bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on the Effect of N-Acetylcysteine on Acute Kidney Injury due to Falciparum Malaria
Authors: Das Gurupada , Behera Bibhu Prasad , Karua Purna Chandra , Sethy Rama Chandra
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) occurs most commonly in Plasmodium falciparum infection. Next to cerebral malaria and anaemia, AKI is the third most common complication of falciparum malaria. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) has been shown to decrease serum creatinine without affecting the Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) by activating creatinine kinase and possibly by increasing tubular secretion. Aim: To study the effect of NAC on improvement and deterioration of falciparum malarial AKI. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study was undertaken on 100 patients of falciparum malaria with AKI who were admitted to the Department of General Medicine ward, VSSIMSAR, Burla, Odisha from November 2014 to October 2016. Patients who were treated with NAC were considered as NAC group (n=50) and those who were not given were considered as Non N-Acetylcysteine (NNAC) group (n=50). In both the groups serum creatinine level and urine output were compared on day 1, day 3 and on day 5 of the study. Graph pad instat version-3 for windows was used for various statistical analyses. The numerical value was compared by Chi-square test. The comparison of mean values among the NAC and NNAC groups was performed by student t-test. The p-value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: A total of 63 males and 37 females were included in the study. Most of the cases were present in 15-34 years age group in both NAC and NNAC groups. The mean age of the patients for NAC group was 33.3±12.8 years and for NNAC group was 33.2±12.1 years with majority being males in both the groups. Out of 50 cases who were given NAC 600 mg twice daily for five days, 28 (56%) cases improved in AKI on day 5 as compared to day 1 of the study in NAC group. Similarly, out of 50 cases who were not given NAC, 26 (52%) cases improved in AKI on day 5 as compared to day 1 of the study in NNAC group. There was no difference in patients showing improvement in AKI after NAC therapy compared to patients with NNAC (χ2, 0.04; p=0.841). Conclusion: In NAC group, improvement of falciparum malarial AKI after five days was found to be little bit more as compared to the NNAC group, though it did not reach statistically significant difference.
Postoperative Hypoparathyroidism: Presentation, Clinical Features and Long-term Follow-up from Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Acharya Shrikrishna V
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Hypoparathyroidism is commonly seen after total thyroidectomy. Though most of the time it is transient in nature but permanent decrease in function of the parathyroid function is also possible. Aim: A retrospective analysis of clinical presentation, treatment, prevalence of complications of hypoparathyroidism and its treatment with active vitamin D analogues was conducted. Materials and Methods: A retrospective cohort study followed by location and duration of study of all patients who developed Permanent Hypoparathyroidism (PH) and who were regular in follow-up for at least three years. Any patient with intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTH) levels <13 pg/mL and was on replacement therapy with calcium and/or vitamin D for at least one year after surgery is labelled as PH. Data of their treatment, serum calcium, phosphorous, creatinine, urine calcium/creatinine ratio and renal ultrasound was recorded. Data was represented as percentage, mean and standard deviation. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS version 19. Results: Out of the 23 patients enrolled, three were male and 20 were female with a mean age of 41.2±15.2 years. The mean duration of follow-up was 48±28 months. Clinical complications in 12 patients were observed. Two patients developed renal colic due to renal stone on follow-up. None of the patients developed renal failure. Conclusion: PH causes considerable morbidity and economic burden to family due to its lifelong treatment and monitoring. It requires regular follow-up and monitoring to prevent complications of disease as well as its treatment with active calcium salts. Around 50% of the patients suffered few relevant clinical events requiring hospitalisation.
Smartphone Vision Syndrome Associated with Prolonged Use of Digital Screen for Attending Online Classes during COVID-19Pandemic among Medical Students:A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Hundekari Jagdish , Sisodiya Rishendra , Kot Lokendra
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Smartphone vision disorder is a complex of eye and vision related problems associated with close work during use of digital screen. It is one of the rising wellbeing concerns identified with innovation (phones and tablets) because of constant utilisation of Smartphones among medical undergraduates particularly during the last five months due to COVID-19 pandemic for attending online classes. Aim: To investigate the impact of online classes on development of Digital Vision Syndrome (DVS) among undergraduate medical students. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in 280 undergraduate medical students from 1st and 2nd professional MBBS course attending online classes regularly from the last five months. The authors evaluated the student’s perception based on the symptoms experienced in the last five months through a pre-tested questionnaire related to DVS which are caused due to two mechanisms: (i) accommodative mechanism; (ii) ocular surface mechanism by using 5-point Likert scale. The association between development of DVS symptoms and risk factors like distance of eyes from the screen, refractive errors, duration of exposure and size of screen was analysed by factor analysis and ANOVA through EpiInfoTM for windows version 7.2.4. Results: In the present study, 78.2% of students were using smartphones and 21.8% were using large screen for reading and attending online classes during the lockdown period. It was observed that the descriptive statistics elaborates the overall mean of approximately score 3 in all 280 students on Likert scale. In regard to distance at which digital screen was kept, students who kept less distance (> arm and forearm length) are at higher risk of DVS development (p<0.001). In case of refractive error, the negative correlation shows that impact with spectacles is less compared to emmetropic eye (p<0.01 and p<0.001). About 75% of the total students score range between occasionally to always which indicates that the majority of the students got DVS. Authors assess the impact of duration of digital screen used and revealed that accommodative and ocular mechanisms responsible for development of DVS were significantly affected as duration of exposure to digital screen increases (p<0.001). We analysed the impact of digital screen size on DVS symptoms and found that participants using small screen are at higher risk (p<0.001) for development of smartphone vision syndrome as compared to large screen digital devices. Conclusion: The students attending online classes are more prone to development of smartphone vision syndrome. This study had shown association between DVS and the risk factors associated with it: duration of exposure, distance from the screen and size of screen used.
Relation between Mode of Delivery and Findings of Oto-Acoustic Emission Test Results
Authors: Gupta Nishit , Raj Riddhi Dharmendrasinh , Modi Pruthvi , Satoniya Krushn , Patel Maharshi Dilipkumar
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Hearing loss, since birth, is an important public health issue round the globe with a prevalence ranging from 2-3/1000 live births. Neonates born by Caesarean Delivery (CD) refer for Oto-Acoustic Emissions (OAE) test more frequently compared to Vaginal Delivery (VD) soon after birth. During this study, the effects of the modes of delivery on the OAE test results were investigated. Aim: To study the effects of modes of delivery on the OAE test results. Materials and Methods: During this study 500 neonates, born beyond 37 weeks of gestation, at Dhiraj Hospital, Gujarat, India between January 2019-July 2019 without any associated risk factors were enrolled and divided on basis of their mode of delivery-vaginal or caesarean section. Before their discharge from hospital, OAE test was performed on the patients. Modes of delivery and OAE test results were collected and analysed. Results: Results reviled that there was a significant difference in OAE test failure rates between the two delivery mode groups. CD was significantly related to failed OAE. CD infants had a three-fold higher failure rate as compared to VD infants in OAE test (4.12% vs 1.3%). Conclusion: Neonates born by CD had significantly higher failure rates on first OAE as compared to VD. This shows that the mode of delivery contains a significant effect on the results of the hearing screening tests.
Evaluation of Prophylactic Diacerein Treatment on Anti-Arthritic Activity in Freund’s Complete Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis in Rat Model
Authors: Upadhyay Rajlaxmi , Swain Trupti Rekha , Mohapatra Sabita , Upadhyay Manas Ranjan
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Osteoarthritis (OA) is commonly prevalent disorder seen in Indian population. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) are used as primary drugs for its symptomatic treatment. However, its use is limited by its long-term adverse effects. Many clinical studies have shown that diacerein reduces clinical symptoms of OA. Aim: To evaluate whether diacerein has beneficial anti-arthritic property when used prophylactically in Freund’s Complete Adjuvant (FCA) induced arthritis in rats. Materials and Methods: An experimental study was conducted over a period of about two months in the Department of Pharmacology, SCBMC, Cuttack. Thirty albino rats of Wistar strain was divided into 5 groups with 6 animals in each group. The basal body weight and the hind paw volumes of both right and left paw of all the animals was noted in day 0 and then on 4th, 8th, 14th and 21st day. Arthritis was induced in all animals by injecting FCA on day 0 into the plantar surface of right hind paw. Normal saline, diclofenac 5 mg/kg, three doses of diacerein (50 mg/kg, 100 mg/kg, 200 mg/kg), was administered orally once daily to groups I, II, III, IV and V respectively. Paw volumes and body weight was measured for arthritic parameters. On day 22 radiological and histopathologic evaluation was done. Results: Maximum inhibition of Freund’s adjuvant induced arthritic paw volume was on the 21st day with 100 mg/kg of diacerein and with diclofenac 5 mg/kg was from 8th to 14th day. There was a decrease in body weight due to freund’s adjuvant in normal saline group from 4th to 21st day, still greater decline with diclofenac 5 mg/kg group, but in diacerein treated group there was an increase in body weight from 4th to 21st day in all the three doses. Radiologically and histopathology maximum benefit was noted with 100 mg/kg of diacerein. Conclusion: Three weeks treatment of oral diacerein can significantly inhibit arthritic swelling of the injected paw at all the 3 doses in adjuvant induced arthritis model in rats and can be a promising disease modifying drug for OA.
Assessment of Perception of Family Planning among Mothers in an Urban Slum Area in Kolkata, India
Authors: Biswas Gourab , Bhattacharyya Agnihotri , Kar Arkadeb , Sengupta Biswadeep , Majumdar Sukanta , Bhattacharyya Nabanita
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Women in India are not fully educated on contraception usage. In 2017, a central family planning initiative called Mission Pariwar Vikas was launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). Aim: This study was conducted among mothers in an urban slum in Kolkata to establish their unmet family planning needs, as well as different factors associated with it. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional community-based study was conducted from February 2019 to May 2019 among mothers residing at an urban field practice area (Dhapa UHTC, Kolkata). All mothers of under-five children present in the slum were included in the study (n=246). Pre-designed, pre-tested, semi-structured schedule with both open and closed-ended questions were used. Results: The majority of the mothers were Muslim, of whom 37.8% were below 18 years of age. Among the mothers, 46.3% were adolescent mothers (<18 years). Around 78% mothers desired two children. Around 70.7% mothers were using some form of contraceptives at the time of the study. Out of 246 subjects, unmet family planning needs were found in 72 (29.3%) subjects. Significant association was found between unmet family planning needs and age, education level, socio-economic status, knowledge of the ideal age of marriage, and the number of children desired. Conclusion: The study revealed the unmet needs for contraception in an urban slum. However, the practice assessed by the study was actually reported practice and therefore, recall bias might be present. Further studies are recommended in other areas and different settings in order to extrapolate the study findings.
POLÍTICA DE FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES: A “QUALIDADE” COMO PROBLEMA
Authors: Michels Maria Helena
Published: March 2021

A “qualidade” da/na formação do professor é um dos slogans da política educacional na América Latina. Buscando compreender tal proposição esta pesquisa analisou documentos de organismos internacionais e dos governos chileno e brasileiro. Tais encaminhamentos nos levam a compreender que a propalada “qualidade” na educação vem atrelada à ideia de estandardização, em diferentes instâncias: instituições formadoras; índice de desempenho do ingressante dos cursos de formação; desempenho do estudante no final de sua formação; sua atuação na escola.  Este controle define parte desse processo que indica a chamada “epistemologia da prática” e é compreendido como um problema para a formação de professores.
Kunyima Method Validity in Sesame Seeds Oil Extraction "Democratic Republic of Congo"
Authors: Kunyima A. B. , Kaseya H. M. , Lusamba S. N. , Mulaji C. K. , Ataweza B. M.
Published: March 2021

Background: The very rich vegetable patrimony of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) demands a local abundant production of its fruits, roots and seeds by means of appropriate technology to relieve somewhat the problem of population health because indeed those fruits, seeds, roots and leaves are reputed to have very excellent virtues in various fields such as medicine, pharmacology, cosmetic products, food and so forth. Prior to this work papers have been published on Gourd seeds oil and Moringa seeds oil extractions in order to size a continuous stirrer pilot tank of extraction. KUNYIMA method has been successfully used and is still successfully used in this present article concerning sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds oil extraction in dilute medium.

Aim and Objective: In this paper it can be seen the reasoning leading to KUNYIMA method is relevant and can be used to size commercial tank giving thus home rational technology.

Methodology:  The Soxhlet extraction of oil from sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) seeds has been performed in dilute medium using petroleum ether as solvent.

Results:  The obtained results are satisfactory and are perfectly in agreement with the proposed model. Commercial tank construction on rational calculation is now possible.

Conclusion: KUNYIMA method once more is valid and allows to calculate the sizing factor needful to determine the reactor optimal volume.
Kriging: An advanced Geostatistical Tool to Interpolate the Textural Variation Influences the Yield and Productivity of Tapioca (Manihot esculenta) in Namakkal District, Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Sabareeshwari V. , Mary P. Christy Nirmala , Mahendran P. P. , Pandian P. Saravana , Gurusamy A. , Subhashini R.
Published: March 2021

Soil texture is a vital variable that reflects a number of soil properties such as Bulk Density, Particle Density, Infiltration Rate, Hydraulic conductivity, Water holding capacity, nutrient storage and availability as well as transport and binding and stability of soil aggregates. For better tuber development in cassava soil texture plays vital role.  The main objective of this study is to produce kriged maps (Ordinary kriging map and semivariogram) to interpolate the soil texture for Tapioca growing soils of Paramthy block, Namakkal District at unsampled locations. In this study, nearly 54 surface samples were collected covering 19,149 ha of agriculture land with dominant cultivation of Tapioca. This study helps spatial interpolation of unsampled location of soil texture i.e. sand, silt and clay content which rules the soil physical, chemical and hydrological properties. The average standard error for sand and clay are 0.2 and 0.19 respectively. The results such as provided maps and their associated variance can be used as data source for the development and implementation of further land management and soil water conservation plans in the study area.
Comparative Evaluation of the Antibacterial Effects of Nigella sativa and Moringa oleifera on some Clinical Bacteria Isolates
Authors: Garba D. E. , Dibua M. U. E , Attah F. , Alechenu E. C.
Published: March 2021

Aim: In this study, the antibacterial effect of the n-hexane, methanol, and ethanol extracts of two traditional medicinal plants, Nigella sativa and Moringa oleifera was carried out to comparatively assess the antibacterial efficacy of these plants against some selected multi-drug resistant diarrheagenic bacterial isolates such as Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Shigella spp, Enterobacter aerogenes, Klebsiella pneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Methodology: The inhibitory effects of extracts were assessed using disk diffusion method at six different concentrations i.e. 12.5 mg/ml, 25 mg/ml, 50 mg/ml, 100 mg/ml, 200 mg/ml, and 400 mg/ml. The minimum inhibitory concentrations and minimum bactericidal concentrations of the plant seed extracts were determined by the micro-broth dilution technique. Synergism and antagonism studies were similarly done to determine the combined effects of both N. sativa and M. oleifera seed oil. Further, resistant bacteria were subjected to sodium dodecyl sulphate treatment for plasmid curing and continued with the antibiotic susceptibility test.

Results: The oil extracts of N. sativa were found to be more effective than that of M. oleifera (at MIC and MCC of 50 mg/ml and 100 mg/ml respectively). It was observed that the plasmids were cured in all the E. coli isolates. Among the pathogens, E. coli was highly susceptible to both seed oils.

Conclusion: Higher antibacterial activity was observed when the extracts were used in combination, showing a strong synergistic effect against all the pathogens tested.
Efficacy of Fine Needle Aspiration and Cytology in Solitary Thyroid Nodule
Authors: Haider Shahzad Asfandyar , Memon Samar , Laghari Muhammad Saleem , Laghari Ahsan Ali , Laghari Mujeeb-Ur- Rehman , Daudpota Usama Feroz
Published: March 2021

Objective: To determine the efficacy of fine needle aspiration and cytology (FNAC) in the solitary thyroid nodules at tertiary care Hospital.

Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in department of general surgery at Liaquat University Hospital Jamshoro/ Hyderabad during one year from June 2015 May 2016. The study included all subjects of any gender and age who had a solitary nodule that was confirmed clinically or through thyroid scan. To achieve a tissue diagnosis before surgery, the study participants experienced fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC). The resected specimens were submitted for histopathology investigation postoperatively. Diagnostic accuracy of FNAC was assessed by cross tabulation by taking histopathology as gold standard. The data was gathered by using a self-made proforma and analyzed with SPSS version 20.

Results: Total fifty solitary thyroid nodules (STN) patients were studied. Mean age of the patients was 34.54+10.3 years. Of 50 patients, 46(92%) & 4(8%) were females and males respectively with male & female ratio of 1:11.5. 28(56%) STN were on right lobe, left side in 19(38%) cases; on isthmus in 3 (6%) cases. As per FNAC results, nodular colloid goiters were seen in 66% cases, follicular neoplasm in 10%, papillary carcinoma in 10%, Hurthle cell variation in 6%, benign cystic lesion in 4% of cases, neoplastic cystic lesion in only 1 case, and also only 1 study subject was suspected for malignancy. Thyroid function tests were normal in all patients. FNAC showed a significant efficacy with 83.3% sensitivity, 86.8% specificity, 86% diagnostic accuracy, 66.6% PPV and 94.28% NPV when histopathology was taken as a gold standard.

Conclusion: In the conclusion of this study the FNAC observed to be a simple, safe and effective diagnostic tool in detecting the thyroid malignancies as solitary thyroid nodules with 83.3% and 86.8% sensitivity and specificity respectively.
Improvement of Biomedical Structural Polymers by Synthetic Biology Methods
Authors: Malyutin Vyacheslav Gennad'evich , Sevagina Valentina Olegovna , Kokotov Viktor Anatolevich , Goncharov Vitaly V. , Markov Alexander , Shalneva Karina Nikolaevna
Published: March 2021

Materials that have a biological origin find many applications in both Biomedicine and other Sciences. However, the properties of these materials are difficult to change, since natural biosynthetic mechanisms are difficult to explain, simulate, or adjust. Thus, many materials of biological origin are isolated from natural tissues or their substitutes are produced recombinantly, and then modified in the process of experimental application.

A major shift in this paradigm is caused by the emerging field of synthetic biology, which introduces innovations in the "tool kit" of methods for tuning biomolecules and biosynthetic mechanisms. Relative to materials, this led to higher product titers due to reprogrammed natural biosynthesis and allowed the development of new materials by combining the desired domains. Here we can focus on recent applications of synthetic biology to bio-derived ribosomal and non-ribosomal polymer materials for biomedical applications. It is also interesting to describe modern methods that will affect the production and design of biomaterials in the near future. Continuous innovation at the intersection of synthetic biology and materials science promises to usher in a new era of biomaterial design and synthesis.
One Factor SEM and Multilevel SEM Model for Patient Satisfaction Data
Authors: Sherwani Rehan Ahmad Khan , Gill Sajjad Ali , Raza Shaukat Ali , Abbas Shumaila , Farooq Muhammad , Saeed Sana , Shahid Hira
Published: March 2021

Structural equation models are very common in medical, social, management and behavioral sciences where researchers established some causal relations between observed variables and latent variable. In structured populations the assumption of independence of observations is often violated and had been ignored by the researchers. As a result with the correlated structure of the error terms, biased estimates of the parameters have been produced that leads towards incorrect statistical inference. Multilevel structural equation model under one factor model has been proposed, estimated and compared with the traditional structural equation model on patient satisfaction data. Multilevel structural equation model produced better estimates than the structural equation models.
Diurnal Wind Pattern and Climate Condition on the Coastal Region of Qatar
Authors: Li Yuan , Sadr Reza
Published: March 2021

Climate pattern in the Persian Gulf is of great interest due to the strategic geographical location of the gulf as a waterway of major oil transportation and its increasing regional economic importance. However, long term and continues climate observations in this region are rare, especially for high resolution data. High resolution wind pattern and climate conditions were measured at 3 heights on a 9 m tower on the shoreline north of Qatar (26.08 N, 51.36 E) from August 2015 to September 2016. In this work, the annual wind and climate patterns (wind velocity, temperature, relative humidity, and air pressure) are first presented. Drag coefficient, turbulent kinetic energy and sensible heat flux are calculated using the high speed measured data to explain the observed climate pattern. The results show the wind in the southern part of the gulf is dominant by a northwest stream with a diurnal average speed of 4.7 m/s. During the test year, the diurnal average temperature and relative humidity were 27°C and 70%, respectively. The drag coefficient is much higher for the wind from 270o-330o, corresponding to the wind coming mainly from northwest. The Turbulent Kinetic Energy (TKE) is strong during the daytime, especially around noon when the diurnal value is at its peak, and weak during the night. The result of this analysis may be used for better understanding of the local climate, allowing for further assessment of wind energy and pollution diffusion in the region.
Scanning Manufacturing Parameters Determining the Residual Stress State in LPBF IN718 Small Parts
Authors: Serrano-Munoz Itziar , Ulbricht Alexander , Fritsch Tobias , Mishurova Tatiana , Kromm Arne , Hofmann Michael , Wimpory Robert C. , Evans Alexander , Bruno Giovanni
Published: March 2021

The influence of scan strategy on the residual stress (RS) state of an as‐built IN718 alloy produced by means of laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) is investigated. Two scan vector rotations (90°‐alternation and 67°‐rotation), each produced following two different scan vector lengths (long and short), are used to manufacture four rectangular prisms. Neutron diffraction (ND) and laboratory X‐ray diffraction (XRD) techniques are used to map the bulk and surface RS state, respectively. The distortion induced upon removal from the baseplate is measured via profilometry. XRD measurements show that the two long scan vector strategies lead to higher RS when compared with the equivalent short scan vector strategies. Also, the 67°‐rotation strategies generate lower RS than their 90°‐alternation counterparts. Due to the lack of reliable stress‐free references, the ND results are analyzed using von Mises stress. In general, ND results show significant RS spatial non‐uniformity. A comparison between ND and distortion results indicates that the RS component parallel to the building direction (Z‐axis) has a predominant role in theZ‐displacement. The use of a stress balance scheme allows to discuss the variability along the length of the specimens, as well as examine the absolute RS state.
Structure Inversion Asymmetry and Rashba Effect in Quantum Confined Topological Crystalline Insulator Heterostructures
Authors: Rechciński Rafał , Galicka Marta , Simma Mathias , Volobuev Valentine V. , Caha Ondřej , Sánchez‐Barriga Jaime , Mandal Partha S. , Golias Evangelos , Varykhalov Andrei , Rader Oliver , Bauer Günther , Kacman Perła , Buczko Ryszard , Springholz Gunther
Published: March 2021

Structure inversion asymmetry is an inherent feature of quantum confined heterostructures with non‐equivalent interfaces. It leads to a spin splitting of the electron states and strongly affects the electronic band structure. The effect is particularly large in topological insulators because the topological surface states are extremely sensitive to the interfaces. Here, the first experimental observation and theoretical explication of this effect are reported for topological crystalline insulator quantum wells made of Pb1−xSnxSe confined by Pb1−yEuySe barriers on one side and by vacuum on the other. This provides a well defined structure asymmetry controlled by the surface condition. The electronic structure is mapped out by angle‐resolved photoemission spectroscopy and tight binding calculations, evidencing that the spin splitting decisively depends on hybridization and, thus, quantum well width. Most importantly, the topological boundary states are not only split in energy but also separated in space—unlike conventional Rashba bands that are splitted only in momentum. The splitting can be strongly enhanced to very large values by control of the surface termination due to the charge imbalance at the polar quantum well surface. The findings thus, open up a wide parameter space for tuning of such systems for device applications.
Flexible High‐Resolution Triboelectric Sensor Array Based on Patterned Laser‐Induced Graphene for Self‐Powered Real‐Time Tactile Sensing
Authors: Yan Zhengguang , Wang Liangliang , Xia Yifan , Qiu Rendong , Liu Wenquan , Wu Min , Zhu Yan , Zhu Shunli , Jia Chunyang , Zhu Miaomiao , Cao Ruirui , Li Zhaoling , Wang Xin
Published: March 2021

Flexible tactile sensors are garnering substantial interest for various promising applications, including artificial intelligence, prosthetics, healthcare monitoring, and human–machine interactions (HMI). However, it still remains a critical challenge in developing high‐resolution tactile sensors without involving high‐cost and complicated manufacturing processes. Herein, a flexible high‐resolution triboelectric sensing array (TSA) for self‐powered real‐time tactile sensing is developed through a facile, mask‐free, high‐efficient, and environmentally friendly laser direct writing technique. A 16 × 16 pixelated TSA with a resolution of 8 dpi based on patterned laser‐induced graphene (LIG) electrodes (7 Ω sq−1) is fabricated by the complementary intersection overlapping between upper and lower aligned semicircular electrode arrays. With the especially patterning design, the complexity of TSA and the number of data channels is reduced. Meanwhile, the TSA platform exhibits excellent durability and synchronicity and enables the achievement of real‐time visualization of multipoint touch, sliding, and tracking motion trajectory without power consumption. Furthermore, a smart wireless controlled HMI system, composed of a 9‐digital arrayed touch panel based on a LIG‐patterned triboelectric nanogenerator, is constructed to control personal electronics wirelessly. Consequently, the self‐powered TSA as a promising platform demonstrates great potential for an active real‐time tactile sensing system, wireless controlled HMI, security identification and, many others.
2D MoS2 Charge Injection Memory Transistors Utilizing Hetero‐Stack SiO2/HfO2 Dielectrics and Oxide Interface Traps
Authors: Widiapradja Livia Janice , Nam Taewook , Jeong Yeonsu , Jin Hye‐Jin , Lee Yangjin , Kim Kwanpyo , Lee Sangyoon , Kim Hyungjun , Bae Heesun , Im Seongil
Published: March 2021

Among advanced devices with 2D semiconductors, charge injection memory field effect transistors (CIM FETs) may be one of the most important and practical ones. Reported CIM FETs utilize three layers (for tunneling, trapping, and bulk dielectric) in general, resulting in high switching voltages over 10 V. Here, nonvolatile CIM FETs are fabricated with MoS2 channel and hetero‐stack bilayer oxide dielectrics adopting 5 nm‐thin SiO2 and 25 nm‐thick HfO2, where the charge traps are expected at the SiO2/HfO2 oxide interface. It is nicely observed from the device that a low pulse gate voltage below ±7 V is enough to obtain program and erase states, which would originate from the tunneling electrons trapped at the hetero‐stack oxide interface. For comparison, other CIM FET devices are also fabricated but with tri‐layer dielectric of 5 nm polystyrene‐brush/5 nm HfO2/25 nm SiO2. Expectedly, the latter with tri‐layer requires at least ±10 V for memory operations. The former with a hetero‐stack oxide bilayer is now determined as an optimum device because of low operating voltages and less process complexity, and it is extended to a circuit application for a long‐term memory switching of an organic light‐emitting diode (OLED) pixel.
A Single Transistor‐Based Threshold Switch for a Bio‐Inspired Reconfigurable Threshold Logic
Authors: Han Joon‐Kyu , Lee Mun‐Woo , Yu Ji‐Man , Choi Yang‐Kyu
Published: March 2021

In this work, a single transistor‐based threshold switch for a bio‐inspired reconfigurable threshold logic is demonstrated with a metal‐oxide‐semiconductor field‐effect transistor. A threshold logic can mimic biological neurons of brain by use of Boolean entities with threshold units. Various linear Boolean logic functions of AND, OR, NOT, NAND, and NOR are implemented without analog circuits such as a comparator for threshold operation. As a result, reconfigurable threshold logic is realized with a 6F2 footprint. In addition to linearly separable logic functions, a linearly inseparable XOR logic function is also implemented using the same threshold switch. Edge detection, which is one of the most important functions for image recognition, is also demonstrated using the XOR logic function with the aid of semi‐empirical circuit simulation by reflecting experimental data.
Dendrites in Solid‐State Batteries: Ion Transport Behavior, Advanced Characterization, and Interface Regulation
Authors: Yu Zhenjiang , Zhang Xueyan , Fu Chuankai , Wang Han , Chen Ming , Yin Geping , Huo Hua , Wang Jiajun
Published: March 2021

Solid‐state electrolytes (SSEs) are attracting growing interest for next‐generation Li‐metal batteries with theoretically high energy density, but they currently suffer from safety concerns caused by dendrite growth, hindering their commercial applications. Interfaces between SSEs and solid lithium are argued to be crucial, affecting dendrite growth and determining solid‐state batteries (SSBs) performance. The buried and localized nature of the interface poses a huge challenge for direct characterization under working conditions. Recent review articles have been devoted to evaluating the conductivity and chemical stability of SSEs. Recognizing this, in this Review, the focus is on understanding lithium dendrite beyond conventional factors and offering a perspective on various surface/interface and microstructural phenomena that require close attention by both experimentalists and theoreticians. The complicated ion‐transport mechanism and chemomechanical information correlated with interface and lithium dendrite are discussed. Rational solutions are provided to engineer functional interfaces to suppress lithium dendrites and accelerate progress towards the commercialization of SSBs.
A Neutral's View of Preliminary Arbitration Issues
Authors: Lichter David H.
Published: March 2021

I am not a transactional lawyer. As a long‐time neutral, however, I have the opportunity to review arbitration clauses at the beginning of every case, occasionally interpret them and see the effects that those differing clauses have on the conduct of an arbitration.
Absence of calvarial fracture could predict the need for tracheostomy in traumatic brain injury
Authors: Murasaki Misaki , Tanizaki Shinsuke , Nakanishi Taizo , Toma Yasuo , Hayashi Minoru , Kono Kumiko , Ishida Hiroshi , Maeda Shigenobu , Nagai Hideya , Azuma Hiroyuki , Kano Ken‐ichi
Published: March 2021

Aim

Tracheostomy is a common procedure for intubated patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the intensive care unit (ICU) but optimal timing and the predictors of tracheostomy are still unclear. The aim of our study was to explore whether the traumatic variables of head injury predict the need for tracheostomy in intubated TBI patients.

Methods

A single‐center, retrospective observational study including a series of TBI patients admitted to Fukui Prefectural Hospital from April 1, 2004 to March 31, 2020 was carried out. Our primary outcome was tracheostomy. Patients with TBI who were intubated and admitted into the ICU within 24 h after injury were enrolled. Exclusion criteria were age less than 18 years, pregnancy, mortality within 24 h, post‐cardiac arrest syndrome, and patients for whom life‐sustaining interventions were withheld. Radiologic images were also reviewed and the morphology of the head injury was categorized.

Results

Seventy‐six patients were included. Forty‐six patients (60.5%) underwent tracheostomy and 30 patients (39.5%) were successfully extubated. Calvarial fracture (odds ratio [OR] 0.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.13–0.88; P = 0.03), Injury Severity Score (OR 1.07; 95% CI, 1.00–1.15; P = 0.04), and Glasgow Comas Scale score (OR 0.84; 95% CI, 0.73–0.96) were statistically significant in the univariable analysis. Multivariate logistic regression identified calvarial fracture as an independent predictor for tracheostomy. The model involving calvarial fracture, Injury Severity Score ≥16, and Glasgow Coma Scale score ≤8 showed the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the model was 0.737 (95% CI, 0.629–0.846).

Conclusions

The absence of calvarial fracture could predict the necessity for tracheostomy in intubated TBI patients when combined with other factors. Further prospective randomized trials are necessary to confirm the findings.
Characterization of the Insular Role in Cardiac Function through Intracranial Electrical Stimulation of the Human Insula
Authors: Sanchez‐Larsen Alvaro , Principe Alessandro , Ley Miguel , Navarro‐Cuartero Javier , Rocamora Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

Objective

The link between brain function and cardiovascular dynamics is an important issue yet to be elucidated completely. The insula is a neocortical brain area that is thought to have a cardiac chronotropic regulatory function, but its role in cardiac contractility is unknown. We aimed to analyze the variability in heart rate and cardiac contractility after functional activation of different insular regions through direct electrical stimulation (E‐stim) in humans.

Methods

This was an observational, prospective study, including patients admitted for stereo‐electroencephalographic recording because of refractory epilepsy, in whom the insular cortex was implanted. Patients with anatomical or electrophysiological insular abnormalities and those in whom E‐stim produced subjective symptoms were excluded. Variations in heart rate (HR), stroke volume (SV), and cardiac output (CO) were analyzed during insular E‐stim and compared with control E‐stim of non‐eloquent brain regions and sham stimulations.

Results

Ten patients were included, 5 implanted in the right insula (52 E‐stim) and 5 in the left (37 E‐stim). Demographic and clinical characteristics of both groups were similar. E‐stim of both right and left insulas induced a significant decrease of the CO and HR, and an increase of the SV. E‐stim of control electrodes and sham stimulations were not associated with variations in cardiac function. Blood pressure and respiratory rate remained unaltered.

Interpretation

Our results suggest a direct chronotropic and inotropic cardiac depressor function of the right and left insulas. The evidence of an insular direct cardiac regulatory function might open a path in the prevention or treatment of heart failure, arrhythmias, and sudden unexpected death in epilepsy. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:1172–1180
Enzymatic Assemblies of Thiophosphopeptides Instantly Target Golgi Apparatus and Selectively Kill Cancer Cells**
Authors: Tan Weiyi , Zhang Qiuxin , Wang Jiaqing , Yi Meihui , He Hongjian , Xu Bing
Published: March 2021

Changing an oxygen atom of the phosphoester bond in phosphopeptides by a sulfur atom enables instantly targeting Golgi apparatus (GA) and selectively killing cancer cells by enzymatic self‐assembly. Specifically, conjugating cysteamine S‐phosphate to the C‐terminal of a self‐assembling peptide generates a thiophosphopeptide. Being a substrate of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), the thiophosphopeptide undergoes rapid ALP‐catalyzed dephosphorylation to form a thiopeptide that self‐assembles. The thiophosphopeptide enters cells via caveolin‐mediated endocytosis and macropinocytosis and instantly accumulates in GA because of dephosphorylation and formation of disulfide bonds in Golgi by themselves and with Golgi proteins. Moreover, the thiophosphopeptide potently and selectively inhibits cancer cells (HeLa) with the IC50 (about 3 μM), which is an order of magnitude more potent than that of the parent phosphopeptide.
Towards the Highly Efficient Synthesis and Selective Methylation of C(sp3)‐Bridged [6]Cycloparaphenylenes from Fluoren[3]arenes
Authors: Du Xu‐Sheng , Zhang Da‐Wei , Guo Yan , Li Jing , Han Ying , Chen Chuan‐Feng
Published: March 2021

An approach to the highly efficient synthesis of C(sp3)‐bridged [6]cycloparaphenylenes (C[6]CPPs) from fluoren[3]arenes (F[3]As) was developed. Consequently, F[3]As as a new kind of macrocyclic arenes were synthesized. Followed by the demethylation, triflation and intramolecular aryl–aryl coupling reactions, C[6]CPPs were then conveniently obtained. Interestingly, C[6]CPPs could be selectively methylated to produce their fully outer‐methyl‐substituted derivatives. The crystal structures showed the hydroxyl‐substituted F[3]As had bowl‐shaped conformations, and the C[6]CPPs exhibited rigid belt‐shaped structures with deep cavities. Moreover, C[6]CPPs exhibited high HOMO energies and narrow energy gaps. An unclosed belt was further obtained, and it not only showed a similar narrow energy gap to those of the aromatic belts, but also displayed strong fluorescence property, which can play a vital role in the design and synthesis of new aromatic belts.
Reorganization of Self‐Assembled DNA‐Based Polymers using Orthogonally Addressable Building Blocks**
Authors: Gentile Serena , Del Grosso Erica , Prins Leonard J. , Ricci Francesco
Published: March 2021

Nature uses non‐covalent interactions to achieve structural dynamic reconfiguration of biopolymers. Taking advantage of the programmability of DNA/DNA interactions we report here the rational design of orthogonal DNA‐based addressable tiles that self‐assemble into polymer‐like structures that can be reconfigured by external inputs. The different tiles share the same sticky ends responsible for self‐assembly but are rationally designed to contain a specific regulator‐binding domain that can be orthogonally targeted by different DNA regulator strands. We show that by sequentially adding specific inputs it is possible to re‐organize the formed structures to display well‐defined distributions: homopolymers, random and block structures. The versatility of the systems presented in this study shows the ease with which DNA‐based addressable monomers can be designed to create reconfigurable micron‐scale DNA structures offering a new approach to the growing field of supramolecular polymers.
Automated Glycan Assembly of 19F‐labeled Glycan Probes Enables High‐Throughput NMR Studies of Protein–Glycan Interactions
Authors: Fittolani Giulio , Shanina Elena , Guberman Mónica , Seeberger Peter H. , Rademacher Christoph , Delbianco Martina
Published: March 2021

Protein–glycan interactions mediate important biological processes, including pathogen host invasion and cellular communication. Herein, we showcase an expedite approach that integrates automated glycan assembly (AGA) of 19F‐labeled probes and high‐throughput NMR methods, enabling the study of protein–glycan interactions. Synthetic Lewis type 2 antigens were screened against seven glycan binding proteins (GBPs), including DC‐SIGN and BambL, respectively involved in HIV‐1 and lung infections in immunocompromised patients, confirming the preference for fucosylated glycans (Lex, H type 2, Ley). Previously unknown glycan–lectin weak interactions were detected, and thermodynamic data were obtained. Enzymatic reactions were monitored in real‐time, delivering kinetic parameters. These results demonstrate the utility of AGA combined with 19F NMR for the discovery and characterization of glycan–protein interactions, opening up new perspectives for 19F‐labeled complex glycans.
Separation and Purification of Hydrocarbons with Porous Materials
Authors: Wu Yaqi , Weckhuysen Bert M
Published: March 2021

This Minireview focuses on the developments of the adsorptive separation of methane/nitrogen, ethene/ethane, propene/propane mixtures as well as on the separation of C8 aromatics (i.e. xylene isomers) with a wide variety of materials, including carbonaceous materials, zeolites, metal–organic frameworks, and porous organic frameworks. Some recent important developments for these adsorptive separations are also highlighted. The advantages and disadvantages of each material category are discussed and guidelines for the design of improved materials are proposed. Furthermore, challenges and future developments of each material type and separation processes are discussed.
Water retention in sandy substrates modified by cross‐linked polymeric microgels and their complexes with a linear cationic polymer
Authors: Smagin Andrey , Panova Irina , Ilyasov Leonid , Ogawa Kazuyoshi , Adachi Yasuhisa , Yaroslavov Alexander
Published: March 2021

New synthetic soil conditioners for anti‐erosion protection of soils in the form of microgel copolymers of N‐isopropylacrylamide and acrylic acid (PAA#) and their interpolyelectrolyte complexes (IPEC#) with different surface charges are tested for optimization of water retention and porous structure in two samples of soil substrates. Water retention curves (WRCs) are used as a fundamental thermodynamic indicator of water holding capacity in soil substrates treated by new polymeric materials. Soil‐hydrological constants, as well as specific surface parameters and pore distribution curves are calculated from the WRCs using the van Genuhten model and the Voronin method in the author's modification. PAA# and anionic IPEC# with high swelling degree at a dose of 1% (by weight) increase field water capacity, available soil water range and specific surface area by 5–6 times for quartz sand, along with reorganizing its structure towards micropore dominance. For loamy sand, the same treatment was less effective with a twofold increase in field moisture capacity, double or triple increase of specific surface area, and an almost constant range of available soil water due to the strong increase of wilting point parameter. Weakly swelling linear polyacrylic acid and cationic IPEC# did not significantly affect properties of both mineral substrates.
Development of a difunctional oxirane and multifunctional acrylate interpenetrating polymer network composite system with antimicrobial properties
Authors: Sathissarat Jessica H. , Chu Lianrui , Danso Robert , Rawls H. Ralph , Whang Kyumin
Published: March 2021

This research continued the development of a difunctional Oxirane and multifunctional Acrylate interpenetrating polymer network composite System (OASys) with antimicrobial properties. The effects of 4‐Isopropyl‐4′‐methyldiphenyliodonium tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl) borate (Borate), hexamethylene diamine (HMDA) and N,N‐dimethyl p‐toluidine (DMPT) on OASys (Epalloy 5001:dipentaerythritol hexaacrylate) composite hardness, contact angle, monomer‐to‐polymer degree of conversion (DoC), mechanical properties, polymerization shrinkage, shrinkage stress, and antimicrobial properties were determined. Bis‐GMA:TEGDMA composites were used as the control. OASys composites with 9 wt% Borate and 0.5 wt% DMPT or 1.5 wt% HMDA had comparable hardness, DoC's and polymerization shrinkages to controls, but had lower contact angles and mechanical properties. Additionally, OASys composites with 1.5 wt% HMDA had significantly less polymerization stress than controls and demonstrated significant antibacterial activity against Streptococcus mutans and Lactobacillus casei out to 3 months. With lower shrinkage stress and long‐term antimicrobial activity, OASys composites look promising for increasing the clinical lifetime of dental composites, but improvements in mechanical properties are needed.