bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of French lyrical romances on creativity of P. Tchaikovsky and their significance in the formation of the performing principles of the Russian chamber-vocal culture of the mid-XIX century
Authors: Stepanidina Ol'ga Dmitrievna , Demidov Viсtor Anatolyevich
Published: June 2022

The subject of the study is the influence of the French lyrical romance on the chamber-vocal lyrics of P. Tchaikovsky and its significance in the formation of domestic music performance in the middle of the XIX century. In the lyrical romances of P. Tchaikovsky and in the cycle Op.65, their common features and national differences are studied. The significance of P. Tchaikovsky's chamber vocal music on the opera and chamber music is revealed. The article uses methods of complex and comparative analysis, which creates prerequisites for a fairly objective conclusion about the harmonious implementation of French music features in Tchaikovsky's compositional work and music performing. For the first time, the analysis of the prerequisites for P. Tchaikovsky's creation of lyrical romances inspired by France of the era of lyrical opera and the appearance of an opera-chamber singer as a result of the influence of French lyrical romance on the chamber-vocal creativity of P. Tchaikovsky is considered. The scientific novelty of this research lies in a comprehensive approach to studying the problem of the influence of French lyrical romance on the peculiarities and originality of P. Tchaikovsky's chamber lyrics and the domestic chamber vocal culture of the second half of the XIX century. Author concluded that lyrical romances and of Op. 65 reveals influence of French poets on P. Tchaikovsky. The practical significance of this research lies in the fact that professional chamber performers in their concert activities and teachers of music educational institutions in practical work with students are obliged to approach the choice of expressive means with knowledge of style and genesis.
Cre/lox regulated conditional rescue and inactivation with zebrafish UFlip alleles generated by CRISPR-Cas9 targeted integration
Authors: Liu Fang , Kambakam Sekhar , Almeida Maira P , Ming Zhitao , Welker Jordan M , Wierson Wesley A , Schultz-Rogers Laura E , Ekker Stephen C , Clark Karl J , Essner Jeffrey J , McGrail Maura
Published: June 2022

The ability to regulate gene activity spatially and temporally is essential to investigate cell-type-specific gene function during development and in postembryonic processes and disease models. The Cre/lox system has been widely used for performing cell and tissue-specific conditional analysis of gene function in zebrafish. However, simple and efficient methods for isolation of stable, Cre/lox regulated zebrafish alleles are lacking. Here, we applied our GeneWeld CRISPR-Cas9 targeted integration strategy to generate floxed alleles that provide robust conditional inactivation and rescue. A universal targeting vector, UFlip, with sites for cloning short homology arms flanking a floxed 2A-mRFP gene trap, was integrated into an intron in rbbp4 and rb1. rbbp4off and rb1off integration alleles resulted in strong mRFP expression,>99% reduction of endogenous gene expression, and recapitulated known indel loss-of-function phenotypes. Introduction of Cre led to stable inversion of the floxed cassette, loss of mRFP expression, and phenotypic rescue. rbbp4on and rb1on integration alleles did not cause phenotypes in combination with a loss-of-function mutation. Addition of Cre led to conditional inactivation by stable inversion of the cassette, gene trapping and mRFP expression, and the expected mutant phenotype. Neural progenitor Cre drivers were used for conditional inactivation and phenotypic rescue to showcase how this approach can be used in specific cell populations. Together these results validate a simplified approach for efficient isolation of Cre/lox-responsive conditional alleles in zebrafish. Our strategy provides a new toolkit for generating genetic mosaics and represents a significant advance in zebrafish genetics.
Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology of Thyroid Lesions in a Tertiary Care Hospital Catering Predominantly the Tribal Population: Special Reference to Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Authors: Mondal Riya , Biswas Biplab Kumar , Chakrabarti Phalguni , Mandal Purnendu
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The most common organ specific autoimmune disorder resulting in thyroid dysfunction is Autoimmune Thyroiditis (AITD). Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) is the most sensitive and most specific test for diagnosis of all clinically detectable thyroid lesions. But estimation of serum level of thyroid autoantibodies is necessary for the confirmation of AITD. In India, there are only few numbers of studies related to FNAC of thyroid lesions. There is also lack of convincing data regarding AITD in tribal populations in rural Bengal. Aim: To analyse FNAC of the thyroid lesions especially in respect to AITD among the tribal populations with biochemical and immunological parameters. Materials and Methods: The prospective observational study was done from January 2017-December 2018, in Department of Cytopathology and Biochemistry of BSMC, Bankura, India. Total 927 cases of thyroid lesions were diagnosed and classified. They were further associate biochemically and immunologically for the diagnosis of AITD. Data has been analysed in Microsoft Excel 2013 and with the help of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 17. Agreement measure has been calculated using Cohen’s kappa coefficient statistical test. Results: Total 432 (46.6%) cases were diagnosed as colloid goitre, adenomatoid goitre was present in 132 (14.24%), malignancy was suspected in 84 (9%) patients, malignancy was present in 159 (17.15%) patients and lastly 120 (12.95%) cases were diagnosed as AITD cytologically. Among the cytologically diagnosed cases of AITD, number of female patients were 102 (85%), and maximum patients were hypothyroid. Among cytologically diagnosed cases of AITD, 113 (94%) patients were found biochemically positive for autoimmunity. The kappa values for FNAC vs anti-Thyroglobulin (TG) and FNAC vs anti-Thyroperoxidase (TPO), analysed, came to 0.74 for both, (p-value <0.0001) denoting substantial agreement (0.61-0.82). Conclusion: FNAC is a sensitive, specific, and accurate initial diagnostic test for evaluation of patients with thyroid swellings. AITD is the most common autoimmune disease affecting mainly the middle aged women. Antithyroid antibodies are good markers for the assessment of thyroid autoimmunity. Anti Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) antibody is highly specific for AITD.
Intestinal Lipomatosis in an Adult- A Rare Case Report
Authors: Rocha Premila DE Sousa , Bhat Rajika S , Pinto Roque Gabriel Wiseman
Published: June 2022

Intestinal lipomatosis is a rare disease. There is diffuse, unencapsulated, multifocal infiltration of mature adipose tissue into the intestinal submucosal or subserosal layers. The disease may remain asymptomatic or present with complications like intussusception, obstruction, bleeding or perforation. Hereby the authors report a case of a 46-year-old male patient who presented with acute abdomen to the emergency department of the hospital. An emergency preoperative workup of the patient was performed including Computed Tomography (CT) which showed a sealed caecal perforation. Following which the patient was subjected to emergency laparotomy and right hemicolectomy. The histopathology specimen was intensively studied and the cause for the sealed caecal perforation was confirmed to be due to intestinal lipomatosis.
Effect of Processing on the Antinutrient Content of Extruded Snacks from Cocoyam –Bambara Groundnut Flour Blends
Authors: Sadiq Bulus Daniel , Nkama Iro , Esther Omah C.
Published: June 2022

Snacks from the blends of cocoyam and Bambara groundnut composite flour blends were developed through extrusion cooking Technology. Response Surface Methodology (RSM), formulations, and optimization of the process variables. The objective was to establish the optimum level of the effects of feed blend composition (X1), barrel temperature (X2), and feed moisture contents (X3) processing on the antinutrients composition of the composite flour blends. The responses were tannin, oxalate, phytates, and trypsin inhibitor. From the results, the tannin content ranged from 0.00 mg/100 g to 0.03 mg/100 g, oxalate 0.18 mg/100 g to 0.25 mg/100 g, phytate 0.23 mg/100 g to 0.69 mg/100 g and trypsin inhibitor 0.12mg/100g to 0.19mg/100g. These studies showed a significant difference (P≤ 0.05) for all the processing variables on all the responses. The studies show that high temperatures and low moisture content have the optimum effects on the antinutrient content.
A Review of Techniques for the Determination of Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Soils
Authors: Ezeani E. U. , Ngobiri N. C. , Agbagwa I. O.
Published: June 2022

The Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) is the total of different types of hydrocarbons in the crude oil mixture. It includes volatile petroleum hydrocarbons and extractable petroleum hydrocarbons. The TPH determination techniques are primarily grouped into spectroscopic (ultraviolet spectroscopy, raman spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy) and non- spectroscopic (gravimetric, immunoassay, gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (GC/MSD), gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID)) techniques. Solvent and the sample characteristics determine the efficiency of the techniques. This paper compares spectroscopic (fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and ultraviolet spectroscopy) and non-spectroscopic (gravimetric and gas chromatography) methods in the determination of TPH in soil. Spectroscopic and non-spectroscopic techniques are efficient, but the paper recommends spectroscopic techniques because the techniques are efficient with small operational time, and are safer in occupational health and safety issues. In addition their results are accurate and reliable.
Effectiveness of Extension Services for Food and Nutrition Security through Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming Systems: A Case Study of Smallholder Farmers in Rarieda Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Okwama Alex , Watako Arnold , Bulli Peter
Published: June 2022

Integrated Crop-Livestock Farming Systems (ICLFS) are globally recognized for their contributions to improving agricultural sustainability. These systems also play a big role in conservation and Climate-Smart Agriculture (CSA) since they reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, thus assisting in coping with the effects of climate change. This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of extension services in achieving food and nutrition security by farmers practicing integrated crop-livestock farming systems. The data were analysed using both descriptive statistics and inferential statistics. The frequency over which farmers receive their extension services indicated that the majority never received them, followed by farmers who annually received extension service. From the findings, mass media and village meetings were statistically significant in extension delivery modes. The results indicated a strong and positive correlation between the extension service provision and performance. The standardized regression coefficients revealed that for every unit increase of extension service increases performance and was statistically significant. Therefore, this study recommends a refinement and improvement of extension services to impact integrated farming system positively.
Synthesis, Characterization and Thermal Study of Some Transition Metal Complexes of N-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazone and Investigation of Their Antibacterial and Antioxidant Properties
Authors: Camellia Farzana Khanm , Ashrafuzzaman Md. , Islam Md. Nazrul , Banu Laila Arjuman , Kudrat-E-Zahan Md.
Published: June 2022

Cr3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Cu2+ and Zn2+ ions complexes of the Schiff base ligand, N-(4-hydroxybenzylidene)isonicotinohydrazone (L1), were synthesized and characterized by analytical and physicochemical techniques including conductivity measurements, magnetic susceptibility measurements, IR Spectroscopy, UV-Visible Spectrophotometry and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). IR data revealed the bidentate nature of the L1. IR, TGA, Magnetic moment measurements and UV-Vis spectra data confirmed the octahedral geometry for the Cr3+, Co2+, and Cu2+ ion complexes, square planar geometry for the Ni2+ complex and tetrahedral structure for the Zn2+ ion complex. The antibacterial activity of the metal complexes derived from the L1 ligand were tested against P. aeruginosa and E. coli. All produced complexes demonstrated strong antibacterial efficacy against P. aeruginosa when compared to standard Kanamycin-30, with the greatest for the Ni2+ complex. On the other hand, when compared to all compounds, the Zn2+ complex demonstrated strong antibacterial efficacy against E. coli. Furthermore, the synthesized metal complexes exhibited moderate antioxidant activity than the L1. The antioxidant activity was found to follow the following sequence: BHT > CuL1 > CrL1 > NiL1 > CoL1 > ZnL1 > L1.
Nitrogen Losses and Enrichment of Soil and Sawdust Coverings during Composting of Poultry Manure
Authors: Tuffour Henry Oppong
Published: June 2022

Aims: Composting poultry manure is an effective way of enhancing its nutrient content and reduce nutrient losses. There is the need to reduce gaseous nutrient losses during composting through the use of covering materials. Assess the level of chemical enrichment of soil and sawdust used as covering materials; and identify the most suitable medium that can best perform as a covering material during composting of poultry manure.

Materials and Methods: Experiments were set up to examine the changes in the chemical properties of soil and sawdust used as covering material for composted poultry manure. Five treatments – no covering, layers of 2.8 kg soil, 5.6 kg soil, 0.9 kg sawdust, and black polythene sheet on 5.28 kg broiler and layer manure heaps with four replications were arranged in a completely randomized design. Samples were taken from the manure piles and the soil and sawdust covering materials for chemical analysis at 3, 6 and 9 weeks after composting.

Results: The pH, N, P, K, Na and Ca, in both soil covers increased as time elapsed, whereas the Mg and C/N ratios of the soil coverings decreased with time. With regards to the broiler manure, however, the pH and the nutrient content of the two levels of soils used as cover increased at all the stages of composting. Composting of both poultry manures resulted in the improvement of the chemical properties of both sawdust and soil coverings. The enrichment ratio of N was greater in the 5.6 kg soil than the 2.8 kg soil covering. Additionally, the 5.6 kg soil covering was highly efficient (P = .05) in reducing N losses by 57 and 83.85% from the broiler and layer piles, respectively. In general, the 5.6 kg soil was the most effective covering material.
Performance Evaluation of Coccinia (Coccinia grandis L. Voigt) under Different Training Systems and Growing Environments
Authors: Mitha B. Madhu , Priya R. Swarna , Pugalendhi L. , Kalarani M. K.
Published: June 2022

The present investigation was conducted during 2021-2022 at the Department of Vegetable Science, Horticultural College and Research institute, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) to examine the performance of coccinia in different growing environments and training systems. The experiment was laid out in Factorial randomized block design (FRBD) with three replications. The treatment combinations comprised of two growing environments viz, open field (G1) and polyhouse (G2) with four training systems viz., Trellis system (T1), Vertical system (T2), Fish net (T3) and Pandal system (T4). Among these treatments, vertical training system and polyhouse cultivation was found to be superior for growth and yield attributing traits. In the vertical system of training the fruit yield was superior in polyhouse with the yield of 154.76 t/ha/year and 80.49 t/ha/year in open field. The interaction effect of polyhouse environment and vertical training (G2T2) was revealed by the highest number of fruits per vine (17.92), fruit yield/plant (5.15/kg), annual fruit yield (61.90 kg/plant) recorded in plants trained by vertical system. From the results it was concluded that, highest productivity in coccinia could be obtained from Polyhouse condition (G2) with the adoption of vertical system of training (T2).
The Phylogency (Evolutionary Relationship) and Antibiogram of Acinetobacter baunmanni Isolated from Tertiary Health Institutions in Rivers State Nigeria
Authors: Duruike P. N. , Amala S. E. , Wokem G. N. , Azuonwu O.
Published: June 2022

The increasing rate of Acinetobacter baumannii in recent time as a major pathogen associated with hospital acquired infections is burdensome. This has resulted to significant morbidity and mortality predominantly among the immunocompromised patients, prolonged hospitalization with increased cost. The global burden of Acinetobacter baumannii infections is still unclear as a result of inadequate comprehensive data particularly in developing countries such as the case in Africa. There are inadequate extensive works on the phylogency of Acinetobacter baumannii and the region of this study is not well represented. The cross-sectional hospital based study investigated the phylogency (evolutionary relationship) and antibiogram of Acinetobacter baunmanni isolated from Tertiary Health Institutions in Rivers State, Nigeria. Study included individuals within the study coverage and those outside the selected facilities were excluded. Ethical approval and informed written consent was obtained. Both primary and secondary data were used. Isolation and identification involved culturing, biochemical and molecular assay; were conducted sequentially. Statistical Package for Social Science version 21 was used to perform descriptive and inferential statistics at 0.05 level of significance. The study has proved the concept about the phylogency (evolutionary relationship) between Acinetobacter baumanii with Klebsiella pneumoniae and Enterobacter pneumonia. Antibiogram based on the minimum zone of inhibition CPX had the highest mean±SD 24.222±1.7845 whereas, CXM recorded least 6.478±7.7092. Cephalosporin and Tetracycline class of drugs appear to be more resistant while Fluoroquinolone, and Amioglycoside are sensitive. The researcher recommends strict antibiotic surveillance and prevention as well as control measures. Also, supplementary study involving molecular assay with large sample size is recommended and extensive study of the virulence genes.
Curative and Toxic Effects of Selected Medicinal Plants on Internal Organs of Rattus albus Experimentally Infected with Human Intestinal Parasites
Authors: Uduchi Immaculata O. , C. Okolie Nnaemeka J. , Opara Ambrose U. , Ilo Cajetan E. , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Ogenyi Samuel I.
Published: June 2022

Curative and Toxic effects of selected plant extracts: (Napleonaea imperalis, Sida acuta and Vernonia amygdalina) on Rattus albus experimentally infected with human intestinal parasites was studied from October 2014 to March 2016. Two hundred and thirty (230) male and female patients presenting with symptoms of gastroenteritis and abdominal discomfort at GOPD, IMSUTH, Orlu, were selected for the study. Three hundred and twenty two uninfected laboratory animals used for the study were innoculated with 7 human intestinal parasites: Ascaris lumbricoides, Necator americanus, Hymenolepsis nana, Trichuris trichiura, Entamoeba histolytica,Taenia species and Trichomonas hominis.Eight weeks after, the experimentally infected Rattus albus were treated with 3 selected plant extracts: Vernonia amygdalina, Sida acuta and Napoleonae imperialis and observed for 3 weeks. The active principles of the selected medicinal plants were extracted with ethanol at 78oC using soxhlet extraction method. Fifty four laboratory animals of about 150g body weight each were used for toxicity test. The different treatment groups and controls were selected for histopathological studies using paraffin wax embedding method. The results showed that all 3 selected plant extracts contain Tanins, Saponins, Alkaloids, Flavonoids, Cardiac Glycosides, Phytate, Oxalate, Phenol, Steroids, Terpenoids and Cyanide. Curative tests showed that all the plant extracts exhibited anti – parasitic effects (Curative dose) against human intestinal helminthes and protozoa at 10µg/150g body weight. Toxicity test showed that Napoleonaea imperialis and Vernonia amygdalina extracts exhibited toxicity resulting to death of laboratory animals (LD50) at 50µg/150g while Sida acuta extract exhibited toxicity resulting to death of laboratory animals (LD50) at 40µg/150g. Three types of impairment: inflammatory changes, degenerative changes and distortion were observed on the intestine of the laboratory animals. On the kidneys, 5 types of impairment: lymphocytic infiltration, degenerative changes, necrosis, vacuolation, and distortion of stroma and glomerulus were observed. This study has shown that Napoleonae imperialis, Sida acuta and Vernonia amygdalina extracts exhibit curative effects on human intestinal parasites at low concentrations. At higher concentration, they exhibit toxic effects on host organs: intestine, kidney and liver.
Investigating the Impact of Taxation on Economic Growth of Pakistan Using ARDL Approach
Authors: Balouch Zahid , Khatoon Fahmida , Obeidat Sofian , Hanif Sohail
Published: June 2022

Aim: The proposed investigation aims to inspect the relationship between the growth and development of the economy and taxation in the case of Pakistan.

Methods: The study adopts secondary quality approach and research design for data collection and data analysis. The study collects secondary data from authentic sources for the period of 2013 to 2021, where all the latest articles are selected which that used the ARDL approach for empirical analysis. The research applies secondary qualitative data analysis techniques such as systematic literature review and thematic analysis to develop reliable findings and valid findings by comparing and contrasting findings of previous researches.

Results/Findings: The results of the study indicate that in the overall economic growth of Pakistan is negatively affected by taxation policy in the country. Thus, the research implies some policy changes, which includes that it could be imperative to reduce the indirect taxes if the administration wants to amplify economic growth.
Chemical Composition of Lipophilic Fractions of Raw Material Crataegus Rivularis Nutt
Authors: Enikeeva K. , Khasanova S. , Kudashkina N. , Suleymanova D. , Urakov A. , Lovtsova L.
Published: June 2022

Aims: study of the composition of lyophilic substances in the raw materials of Crataegus rivularis Nutt.

Study Design: experimental laboratory studies of dry plant materials.

Place and Duration of Study: Bashkir State Medical University, Izhevsk State Medical Academy, Volga Research Medical University and Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences from August 2021 to May 2022.

Methodology: Using gas chromatography with a mass-selective detector, lipophilic fractions of the fruits, shoots, flowers, leaves and fruits of riverine hawthorn, harvested in 2021 in the South Ural Botanical Garden-Institute, were studied.

Results: In general, the shoots and leaves of Crataegus rivularis accumulate compounds of the class of steroids, phytosterols, terpenoids, saponins and phenolic compounds, which suggests that the raw material may have additional pharmacological properties, such as hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant.

Conclusion: The results obtained show the good prospects for further studies of the composition of hawthorn extracts to expand the possibilities of phytotherapy.
The proximity of rapeseed fields influences levels of forest damage by red deer
Authors: Jarnemo Anders , Widén Anna , Månsson Johan , Felton Annika M.
Published: June 2022

Deer can show transitional use between agricultural fields and forests for foraging and shelter. Such transitional use may affect forest damage as nutrient balancing theory suggests that if deer ingest large amounts of nutrient‐rich food, complementary browse, such as bark, may be required to balance the diet.

We investigated the relationship between the level of red deer Cervus elaphus bark‐stripping damage in 68 Norway spruce Picea abies stands and the presence of rapeseed Brassica napus fields – an energy‐rich crop preferred by red deer – in the surroundings, hypothesizing that damage increases with decreasing distance to rapeseed fields. We also considered other potentially influencing factors, such as supplemental feeding, alternative forage availability, and deer use of spruce stands as indexed by a pellet group count.

Spruce stands closer to rapeseed had a significantly higher proportion of damaged stems. The increased level of bark‐stripping damage was not explained by a higher stand use of deer closer to rapeseed fields, indicating that deer increase their consumption of bark in order to balance their diet. Similarly, spruce stands closer to supplemental feeding stations had significantly higher damage levels.

In line with earlier findings, damage levels were negatively related to the amount of available browse in the forest. This emphasizes the importance of alternative forage for reducing the damage risk in forest plantations.

Our study shows that the availability of fields with nutrient‐rich food, such as rapeseed, as well as supplemental feeding needs to be considered when predicting the level of forest damage. With a high availability of nutrient‐rich food in the vicinity of forest stands, a higher damage level can be expected and counteractions could be taken such as increased disturbance, harvest or changed choice of both crop and supplemental feed types. These actions may also be combined with a push–pull strategy where the deer are steered to disturbance‐free zones insensitive to damage and with alternative forage. The importance of alternative forage availability on damage levels highlights the necessity for managers to actively promote tree and shrub forage within and around their production stands.
Determining an infectious or autoimmune etiology in encephalitis
Authors: Hoang Hai Ethan , Robinson‐Papp Jessica , Mu Lan , Thakur Kiran T. , Gofshteyn Jacqueline Sarah , Kim Carla , Ssonko Vivian , Dugue Rachelle , Harrigan Eileen , Glassberg Brittany , Harmon Michael , Navis Allison , Hwang Mu Ji , Gao Kerry , Yan Helena , Jette Nathalie , Yeshokumar Anusha K.
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Early presentation and workup for acute infectious (IE) and autoimmune encephalitis (AE) are similar. This study aims to identify routine laboratory markers at presentation that are associated with IE or AE.

Methods

This was a multi‐center retrospective study at three tertiary care hospitals in New York City analyzing demographic and clinical data from patients diagnosed with definitive encephalitis based on a confirmed pathogen and/or autoantibody and established criteria for clinical syndromes.

Results

Three hundred and thirty‐three individuals with confirmed acute meningoencephalitis were included. An infectious‐nonbacterial (NB) pathogen was identified in 151/333 (45.40%), bacterial pathogen in 95/333 (28.50%), and autoantibody in 87/333 (26.10%). NB encephalitis was differentiated from AE by the presence of fever (NB 62.25%, AE 24.10%; p < 0.001), higher CSF white blood cell (WBC) (median 78 cells/μL, 8.00 cells/μL; p < 0.001), higher CSF protein (76.50 mg/dL, 40.90 mg/dL; p < 0.001), lower CSF glucose (58.00 mg/dL, 69.00 mg/dL; p < 0.001), lower serum WBC (7.80 cells/μL, 9.72 cells/μL; p < 0.050), higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (19.50 mm/HR, 13.00 mm/HR; p < 0.05), higher C‐reactive protein (6.40 mg/L, 1.25 mg/L; p = 0.005), and lack of antinuclear antibody titers (>1:40; NB 11.54%, AE 32.73%; p < 0.001). CSF‐to‐serum WBC ratio was significantly higher in NB compared to AE (NB 11.3, AE 0.99; p < 0.001). From these findings, the association of presenting with fever, CSF WBC ≥50 cells/μL, and CSF protein ≥75 mg/dL was explored in ruling‐out AE. When all three criteria are present, an AE was found to be highly unlikely (sensitivity 92%, specificity 75%, negative predictive value 95%, and positive predictive value 64%).

Interpretations

Specific paraclinical data at initial presentation may risk stratify which patients have an IE versus AE.
Recent Progress on Titanium Sesquioxide: Fabrication, Properties, and Applications
Authors: Li Yangyang , Zhu Yangyu , Wang Mingzheng , Zhao Mingwen , Xue Junmin , Chen Jingsheng , Wu Tom , Chambers Scott A.
Published: June 2022

Titanium sesquioxide (Ti2O3) is drawing broad attention due to its fascinating physical properties and promising applications in the fields of energy, biomedicine, and electronics, among others. Its richness is due mainly to the strongly correlated 3d1 electrons on the Ti3+ sites. In stark contrast to titanium dioxide (TiO2), Ti2O3 has an ultra‐narrow bandgap (≈0.1 eV) at room temperature, resulting from strong correlation among the 3d1 electrons. Distinct electrical and optical properties are introduced in Ti2O3, accompanied with varied intriguing applications. Remarkable photothermal conversion, infrared photodetection, and electrocatalytic properties have been reported and explored in the past few years. Based on its unique and excellent properties, Ti2O3 has been utilized in seawater desalination, electrocatalytic water splitting, cancer therapy, hydrogen production, mid‐infrared photodetection, nitrogen fixation, Li‐ion batteries, etc. Herein, the fabrication, structural and electronic properties of Ti2O3 are comprehensively introduced, with a focused summary of recent research progress on its applications. Finally, current challenges, opportunities, and future perspectives of Ti2O3 are discussed.
Operating Highly Stable LiCoO2 Cathodes up to 4.6 V by Using an Effective Integration of Surface Engineering and Electrolyte Solutions Selection
Authors: Fan Tianju , Kai Wang , Harika Villa Krishna , Liu Cunsheng , Nimkar Amey , Leifer Nicole , Maiti Sandipan , Grinblat Judith , Tsubery Merav Nadav , Liu Xiaolang , Wang Meng , Xu Leimin , Lu Yuhao , Min Yonggang , Shpigel Netanel , Aurbach Doron
Published: June 2022

The need for high power density cathodes for Li‐ion batteries can be fulfilled by application of a high charging voltage above 4.5 V. As lithium cobalt oxide (LCO) remains a dominant commercial cathode material, tremendous efforts are invested to increase its charging potential toward 4.6 V. Yet, the long‐term performance of high voltage LCO cathodes still remains poor. Here, an integrated approach combining the application of an aluminum fluoride coating and the use of electrolyte solutions comprising 1:1:8 mixtures of difluoroethylene:fluoroethylene carbonate:dimethyl carbonate and 1 m LiPF6 is reported. This results in superior behavior of LCO cathodes charged at 4.6 V with high initial capacity of 223 mAh g−1, excellent long‐term performance, and 78% capacity retention after 500 cycles. Impressive stability is also found at 450 °C with an initial capacity of 220 mAh g−1 and around 84% capacity retention after 100 cycles. Systematic post‐mortem analysis of LCO cathodes and Li anodes after prolonged cycling reveals two main degradation routes related to changes at the surface of the cathodes and formation of passivation layers on the anodes. This study demonstrates the importance of appropriate selection of electrolyte solutions and development of effective coatings for improved performance of high voltage LCO‐based Li batteries.
A Repeatable Dual‐Encryption Platform from Recyclable Thermosets with Self‐Healing Ability and Shape Memory Effect
Authors: Yang Xi , Guo Meiling , Yan Jiao , Wang Li , Zhao Chuanxia , Xiang Dong , Li Hui , Lai Jingjuan , Li Zhenyu , Ahmed Abbas , Sun Luyi , Wu Yuanpeng
Published: June 2022

Repeatable dual‐encryption platforms, coupled with a strong protective capacity for stored information, are highly desirable for current data security but still a challenge to be realized. Herein, a new type of thermoset‐based repeatable dual‐encryption platform is designed to fulfill the challenge. Through introducing dynamic boroxine bonds and hydrogen bonds within the thermoset, self‐healing, recyclability, and shape‐memory properties can be achieved. Given the shape memory behavior of this thermoset, encryption data within complex 3D structures can be realized. Thus, shape recovery is inevitable for the decryption, providing strong protection for encrypted data. Furthermore, the encrypted data can be protected by showing misleading information before true information during the decryption process, which is caused by the different analogous “LEGO” assembly sequences of thermosets that induces different hydrophobic association interactions. The decrypted information can be erased by heating, realizing the repeatable encryption/decryption. Additionally, the thermosets can be efficiently recycled. This strategy opens up a smart prospect for high level dual‐encryption platform.
Neuromorphic Photonic Memory Devices Using Ultrafast, Non‐Volatile Phase‐Change Materials
Authors: Chen Xiaozhang , Xue Yuan , Sun Yibo , Shen Jiabin , Song Sannian , Zhu Min , Song Zhitang , Cheng Zengguang , Zhou Peng
Published: June 2022

The search for ultrafast photonic memory devices is inspired by the ever‐increasing number of cloud‐computing, supercomputing, and artificial‐intelligence applications, together with the unique advantages of signal processing in the optical domain such as high speed, large bandwidth, and low energy consumption. By embracing silicon photonics with chalcogenide phase‐change materials (PCMs), non‐volatile integrated photonic memory is developed with promising potential in photonic integrated circuits and nanophotonic applications. While conventional PCMs suffer from slow crystallization speed, scandium‐doped antimony telluride (SST) has been recently developed for ultrafast phase‐change random‐access memory applications. An ultrafast non‐volatile photonic memory based on an SST thin film with a 2 ns write/erase speed is demonstrated, which is the fastest write/erase speed ever reported in integrated phase‐change photonic devices. SST‐based photonic memories exhibit multilevel capabilities and good stability at room temperature. By mapping the memory level to the biological synapse weight, an artificial neural network based on photonic memory devices is successfully established for image classification. Additionally, a reflective nanodisplay application using SST with optoelectronic modulation capabilities is demonstrated. Both the optical and electrical changes in SST during the phase transition and the fast‐switching speed demonstrate their potential for use in photonic computing, neuromorphic computing, nanophotonics, and optoelectronic applications.
Liquid Metal Vacuoles
Authors: Zhao Xi , Liu Jing
Published: June 2022

Conventional bubbles are generally made of an outside water film and the interior air, and their formation and rupture involve rich scientific knowledge. An intriguing question is what would happen if the water film and air of such bubbles were replaced by completely different fluids? Here, a high‐surface‐tension liquid metal‐solution bilayer is introduced into the two‐phase interface system, and a new conceptual hybrid vacuole consisting of a liquid metal outer membrane and inner solution core is proposed and demonstrated for the first time. Through tuning the filling volume of the liquid metal, various vacuolar structures with diverse interfacial morphologies are constructed. Such vacuoles can maintain long‐term stability via adjusting the composition of the solution, which is a mixture of surfactant and alkali. If switching glass substrate to graphite, liquid metal vacuoles would become more robust and exhibit further abundant individual and collective behaviors, which are mainly attributed to the firmer bonding strength between the two‐phase interfaces. In addition to interpreting the generation and maintenance mechanisms of the vacuole, different rupture processes are also presented and disclosed. The current findings on the liquid metal‐solution hybrid vacuoles are expected to enrich the content of liquid metal interfacial science, and will stimulate further promising applications in the emerging engineering fields.
Magnetoresponsive Devices with Programmable Behavior Using a Customized Commercial Stereolithographic 3D Printer
Authors: Lantean Simone , Roppolo Ignazio , Sangermano Marco , Hayoun Marc , Dammak Hichem , Barrera Gabriele , Tiberto Paola , Pirri Candido Fabrizio , Bodelot Laurence , Rizza Giancarlo
Published: June 2022

The revolution of 4D printing allows combining smart materials to additive processes to create behavioral objects able to respond to external stimuli, such as temperature, light, electrical, or magnetic fields. Here, a modified commercial digital light processing (DLP) 3D printer is used to obtain complex macroscopic remotely controlled gear‐based devices. The fabrication process is based on the printing of magnetoresponsive polymers containing in situ self‐assembled microstructures, i.e., composed of oriented chains of Fe3O4 nanoparticles (NPs). First, it is demonstrated that magnetoresponsive hammer‐like actuators with different stiffness can be printed allowing both pure rotation or/and bending motions. Then, the microstructure to create a magnetoresponsive gear is exploited. In particular, this work shows that they can be successfully used to transfer torque to other gears, thereby converting a rotation movement into linear translation. Finally, it is demonstrated that magnetoresponsive gears can also be combined with other nonmagnetic elements to create complex assemblies, such as gear‐trains, linear actuators, and grippers that can be remotely controlled.
The Distribution and Evolution of Refractive Index in a Polystyrene Whispering Gallery Microcavity during Glass Transition
Authors: Zhan Yuxin , Hou Feiyang , Feng Shengfei , Wang Xinke , Sun Wenfeng , Ye Jiasheng , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2022

There is limited knowledge on the evolution of physical and chemical parameters near the surface of polymer materials at the microscopic level during glass transition, owing to the complexity of this process. For example, the distribution and evolution of the refractive index near the surface of polymer materials during glass transition are thus far unknown; however, this information is necessary for the design of optical micro‐elements based on polymer materials. Herein, a strategy is proposed to achieve the expression of the refractive index as a function of depth and temperature inside a polystyrene microsphere. The difference in the wavelength shifts between two whispering gallery modes with different radial orders is employed to detect the evolution of the refractive index during the glass transition. A model is established based on experimental observations and further confirmed by numerical simulations. It is believed that the results obtained can assist with the design of polymer optical micro‐elements and systems as well as sensing applications of whispering gallery microcavities.
Generation of Free Carriers in MoSe2 Monolayers Via Energy Transfer from CsPbBr3 Nanocrystals
Authors: Asaithambi Aswin , Kazemi Tofighi Nastaran , Curreli Nicola , De Franco Manuela , Patra Aniket , Petrini Nicolò , Baranov Dmitry , Manna Liberato , Stasio Francesco Di , Kriegel Ilka
Published: June 2022

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDCs) monolayers make an excellent component in optoelectronic devices such as photodetectors and phototransistors. Selenide‐based TMDCs, specifically molybdenum diselenide (MoSe2) monolayers with low defect densities, show much faster photoresponses compared to their sulfide counterpart. However, the typically low absorption of the atomically thin MoSe2 monolayer and high exciton binding energy limit the photogeneration of charge carriers. Yet, integration of light‐harvesting materials with TMDCs can produce increased photocurrents via energy transfer. In this article, it is demonstrated that the interaction of cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3) nanocrystals with MoSe2 monolayers results into an energy transfer efficiency of over 86%, as ascertained from the quenching and decay dynamics of the CsPbBr3 nanocrystals emission. Notably, the increase in the MoSe2 monolayer emission in the heterostructure accounts only for 33% of the transferred energy. It is found that part of the excess energy generates directly free carriers in the MoSe2 monolayer, as a result of the transfer of energy into the exciton continuum. The efficiency of the heterostructure via enhanced photocurrents with respect to the single material unit is proven. These results demonstrate a viable route to overcome the high exciton binding energy typical for TMDCs, as such having an impact on optoelectronic processes that rely on efficient exciton dissociation.
Tunable Structural Color with Gradient and Multiaxial Polydimethylsiloxane Wrinkling
Authors: Tan Annabelle , Pellegrino Luca , Ahmad Zain , Cabral João T.
Published: June 2022

The generation of structural color from wrinkled polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) surfaces, fabricated by plasma exposure, subjected to uni‐ and multi‐axial, and sequential strain fields is examined. The approach is based on the well‐known, mechanically‐induced, buckling instability of a supported bilayer, whereby the top glassy “skin” is formed by plasma oxidation. Surface periodicities 200 nm ≲ d ≲ 3 μm, encompassing the visible spectrum, are investigated in terms of the observed color, intensity spectrum, and color mixing from different diffraction orders, exhibiting good agreement with model predictions. By contrast with complex fabrication methods, color tunability and mechanochromic response are readily achieved by adjusting plasma and strain parameters, and by dynamically varying strain (ε ≲ 50%). Prescribed strain directionality, employing uniaxial, isotropic, gradient strain, and wave‐sum wrinkling superposition, as well as skin thickness (and thus d) and amplitude gradients, using facile and scalable fabrication approaches, yield striking spatial color variation, homogeneity, and directionality.
Single Coil Mechano‐Electromagnetic System for the Automatic 1‐Axis Position Feedback 3D Locomotion Control of Magnetic Robots and Their Selective Manipulation
Authors: Ramos‐Sebastian Armando , Hwang Seungchan , Kim Sung Hoon
Published: June 2022

3D locomotion of magnetic microrobots requires at least one pair of coils per axis and 3D feedback of the position of the microrobot. This results in voluminous systems with high‐power usage and a small working space, which require complex and expensive controllers. This study presents a single‐coil magneto‐electromagnetic system, comprising a parallel robot and coil, capable of precise 3D locomotion control of magnetic millirobots while requiring only feedback of the vertical position of the millirobot. The coil current creates a 2D magnetic trapping point in the horizontal plane, which depends on the position and orientation of the coil and toward which the millirobot moves, eliminating the need for position feedback at such plane. The vertical position of the millirobot is controlled by varying the coil current while receiving feedback from the vertical position of the millirobot. Feedbackless 2D control and 1‐axis feedback 3D automatic control of magnetic millirobots are experimentally demonstrated, achieving higher speeds and similar position errors when compared to control systems with 3D position feedback. Furthermore, selective control of two millirobots is demonstrated by matching the region of maximum vertical magnetic force and the targeted millirobot, achieving selective levitation and control of such millirobots.
Tuning Intermediate Bands of Protective Coatings to Reach the Bulk‐Recombination Limit of Stable Water‐Oxidation GaP Photoanodes
Authors: Shen Xin , Zhao Tianshuo , Su Haoqing , Yang Meiqi , Chen Jiaye , Liu Yulin , Yanagi Rito , Solanki Devan , Hu Shu
Published: June 2022

Stable photoelectrochemical solar fuel production requires protective coatings to achieve effective charge separation, transport, and injection at the semiconductor–liquid interfaces, implying that the coating should energetically align its intermediate band (IB) with both the photoabsorber's band edge and co‐catalyst's potentials. Yet approaches to adjust coating IB positions to accommodate various semiconductor light absorbers for constructing efficient and stable photoelectrodes have not been developed. Herein, three types of transition metal (M = Mn2+, Mn3+, and Cr3+ ions) alloyed TiO2 coatings are discovered using atomic layer deposition (ALD). The IB energetics of these coatings are characterized by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and are found to be tunable inside the TiO2 bandgap, through varying ALD growth conditions. By applying these coatings to n‐type GaP and integrating with IrOx co‐catalysts, the water‐oxidation J–E performance is comparable to an uncoated corroding GaP photoanode. It reaches the bulk recombination limit of the GaP and achieves ≈28% absorbed photon to current efficiency under 475‐nm light excitation (6.48 mW cm−2) and 100‐h stable water oxidation. The outstanding performance and stability are attributed to the efficient charge separation and hole transport, as allowed by the energy alignment of the coating IB and the GaP valence band edge.
Evaluating cool‐season grass species as potential perennial groundcover for maize production
Authors: Chen Allen , Fei Shui‐zhang , Lenssen Andrew William , Moore Kenneth J.
Published: June 2022

Removal of crop residue poses negative consequences for soil health, nutrient leaching, and runoff. Perennial groundcovers (PGC) provide a method of maintaining soil health while allowing the sustainable intensification of maize (Zea mays L.) systems for biofuel production by providing groundcover for several years. However, previous studies have only evaluated a few varieties of PGC. We conducted a 2‐yr study to evaluate the compatibility of cool‐season turfgrass PGCs under maize. Maize was interplanted into 20 accessions of Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), Sandberg bluegrass (Poa secunda J. Presl), and red fescue (Festuca rubra L.) in a randomized complete block design in Boone, IA. Data on maize grain yield, maize grain quality, and ground coverage of PGC were collected. There were no differences in maize grain yield across species in 2017. In 2018, maize grain yield under red fescue was 1.0, 1.8, and 2.1 Mg ha–1 less than Kentucky bluegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, or the no‐grass control, respectively. Maize under red fescue produced 2.3, 4.8, and 3.9 g kg–1 more protein than Kentucky bluegrass, Sandberg bluegrass, and the no‐grass control, but produced 878 L ha–1 and 758 L ha–1 less ethanol than the no‐grass control and Sandberg bluegrass, respectively. In both years, Kentucky bluegrass groundcover declined approximately 22%, while Sandberg bluegrass groundcover remained below 10%. Red fescue maintained groundcover over 22% in 2017 and 34% in 2018. These results indicate that maize under Kentucky bluegrass and Sandberg bluegrass can perform similarly to conventional maize.