao controle de qualidade em radiologia diagnóstica geral, exceto mamografia. Metodologia: foi realizado um estudo comparativo entre quatro documentos: a normativa vigente no Brasil, Portaria SVS/MS 453/98 e três protocolos internacionais: EC Report 162; ARCAL XLIX; Protocol Español. A verificação; a periodicidade e a tolerância dos testes selecionados foram usadas como critérios da análise. Para melhor compreensão os parâmetros foram analisados em dois conjuntos: (1) gerador e (2) receptor de imagem. Resultados: verifica-se que para sistemas analógicos a regulamentação nacional não contempla todos os parâmetros essenciais. Discussão: para os sistemas digitais a regulamentação federal brasileira deixa uma lacuna de 100% dos testes específicos para avaliação do receptor de imagem digital. Igualmente para novas modalidades, tais como CBCT. As lacunas e as deficiências ocorrem por: definições físicas equivocadas; valores limites e/ou periodicidade aquém do esperado. Conclusão: conclui-se que apesar do Brasil ser signatário de alguns destes documentos internacionais, a desatualização ou omissão de alguns itens fundamentais para avaliação da qualidade da imagem, produzem resultados insatisfatórios na obtenção de imagens diagnósticas.
Dor em neonatos: avaliações e intervenções farmacológicas e não-farmacológicas
Authors: Soares Roberta Xavier , Sousa Milena Nunes Alves de , Araújo Filho Jorge Luiz Silva , Mariano Nicoly Negreiros de Siqueira , Egypto Ilana Andrade Santos
Published: July 2019

RESUMO

Introdução: a dor associada à neonatologia vem evoluindo nos últimos tempos, mostrando sua importância na prática clínica. A dor sentida pelo neonato manifesta-se por desconfortos e sofrimento que são incapazes de serem relatados verbalmente. Os cuidados com o manejo da dor devem incluir uma avaliação da dor e intervenções farmacológicas e não-farmacológicas. Objetivos: analisar as avaliações e as intervenções farmacológicas e não-farmacológicas para a prevenção e o alívio da dor em neonatos. Metodologia: foi realizada uma Revisão Integrativa da Literatura (RIL), em que foram selecionados artigos utilizando os seguintes Descritores em Ciência da Saúde (DeCS): dor, recém-nascido, analgesia e manejo da dor. A seleção dos artigos foi feita nas bases de dados Scientific Electronic Library Online (SCIELO) e Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), onde foram encontrados 345 artigos, aos quais 13 artigos foram incluídos na análise. Resultados: foram encontradas escalas de dor que utilizam parâmetros fisiológicos e comportamentais para a avaliação da mesma em neonatos, assim como intervenções farmacológicas e não farmacológicas que ajudam na prevenção e alívio da dor. Conclusão: estratégias como a criação de ambientes calmos para o manejo da dor, utilização de medidas simples e não invasivas, fármacos e medidas não farmacológicas são importantes para minimizar ao máximo os efeitos negativos decorrentes da patologia. O desenvolvimento de programas populacionais ajuda os profissionais de saúde a conhecer sobre os métodos de avaliação da dor em neonatos e possibilitam habilidades no manejo da dor em sua prática clínica, atendendo as demandas dos recém-nascidos.

 

 
Malformações congênitas em crianças nascidas de mães expostas ao tabagismo e/ou alcoolismo: uma revisão literária
Authors: Rufino Marcela Portela Rezende , Sousa Gabriela Vieira de , Sousa Camila Galdino Sales , Oliveira Maria Auxiliadora Silva
Published: July 2019

Drogas lícitas, tais como fumo e álcool, quando consumo por mulheres durante a gestação, são considerados como potentes teratógenos, comprometendo assim o desenvolvimento normal de órgãos e/ou sistemas do feto. Objetivou-se no presente estudo, realizar um apanhado na literatura que exponha a relação de ocorrências de malformações congênitas em crianças nascidas de mães usuárias das drogas citadas. Para tanto foi realizado busca sistemática e integrativa nas bases de dados PubMed Central: PMC, Science Direct e Biblioteca Virtual em Saúde (BVS). Os termos utilizados para a busca em português foram “Álcool”, “Fumo” e “Tabaco” associadas à “Malformações Congênitas”; em inglês, “Alcohol”, “Tobacco”, “Cigarette Smoke” e “Congenital Abnormalities”. Foram selecionados 26 artigos que trataram do assunto. Destes, 08 faziam consumo das duas drogas, 17 faziam uso só de cigarros e 01 era consumidora só de álcool. Foi apontado defeitos congênitos tais como: cardíacos, cerebral, lábio leporino, respiratório, criptorquidia, psicomotor, hipodontia, membros, fissura oropalatina, distúrbios do tubo neural, microtia, pé torto, hérnia diafragmática. Os achados favoreceram a associação direta entre as drogas lícitas, cigarro e álcool, com diversas malformações durante o desenvolvimento embrionário.
One‐Step Covalent Immobilization of β‐Cyclodextrin on sp2 Carbon Surfaces for Selective Trace Amount Probing of Guests
Authors: Li Zhi , Van Guyse Joachim F. R. , de la Rosa Victor R. , Van Gorp Hans , Walke Peter , Rodríguez González Miriam C. , Uji‐i Hiroshi , Hoogenboom Richard , De Feyter Steven , Mertens Stijn F. L.
Published: July 2019

The modification of solid surfaces with supramolecular hosts is a powerful method to tailor interfacial properties and confer chemical selectivity, but often involves multistep protocols that hinder facile upscaling. Here, the one‐step covalent modification of highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) with a β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) derivative, which efficiently forms inclusion complexes with hydrophobic guests of suitable size, is demonstrated. The grafted β‐CD‐HOPG surface is investigated toward electrochemical detection of ferrocene and dopamine. The enrichment of the analytes at the electrode surface, through inclusion in β‐CD, leads to an enhanced electrochemical response and an improved detection limit. Furthermore, the modified β‐CD‐HOPG electrode discriminates analytes that form host–guest complexes with β‐CD against a 100‐fold higher background of electroactive substances that do not. Atomic force microscopy, scanning tunneling microscopy, and Raman spectroscopy confirm the covalent nature of the modification and reveal high stability toward solvent rinsing, ultrasonication, and temperatures up to 140 °C. The one‐step covalent modification therefore holds substantial promise for the routine production of inexpensive, yet robust and highly performant electrochemical sensors. Beyond electrochemical sensor development, our strategy is valuable to prepare materials where accurate spatial positioning of functional units and efficient current collection are crucial, e.g. in photoelectrodes or electrocatalysts.
Motion of Drops with Different Viscosities on Micro‐Nanotextured Surfaces of Varying Topography and Wetting Properties
Authors: Sarkiris Panagiotis , Ellinas Kosmas , Gkiolas Dimitris , Mathioulakis Dimitrios , Gogolides Evangelos
Published: July 2019

Superhydrophobic surfaces are extensively investigated in the literature, yet the phenomenon of drop motion on such surfaces and the corresponding friction properties of surfaces with different topography are not sufficiently analyzed. Here, drop motion on hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces with different size topography is investigated for drops of largely varying viscosity (i.e., water and glycerol). The threshold force required to initiate drop movement is probed, the drop motion (velocity and acceleration) is analyzed, and the friction force on each surface is calculated. It is evident that as roughness increases, the threshold force to initiate 20 µL drop motion decreases; the lowest value for water is 17.9 ± 4.0 µN. For glycerol, the lowest threshold force value is 22.3 ± 5.9 µN. The results also indicate that this threshold force required for the initiation of the drop motion seems to be higher than that when the drop starts moving. Finally, this force (being proportional to the contact line) is expected to be about half smaller for 5 µL droplets. Water drops obtain higher velocities and accelerations by an order of magnitude compared to glycerol drops, which is attributed to the combinational effect of the higher hysteresis and the larger contact line of glycerol drops.
Micro/Nanomaterials‐Augmented Hydrogen Therapy
Authors: Zhou Gaoxin , Goshi Ekta , He Qianjun
Published: July 2019

Hydrogen therapy is an emerging and promising therapy strategy of using molecular hydrogen as a new type of safe and effective therapeutic agent, exhibiting remarkable therapeutic effects on many oxidative stress‐/inflammation‐related diseases owing to its bio‐reductivity and homeostatic regulation ability. Different from other gaseous transmitters such as NO, CO, and H2S, hydrogen gas has no blood poisoning risk at high concentration because it does not affect the oxygen‐carrying behavior of blood red cells. Hydrogen molecules also have low aqueous solubility and high but aimless diffusibility, causing limited therapy efficacy in many diseases. To realize the site‐specific hydrogen delivery, controlled hydrogen release and combined therapy is significant but still challenging. Here, a concept of hydrogen nanomedicine to address the issues of hydrogen medicine by using functional micro/nanomaterials for augmented hydrogen therapy is proposed. In this review, various strategies of micro/nanomaterials‐augmented hydrogen therapy, including micro/nanomaterials‐mediated targeted hydrogen delivery, controlled hydrogen release, and nanocatalytic and multimodel enhancement of hydrogen therapy efficacy, are summarized, which can open a new window for treatment of inflammation‐related diseases.
Natural Carbon By‐Products for Transparent Heaters: The Case of Steam‐Cracker Tar
Authors: Morris Owen P. , Zang Xining , Gregg Aoife , Keller Brent , Getachew Bezawit , Ingersoll Samuel , Elsen Heather A. , Disko Mark M. , Ferralis Nicola , Grossman Jeffrey C.
Published: July 2019

Steam‐cracker tar (SCT) is a by‐product of ethylene production that is in massive quantities globally (>150 × 106 tons per year). With few useful applications, the production of unwanted SCT leads to the need for its costly disposal or burning at the boiler plant. The discovery of new uses for SCT would therefore bring both economic and environmental benefits, although, to date, efforts toward employing SCT in diverse applications have been limited, and progress is further hampered by a lack of understanding of the material itself. Although complex and highly heterogeneous in nature, the molecular composition of SCT has the potential to serve as a diverse and tunable feedstock for wide‐ranging applications. Here, a simple solution‐processing method for SCT that allows its conductivity and optical properties to be controlled over orders of magnitude is reported. Here, by way of example, the focus is on the production of transparent conductive thin films, which exhibit a wide range of transparencies (23–93%) and sheet resistances (2.5 Ω □–1 to 1.2 kΩ □–1) that are tuned by a combination of solution concentration and thermal annealing. As transparent Joule heaters, even without optimization, these SCT devices show competitive performance compared to established technologies such as those based on reduced graphene oxide, and surpass the temperature stability limit of other materials. Furthermore, it is demonstrated that laser annealing can be used to process the SCT films and directly pattern transparent heaters on an arbitrary substrate. These results highlight the potential of SCT as a feedstock material for electronic applications and suggest that broader classes of either naturally occurring carbon or produced carbonaceous by‐products could prove useful in a range of applications.
A “Phase Separation” Molecular Design Strategy Towards Large‐Area 2D Molecular Crystals
Authors: Fu Beibei , Wang Cong , Sun Yantao , Yao Jiarong , Wang Yu , Ge Fayuan , Yang Fangxu , Liu Zheyuan , Dang Yanfeng , Zhang Xiaotao , Shao Xiangfeng , Li Rongjin , Hu Wenping
Published: July 2019

2D molecular crystals (2DMCs) have attracted considerable attention because of their unique optoelectronic properties and potential applications. Taking advantage of the solution processability of organic semiconductors, solution self‐assembly is considered an effective way to grow large‐area 2DMCs. However, this route is largely blocked because a precise molecular design towards 2DMCs is missing and little is known about the relationship between 2D solution self‐assembly and molecular structure. A “phase separation” molecular design strategy towards 2DMCs is proposed and layer‐by‐layer growth of millimeter‐sized monolayer or few‐layer 2DMCs is realized. High‐performance organic phototransistors are constructed based on the 2DMCs with unprecedented photosensitivity (2.58 × 107), high responsivity (1.91 × 104A W−1), and high detectivity (4.93 × 1015Jones). This “phase separation” molecular design strategy provides a guide for the design and synthesis of novel organic semiconductors that self‐assemble into large‐area 2DMCs for advanced organic (opto)electronics.
Multiscale Toughening Mechanisms in Biological Materials and Bioinspired Designs
Authors: Huang Wei , Restrepo David , Jung Jae‐Young , Su Frances Y. , Liu Zengqian , Ritchie Robert O. , McKittrick Joanna , Zavattieri Pablo , Kisailus David
Published: July 2019

Biological materials found in Nature such as nacre and bone are well recognized as light‐weight, strong, and tough structural materials. The remarkable toughness and damage tolerance of such biological materials are conferred through hierarchical assembly of their multiscale (i.e., atomic‐ to macroscale) architectures and components. Herein, the toughening mechanisms of different organisms at multilength scales are identified and summarized: macromolecular deformation, chemical bond breakage, and biomineral crystal imperfections at the atomic scale; biopolymer fibril reconfiguration/deformation and biomineral nanoparticle/nanoplatelet/nanorod translation, and crack reorientation at the nanoscale; crack deflection and twisting by characteristic features such as tubules and lamellae at the microscale; and structure and morphology optimization at the macroscale. In addition, the actual loading conditions of the natural organisms are different, leading to energy dissipation occurring at different time scales. These toughening mechanisms are further illustrated by comparing the experimental results with computational modeling. Modeling methods at different length and time scales are reviewed. Examples of biomimetic designs that realize the multiscale toughening mechanisms in engineering materials are introduced. Indeed, there is still plenty of room mimicking the strong and tough biological designs at the multilength and time scale in Nature.
3D Printing of Ultralight Biomimetic Hierarchical Graphene Materials with Exceptional Stiffness and Resilience
Authors: Peng Meiwen , Wen Zhen , Xie Lingjie , Cheng Jian , Jia Zheng , Shi Danli , Zeng Huajie , Zhao Bo , Liang Zhiqiang , Li Teng , Jiang Lin
Published: July 2019

Biological materials with hierarchical architectures (e.g., a macroscopic hollow structure and a microscopic cellular structure) offer unique inspiration for designing and manufacturing advanced biomimetic materials with outstanding mechanical performance and low density. Most conventional biomimetic materials only benefit from bioinspired architecture at a single length scale (e.g., microscopic material structure), which largely limits the mechanical performance of the resulting materials. There exists great potential to maxime the mechanical performance of biomimetic materials by leveraging a bioinspired hierarchical structure. An ink‐based three‐dimensional (3D) printing strategy to manufacture an ultralight biomimetic hierarchical graphene material (BHGMs) with exceptionally high stiffness and resilience is demonstrated. By simultaneously engineering 3D‐printed macroscopic hollow structures and constructing an ice‐crystal‐induced cellular microstructure, BHGMs can achieve ultrahigh elasticity and stability at compressive strains up to 95%. Multiscale finite element analyses indicate that the hierarchical structures of BHGMs effectively reduce the macroscopic strain and transform the microscopic compressive deformation into the rotation and bending of the interconnected graphene flakes. This 3D printing strategy demonstrates the great potential that exists for the assembly of other functional materials into hierarchical cellular structures for various applications where high stiffness and resilience at low density are simultaneously required.
Giant Poisson's Effect for Wrinkle‐Free Stretchable Transparent Electrodes
Authors: Wang Yan , Liu Qihan , Zhang Jianming , Hong Tianzeng , Sun Wenting , Tang Lu , Arnold Eric , Suo Zhigang , Hong Wei , Ren Zhifeng , Guo Chuan Fei
Published: July 2019

The next generation of flexible electronics will require highly stretchable and transparent electrodes, many of which consist of a relatively stiff metal network (or carbon materials) and an underlying soft substrate. Typically, such a stiff–soft bilayer suffers from wrinkling or folding when subjected to strains, causing high surface roughness and seriously deteriorated optical transparency. In this work, a network with a giant effective Poisson's ratio on a soft substrate is found to be under biaxial tension upon deformation, and thus does not wrinkle or fold, but maintains smooth surfaces and high transparency. Soft tactile sensors employing such network electrodes exhibit high transparency and low fatigue over many stretching cycles. Such a giant Poisson's ratio has the same effect in other systems. This work offers a new understanding of surface instabilities and a general strategy to prevent them not only in flexible electronics, but also in other materials and mechanical structures that require flat surfaces.
Omni‐Liquid Droplet Manipulation Platform
Authors: Guo Junchang , Wang Dehui , Sun Qiangqiang , Li Linxian , Zhao Huaixia , Wang Dongsheng , Cui Jiaxi , Chen Longquan , Deng Xu
Published: July 2019

Droplet manipulation is of importance in a wide range of applications in biomedicine, chemical analysis, and synthesis, among other fields. Over the past decade, extensive efforts are made to develop different strategies of transporting droplets by using various external stimuli. However, these methods could fail to manipulate some complex liquids with a low surface tension, high viscosity, or corrosivity. Herein, a magnetic digital microfluidics platform (MDMP) that is capable of manipulating almost all liquid droplets is described. The MDMP is designed by combining a magnet‐controlled deformable substrate and a slippery liquid‐infused surface. Such a structure allows creating a site‐specific gravitational potential gradient to propel droplets under different conditions. It is demonstrated that this MDMP can rapidly and reversibly transport various liquids for specimen sorting, chemical reactions, and accelerating mixing. It is envisioned that this universal droplet manipulation device will lay the foundation to achieve a wide variety of autonomous open channel fluidic device applications.
CO2‐Mediated H2 Storage‐Release with Nanostructured Catalysts: Recent Progresses, Challenges, and Perspectives
Authors: Asefa Tewodros , Koh Katherine , Yoon Chang Won
Published: July 2019

It has increasingly become clear that economic growth worldwide based on fossil fuel energy supply cannot be sustained; thus, alternative, renewable energy sources and carriers must be urgently developed to maintain growth. Dihydrogen (H2), which can produce energy without generating environmental pollutants, can play a major role in this endeavor. However, to use H2 in renewable energy systems, systems and materials that can store and transport it, or convert it into easier‐to‐handle/transport synthetic fuels, need to be developed. In this article, first, many of the issues related to both homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysts that are being developed to help H2's use as energy carrier are discussed. More focus is then given to heterogeneous nanocatalysts that are developed for reversible CO2‐mediated hydrogenation and dehydrogenation reactions involving chemical hydrogen carriers and delivery systems, mainly formic acid/CO2 and formate/bicarbonate. The challenges associated with the development of nanocatalysts based on earth‐abundant elements for dehydrogenation and hydrogenation reactions of these compounds for H2 storage and release are emphasized in the discussions. Finally, the pressing research questions and major issues that need to be addressed in the near future to help the realization of the “hydrogen economy” are outlined.
Metal‐Free, Facile Synthesis of Sulfenylated Chromones and Indoles Promoted by an Aqueous HBr−DMSO System
Authors: Sorabad Ganesh Shivayogappa , Maddani Mahagundappa Rachappa
Published: July 2019

A regioselective, metal‐free and convenient approach for the synthesis of sulfenylated chromones and indoles promoted by a simple yet effective combination of aqueous HBr−DMSO was developed. This method affords various substituted sulfenylated chromones, indoles and enaminones in excellent yields and in a short period of time.
Ionic Liquid Lignosulfonate: Dispersant and Binder for Preparation of Biocomposite Materials
Authors: Guterman Ryan , Molinari Valerio , Josef Elinor
Published: July 2019

Ionic liquid lignins are prepared from sodium lignosulfonate by a cation exchange reaction and display glass transition temperatures as low as −13 °C. Diethyleneglycol‐functionalized protic cations inhibit lignin aggregation to produce a free‐flowing “ionic liquid lignin”, despite it being a high‐molecular‐weight polyelectrolyte. Through this approach, the properties of both lignin and ionic liquids are combined to create a dispersant and binder for cellulose+gluten mixtures to produce small microphases. Biocomposite testing pieces are produced by hot‐pressing this mixture, yielding a material with fewer defects and improved toughness in comparison to other lignins. The use of unmodified lignosulfonate, acetylated lignosulfonate, or free ionic liquid for similar materials production yields poorer substances because of their inability to maximize interfacial contact and complexation with cellulose and proteins.
Ice as Solid Electrolyte To Conduct Various Kinds of Ions
Authors: Guo Zeliang , Wang Tianshuai , Wei Hehe , Long Yuanzheng , Yang Cheng , Wang Dong , Lang Jialiang , Huang Kai , Hussain Naveed , Song Chenxi , Guan Bo , Ge Binghui , Zhang Qianfan , Wu Hui
Published: July 2019

Water, considered as a universal solvent to dissolve salts, has been extensively studied as liquid electrolyte in electrochemical devices. The water/ice phase transition at around 0 °C presents a common phenomenon in nature, however, the chemical and electrochemical behaviors of ice have rarely been studied. Herein, we discovered that the ice phase provides efficient ionic transport channels and therefore can be applied as generalized solid‐state ionic conductor. Solid state ionic conducting ices (ICIs) of Li+, Na+, Mg2+, Al3+, K+, Mn2+, Fe2+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+, and Zn2+, frozen from corresponding sulphate solutions, exhibit ionic conductivities ranging from ≈10−7 S cm−1 (Zn2+) to ≈10−3 S cm−1 (Li+) at temperatures spanning from −20 °C to −5 °C. The discovery of ICIs opens new insight to design and fabrication of solid‐state electrolytes that are simple, inexpensive, and versatile.
Comment on “Stabilization of Low‐Valent Iron(I) in a High‐Valent Vanadium(V) Oxide Cluster”
Authors: Sproules Stephen
Published: July 2019

A recent Communication in this journal reported the stabilization of low‐valent iron(I) in a fully oxidized polyoxovanadate. With no ligand‐field argument to support such an assignment, a re‐evaluation of the data accompanied by detailed computational analysis reveals the redox chemistry is localized to the polyoxovanadate, and when reduced, instigates a spin transition at iron.
Reply to Comment on Stabilization of Low‐Valent Iron(I) in a High‐Valent Vanadium(V) Oxide Cluster
Authors: Anjass Montaha H. , Kastner Katharina , Nägele Florian , Ringenberg Mark , Boas John F. , Zhang Jie , Bond Alan , Jacob Timo , Streb Carsten
Published: July 2019

The authors of the Communication “Stabilization of Low‐Valent Iron(I) in a High‐Valent Vanadium(V) Oxide Cluster” reply to a Comment by Dr. Sproules, who offered an alternative interpretation of the metal oxidation states in the two electron reduced iron vanadate (NH2Me2)[(FeCl)V12O32Cl]4−.
Integrating Hydrogen Production with Aqueous Selective Semi‐Dehydrogenation of Tetrahydroisoquinolines over a Ni2P Bifunctional Electrode
Authors: Huang Chenqi , Huang Yi , Liu Cuibo , Yu Yifu , Zhang Bin
Published: July 2019

Exploring an alternative anodic reaction to produce value‐added chemicals with high selectivity, especially integrated with promoted hydrogen generation, is desirable. Herein, a selective semi‐dehydrogenation of tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) is demonstrated to replace the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) for boosting H2 evolution reaction (HER) in water over a Ni2P nanosheet electrode. The value‐added semi‐dehydrogenation products, dihydroisoquinolines (DHIQs), can be selectively obtained with high yields at the anode. The controllable semi‐dehydrogenation is attributed to the in situ formed NiII/NiIII redox active species. Such a strategy can deliver a variety of DHIQs bearing electron‐withdrawing/donating groups in good yields and excellent selectivities, and can be applied to gram‐scale synthesis. A two‐electrode Ni2P bifunctional electrolyzer can produce both H2 and DHIQs with robust stability and high Faradaic efficiencies at a much lower cell voltage than that of overall water splitting.
Exploratory Study of MYD88 L265P, Rare NLRP3 Variants, and Clonal Hematopoiesis Prevalence in Patients With Schnitzler Syndrome
Authors: Pathak Shelly , Rowczenio Dorota M. , Owen Roger G. , Doody Gina M. , Newton Darren J. , Taylor Claire , Taylor Jan , Cargo Catherine , Hawkins Philip N. , Krause Karoline , Lachmann Helen J. , Savic Sinisa
Published: July 2019

Objective

To assess the prevalence of the MYD88 L265P mutation and variants within NLRP3 and evaluate the status of oligoclonal hematopoiesis in 30 patients with Schnitzler syndrome (SchS).

Methods

Thirty patients with SchS were recruited from 3 clinical centers. Six patients with known acquired cryopyrin‐associated periodic syndromes (aCAPS) were included as controls. Allele‐specific oligonucleotide–polymerase chain reaction was used for the detection of the MYD88 L265P variant, next‐generation sequencing was applied to analyze NLRP3 and 28 genes associated with myelodysplastic syndrome, and gene scanning was performed for the detection of X chromosome inactivation.

Results

Activating NLRP3 mutations were not present in 11 SchS patients who had not been sequenced for this gene previously. The MYD88 L265P variant was present in 9 of 30 SchS patients, and somatic mutations associated with clonal hematopoiesis were identified in 1 of 30 patients with SchS and 1 of 6 patients with aCAPS. Evidence of nonrandom X chromosome inactivation was detected in 1 female patient with SchS and 1 female patient with aCAPS.

Conclusion

A shared molecular mechanism accounting for the pathogenesis of inflammation in SchS remains elusive. Clonal hematopoiesis is not associated with other somatic mutations found in individuals with SchS or aCAPS.
Neuroanatomy Learning: Augmented Reality vs. Cross‐Sections
Authors: Henssen Dylan J.H.A. , van den Heuvel Loes , De Jong Guido , Vorstenbosch Marc A.T.M. , van Cappellen van Walsum Anne‐Marie , Van den Hurk Marianne M. , Kooloos Jan G.M. , Bartels Ronald H.M.A.
Published: July 2019

Neuroanatomy education is a challenging field which could benefit from modern innovations, such as augmented reality (AR) applications. This study investigates the differences on test scores, cognitive load, and motivation after neuroanatomy learning using AR applications or using cross‐sections of the brain. Prior to two practical assignments, a pretest (extended matching questions, double‐choice questions and a test on cross‐sectional anatomy) and a mental rotation test (MRT) were completed. Sex and MRT scores were used to stratify students over the two groups. The two practical assignments were designed to study (1) general brain anatomy and (2) subcortical structures. Subsequently, participants completed a posttest similar to the pretest and a motivational questionnaire. Finally, a focus group interview was conducted to appraise participants’ perceptions. Medical and biomedical students (n = 31); 19 males (61.3%) and 12 females (38.7%), mean age 19.2 ± 1.7 years participated in this experiment. Students who worked with cross‐sections (n = 16) showed significantly more improvement on test scores than students who worked with GreyMapp‐AR (P = 0.035) (n = 15). Further analysis showed that this difference was primarily caused by significant improvement on the cross‐sectional questions. Students in the cross‐section group, moreover, experienced a significantly higher germane (P = 0.009) and extraneous cognitive load (P = 0.016) than students in the GreyMapp‐AR group. No significant differences were found in motivational scores. To conclude, this study suggests that AR applications can play a role in future anatomy education as an add‐on educational tool, especially in learning three‐dimensional relations of anatomical structures.
Examining extinction bursts in the treatment of pediatric food refusal
Authors: Woods Julia N. , Borrero Carrie S.W.
Published: July 2019

Escape extinction has been shown to be highly effective in the treatment of food refusal; however, unpleasant side effects such as extinction bursts may accompany extinction procedures. Bursting has been reported to occur in 24% to 39% of all cases for which extinction was used as a component during treatment of problem behavior. Although commonly used in treatments, the occurrence of extinction bursts in the treatment of pediatric food refusal has not been studied. This study measured the frequency of bursting in 10 children for whom escape extinction was used to treat food refusal. Results showed that extinction bursts were observed in 30% of the children included in the study, although they were relatively brief and resolved quickly. Considerations for using escape extinction in interventions will be discussed.
A procedure combining molecular docking and semiempirical method PM7 for identification of selective Shp2 inhibitors
Authors: Rocha Sheisi F. L. S. , Sant'Anna Carlos M. R.
Published: July 2019

Shp2 and Shp1 make up a small family of protein tyrosine phosphatases. Finding selective inhibitors for Shp2 is useful because although its inhibition is advantageous for the treatment of some types of cancer, inhibition of Shp1 may have the opposite effect, since it acts as a suppressor of tumors. We combined molecular docking and semiempirical molecular orbital‐based calculations to produce data that were effective for the identification of selective inhibitors for Shp2. After definition of the interaction modes of the inhibitors with Shp2 and Shp1 by molecular docking, the resulting interaction enthalpy values were calculated following refinement of the enzyme/inhibitor complexes' geometries with the PM7 semiempirical molecular orbital method. Despite the complexity of the thermodynamics involved in the enzyme/inhibitor interaction, the selectivity for Shp2 of a series of 76 inhibitors, divided in two groups, could be effectively correlated with the difference in their interaction enthalpy values with both enzymes. For the first group, composed by 52 Shp2‐selective indoline inhibitors for which only Shp2 inhibition activity data are available, we demonstrated that the interaction enthalpy can be used as a criterion for identification of selective Shp2 inhibitors, as it is significantly more favorable for Shp2 than Shp1 at a 99% confidence level. For the second group, composed by 24 oxindole derivatives with available Shp2 and Shp1 inhibition activity data, a satisfactory correlation (R = 0.70) could be obtained between the selectivity, based on the IC50 data, and the relative percentage difference of the calculated interaction enthalpies with the two enzymes.
Long‐term consequences of early postnatal lead exposure on hippocampal synaptic activity in adult mice
Authors: Tena Anahis , Peru Eduardo , Martinetti Luis E. , Cano Jose C. , Loyola Baltazar Carla D. , Wagler Amy E. , Skouta Rachid , Fenelon Karine
Published: July 2019

Introduction

Lead (Pb) exposure yielding blood lead levels (BLL) as low as 2 µg/dl in children is an international problem. More common in US low‐income neighborhoods, childhood Pb exposure can cause behavioral and cognitive deficits, including working memory impairments, which can persist into adulthood. So far, studies characterized short‐term effects of high Pb exposure on neuronal structure and function. However, long‐term consequences of early chronic Pb exposure on neuronal activity are poorly documented.

Methods

Here, we exposed male and female mice (PND [postnatal day] 0 to PND 28) to one of three Pb treatments: 0 ppm (sodium‐treated water, control), 30 ppm (low dose), and 330 ppm (high dose) lead acetate. Once the male and female mice were 9–12 months old, extracellular field recordings on hippocampal slices were performed.

Results

We show that at CA3 to CA1 synapses, synaptic transmission was decreased and neuronal fiber activity was increased in males exposed to lowest level Pb. In contrast, both synaptic transmission and neuronal fiber activity were increased in females exposed to high Pb. The ventral hippocampus–medial prefrontal cortex (vHPC–mPFC) synapses are crucial for working memory in rodents. The lowest level Pb decreased vHPC–mPFC synaptic transmission, whereas high Pb decreased short‐term synaptic depression.

Conclusions

Overall, we show for the first time that early exposure to either high or lowest level Pb has long‐term consequences on different synaptic properties of at least two hippocampal synapses. Such consequences of early Pb exposure might worsen the cognitive decline observed in aging men and women. Our results suggest that additional efforts should focus on the consequences of early Pb exposure especially in at‐risk communities.
The management of corporate social responsibility through projects: A more economically developed country perspective
Authors: Al‐Marri Meera , Pinnington Ashly H. , Karatas‐Ozkan Mine , Nicolopoulou Katerina
Published: July 2019

Corporate social responsibility (CSR) is an increasingly influential concept, claimed to be implemented more in the West than in the Gulf Cooperation Community (GCC) and Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region where CSR is often portrayed as less developed and mainly philanthropic. The research reported in this paper investigates capacity building for CSR in organizations and examines the research question as to whether the project management of CSR can contribute to increasing levels of awareness, engagement, and implementation. The empirical study therefore examines the management of CSR through projects and consists of data analysed from 29 interviews conducted during 2011–2016 with CSR representatives for organizations operating in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which is a member of the GCC, located in the MENA region, and categorized as a more economically developed country.

The findings reveal evidence supporting the argument that organizations with capabilities in the project management of CSR are in the position to develop capacities for strategic CSR. This empirical analysis of CSR capacity development across varying degrees of sophistication in the project management of CSR activities implies a more developed stage of CSR engagement, at least in the sample of organizations studied, than is expressed in the extant literature on CSR in the UAE, and elsewhere in the MENA region. The use of project management to organize, implement, align, and monitor CSR activity supports capacity development in CSR and can contribute to its sustainability. We recommend that future research examines the political, business, and institutional factors that could further develop CSR in organizations when managed through projects.