bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Snack production from apple (Malus domestica B.) and tomatoes (Lycopersicon escullentum Mill) agglomerates by using different thickening agents
Authors:   Universidad Católica del Maule Chile, Loyola López Nelson Eduardo , Calquin Rivera Leonardo ,   Universidad Católica del Maule, Acuña Carrasco Carlos ,   Universidad Católica del Maule Chile, Arriola Herrera Mariela Aida ,   Universidad Católica del Maule Chile
Published: May 2022

A snack is a type of food that is of great relevance in the daily diet of persons; it has specific characteristics, such as a crispy texture and a low water content, such as fruits and vegetables. Snacks are easy to handle, carry and store; in particular, they can be immediately consumed anywhere. Therefore, the feasibility of snack production from apples and tomatoes was evaluated. The following thickening agents were added to each treatment: apples, tomatoes and guar gum (T1 ); apples, tomatoes and carrageenan (T2 ); and apples, tomatoes and honey (T3 ). The raw materials were apples and tomatoes, and they underwent a dehydration process with forced air; then, the different snacks were subjected to physical-chemical evaluations, such as pH, dietary fiber, soluble solids and acidity. A sensorial evaluation was carried out for each treatment by trained panelists who considered the intensity of the attributes, such as color, texture, smell and flavor, as well as the acceptability of the final product. The hypothesis was partially supported under the assay considerations. The best result was achieved when honey was used as a thickening agent (T3 ); the snacks presented a crispy texture. The products produced from treatment T3 had a better evaluation of their sensorial and acceptability characteristics.
Masturbation Injury Following Intravaginal Introduction of a Candlestick: A Case Report
Authors: Obajimi Gbolahan Oladele , Lawal Olatunji Okikiola , Balogun Rasheedat Omolola , Ajayi Anjola-Oluwa Abisola , Ajibola Gboyega Bosun
Published: May 2022

Masturbation, a common sexual behaviour, may result in life-threatening injuries. Here the authors present a case of 40 years old female patient, P2L2 who presented to the Gynaecological Emergency unit, on account of a three-hour history of bleeding per vagina following candlestick masturbation which resulted in a 4 cm right lateral vaginal fornix laceration and accompanying hypovolemic shock. She was separated from her husband for a period of 2 years. She underwent examination under anaesthesia and repair of vaginal laceration. Postoperatively, she had one unit of blood transfused and was discharged for home on haematinics, broad spectrum antibiotics and analgesics. Counselling on marital stress and sexual distress was provided, while encouraging the use of adult sex toys in favour of improvised ones when necessary.
Clinico-aetiological Analysis of Anaemia along with Haematological Parameters in Children and Adolescents: A Retrospective Study from a Tertiary Care Hospital, Chhattisgarh, India
Authors: Mishra Gyanesh , Dwivedi Rinu
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Anaemia is defined as a decreased concentration of blood haemoglobin. World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 42% of children less than 5 years of age worldwide are anaemic and prevalence of anaemia in India in children 6-59 months for year 2019 was 53.4%. Childhood anaemia not only affects physical health but cognitive and social development as well. Aim: To determine various causes of anaemia in children in age groups 1-5 years, 6-12 years and 13 to 18 years and to determine clinical features and haematological investigations in moderate to severe anaemia. Materials and Methods: This retrospective, observational study was conducted in Department of Paediatrics, Shri Shankaracharya Institute of Medical Sciences, Bhilai, Charttisgarh, India, from September 2021 to December 2021. The data collection was done retrospectively over a period of 2 years, from September 2019 to September 2021 from patients case records which were available from Medical Record Department. A total of 300 patients from age 1 year to 18 years who were admitted in the paediatric ward with anaemia were included for study. Anaemia was defined and severity categorised based on WHO definition. The aetiology of anaemia was analysed based on Complete Blood Count (CBC) and investigations including serum ferritin, vitamin B12 level, bone marrow examination, High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and other relevant investigations. Data was entered in a excel sheet and analysed using software Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 21.0. Statistical test used was student’s t-test for paired and unpaired data for continuous variables. The p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Results: Out of total 300 patients, 148 (49.3%) were males and 152 (50.7%) were females. Most of the patients were in 1-5 years of age (45.6%), followed by 13-18 years age (29.4%) and 6-12 years (25%). Total 95 (31.6%) patients had mild, 112 (37.3%) had moderate and 93 (31%) had severe anaemia. The three most common causes of anaemia were iron deficiency in 77 patients (37.5%), haemolytic anaemia in 54 patients (26.3%) and vitamin B12 deficiency in 34 patients (16.5%). Mean Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW )(31.1±10.1%) values and mean of Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV) (98.2±15.2 fL) were higher in vitamin B12 deficiency patients as compared to iron deficiency patients mean RDW (17.2±3.5%) and mean of MCV (58.14±7.3 fL), this difference was found to be significant with p-value <0.001. Conclusion: Most of the patients had moderate anaemia. Iron deficiency was most common cause of anaemia overall in children and especially below 13 years followed by haemolytic anaemia mainly sickle cell anaemia and Vitamin B12 deficiency anaemia. The MCV and RDW values from CBC can be used to identify two most common causes of nutritional anaemia.
Modelling Water Absorption Kinetics of Abrohemaa, Omankwa, and Akposoe Maize Varieties
Authors: Antwi Isaac Godfred
Published: May 2022

The study investigated the effect of temperature and variety on water absorption kinetics of three Ghanaian maize varieties (Abrohemaa, Omankwa, and Akposoe) during soaking and also to generate the required moisture diffusivity data for the varieties. The study employed a gravimetric method at four different temperatures of , and . Varying soaking temperature affected the water absorption rates and behaviours of the varieties and that soaking was reduced by increasing the soaking water temperature. The differences in rate of water absorption by the varieties could be attributed to kernel characteristics such as physiochemical and nutritional composition. The Fick’s diffusion law satisfactorily predicted the absorption kinetics of the varieties at all temperatures and that variety and temperature were the most important factors controlling water absorption rate of the maize kernel. The moisture diffusivities of the kernels varied in the order of Abrohemaa  Omankwa  Akposoe and increased as the soaking temperature increases with values ranging from   for Akposoe,  for Omankwa and  for Abrohemaa. The Arrhenius equation was able to describe the effects of temperature on the diffusion coefficient with activation  energy values of  for Abrohemaa and  for both Akposoe and Omankwa.

The study investigated the effect of temperature and variety on water absorption kinetics of three Ghanaian maize varieties (Abrohemaa, Omankwa, and Akposoe) during soaking and also to generate the required moisture diffusivity data for the varieties. The study employed a gravimetric method at four different temperatures of , and . Varying soaking temperature affected the water absorption rates and behaviours of the varieties and that soaking was reduced by increasing the soaking water temperature. The differences in rate of water absorption by the varieties could be attributed to kernel characteristics such as physiochemical and nutritional composition. The Fick’s diffusion law satisfactorily predicted the absorption kinetics of the varieties at all temperatures and that variety and temperature were the most important factors controlling water absorption rate of the maize kernel. The moisture diffusivities of the kernels varied in the order of Abrohemaa  Omankwa  Akposoe and increased as the soaking temperature increases with values ranging from   for Akposoe,  for Omankwa and  for Abrohemaa. The Arrhenius equation was able to describe the effects of temperature on the diffusion coefficient with activation  energy values of for Abrohemaa and  for both Akposoe and Omankwa.
An Investigation on Post-harvest Losses of Lemon Farmers in Moulvibazar District, Bangladesh: Aspects of Practices, Determinants, and Problems
Authors: Begum Maimuna , Marium Bibi
Published: May 2022

Aims: Lemon is a popular citrus fruit in Bangladesh. Post-harvest management is very important to make lemon production profitable. The current study was carried out to measure the post-harvest practices of lemon farmers, to identify the determinants or factors influencing post-harvest losses of lemon at farm levels, and the associated problems of lemon farmers.

Study Design: This article is about investigating the determinants or factors influencing post-harvest losses of lemon farmers and is placed on empirical analysis. It was also conducted to determine the practices and problems regarding post-harvest of lemon at the farm levels.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted in purposively selected five intensivelemon growing villages of Sreemangal Upazila in the Moulvibazar district of Bangladesh purposively selected as they signify the top lemon (e.g. local, bilati, and china varieties) producing areas of Moulvibazar district. The study period was the harvesting season of lemons from April to May 2019.

Methodology: The relevant data were collected using structured questionnaires via face-to-face interviews with 160 lemon farmers that were selected using simple random sampling. The post-harvest practices of lemon farmers were measured by using descriptive statistics. The farm-level determinants of post-harvest losses of lemon in the survey areas were identified using a multiple linear regression model, and the Problem Faced Index (PFI) was generated to assess the severity of the particular problem of lemon farmers in the study areas.

Results: From descriptive statistics results, it is found that farmers in the study area harvested their lemons under mature green conditions (67.6 percent) to reap the benefits of a longer life span, and 59.5 percent of them use the bamboo basket for packaging and transportation purposes. Lemon farmers were using manual vans (48.7 percent) and motor driving rickshaws (25.3 percent) to carry their products in the market. From the multiple linear regression model, it is shown that the key determinants of post-harvest losses in the study area were total production, labor, transportation, storage, distance, market place, and lemon farmers’ farming experience. Lack of storage facilities was the greatest severe problem for lemon farmers, after overproduction and supply of lemon in the peak season, lack of quality seed, high input prices, disease infection, insect infestation, and so on.

Conclusion: Therefore, this study highlights developing suitable storage facilities, convenient transportation, scientific harvesting methods, and a fair price policy to reduce lemon post-harvest losses at the farm levels.
Anthropocene Trails on Geomorphology of Meghalayan Chilika Basin Odisha
Authors: Mishra Siba Prasad , Mishra Abhisek , Kumar Chandan , Mishra Saswat
Published: May 2022

The Chilika gulf in the pre-Meghalayan era has transformed into Greater Chilika, later a leaky lagoon and now downsizing. During early Anthropocene epoch (1950) became a restricted lagoon with the stable southern half of the barrier spit and fragile the northerly half. The sediment balance governed by the inland riverine flood flows from south Mahanadi delta (SMD), and through diurnal tides during other periods. The present anthropogenic development are the emerging Bhubaneswar capital (1948), rising population, and peripheral growth of urbans. Chilika, have deteriorated its eco-bio-hydro system and its associated delta. The anthropogenic interventions to flow by dams, barrages, new mouth dredging, Gobakund cut and natural sea-level changes, frequent storms, high waves, and longshore drift, have altered the geomorphology of the area. The present search envisages the physical changes that occurred in about 6000km2 of study area. The Remote Sensing and GIS technology and the ERDAS software tool were in use to concoct for the years 1984, 1994 and 2022, and compared the basic geophysical features geospatially (1975 to 2022). The erratic changes have developed over the lacustrine area, tidal inlets variability, increase in stable barrier spit and ecosystem with the land slamming of storms. Excess tourism activities, exploitation of fishery, motorized communications, poaching and increase of stakeholders have lost its forests, hills, solitude, and tranquility within.
Genotoxicity-Suppressing Effect of Sophora japonica L. Aqueous Extract
Authors: Tahara Yuki , Hayashi-Shita Satomi , Nakamura Takanori , Murashige Ryo , Yamasaki Kayoko , Matsumoto Katsutoshi , Hasegawa Akira , Saito Takayuki , Sato Kumiko , Honma Tetsuo , Yamamoto Ayumi , Arai Hirotada , Kadoma Yoshihiro , Kawaguchi Satomi , Kikuchi Yasuaki , Furuya Kazuyuki , Sasaki Yu F.
Published: May 2022

The dry flower buds of Sophora japonica L. are used as a hemostatic agent in traditional Chinese medicine. In the comet assay, aqueous extracts of S. japonica decreased and increased the tail length significantly in cultured human lymphoblastoid WTK1 cells exposed to UV in the absence and presence of DNA repair inhibitors, respectively. The extract did not affect the tail length in methyl methanesulfonate-exposed cells. In the present study, the aqueous extract of the flower buds of S. japonica was separated by repeated column chromatography, yielding four types of flavonoid glycosides. Among them, only rutin, similar to the extract, decreased and increased the tail length significantly in WTK1 cells exposed to UV in the absence and presence of DNA repair inhibitors hydroxyurea (10 mM) and cytosine-1-β-D-arabinofuranoside (1.8 mM), respectively.  The genotoxicity-suppressing effect of rutin was further studied using the micronucleus test. Rutin significantly decreased the frequency of micronucleated binucleate cells in UV-exposed WTK1 cells but did not affect this frequency in UV-exposed XPL3KA (Xeroderma pigmentosum group C) cells. These results suggest that the anti-genotoxic potential of rutin is due to an enhanced incision step of global genome repair (GGR) sub-pathways in nucleotide excision repair (NER). Herein, we show that S. japonica exhibits heretofore unknown anti-genotoxic potential against UV by enhancing the incision of GGR sub-pathways in NER, and that its anti-genotoxic component is rutin.
Abnormal Stock Returns, the Effect of COVID-19 Pandemic in Indonesia
Authors: Jaya I. Made Laut Mertha , Maulidah Hikmatul , Buana I. Nyoman Adi
Published: May 2022

Indonesia has been struck by the Covid-19 outbreak, which has affected a variety of industries. This study provides decision-makers with up-to-date findings on the reaction to abnormal stock returns before and during the covid-19 pandemic. This study was carried out using a quantitative-comparative approach. Because it has the most liquid liquidity level on the Indonesia Stock Exchange, the LQ 45 business was chosen. Data observations were conducted from the end of February 2020 (Normal Conditions) on February 26, 27, and 28 to early March 2020 on March 3, 4, and 5 (Pandemic Covid-19). According to the findings of the data test, there are disparities in anomalous returns at LQ 45 enterprises in Indonesia before and after the Covid-19 pandemic. This conclusion offers a different investment strategy, which involves selecting investment items that are often chosen by individual investors. This suggestion is because the values of these items are consistent over a long period. Investments in property are also a fantastic strategy to use during the current global economic recovery.
Circularly Polarized Phosphorescence from Cocrystallization of Atomic Precise Silver Nanoclusters with Tartaric Acid
Authors: Feng Ning , Wang Zhi , Sun Di , Sun Panpan , Xin Xia , Cheng Xiaohui , Li Hongguang
Published: May 2022

Recently, advanced optical materials with circularly polarized phosphorescence (CPP) have attracted much attention. However, such materials are limited due to the difficulty of preparation and the scarcity of precursors. Herein, CPP materials are constructed for the first time using water‐soluble, pseudo‐chiral silver nanoclusters with atomic precision ((NH4)9 [Ag9 (mba)9], H2mba = 2‐mercaptobenzoic acid, abbreviated to Ag9‐NCs hereafter). Induced by the complexation of l‐ or d‐tartaric acid (TrA) through hydrogen bonding, Ag9‐NCs crystallize from aqueous solutions, during which the chirality of the hybrid is amplified and the phosphorescence of Ag9‐NCs is enhanced. It is speculated that the chiral transfer from TrA to Ag9‐NCs is the main source of the well‐defined circular dichroism signals with good repeatability. The Ag9‐NCs/TrA cocrystals exhibit good CPP performance with dissymmetric factors up to 1.05 × 10−2, which is the highest value for metal NCs‐based CPP materials. This work is expected to be an inspiration for preparing metal NCs‐based CPP materials by supramolecular strategy. The so‐obtained organic–inorganic CPP materials can find a variety of applications in optoelectronic devices.
The Optical Absorption Force Allows Controlling Colloidal Assembly Morphology at an Interface
Authors: Chang Yu‐Chia , Bresolí‐Obach Roger , Kudo Tetsuhiro , Hofkens Johan , Toyouchi Shuichi , Masuhara Hiroshi
Published: May 2022

Gaining control on particle–particle interactions and in this way on their (self)‐assembled structures is essentialfor colloidal and material sciences. Currently, different strategies are described to achieve such control, however, all of them lack the spatiotemporal resolution required at the microscale. In this work, the potential of combining optical trapping and resonant photoexcitation for modifying particle–particle interactions and subsequent assembling of dye‐doped particles at the solution interface is demonstrated. The particle assemblies prepared by nonresonant 1064 nm optical trapping undergo morphology changes after resonant photoexcitation of the embedded dye molecules. Depending on the physicochemical properties of interface, quick hexagonal close packing (HCP)‐rearrangement or explosive dispersion of assemblies is observed at air/solution (A/S) and glass/solution interfaces, respectively. By contrast, by resonant photoexcitation only, the dispersed dye‐doped particles are pushed toward the A/S interface, followed by association to yield HCP‐structured assemblies. The results are rationalized by considering the optical absorption force coupled with other nonoptical forces (e.g., capillary force, dipole–dipole or electrostatic repulsion) at the solution interface. Due to the inherent spatiotemporal properties of light and electronic transition of materials, absorption force is a unique element to control and modify the structural order of particle assemblies at interfaces.
Multicolor Biexciton Lasers Based on 2D Perovskite Single Crystalline Flakes
Authors: He Xianxiong , Gong Hao , Huang Han , Li Yao , Ren Jiahuan , Li Yuan , Liao Qing , Gao Tingge , Fu Hongbing
Published: May 2022

The biexciton is a quasi‐particle created from two free excitons and can be applied for basic quantum operations, entangled light sources, and lasers. 2D lead‐halide layered perovskites (LPs) naturally form organic–inorganic quantum wells (QWs), leading to high exciton binding energy and tunable band‐gaps dependent on the QW thickness of . Although excitonic lasing has been reported for thicker LP‐QWs, biexciton emissions and lasers from phase‐pure LP‐QWs as a function of  remain largely unexplored. Here, a facile solution growth method for fabricating single‐crystalline flakes (SCFs) of LP‐QWs of (PEA)2(MA)n−1PbnI3n+1 (PEA = phenylethylammonium,  = 1, 2, and 3) is reported. Further, multicolor amplified spontaneous emissions from biexciton states of (PEA)2(MA)n−1PbnI3n+1 ( = 1, 2, and 3) SCFs are demonstrated at 541 (green), 588 (yellow), 627 nm (red) with thresholds of 35.4, 15.1, and 5.8 µJ cm−2 at 20 K, respectively. In order to offer cavities for these single‐crystalline flakes, they are exfoliated into smaller flakes. Multimode lasing is shown at 586 and 627 nm for  = 2 and 3 with threshold of 10.5 and 4.8 µJ cm−2, respectively. The results of this study not only enrich the basic understanding of many‐body excitonic interactions in 2D LPs but also provide insights for developing solution‐processed multicolor lasers.
Stereo Meta‐Atom Enabled Phase–Amplitude Gradient Metasurface for Circularly Polarized Waves
Authors: Li Xi Ming , Xi Xiang , Chen Jian , Wu Hua Bing , Li Xin , Chen Qiang , Wu Rui‐Xin
Published: May 2022

Simultaneously while independently controlling the phase and amplitude of electromagnetic (EM) waves is pivotal yet challenging for waves manipulation. Metasurface provides a possible approach to the challenge, but most of the reports so far are conducted on linearly polarized EM waves. Herein, a stereo meta‐atom‐enabled gradient metasurface that is capable of fully controlling both amplitude and phase for circularly polarized EM waves is proposed and demonstrated. As a proof‐of‐concept, it is shown that transmission gradient metasurfaces can deflect wave beams by the tailored phase of meta‐atoms and transmission efficiency by the tailored amplitude of meta‐atoms. This study further designs a metasurface to be implemented by stereo meta‐atoms for fan‐shaped beamforming where amplitude and phase gradients are required. The experiments prove that the metasurface realizes a good fan‐shaped beam (azimuthal angle range is −30° to 30°). This study provides an avenue to fully manipulate wave beams by metasurfaces, which may trigger lots of interest in photonic metadevices.
Two‐Dimensional MoxW1−xS2 Alloys for Nanogenerators Producing Record Piezo‐Output and Coupled Photodetectors for Self‐Powered UV Sensor
Authors: Bhattacharya Didhiti , Mukherjee Shubhrasish , Pal Atindra Nath , Mitra Rajib Kumar , Ray Samit Kumar
Published: May 2022

In this work a novel sustainable, self‐driven UV photodetection system using ternary transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) alloy (MoxW1−xS2) is proposed by coupling a photodetector as a light intensity sensor and a piezoelectric nanogenerator (PENG) as a power source. Crystalline MoxW1−xS2 ternary alloy nanosheets are synthesized via cost effective hydrothermal method to fabricate a UV (365 nm) photodetector with extraordinary high responsivity (≈229 A W‐1). The microstructural, optical properties of different ternary alloy composition, along with their binary counterparts, have been studied. The optimized Mo0.5W0.5S2 ternary alloy nanosheets are used as fillers in PVDF matrix to fabricate flexible self‐polled PENGs, exhibiting piezoelectric open‐circuit output ≈50 V under finger tapping and a record high piezo‐voltage ≈187 V under impact of 12 kPa. By coupling the two devices, the output voltage of the PENG is tuned by the resistance of the photodetector, exhibiting superior voltage sensitivity (≈0.75 V µW‐1 cm‐2) with UV illumination. The impedance matching between the PENG and photodetector has been utilized to demonstrate self‐powered UV sensors by monitoring the on/off states of light‐emitting diode directly. This self‐powered, portable ternary TMDC alloy device is attractive for future real‐time monitoring of UV radiation and smart health sensors for IOT applications.
Low Efficiency Roll‐Off Blue Phosphorescent OLEDs at High Brightness Based on [3+2+1] Coordinated Iridium (III) Complexes
Authors: Wu Chengcheng , Tong Kai‐Ning , Zhang Meng , Ng Maggie , Zhang Si‐Wei , Cai Wanqing , Jung Sinyeong , Wu Yuan , Yang Chen , Tang Man‐Chung , Wei Guodan
Published: May 2022

A new series of blue phosphorescent cyclometalated [3+2+1] coordinated iridium (III) complexes containing 2‐(2′,4′‐difluoropyridyl) pyridine derivatives have been designed and synthesized to investigate their structure–property relationship on the nature of excited states and tune their emission wavelengths from saturated‐blue to sky‐blue region at 437−489 nm. These complexes exhibit high photoluminescent quantum yields (PLQYs) of up to 90% and short excited state lifetime in the range of 2−5 µs in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) thin films. Sky‐blue organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on such pyridine‐containing [3+2+1] iridium (III) dopants have exhibited maximum external quantum efficiencies (EQEmax) and current efficiency (CE) of 17.3% and 42.3 cd A–1, respectively. To note, very small efficiency roll‐off value from 4.3% to 19.7% is achieved at the luminance level of 1000 cd m–2. The well‐balanced electron and hole injection currents, the short lifetime of excited excitons, and wide recombination zone by leveraging the obtained iridium (III) dopants and exciplex co‐host have greatly decreased the accumulation of triplet excitons at the high luminescence level, leading to dramatically reduced efficiency roll‐off. It is anticipated that this work provides new insights into the design of saturated‐blue‐emitting iridium (III) complexes with reduced efficiency roll‐off in their fabricated OLEDs.
A Vanadium‐Based Fluoroxide Cathode Material for Lithium‐Ion Storage with High Energy Density
Authors: He Xiaolong , Yan Qi , He Haiyan , Shang Jian , Zhou Xiaolong , Chanlek Narong , Tunmee Sarayut , Kidkhunthod Pinit , Yao Wenjiao , Tang Yongbing
Published: May 2022

High‐performance lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) are required for the rising energy storage demand, while their development depends mainly on cathode materials. Vanadium‐based compounds are considered to be promising due to the feasibility of multielectron reactions arising from the rich valence states of vanadium (+2 to +5). Herein, for the first time the electrochemical properties of a vanadium‐based fluoroxide, β‐KVOF3, as a cathode for LIBs, are reported. After optimization, a reversible capacity as high as 274 mAh g−1, a stable 300 cycles lifetime, and an energy density comparable to LiFePO4 (650 vs 550 Wh kg−1) are achieved. Experiments and simulation study of reaction mechanism illustrate that such performance originates from the reversible V3+/V5+ redox reaction, high structural stability of β‐KVOF3, and the pseudocapacitive process during charging and discharging. This study reveals that β‐KVOF3 is a promising cathode for Li‐ion storage and provides a new design idea for developing high‐performance LIBs cathode materials.
Metallic‐Ion Controlled Dynamic Bonds to Co‐Harvest Isomerization Energy and Bond Enthalpy for High‐Energy Output of Flexible Self‐Heated Textile
Authors: Wang Hui , Feng Yiyu , Gao Jian , Fang Wenyu , Ge Jing , Yang Xiaoyu , Zhai Fei , Yu Yunfei , Feng Wei
Published: May 2022

Molecular light‐harvesting capabilities and the production of low‐temperature heat output are essential for flexible self‐heated textiles. An effective strategy to achieve these characteristics is to introduce photoresponsive molecular interactions (photodynamic bonds) to increase the energy storage capacity and optimize the low‐temperature photochromic kinetics. In this study, a series of sulfonic‐grafted azobenzene‐based polymers interacted with different metal ions (PAzo‐M, M = Mg, Ca, Ni, Zn, Cu, and Fe) to optimize the energy level and isomerization kinetics of these polymers is designed and prepared. Photoinduced formation and dissociation of MO dynamic bonds enlarge the energy gap (∆E) between trans and cis isomers for high‐energy storage and favor a high rate of isomerization for low‐temperature heat release. The suitable binding energy and high ∆E enable PAzo‐M to store and release isomerization energy and bond enthalpy even in a low‐temperature (−5 °C) environment. PAzo‐Mg possesses the highest energy storage density of 408.6 J g−1 (113.5 Wh kg−1). A flexible textile coated with PAzo‐Mg can provide a high rise in temperature of 7.7–12.5 °C in a low‐temperature (−5.0 to 5.0 °C) environment by selectively self‐releasing heat indoors and outdoors. The flexible textile provides a new pathway for wearable thermal management devices.
Highly Integrated, Wearable Carbon‐Nanotube‐Yarn‐Based Thermoelectric Generators Achieved by Selective Inkjet‐Printed Chemical Doping
Authors: Park Kyung Tae , Cho Young Shik , Jeong Inho , Jang Doojoon , Cho Hyeon , Choi Yoohyeon , Lee Taemin , Ko Youngpyo , Choi Jaeyoo , Hong Soo Young , Oh Min‐Wook , Chung Seungjun , Park Chong Rae , Kim Heesuk
Published: May 2022

Flexible thermoelectrics that enable conformal contact with heat sources of arbitrary shape are indispensable for self‐powered wearable electronics. Scalable integration of flexible thermoelectric (TE) materials into functional devices has improved over the past few years, however, the practical applications of flexible TE materials are still hindered by low performance. Herein, highly aligned carbon‐nanotube yarns (CNTYs) are proposed, combined with selective doping via picoliter scale inkjet printing. Coagulation assisted by van der Waals forces ensures a highly aligned structure of the CNTY, thus achieving the ultrahigh power factors of 4091 and 4739 µW m−1 K−2 for the p‐ and n‐type, respectively. The proposed TE materials can be effortlessly up‐scaled into highly integrated modules via inkjet printing. A highly integrated, flexible CNTY‐based TE generator (TEG) with 600 PN pairs generates unparalleled milliwatt‐scale power at ΔT = 25 K, which is a few orders of magnitude higher than those of previously reported flexible material‐based TEGs. This TEG successfully powers a red light‐emitting diode using body heat alone, requiring no external power sources. For the seamless operation of practical applications requiring high power, this work explores the key design parameters for flexible TEGs with high performance and manufacturability and presents new platforms for self‐powered wearable electronics.
Denatured proteins show new vitality: Green synthesis of germanium oxide hollow microspheres with versatile functions by denaturing proteins around bubbles
Authors: Zhao Yanfang , Liang Xin , Chen Daoyuan , Bian Xuhui , Liu Wanjian , Han Lei
Published: May 2022

The hollow structure has long attracted great attention because of its excellent properties. However, this special structure is usually synthesized through some complex approaches. Herein, we discovered that denatured bovine serum albumin (BSA) can trigger unusual biomineralization for the simple, green and shape‐controllable synthesis of germanium oxide (GeOx) hollow microsphere (HMS). At high temperature (60°C), BSA was denatured, and a compact BSA layer was formed around the H2 bubbles. The denatured BSA layer was stable and suitable for anchoring and growing GeOx. By simply changing the BSA concentration and temperature, various morphologies of GeOx could be obtained. Due to the denatured protein skeletons and microenvironment‐regulated collapse, GeOx HMS showed great potential for intelligently responsive pesticide delivery in the insect gut, showing superiority over traditional delivery systems, which early release pesticides in the mouth and stomach. Inspired by its large specific surface area, excellent biocompatibility, modifiable functional groups, and high electrocatalytic activity, GeOx HMS was also applied to versatile sensors for H2O2 assays at physiological pH and rapid coronavirus COVID‐19 detection. This work not only provides some evidence for understanding proteins in depth but also paves a new avenue for the biomineralization‐inspired synthesis of hollow structures with versatile functions.
An Individually Controlled Multitined Expandable Electrode Using Active Cannula‐Based Shape Morphing for On‐Demand Conformal Radiofrequency Ablation Lesions
Authors: Chai Zhiping , Lyu Liangxiong , Pu Menghao , Chen Xianwen , Zhu Jiaqi , Liang Huageng , Ding Han , Wu Zhigang
Published: May 2022

Being minimally invasive and highly effective, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) is widely used for small‐sized malignant tumor treatment. However, in clinical practice, a large number of tumors are found in irregular shape, while the current RFA devices are hard to control the morphologic appearance of RFA lesions on demand, which usually ends up with unnecessarily excessive tissue ablation and subsequently often brings irreversible damage to the organs’ functions. Herein, active cannulas for each of the individually controlled subelectrodes to achieve an on‐demand shape morphing and thus conformal RFA lesion are introduced. The target shape as well as the length of inserted subelectrodes can be precisely controlled by tuning the active stylets and cannulas. What's more, owing to independent movement and energy control of each subelectrodes, the electrode is shown to be not only efficient enough to accomplish accurate trajectory control to target tissue in a single insertion, but also adaptive enough to ablate target tissues with diverse morphologic appearances and locations. On‐demand conformal ablation of target tissue is demonstrated as well under the guidance of ultrasound imaging with the device. Potentially, the RFA electrode is a promising minimally invasive treatment of malignant tumors in future clinical practice. An interactive preprint version of the article can be found at: https://www.authorea.com/doi/full/10.22541/au.164019293.38729522.
An Open Platform for High‐Resolution Light‐Based Control of Microscopic Collectives
Authors: Rubio Denniss Ana , Gorochowski Thomas E. , Hauert Sabine
Published: May 2022

Engineering microscopic collectives of cells or microrobots is challenging due to the often limited capabilities of the individual agents, the inability to reliably program their motion and local interactions, and difficulties visualizing their behaviors. Herein, a low‐cost, modular, and open‐source Dynamic Optical MicroEnvironment (DOME) is presented with the ability to augment microagent capabilities, and drive collective behaviors using light. The DOME offers an accessible means to study complex multicellular phenomena and implement de‐novo microswarms with desired functionalities. An interactive preprint version of the article can be found at: https://www.authorea.com/doi/full/10.22541/au.164191998.84940186.
Changes in the prevalence of undernutrition, overweight and obesity in children and adolescents from Buenos Aires, Mendoza, and Misiones provinces (Argentina) over the last two decades
Authors: Cesani María F. , Garraza Mariela , Zonta María L. , Torres María F. , Navazo Bárbara , Bergel Sanchís María L. , Luna María E. , Gauna María E. , Quintero Fabián A.
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine changes in the prevalence of undernutrition, overweight and obesity in Argentine children and adolescents over the last two decades, and analyze their relationship with family socioeconomic conditions.

Methods

We compared data in two cross‐sectional studies (C) of schoolchildren (n: 4971) aged 4 to 13 years from three provinces: Buenos Aires, Mendoza and Misiones. C1 was carried out between 2005 and 2009 and C2 between 2010 and 2019. Anthropometric (body weight, height, triceps and subscapular skinfolds) and socioeconomic data of both studies were obtained in the same schools by the same investigators, using a similar methodology. The prevalence of nutritional status and the frequency of family socioeconomic conditions were calculated by province and C. Data were analyzed by chi square test, categorical principal component analysis and generalized linear model.

Results

The prevalence of undernutrition decreased in C2 in Buenos Aires and Misiones and remained constant in Mendoza. At the same time, the prevalence of overweight and obesity increased in the three provinces, around 13% in Buenos Aires and 9% in Mendoza and Misiones. Similarly, fat mass increased in C2. Undernutrition was associated with inadequate family socioeconomic conditions only in C1.

Conclusions

This 14‐year follow‐up study shows a decreasing trend in the prevalence of undernutrition and an increasing trend in the prevalence of overweight, obesity, and fat mass in the child and adolescent population of Argentina. Also, a marked deterioration in family socioeconomic conditions was found, but its relationship with the changes in nutritional status remains to be elucidated.
Crossed pulmonary arteries: An underestimated cardiovascular variant with a strong association with genetic syndromes—A report of 74 cases with systematic review of the literature
Authors: Mastromoro Gioia , Calcagni Giulio , Vignaroli Walter , Anaclerio Silvia , Pugnaloni Flaminia , Rinelli Gabriele , Secinaro Aurelio , Bordonaro Veronica , Putotto Carolina , Unolt Marta , Digilio Maria Cristina , Marino Bruno , Versacci Paolo
Published: May 2022

Crossed pulmonary arteries (CPAs) represent an uncommon anatomic variant, usually associated with some specific syndromes and conotruncal defects. This finding has been described in 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS). We evaluated the correlation between CPAs and genetic diseases, in order to better define the characteristics of this variant, considered a rare anatomic pattern. An in‐depth analysis of CPAs genotype–phenotype correlations was performed via a literature review. We detected 74 CPAs patients through echocardiography. Of these 74 patients, 35.1% of patients showed additional intracardiac malformations, while 29.7% showed extracardiac vascular anomalies, of which 16.2% were associated with intracardiac defects and 13.5% were not. In all, 62.2% of patients were diagnosed with genetic diseases and 52.2% of them were 22q11.2DS patients. In conclusions, CPAs represent a cardiovascular variant, which is detectable in nonsyndromic individuals, but especially in various genetic syndromes and in particular in 22q11.2DS patients. Data on the real prevalence of this morphology is lacking in literature. Knowledge of this anatomic variant is useful to interpret the unusual course of the pulmonary branches and is helpful information before cardiovascular surgical correction. Moreover, due to the strong association of CPAs with some genetic syndromes, the identification of this anatomic pattern can indicate the utility of a genetic assessment of these patients.
COASY related pontocerebellar hypoplasia type 12: A common Indian mutation with expansion of the phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Mishra Ranjana , Kulshreshtha Samarth , Mandal Kausik , Khurana Ashok , Diego‐Álvarez Dan , Pradas Laura , Saxena Renu , Phadke Shubha , Moirangthem Amita , Masih Suzena , Sud Seema , Verma Ishwar Chander , Dua Puri Ratna
Published: May 2022

Pontocerebellar hypoplasia (PCH) type 12 is a rare, perinatal lethal neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by biallelic mutations in the COASY gene. Herein, we describe the clinical and neuroradiological profile of nine affected fetuses/neonates from five families identified with a common COASY: c.1486‐3C>G biallelic variant. Four of the five families were identified after data reanalysis of unresolved, severe PCH like phenotype and the fifth family through collaboration. The common antenatal phenotype was cerebellar hypoplasia. Microcephaly, arthrogryposis, and intrauterine growth restriction were the shared postnatal findings. The neurological manifestations included seizures, poor sucking, and spasticity. Novel findings of corpus callosum agenesis, simplified gyral pattern, normal sized pons, optic neuropathy, and a small thorax are reported in this series. The allele frequency of the COASY: c.1486‐3C>G variant was 0.62% in the available Asian Indian database. We describe this as a possible common Indian origin variant. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest PCH12 series reported.
Luminescent Imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine Scaffold: Synthetic Heterocyclization Strategies‐Overview and Promising Applications
Authors: Volpi Giorgio
Published: May 2022

In the last few years, imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine derivatives have attracted growing attention due to their remarkable emissive behaviours, structural modification and biological properties. Previously published works emphasize the possible technological applications of this luminescent scaffold and demonstrate the stringent relationship between chemical substituents and optical properties. The main goal of this work is to provide a complete list of the reported achievements concerning these promising heterocyclization reactions obtained starting from a huge variety of reagents, catalysts, oxidants, dehydrating agents involved in various reaction conditions. Particular attention is focused on the final possible substitutions, conjugations and structural modifications of the reported synthetic approaches, a powerful aspect to design innovative and employable new luminescent imidazo[1,5‐a]pyridine products.
Spectroscopic Fingerprints of Cavity Formation and Solute Insertion as a Measure of Hydration Entropic Loss and Enthalpic Gain
Authors: Pezzotti Simone , Sebastiani Federico , van Dam Eliane P. , Ramos Sashary , Conti Nibali Valeria , Schwaab Gerhard , Havenith Martina
Published: May 2022

Hydration free energies are dictated by a subtle balance of hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactions. We present here a spectroscopic approach, which gives direct access to the two main contributions: Using THz‐spectroscopy to probe the frequency range of the intermolecular stretch (150–200 cm−1) and the hindered rotations (450–600 cm−1), the local contributions due to cavity formation and hydrophilic interactions can be traced back. We show that via THz calorimetry these fingerprints can be correlated 1 : 1 with the group specific solvation entropy and enthalpy. This allows to deduce separately the hydrophobic (i.e. cavity formation) and hydrophilic contributions to thermodynamics, as shown for hydrated alcohols as a case study. Accompanying molecular dynamics simulations quantitatively support our experimental results. In the future our approach will allow to dissect hydration contributions in inhomogeneous mixtures and under non‐equilibrium conditions.
Hyperbranched Polyborate: A Non‐conjugated Fluorescent Polymer with Unanticipated High Quantum Yield and Multicolor Emission
Authors: Guo Liulong , Yan Lirong , He Yanyun , Feng Weixu , Zhao Yan , Tang Ben Zhong , Yan Hongxia
Published: May 2022

Non‐conjugated fluorescent polymers have attracted great attention due to their excellent biocompatibility and environmental friendliness. However, it remains a huge challenge to obtain a polymer with high fluorescence quantum yield (QY) and multicolor emission simultaneously. Herein, we reported three kinds of nonaromatic hyperbranched polyborates (P1–P3) with multicolor emission, surprisingly,P2also exhibits an unanticipated high QY (54.1 %). The natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and density functional theory (DFT) calculation results revealed that the synergistic effect of rigid BO3planar and flexible carbon chain, as well as the through‐space dative bond in supramolecular aggregate, were the key factors contributing to the ultrahigh QY ofP2. Moreover, the applications ofP2in Fe3+ions detection and cell imaging were also investigated. This work provides a new perspective for designing non‐conjugated fluorescent polymers with both high QY and multicolor emission.
Modification of the alginate hydrogel with fibroblast‐ and Schwann cell‐derived extracellular matrix potentiates differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells toward neuron‐like cells
Authors: Ayar Zahra , Shafieian Mehdi , Sabzevari Omid , Hassannejad Zahra
Published: May 2022

The loss of neurons is one of the most irreversible phenomena in traumatic injuries to the central nervous system (CNS). One of the recent approaches to replace the lost neurons is delivering stem cells to the lesion area and differentiating them using biodegradable scaffolds. Alginate has been known as an efficient hydrogel for this target. However, its bioactivity needs to be improved to promote cell adhesion/differentiation. In this study, alginate hydrogel was synthesized and optimized regarding mechanical properties of the CNS, and its bioactivity was improved using Schwann cell‐ and fibroblast‐derived extracellular matrix (ECM). The results of immunostaining showed higher differentiation efficacy on ECM‐modified hydrogels than controls. Although secreted protein content by fibroblast was 12.01 ± 2.09 folds higher than Schwann cells, no significant difference was observed between the differentiation potential of ECM‐modified hydrogels. Accordingly, both ECM‐modified hydrogels can be an appropriate scaffold to promote differentiation toward neuron‐like cells and, subsequently, nerve regeneration.
Postnatal development of the enteric neurons expressing neuronal nitric oxide synthase
Authors: Budnik Antonina F. , Masliukov Petr M.
Published: May 2022

Neurons, expressing neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in the enteric ganglia are inhibitory motor neurons or interneurons. The aim of the study was to identify the percentage, cross‐sectional area of nNOS‐immunoreactive (IR) neurons and their colocalization with choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), and neuropeptide Y in the intramural ganglia of the myenteric (MP) and submucous plexus (SP) of the small intestine (SI) and large intestine (LI) of rats of different age groups using immunohistochemical methods. In the intramural ganglia of the MP, the largest percentage of nNOS‐IR neurons was detected in newborn rats in the LI (81 ± 0.9%) and SI (48 ± 4.1%). Subsequently, it decreased in ontogenesis up to 60 days of life (26 ± 0.9% LI, 29 ± 3.2% SI), and did not change until senescence. In the SP, abundant nNOS‐IR neurons were also detected in newborns (82 ± 7.0% SI, 85 ± 3.2% LI), while their percentage decreased significantly in the next 20 days. Furthermore, a very small number of nNOS‐IR neurons was detected in 30‐day‐ and 2‐month‐old animals, but they again appeared in large numbers in aged rats. In the MP, the highest percentage of nNOS+/ChAT+ neurons was in 1‐day‐old, 10‐day‐old, and 2‐year‐old rats. In the SP, the largest number of nNOS‐IR neurons colocalized ChAT regardless of age. In the MP of all rats, many nNOS‐IR neurons colocalized VIP, and the maximal percentage of nNOS+/VIP+ neurons was found in 2‐year‐old rats, minimal—in newborns. In conclusion, nNOS expression in neurons of the gut is decreased in early postnatal ontogenesis and subsequently increased in aged rats.
Fixed‐time adaptive neural control for nonstrict‐feedback uncertain nonlinear systems with output constraints
Authors: Yao Qijia
Published: May 2022

This paper addresses the fixed‐time output‐constrained control problem for a class of uncertain nonlinear systems in nonstrict‐feedback form. A novel fixed‐time adaptive neural control scheme is proposed by integrating the barrier Lyapunov function (BLF), neural networks, and fixed‐time control technique into the backstepping control design. Rigorous theoretical analysis for the semi‐global fixed‐time stability of the whole closed‐loop system is provided. The proposed controller can guarantee all the closed‐loop error signals converge to the small regions about zero in fixed time while ensuring the system output can always stay within the predefined output constraints. In addition, the proposed controller is structurally simple, which makes it affordable for practical applications. Finally, two simulation examples are performed to illustrate the effectiveness and benefits of the proposed control scheme.