bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Religiosity and Spirituality in Motivating and Improving Students’ Performance in Indonesia
Authors: Ariani Dorothea Wahyu
Published: September 2021

Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship model of religiosity, spirituality, intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation with students' performance in Indonesian students based on different beliefs or religions in the country.

Methodology: This study used a survey method with a questionnaire conducted on 628 students as a sample. The relationship between all variables was tested using Pearson’s correlation and the direct relationship between the independent variables on the dependent variable using multiple linear regression analysis. Furthermore, the mediating model test was conducted using structural equation modeling with a two-step approach.

Results: The findings showed that motivation, religiosity, and spirituality affected students’ performance. Furthermore, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation serially mediated the relationship model between religiosity and spirituality with students' performance. 

Conclusion: This paper addressed the need to understand how to motivate and improve students' performance from a religious and spiritual perspective. The findings of this paper can be used to identify curriculum preparation that includes religiosity in it to increase students' motivation and performance. Furthermore, this paper has demonstrated that religiosity and spirituality are very important for students in Indonesia because they can increase motivation so that student achievement becomes better.
To Assess Competency in Interpretation of Cardiac Arrhythmias among Emergency Medical Professionals in Pune, India
Authors: Rishipathak Parag , Bhandari Monesh , Hinduja Anand
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The annual number of deaths from Cardiovascular Disease (CVD) in India is projected to rise from 2.26 over the past several decades and have ranged from 1.6% to 7.4% in rural populations and from 1% to 13.2% in urban populations.

Electrocardiography (ECG) is a non-invasive tool which is extensively used to understand and analyze a patient’s cardiac condition. It provides information about cardiac condition and helps in diagnosing acute coronary syndromes and cardiac arrhythmias. Emergency Medical Professionals (EMP’s) handle numerous cases of medical as well as trauma emergencies daily and are the first responders prior to hospitalization and the only reliable resource to help in revival of the patient. As it is of high priority, to give the upmost necessary care to the patients, being able to interpret and honing the skills to interpret ECG is of utmost importance and necessary.

Despite its immense clinical value, there continues to be a lack of a comprehensive ECG interpretation curriculum in medical education programs. The goal should be to encourage the development of organized curriculum in undergraduate and postgraduate medical education programs, and to ensure the acquisition of level-appropriate ECG interpretation skills while maintaining patient safety.

Objective: To assess competency in interpretation of cardiac arrhythmias among Emergency Medical Professionals

Study Design:

Place of Study: Symbiosis Centre for Health Skills (SCHS), Pune India in May 2021.

Methodology: The present study was conducted in May 2021, amongst 200 Emergency Medical Professionals (EMPs) employed in various hospitals in the city of Pune, India. American Heart Association (AHA) – Pre-course Self-Assessment questions were utilized for the study to assess ECG interpretation competency among Emergency Medical Professionals.

Conclusion: The present study highlights the poor ECG competence amongst EMP’s. and is limited by its small sample size and interpretation of only three kinds of cardiac rhythms. Yet the study offers, insight on the current gaps in competence and offers simple solutions to improve the scenario.
Development and Validation of a Novel RP-HPLC Analytical Method for Sitagliptin Determination in Human Plasma
Authors: Pamu Sagar , Patyar Sazal , Thakkalapally Lakshmi
Published: September 2021

Background: Different bio-analytic methods have been developed for determining drug concentration in plasma, but methods for sitagliptin determination are still very rare. In this study, RP-HPLC based method has been developed for assessing sitagliptin concentration in plasma.

Aim: To develop and validate RP-HPLC based analytical method for estimating sitagliptin in human plasma for pharmacokinetic applications.

Methods: In the present study, the mobile phase composed of acetonitrile: 0.5% triethanolamine (20:80) with pH 6.5 has been utilized. Samples of plasma containing sitagliptin and internal standard (IS)-rosiglitazone were extracted with dichloromethane:diethyl ether (4:6; v/v) at pH 7.4. The rate of flow was 1 ml/min. The retention time was about 5,232 and 6,903 minutes respectively for sitagliptin and rosiglitazone.

Results: At concentrations of 100-3200 ng/ml in plasma, calibration curves of sitagliptin were linear. The inter- and intra-day precision and accuracy ranged in between 93.56-98.56% and 1.09-4.55% respectively. For specificity, the study findings showed no co-eluting peaks occurring with IS drug (rosiglitazone) and confirmed that no percentage of interferences at analyte (sitagliptin) retention in presence of rosiglitazone. The sitagliptin recovery was 96.442%. Chromatographic separations were performed on HI Qsil C-18 HS column (250mm x 4.6mm x 5μm). The stability of stock solutions of sitagliptin and IS at room temperature was 98.06% and 100.79% respectively while under refrigerated conditions stability was 98.19% and 96.59% respectively. Freeze-thaw stability for sitagliptin was performed with low & high QC and shown as 98.26% for and 97.45% respectively. The limits of detection and quantification were 8.592 ng/ml and 28.641 ng/ml respectively.

Conclusion: A simple, sensitive and accurate method was developed for bio analytical estimation of sitagliptin in human plasma using liquid-liquid extraction technique. The validation results of linearity, accuracy, precision, stability, selectivity, ruggedness, LOD and LOQ were good under acceptable limit and can be applied for pharmacokinetic studies.
Development and Validation of RP-HPLC Chromatographic Dissolution Method for the Simultaneous Estimation of Ramipril and Hydrochlorothiazide from Solid Dosage Formulation
Authors: Raut Prabhakar V. , Padwal Sudhakar L. , Bachute Madhusudhan T. , Polshettiwar Satish A.
Published: September 2021

The present study describes the dissolution method development and validation of Ramipril and Hydrochlorothiazide in tablet dosage form by HPLC Method.

A simple, rapid, selective, reproducible and isocratic reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (RP-HPLC) method has been developed and validated as per ICH guidelines.

Analysis was performed on a Thermo, Sunniest C8 (150 mm x 4.6 mm, 5 µm) with the mobile phase consisting of mixing 500 mL of buffer solution and 500 mL of acetonitrile at a flow rate of 1.0mL/min. UV detection was performed at 210nm and the Run time for Ramipril and Hydrochlorothiazide were 10 minutes. The calibration curve was linear (correlation coefficient = 1.000) in the selected range for both analytes.

The optimized dissolution conditions include the USP Type 1 (Basket) rotation rate of 100 rpm and 750 mL of 0.1 N Hydrochloric acid as dissolution medium, at 37.0 ± 0.5°C. The method was validated for precision, linearity, specificity, accuracy, limit of quantitation and ruggedness. The system suitability parameters, such as theoretical plate, tailing factor and relative standard deviation (RSD) between six standard replicates were well within the limits. The stability result shows that the drug is stable in the prescribed dissolution medium.
Compression of Hamstring and Quadriceps Muscles Strength in Patients with Osteoarthritis of Knee and Normal individual
Authors: Shukla M. , Parmar L.
Published: September 2021

Objectives: 1. To assess the strength of hamstring and quadriceps in patients with knee OA with 1 RM.

To compare the strength of hamstring and quadriceps with normal individuals.

Research Design: Observational study.

Introduction: Quadriceps and hamstring muscle weakness is commonly found in knee OA which may alter normal Quadriceps/Hamstrings ratio i.e. (2:1). So the purpose of the study was to check the strength of the quadriceps and hamstring muscle in OA knee patients and compare it with normal individual.

Method: 20 diagnosed knee OA patients and 21 normal individuals were recruited. Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength was measured in both case and normal group by using 1 RM method. Q/H ratio was obtained from the muscle strength and both were compared between two groups by using T test.

Materials: Quadriceps table, Metal weight plate, Plinth, Sand bag.

Results & Discussion: Quadriceps and hamstring strength were reduced significantly (p=<0.001) in patients with knee OA compare to normal individual. There was negative co relation between pain and muscle strength seen. No alteration in Q/H ratio (Rt knee p=0.130; Lt knee p=0.722) between the case & control found because both the muscle strength reduced similarly.

Conclusion: Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength is significantly reduced in OA knee.

Patients compare to normal individuals but no alteration in Q/H ratio seen in both groups.
The Situation and Preventive Measures Related to COVID-19 Infection for Medical Staff
Authors: Sherzad Abdul Ghafar , Tu Yan , Liu Weitao , Azimee M. Azim , Arash Nemat , Assady Abdullah , Raufi Nahid , Huang Ying , Xu Xingbo , Alsarhang Osama , Zeng Qingchun
Published: September 2021

The novel coronavirus, or COVID-19, emerged from Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, and has recently spread all over the world. During the COVID-19 pandemic, healthcare workers struggle against this microscopic enemy due to their job responsibilities, thus leading to be infected in some of them, even some of them are died in line of duty. As of 2 February 2021, 37 million cases of COVID-19 among health workers from 183 countries and regions were reported to the World Health Organization (WHO), a figure that represents 36% of the total cases globally. The median age of these cases was 42 years and 68% were women. On May 24, 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that at least 115,000 healthcare workers have died due to COVID-19 worldwide since the pandemic began last year.  It is important to pay attention to the situation related to COVID-19 infection for medical staff and their preventive measures. This paper reviews the literature on all available information about the situation and preventive measures (The primary prevention of COVID-19 is to break the chain of transmission from infected to healthy people, secondary preventive measures comprise the use of health screening and recognition activities to ascertain those infected with COVID-19 and tertiary prevention consists of treatment and proper rehabilitation) related to COVID-19 infection for medical staff.
Role of Craniectomy Versus Craniotomy via the Retrosigmoid Approach in Decreasing the Incidence of Postoperative Headache
Authors: Sezer Can , Gokten Murat , Sezer Aykut , Gezgin İnan , Binboga Ali Burak , Onay Mehmet
Published: September 2021

Background

Postoperative headache is a major complaint after retrosigmoid surgery. Postoperative headache affects a patient's quality of life. Craniotomy may have a role in the prevention of such headaches. We aimed to evaluate the role of craniectomy versus craniotomy via the retrosigmoid approach in reducing the incidence of postoperative headaches.

Materials and methods

Patients who underwent surgery between January 2012 and December 2018 were retrospectively assessed and were classified into the craniectomy and craniotomy groups. Clinical data, such as those on age, sex, type of surgery, surgical repair technique, development of infection, postoperative cerebrospinal fluid leak, postoperative meningitis, size of the bone flap, and wound infection, were collected. The severity of headache in all patients was clinically assessed using the Catalano grading system.

Results

Overall, 95 patients underwent microsurgery via the retrosigmoid approach. Of these, 48 were men and 47 were women. In total, 34 patients underwent craniectomy, and 61 patients underwent craniotomy. On discharge, postoperative headache was observed in 47% (16 of 34) and 21% (13 of 61) of patients who underwent craniectomy and craniotomy, respectively (P = .01). The incidence of headache decreased at follow-up. At 12 months after surgery, 15% of patients in the craniectomy group (5/34) and 2% of patients in the craniotomy group (2/61) experienced headache (P = 0.01). Of the 61 patients in the craniotomy group, 2 (2%) had less severe headache at 12 months of follow-up.

Conclusion

The severity of headache after surgery and on discharge significantly decreased in patients who underwent craniotomy than in those who underwent craniectomy.
DFT Study on the Reaction Mechanism of Cyclization of 2-Hydroxy Chalcone Catalyzed by Bronsted Acid with M06-2X Functional
Authors: Hildayani Suci Zulaikha , Martoprawiro Muhamad Abdulkadir , Syah Yana Maolana
Published: September 2021

Flavanones are one of the flavonoid group that has wide variety of applications such as a precursors in drug discovery. In the laboratory, flavanone is often synthesized from chalcone compounds. The conversion of chalcone to flavanone can be catalyzed by bronsted acid. The reaction mechanism for this process is proposed through the Michael addition reaction, however, the energetic details and the rate determining step for this reaction is not certainly known. This research aimed to investigate the reaction mechanism for chalcone-flavanone conversion with the present of bronsted acid as catalyst and also studied the effect of the solvent on the reaction energy profile with computational method. In this study, the modeling of the reaction mechanism for the said reaction was carried out using the DFT computational method with M06-2X functional. The computation was done both in the gas phase and in present of the solvent effect using the PCM models. The results showed that the mechanism of chalcone-flavanone conversion occurred in three steps which are protonation, cyclization, and then tautomerization. Based on these calculations, the rate determining step was the tautomerization reaction, which exhibited the same results with or without the solvent effects. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Nontoxic electron collimators
Authors: Breitkreutz Dylan Yamabe , Skinner Lawrie , Lo Stephanie , Yu Amy
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The goal of this work was to develop and test nontoxic electron collimation technologies for clinical use.

Methods

Two novel technologies were investigated: tungsten‐silicone composite and 3D printed electron cutouts. Transmission, dose uniformity, and profiles were measured for the tungsten‐silicone. Surface dose, relative dose output, and field size were measured for the 3D printed cutouts and compared with the standard cerrobend cutouts in current clinical use. Quality assurance tests including mass measurements, Megavoltage (MV) imaging, and drop testing were developed for the 3D printed cutouts as a guide to safe clinical implementation.

Results

Dose profiles of the flexible tungsten‐silicone skin shields had an 80–20 penumbra values of 2–3 mm compared to 7–8 mm for cerrobend. In MV transmission image measurements of the tungsten‐silicone, 80% of the pixels had a transmission value within 2% of the mean. An ∼90% reduction in electron intensity was measured for 6 MeV and a 6.4 mm thickness of tungsten‐silicone and 12.7 mm thickness for 16 MeV. The maximum difference in 3D printed cutout versus cerrobend output, surface dose, and full width at half‐maximum (FWHM) was 1.7%, 1.2%, and 1.5%, respectively, for the 10 cm × 10 cm cutouts.

Conclusions

Both flexible tungsten‐silicone and 3D printed cutouts were found to be feasible for clinical use. The flexible tungsten‐silicone was of adequate density, flexibility, and uniformity to serve as skin shields for electron therapy. The 3D printed cutouts were dosimetrically equivalent to standard cerrobend cutouts and were robust enough for handling in the clinical environment.
Image‐guided volumetric‐modulated arc therapy of total body irradiation: An efficient workflow from simulation to delivery
Authors: Guo Bingqi , Sheen Cherian , Murphy Erin , Magnelli Anthony , Lu Lan , Cho YoungBin , Qi Peng , Majhail Navneet S , Xia Ping
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Using multi‐isocenter volumetric‐modulated arc therapy (VMAT) for total body irradiation (TBI) may improve dose uniformity and vulnerable tissue protection compared with classical whole‐body field technique. Two drawbacks limit its application: (1) VMAT‐TBI planning is time consuming; (2) VMAT‐TBI plans are sensitive to patient positioning uncertainties due to beam matching. This study presents a robust planning technique with image‐guided delivery to improve dose delivery accuracy. In addition, a streamlined sim‐to‐treat workflow with automatic scripts is proposed to reduce planning time.

Materials

Twenty‐five patients were included in this study. Patients were scanned in supine head‐first and feet‐first directions. An automatic workflow was used to (1) create a whole‐body CT by registering two CT scans, (2) contour lungs, kidneys, and planning target volume (PTV), (3) divide PTV into multiple sub‐targets for planning, and (4) place isocenters. Treatment planning included feathered AP/PA beams for legs/feet and VMAT for the body. VMAT‐TBI was evaluated for plan quality, planning/delivery time, and setup accuracy using image guidance.

Results

VMAT‐TBI planning time can be reduced to a day with automatic scripts. Treatment time took around an hour per fraction. VMAT‐TBI improved dose coverage (PTV V100 increased from 76.8 ± 10.5 to 88.5 ± 2.6; p < 0.001) and reduced lung dose (lung mean dose reduced from 10.8 ± 0.7 Gy to 9.4 ± 0.8 Gy, p < 0.001) compared with classic AP/PA technique.

Conclusion

A VMAT‐TBI sim‐to‐treat workflow with robust planning and image‐guided delivery was proposed. VMAT‐TBI improved the plan quality compared with classical whole‐body field techniques.
Understanding the Role of Grain Boundaries on Charge‐Carrier and Ion Transport in Cs2AgBiBr6 Thin Films
Authors: Li Zewei , Senanayak Satyaprasad P. , Dai Linjie , Kusch Gunnar , Shivanna Ravichandran , Zhang Youcheng , Pradhan Dipika , Ye Junzhi , Huang Yi‐Teng , Sirringhaus Henning , Oliver Rachel A. , Greenham Neil C. , Friend Richard H. , Hoye Robert L. Z.
Published: September 2021

Halide double perovskites have gained significant attention, owing to their composition of low‐toxicity elements, stability in air, and recent demonstrations of long charge‐carrier lifetimes that can exceed 1 µs. In particular, Cs2AgBiBr6 is the subject of many investigations in photovoltaic devices. However, the efficiencies of solar cells based on this double perovskite are still far from the theoretical efficiency limit of the material. Here, the role of grain size on the optoelectronic properties of Cs2AgBiBr6 thin films is investigated. It is shown through cathodoluminescence measurements that grain boundaries are the dominant nonradiative recombination sites. It also demonstrates through field‐effect transistor and temperature‐dependent transient current measurements that grain boundaries act as the main channels for ion transport. Interestingly, a positive correlation between carrier mobility and temperature is found, which resembles the hopping mechanism often seen in organic semiconductors. These findings explain the discrepancy between the long diffusion lengths >1 µm found in Cs2AgBiBr6 single crystals versus the limited performance achieved in their thin film counterparts. This work shows that mitigating the impact of grain boundaries will be critical for these double perovskite thin films to reach the performance achievable based on their intrinsic single‐crystal properties.
Giant Nonlinear Optical Absorption of Ion‐Intercalated Tin Disulfide Associated with Abundant In‐Gap Defects
Authors: Diao Mengjuan , Li Hui , Gao Xiangyun , Hou Ruipeng , Cheng Qian , Yu Zhiyang , Huang Zhipeng , Zhang Chi
Published: September 2021

Herein it is reported that electrochemical ion‐intercalation is a convenient and effective strategy toward materials with giant nonlinear optical (NLO) absorption. Alkali‐metal ions (i.e., Li+, Na+, K+) are electrochemically intercalated into SnS2 nanosheets. All ion‐intercalated samples exhibit remarkably enhanced optical nonlinearity compared with an untreated sample, and Li‐intercalated SnS2 (Li0.952SnII0.398SnIV0.563S2) possesses optimized strong NLO performance. Li0.952SnII0.398SnIV0.563S2 exhibits strong saturable absorption, and the corresponding nonlinear absorption coefficient (βeff) is ‐1.7 × 104 cm GW–1 for the laser excitation at 515 nm. Li0.952SnII0.398SnIV0.563S2 shows prominent reverse saturable absorption with the laser excitation at 800 nm (βeff: 2.8 × 104 cm GW–1) and 1030 nm (βeff: 1.4 × 104 cm GW–1). All βeff values are larger than most of the reported inorganic NLO materials at corresponding wavelengths. The optical limiting threshold of Li0.952SnII0.398SnIV0.563S2 is 8 × 10–4 J cm–2, two orders of magnitude smaller (better) than the bench‐mark composite (e.g., SWNT‐NH‐TPP). Ion intercalation introduces abundant in‐gap defects. The excitation of electrons in in‐gap states to conduction band intensifies the Pauli‐blocking effect and therefore promotes the saturable absorption under the 515 nm laser excitation, while the in‐gap defect states acting as effective excitation pathway facilitate excited‐state absorption for 800 and 1030 nm laser.
Advances in Encapsulation and Delivery Strategies for Islet Transplantation
Authors: Wu Siying , Wang Liying , Fang Yifen , Huang Hai , You Xinru , Wu Jun
Published: September 2021

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disease caused by the destruction of pancreatic β‐cells in response to autoimmune reactions. Shapiro et al. conducted novel islet transplantation with a glucocorticoid‐free immunosuppressive agent in 2000 and achieved great success; since then, islet transplantation has been increasingly regarded as a promising strategy for the curative treatment of T1DM. However, many unavoidable challenges, such as a lack of donors, poor revascularization, blood‐mediated inflammatory reactions, hypoxia, and side effects caused by immunosuppression have severely hindered the widespread application of islet transplantation in clinics. Biomaterial‐based encapsulation and delivery strategies are proposed for overcoming these obstacles, and have demonstrated remarkable improvements in islet transplantation outcomes. Herein, the major problems faced by islet transplantation are summarized and updated biomaterial‐based strategies for islet transplantation, including islet encapsulation across different scales, delivery of stem cell‐derived beta cells, co‐delivery of islets with accessory cells and immunomodulatory molecules are highlighted.
Electrode‐Induced Self‐Healed Monolayer MoS2 for High Performance Transistors and Phototransistors
Authors: Pak Sangyeon , Jang Seunghun , Kim Taehun , Lim Jungmoon , Hwang Jae Seok , Cho Yuljae , Chang Hyunju , Jang A‐Rang , Park Kyung‐Ho , Hong John , Cha SeungNam
Published: September 2021

Contact engineering for monolayered transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) is considered to be of fundamental challenge for realizing high‐performance TMDCs‐based (opto) electronic devices. Here, an innovative concept is established for a device configuration with metallic copper monosulfide (CuS) electrodes that induces sulfur vacancy healing in the monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) channel. Excess sulfur adatoms from the metallic CuS electrodes are donated to heal sulfur vacancy defects in MoS2 that surprisingly improve the overall performance of its devices. The electrode‐induced self‐healing mechanism is demonstrated and analyzed systematically using various spectroscopic analyses, density functional theory (DFT) calculations, and electrical measurements. Without any passivation layers, the self‐healed MoS2 (photo)transistor with the CuS contact electrodes show outstanding room temperature field effect mobility of 97.6 cm2 (Vs)−1, On/Off ratio > 108, low subthreshold swing of 120 mV per decade, high photoresponsivity of 1 × 104 A W−1, and detectivity of 1013 jones, which are the best among back‐gated transistors that employ 1L MoS2. Using ultrathin and flexible 2D CuS and MoS2, mechanically flexible photosensor is also demonstrated, which shows excellent durability under mechanical strain. These findings demonstrate a promising strategy in TMDCs or other 2D material for the development of high performance and functional devices including self‐healable sulfide electrodes.
Variability and Yield in h‐BN‐Based Memristive Circuits: The Role of Each Type of Defect
Authors: Shen Yaqing , Zheng Wenwen , Zhu Kaichen , Xiao Yiping , Wen Chao , Liu Yingwen , Jing Xu , Lanza Mario
Published: September 2021

In the race of fabricating solid‐state nano/microelectronic devices using 2D layered materials (LMs), achieving high yield and low device‐to‐device variability are the two main challenges. Electronic devices that drive currents in‐plane and homogeneously along the 2D‐LMs (i.e., transistors, memtransistors) are strongly affected by local defects (i.e., grain boundaries, wrinkles, thickness fluctuations, polymer residues), as they create inhomogeneities and increase the device‐to‐device variability, resulting in a poor performance at the circuit level. Here, it is shown that memristors are insensitive to most types of defects in 2D‐LMs, even when fabricated in academic laboratories that do not meet industrial standards. The reason is that the currents produced in these devices, which flow out‐of‐plane across the 2D‐LM, are always driven locally by the most conductive locations. Consequently, it is concluded that it is much easier to fabricate 2D‐LMs‐based solid‐state nano/microelectronic circuits using memristors than using transistors or memtransistors, not only due to the inherent simpler fabrication process (i.e., less lithography steps) but also because the local defects do not degrade the yield and variability of memristors considerably.
Efficient Ion Sieving in Covalent Organic Framework Membranes with Sub‐2‐Nanometer Channels
Authors: Sheng Fangmeng , Wu Bin , Li Xingya , Xu Tingting , Shehzad Muhammad A. , Wang Xiuxia , Ge Liang , Wang Huanting , Xu Tongwen
Published: September 2021

Membranes of sub‐2‐nanometer channels show high ion transport rates, but it remains a great challenge to design such membranes with desirable ion selectivities for ion separation applications. Here, covalent organic framework (COF) membranes with a channel size of ≈1.4 nm and abundant hydrogen bonding sites, exhibiting efficient ion sieving properties are demonstrated. The COF membranes have high monovalent cation permeation rates of 0.1–0.2 mol m−2 h−1 and extremely low multivalent cation permeabilities, leading to high monovalent over divalent ion selectivities for K+/Mg2+ of ≈765, Na+/Mg2+ of ≈680, and Li+/Mg2+ of ≈217. Experimental measurements and theoretical simulations reveal that the hydrogen bonding interaction between hydrated cations and the COF channel wall governs the high selectivity, and divalent cations transport through the channel needs to overcome higher energy barriers than monovalent cations. These findings provide an effective strategy for developing sub‐2‐nanometer sized membranes with specific interaction sites for high‐efficiency ionic separation.
A Fully Printed Flexible Sensor Sheet for Simultaneous Proximity–Pressure–Temperature Detection
Authors: Luo Huayu , Pang Gaoyang , Xu Kaichen , Ye Zhiqiu , Yang Huayong , Yang Geng
Published: September 2021

Flexible multimodal sensors are an indispensable part of Internet of Things for human–machine interfaces, health monitoring, and soft robots. Despite tremendous research efforts dedicated to high sensitivity, flexibility, and multifunctionality, these merits are conventionally accompanied with sophisticated fabrications that hinder practical applications. Herein, a fully printed flexible trimodal sensor sheet containing 4 × 4 pressure sensor units, 2 × 2 temperature sensor units, and 1 proximity sensor unit is proposed. Its elaborate structure featured by a trifunctional bottom electrode layer effectively extends the functionality of this sensor sheet as well as maintains facile fabrication. The heterogeneous sensor units in this multifunctional device are rationally integrated to suppress crosstalk and mutual interference while keeping a compact configuration. Moreover, the integration of all functionalities enables a dual‐level detection capability, where proximity perception at the upper level can detect the event of interest to wake up temperature and pressure perceptions at the lower level. This provides a solution to free densely distributed sensor networks from a long‐term operation, thereby saving power consumption. The fully printable multimodal sensor sheet shows potentials for low‐cost macroscale flexible electronics.
Biomolecular Corona Associated with Nanostructures: The Potentially Disruptive Role of Raman Microscopy
Authors: Battaglini Matteo , Belenli Gümüş Melike , Ciofani Gianni
Published: September 2021

When nanostructures and other materials are exposed to biological fluids, they are immediately covered by a layer of biological molecules, which is typically referred to as a “biomolecular corona” (BC). This represents the first component of a material that interacts with biological systems, so characterizing the composition and the dynamic evolution of BC is essential for predicting the interactions of materials and living organisms. This review provides an analysis of current BC characterization techniques, with particular attention to nanostructures involved in biomedical applications. The influence on cell–nanostructure interactions is assessed and the advantages and limitations of each technique are discussed and compared. An in‐depth analysis of Raman microscopy, a relatively unexploited tool with great potential in the characterization of BC, is then conducted. Raman microscopy can be used to analyze a vast amount of specimens without the need for staining, and can provide analysis on a spatial scale of hundreds of nanometers: it may thus represent a potentially disruptive tool for the characterization of BC, as it overcomes many of the limitations posed by current techniques.
Flexible and Extendable Honeycomb‐Shaped Triboelectric Nanogenerator for Effective Human Motion Energy Harvesting and Biomechanical Sensing
Authors: Yang Yun , Chen Liang , He Jian , Hou Xiaojuan , Qiao Xiaojun , Xiong Jijun , Chou Xiujian
Published: September 2021

Triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) is an attractive approach to power wearable electronic devices by harvesting energy from the environment. To further improve the electricity generation efficiency, a honeycomb‐shaped triboelectric nanogenerator (H‐TENG) with high spatial density and extendibility for human kinetic energy harvesting and motion monitoring is proposed. The honeycomb structure enables the H‐TENG to extend and stack along the required direction when in restricted space, which consequently achieves enhancive space utilization and power density promotion. 3D‐printed thermoplastic polyurethane as the elastic shell endows the H‐TENG with robust mechanical flexibility, high deformation, and advantageous fatigue resistance. In the output experiment, H‐TENG exhibits excellent electricity generation performance, that the maximum open‐circuit voltage and power density can reach 1500 V and 10.79 W m−2. In addition, the H‐TENG can not only light 252 white light‐emitting diodes with tapping, power the electronic watch and pedometer with walking, but also can maintain the sustainable running of the electronic thermometer. Moreover, H‐TENG manifests an extraordinary sensible response to the elbow bending of different angles and can estimate the walking speed from the frequency, demonstrating the potential of H‐TENG both as the biomechanical sensor and energy harvester of human movement.
Lithium Oxide Superionic Conductors Inspired by Garnet and NASICON Structures
Authors: Xiao Yihan , Jun KyuJung , Wang Yan , Miara Lincoln J. , Tu Qingsong , Ceder Gerbrand
Published: September 2021

The key component in lithium solid‐state batteries (SSBs) is the solid electrolyte composed of lithium superionic conductors (SICs). Lithium oxide SICs offer improved electrochemical and chemical stability compared with sulfides, and their recent advancements have largely been achieved using materials in the garnet‐ and NASICON (sodium superionic conductor)‐ structured families. In this work, using the ion‐conduction mechanisms in garnet and NASICON as inspiration, a common pattern of an “activated diffusion network” and three structural features that are beneficial for superionic conduction: a 3D percolation Li diffusion network, short distances between occupied Li sites, and the “homogeneity” of the transport path are identified. A high‐throughput computational screening is performed to search for new lithium oxide SICs that share these features. From this search, seven candidates are proposed exhibiting high room‐temperature ionic conductivity evaluated using ab initio molecular dynamics simulations. Their structural frameworks including spinel, oxy‐argyrodite, sodalite, and LiM(SeO3)2 present new opportunities for enriching the structural families of lithium oxide SICs.
Lignin as a dry bonding system component in EPDM/microcrystalline cellulose composites
Authors: Kandil Heba , Youssef Ahmed M. , El Nashar Doaa E.
Published: September 2021

This study aims at using lignin in place of resorcinol in hexamethylene‐tetramine, resorcinol and hydrated silica (HRH) bonding system for ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM)/microcrystalline cellulose (MCC) composites. Various percentages of lignin (0%, 50%, 75%, and 100% with respect to resorcinol weight) were used. The rheometric, mechanical, thermo‐aging, swelling, and dielectric properties of the produced composites were investigated. It was found that the introduction of 50% of lignin produced composite with superior mechanical, thermo‐aging and swelling properties. Furthermore, the dielectric properties of the composites showed a significant enhancement with 100% of resorcinol replacement with lignin.
Biodegradable cationic waterborne polyurethanes from poly(caprolactone)diol and trimethylol propane monooleate
Authors: Li Ying , Shen Jun , Zhang Siqi , Wang Weidong , Chen Yu , Li Lin
Published: September 2021

Biodegradable cationic waterborne polyurethanes (WPUs) were successfully prepared using poly(caprolactone) diol as the soft segment. To improve the mechanical performance, adhesive strength and water resistance of the WPU films, different amounts of trimethylol propane monooleate (TMPM) containing biodegradable long‐branched aliphatic chains were incorporated in the PU structure. The T‐peel strength of WPU‐3 reached 42.8 N/25 mm, which was about 324% higher than that of WPU (10.1 N/25 mm) without TMPM. On the other hand, the elongation at break of WPU‐5 was 811%. On enhancing the TMPM content from 0 to 7.8 wt %, the surface tension decreased from 53.6 to 41.5 mN/m and the water contact angle of the WPU films increased from 52.4 to 81.0°, whereas the water absorption was observed to decrease from 15.6% to 9.6%. The fracture mechanism of the WPU films transformed from the brittle failure to the ductile fracture. The experiment results showed the cationic WPU modified by TMPM displayed excellent film‐forming property flexibility and adhesion, the surface tension of WPU dispersion and crystallinity of the resulting film were significantly reduced. For the first time, a biodegradable cationic WPU has been prepared by modification with TMPM, which can be employed for constructing the eco‐friendly biodegradable cationic WPUs.
Attenuation of Rheumatoid Arthritis Through the Inhibition of Tumor Necrosis Factor–Induced Caspase 3/Gasdermin E–Mediated Pyroptosis
Authors: Zhai Zeqing , Yang Fangyuan , Xu Wenchao , Han Jiaochan , Luo Guihu , Li Yehao , Zhuang Jian , Jie Hongyu , Li Xing , Shi Xingliang , Han Xinai , Luo Xiaoqing , Song Rui , Chen Yonghong , Liang Jianheng , Wu Shufan , He Yi , Sun Erwei
Published: September 2021

Objective

To determine the role of gasdermin E (GSDME)–mediated pyroptosis in the pathogenesis and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and to explore the potential of GSDME as a therapeutic target in RA.

Methods

The expression and activation of caspase 3 and GSDME in the synovium, macrophages, and monocytes of RA patients were determined by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and Western blot analysis. The correlation of activated GSDME with RA disease activity was evaluated. The pyroptotic ability of monocytes from RA patients was tested, and the effect of tumor necrosis factor (TNF) on caspase 3/GSDME‐mediated pyroptosis of monocytes and macrophages was investigated. In addition, collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) was induced in mice lacking Gsdme, and the incidence and severity of arthritis were assessed.

Results

Compared to cells from healthy controls, monocytes and synovial macrophages from RA patients showed increased expression of activated caspase 3, GSDME, and the N‐terminal fragment of GSDME (GSDME‐N). The expression of GSDME‐N in monocytes from RA patients correlated positively with disease activity. Monocytes from RA patients with higher GSDME levels were more susceptible to pyroptosis. Furthermore, TNF induced pyroptosis in monocytes and macrophages by activating the caspase 3/GSDME pathway. The use of a caspase 3 inhibitor and silencing of GSDME significantly blocked TNF‐induced pyroptosis. Gsdme deficiency effectively alleviated arthritis in a mouse model of CIA.

Conclusion

These results support the notion of a pathogenic role of GSDME in RA and provide an alternative mechanism for RA pathogenesis involving TNF, which activates GSDME‐mediated pyroptosis of monocytes and macrophages in RA. In addition, targeting GSDME might be a potential therapeutic approach for RA.
Collective cell migration driven by filopodia—New insights from the social behavior of myotubes
Authors: Bischoff Maik C. , Bogdan Sven
Published: September 2021

Collective migration is a key process that is critical during development, as well as in physiological and pathophysiological processes including tissue repair, wound healing and cancer. Studies in genetic model organisms have made important contributions to our current understanding of the mechanisms that shape cells into different tissues during morphogenesis. Recent advances in high‐resolution and live‐cell‐imaging techniques provided new insights into the social behavior of cells based on careful visual observations within the context of a living tissue. In this review, we will compare Drosophila testis nascent myotube migration with established in vivo model systems, elucidate similarities, new features and principles in collective cell migration.
Prenatal overexpression of platelet‐derived growth factor receptor A results in central nervous system hypomyelination
Authors: Cardona Herminio Joey , Somasundaram Agila , Crabtree Donna M. , Gadd Samantha L. , Becher Oren J.
Published: September 2021

Background

Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) signaling, through the ligand PDGF‐A and its receptor PDGFRA, is important for the growth and maintenance of oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) in the central nervous system (CNS). PDGFRA signaling is downregulated prior to OPC differentiation into mature myelinating oligodendrocytes. By contrast, PDGFRA is often genetically amplified or mutated in many types of gliomas, including diffuse midline glioma (DMG) where OPCs are considered the most likely cell‐of‐origin. The cellular and molecular changes that occur in OPCs in response to unregulated PDGFRA expression, however, are not known.

Methods

Here, we created a conditional knock‐in (KI) mouse that overexpresses wild type (WT) human PDGFRA (hPDGFRA) in prenatal Olig2‐expressing progenitors, and examined in vivo cellular and molecular consequences.

Results

The KI mice exhibited stunted growth, ataxia, and a severe loss of myelination in the brain and spinal cord. When combined with the loss of p53, a tumor suppressor gene whose activity is decreased in DMG, the KI mice failed to develop tumors but still exhibited hypomyelination. RNA‐sequencing analysis revealed decreased myelination gene signatures, indicating a defect in oligodendroglial development. Mice overexpressing PDGFRA in prenatal GFAP‐expressing progenitors, which give rise to a broader lineage of cells than Olig2‐progenitors, also developed myelination defects.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that embryonic overexpression of hPDGFRA in Olig2‐ or GFAP‐progenitors is deleterious to OPC development and leads to CNS hypomyelination.
Sensitivity of cervical cytology in endometrial cancer detection in a tertiary hospital in Spain
Authors: Frias‐Gomez Jon , Tovar Eva , Vidal August , Murgui Lluis , Ibáñez Raquel , Peremiquel‐Trillas Paula , Paytubi Sonia , Baixeras Nuria , Zanca Alba , Ponce Jordi , Pineda Marta , Brunet Joan , de Sanjosé Silvia , Bosch Francesc Xavier , Matias‐Guiu Xavier , Alemany Laia , Costas Laura ,   Screenwide Team
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Cervical cytology is a well‐stablished cervical cancer screening method. However, due to the anatomical continuity of the genital tract, it can also detect signs of endometrial disease. Our aim was to estimate the sensitivity of cervical cytology in endometrial cancer detection and prognosis in a large population over a 30‐year period in a large academic tertiary hospital in Spain.

Methodology

We performed a search for women diagnosed with endometrial cancer from 1990 to 2020, who were surgically treated and had a previous cervical cytology result. Information Technologies Department databases from Bellvitge University Hospital and the Screenwide case–control study's database were used. Cervical cytology results were classified as abnormal when squamous lesions, glandular atypia or malignant cells were identified.

Results

Overall, we evaluated 371 women with endometrial cancer and a documented cervical cytology performed within 3 years previous to surgical treatment. Overall, the sensitivity of cervical cytology for endometrial cancer detection was 25.6%. Several clinico‐pathological characteristics, such as non‐endometrioid histology and a higher stage, were correlated with higher sensitivity.

Discussion

We observed a low sensitivity of cervical cytology to effectively diagnose endometrial cancer. However, recent technological advances using genomics and epigenomics may offer a promising perspective to detect endometrial cancer with high sensitivity in these cervical specimens.
How persistent are duplication of purchase partitions?
Authors: Anesbury Zachary William , Bennett Dag , Kennedy Rachel
Published: September 2021

Brands share more of their customers with bigger competitors and fewer with smaller ones. However, there are occasional deviations to this predictable Duplication of Purchase (DoP) pattern. When two or more brands share excess customers because of functional or nonfunctional differences—it is called a partition. While past research using the NBD‐Dirichlet model demonstrates partitions in annual or shorter data, there is no empirical evidence for partition persistency over the longer term, although some other NBD‐Dirichlet deviations are known to persist over time. Examining expected partitions in 10 consumer goods categories in the United Kingdom, the authors show partitions overwhelmingly persist over 3 years. The findings contribute support to Dirichlet theory, especially on market stability, boundary conditions, and provide practical implications for portfolio management.
Highly Controllable Hydrogenative Ring Rearrangement and Complete Hydrogenation Of Biobased Furfurals over Pd/La2B2O7 (B=Ti, Zr, Ce)
Authors: Tong Zhikun , Gao Rui , Li Xiang , Guo Lingyun , Wang Jun , Zeng Zheling , Deng Qiang , Deng Shuguang
Published: September 2021

Developing a highly selective catalyst to upgrade furfurals (5‐hydroxymethyl furfural and furfural) to cyclopentanones (3‐hydroxymethyl cyclopentanone and cyclopentanone) and tetrahydrofuran alcohols (2,5‐bishydroxymethyl tetrahydrofuran and tetrahydrofuran alcohol) is highly significant for biobased fine chemical synthesis. Here, a series of La2B2O7 (B=Ti, Zr, Ce) metal oxides, featuring the same chemical formula but different topological structures are fabricated. After Pd loading, the Lewis acidity and metal‐support interaction are well governed by the support type, which further affects the hydrogenation and acid‐catalyzed ability. A greater than 82 % yield of cyclopentanones is obtained via a hydrogenative ring rearrangement route over Pd/La2Ti2O7. However, Pd/La2Ce2O7 shows high catalytic efficiency for tetrahydrofuran alcohols with an approximately 80 % yield via a complete hydrogenation route. Additionally, the catalyst exhibits outstanding recycling performance and structural stability. This study presents an interesting design strategy for the selective preparation of cyclopentanones and tetrahydrofuran alcohols through the regulation of the adsorption mechanism.
Effects of Pre‐Electroplated Metal or/and Graphene on the Initial Coulombic Efficiency of Graphite Anode
Authors: Shen Wenzhuo , Ding Haoyuan , Zhang Jiali , Zhong Min , Guo Shouwu
Published: September 2021

Formation of solid electrolyte interface (SEI) and irreversible electrochemical reactions on the surface of anode during the lithiation/delithiation are considered as the main factors affecting the initial Coulombic efficiency of lithium‐ion battery. In this work, different metal or/and graphene is pre‐electroplated on the surface of graphite powder using a home‐built electrochemical workstation, and the surface states of graphite powder are characterized using FESEM, HRTEM, and TOF‐SIMS. The results show that metal or/and graphene are plated uniformly on the surface of graphite. The electrochemical property of the coin half‐cell using pre‐electroplated graphite as anodes shows that the metal can improve the electron/ion transfer capability of the composites that further suppress the irreversible reactions. The graphene can also control the formation of SEI on the anode, which counteract the considerable consumption of Li ions during the initial lithation/delithiation cycle.
The Kinetics of Phase Separation in Liquid‐Liquid Extraction: Modeling of Droplet Swarm Coalescence
Authors: Bol Pornprapa , Rudelstorfer Georg , Bol Jan Bernd , Siebenhofer Matthäus , Grafschafter Annika
Published: September 2021

The kinetics of droplet‐bulk coalescence in liquid‐liquid phase separation was investigated. A modified 1st order rate model was applied to fit the data of three series of experiments with different physical properties. This rate model can characterize the coalescence curve with two kinetic parameters, which are basically just fit parameters. The fit parameters were compared with the physical properties of the investigated systems. They compare well with the density, viscosity, and interfacial tension. The outcome of this study offers a simple and easy to apply tool for kinetic modeling of the coalescence process.