bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perception of Undergraduates and Postgraduates Pertaining Online Learning during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study amongst Sudanese Health Professional Students
Authors: Osman Fadl Hiba Awadelkareem , Abdelmoneim Hamza Abdelrahman Hamza , Mohamed Eissa Mahir Eissa , Adam Osman Hadeel Idris , Ibrahim Ali Hiba Ali , Yousif Mohamed Noha Abdalla
Published: March 2022

Background: The novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has affected all aspects of life globally and locally in Sudan, including institutional and educational services. In Sudan, education is grounded by the traditional method of learning in a classroom (face-to-face lectures). The sudden outbreak of COVID-19 forced some universities and colleges to conduct online learning. This study aimed to assess the perception of health professional students in Sudan, including undergraduates and postgraduates, regarding the possible outcomes of online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among both undergraduate and postgraduate health professional students in Sudan. A convenient sample collection method was utilized, from which data was collected online via a self-administered structured questionnaire composed of nineteen questions, which were then validated by a medical education expert. The input was assessed and the data was analyzed using a statistical package for social science (SPSS).

Results: Overall, 133 health professional students responded to the web questionnaire, of which 97 (73%) were undergraduates and 36 (27%) were postgraduates. Amongst the undergraduates, 58 (59.8%) expressed a positive perception while 39 (40.2%) expressed a negative perception. Whereas 24 (66.7%) of postgraduates had a positive perception, 12 (33.3%) of them expressed a negative perception regarding online learning in Sudan.

Conclusion: Postgraduate health professionals were more familiar with online learning and expressed a higher level of perception in comparison to the undergraduates. Furthermore, several students were already exposed to hybrid online learning during the current COVID-19 pandemic.  The participating students in this study stated several obstacles to the implementation of online learning in Sudan and appropriately managing them is vital for the successful implementation of this mode of learning.
HashNET Blockchain Consensus for DLT Applications
Authors: Maričević J. , Skala K. , Šojat Z. , Mesarić J. , Jerković I. , Bojović V. , Hofman D.
Published: March 2022

Our modern world is becoming increasingly reliant  on the processing, exchange and storage of information. This trend of so-called "digitalisation" is penetrating every pore of human civilisation, including nature, people, and machines; our economy and production, which must be as local as possible; and our global ecology. The use of information processing technology brings benefits to a wide range of endeavours. In this sense, many computing technologies and techniques must be used to achieve the goal of an integrated global service ecosystem, a Rainbow ecosystem of all hierarchical levels of computing.

One of the most important new developments in recent years is the development of blockchain technology. A blockchain can solve many problems of persistent and traceable storage, as well as enable direct coordination, compensation, etc. Therefore, in the Dew-Fog-Cloud hierarchy, blockchain technology is a promising new approach to enable novel applications in a variety of fields, from social and educational to scientific and industrial.

However, there are two important points in many implementations of the current blockchain which prevent them from being used for public service solutions. The first is the proof algorithm - the vast majority of proof-of-work algorithms do useless work and waste enormous amounts of energy. The second one is that  proof-of-stake algorithm is not suitable for open public infrastructure.

The HashNET algorithm, which uses proof-of-authority combined with master nodes to achieve distributed consensus and ensure trust, is explained in detail in this paper.

As an example of future applications in science, education and society, we also briefly describe certificate validation and future application for scientific publications.
Effect of Different Levels of Pusa Hydrogel on Soil Moisture Retention in Different Soil of Ranchi Region under Polyhouse Condition
Authors: Kujur Abha Nutan , Wadood Abdul , Kumari Pragyan
Published: March 2022

The pot experiment was conducted under polyhouse conditions during 2019 in Kharif season (August- December) in the Department of Agrometeorology and Environmental Science, Birsa Agricultural University, Ranchi, Jharkhand, India using Factorial Complete Randomized Design. The treatments consists three levels of Pusa hydrogel (5 g, 10 g, and 20 g) with three replications in upland, upper medium land and lower medium land soil. This study was carried out with specific objectives of the influence of Pusa hydrogel-induced varying soil moistures on the performance of the okra crop. Results revealed that the treatment T3 (20 g of Pusa hydrogel) recorded significantly high soil moisture content compared to all other treatments. It recorded the highest  average soil moisture content (25.1% in upland,26.8% in upper midland, and 27.5% in lower midland soil) while the control i.e. without hydrogel (T7) recorded the least soil moisture content as 14.96% in upland, 15.55%. in upper midland and 15.57% in lower midland soil.
Groundwater Quality Assessment of Shallow Coastal Aquifer in Guntur District of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Venkata Subbaiah P. , Anny Mrudhula K. , Kaledhonkar M. J.
Published: March 2022

In the year 2021, a survey was conducted in the coastal mandals of Guntur district, Andhra Pradesh, to determine the quality of irrigated groundwater. A total of 29 representative samples were collected along with GPS locations. The water samples were tested for a variety of chemical characteristics, including: pH, EC, Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+ , K+; CO3-2, HCO3-, Cl- and SO4-2. The pH, EC, SAR and RSC in groundwater ranged from 6.9-8.2, 0.6-9.2 (dSm-1), 1.75-17.59 (mmol l-1)1/2, -35-7.8 (me l-1). The concentration of cations viz., Ca+2, Mg+2, Na+ and K+ varied from 0.4-21.8, 1.2-20, 2.22-47.7 and 0.02-0.87 me l-1 with mean values of 8.51, 8.10, 19.30 and 0.23 me l-1 respectively. Concentration of anions viz., CO3-2, HCO3-, Cl- and SO4-2 varied from 0-0.8, 2.6-16.6, 2.0-52.0 and 0.4-21.8 me l-1 with an average values of 0.27, 7.19, 18.70 and 2.70 me l-1 respectively. The relative abundance of ions for most of the water samples were Na+ > Ca+2 > Mg+2 > K+ for cations and Cl- > HCO3- > SO4-2 > CO3- for anions. According to CSSRI classification of irrigation water, 41.38, 17.24, 24.13, 13.80, 0.0, 0.0 and 3.45 per cent samples were good, marginally saline, Saline, High SAR Saline, marginally alkaline, alkali and highly alkali, respectively. Spatial variability maps of pH, EC, SAR, RSC and groundwater quality of the study area were developed.
Depression as a Risk Factor for Dementia among aged People with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Egila Hossam , Mustafa Monzer , Esmael Ahmed , Alrashedy Shady , Hamdey Rashed Elkalla Ibrahem , El Emam Gad Sahar , Azmy Kyrillos Fady , Abbas Mohammed
Published: March 2022

Objective: The aim of this study is to detect the relation between depression and dementia in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM).

Methods: Clinically diagnosed Type 2 diabetes underwent screening for depression using Beck's Depression Inventory scale and subsequent risk of dementia defined using medical reports, prescription data and death certificates. The mediating act of inflammation systemically was measured by assessing three inflammatory markers (C reactive protein, ESR and Fibrinogen).

Results: The study was conducted on 102 diabetic type 2 patients, included 48 males and 54 females. Patients divided into 12 (11.7%) patients with depression and 90 (88.3%) patients without depression (mean age 61±8.6 and 60.9±9.2 respectively). Mean BMI (body mass index) in depressive patients was 33.5 ± 9.3 and was 31.9 ± 8.9 in non-depressive cases (P value 0.01). There were no significant differences in patients with and without depression regarding the presence of hypertension, hyperlipidemia and smoking as risk factors of dementia. Patients with depression had significant impaired cognition and the total MoCA (Montereal Cognitive Assessment) scores were significantly lower than those of patients without depression (23.21 ± 3.48 vs 26.34 ± 3.78, P <0.05). Complication of diabetes in patients with depression as neuropathy was significant (P value 0.005). Other complications as diabetic retinopathy and nephropathy were non-significant. Inflammatory markers levels in patients with depressive symptoms were significantly higher (P value < 0.01).

Conclusion: In patients with type 2 diabetes, there is an important association between dementia and depression. Systemic inflammation had a significant role in the relation between depression and dementia.
Prevalence of Self Medication and Knowledge of its Associated Risks among Undergraduate Students of a State University in Southwest Nigeria
Authors: Adesina K. A. , Ayoka M. Adeeyo , Afolalu A. Olamide , Anyebe E. E.
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Self-medication, as one element of self-care, is the selection and use of medicines by individuals to treat self-recognized illnesses or symptoms. It is the use of non-prescribed medicines by people on the basis of their own initiative.

Aim and Purpose: This study assessed the prevalence of self-medication and knowledge of its associated risks among undergraduate students of Osun State University, Osogbo campus. The study determined reasons and factors influencing self-medication among the students.

Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional design was adopted for the study. A researcher-developed questionnaire was used to collect data a convenient sample of 407 respondents. Data were analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. Results were presented using tables, pie chart, frequency and percentages.

Results: This study shows a very young population of students (average age of 17±5.6 years; range – 16 to 27 years), with male making up over two-thirds (slightly over 64%). Prevalence is relatively high; 55.3% of students had used drugs without medical advice, with more than half of the respondents preferring to buy drugs from chemist or pharmacy shops rather than going to school clinic. Antibiotics are the most commonly self-medicated drug on the campus, with headache as the most frequent reported symptom. Factors such as high cost of consultation, urgency and degree of health problem, pressure of time explained why students self-medicate. Male gender appears absolute determinant (p=0.000) of self-medication; other socio-demographic variables were not significantly related to prevalence to self-medication.

Conclusion: Prevalence of self-medication is relatively high with good knowledge of its associated risks among students of Osun State University, Osogbo Campus. It is recommended that health promotion by health workers and university clinic has become paramount.
Prevalence of Xerostomia among Patients Visiting Private Dental Hospital in Chennai: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Thariny E. , Ramani Pratibha
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Xerostomia is a dry mouth condition caused by insufficient or absent saliva flow. Xerostomia is not a disorder, but it may be a symptom of a variety of diseases, a side effect of head and neck radiation, or a side effect of a number of drug medications. It may be linked to reduced salivary gland activity or not.

Aim: To assess the prevalence of xerostomia among patients visiting private dental hospitals in chennai.

Materials and Methods: This was a retrospective study done in a university setting. Case sheets of patients who were diagnosed with xerostomia n=24 were obtained from DIAS for analysis between June 2019 - February 2021. The data was then collected using SPSS tools for statistical analysis. A comparison was made between xerostomia with age, gender and predisposing factor.

Results: There was a high prevalence of xerostomia in females (83.3%) when compared to males (16.7%) among the patients visiting private dental hospitals. Xerostomia was more prevalent in the age group of 55-65 years (41.6%). Most common reason for xerostomia was found to be drug medications (60.87%) followed by other factors like diabetic mellitus, radiation therapy etc. On comparison of age with the predisposing factor of xerostomia it was found that the age group of 55-65 year were mostly affected with drug medications as the most common reason to induce xerostomia which was found to be a statistically insignificant ( P value =0.151) Similarly on comparison of gender with predisposing factor of xerostomia, it was found that females were found to be most affected with drug medications as the main predisposing factor which was found to be a statistically significant with p =0.037.

Conclusion: Despite the limitations of this study, it can be concluded that oral dryness will continue to be a significant health problem as life expectancy rises. As a result, it's critical to comprehend the pathophysiology of xerostomia, as it may be a contributing factor in any systemic disorder.
Effect of Varying Parameters on the Properties of Effervescent Paracetamol Tablets for Paediatrics
Authors: Agbamu E. , Arhewoh M. I. , Osunde U. J. , Nwankwo L. U.
Published: March 2022

Aims: This study was aimed to determine the effect of varying parameters on the properties of effervescent paracetamol tablets for paediatrics.

Study Design: This analytical study was carried out on effervescent paracetamol tablets formulated with differing formulation parameters.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out in the Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta State University and Abraka from April 2017 to November, 2017.

Methodology: Different formulations of effervescent paracetamol tablets were produced through wet granulation method using varied concentrations of citric acid (15, 20 and 25 %) and sodium bicarbonate (15, 20 and 25 %) as the major effervescent ingredients. The powder blends were evaluated for angle of repose, tapped and bulk density to determine its flow property. The prepared tablets were further evaluated using the unofficial test for hardness, friability and thickness as well as the official tests for weight uniformity, disintegration time, carbon dioxide (CO2) content, water content and pH.

Results: Angle of repose ranged from 23.96 ± 1.97o - 28.84 ± 0.91o, Hausner’s ratio ranged from 1.16 ± 0.02 – 1.25 ± 0.02 while Carr’s index ranged from 14 ± 1.73 - 20 ± 1.15. All the granules had good flow properties while granules for F3 was the optimized formulation. Friability values were from 0.38 - 0.39 %. Tablets disintegrated between 3 ± 43.06 to 5 ± 16.3 min. The effervescence time in all formulations was between 3 to 5 mins with batch F3 giving the best effervescence time.

Conclusion: Granules made with Formulation F3 had the optimized flow characteristics. Effervescent paracetamol tablets containing 25% each of citric acid and sodium bicarbonate had the most desired properties as increase in both the concentration of the citric acid and sodium bicarbonate led to a decrease in the disintegration and effervescence time.
Transferosomes: Vesicular Carrier for both Hydrophilic and Lipophilic Drugs
Authors: Kumar R. Santosh , Pradhan Maharnab
Published: March 2022

The vesicular system has accessed significant importance towards a sustained drug delivery system in recent years. This article was designed to review the future of vesicular systems known as transferosomes. The vesicles are softer and highly deformable than liposomes. The word Transferosomes is derived from Latin and Greek words called “Transferre” and “soma,” respectively, where Transferre means “carry across” and Soma means “a body.” Transferosomes vesicles are carrying bodies for targeted transdermal drug delivery systems. It consists of phospholipid and an edge activator. In transferosome, phospholipids vesicles act as transdermal drug carriers. It generates an osmotic gradient at the stratum corneum and helps the transferosomes penetrate through the stratum corneum by the transcellular route. Transferosomes have a wide range of solubility, have a remarkable ability to penetrate through the skin, are compatible and biodegradable, and are highly expensive. But they are easily prone to chemical degradation and are highly expensive. The transfersomes were formulated by handshaking, vortex, and freeze-thaw techniques. Transferosomes have various Evaluation parameters such as Vesicle size distribution, the morphology of vesicle, Number of vesicles per cubic mm. Transferosomes have various applications like they can be applied in controlled release and sustained release formulation, transportation of lower and higher molecular weight drug molecules, target drug delivery system, and transdermal immunization. Transferosomes have been ultra-deformable vesicles capable of subjecting a futuristic solution to all vesicular delivery and conventional delivery complications. It can carry any drug’s molecular weight through the skin; due to its ultra-deformable characteristics feature, therefore, they are widely used to take protein and peptides. After doing all the evaluation studies, we can say that Transferosomes are the promising candidate for the vesicular system and can replace other novel vesicular systems. Thus it holds a bright future in novel drug delivery systems.
Automated conversion of Millennium‐120 VMAT plans to HDMLC geometry: Software development and treatment of first patients
Authors: Yang Ray , Lamey Michael , Bartha Leigh , Johnston Michael , Warburton Alexandra , Gillund Dawn , Becker Nathan
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To provide plan backup resiliency for patients treated on a solitary high definition multileaf collimator (HDMLC) linac by developing a fully integrated Eclipse script, which converts patient plans initially optimized on Millennium‐120 (M120) MLC to dosimetrically equivalent leaf motions for delivery on HDMLC. In the event of HDMLC machine downtime, affected patients can be transferred to Millennium‐120 units, and their backup plan delivered without delay.

Methods

Write‐enabled Eclipse scripting is leveraged to generate HDMLC treatment fields with control points parameterized to mimic apertures of an existing Millennium‐120 VMAT plan. Non‐parity between intermediate control point gantry angles of script generated arcs relative to VMAT is reconciled through an interpolation subroutine to correct for the apertures and monitor units that would have existed at intermediate angles. Differences in dosimetric leaf gap are corrected by displacing the subset of leaves undergoing dynamic motion. A nominal change to plan normalization corrects for remaining discrepancies between beam models.

Results

Over 220 non‐SABR VMAT patients were treated on a solitary HDMLC linac with plans converted using the developed script. All have undergone streamlined RO review and physics quality assurance (QA), where the converted plan replicates the original leaf patterns, representing a minor dosimetric perturbation. Analyzing a subset of converted plans delivered at four anatomical sites, on average 99.3% of points pass the 1%/1 mm gamma criterion. Dose‐volume histograms between the original and converted plans are in excellent agreement. ArcCheck measurements comparing delivery of the converted HDMLC plan to the calculated M120 dose distribution averaged a gamma pass rate of 99.4% (95.2%) at a 3%/3 mm (2%/2 mm) criterion. The conversion process takes 30 s to run, avoids errors in exporting/re‐importing, and generates leaf motions deliverable within machine limits.

Conclusion

The methodology developed for automated plan conversion helped maximize the utilization of a solitary HDMLC linac, while preserving backup interoperability with minimal overhead.
CaV6O16·2.8H2O with Ca2+ Pillar and Water Lubrication as a High‐Rate and Long‐Life Cathode Material for Ca‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wang Junjun , Wang Jianxiang , Jiang Yalong , Xiong Fangyu , Tan Shuangshuang , Qiao Fan , Chen Jinghui , An Qinyou , Mai Liqiang
Published: March 2022

Due to the low cost and low redox potential of calcium, calcium ion batteries (CIBs) are considered a competitive candidate for large‐scale energy storage systems and have attracted increasing attention in recent years. However, the development of CIBs is still in its infancy and hindered by the lack of high‐performance cathode materials. Herein, the metahewettite layered vanadium oxide with the Ca2+ pillar and water lubrication is reported as a cathode material for CIBs. Benefiting from the large interlayer spacing, pillar, and water lubrication effect, the as‐prepared CaV6O16·2.8H2O (CVO) delivers a high discharge capacity of 175.2 mAh g−1 at 50 °C and 131.7 mAh g−1 at room temperature, a long cycle life of 1000 cycles and the highest rate performance (up to 1000 mA g−1) in organic electrolyte. Furthermore, a single‐phase Ca2+ insertion and extraction reaction is revealed by in situ X‐ray diffraction and in‐situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Density functional theory computations indicate that Ca2+ tends to diffuse along the b direction with a low energy barrier of 0.36 eV in CVO. This work is bringing the performance of cathode materials for CIBs to a higher level and of great significance for accelerating the development of CIBs.
Acoustic Bioprinting of Patient‐Derived Organoids for Predicting Cancer Therapy Responses
Authors: Chen Hui , Wu Zhuhao , Gong Zhiyi , Xia Yu , Li Juan , Du Liang , Zhang Yuanzheng , Gao Xiangyang , Fan Zhou , Hu Hang , Qian Qun , Ding Zhao , Guo Shishang
Published: March 2022

Cancer models, which are biologically representative of patient tumors, can predict the treatment responses and help determine the most appropriate cancer treatment for individual patients. Here, a point‐of‐care testing system called acoustically bioprinted patient‐derived microtissues (PDMs) that can model cancer invasion and predict treatment response in individual patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), is reported. The PDMs are composed of patient‐derived colorectal tumors and healthy organoids which can be precisely arranged by acoustic bioprinting approach for recapulating primary tissue's architecture. Particularly, these tumor organoids can be efficiently generated and can apprehend histological, genomic, and phenotypical characteristics of primary tumors. Consequently, these PDMs allow physiologically relevant in vitro drug (5‐fluorouracil) screens, thus predicting the paired patient's responses to chemotherapy. A correlation between organoid invasion speed and normalized spreading speed of the paired patients is further established. It provides a quantitative indicator to help doctors make better decisions on ultimate anus‐preserving operation for extremely low CRC patients. Thus, by combing acoustic bioprinting and organoid cultures, this method may open an avenue to establish complex 3D tissue models for precision and personalized medicine.
Vertical‐Graphene‐Reinforced Titanium Alloy Bipolar Plates in Fuel Cells
Authors: Yu Feng , Wang Kun , Cui Lingzhi , Wang Shengli , Hou Ming , Xiong Feng , Zou Ruqiang , Gao Peng , Peng Hailin , Liu Zhongfan
Published: March 2022

The bipolar plate (BP) serves as one of the crucial components in proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Among BP materials, metallic BPs are widely employed due to their outstanding comprehensive properties. However, the interfacial contact resistance (ICR) between BP and gas diffusion layer together with corrosion of metallic BP under acidic operating conditions degrades the performance and stability of PEMFCs. Herein, an approach is proposed for the surface reinforcement of titanium (Ti) alloy BPs, relying on a directly grown vertical graphene (VG) coating via the plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition method. Compared with bare Ti alloy, the corrosion rate of VG‐coated Ti alloy reduces by 1–2 orders of magnitude in the simulated PEMFC operating environments and ICR decreases by ≈100 times, while its thermal conductivity improves by ≈20% and water contact angle increases by 68.1°. The results can be interpreted that the unique structure of VG enables excellent electrical and thermal conduction in PEMFCs, and the highly hydrophobic VG coating suppresses the penetration of corrosive liquid as well as contributing to water management. This study opens a new opportunity to reinforce metallic surfaces by the robust and versatile VG coating for high‐performance electrodes used in energy and catalyst applications.
A Semiconducting Two‐Dimensional Polymer as an Organic Electrochemical Transistor Active Layer
Authors: Rashid Reem B. , Evans Austin M. , Hall Lyndon A. , Dasari Raghunath R. , Roesner Emily K. , Marder Seth R. , D'Allesandro Deanna M. , Dichtel William R. , Rivnay Jonathan
Published: March 2022

Organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs) are devices with broad potential in bioelectronic sensing, circuits, and neuromorphic hardware. Their unique properties arise from the use of organic mixed ionic/electronic conductors (OMIECs) as the active channel. Typical OMIECs are linear polymers, where defined and controlled microstructure/morphology, and reliable characterization of transport and charging can be elusive. Semiconducting two‐dimensional polymers (2DPs) present a new avenue in OMIEC materials development, enabling electronic transport along with precise control of well‐defined channels ideal for ion transport/intercalation. To this end, a recently reported 2DP, TIIP, is synthesized and patterned at 10 µm resolution as the channel of a transistor. The TIIP films demonstrate textured microstructure and show semiconducting properties with accessible oxidation states. Operating in an aqueous electrolyte, the 2DP‐OECT exhibits a device‐scale hole mobility of 0.05 cm2 V–1 s–1 and a µC* figure of merit of 1.75 F cm–1 V–1 s–1. 2DP OMIECs thus offer new synthetic degrees of freedom to control OECT performance and may enable additional opportunities such as ion selectivity or improved stability through reduced morphological modulation during device operation.
Diminishing Interfacial Turbulence by Colloid‐Polymer Electrolyte to Stabilize Zinc Ion Flux for Deep‐Cycling Zn Metal Batteries
Authors: Zhou Jinqiu , Zhang Lifang , Peng Mingji , Zhou Xi , Cao Yufeng , Liu Jie , Shen Xiaowei , Yan Chenglin , Qian Tao
Published: March 2022

The fluidity of aqueous electrolytes and undesired H2 evolution reaction (HER) can cause severe interfacial turbulence in aqueous Zn metal batteries (ZMBs) at deep cycling with high capacities and current densities, which would further perturb ion flux and aggravate Zn dendrite growth. In this study, a colloid‐polymer electrolyte (CPE) with special colloidal phase and suppressed HER is designed to diminish interfacial turbulence and boost deep Zn electrochemistry. Density functional theory calculations confirm that the quantitative migratory barriers of Zn2+ along the transport pathway in CPE demonstrate much smaller fluctuations compared with normal aqueous electrolyte, indicating that CPE can effectively diminish interfacial disturbance. Benefitting from this, the Zn2+ ion flux can be homogenized and deposited evenly on the electrode, which is confirmed by finite element simulation and in situ Raman measurements. Consequently, CPE enables stable operation of Zn//Cu cells even with high capacity (up to 20 mAh cm−2) and current density (up to 100 mA cm−2) and Zn//Na5V12O32 full‐cell with N/P ratio as low as 1 (i.e., 100% Zn utilization). It is believed that this strategy opens a brand‐new avenue based on CPE toward boosting deep‐cycling electrochemistry in ZMBs and even other aqueous energy‐storage applications.
Ionic Hydrogel for Efficient and Scalable Moisture‐Electric Generation
Authors: Yang Su , Tao Xiaoming , Chen Wei , Mao Jianfeng , Luo Heng , Lin Shuping , Zhang Lisha , Hao Jianhua
Published: March 2022

The progress of spontaneous energy generation from ubiquitous moisture is hindered the low output current and intermittent operating voltage of the moisture‐electric generators. Herein a novel and efficient ionic hydrogel moisture‐electric generator (IHMEG) is developed by rational combination of poly(vinyl alcohol), phytic acid, and glycerol‐water binary solvent. Thanks to the synergistic effect of notable moisture‐absorption capability and fast ion transport capability in the ionic hydrogel network, a single IHMEG unit of 0.25 cm2 can continuously generate direct‐current electricity with a constant open‐circuit voltage of ≈0.8 V for over 1000 h, a high short‐current density of 0.24 mA cm−2, and power density of up to 35 µW cm−2. Of great importance is that large‐scale integration of IHMEG units can be readily accomplished to offer a device with voltage up to 210 V, capable of directly driving numerous commercial electronics, including electronic ink screen, metal electrodeposition setup, and light‐emitting‐diode arrays. Such prominent performance is mainly attributed to the enhanced moisture‐liberated proton diffusion proved by experimental observation and theoretical analysis. The ionic hydrogel with high cost‐efficiency, easy‐to‐scaleup fabrication, and high power‐output opens a brand‐new perspective to develop a green, versatile, and efficient power source for Internet‐of‐Things and wearable electronics.
Coupling Lipid Nanoparticle Structure and Automated Single‐Particle Composition Analysis to Design Phospholipase‐Responsive Nanocarriers
Authors: Barriga Hanna M. G. , Pence Isaac J. , Holme Margaret N. , Doutch James J. , Penders Jelle , Nele Valeria , Thomas Michael R. , Carroni Marta , Stevens Molly M.
Published: March 2022

Lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) are versatile structures with tunable physicochemical properties that are ideally suited as a platform for vaccine delivery and RNA therapeutics. A key barrier to LNP rational design is the inability to relate composition and structure to intracellular processing and function. Here Single Particle Automated Raman Trapping Analysis (SPARTA) is combined with small‐angle X‐ray and neutron scattering (SAXS/SANS) techniques to link LNP composition with internal structure and morphology and to monitor dynamic LNP–phospholipase D (PLD) interactions. This analysis demonstrates that PLD, a key intracellular trafficking mediator, can access the entire LNP lipid membrane to generate stable, anionic LNPs. PLD activity on vesicles with matched amounts of enzyme substrate is an order of magnitude lower, indicating that the LNP lipid membrane structure can be used to control enzyme interactions. This represents an opportunity to design enzyme‐responsive LNP solutions for stimuli‐responsive delivery and diseases where PLD is dysregulated.
Enhanced Long‐Term Cathode Stability by Tuning Interfacial Nanocomposite for Intermediate Temperature Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Hu Dingyue , Dawson Karl , Zanella Marco , Manning Troy D. , Daniels Luke M. , Browning Nigel D. , Mehdi B. Layla , Xu Yaobin , Amari Houari , Shin J. Felix , Pitcher Michael J. , Chen Ruiyong , Niu Hongjun , Liu Bowen , Bilton Matthew , Kim Junyoung , Claridge John B. , Rosseinsky Matthew J.
Published: March 2022

Performance durability is one of the essential requirements for solid oxide fuel cell materials operating in the intermediate temperature range (500–700 °C). The trade‐off between desirable catalytic activity and long‐term stability challenges the development and commercialization of electrode materials. Here an oxygen cathode material, Ba0.5Sr0.5(Co0.7Fe0.3)0.69−xMgxW0.31O3−δ (BSCFW‐xMg), that exhibits excellent electrocatalytic performance through the addition of an optimized amount of Mg to the self‐assembled nanocomposite Ba0.5Sr0.5(Co0.7Fe0.3)0.69W0.31O3−δ (BSCFW) by simple solid‐state reaction is reported. Distinct from the bulk and surface approaches to introduce vacancies and defects in materials design, here the Mg2+ ions concentrate at the single perovskite/double perovskite interface of BSCFW with dislocations and Mg2+‐rich nanolayers, resulting in stressed and compositionally inhomogeneous interface regions. The interfacial chemistry within these nanocomposites provides an additional degree of freedom to enable performance optimization over single phase materials and promotes the durability of alkaline‐earth based fuel cell materials.
Near‐Infrared and Visible‐Range Optoelectronics in 2D Hybrid Perovskite/Transition Metal Dichalcogenide Heterostructures
Authors: Varghese Abin , Yin Yuefeng , Wang Mingchao , Lodha Saurabh , Medhekar Nikhil V.
Published: March 2022

The application of ultrathin 2D perovskites in near‐infrared and visible‐range optoelectronics is limited owing to their inherent wide bandgaps, large excitonic binding energies, and low optical absorption at higher wavelengths. Here, it is shown that by tailoring interfacial band alignments via conjugation with low‐dimensional materials like monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides (TMD), the functionalities of 2D perovskites can be extended to diverse, visible‐range photophysical applications. Based on the choice of individual constituents in the 2D perovskite/TMD heterostructures, first principles calculations demonstrate widely tunable type‐II bandgaps, carrier effective masses, and band offsets to enable an effective separation of photogenerated excitons for enhanced photodetection and photovoltaic applications. In addition, the possibilities of achieving a type‐I band alignment for recombination‐based light emitters as well as a type‐III configuration for tunneling devices are shown. Further, the effect of strain on the electronic properties of the heterostructures are evaluated to show a significant strain tolerance, making them prospective candidates in flexible photosensors.
Design of Hierarchical Oxide‐Carbon Nanostructures for Trifunctional Electrocatalytic Applications
Authors: Rachna Devi Hemam , Bisen Omeshwari Yadorao , Cao Xun , Chen Zhong , Nanda Karuna Kar
Published: March 2022

The rational design of efficient trifunctional catalysts for oxygen evolution reaction (OER), oxygen reduction reaction (ORR), and hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of significant importance for metal–air batteries and electrolyzers. Herein, a hierarchical carbon architecture that comprises of 1D tubes and 2D sheets supported on Ni–Co oxide is synthesized. The 1D–2D carbon nanostructures further support homogeneously dispersed Co/Ni–Nx centers, NiCo and its oxide nanoparticles that are beneficial for ORR, HER, and OER, respectively. The hierarchical nanostructures offer highly exposed surface that enables the maximum utility of active sites for different reactions and also provide a single platform that can be used as OER–ORR and OER‐HER bifunctional catalyst for metal– air batteries and electrolyzers, respectively. The catalyst displays a low ΔE (EJ(OER) = 10 − E½(ORR)) of 0.846 V for bifunctional OER–ORR and low potential of 1.54 V at 10 mA cm−2 for overall water splitting with appreciable durability for 40 h. Overall, the nanostructures exhibit remarkable activity and are durable for OER, ORR, and HER. Moreover, the study offers a pathway to expand the functionality of the non‐noble electrocatalyst and simultaneously offers a platform to prove that preferential active sites exist for different reactions.
Computational Inference of Synaptic Polarities in Neuronal Networks
Authors: Harris Michael R. , Wytock Thomas P. , Kovács István A.
Published: March 2022

Synaptic polarity, that is, whether synapses are inhibitory (−) or excitatory (+), is challenging to map, despite being a key to understand brain function. Here, synaptic polarity is inferred computationally considering three experimental scenarios, depending on the nature of available input data, using theCaenorhabditis elegansconnectome as an example. First, the inputs consist of detailed neurotransmitter (NT) and receptor (R) gene expression, integrated through the connectome model (CM). The CM formulates the problem through a wiring rule network that summarizes how NT‐R pairs govern synaptic polarity, and resolves 356 synaptic polarities in addition to the 1752 known polarities. Second, known synaptic polarities are considered as an input, in addition to the NT and R gene expression data, but without wiring rules. These data train the spatial connectome model, which infers the polarity of 81% of the CM‐resolved connections at % precision, while also inferring 147 of the remaining unknown polarities. Last, without known expression or wiring rules, polarities are inferred through a network sign prediction problem. As an illustration of high performance in this case, the generalized CM is introduced. These results address imminent challenges in unveiling large‐scale synaptic polarities, an essential step toward more realistic brain models.
Biomimetic Lipopolysaccharide‐Free Bacterial Outer Membrane‐Functionalized Nanoparticles for Brain‐Targeted Drug Delivery
Authors: Chen Haiyan , Zhou Mengyuan , Zeng Yuteng , Miao Tongtong , Luo Haoyuan , Tong Yang , Zhao Mei , Mu Rui , Gu Jiang , Yang Shudi , Han Liang
Published: March 2022

The blood–brain barrier (BBB) severely blocks the intracranial accumulation of most systemic drugs. Inspired by the contribution of the bacterial outer membrane to Escherichia coli K1 (EC‐K1) binding to and invasion of BBB endothelial cells in bacterial meningitis, utilization of the BBB invasion ability of the EC‐K1 outer membrane for brain‐targeted drug delivery and construction of a biomimetic self‐assembled nanoparticle with a surface featuring a lipopolysaccharide‐free EC‐K1 outer membrane are proposed. BBB penetration of biomimetic nanoparticles is demonstrated to occur through the transcellular vesicle transport pathway, which is at least partially dependent on internalization, endosomal escape, and transcytosis mediated by the interactions between outer membrane protein A and gp96 on BBB endothelial cells. This biomimetic nanoengineering strategy endows the loaded drugs with prolonged circulation, intracranial interstitial distribution, and extremely high biocompatibility. Based on the critical roles of gp96 in cancer biology, this strategy reveals enormous potential for delivering therapeutics to treat gp96‐overexpressing intracranial malignancies.
Functionalized Spiral‐Rolling Millirobot for Upstream Swimming in Blood Vessel
Authors: Yang Liu , Zhang Tieshan , Tan Rong , Yang Xiong , Guo Dong , Feng Yu , Ren Hao , Tang Yifeng , Shang Wanfeng , Shen Yajing
Published: March 2022

Untethered small robots with multiple functions show considerable potential as next‐generation catheter‐free systems for biomedical applications. However, owing to dynamic blood flow, even effective upstream swimming in blood vessels remains a challenge for the robot, let alone performing medical tasks. This paper presents an untethered millirobot with a streamlined shape that integrates the engine, delivery, and biopsy modules. Based on the proposed spiral‐rolling strategy, this robot can move upstream at a record‐breaking speed of ≈14 mm s−1 against a blood phantom flow of 136 mm s−1. Moreover, benefiting from the bioinspired self‐sealing orifice and easy‐open auto‐closed biopsy needle sheath, this robot facilitates several biomedical tasks in blood vessels, such as in vivo drug delivery, tissue and liquid biopsy, and cell transportation in rabbit arteries. This study will benefit the development of wireless millirobots for controllable, minimally invasive, highly integrated, and multifunctional endovascular interventions and will inspire new designs of miniature devices for biomedical applications.
Single Molecular Layer of Chitin Sub‐Nanometric Nanoribbons: One‐Pot Self‐Exfoliation and Crystalline Assembly into Robust, Sustainable, and Moldable Structural Materials
Authors: Ding Yugao , Chen Xizhi , Zhou Youshuang , Ren Xiaoming , Zhang Weihua , Li Mingjie , Zhang Qunchao , Jiang Tao , Ding Beibei , Shi Dean , You Jun
Published: March 2022

Sub‐nanometric materials (SNMs) represent a series of unprecedented size‐/morphology‐related properties applicable in theoretical research and diverse cutting‐edge applications. However, in‐depth investigation and wide utilization of organic SNMs are frequently hindered, owing to the complex synthesis procedures, insufficient colloidal stability, poor processability, and high cost. In this work, a low‐cost, energy‐efficient, convenient, effective, and scalable method is demonstrated for directly exfoliating chitin SNMs from their natural sources through a one‐pot “tandem molecular intercalation” process. The resultant solution‐like sample, which exhibits ribbon‐like feature and contains more than 85% of the single molecular layer (thickness <0.6 nm), is capable of being solution‐processed to different types of materials. Thanks to the sub‐nanometric size and rich surface functional groups, chitin SNMs reveal versatile intriguing properties that rarely observe in their nano‐counterparts (nanofibrils), e.g., crystallization‐like assembly in the colloidal state and alcoplasticity/self‐adhesiveness in the bulk aggregate state. The finding in this work not only opens a new avenue for the high value‐added utilization of chitin, but also provides a new platform for both the theoretical study and practical applications of organic SNMs.
Flexible Pseudocapacitive Iontronic Tactile Sensor Based on Microsphere‐Decorated Electrode and Microporous Polymer Electrolyte for Ultrasensitive Pressure Detection
Authors: Wang Peng , Li Guoxian , Yu Wei , Meng Chuizhou , Guo Shijie
Published: March 2022

Wearable sensor as the initial terminal is in great requirement for people pursuing healthy life. High‐performance tactile sensors are the guarantee of accurate pressure information acquisition. Herein, a flexible iontronic tactile sensor is developed by utilizing a highly conductive poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrenesulfonate) thin film decorated with polymethyl methacrylate microspheres as pseudocapacitive electrode and a porous polyurethane foam composited with Na+/Cl−ion‐enriched polyvinyl alcohol gel as polymer electrolyte through a facile method of solution‐casting followed by freeze‐drying. By taking advantages of both high pseudocapacitance and rationally designed microstructures, the developed tactile sensor shows an ultrahigh sensitivity (≈162.90 kPa−1), a broad detection range (≈160 kPa), a low detection limit (≈30 Pa), a fast response time (≈25 ms), and excellent repeatability and durability. Thanks to the ultrahigh sensitivity, the sensor is capable of detecting subtle pressures caused by dynamic micromotions such as touching a sandpaper surface, dropping water droplets, and adding water into a beaker. Application of a smart glove mounted with such sensor unit and array for a fast and accurate Braille recognition is also demonstrated. The proposed facile and efficient strategy of fabricating flexible ultrasensitive tactile sensors will be favorable to various wearable subtle pressure sensing applications.
Sex and race visual representation in emergency medicine textbooks and the hidden curriculum
Authors: Kalantari Annahieta , Alvarez Al'ai , Battaglioli Nicole , Chung Arlene , Cooney Robert , Boehmer Susan J. , Nwabueze Albert , Gottlieb Michael
Published: March 2022

Introduction

In addition to formal training, informal training often occurs through a hidden curriculum. As the hidden curriculum shapes the knowledge and values held by learners, we must consider its role in implicit bias. One example is through the selection of images used in formal instruction. This study aimed to examine the representation of sex and race among images in two textbooks in emergency medicine (EM).

Methods

We performed a cross‐sectional study of the sex and race representation of figures in Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice 9th Edition and Tintinalli's Emergency Medicine: A Comprehensive Study Guide 9th Edition. Two reviewers screened all images for inclusion, with disagreements resolved by a third reviewer. Images were excluded if they did not include visualized skin. Two reviewers independently reviewed each image and assessed the sex, race, and roles in the image. A third reviewer resolved any disagreements.

Results

A total of 959 images (Rosen's n = 377; Tintinalli's n = 582) met inclusion criteria. Race was estimated in 877 cases (91.3%). Of those, White individuals comprised 77.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 75.0%–80.2%). Sex was estimated in 362 cases (37.7%). Of those images, males comprised 70.2% (95% CI 65.4%–74.9%), and females comprised 29.8% (95% CI 25.1%–34.6%).

Conclusion

There is a male sex and White race predominance in visual representation among two EM textbooks. We propose a call to action for the mindful selection of images in formal education to represent diversity, equity, and inclusion and close the gap between the formal and hidden curriculum.
Characteristic physical traits of first‐grade children in the United States with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) and associated alcohol and drug exposures
Authors: May Philip A. , Hasken Julie M. , Manning Melanie A. , Robinson Luther K. , Abdul‐Rahman Omar , Adam Margaret P. , Jewett Tamison , Elliott Amy J. , Kalberg Wendy O. , Buckley David , Hoyme H. Eugene
Published: March 2022

We compared growth, physical features, and minor anomalies in 131 first‐grade children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) to those of a representative comparison group of typically developing children from the same populations (n = 1212). The data were collected from three regional sites in the NIAAA‐funded Collaboration on FASD Prevalence (CoFASP). Dysmorphology examinations were performed by a team of expert clinical geneticists, and FASD diagnoses were assigned according to the Revised Institute of Medicine Guidelines, which include assessments of growth, dysmorphology, neurobehavior, and maternal risk interviews. We present detailed data on 32 physical traits, minor anomalies, and a summary dysmorphology score for children within each of the four diagnostic categories in the continuum of FASD. There were few differences in the frequency of FASD diagnoses by race or Hispanic ethnicity. Children with FASD were born to mothers who reported using alcohol, tobacco (28.3%), and other drugs (14.2%) during pregnancy. Controlling for tobacco and other drug use, risk analysis indicated that women with a drinking pattern of 3 drinks per drinking day prior to pregnancy were 10 times more likely (p < 0.001, OR = 9.92, 95% CI: 4.6–21.5) to bear a child with FASD than those who reported abstinence prior to pregnancy.
Synergistic Generation and Accumulation of Triplet Excitons for Efficient Ultralong Organic Phosphorescence
Authors: Chen Junru , Chen Xiaojie , Cao Lei , Deng Huangjun , Chi Zhenguo , Liu Bin
Published: March 2022

The traditional method to achieve ultralong organic phosphorescence (UOP) is to hybrid nπ* and ππ* configurations in appropriate proportion, which are contradictory to each other for improving efficiency and lifetime of phosphorescence. In this work, through replacing the electron‐donating aromatic group with a methoxy group and combining intramolecular halogen bond to promote intersystem crossing and suppress non‐radiative transition, an efficient UOP molecule (2Br‐OSPh) has been synthesized with the longest lifetime and brightest UOP among its isomers. As compared to CzS2Br, which has a similar substituted position of bromine atom and a larger kisc (the rate of intersystem crossing), the smaller ΔETT* (the energy gap between monomeric phosphorescence and aggregated state phosphorescence) in 2Br‐OSPh could accelerate the transition from T1 to T1*. This research indicates that both generation and accumulation of triplet excitons play an important role in realizing efficient UOP materials.