bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sweet Brine: Innovative Procedure to Convert Hard-Rinded Fruit Wastes to Bonbon Desserts
Authors: Ramos-Datinguinoo Maria Gloria , Jacobe- Baes Prof. Dolores
Published: June 2022

In 2015, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in its October Waste Manual revealed that over 40% of the wastes in local communities are biodegradable leftovers from vegetables and fruits. The study aimed to produce a viable concoction upon which vegetable peelings and other biodegradable leftovers could be recycled and be made edible. Using the trial and error method system, the study employed three mixture solutions: vinegar and salt, wine and beer, and water and baking soda which were tested with rinds of papaya, watermelon, and lemon. The research yielded two-pronged outputs: 1) a scientifically sound solution to recycle hard-rinded fruit wastes, and 2) an innovative procedure on how to use the solution in converting fruit rinds to sweet bonbon desserts. The procedure involved peeling the rinds until the hardcore remains, immersing the core to the solution for 10 days and then drying the rinds, cooking them under low heat with caramelized sugar and serving as tarts or bonbon. The study was carried out following the main postulates of science when it comes to boiling, drying, dehydrating, preserving, powdering and processing of fruit rinds into candied versions. Chemicals used for the study were as follows: water and baking soda with the ratio of 4:2; wine and beer in equal part and vinegar and salt solution in equal parts in 50ml of water.  Upon evaluation, it was found out that the drying time significantly affected the moisture content of the dehydrated watermelon rind candies.
Oxidative Stress and Biochemical Parameters among Recovered COVID-19 Patients: A Case-control Study
Authors: Mezouar Djamila , Merzouk Hafida , Ghailani Ilyes , Benomrane Ihab Abdelbasset , Bouchoul Ibrahim , Merzouk Sid Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has spread rapidly, infecting more than 194 million and killing more than 4 million people worldwide. Algeria has not escaped this scourge; according to World Health Organization (WHO), 162,155 confirmed cases and 4,063 deaths have been recorded from 3rd January 2020 to 26th July 2021. Recent studies have indicated the critical role of an altered immune system, and oxidative stress in the pathological process contributing to several complications during COVID-19 disease. Aim: To determine blood markers, oxidant/antioxidant status and biochemical parameters in patients highly recovered from COVID-19 and compare with those who have never contracted COVID-19; considered as controls. Materials and Methods: The present case-control study was conducted in Tiaret, Algeria, between May 2021 and June 2021. Thirty healthy volunteers who had never contracted COVID-19 and 16 volunteers who recovered from COVID-19 in the last six months were included in the study. Blood samples were taken after 8 to 12 hours of fasting, the blood markers and biochemical parameters were evaluated. The participant with chronic diseases (diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, kidney disease) was excluded. Student’s t-test was performed for statistical comparison between the two groups. Statistical analysis was performed using Excel Microsoft 2010 software. Results. The control group consisted of 46.7% male (n=14) and 53.3% females (n=16). While, the case group consisted of 62.5% males (n=10) and 37.5% females (n=6). The plasma levels of Low Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (LDL-C), p-value=0.004** and creatinine increased very significantly in the cases compared to the controls. While, total cholesterol, p-value=0.04* and Glutamate Pyruvate Transaminase (GPT), p-value=0.03* increased significantly in the case group on comparision to the control group. On the other hand, erythrocyte Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, p-value=0.009** increased very significantly in the case group compared to controls. The erythrocyte activity catalase decreased highly significantly in the case group compared to the controls. But erythrocyte Reduced glutathione (GSH) decreased very significantly in group cases compared to controls. Conclusion: The findings in the present study confirmed the persistence of metabolic alterations and oxidative stress in COVID-19 patients after recovery. Antioxidant supplementation is recommended to improve redox status and reduce oxidative stress after recovery
Pulmonary Cystic Lesions in Patients with COVID-19 Infection: A Case Series
Authors: Agarwal Neema , Jain Payal , Khan Tooba Naved , Raja Aakash
Published: June 2022

Computed Tomography has played a vital role in Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection, caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) over the last two years. The typical features of COVID-19 on High Resolution Computed Tomography (HRCT) of chest including ground glass opacities and consolidation with a peripheral and lower lobar predilection have been very well documented in literature worldwide. However, thin-walled lucencies in the lung parenchyma called cysts is not very well documented. Authors thus present a case series comprising six SARS-CoV-2 Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) positive patients admitted to the hospital during the period 1st April 2021 to 31st May 2021 with lung cysts on HRCT. It was a retrospective study wherein details of the patients were drawn from the case record sheets and the clinical parameters along with HRCT chest findings were analysed, and correlations were drawn to study the cause, timing and significance of these cysts. In this study, the cysts were found to be thin-walled, varying in size from 5-20 mm in diameter and subpleural in distribution with no obvious lobar predilection.The immediately surrounding lung parenchyma showed features of maximal involvement by the atypical pneumonitis. All six cases had moderate to severe lung involvement entailing oxygen therapy. The high flow oxygen therapy and its duration along with degree of lung involvement, are important determinants of cystic degeneration. In the present case series, cystic changes were observed somewhere between day 15 to day 40 of the disease and thus a part of postacute fibrosis in COVID-19 infection.
Secondary Infections among COVID-19 Hospitalised Patients and their Antimicrobial Susceptibility Pattern: A Cross-sectional Study in a Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sabat Gouri Sankar , Sahu Susmita Kumari , Panigrahi Monalisa , Sahoo Nihar Ranjan , Sethi Ganeswar
Published: June 2022

Introduction: The novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) is a contagious virus that causes respiratory infection and has shown evidence of human-to-human transmission. In this infection the immunity of the patient is decreased; making them susceptible to various secondary infections. This leads to increased morbidity and mortality in these patients. Aim: To estimate the profile of secondary infections in hospitalised Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) patients and analyse their antimicrobial susceptibility pattern. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted for a period of five months from June to October 2021, which included COVID-19 positive patients with secondary infection admitted in the dedicated COVID hospital, Maharaja Krishna Chandra Gajapati Medical College and Hospital (MKCG MCH), Berhampur, Odisha, India. Clinical samples like blood, urine, sputum, tissue biopsy and Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) were collected aseptically from patients with COVID-19 and were processed in microbiology laboratory as per standard operating procedures. All the necessary information like demographic features (age, gender), associated co-morbidities and oxygen saturation levels of COVID-19 positive patients at the time of admission were collected and entered in a Microsoft Excel sheet for further analysis. Results of continuous variables were described by mean and range while categorical variables were described by frequency. All the generated data was analysed by Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 16.0. Results: A total of 438 patients suspected of COVID-19 were admitted during the study period, out of which 138 patients were positive for COVID-19 by Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR). Out of 138 COVID-19 positive patients, 105 patients were willing to give samples and their samples were processed for bacterial and fungal culture and sensitivity. Total 18/105 (17.1%) samples were positive for bacterial and fungal growth. Blood Stream Infection (BSI) were seen in 14/18 (77.8%) and was predominantly associated with Staphylococcus aureus 5/14 (35.7%), followed by Enterococcus spp. 3/14 (21.4%). Out of total culture positive cases, 2/18 (11.1%) showed Urinary Tract Infection (UTI). Of the UTI cases Escherichia coli was isolated from 1/2 (50%) of cases. Out of total culture positive cases, 2/18 (11.1%) were identified having mucormycosis. All gram positive bacteria had shown maximum resistant to ampicillin and gram negative bacteria were resistant to ampicillin-sulbactam, levofloxacin, cotrimoxazole. Conclusion: In COVID-19 positive patients with secondary infection, early diagnosis and prompt treatment will lead to improved patient care and better outcome.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices Regarding Utility of CBNAAT in the Diagnosis of SARSCoV-2 Disease among Medical Interns: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ballav Anindita , Bhattacharya Susmita , Chakrabarty Parthasarathi , Das Debalina
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) causes respiratory tract infections in human beings ranging from mild illnesses like common cold to severe disease like pneumonia. Currently, nucleic acid amplification tests Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR), Cartridge Based Nucleic Acid Amplification Test (CBNAAT) and Truenat) and rapid antigen detection tests are approved for diagnostic purpose by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Medical Interns, the primary contact health-care personnel, need to be sensitised regarding proper utilisation of CBNAAT, so that rapid and accurate diagnosis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARSCoV-2) can be made in comparison to the more commonly used RT-PCR technique. Aim: To evaluate the Knowledge, Attitude and Practices (KAP) of Bachelor of Medicine and a Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) interns towards accessibility of CBNAAT in SARS-CoV-2 infection in a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was performed through questionnaire shared via online platform amongst 102 Medical interns working at College of Medicine and Sagore Dutta Hospital from 22nd August 2021 to 21st September 2021. Based on their response, KAP was assessed by using a threepoint Likert Scale. The collected data was entered in Microsoft excel, and reported as frequencies and percentages. Results: Among 102 internees, 84 interns responded. Among 84 medical interns 31% had good, 50% had average whereas 19% had poor level of knowledge. About 58 (69%) agreed that CBNAAT can be used as a method for rapid diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2. About 75 (89.3%) answered that they are sending samples for COVID-19 testing. Only 56 (66.7%) agreed that CBNAAT should be recommended. Conclusion: This study revealed that majority of the MBBS interns had positive attitude towards different aspects of CBNAAT utility but most of them had gaps in their KAP. This demands extra efforts to sensitise and train them adequately.
Antibody Cocktail in Moderate to Severe COVID-19 Infection: A Series of 10 Cases
Authors: Bhandari Rohit Hanmanta , Gupta Sonali
Published: June 2022

In the wake of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, scientists all over the world are in a relentless search for a cure. None of the therapies advised till date have shown significant benefit in treating COVID-19 infection. An antibody cocktail consisting of a combination of casirivimab and imdevimab is the newest weapon in the armamentarium against the disease. Currently, it has shown great promise in treating mild non hospitalized cases. The authors present the results of a series of 10 cases aged 18-70 years that demonstrate the efficacy of this cocktail in treating moderate to severe cases as well. All the patients received Roche’s Antibody cocktail© on admission and standard treatment protocol comprising of remdesivir, methylprednisolone and low molecular weight heparin was given. Oxygen supplementation was titrated to achieve a target SpO2 of 88-92%. Majority (70%) of the patients demonstrated an improvement in SpO2 /FiO2 ratio and a decline in the inflammatory marker levels 3-5 days after receiving the cocktail. Eight out of the 10 patients could be discharged home after 10-14 days of admission. The remaining two had severe disease with Computed Tomography Severity Index (CTSI) >17/25 and died despite receiving all the available therapies. Antibody cocktail is an effective adjuvant therapy against moderate to severe COVID-19 pneumonitis, demonstrating rapid improvement in SpO2 /FiO2 ratio, inflammatory markers and a shortened duration of hospital stay.
Estimation of alcohol content of wine, beer and spirits to evaluate exposure risk in pregnancy: Pilot study using a questionnaire and pouring task in England
Authors: Mukherjee Raja , Wray Elizabeth , Curfs Leopold , Hollins Sheila
Published: June 2022

Mukherjee, R., Wray, E., Curfs, L., & Hollins, S. (2013). Estimation of alcohol content of wine, beer and spirits to evaluate exposure risk in pregnancy: Pilot study using a questionnaire and pouring task in England. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 2(3), 71-78. doi:10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.78 (http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v2i3.78)Aims:  Research has shown varying results regarding safe consumption levels of alcohol during pregnancy.  We argued in 2005 that an individual’s inability to accurately predict her alcohol consumption may be one factor influencing risk.  In order to re-evaluate within the England, this study sought to assess the current knowledge of the public and of healthcare practitioners.Design:  Both alcohol-knowledge questionnaires and pouring tasks were conducted using standardised ethical-committee-approved methods.Settings:  Different sites across England, including Surrey, London, Oxford and Wigan, where FASD support groups are based.Participants:  Health professionals and the general public, self-selecting in response to advertisement.Measurements:  Frequency data and categorical data was collected and analysed using SPSS version 18.Findings:  In total, 1,265 questionnaires were completed (688 public and 577 professionals).  One hundred-forty people completed the pouring task.  People’s ability to calculate accurately from strength and volume was within 20% of the accurate figure for units, although with a wide range.Conclusions:  These findings support the hypothesis that when pouring their own drinks, individuals are poor at estimating each drink’s alcohol content.  This has implications for public health strategies.  Glass size and the level of alcohol concentration have different implications in different countries.  For those drinking during pregnancy, however, the message that “no exposure is no risk” remains true.
Alcohol’s harm to others: Using qualitative research to complement survey findings
Authors: Manton Elizabeth , MacLean Sarah , Laslett Anne-Marie , Room Robin
Published: June 2022

Manton, E., MacLean, S., Laslett, A., & Room, R. (2014). Alcohol’s harm to others: Using qualitative research to complement survey findings. The International Journal Of Alcohol And Drug Research, 3(2), 143-148. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.7895/ijadr.v3i2.178Aim: The purpose of this study was to identify the potential contribution of qualitative research to future Alcohol’s Harm to Others (AHTO) survey research and some of the potential difficulties that may be encountered when conducting studies of this nature.Design: Qualitative, in-depth semi-structured telephone interviews.Setting: Australia.Participants: Potential participants were those who responded, in the telephone land-line-based Australia-wide AHTO survey in either 2008 or 2011, that a child or children for whom they had responsibility had been harmed “a lot” or “a little” by someone else’s drinking, and who also indicated that they were willing to be recontacted for future research interviews. Ten participants who selected the response “a lot” and 10 who selected “a little” were interviewed.Measures: Interviews were audio recorded and professionally transcribed. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed.Findings: The qualitative study analysis enabled access to detailed stories, clarification of the validity and meanings of survey measures, identification of questions for future surveys, and contextualization of survey findings. The analysis also suggested that samples of people who agree to discuss harm from others’ drinking with a researcher are likely to be skewed in particular ways.Conclusions: The approach to AHTO research described here incorporates both the persuasive power of whole-population survey research and the nuanced understanding provided through interpretation of in-depth qualitative interviews. It enables the presentation of more comprehensive information about the nature and extent of AHTO.
Effect of Profitability, Leverage and Liquidity on Islamic Social Reporting Disclosure before and during the COVID-19 Pandemic in the Jakarta Islamic Index (JII) Companies
Authors: Adelena Agusten , Dewi Fajar Gustiawaty , Sembiring Sari Indah Oktanti
Published: June 2022

Aims: This study aims to determine the effect of profitability, leverage, and liquidity on the disclosure of Islamic Social Reporting empirical studies on companies listed on the Jakarta Islamic Index in 2019 and 2020.

Study Design: This study using the quantitative descriptive method.

Place and Duration of Study: Companies listed on the Jakarta Islamic Index in 2019 and 2020

Methodology:  This study uses quantitative data with secondary data inside the shape of an annual report.The population is all sharia companies listed in the Jakarta Islamic Index, totaling 30 companies with a sample of 22 companies. Data analysis in this study was performed using multiple linear regression using IBM SPSS, namely Descriptive Statistics and Multiplelinear Regression.

Result: The results of this study are that profitability has a significant positive effect on ISR disclosure before Covid-19 and a significant negative effect on ISR disclosure during Covid-19, leverage has no significant effect on ISR disclosure before Covid-19 and leverage has a significant positive effect on ISR disclosure during Covid-19 , and liquidity has no significant effect on the disclosure of ISR before and during Covid-19.

Conclusion: Profitability has a significant positive effect on ISR disclosure before Covid-19 and a significant negative effect on ISR disclosure during Covid-19, leverage has no significant effect on ISR disclosure before Covid-19 and leverage has a significant positive effect on ISR disclosure during Covid-19 , and liquidity has no significant effect on the disclosure of ISR before and during Covid-19.
Role of Gamma Glutammyl Transpeptidase to Platelet Ratio (GPR) in Predicting Advanced Liver Fibrosis in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Infection
Authors: Khan Raja Taha Yaseen , Ismail Hina , Danish Muhammad , Panezai Muhammad Qaiser , Nasir Abdullah , Bajaj Kiran , Lail Ghulamullah , Mandhwani Rajesh , Metlo Husnain Ali , Kumar Danish , Tareen Munir , Tasneem Abbas Ali , Hanif Farina M. , Laeeq Syed Mudassir , Luck Nasir Hasan
Published: June 2022

The liver biopsy is the gold standard for the diagnosis of liver fibrosis, because of its invasiveness, high cost and lack of repeatability its use is limited. A new parameter widely used these days for evaluating the grade of hepatic fibrosis is the gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT)-to-Platelet ratio (GPR) and has shown great benefit in this regard. The aim of our study was to evaluate the role of GPR as a noninvasive predictor of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis C in the study population.

Methods: All patients with chronic hepatitis C and compensated liver disease were included in the study after informed consent. Patient’s baseline characteristics were recorded. Patient’s baseline Complete blood count (CBC) and Liver function tests were also recorded. Patients then underwent shear wave elastography (SWE) to stratify the degree of fibrosis. These indices were used to calculate Gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) / platelet ratio. Results were presented as means ± SD for quantitative data or as numbers with percentages for qualitative data. Continuous variables were analyzed using the Student’s t-test; while categorical variables were analyzed using the Chi-square test. A p value of <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: A total of 91 patients were included in the study. Out of 91 patients, 56(61.5%) were males. At baseline, 57(62.6%) patients had ≥F3 fibrosis (advanced fibrosis or cirrhosis). Mean GPR was 1.5±2.1. Area under ROC (Receiver Operating Curve) was obtained for GPR in predicting advanced liver fibrosis (≥F3) was 0.8 (p-≤0.001). Higher GPR values were significantly associated with prediction of advanced liver fibrosis (≥F3) in patients with chronic hepatitis C with a sensitivity was of 94.74%, specificity of 62%, positive predictive value of 80.69%, negative predictive value was of 87.50% and diagnostic accuracy of 82.42%.

Conclusion: The GPR found to be significantly associated with liver fibrosis in HCV patients presented in our clinic. However, further studies are needed to validate the role of GPR in predicting liver fibrosis.
Recommender systems, ground truth, and preference pollution
Authors: Adomavicius Gediminas , Bockstedt Jesse C. , Curley Shawn P. , Zhang Jingjing
Published: June 2022

Interactions between individuals and recommender systems can be viewed as a continuous feedback loop, consisting of pre‐consumption and post‐consumption phases. Pre‐consumption, systems provide recommendations that are typically based on predictions of user preferences. They represent a valuable service for both providers and users as decision aids. After item consumption, the user provides post‐consumption feedback (e.g., a preference rating) to the system, often used to improve the system's subsequent recommendations, completing the feedback loop. There is a growing understanding that this feedback loop can be a significant source of unintended consequences, introducing decision‐making biases that can affect the quality of the “ground truth” preference data, which serves as the key input to modern recommender systems. This paper highlights two forms of bias that recommender systems inherently inflict on the “ground truth” preference data collected from users after item consumption: non‐representativeness of such preference data and so‐called “preference pollution,” which denotes an unintended relationship between system recommendations and the user's post‐consumption preference ratings. We provide an overview of these issues and their importance for the design and application of next‐generation recommendation systems, including directions for future research.
Evaluation of the Influence of Biosurface Design on the Interaction between the Regulatory Peptide RS1‐reg and ODC1 Reveals a Membrane‐Dependent Affinity Increase
Authors: Keller Thorsten , Koepsell Hermann , Groll Jürgen
Published: June 2022

The regulatory solute carrier protein, family 1, member 1 (RS1) modulates via its N‐terminal domain RS1‐reg the activity of Na+–d‐glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1) and thereby the glucose uptake in the small intestine by blocking the release of SGLT1‐containing vesicles at the trans‐Golgi network (TGN). The antidiabetic activity of RS1 is mediated by ornithindecarboxylase 1 (ODC1), catalyzing the conversion of ornithine to putrescine. Putrescine can bind to a buddying protein complex for SGLT1‐containing vesicles at the membrane of the TGN, triggering vesicle release. In this report, a first in‐depth analysis of the important binding process between ODC1 and RS1‐reg for regulating glucose uptake in the human organism is described by comparing results from the surface‐based methods, “surface plasmon resonance” (SPR) and “surface acoustic wave” (SAW) with findings by isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). In cases of SAW and SPR, three different assay surface setups are compared, resulting in small but significant differences in KD values for different surfaces. Noteworthy, an affinity increase by the factor of about 100 for the interaction is detected and herewith described for the first time in the presence of biological membranes that may be relevant in vivo for the biological function of RS1 and future bespoken antidiabetic drug development.
Improving and Quantifying Surface Charge Density via Charge Injection Enabled by Air Breakdown
Authors: Wu Huiyuan , Fu Shaoke , He Wencong , Shan Chuncai , Wang Jian , Du Yan , Du Shihe , Li Bangxing , Hu Chenguo
Published: June 2022

The modification of triboelectric materials is an important means to improve the output performance of triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG), and the surface charge or ion implantation is an effective way among many modification methods. However, the output enhancement via optimizing triboelectric materials is still limited. Herein, a fast surface charge injection technique based on air breakdown effect is reported, which utilizes an excitation circuit to realize the directional accumulation of charge. Consequently, the output charge density of the Polyimide (PI) film after charge injection reaches 880 µC m‐2, which is the highest of the series of modified triboelectric materials. Moreover, a novel charge transfer mechanism with electrostatic induction competition is proposed, in which significant difference between surface charge density and output charge density is highlighted clearly. Meanwhile, the method of quantifying surface charge density is further given. This work provides a more effective method for the modification of dielectric materials and also offers an important insight towards the charge transfer mechanism in TENG.
Integrated Bending Actuation and the Self‐Sensing Capability of Poly(Vinyl Chloride) Gels with Ionic Liquids
Authors: Liu Zhiwei , Li Beibei , Liu Ying Dan , Liang Yongri
Published: June 2022

Soft actuation materials often only perform an actuation function, and do not achieve the function of self‐sensing. In this work, the polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gels are prepared with a plasticizer of dibutyl adipate (DBA) and small amount of imidazolium type ionic liquids (ILs), and are demonstrated that the PVC/DBA/ILs gels deliver the integrated bending actuation and capacitance pressure self‐sensing capability. The bending actuation performances and sensing behavior of PVC/DBA/ILs are related to the migrability of movable ions from ILs, which are dependent on the dissociation of anions and cations of ILs, and the concentration of ILs. Among the ILs, the PVC/DBA gel with 3.3 wt% 1‐allyl‐3‐methylimidazolium bis ((trifluoromethyl)sulphonyl) imide (P/[AMIM]NTF2 (3.3 wt%)) exhibits best bending displacement of 6.6 mm (corresponding to 24° of bending angle) at 7.2 kV (180 V mm−1 of nominal electric field). In addition, the P/[AMIM]NTF2 (3.3 wt%) exhibits 0.42 kPa–1 capacitance pressure sensitive in the pressure range 0 to 2.2 kPa, and a sudden change in capacitance in the pressure range 2.2–2.7 kPa with 47.5 kPa–1 of sensitivity. The results can provide a new idea for developing integrated sensing and actuation functions of electroactive dielectric polymer gels.
Tuning Ion/Electron Conducting Properties at Electrified Interfaces for Practical All‐Solid‐State Li–Metal Batteries
Authors: Guo Junze , Zhang Weidong , Shen Zeyu , Mao Shulan , Wang Xinyang , Zhang Shichao , Zhang Jiahui , Lu Yingying
Published: June 2022

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) based solid‐state electrolytes with good chemical stability against Li–metal, provide a promising solution for practical all solid‐state Li–metal batteries (ASSLMBs). However, the risk of short circuit using thin PEO under semi‐molten state and the oxidative decomposition of PEO by cathodes under high voltage hinder the practical application of PEO‐based ASSLMBs. Here, it is found that by readjusting the Li+ and e– conductivity at anode/cathode interface by introducing Nanodiamonds (NDs) into PEO electrolytes can greatly improve the electrochemical performance of PEO‐based batteries. Under the mediation of high modulus and insulative NDs, the lifespan of Li symmetric cells can increase by 30 times at 0.8 mA cm–2, and high‐voltage Li/LiCoO2 cells show excellent capacity retention under practical testing conditions (50 µm Li and 30 µm PEO electrolyte).
Synergism of Flame‐Retardant, Self‐Healing, High‐Conductive and Polar to a Multi‐Functional Binder for Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Liu Mingliang , Chen Peng , Pan Xinchen , Pan Shencheng , Zhang Xiang , Zhou Yan , Bi Min , Sun Jingwen , Yang Shaolin , Vasiliev Aleksandr L. , Kulesza Pawel J. , Ouyang Xiaoping , Xu Jianbo , Wang Xin , Zhu Junwu , Fu Yongsheng
Published: June 2022

In this work, a multifunctional binder with self‐healing, flame retardant, high conductivity, and abundant polar groups is prepared by the free radical polymerization method and applied to lithium–sulfur (Li‐S) batteries to achieve high safety and exceptional electrochemical performance. The self‐healing characteristic of binder induced by intermolecular hydrogen bonds and SS dynamic covalent bonds can repair volume expansion cracks. The polar groups and excellent conductivity endue binder with strong chemisorption on polysulfides and fast charge transportation, which can effectively inhibit the shuttle effect and accelerate polysulfides redox kinetics. More important, the considerable flame retardant performance of binder can improve the safety of the LiS batteries. As a result, the LiS cells using FHCP binder deliver an outstanding cycle stability of a high‐capacity retention rate of 85% after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, and a high reversible area specific capacity of 5.25 mAh cm–2 at a sulfur loading of 4.72 mg cm–2 and a correspondingly lean electrolyte condition (E/S ratio = 6 µL mg–1).
Recent Progress in 2D Inorganic/Organic Charge Transfer Heterojunction Photodetectors
Authors: Han Jiayue , Wang Fakun , Han Song , Deng Wenjie , Du Xiaoyang , Yu He , Gou Jun , Wang Qi Jie , Wang Jun
Published: June 2022

2D materials possess superior optoelectronic properties, such as ultrahigh mobility and broadband photoresponse, making them one of the most vital platforms for diversified photodetectors. However, atomic thickness 2D materials usually suffer from intrinsic low absorption. To promote the photodetector performance, a feasible method is to integrate the 2D materials with low‐cost, flexible, and tunable organics that form a charge transfer (CT) heterojunction. As results, in‐depth multifunctional CT 2D‐inorganic/organic detector exhibits extended functions such as low‐power consumption, in‐memory detection, and optical‐bio synapse to meet the demand of contemporary photonic cell. Particularly, the progresses in wafer‐scale monocrystal of both 2D and organic materials render vast potential applications with operation frequencies ranging from ultraviolet to terahertz. Here, the recent advances of 2D‐inorganic/organic CT photodetectors are comprehensively reviewed by several classifications. Future developments and applications in optical biology, synapsis, and machine vision are also highlighted.
Brain Co‐Delivery of Temozolomide and Cisplatin for Combinatorial Glioblastoma Chemotherapy
Authors: Zou Yan , Wang Yibin , Xu Sen , Liu Yanjie , Yin Jinlong , Lovejoy David B. , Zheng Meng , Liang Xing‐Jie , Park Jong Bae , Efremov Yuri M. , Ulasov Ilya , Shi Bingyang
Published: June 2022

Glioblastoma (GBM) is an intractable malignancy with high recurrence and mortality. Combinatorial therapy based on temozolomide (TMZ) and cisplatin (CDDP) shows promising potential for GBM therapy in clinical trials. However, significant challenges include limited blood–brain‐barrier (BBB) penetration, poor targeting of GBM tissue/cells, and systemic side effects, which hinder its efficacy in GBM therapy. To surmount these challenges, new GBM‐cell membrane camouflaged and pH‐sensitive biomimetic nanoparticles (MNPs) inspired by the fact that cancer cells readily pass the BBB and localize with homologous cells, are developed. This study's results show that MNPs can efficiently co‐load TMZ and CDDP, transport these across the BBB to specifically target GBM. Incorporation of pH‐sensitive polymer then allows for controlled release of drug cargos at GBM sites for combination drug therapy. Mice bearing orthotopic U87MG or drug‐resistant U251R GBM tumor and treated with MNPs@TMZ+CDDP show a potent anti‐GBM effect, greatly extending the survival time relative to mice receiving single‐drug loaded nanoparticles. No obvious side effects are apparent in histological analyses or blood routine studies. Considering these results, the study's new nanoparticle formulation overcomes multiple challenges currently limiting the efficacy of combined TMZ and CDDP GBM drug therapy and appears to be a promising strategy for future GBM combinatorial chemotherapy.
Ultra‐Low‐Cost, Crosstalk‐Free, Fast‐Responding, Wide‐Sensing‐Range Tactile Fingertip Sensor for Smart Gloves
Authors: Sinha Anoop Kumar , Goh Guo Liang , Yeong Wai Yee , Cai Yiyu
Published: June 2022

Skin‐inspired sensors are all the rage in robotic applications. They take inspiration from the human skin's sensory abilities and use their abilities to sense things like temperature and pressure. Herein, fabrication of ultra‐low‐cost (<$1.5), ultra‐thin, wide range, and crosstalk‐free skin‐inspired tactile sensors is presented. The sensors consist of piezoresistive pressure sensing elements sandwiched between 3D printed silver nanoparticle electrodes on polyimide layers just like the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis of human skin. The response time of individual sensing nodes is 4 ms which is faster than the response time of the human skin (30–50 ms). The sensors exhibit high sensitivity (1.35 kPa−1), low hysteresis (9.22%), and a wide pressure sensing range (5–600 kPa). The sensor arrays are assembled on the fingertips of a commercial glove to make a smart glove. By combining the sensor information and deep learning, the smart glove is used to identify sharp and blunt objects with a classification accuracy of 95.9% and the direction of applied pressure when touched by an object with a classification accuracy of 97.8%. Furthermore, the smart glove is used to generate pressure maps in real‐time while grabbing six different objects handled by humans in daily life.
A Review: Textile Technologies for Single and Multi‐Layer Tubular Soft Tissue Engineering
Authors: Doersam Anna , Tsigkou Olga , Jones Celina
Published: June 2022

In cell‐free scaffold tissue engineering (TE), an essential prerequisite is the scaffold design to promote cellular activities and tissue formation. The success is greatly dependent upon the nature of the scaffold including the composition, topography, and mechanical performance. Recent TE approaches use textile technologies to create biomimetic and functional scaffolds similar to the extracellular matrix (ECM). The hierarchical architecture of fiber to yarn to fabric allows precise size‐to‐scale design. Moreover, textile technologies offer a high degree of manufacturing precision, reproducibility, and potential industrial scalability. Although research in industry and academia has increased significantly over the past years, current fibrous scaffold designs don't fully exploit the potential and diversity of yarn and fabric structures. This review emphasizes hollow tubular textile‐based scaffolds that aim to replace vasculature and respiratory tissues. The different techniques, that is, electrospinning, weaving, knitting, and braiding are discussed and the effect of the fiber, yarn, and fabric assembly is highlighted. The design of multi‐layer hybrid structures, combining conventional textile techniques and electrospinning can address current challenges. Prospects of structural design in TE scaffold fabrication can anticipate profiled fibers, and complex pattern designs to fully exploit the potential of textile technologies for tissue‐engineered scaffolds.
Microstructure Engineering of Al Doped SrTiO3/TiO2 Heterostructure Nanorod Arrays Boosting Piezo‐Photocatalytic Performances
Authors: Chu Xianqiang , Jiang Xiaoqi , Zhang Hui , Wang Cheng , Huang Fangzhi , Sun Xiaoyu , Li Shikuo
Published: June 2022

Modulating the charge‐transfer pathway is of great significance for boosting the photocatalytic efficiency of the catalysts. Herein, well‐ordered Al doping SrTiO3/TiO2 heterojunction nanorod arrays (Al‐STO/TiO2 HNRAs) via a two‐step hydrothermal protocol for efficient piezo‐photocatalysis are reported. The piezoelectric field generated by the internal polarization of Al‐STO/TiO2 HNRAs can be tailored by Al doping content, which could help to modulate the migration and separation of charge carriers. The doping of Al also makes the charge lifetime from 1.14 ns increased to 1.76 ns. Under the co‐excitation of ultrasonic and ultraviolet irradiation, the oxidation rate constant of Al‐STO/TiO2 HNRAs can reach 0.037 min−1 for the degradation of Rhodamine B molecules, which was 3.42 times higher than that of the un‐doping sample. The piezo‐potential distribution and charge migration within Al‐STO/TiO2 HNRAs were explored by piezoelectric force microscopy and COMSOL simulation. This work provides a promising solution toward modulating charge carrier migration for boosting photocatalytic activities with the assistance of mechanic vibration.
High‐Resolution Programmable Metasurface Imager Based on Multilayer Perceptron Network
Authors: Gu Ze , Ma Qian , Liu Che , Xiao Qiang , Gao Xinxin , Yan Tao , Miao Long , Li Lianlin , Cui Tie Jun
Published: June 2022

In the data‐driven society, fidelity and accuracy of automatic decisions behind the scene rely fundamentally on a solid data or imaging acquisition system. However, conventional microwave imagers are inadequate relating to their resolution and noise capability, mainly due to the limited aperture size and rigid working principle. Here, a programmable metasurface imager with high‐resolution and anti‐interference performance is proposed. By implementing the structure of multilayer perceptron network in the analog domain, the metasurface‐based microwave imager intelligently adapts to different datasets through illuminating a set of designed scattering patterns that mimic the feature patterns. A prototype imager system working at microwave frequency is designed and fabricated. The accuracy rate rises by 18% under the classification task of MNIST dataset, with a decline in the reconstruction imaging error. The authors experimentally demonstrate that the resolution to distinguish strip patterns goes beyond to one‐fifth of the equivalent wavelength on the target plane.
Oxygen‐Scavenging Effects of Added Ti Layer in the TiN Gate of Metal‐Ferroelectric‐Insulator‐Semiconductor Capacitor with Al‐Doped HfO2 Ferroelectric Film
Authors: Lee Yong Bin , Kim Beom Yong , Park Hyeon Woo , Lee Suk Hyun , Oh Minsik , Ryoo Seung Kyu , Lee In Soo , Byun Seungyong , Shim Doosup , Lee Jae Hoon , Kim Hani , Kim Kyung Do , Park Min Hyuk , Hwang Cheol Seong
Published: June 2022

Ti layer inserted in the TiN gate electrode effectively scavenges the oxygen in the low‐k interfacial SiO2 of the metal–ferroelectric–insulator–semiconductor (MFIS) capacitors with the ferroelectric Al‐doped HfO2 (HAO) thin film. The scavenging effect increases remanent polarization (Pr) and reduces coercive voltage (Vc) and capacitance equivalent thickness (CET) of the HAO films, particularly when the MFIS capacitor is annealed at 800 °C. Additionally, frequency dispersion of capacitance characteristics and interface trap density (Dit) calculations reveal that actively‐triggered oxygen‐scavenging effects also reduce defect or trap‐induced degradation. The Ti‐inserted MFIS structure exhibits fatigue‐free endurance and relatively low leakage current characteristics as compared to a structure without the Ti scavenging layer in high annealing temperature conditions required for crystallization of the HAO ferroelectric films.
Ordered Mesoporous Intermetallic Trimetals for Efficient and pH‐Universal Hydrogen Evolution Electrocatalysis
Authors: Wang Yanzhi , Lv Hao , Sun Lizhi , Jia Fengrui , Liu Ben
Published: June 2022

Ordered intermetallic platinum‐zinc (I‐PtZn) bimetals represent an emerging class of alloy electrocatalysts for water splitting and fuel cell electrocatalysis, but large‐scale commercial implementation has still been hindered by their catalytic activity and stability. Here, ordered mesoporous I‐PtZn bimetals are selectively substituted with 3d transition/main metals, termed MI‐PtZnM trimetals, where M is scandium, vanadium, chromium, manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, or gallium. It is demonstrated that ordered MI‐PtZnCo trimetals exhibit the best electrocatalytic performance for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) in an alkaline media, with a high mass activity of 1.77 A mgpt–1 and specific activity of 3.07 mA cmpt–2. More impressively, this electrocatalyst shows robust electrocatalytic stability with negligible activity decay even after 50 000 cycles. The MI‐PtZnCo trimetals are also highly active and stable for HER electrocatalysis over a wide pH range (neutral and acidic media). Mechanistic studies suggest that Co‐enabled Pt atoms in MI‐PtZn with a more electron‐rich surface, in addition to stable mesoporous and intermetallic structure, synergistically accelerate Tafel kinetics and thus enhance HER activity and stability of MI‐PtZnCo trimetal electrocatalysts.
Emergency care of LGBTQIA+ patients requires more than understanding the acronym
Authors: Hsiang Elaine , Ritchie Amanda M. , Lall Michelle D. , Driver Lachlan , Moll Joel , Sonn Brandon , Totten Vicken Y. , Williams Dustin B. , McGregor Alyson J. , Egan Daniel J.
Published: June 2022

Emergency physicians (EPs) frequently deliver care to members of the LGBTQIA+ community in the emergency department. This community suffers from many health disparities important to understand as part of comprehensive care, and these disparities are infrequently discussed in emergency medicine education. Previous data also suggest a need for broader education to increase the comfort of EPs caring for LGBTQIA+ patients. A group of content experts identified key disparities, opportunities for expanded education, and strategies for more inclusive care of LGBTQIA+ patients.
Making emergency medicine accessible for all: The what, why, and how of providing accommodations for learners and physicians with disabilities
Authors: Poffenberger Cori McClure , Coates Wendy C. , Backster Anika , Rotoli Jason
Published: June 2022

Individuals with disabilities comprise a substantial portion of the U.S. population but make up only a small subset of medical students and health care providers. Both the Association of American Medical Colleges and the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education have called for increased diversity in the physician workforce, to more closely represent the U.S. patient population and provide culturally effective care. Yet the barriers to disclosure and inclusion for individuals with disabilities in health care are significant, including attitudinal barriers such as stigma and bias, organizational barriers in policies and procedures, and environmental barriers such as resources and physical space. Lack of experience providing accommodations and a lack of knowledge of both what is legally required and what is possible also prevent programs from creating access. Realizing inclusion for individuals with disabilities in a diverse workforce requires emergency medicine programs to be proactive and deliberate in their approach to recruiting, accommodating, and retaining students, residents, and faculty with disabilities. Such efforts are likely to provide benefits that extend beyond those who receive the accommodations.
Pb (II) and Hg (II) thiosemicarbazones for inhibiting the broad‐spectrum pathogen Cladosporium sphaerospermum ASU18 (MK387875) and altering its antioxidant system
Authors: Ibrahim Ahmed B. M. , Mahmoud Ghada Abd‐Elmonsef , Cordes David B. , Slawin Alexandra M. Z.
Published: June 2022

Pb (II) and Hg (II) ions were reacted in aqueous solution with two tridentate thiosemicarbazones, resulting in four complexes {[Pb(L1)2] 1, [Pb(L2)2] 2, [Hg(L1)2] 3, and [Hg(L2)2] 4; HL1 = 4‐(4‐nitrophenyl)‐1‐[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylene]thiosemicarbazide and HL2 = 4‐(2‐chlorophenyl)‐1‐[(pyridin‐2‐yl)methylene]thiosemicarbazide}. The solid‐state structures of complexes 2 and 3 were determined by X‐ray crystallography, which also confirmed the monobasic tridentate NNS nature of the ligands, and the octahedral coordination geometry around the metal centers. Complexes 1–4 exhibited high antifungal activity against the pathogen Cladosporium sphaerospermum; all four complexes give rise to a reduction in the fungal dry mass and sugar consumption. Complexes 2 and 4 that inhibited C. sphaerospermum growth at the concentration of 1.8 mM are more efficient inhibitors than the free ligand and metal ions. Further, the complexes gave varied values of the fungal total antioxidants (TA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities dependent on their concentrations.
Parcellation‐based tractographic modeling of the salience network through meta‐analysis
Authors: Briggs Robert G. , Young Isabella M. , Dadario Nicholas B. , Fonseka R. Dineth , Hormovas Jorge , Allan Parker , Larsen Micah L. , Lin Yueh‐Hsin , Tanglay Onur , Maxwell B. David , Conner Andrew K. , Stafford Jordan F. , Glenn Chad A. , Teo Charles , Sughrue Michael E.
Published: June 2022

Background

The salience network (SN) is a transitory mediator between active and passive states of mind. Multiple cortical areas, including the opercular, insular, and cingulate cortices have been linked in this processing, though knowledge of network connectivity has been devoid of structural specificity.

Objective

The current study sought to create an anatomically specific connectivity model of the neural substrates involved in the salience network.

Methods

A literature search of PubMed and BrainMap Sleuth was conducted for resting‐state and task‐based fMRI studies relevant to the salience network according to PRISMA guidelines. Publicly available meta‐analytic software was utilized to extract relevant fMRI data for the creation of an activation likelihood estimation (ALE) map and relevant parcellations from the human connectome project overlapping with the ALE data were identified for inclusion in our SN model. DSI‐based fiber tractography was then performed on publicaly available data from healthy subjects to determine the structural connections between cortical parcellations comprising the network.

Results

Nine cortical regions were found to comprise the salience network: areas AVI (anterior ventral insula), MI (middle insula), FOP4 (frontal operculum 4), FOP5 (frontal operculum 5), a24pr (anterior 24 prime), a32pr (anterior 32 prime), p32pr (posterior 32 prime), and SCEF (supplementary and cingulate eye field), and 46. The frontal aslant tract was found to connect the opercular‐insular cluster to the middle cingulate clusters of the network, while mostly short U‐fibers connected adjacent nodes of the network.

Conclusion

Here we provide an anatomically specific connectivity model of the neural substrates involved in the salience network. These results may serve as an empiric basis for clinical translation in this region and for future study which seeks to expand our understanding of how specific neural substrates are involved in salience processing and guide subsequent human behavior.