bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphology and Histogenesis of Thymus as a Tool for Estimating Foetal Age: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Yatagiri Sandhya Vikas , Nuchhi Ashwini Balasaheb , Harwalkar Veena Srinivasivas , Bulagouda Ravi Siddanagouda
Published: October 2023

Introduction: The thymus is located in the superior mediastinum and anterior part of the inferior mediastinum. It plays a crucial role in the development, differentiation, and clonal expansion of T lymphocytes. In forensic cases involving foetal death, accurate estimation of foetal age is essential. When the foetus is extensively damaged, other organs can be used to estimate age. The thymus, being retrosternal and well-protected, is easily accessible during dissection. Therefore, studying the gross features and histogenesis of the thymus can be helpful in estimating gestational age in cases of severely mutilated foetal specimens. Aim: To examine the morphological features and histogenesis of the thymus in aborted and stillborn foetuses from normal pregnancies. Materials and Methods: A pilot study was conducted using a cross-sectional design at the Department of Anatomy, BLDEDU’s Shri BM Patil Medical College, Vijayapura, Karnataka, India, from May 2016 to April 2018. The dimensions and histogenesis of the thymus were studied in a total of 50 human foetal thymus specimens, collected from normal pregnancies across different gestational age groups ranging from 12 to 40 weeks. The specimens were obtained from the Department of Pathology and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The dimensions and weight of the thymus were recorded during autopsy. Slides were prepared, stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin (H&E), and examined under a compound microscope. The histogenesis of the thymus was studied to observe its maturation. Results: Foetal weight increased from 134.6±58.3 g at 12 weeks to 1942±598 g at 40 weeks. The weight of the thymus ranged from 0.2 g at 12 weeks to 5.9 g at 40 weeks. Crown rump length varied from 10.7 cm to 29.9 cm. The length of the thymus measured between 0.5 cm and 3.3 cm, breadth between 0.4 cm and 2.3 cm, and height between 0.2 cm and 0.9 cm from 12 to 40 weeks of gestation. Microscopic features observed in the present study at different gestational ages included a well-formed thick capsule at 17 weeks, lobulation starting at 19 weeks, cortico-medullary differentiation beginning at 17 weeks, appearance of epithelial cells around 19 weeks, and initial appearance of Hassal’s corpuscles at 17 weeks, with more numbers observed later on. Conclusion: The thymus can be used in forensic investigations to estimate the gestational age of mutilated foetuses. It exhibits varying features at different gestational ages, which can aid in thymectomy procedures. Additionally, these findings can be considered during prenatal imaging studies.
A Combination of Ultrasound-guided Popliteal Sciatic Nerve Block and Adductor Canal Block as a Sole Anaesthetic Technique for below Knee Amputation in High-risk Patients: A Case Series
Authors: Sandhya MK , Shenoy Sambhram , Shetty Sudham Ramesh , Chanakya Adiraju
Published: October 2023

Below-knee amputation in high-risk patients is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Spinal anaesthesia is linked to an increased incidence of hypotension and bradycardia, and it is relatively contraindicated in patients with coagulation abnormalities. General anaesthesia is used as an alternative when spinal anaesthesia is contraindicated, but it is associated with a considerable increase in perioperative morbidity and the need for postoperative ventilatory support and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) care. A combination of sciatic nerve block and femoral block has been employed for below-knee surgeries as it provides complete anaesthesia below the knee. Adductor canal block, compared to femoral nerve block, is motor-sparing and, when combined with popliteal sciatic nerve block, offers complete anaesthesia below the knee. Below-knee amputation requires complete motor and sensory blockage, making regional block for below-knee amputation more challenging for the anaesthesiologist. Present case series is of five cases of below-knee amputation performed under a combination of ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block and adductor canal block. Ultrasound-guided popliteal sciatic nerve block was administered with a combination of 10 mL of bupivacaine 0.5% and 5 mL of lignocaine 2% with adrenaline (1:200,000) diluted with 5 mL of distilled water to a total volume of 20 mL. Ultrasound-guided adductor canal block was performed with 8 mL of bupivacaine 0.5% and 4 mL of lignocaine 2% with adrenaline (1:200,000), diluted with 4 mL of distilled water to a total volume of 16 mL. All patients achieved adequate surgical anaesthesia, and none experienced any anaesthesia-related complications.
Determining if Access to Certified Seed Multipliers Influence Smallholder Farmers’ Use of Certified Seed Potatoes (CSPs) in Kipipiri Sub-County, Kenya
Authors: Mburu J. M. , Oyugi M. A. , Makenzi P. M.
Published: October 2023

Empirical evidence suggests that certified seed potatoes (CSPs) are critical in boosting potato yield, increasing income, and improving nutrition and food security at the household level. Availability and access to certified seed multipliers increase the chances of smallholder potato farmers’ (SHF) uptake and use of certified seed technologies and practices. Most farmers cannot access certified seeds from these multipliers, forcing them to use and reuse the seeds saved from their local storage facilities. The paper sought to determine whether access to certified seed multipliers influenced potato smallholder farmers’ use of CSPs in Kipipiri Sub-County, Kenya. A closed-ended, researcher-administered survey was used in collecting data from  106 SHFs selected from the area. Descriptives and binary logistic statistics were used to answer the study objectives. The findings indicated a significant relationship between access to certified seed multipliers and the use of CSPs. From the study, only 40 % of smallholder farmers had access to certified seed multipliers, while the majority (60%) did not. This trend would be why the respondents opted to use other sources of seeds from farmer stores. Additionally, the high cost of certified seeds and lack of awareness of existing certified seed sources/multipliers were recorded as the significant barriers hindering farmers from accessing certified seed potatoes in the study area.
Analysing Justice as Integral to Governance: A Survey
Authors: Ansari Mahmood
Published: October 2023

The write-up attempts to develop a conceptual and theoretical framework on the theme of human action of justice, and successively link it with the actions of governance in a nation. It is devoted to a survey of interdisciplinary, multidisciplinary and cross-disciplinary literature on private and public human conducts of justice. Such a survey is warranted so as to further elaborate the assertions to the effect that both justice and governance are actions – the effectuations of enterprises                           of human executions. The problem is that justice cannot be treated as a stand-alone activity independent of the patterns and characteristics of administration, management and steerage in a nation.

The second problem is that the thinking, deliberations and making of judgements and policy are but antecedent and precedent to justice, and not as such justice as it is the act and doing of uprightness and propriety that constitute justice proper. To act towards the action of propriety, uprightness and justice is to accomplish a set of valued hybrid accomplishments and performances in terms of doing and undoing of something that is valued morally, equitably and legitimately by all, and all these constitute an essential component of good, righteous and efficient governance. Much of the accomplishments on the scale of fairness and justice – individual and societal – depend on the executions of the interplay of civil society and government in the course of steerage of the nation.

The narrative of the paper begins with the literature on the themes of act of propriety and equity and links it with the ambit of a wider and broader plethora of completion of social and economic executions under the framework of national democratic supervision, administration and stewardship of welfare and development.
Educators Perceptions on Drug Abuse Prevention: A Post-pandemic Approach
Authors: Chifamba Constance , Chifamba Blessing
Published: October 2023

The aim of this qualitative case study was to explore the causes of rapid rise of drug abuse among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic, and analyse the educators’ perceptions on the strategies that may be effectively used to prevent or curb the rapid rising in drug abuse in this post pandemic era. The study purposively selected 9 participants from 9 different secondary schools (urban schools and suburban schools, boarding schools and day schools) In-depth interviews were carried out with each participant. Data collected was coded and thematically analysed for recurrent themes. The contributing factors for the rapid rise in the cases of drug abuse among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic are the government imposed lockdowns, social restrictions, negligent parenting, unmonitored idle time, and urge to experiment as is the nature of most adolescents. The most effective strategies are based on the holistic approach model that engages all stake holders to work collaboratively to implement prevention and intervention strategies. Engaging all stakeholders such as the family, the schools, the health institutions, the police, churches and community at large is hoped to close possible gaps. Other strategies include providing drug awareness education to adolescents and parents on drug awareness, risks of drug abuse, prevention strategies. Keeping the adolescents engaged in fruitful activities such as clubs, sports, community volunteering and training peer counselling teams are among the recommended strategies. This is hoped to create a drug free, safe environment for all learners. In addition, empowering the adolescents with life skills and involving the students in volunteer work for the vulnerable children will help them resist peer pressure and contribute meaningfully to society.
Impact Study of SMART TV and SMART Classroom on the Academic Performance of Students at Rangjung PS, under Trashigang District in Bhutan
Authors: Rinzin Karma
Published: October 2023

Bhutanese classrooms have undergone an unprecedented change in the recent years. Advancements in information communication technology and the internet of things have changed classrooms from traditional classrooms to smart classrooms. Using the terminal marks of class six and class five students in lower classes, this research investigated if there were significant differences in students’ performance, across the terms and across the grades. The mid-term and annual examination marks of 32 class five students when studying in class four, and the marks of 33 class six students when they were in class four and class five and students’ demographic details were used as the primary data. The research found that the academic performance of class five students in term one and term two examinations in class four decreased significantly in some of the subjects. However, the marks of class six students as they progressed from class four to class five revealed significant improvements in their performance. In addition, there were no significant differences in the academic performance of the students, between terms and across grades, when disaggregated by family’s socio-economic status. Recommendations and directions for future research are provided.
The Effects of School Quality Assurance on Teachers’ Performance in Public Primary Schools in Iringa District, Tanzania
Authors: Mapunda Edwin O.
Published: October 2023

The study focused on the district of Iringa, Tanzania of school quality assurance (SQA) on teachers’ performance in public primary schools in Iringa, Tanzania. The research used a qualitative approach, hence, purposive and snowball sampling technique employed to acquire the required data. Targeted populations involved the Quality Assurance Officer, public primary school teachers, district education officer, academic teachers and head teachers. Moreover, data were collected through interview and focus group discussion and data were analysed thematically with direct quotation. Arguably, SQA involves systematic monitoring and review of education programs to maintain and improve the quality, equity and efficiency. For teachers, SQA is believed to improve their work performance and professional growth and therefore positively influence the teaching and learning processes. For instance, studies have also shown that SQA activities help teachers to attend school and classes, improve their school curriculum delivery as well as classroom management skills. The findings showed that SQA helped schools to improve and was effective in different aspects such as; teachers’ classroom assessment, discussion with teachers after classroom assessments, providing classroom assessment reports, advising higher authorities on issues related to school improvement as well as strengthening internal SQA.
Acute Coronary Syndrome Induced by Carbon Monoxide Intoxication: A Case Report
Authors: Mulendele P. M. , Boutar M. Sidi , Ovaga B. E. , Njie M. , Charfo M. , Arous S. , Benouna M. G. , Drighil A. , Azzouzi L. , Habbal R.
Published: October 2023

Carbon monoxide (CO) intoxication is the most frequent etiology of toxicological morbidity and mortality in the world. If the neurological manifestations are in the foreground, then cardiovascular signs of myocardial damage by necrosis are possible, which can result in angina, an acute coronary syndrome followed by myocardial stupor, collapse or even cardiac arrest.

We report a case of CO intoxication inducing an acute coronary syndrome without ST elevation in an elderly diabetic patient with no coronary artery disease history.

Diagnosis: This patient presented a CO intoxication after an accidental exposure; the electrocardiogram showed a depressed ST segment of the inferior and apico-lateral leads; cardiac enzyme troponins gradually increased. Echocardiography showed a preserved systolic function with a disorder of the heart wall motions. Coronary angiography revealed significant lesions of the proximal left anterior descending artery (LAD) and the first marginal evoking a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome induced by CO intoxication.

Interventions: His management consisted of the administration of hyperbaric oxygen therapy, a platelet aggregation inhibitor (aspirin plus clopidogrel), an anticoagulant (low molecular weight heparin) and myocardial support (Bisoprolol). Coronary angiography and the placement of two active stents were performed after 24hrs onset diagnosis.

Results: The patient had a good clinical outcome under hyperbaric oxygen therapy, complete revascularization of the angiographic lesions which showed improvement in cardiac function and a slight improvement of heart wall motion on echocardiography performed on the 5th day. After 6 days, the patient had recovered well and was discharged from the hospital without chest discomfort, dizziness or headache.

Lecture: This case suggests that the symptoms of carbon monoxide intoxication are complex and diverse. This can manifest as a primary hypoxic symptom or cause an exacerbation of underlying diseases due to hypoxia. Therefore, patients with carbon monoxide intoxication should actively seek a comprehensive cardiac examination to ensure early diagnosis. Whenever necessary, coronary angiography and stent implantation should be performed to improve the patient's chances of survival.
Genetic Studies in Advanced Sugarcane Mid-Late Clones through Yield and Quality Traits
Authors: Rakesh G. , Reddy G. Eswara , Dinesh A. , Swapna N.  , Saicharan M. , Naik B. Balaji , Kumar M. Vijay
Published: October 2023

Sugarcane varietal development is frequently aimed at increasing yield and sucrose quality. Effective crop genetic evolution requires knowledge of the numerous traits that contribute to the present diversity by genetic analysis. Keeping in view, this experiment was conducted using a randomized block design with three replications and the trial consisted of nine mid-late sugarcane genotypes. Data on cane yield and quality traits were used to estimate the genetic variability parameters, heritability, and genetic advance (GA). Analysis of variance revealed highly significant and significant differences for all studied traits. Evaluated characters exhibited different levels of variability, heritability, and genetic advance among the studied genotypes. Low to high phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were recorded. The moderate GCV and PCV values were found particularly for Sugar Yield at harvest (18.09% and 21.64%) and Cane Yield at harvest (16.62% and 20.14%) respectively, whereas the lowest GCV and PCV (1.43% and 2.26% respectively) manifested for Purity at the 12 months stage. The highest broad sense heritability value manifested for Pol in juice at 12 months stage (%) (86.47%) followed by CCS at 12 months stage (%) (85.43%), while the lowest heritability (35.00%) revealed only for Germination % at 30 DAP. In the present study, high heritability and genetic advance as a percentage of the mean (>50) was recorded for Millable canes at harvest (000/ha) and single cane weight at harvest (kg) indicating a predominance of additive gene action for these characters. Therefore the result of this study suggests the existence of variability for cane yield and quality traits in these sugarcane genotypes, which should be exploited in future breeding.
Impact Assessment of Zinc and Sulphur Application through Front Line Demonstrations in Paddy in Tribal Region of Central India
Authors: Tagore G. S. , Yadav Shailu , Suryawanshi Arpit
Published: October 2023

Front-line demonstrations were conducted at farmer’s fields of tribal villages of Jabalpur (7 No.) and Mandla (6 No.) districts during Kharif 2012 and 2013, respectively. Results revealed that the application of 5 kg Zinc +Recommended Dose of Fertilizer (Zn+ RDF ha-1) significantly increased the grain yield (4.53 and 4.70 t ha-1) zinc content in grain (13.18 and 12.97 mgkg-1) and total Zn uptake (190.31 and 184.79 g ha-1) and post-harvest available Zn (0.73 and 0.71 mg kg-1) over farmer’s practices or RDF during both the years. While, the S content in grain and straw of rice, their total S uptake and post- harvest available S increased significantly with the application of 40 kg S ha-1 +RDF and 5 kg Zn+40 kg S ha-1+RDF over farmers practice/ RDF/5 kg Zn ha-1+ RDF during both the years.

With the application of 5 kg Zn +40 kg S +RDF ha-1, the extension gap was maximum (0.93 and 1.12 t ha-1) while, the least technology gap (0.47 and 0.30) and technology index (9.4 and 6.0%) were recorded. The performance of improved technology (5 kg Zn + RDF) emphasized the need to organize Kisan School in the deficient areas for the acceptance of improved technologies to bridge the wide extension gap.
Detection of different Betanodavirus genotypes in wild fish from Spanish Atlantic coastal waters (Galicia, northwestern Spain)
Authors: Vázquez-Salgado Lucía , Olveira José G. , Dopazo Carlos P. , Bandín Isabel
Published: October 2023

Objective

The nervous necrosis virus (NNV; genus Betanodavirus) is an aquatic pathogen that is responsible for a neurological disease affecting marine fish. Despite its almost worldwide distribution, global warming could favor the spread of NNV to new areas, highlighting the importance of conducting epidemiological surveys on both wild and farmed marine fish species. In this study, we assessed NNV prevalence in wild fish caught along the Galician Atlantic coast.

Methods

In total, 1277 fish were analyzed by reverse transcription real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Result

Twenty two (1.72%) of those fish tested positive for NNV, including two species in which the pathogen had not yet been reported.

Conclusion

The reassortant RGNNV/SJNNV (red-spotted grouper NNV/striped jack NNV) was detected in 55% of NNV-positive individuals, while the remaining 45% harbored the SJNNV-type genome. Moreover, from European Pilchard Sardina pilchardus and Atlantic Mackerel Scomber scombrus, we isolated four reassortant strains that carried amino acid mutations at key sites related to NNV–host interaction.
Inter‐observer variability in library plan selection on iterative CBCT and synthetic CT images of cervical cancer patients
Authors: de Hond Yvonne J. M. , van Haaren Paul. M. A. , Verrijssen An‐Sofie E. , Tijssen Rob H. N. , Hurkmans Coen W.
Published: October 2023

Introduction

In the Library‐of‐Plans (LoP) approach, correct plan selection is essential for delivering radiotherapy treatment accurately. However, poor image quality of the cone‐beam computed tomography (CBCT) may introduce inter‐observer variability and thereby hamper accurate plan selection. In this study, we investigated whether new techniques to improve the CBCT image quality and improve consistency in plan selection, affects the accuracy of LoP selection in cervical cancer patients.

Materials and methods

CBCT images of 12 patients were used to investigate the inter‐observer variability of plan selection based on different CBCT image types. Six observers were asked to individually select a plan based on clinical X‐ray Volumetric Imaging (XVI) CBCT, iterative reconstructed CBCT (iCBCT) and synthetic CTs (sCT). Selections were performed before and after a consensus meeting with the entire group, in which guidelines were created. A scoring by all observers on the image quality and plan selection procedure was also included. For plan selection, Fleiss' kappa (κ) statistical test was used to determine the inter‐observer variability within one image type.

Results

The agreement between observers was significantly higher on sCT compared to CBCT. The consensus meeting improved the duration and inter‐observer variability. In this manuscript, the guidelines attributed the overall results in the plan selection. Before the meeting, the gold standard was selected in 76% of the cases on XVI CBCT, 74% on iCBCT, and 76% on sCT. After the meeting, the gold standard was selected in 83% of the cases on XVI CBCT, 81% on iCBCT, and 90% on sCT.

Conclusion

The use of sCTs can increase the agreement of plan selection among observers and the gold standard was indicated to be selected more often. It is important that clear guidelines for plan selection are implemented in order to benefit from the increased image quality, accurate selection, and decrease inter‐observer variability.
Melatonin Exerts an Anti‐Panoptoic Role in Spinal Cord Ischemia‐Reperfusion Injured Rats
Authors: Xie Lei , Wu Hang , Shi Weipeng , Zhang Jing , Huang Xiaohong , Yu Tengbo
Published: October 2023

Paraplegia is a serious consequence of spinal cord ischemia‐reperfusion (SCIR) injury, which leads to neuron death and permanent loss of motor function. However, there is no effective treatment for SCIR. Melatonin exerts a neuroprotective effect in neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether pyroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis (PANoptosis) is the primary cause of the massive neural death in SCIR is unknown, and if melatonin exhibits anti‐PANoptotic effect in rescuing the disastrous damage is to be decided. This study indicates that melatonin confers neuroprotection in SCIR, attenuating the loss of Nissl body and improving Basso, Beattie & Bresnahan locomotor rating scale scores. Specifically, the apoptotic hallmarks in neurons are increased in SCIR injured spinal cord compared to the sham group. The upregulated trend is reversed by melatonin while the effect of melatonin is abolished by the administration of luzindole, a selective melatonin receptor antagonist. Moreover, similar patterns are found in the necroptotic markers in neurons, the pyroptotic indicators, and the interleukin‐1β staining in microglia. In conclusion, PANoptosis may underlie the mass neural death and paraplegia in SCIR, and melatonin confers neuroprotection to the spinal cord via inhibiting PANoptosis.
Probing Functional Structures, Defects, and Interfaces of 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides by Electron Microscopy
Authors: Luo Ruichun , Gao Meng , Wang Chunwen , Zhu Juntong , Guzman Roger , Zhou Wu
Published: October 2023

2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) exhibit remarkable properties that are strongly influenced by their atomic structures, as well as by various types of defects and interfaces that can be precisely engineered and controlled. These features make 2D TMDs and TMD‐based materials highly promising for a wide range of applications in electronics, optoelectronics, magnetism, spintronics, catalysis, energy, etc. By providing a comprehensive approach to understand the structure–property–functionality relationship in materials at the atomic scale, electron microscopy, and spectroscopy techniques have emerged as invaluable tools for studying both the static characteristics and dynamic evolutions of 2D TMDs. In this review, the primary focus lies in exploring intrinsic and artificial structures in TMDs and their heterostructures, along with their corresponding properties, through cutting‐edge aberration‐corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS). Additionally, recent advancements in the field of in situ visualization and manipulation of 2D TMDs using electron beams are highlighted. It is anticipated that the up‐to‐date overview provided, along with a glimpse into the future development of STEM‐based techniques, will make a substantial contribution to advancing research on 2D materials.
Ruthenium‐Induced Activation of Molybdenum‐Cobalt Phosphide for High‐Efficiency Water Splitting
Authors: Bi Min , Zhang Ying , Jiang Xiaohong , Sun Jingwen , Wang Xin , Zhu Junwu , Fu Yongsheng
Published: October 2023

Advancing green hydrogen production technologies relies heavily on the development of highly efficient and durable bifunctional catalysts for overall water splitting. Herein, this study reports the ruthenium‐modified hollow cubic molybdenum‐cobalt phosphide (Ru‐MoCoP) as exceptional performance electrocatalyst for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Theoretical calculations and experimental results indicate that the incorporation of Ru not only serves as an efficient active site, but also adjusts the electronic structure and improves the reactivity of the original sites, as well as generates more phosphorus vacancies, which improves the electrical conductivity and exposes more active sites. Benefiting from the advantages triggered by the incorporation of Ru mentioned above, the Ru‐MoCoP delivers low overpotentials of 55 and 240 mV at 10 mA cm−2 for HER and OER, respectively. Furthermore, the electrolyzer assembled with Ru‐MoCoP achieves a current density of 50 mA cm−2 at 1.6 V and can be operated stably for 150 h. Notably, the assembled two‐electrode system can be powered by a single commercial AA battery, accompanied with evident gas bubble evolution. This research proposes a promising strategy for the development of highly efficient bifunctional phosphide catalysts, aiming to achieve efficient energy conversion in a wide range of industrial applications.
Functionalized MXene Films with Substantially Improved Low‐Voltage Actuation
Authors: Chen Shaohua , Tan Shu Fen , Singh Harpreet , Liu Liang , Etienne Mathieu , Lee Pooi See
Published: October 2023

Ti3C2Tx MXene film is promising for low‐voltage electrochemical actuators (ECAs) due to its excellent electrical conductivity, volumetric capacitance, and mechanical properties. However, its in‐plane actuation is limited to little intralayer strain of MXene sheets under polarization. Here it is demonstrated that a simple tetrabutylammonium (TBA) functionalization of MXene improves the in‐plane actuation strain by 337% and also enhances the mechanical property and stability in air and the electrolyte. Various in situ characterizations reveal that the improved actuation is ascribed to the co‐insertion/desertion of TBA and Li ions into/from MXene interlayer galleries and inter‐edge gaps that causes a large in‐plane sliding of MXene sheets under negative/positive polarizations. The assembled bending actuator has a high strength and modulus and generates a peak‐to‐peak strain difference of 0.771% and a blocking force up to 51.5 times its own weight under 1 V. The designed soft robotic tweezer can grasp an object under 1 V and hold it firmly under 0 V. The novel sheet sliding mechanism resembling the filament sliding theory in skeletal muscles may inspire the design of high‐performance actuators with other nanomaterials.
Efficient Collection of Oil Microdroplets by Hyperbranched, Space‐Filling Open Microfluidic Channels
Authors: Segawa Yusho , Kinoshita Kentaro , Kai Hiroyuki
Published: October 2023

Open microfluidic channels, which capture and transport liquid on flat substrate surfaces through wettability contrast, offer a promising platform for the analysis, mixing, separation, etc. of small‐volume liquid samples. This study focuses on the development of open microfluidic channels featuring oleophilic/oleophobic micropatterning in a hyperbranched, space‐filling structure, thereby creating high‐density channels. These newly designed channels allow for the swift collection of microdroplets with low surface tension within less than 10 s through hierarchical transport and merging of the microdroplets within the channel. The collection efficiency reaches 66% in the channel with the optimized channel geometry. These results underscore the effectiveness of this method for the collection of low surface tension microdroplets, paving the way for the advancement in the domain of open microfluidics of oil, a field that has yet to be fully explored.
Fabrication of Embedded Microfluidic Chips with Single Micron Resolution Using Two‐Photon Lithography
Authors: Luitz Manuel , Kırpat Konak Büşra M. , Sherbaz Ahmad , Prediger Richard , Nekoonam Niloofar , Di Ventura Barbara , Kotz‐Helmer Frederik , Rapp Bastian E.
Published: October 2023

Two‐photon lithography (TPL) is an advanced high‐resolution additive manufacturing technique for objects with feature sizes between 100 nanometers to tens of micrometers and an overall footprint of up to hundreds of micrometers. With recent advances in the TPL technique, writing speeds are becoming faster, rendering the method feasible to print high‐resolution microfluidic chips with a footprint in the centimeter range within a reasonable time frame. In this work, a process flow to fabricate embedded microfluidic chips with channel diameters down to 30 µm is developed. To address the particular difficulty of washing the embedded channels free of uncured material, introduces a developing scheme based on a 3D printed chip‐to‐world‐interface to connect the chips to a pressure‐driven pump. This setup is leakage‐free up to a pressure of 6.9 bar for faster and safer development of embedded microfluidic devices. It manufactures meander chips with channel lengths up to 20 cm, droplet generator chips, and cell sorting chips based on deterministic lateral displacement with pillar diameters of 30 µm and pillar spacing of 4 µm. TPL of microfluidic chips will enable rapid manufacturing of novel designs, significantly reducing concept‐to‐chip times with high resolution in a reasonable amount of time.
A Burning Grass and Removing Root Immunoregulatory Strategy Toward Chronic Wounds Therapy by MnO2 Nanoparticle Incorporated Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel
Authors: Shao Zijian , Wang Wenjie , Wang Yilin , Zhao Weifeng , Zhao Changsheng
Published: October 2023

Complex immune microenvironment of diabetic wound possesses polarization misalignment of macrophages and excessive inflammatory response, which prolong the healing process. Consequently, developing hydrogel dressings with immunoregulatory ability shows huge potential in clinical management of diabetic wound. Nevertheless, recent immunoregulatory strategies are mainly focusing on switching the proinflammatory M1‐type to anti‐inflammatory M2‐type macrophages by using high‐cost dressings composed of cytokines and cells. Considering the hyperpolarized M1 macrophages of diabetic wounds as wild grass of wasteland, a burning grass and removing root immunoregulatory strategy toward wound healing is developed based on dopamine‐manganese dioxide nanoparticle incorporated high molecular weight hyaluronic acid (HHA) hydrogel. The self‐healing and injectable hydrogel is formed by boronate ester bonds between the HHA grafted with phenylboronic acid and polyvinyl alcohol. Notably, in vitro and vivo results confirm that the HHA components can burn the grass by switching M1 to M2 in the inflammatory microenvironment while the dopamine‐manganese dioxide nanoparticles can remove the root by relieving M1 polarization through eliminating reactive oxygen species. The comprehensive immunoregulation ability enables the hydrogel as effective therapeutic that improves wound healing, and shows reliable potential in clinical dressings for the management of diabetic wounds.
Recent Advances in the Selective Transport and Recovery of Metal Ions using Polymer Inclusion Membranes
Authors: Wang Baoying , Wang Yaoming , Xu Tongwen
Published: October 2023

Polymer inclusion membranes (PIMs) have gained significant attention in the field of metal separation and recovery due to their high selectivity, long service life, high stability, flexible design and low cost. Over the past 10 years, interest around PIMs has increased considerably; hence, the number of research papers has grown exponentially. This review provides the preparation methods and composition of PIMs, presents an overview of studies on PIMs reported since 2012, and discusses the relationship between the physicochemical properties of different types of membrane components and the microstructure, selectivity, transport performance and stability of prepared PIMs. This review also elucidates the metal transport mechanism at the interface and interior of PIMs and summarizes the modification and separation intensification methods of PIMs. Additionally, the structure and stability of PIM relative to other liquid membranes are also discussed. Finally, the existing challenges and perspectives of PIMs in the field of metal separation and recovery are proposed and highlighted. Notably, the need for highly selective and low‐cost carriers, a deeper understanding of membrane microstructure and separation mechanisms, and strategies for promoting widespread adoption of polymer inclusion membrane‐electrodialysis technology deserve particular consideration, which are of guiding significance for accelerating the industrialization process of PIMs.
Intrinsic Design and Modulated Circular Dichroism of Inorganic Nanowire/Hydrogel Composite
Authors: Nguyen Huu‐Quang , Nguyen My‐Chi Thi , Kang Hyojin , Chen Hongxia , Kiwic David , Matter Fabian , Tervoort Elena , Niederberger Markus , Lee Jaebeom
Published: October 2023

Controlling the handedness and absorptive characteristics of chiral materials is essential for exploring new advances in the field of chiral sensors and catalysts. The deliberate architecture of the building blocks and their self‐assembly process are critical factors for fabricating chirally active structures from achiral nanoscale components. Herein, the fabrication of multicomponent gel structures comprising magnetoplasmonic core–shell Au@FexOy nanowires embedded in a macroscopic titania nanocrystal network is demonstrated, which shows broadband absorption covering the ultraviolet–visible light spectrum while maintaining excellent porosity in the aerogel state. The effect of externally applied helical magnetic field is exploited to induce self‐assembly of the magnetoplasmonic nanowires into chirally active superstructures. Furthermore, a second vector of symmetry is observed when the chiral hydrogel unit is rotated up to 45° around the z‐axis perpendicular to the light path, in which the measured circular dichroism intensity is modulated up to ±102% compared to those at 0°. This study serves as a concept of designing optically active chiral 3D superstructures, applicable to optical filters, sensing devices, and chiral photocatalysts.
Recent Advances of MXenes‐Based Optical Functional Materials
Authors: Zhang Yali , Ruan Kunpeng , Guo Yongqiang , Gu Junwei
Published: October 2023

Transition metal carbides/nitrides/carbonitrides (MXenes) exhibit tremendous potential for optical applications due to their diverse elemental composition and adaptable structural properties. Based on introducing the preparation methods and optical properties of MXenes, this review focuses on the latest advances in MXenes‐based optical functional materials, and analyzes the performance enhancement mechanisms of MXenes‐based optical functional materials for photothermal conversion and photocatalysis. The key scientific and technical bottlenecks in the field of MXenes‐based optical functional materials are pointed out, and the future development trends and research directions of MXenes‐based optical functional materials are prospected.
ELK4 Promotes Colorectal Cancer Progression by Activating the Neoangiogenic Factor LRG1 in a Noncanonical SP1/3‐Dependent Manner
Authors: Zhu Zhehui , Guo Yuegui , Liu Yun , Ding Rui , Huang Zhenyu , Yu Wei , Cui Long , Du Peng , Goel Ajay , Liu Chen‐Ying
Published: October 2023

Although the MAPK/MEK/ERK pathway is prevalently activated in colorectal cancer (CRC), MEK/ERK inhibitors show limited efficiency in clinic. As a downstream target of MAPK, ELK4 is thought to work primarily by forming a complex with SRF. Whether ELK4 can serve as a potential therapeutic target is unclear and the transcriptional regulatory mechanism has not been systemically analyzed. Here, it is shown that ELK4 promotes CRC tumorigenesis. Integrated genomics‐ and proteomics‐based approaches identified SP1 and SP3, instead of SRF, as cooperative functional partners of ELK4 at genome‐wide level in CRC. Serum‐induced phosphorylation of ELK4 by MAPKs facilitated its interaction with SP1/SP3. The pathological neoangiogenic factor LRG1 is identified as a direct target of the ELK4‐SP1/SP3 complex. Furthermore, targeting the ELK4‐SP1/SP3 complex by combination treatment with MEK/ERK inhibitor and the relatively specific SP1 inhibitor mithramycin A (MMA) elicited a synergistic antitumor effect on CRC. Clinically, ELK4 is a marker of poor prognosis in CRC. A 9‐gene prognostic model based on the ELK4‐SP1/3 complex‐regulated gene set showed robust prognostic accuracy. The results demonstrate that ELK4 cooperates with SP1 and SP3 to transcriptionally regulate LRG1 to promote CRC tumorigenesis in an SRF‐independent manner, identifying the ELK4‐SP1/SP3 complex as a potential target for rational combination therapy.
Phase Composition and Thermoelectric Properties of Epitaxial CrMoVN Thin Films
Authors: Hjort Victor , Singh Niraj Kumar , Chowdhury Susmita , Shu Rui , Le Febvrier Arnaud , Eklund Per
Published: October 2023

Thin films of CrMoVN are deposited on c‐plane sapphire (Al2O3 (0001)) by direct current reactive magnetron sputtering, to investigate the effects of Mo and V addition to CrN‐based films. All films grow epitaxially, but Mo incorporation affects the crystal structure and nitrogen content. All films in the CrMoVN series are understoichiometric in nitrogen, but largely retain the NaCl B1 structure of stoichiometric CrN films. Addition of vanadium increases the phase‐stability range of the cubic phase, allowing for higher solubility of Mo than what has previously been reported for cubic CrN. The Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity are greatly affected by the alloying, showing a decrease of the Seebeck coefficient along with a decrease in resistivity. Cr0.83Mo0.11V0.06Nz shows a 70% increase in power factor (S2σ = 0.22 mW m−1 K−2) compared to the reference CrNz (S2σ = 0.13 mW m−1 K−2).
Employing Wing Morphing to Cooperate Aileron Deflection Improves the Rolling Agility of Drones
Authors: Liu Yubin , Zhang Junming , Gao Liang , Zhu Yanhe , Liu Benshan , Zang Xizhe , Cai Hegao , Zhao Jie
Published: October 2023

In the wild, gliding birds dodge obstacles or predators by folding and twisting their wings swiftly to perform a rapid roll. Accordingly, the authors strive to explore the feasibility of improving the roll rate of drones through this bird‐inspired morphing method, by using the asymmetric sweepback of wings to simulate the contraction of birds’ wings and the deflection of the aileron to imitate wing torsion. Moreover, the effects of wing morphing on the centroid, inertia matrix, and aerodynamic characteristics of the drone are explored herein, and a nonlinear dynamic model is established. Furthermore, a novel cooperative strategy that combines wing morphing with aileron deflection for roll control is introduced, and a flight controller based on this cooperative strategy is developed. Finally, the superiority of the cooperative strategy and the accuracy of the dynamic modeling have been validated in the outdoor flights of the morphing wing drone.
Synthesis of α‐Branched Enones via Chloroacylation of Terminal Alkenes
Authors: Kim Jungwon , Müller Sven , Ritter Tobias
Published: October 2023

Here, we show the conversion of unactivated alkenes into α‐branched enones via regioselective chloroacylation with acyl chlorides. The method relies upon the initial in situ generation of chlorine radicals directly from the acyl chloride precursor under cooperative nickel/photoredox catalysis. Subsequent HCl elimination provides enones and α,β‐unsaturated esters that are not accessible via the conventional acylation approaches that provide the other, linear constitutional isomer.
Controllable Topological Transformations of 818 Molecular Metalla‐knots by Oxidation of Thiazole‐Based Ligands
Authors: Zhang Hai‐Ning , Jin Guo‐Xin
Published: October 2023

By exploiting coordination‐driven self‐assembly, high yields of two 818 molecular metalla‐knots could be obtained using a thiazole‐moiety‐containing asymmetric dipyridyl ligand 2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐ylethynyl)benzo[d]thiazole (L1), as confirmed using X‐ray crystallographic analysis, electrospray ionization‐time‐of‐flight/mass spectrometry (ESI‐TOF/MS), and detailed liquid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. To modulate the self‐assembled structures, m‐chloroperbenzoic acid (m‐CPBA) was utilized to oxidize thiazole‐based ligand L1 to N‐thiazole‐oxide‐based ligand 2‐(pyridin‐4‐yl)‐5‐(pyridin‐4‐ylethynyl)benzo[d]thiazole 3‐oxide (L2), which enabled the selective construction of the corresponding tetranuclear macrocycles. Notably, two molecular metalla‐knots could be topologically transformed from 818 knots to simple monocycles because the L1 alkyne bond was inert toward m‐CPBA, as confirmed by liquid‐state NMR spectroscopy, ESI‐TOF/MS, and elemental analysis.
An Oxysulfide Photocatalyst Evolving Hydrogen with an Apparent Quantum Efficiency of 30 % under Visible Light
Authors: Yoshida Hiroaki , Pan Zhenhua , Shoji Ryota , Nandal Vikas , Matsuzaki Hiroyuki , Seki Kazuhiko , Lin Lihua , Kaneko Masanori , Fukui Tsuyoshi , Yamashita Koichi , Takata Tsuyoshi , Hisatomi Takashi , Domen Kazunari
Published: October 2023

Photocatalytic water splitting is a simple means of converting solar energy into storable hydrogen energy. Narrow‐band gap oxysulfide photocatalysts have attracted much attention in this regard owing to the significant visible‐light absorption and relatively high stability of these compounds. However, existing materials suffer from low efficiencies due to difficulties in synthesizing these oxysulfides with suitable degrees of crystallinity and particle sizes, and in constructing effective reaction sites. The present work demonstrates the production of a Gd2Ti2O5S2 (λ<650 nm) photocatalyst capable of efficiently driving photocatalytic reactions. Single‐crystalline, plate‐like Gd2Ti2O5S2 particles with atomically ordered surfaces were synthesized by flux and chemical etching methods. Ultrafine Pt‐IrO2 cocatalyst particles that promoted hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) evolution reactions were subsequently loaded on the Gd2Ti2O5S2 while ensuring an intimate contact by employing a microwave‐heating technique. The optimized Gd2Ti2O5S2 was found to evolve H2 from an aqueous methanol solution with a remarkable apparent quantum efficiency of 30 % at 420 nm. This material was also stable during O2 evolution in the presence of a sacrificial reagent. The results presented herein demonstrates a highly efficient narrow‐band gap oxysulfide photocatalyst with potential applications in practical solar hydrogen production.
Ultrafast Carrier Relaxation and Second Harmonic Generation in a Higher‐Fold Weyl Fermionic System PtAl
Authors: Saini Vikas , Punjal Ajinkya , Pandey Utkarsh Kumar , Puranik Ruturaj Vikrant , Sharma Vikash , Dwij Vivek , Vijay Kritika , Kulkarni Ruta , Banik Soma , Dharmadhikari Aditya , Singh Bahadur , Prabhu Shriganesh , Thamizhavel A.
Published: October 2023

In topological materials, shielding of bulk and surface states by crystalline symmetries has provided hitherto unknown access to electronic states in condensed matter physics. Interestingly, photoexcited carriers relax on an ultrafast timescales, demonstrating large transient mobility that can be harnessed for the development of ultrafast optoelectronic devices. In addition, these devices are much more effective than topologically trivial systems because topological states are resilient to the corresponding symmetry‐invariant perturbations. By using optical pump probe measurements, the relaxation dynamics of a topologically nontrivial chiral single crystal, PtAl, is systematically described. Based on the experimental data on transient reflectivity and electronic structures, it is found that the carrier relaxation process involves both acoustic and optical phonons with oscillation frequencies of 0.06 and 2.94 THz, respectively, in picosecond time scale. PtAl with a space group ofP213 allows only one non‐zero susceptibility element, i.e.,d14, in second harmonic generation (SHG) with a large value of 468(1) pm V–1, which is significantly higher than that observed in standard GaAs(111) and ZnTe(110) crystals. The intensity dependence of the SHG signal in PtAl reveals a non‐perturbative origin. The present study on PtAl provides deeper insight into topological states that will be useful for ultrafast optoelectronic devices.
Heavy metal levels in the dairy production chain in China
Authors: Liu Shengsheng , Zhao Qingyu , Tang Chaohua , Liu Yuning , Zhang Junmin
Published: October 2023

The aims of this study were to investigate the heavy metal pollution status and distribution and to analyze the relationships among metal concentrations of different links in the dairy production chain. Chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) levels in water, fodder, milk, blood, hair, and feces samples collected from cows from five dairy farms in China were measured. The concentrations of Cr, As, Cd, Pb, Cu, and Zn were 4.61–11.11, 0.06–0.46, 0.17–0.29, 2.84–4.23, 4.11–7.72, and 7.23–19.91 mg/kg in silage; 12.72–40.85, 0.76–2.40, 0.05–0.16, 4.73–9.16, 44.14–78.46, and 4148.51–4845.20 μg/L in milk; 33.59–60.73, 0.09–3.57, 0.29–1.78, 20.14–39.20, 821.34–1007.45, and 2665.10–4929.95 μg/L in blood; 0.59–1.06, 0.02–0.09, 0.08–0.11, 1.70–2.09, 6.45–8.64, and 9.73–1.56 mg/kg in hair; 31.75–296.35, 0.33–5.96, 0.18–0.53, 3.35–9.06, 12.27–41.39, and 56.54–196.34 mg/kg in feces, respectively. The concentrations of heavy metals in hair were higher than those in the other samples and when combined with the results from the silage and tissue samples, we can assume that cow's hair can be used as a biological indicator for heavy metal contamination in the dairy production chain.