bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Knowledge and Utilization of Traditional Medicine for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus among Residents of Pakuri (St. Cuthbert’s Mission) in Guyana
Authors: Boston Cecil , Rosales Judith , Singh Jaipaul , Kurup Rajini 
Published: May 2019

Aim: This study was designed to determine the knowledge and utilization of traditional medicine for Type 2 Diabetes (T2DM) among residents of Pakuri (St. Cuthbert’s Mission) in Guyana. Since treatment for T2DM is expensive with multiple side effects, it has become necessary to explore the use of plant-base medicine.
Methodology: The study utilized a descriptive cross sectional design. Systematic random sampling procedures were done to identify study population. Prior informed consent from the village council, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs and individual participants were sought before the commencement of the study. The study was conducted over a four- week period.
Results: Three hundred and eighteen (318) participants were recruited for the study. The mean (±SD) knowledge score was 85.1 ± 16.8 with 50.9% of the study participants having good knowledge in traditional medicine for diabetes. T2DM affected 40.3% of the study participants; of this population and more than half of the participants used traditional medicine to control their symptoms. Significant association was seen with age, gender, education and marital status among participants using traditional medicine for diabetes.
Conclusion: It is concluded that the use of traditional medicine is becoming increasingly popular and as such, efforts need to be made to revive and coordinate the use of medicinal plants/herbs by the Ministry of Public Health and Ministry of Indigenous People’s Affair including the native flora of the local ecosystems. In addition, conclusive evidence on the contribution of the traditional medicine on the final outcome of management of T2DM could not be reach since the study was not controlled.
Demographics and Referral Pattern of Patients with Glaucoma at a Tertiary Eye Hospital in Port Harcourt, Nigeria
Authors: Awoyesuku Elizabeth A. , Chukwuka Ireju O. 
Published: May 2019

Aims: To assess the demographic characteristics and referral pattern of patients with glaucoma presenting at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
Study Design: A hospital-based cross- sectional study.
Place and Duration of Study: The Ophthalmology department, University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital between November 2018 and January 2019.
Methodology: Ninety-four (94) consenting consecutive Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) patients above 18 years attending the glaucoma clinic of the Ophthalmology department of the hospital were recruited. All patients had a comprehensive eye examination and were diagnosed as POAG patients and were receiving treatment. Patients with secondary glaucoma were excluded from the study. A questionnaire was used to retrieve information on sources of referral, and distance travelled to assess care.
Data analysis employed the Epi Info Version 7.1.4. Significant differences in the comparison of means were determined by independent t-test while the difference in proportions was determined using Chi square statistics. Statistical significance was set at p=.05
Results: A total of 94 glaucoma patients on treatment at our facility were involved in the study. Mean age was 48.49±11.46years. Age range was 25-78years with M: F ratio =1.6:1. 36.2% had secondary education. Majority of referrals (36.3%) were by fellow patients, and most patients (42.6%) travelled less than an hour to access care. 68.1% had prior awareness of glaucoma before visit to clinic. Majority of patients had advanced glaucoma (45.7%) at presentation.
Conclusion: A large proportion of POAG patients presenting in our facility had advanced glaucoma and most referrals were from patients already accessing care and media. Advocacy to improve awareness and prompt referral of affected patients will help to reduce the problems associated with glaucoma in our environment
High Responsivity and Response Speed Single‐Layer Mixed‐Cation Lead Mixed‐Halide Perovskite Photodetectors Based on Nanogap Electrodes Manufactured on Large‐Area Rigid and Flexible Substrates
Authors: Georgiadou Dimitra G. , Lin Yen‐Hung , Lim Jongchul , Ratnasingham Sinclair , McLachlan Martyn A. , Snaith Henry J. , Anthopoulos Thomas D. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractMixed‐cation lead mixed‐halide perovskites are employed as the photoactive material in single‐layer solution‐processed photodetectors fabricated with coplanar asymmetric nanogap Al–Au and indium tin oxide–Al electrodes. The nanogap electrodes, bearing an interelectrode distance of ≈10 nm, are patterned via adhesion lithography, a simple, low‐cost, and high‐throughput technique. Different electrode shapes and sizes are demonstrated on glass and flexible plastic substrates, effectively engineering the device architecture, and, along with perovskite film and material optimization, paving the way toward devices with tunable operational characteristics. The optimized coplanar nanogap junction perovskite photodetectors show responsivities up to 33 A W−1, specific detectivity on the order of 1011 Jones, and response times below 260 ns, while retaining a low dark current (0.3 nA) under −2 V reverse bias. These values outperform the vast majority of perovskite photodetectors reported so far, while avoiding the complicated fabrication steps involved in conventional multilayer device structures. This work highlights the promising potential of the proposed asymmetric nanogap electrode architecture for application in the field of flexible optoelectronics.
Inertial Microfluidics with Integrated Vortex Generators Using Liquid Metal Droplets as Fugitive Ink
Authors: Nguyen Ngan , Thurgood Peter , Arash Aram , Pirogova Elena , Baratchi Sara , Khoshmanesh Khashayar 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThis work demonstrates a simple method for fabricating nearly spherical dome structures on top of lithographically defined microfluidic channels using gallium‐based liquid metal droplets as fugitive ink. The droplets remain stable during the pouring and curing of polydimethylsiloxane and can be easily removed by applying a basic solution. This facilitates the formation of domes with diameters of a few hundred micrometers patterned on the desired locations of the channel. The expansion of the channel at the interface of the dome leads to formation of a large vortex inside the dome. Experiments using high‐speed imaging along with numerical simulations show the utility of the vortex‐induced flow rotation for orbiting of human monocytes and polystyrene microbeads inside the dome. The lateral displacement of liquids caused by the vortex is further utilized for creating controllable multiband flow/color profiles within a T‐mixer. The method enables the fabrication of customized, complex, and 3D microfluidic systems utilizing planar microfabricated structures.
Optical Pacing of Human‐Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell‐Derived Cardiomyocytes Mediated by a Conjugated Polymer Interface
Authors: Lodola Francesco , Vurro Vito , Crasto Silvia , Di Pasquale Elisa , Lanzani Guglielmo 
Published: May 2019

AbstractThe use of light for triggering skeletal and cardiac muscles allows lower invasiveness higher selectivity and unprecedented possibility to target individual cells or even subcellular compartments in a temporally and spatially precise manner. Because cells are in general transparent, this requires the development of suitable interfaces that bestow light sensitivity to living matter. In the present work, successfully demonstrated is the use of conjugated polymer films as transducer to optically enhance the contraction rate of a human and patient‐specific cardiac in vitro cell model. By different experimental approaches, the coupling mechanism to the photothermal effect is assigned. This work extends the range of application of the polymer‐mediated cell photostimulation phenomenon to cardiac muscle cells, opening up possible applications in cardiac therapy and for implementation of in vitro studies.
Metal‐Complex/Semiconductor Hybrid Photocatalysts and Photoelectrodes for CO2 Reduction Driven by Visible Light
Authors: Maeda Kazuhiko 
Published: May 2019

AbstractCO2 reduction to carbon feedstocks using heterogeneous photocatalysts is an attractive means of addressing both climate change and the depletion of fossil fuels. Of particular importance is the development of a photosystem capable of functioning in response to visible light, which accounts for the majority of the solar spectrum, representing a kind of artificial photosynthesis. Hybrid systems comprising a metal complex and a semiconductor are promising because of the excellent electrochemical (and/or photocatalytic) activity of metal complexes during CO2 reduction and the ability of semiconductors to efficiently oxidize water to molecular O2. Here, the development of hybrid photocatalysts and photoelectrodes for CO2 reduction in combination with water oxidation is described.
Flexible and Fatigue‐Resistant Ternary Electrical Memory Based on Alternative Copolysiloxane with Carbazole Donors and Imidazole‐Modified Naphthalimide Acceptors
Authors: Fu Lin , Zhang Yi , Ren Zhongjie , Li Huihui , Sun Xiaoli , Yan Shouke 
Published: May 2019

AbstractAlternative copolysiloxane P(INDISi‐alt‐CzSi) containing the pendants of carbazole donors and imidazole‐modified naphthalimide acceptors is successfully prepared. Then, a flexible electrical resistive memory device based on P(INDISi‐alt‐CzSi) is fabricated with sandwich architecture Al/P(INDISi‐alt‐CzSi)/ITO/PET. The fabricated memory device displays typical nonvolatile ternary write‐once‐read‐many times memory characteristics. Moreover, the prepared flexible memories display high ON/OFF ratio of ≈105, rapid response of ≈120 ns, multistate storage, and high stability. Furthermore, the flexible memory device can still maintain good ternary memory characteristics after bending for 500 cycles or aging for 48 h at 90 °C, indicating good fatigue‐resistant performance. Both the good flexibility and high fatigue‐resistant performance of the flexible memories further promise the long‐term applications.
Biofilm Bridges Forming Structural Networks on Patterned Lubricant‐Infused Surfaces
Authors: Lei Wenxi , Bruchmann Julia , Rüping Jan Lars , Levkin Pavel A. , Schwartz Thomas 
Published: May 2019

AbstractDespite many decades of research, biofilm architecture and spreading mechanisms are still not clear because of the heterogenous 3D structure within biofilms. Here, patterned “slippery” lubricant‐infused porous surfaces are utilized to study biofilm structure of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Stenotrophomonas maltophilia, and Staphylococcus aureus. It is found that bacteria are able to spread over bacteria‐repellent lubricant‐infused regions by using a mechanism, termed “biofilm bridges”. Here, it is demonstrated that bacteria use bridges to form interconnected networks between distant biofilm colonies. Detailed structure of bridges shows a spatial distribution of bacteria with an accumulation of respiratory active bacteria and biomass in the bridges. The core–shell structure of bridges formed by two‐species mixed population is illustrated. It is demonstrated that eDNA and nutrients have a strong effect on biofilm bridges formation. Thus, it is believed that biofilm bridging is important to reveal the structure and communication within biofilms.
Realizing a High‐Performance Na‐Storage Cathode by Tailoring Ultrasmall Na2FePO4F Nanoparticles with Facilitated Reaction Kinetics
Authors: Wang Fanfan , Zhang Ning , Zhao Xudong , Wang Lixuan , Zhang Jian , Wang Tianshi , Liu Fanfan , Liu Yongchang , Fan Li‐Zhen 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn this paper, the synthesis of ultrasmall Na2FePO4F nanoparticles (≈3.8 nm) delicately embedded in porous N‐doped carbon nanofibers (denoted as Na2FePO4F@C) by electrospinning is reported. The as‐prepared Na2FePO4F@C fiber film tightly adherent on aluminum foil features great flexibility and is directly used as binder‐free cathode for sodium‐ion batteries, exhibiting admirable electrochemical performance with high reversible capacity (117.8 mAh g−1 at 0.1 C), outstanding rate capability (46.4 mAh g−1 at 20 C), and unprecedentedly high cyclic stability (85% capacity retention after 2000 cycles). The reaction kinetics and mechanism are explored by a combination study of cyclic voltammetry, ex situ structure/valence analyses, and first‐principles computations, revealing the highly reversible phase transformation of Na2FeIIPO4F ↔ NaFeIIIPO4F, the facilitated Na+ diffusion dynamics with low energy barriers, and the desirable pseudocapacitive behavior for fast charge storage. Pouch‐type Na‐ion full batteries are also assembled employing the Na2FePO4F@C nanofibers cathode and the carbon nanofibers anode, demonstrating a promising energy density of 135.8 Wh kg−1 and a high capacity retention of 84.5% over 200 cycles. The distinctive network architecture of ultrafine active materials encapsulated into interlinked carbon nanofibers offers an ideal platform for enhancing the electrochemical reactivity, electronic/ionic transmittability, and structural stability of Na‐storage electrodes.
Arnold‐Chiari type 1 malformation in Potocki–Lupski syndrome
Authors: Varon Alberto , Whitt Zachary , Kalika Paige M. , Potocki Lorraine , Barbouth Deborah S. , Walz Katherina 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPotocki–Lupski syndrome (PTLS) is a genetic disorder that results from an interstitial duplication within chromosome 17p11.2. Children with PTLS typically present with infantile hypotonia, failure to thrive, and global developmental delay with or without major organ system involvement. Systematic clinical studies regarding growth, cardiovascular disease, and neurocognitive profiles have been published; however, systematic evaluation of central nervous system structure by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain has not been reported. Herein, we describe three patients with PTLS who were found—in the course of routine clinical care—to have a type 1 Arnold‐Chiari malformation (CM‐1). This finding raises the question of whether the incidence of CM‐1 is increased in PTLS, and hence, if an MRI of the brain should be considered in the evaluation of all patients with this chromosomal duplication syndrome.
The development and ecology of the Japanese macaque gut microbiome from weaning to early adolescence in association with diet
Authors: Prince Amanda L. , Pace Ryan M. , Dean Tyler , Takahashi Diana , Kievit Paul , Friedman Jacob E. , Aagaard Kjersti M. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractPreviously we have shown that the Japanese macaque gut microbiome differs not by obesity per se, but rather in association with high‐fat diet (HFD) feeding. This held true for both pregnant dams, as well as their 1‐year‐old offspring, even when weaned onto a control diet. Here we aimed to examine the stability of the gut microbiome over time and in response to maternal and postweaning HFD feeding from 6 months of age, and at 1 and 3 years of age. In both cross‐sectional and longitudinal specimens, we performed analysis of the V4 hypervariable region of the 16S rRNA gene on anus swabs collected from pregnant dams and their juveniles at age 6 months to 3 years (n = 55). Extracted microbial DNA was subjected to 16S‐amplicon‐based metagenomic sequencing on the Illumina MiSeq platform. We initially identified 272 unique bacterial genera, and multidimensional scaling revealed samples to cluster by age and diet exposures. Dirichlet multinomial mixture modeling of microbiota abundances enabled identification of two predominant enterotypes to which samples sorted, characterized primarily by Treponema abundance, or lack thereof. Approximating the time of initial weaning (6 months), the Japanese macaque offspring microbiome underwent a significant state type transition which stabilized from 1 to 3 years of age. However, we also found the low abundance Treponema enterotype to be strongly associated with HFD exposure, be it during gestation/lactation or in the postweaning interval. Examination of taxonomic co‐occurrences revealed samples within the low Treponema cluster were relatively permissive (allowing for increased interactions between microbiota) whereas samples within the high Treponema cluster were relatively exclusionary (suggesting decreased interactions amongst microbiota). Taken together, these findings suggest that Treponemes are keystone species in the developing gut microbiome of the gut, and susceptible to HFD feeding in their relative abundance.
Quasistatic Oscillations in Subwavelength Particles: Can One Observe Energy Eigenstates?
Authors: Kamenetskii Eugene O. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractIn increasing the capabilities of the optical and microwave techniques further into the subwavelength regime, quasistatic resonant structures have attracted considerable interest. Electromagnetic responses of electrostatic (ES) plasmon resonances in optics and magnetostatic (MS) magnon resonances in microwaves give rise to a strong enhancement of local fields near the surfaces of subwavelength particles. In the near‐field regions of subwavelength particles, one can measure only either the electric or magnetic field with accuracy. Such uncertainty in definition of the electric or magnetic field components raises the question of energy eigenstates of quasistatic oscillations. The energy eigenstate problem can be properly formulated when potential functions, used in the quasistatic resonance problems, are introduced as scalar wave functions. In this case, one should observe quasistatic wave retardation effects still staying in frames of the quasistatic description of oscillations in a subwavelength particle. In this paper, the problem of energy quantization of ES resonances in subwavelength optical metallic structures with plasmon oscillations and MS resonances in subwavelength microwave ferrite particles with magnon oscillations is analyzed. It is shown that in the case of MS potential scalar wave function, one can observe quasistatic retardation effects and obtain a proper formulation of the energy eigenstate problem.
Dual‐Responsive Photocatalytic Polymer Nanogels
Authors: Ferguson Calum T. J. , Huber Niklas , Landfester Katharina , Zhang Kai A. I. 
Published: May 2019

AbstractSelective activation of photocatalysts under constant light conditions has recently been targeted to produce multi‐responsive systems. However, controlled activation, with easy recovery of the photocatalysts, induced by external stimuli remains a major challenge. Mimicking the responsiveness of biological systems to multiple triggers can offer a promising solution. Herein, we report dual‐responsive polymer photocatalysts in the form of nanogels consisting of a cross‐linked poly‐N‐isopropylacrylamide nanogel, copolymerised with a photocatalytically active monomer. The dual‐responsive polymer nanogels undergo a stark decrease in diameter with increasing temperature, which shields the photocatalytic sites, decreasing the activity. Temperature‐dependent photocatalytic formation of NAD+ in water demonstrates the ability to switch photocatalysis on and off. Moreover, the photocatalysed syntheses of several fine chemicals were carried out to demonstrate the utility of the designed material.
Ionic metallo‐Schiff base polymers of VO2+, Zn2+ and Cu2+: Synthesis, characterization and solid‐state conductivity
Authors: Ghavami Zohreh S. , Grivani Gholamhossein 
Published: May 2019

The viologen‐type dialdehyde of [N,N′‐bis(methylsalicylaldehyde)‐4,4′‐bipyridinium] dichloride (DA) was synthesized by reacting 5‐chloromethylsalicylaldehyde and 4,4′‐bipyridine. Then a new polymeric Schiff base ligand (PSBL) was synthesized by the condensation reaction of ethylenediamine and DA in methanol under reflux conditions. Afterwards, new ionic metallo‐Schiff base polymers (IMSPs) were synthesized by reacting PSBL with VO(acac)2, ZnCl2 and CuCl2 via coordination chelation. DA, PSBL and IMSPs were characterized using various analytical methods and spectral techniques. The solid‐state electrical conductivities of PSBL and IMSPs were studied. The electrical conductivity of these polymers at 300 K ranged from 1.30 × 10−5 to 4.52 × 10−10 Ω−1 m−1, which means they are potential organic and metallo‐organic semiconductors.
Tensile, flexure, and compression properties of anisotropic microchannel epoxy foams
Authors: Schmid Eric D. , Robinson Marc J. , Cross William M. , Salem David R. 
Published: May 2019

ABSTRACTMicrovascular architectures with specific channel fractions and channel orientations have been reported for thermal insulation and functional fluid delivery applications. However, the dependence on channel network structure of the inevitable loss in strength and stiffness has not been adequately characterized, especially at moderate‐to‐high channel fractions and in anisotropic systems. In this work, the loss in mechanical performance of a thermosetting epoxy is explored in tensile, flexure, and compression modes over a wide range of microchannel fractions and different microchannel orientations. Whereas microchannel fractions of 0.7 can result in reductions of more than 90% in mechanical properties relative to the nonchanneled material, there is a strong influence in microchannel orientation over the full range of microchannel fractions studied. The data are compared to a power‐law model, which shows a good agreement with the experimental measurements, provided that the power‐law exponent is adjusted to depend on the direction of microchannel alignment. These results demonstrate the opportunity to engineer the mechanical properties of multifunctional microchannel systems for a range of existing and emerging applications, by controlling both the microchannel volume fraction and the microchannel orientation. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2019, 136, 47945.
Long‐fragment targeted capture for long‐read sequencing of plastomes
Authors: Bethune Kevin , Mariac Cédric , Couderc Marie , Scarcelli Nora , Santoni Sylvain , Ardisson Morgane , Martin Jean‐François , Montúfar Rommel , Klein Valentin , Sabot François , Vigouroux Yves , Couvreur Thomas L. P. 
Published: May 2019

PremiseThird‐generation sequencing methods generate significantly longer reads than those produced using alternative sequencing methods. This provides increased possibilities for the study of biodiversity, phylogeography, and population genetics. We developed a protocol for in‐solution enrichment hybridization capture of long DNA fragments applicable to complete plastid genomes.Methods and ResultsThe protocol uses cost‐effective in‐house probes developed via long‐range PCR and was used in six non‐model monocot species (Poaceae: African rice, pearl millet, fonio; and three palm species). DNA was extracted from fresh and silica gel–dried leaves. Our protocol successfully captured long‐read plastome fragments (3151 bp median on average), with an enrichment rate ranging from 15% to 98%. DNA extracted from silica gel–dried leaves led to low‐quality plastome assemblies when compared to DNA extracted from fresh tissue.ConclusionsOur protocol could also be generalized to capture long sequences from specific nuclear fragments.