bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Self-Confidence in Performance of Infection Control for Multi-Drug Resistant Organisms among Nurses in Long-Term Care Hospitals
Authors: Lee So Jin , Kim Mi Ran
Published: June 2021

Purpose: This was a descriptive research survey study to assess support for resources, organizational culture, knowledge, and self-confidence in the performance of infection control of multidrug-resistant organism (MDROs) perceived by nurses in long-term care hospitals, and to confirm influencing factors of such perception on self-confidence in performance.Methods: The participants were 192 nurses in 11 long-term care hospitals located in Daejeon Metropolitan City. Data collection was done from January 8 to February 17, 2020. Collected data were analyzed using independent sample t-test, one-way ANOVA, Pearson correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis with the IBM SPSS statistics 25.0 program.Results: Organizational culture for infection control (β=.22), knowledge on MDROs infection control (β=.19), and experiences in education on MDROs infection control within the last year (β=.15) were found to be the factors most influencing self-confidence in performance of the nurses for MDROs infection control, and explained about 14.5%.Conclusion: In order to increase self-confidence in performance of MDROs infection control, it is suggested a positive organizational culture be developed with regularly monitoring and feedback, and to develop an MDROs infection control theory and practical training intervention program.
Infection Control Education Programs for Nursing Students: A Systematic Review
Authors: Park Hayoung , Kim Yoojin
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to use a systematic review to investigate how infection control education has been designed, implemented and evaluated in undergraduate programs in nursing.Methods: This study was conducted base on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA). To search studies related to infection control education programs, Ovid-EMBASE, CINAHL, Pubmed, KoreaMed, KMBASE and KISS were used. A total of 2,306 studies were identified, and 13 studies were selected for final analysis.Results: Ten studies out of 13 were designed as pre-post, no control group, quasi-experimental study designs. Nosocomial infection and standard precautions related infection control education were the most frequently selected topics and online was the most common teaching-learning method. The infection control education programs showed significant effect on knowledge and attitude. The mean difference of 7 studies for knowledge was 5.1 (95% CI: 2.36, 8.67, p<.001) and the mean difference of 4 studies for attitude was 3.34 (95% CI: 0.12, 6.55, p<.001).Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that infection control education effectively improves the knowledge, attitude and compliance of nursing students. Therefore, it is necessary to develop more specific educational programs that can reflect the changes of the times and the demands of clinical nurses.
A Systematic Review of Non-pharmacological Interventions for Delirium Prevention in Elderly Inpatients
Authors: You Sang Bin , Lee Ju Hee
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The study was aimed to examine components and provider’s characteristics of non-pharmacological intervention that affect delirium prevention in elderly inpatients. Additional effects on delirium prevention based on identified characteristics were explored.Methods: Studies were searched by using seven electronic databases and examined through Preferred Reporting Items Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) flow diagram. The Risk of Bias (ROB) and the Risk of Bias Assessment tool for Non-randomized Study (RoBANS) were used to evaluate the quality of each included study.Results: Seven studies were selected for the systematic review. Most of the selected studies had a low risk of bias. Interventions of each study and delirium outcome were heterogeneous. Each multi-component non-pharmacological intervention consisted on average of five interventions. Giving orientation and promoting early mobilization were included in every study. Interventions that included giving orientation, promoting early mobilization, and supporting nutrition significantly decreased delirium incidence. Moreover, when health care providers who have an intimate relationship with patients provided non-pharmacological interventions, delirium incidence has significantly decreased.Conclusion: Non-pharmacological intervention, such as giving orientation, promoting early mobilization, should be included to prevent delirium for elderly inpatients. It is important to include healthcare providers who have an intimate relationship or regular contact with patients in order to decrease delirium incidence.
Concept Analysis of Emotional Intelligence in Nursing
Authors: Choi Sun Yeob
Published: June 2021

Purpose: This study was done to clarify and analyze the concept of emotional intelligence in Nursing.Methods: Using the framework of Walker and Avant’s concept analysis, 60 articles on emotional intelligence were selected for this study.Results: Emotional intelligence was defined as aspects of individual recognition of emotion and relational activities of emotion. The attributes of emotional intelligence are competency to be aware, regulate, express and use nurses’ own and patients’ emotions in a therapeutic manner. The antecedents of emotional intelligence include meeting with patients, cognitive ability, empathy, modulating emotion and interpersonal skills. Consequences of emotional intelligence are forming relationship between nurse and patients, personal growth, achievement in workplace, high job satisfaction, low burnout and high quality of nursing care. The concept was clarified by presentation of model, borderline, contrary and related cases.Conclusion: This study is meaningful in that the concept and attributes of emotional intelligence are identified in the nursing area by reflecting the characteristic and the purpose of nursing. In addition, based on the results of this study, development of standardized tools to measure emotional intelligence and development of educational programs to enhance nurses’ emotional intelligence are recommended.
Lattices and the Geometry of Numbers
Authors: Ghosh Sourangshu
Published: May 2021

In this paper we discuss about properties of lattices and its application in theoretical and algorithmic number theory.  This result of Minkowski regarding the lattices initiated the subject of Geometry of Numbers, which uses geometry to study the properties of algebraic numbers. It has application on various other fields of mathematics especially the study of Diophantine equations, analysis of functional analysis etc. This paper gives an elementary introduction to the field of geometry of numbers. In this paper we shall first give a broad overview of the concept of lattice and then discuss about the geometrical properties it has and its applications.
Investigating Road Pavement Failure in Oworonshoki, Kosofe Area of Lagos, Using Geophysical and Geotechnical Methods
Authors: Airen O. J. , Oboshenure K. K.
Published: June 2021

An assessment of the immediate causes of persistent road pavement failure in Oworonshoki, Koshofe area of Lagos, Nigeria using geophysical and geotechnical methods was carried out. Six traverses were occupied in the study area along the alignment of the road. Electrical Resistivity Imaging (ERI) data using the Wenner array were acquired along the six traverses. These were followed by six (6) Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) data along the traverses. On traverse 1 are VES 1 and 2, on traverse 2 are VES 3 and 4, on traverse 3 are VES 5 and 6. One boring and three Cone Penetration Testing (CPT) were conducted along traverse 6 while the three CPTs were carried out on traverse 3, 4 and 5 respectively. The inverted 2D results reveal that resistivity values vary from 6.74 – 1333 Ωm in the study area. Four resistivity structures are delineated which are peat, clay/sandy clay, clayey sand and sand. The peat has resistivity values ranging from 6.74 – 17.7 Ωm, clay/sandy clay (20.9 – 86.9 Ωm), clayey sand (96.3 – 194 Ωm) and sand (245 – 1333 Ωm). The peat is laterally extensive and occurs from the surface to a depth of 25 m. The peat is underlain by the clay which is fairly extensive across the area of study with a thickness of 2.5 – 20 m in most location. The Cone Penetration Tests (CPT) reveal cone resistance values that progressively varies from 0 – 101 kg/m2 from the surface to a depth of 17 m, indicating dense earth materials at deeper depth while at near surface, they are incompetent soft clayey earth materials. The laterally extensive peat and clay units underlying the road pavement, extending up 30 m depth as revealed from the 2D ERI, the geoelectric investigation and the borehole are suspected to be responsible for the persistent settlement, rutting and pitting of the road pavement. The thickness of the peat/clay and the lateral extent may not be economically admissible for excavation during construction. Pile foundations to the dense gravely sand at 40 m depth along the stretch of the road is therefore recommended for stable road pavement.
Extragalactic Radio Sources: Jet/Lobe Internal Pressure and Consequences
Authors: Chukwuemerie Ezeugo Jeremiah
Published: June 2021

In this work, we use analytical methods to describe expansion of Extragalactic Radio Sources (EGRS). Result shows that source size expansion depends on the following parameters: age of the source, lobe internal pressure, ambient medium density, and angle of observation.

Moreover, from the analyses, we have shown that the obtained results, and , suggestively implies that  and . This shows that since , jet internal pressure exceeds the lobe’s internal pressure. Therefore, for a typical EGRS, this simply indicates that ambient medium density is higher in the jet region than in the region of the lobe. This is expected since the ambient density thins out from the central core to the region where lobe is located. It is in consonance with the notion that for large extended EGRS, lobes are located outside the host galaxies rather than within the host galaxies. Moreover, we can conclude from these results that compact steep spectrum sources have denser ambient medium than their more extended counterparts.
Motivations of user access in situations characterized as non-urgent ready / Motivações do acesso de usuários em situações caracterizadas como não urgência em pronto atendimento
Authors: Gonçalves Ana Paula de Freitas Machado , Fettermann Fernanda Almeida , Da Rosa Andriele Berger , Damaceno Adalvane Nobres , Bordignon Juliana Silveira , Donaduzzi Daiany Saldanha da Silveira
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: identificar os motivos pelos quais os usuários em situações caracterizadas como não urgentes acessam o Pronto Atendimento em um município do estado do Rio Grande do Sul. Método: trata-se de um estudo descritivo e exploratório, desenvolvido a partir de uma abordagem qualitativa. Os dados foram coletados mediante entrevista semiestruturada com 21 usuários de um Pronto Atendimento em um município do estado do Rio Grande do Sul (RS), em novembro de 2016, e submetidos à análise de discurso. Resultados:  apontam que a Atenção Primária não tem sido efetiva como porta de entrada para o sistema de saúde. As justificativas pela busca ao serviço de urgência foram: falta de profissional médico nas unidades de saúde; Unidade Básica de Saúde com pouca resolutividade; horário de funcionamento inadequado aos usuários; filas; demanda maior que a oferta em relação às consultas médicas; facilidade em realizar exames e receber medicação. Conclusão: o acesso dos usuários aos serviços de saúde deve permear os planejamentos em saúde, preferencialmente a nível local, de modo a permitir a definição de ações que sejam aplicáveis em conformidade com a realidade da comunidade.
Consensus on the delphi method of priority nursing diagnosis for heart failure in primary care / Consenso pelo método Delphi de diagnósticos de enfermagem prioritários para insuficiência cardíaca na atenção primária
Authors: Correia Dayse Mary da Silva , Cavalcanti Ana Carla Dantas , Queluci Gisella de Carvalho , Brum Ana Karine Ramos , Tinoco Juliana de Melo Velozo Pereira , Rosa Maria Luiza Garcia
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: descrever e analisar o processo da seleção dos diagnósticos de enfermagem prioritários para o cuidado enfermagem aos indivíduos nos diferentes estágios de insuficiência cardíaca, na atenção primária. Método: trata-se de um recorte de pesquisa, constituído por fase metodológica, com a aplicação da técnica Delphi junto a especialistas referente a 176 diagnósticos de enfermagem segundo a Taxonomia NANDA-I no período de dezembro de 2012 a julho de 2013.Resultados: 144 diagnósticos foram identificados como não prioritários e 32 foram selecionados como diagnósticos de enfermagem prioritários, agregados neste estudo como: “sinal de gravidade”; “conhecimento/atitude/prática”; “sintoma”; e “risco”. Conclusão: o mapa gerado por esse esforço fez-se útil para orientar a busca da prevalência de cada diagnóstico e sobretudo para propor intervenções em saúde na atenção primária direcionadas às necessidades dos indivíduos saudáveis, com diagnóstico clínico de insuficiência cardíaca ou com risco para o seu desenvolvimento.
MED12 interacts with the heat‐shock transcription factor HSF1 and recruits CDK8 to promote the heat‐shock response in mammalian cells
Authors: Srivastava Pratibha , Takii Ryosuke , Okada Mariko , Fujimoto Mitsuaki , Nakai Akira
Published: May 2021

Activated and promoter‐bound heat‐shock transcription factor 1 (HSF1) induces RNA polymerase II recruitment upon heat shock, and this is facilitated by the core Mediator in Drosophila and yeast. Another Mediator module, CDK8 kinase module (CKM), consisting of four subunits including MED12 and CDK8, plays a negative or positive role in the regulation of transcription; however, its involvement in HSF1‐mediated transcription remains unclear. We herein demonstrated that HSF1 interacted with MED12 and recruited MED12 and CDK8 to the HSP70 promoter during heat shock in mammalian cells. The kinase activity of CDK8 (and its paralog CDK19) promoted HSP70 expression partly by phosphorylating HSF1‐S326 and maintained proteostasis capacity. These results indicate an important role for CKM in the protection of cells against proteotoxic stress.
Prion‐like proteins: from computational approaches to proteome‐wide analysis
Authors: Gil‐Garcia Marcos , Iglesias Valentín , Pallarès Irantzu , Ventura Salvador
Published: May 2021

Prions are self‐perpetuating proteins able to switch between a soluble state and an aggregated‐and‐transmissible conformation. These proteinaceous entities have been widely studied in yeast, where they are involved in hereditable phenotypic adaptations. The notion that such proteins could play functional roles and be positively selected by evolution has triggered the development of computational tools to identify prion‐like proteins in different kingdoms of life. These algorithms have succeeded in screening multiple proteomes, allowing the identification of prion‐like proteins in a diversity of unrelated organisms, evidencing that the prion phenomenon is well conserved among species. Interestingly enough, prion‐like proteins are not only connected with the formation of functional membraneless protein–nucleic acid coacervates, but are also linked to human diseases. This review addresses state‐of‐the‐art computational approaches to identify prion‐like proteins, describes proteome‐wide analysis efforts, discusses these unique proteins' functional role, and illustrates recently validated examples in different domains of life.
A novel method to determine linac mechanical isocenter position and size and examples of specific QA applications
Authors: Chojnowski Jacek M. , Sykes Jonathan R. , Thwaites David I.
Published: May 2021

The most important geometric characteristic of stereotactic treatment is the accuracy of positioning the target at the treatment isocenter and the accuracy of directing the radiation beam at the treatment isocenter. Commonly, the radiation isocenter is used as the reference for the treatment isocenter, but its method of localization is not strictly defined, and it depends on the linac‐specific beam steering parameters. A novel method is presented for determining the linac mechanical isocenter position and size based on the localization of the collimator axis of rotation at arbitrary gantry angle. The collimator axis of rotation position is determined from the radiation beam center position corrected for the focal spot offset. The focal spot offset is determined using the image center shift method with a custom‐design rigid phantom with two sets of ball‐bearings. Three specific quality assurance (QA) applications and assessment methods are also presented to demonstrate the functionality of linac mechanical isocenter position and size determination in clinical practice. The first is a mechanical and radiation isocenters coincidence test suitable for quick congruence assessment of these two isocenters for a selected energy, usually required after a nonroutine linac repair and/or energy adjustment. The second is a stereotactic beam isocentricity assessment suitable for pretreatment stereotactic QA. The third is a comprehensive linac geometrical performance test suitable for routine linac QA. The uncertainties of the method for determining mechanical isocenter position and size were measured to be 0.05 mm and 0.04 mm, respectively, using four available photon energies, and were significantly smaller than those of determining the radiation isocenter position and size, which were 0.36 mm and 0.12 mm respectively. It is therefore recommended that the mechanical isocenter position and size be used as the reference linac treatment isocenter and a linac mechanical characteristic parameter respectively.
Clinical characteristics of low‐grade tumor‐related epilepsy and its predictors for surgical outcome
Authors: He Chenmin , Hu Lingli , Chen Cong , Zheng Zhe , Jin Bo , Ding Yao , Wang Shuang , Ding Mei‐Ping , Zhu Junming , Wang Shan
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Low‐grade tumors are the most common neoplasms inducing focal epilepsy; however, the short‐ and medium‐term efficacy of surgery in epilepsy patients with low‐grade tumors remains underappreciated. This study aims to summarize the clinical characteristics of epilepsy patients with low‐grade tumors and to identify factors associated with postsurgical seizure‐free outcomes.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed consecutive patients with low‐grade tumors who underwent subsequent epilepsy surgery in our epilepsy center, between 2012 and 2018 with a minimum follow‐up of 1 year. Using Engel’s classification and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis, we assessed postoperative seizure freedom over time. Demographical, electroclinical, and other presurgical evaluations were then evaluated for association with postoperative seizure outcome.

Results

The cohort included a total of 132 patients: 79 males and 53 females. Among them, 110 (83.33%) were seizure‐free through their last follow‐up. The Engel class I outcomes were 90.15%, 87.76%, 85.53%, 82.46%, and 73.17% at the end of the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th postoperative years, respectively. Multivariate logistic analysis revealed that longer epilepsy duration (p < 0.001, OR 1.091, 95% CI 1.040–1.144) and incomplete resection (p = 0.009, OR 3.673, 95% CI 1.393–9.684) were independently associated with seizure recurrence through the last follow‐up.

Conclusions

Surgical treatment for seizure control in patients with low‐grade tumors provides excellent short‐ and median‐term outcomes.
Increasing Advocacy Awareness in Early Career Rheumatologists: A Web‐Based Educational Tool
Authors: Ban Byung , Gokaraju Sirisha , Worthing Angus , Maher Katherine , Wright Grace , Kerr Gail
Published: May 2021

Objective

To evaluate the utility of a web‐based advocacy training tool in increasing advocacy awareness.

Methods

Early career rheumatologists who attended 2019 American College of Rheumatology Advocacy 101 were invited to participate. A web‐based tool consisting of 9 cases covering various aspects of advocacy was developed and included the opportunity for continuing medical education credit. A preparticipation questionnaire surveyed prior involvement, knowledge, and willingness to participate in an advocacy program. Participants rated cases based on educational quality, relevance of content, achievement of training goals, competency, and evidence of bias. Two web‐based conferences were held to address technical questions, review, and discussion of cases and responses, and to obtain feedback.

Results

Twenty‐one early career rheumatologists from 9 academic institutions enrolled, with 15 (75%) completing all cases. Correct continuing medical education answers were scored on 85% of cases. Overall educational quality of content received a mean rating of 4.3 of 5. Seven cases achieved positive ratings for relevance of case content, achievement of training goals, objectivity, and competency. All cases were assessed free of bias. Feedback indicated that 30 minutes were dedicated to each case, and that a combination of skill set and content learning were most effective. Pre‐ and postquestionnaire scores indicated significant improvement in knowledge of advocacy matters (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

A web‐based advocacy training tool was successful in significantly improving awareness and knowledge of advocacy matters among early career rheumatologists. This innovative educational tool may play a vital role in shaping the future of rheumatology for both patients and physicians.
Artificial Optoelectronic Synapses Based on TiNxO2–x/MoS2 Heterojunction for Neuromorphic Computing and Visual System
Authors: Wang Wenxiao , Gao Song , Li Yang , Yue Wenjing , Kan Hao , Zhang Chunwei , Lou Zheng , Wang Lili , Shen Guozhen
Published: May 2021

Being capable of dealing with both electrical signals and light, artificial optoelectronic synapses are of great importance for neuromorphic computing and are receiving a burgeoning amount of interest in visual information processing. In this work, an artificial optoelectronic synapse composed of Al/TiNxO2–x/MoS2/ITO (H‐OSD) is proposed and experimentally realized. The H‐OSD can enable basic electrical voltage‐induced synaptic functions such as the long/short‐term plasticity and moreover the synaptic plasticity can be electrically adjusted. In response to the light stimuli, versatile advanced synaptic functions including long/short‐term memory, and learning‐forgetting‐relearning are successfully demonstrated, which could enhance the information processing capability for neuromorphic computing. Most importantly, based on these light‐induced salient features, a 4 × 4 synapse array is developed to show the potential application of the proposed H‐OSD in constructing artificial visual system. It is shown that the perceiving and memorizing of the light information that are respectively relevant to the visual perception and visual memory functions, can be readily attained through tuning of the light intensity and the number of illuminations. As such, the proposed optoelectronic synapse shows great potentials in both neuromorphic computing and visual information processing and will facilitate the applications such as electronic eyes and light‐driven neurorobotics.
Smart Construction of an Intimate Lithium | Garnet Interface for All‐Solid‐State Batteries by Tuning the Tension of Molten Lithium
Authors: Du Mingjie , Sun Yang , Liu Bo , Chen Bingbing , Liao Kaiming , Ran Ran , Cai Rui , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping
Published: May 2021

All‐solid‐state lithium batteries (ASSBs) have the potential to trigger a battery revolution for electric vehicles due to their advantages in safety and energy density. Screening of various possible solid electrolytes for ASSBs has revealed that garnet electrolytes are promising due to their high ionic conductivity and superior (electro)chemical stabilities. However, a major challenge of garnet electrolytes is poor contact with Li‐metal anodes, resulting in an extremely large interfacial impedance and severe Li dendrite propagation. Herein, an innovative surface tension modification method is proposed to create an intimate Li | garnet interface by tuning molten Li with a trace amount of Si3N4 (1 wt%). The resultant Li‐Si‐N melt can not only convert the Li | garnet interface from point‐to‐point contact to consecutive face‐to‐face contact but also homogenize the electric‐field distribution during the Li stripping/depositing process, thereby significantly decreasing its interfacial impedance (1 Ω cm2 at 25 °C) and improving its cycle stability (1000 h at 0.4 mA cm−2) and critical current density (1.8 mA cm−2). Specifically, the all‐solid‐state full cell paired with a LiFePO4 cathode delivered a high capacity of 145 mAh g−1 at 2 C and maintained 97% of the initial capacity after 100 cycles at 1 C.
Thermally Activated Delayed Fluorescence Warm White Organic Light Emitting Devices with External Quantum Efficiencies Over 30%
Authors: Chen Jia‐Xiong , Wang Kai , Xiao Ya‐Fang , Cao Chen , Tan Ji‐Hua , Wang Hui , Fan Xiao‐Chun , Yu Jia , Geng Feng‐Xia , Zhang Xiao‐Hong , Lee Chun‐Sing
Published: May 2021

While monochrome organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) based on thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) emitters have achieved over 30% external quantum efficiencies (EQEs), all‐TADF white OLEDs (WOLEDs) are still lagging behind. Herein, a simple system based on two color‐complementary TADF emitters is exploited to realize high‐performance WOLEDs. By doping a high‐performance orange–red TADF fluorophor (BPPZ‐DPXZ) into a blue TADF host (DBFCz‐Trz), energy transfer, and triplet‐to‐singlet conversion in the host‐dopant system can be optimized to simultaneously achieve full exciton utilization and color balance. With this design, all‐TADF single‐emitting‐layer WOLEDs with a maximum EQE up to 32.8% are demonstrated. This high efficiency surpasses EQEs of reported WOLEDs based on both TADF as well as phosphorescence. It is expected that this finding can provide new insight for designing highly efficient all‐TADF WOLEDs.
40.1% Record Low‐Light Solar‐Cell Efficiency by Holistic Trap‐Passivation using Micrometer‐Thick Perovskite Film
Authors: He Xilai , Chen Jiangzhao , Ren Xiaodong , Zhang Lu , Liu Yucheng , Feng Jiangshan , Fang Junjie , Zhao Kui , Liu Shengzhong (Frank)
Published: May 2021

Perovskite solar cells exhibit not only high efficiency under full AM1.5 sunlight, but also have great potential for applications in low‐light environments, such as indoors, cloudy conditions, early morning, late evening, etc. Unfortunately, their performance still suffers from severe trap‐induced nonradiative recombination, particularly under low‐light conditions. Here, a holistic passivation strategy is developed to reduce traps both on the surface and in the bulk of micrometer‐thick perovskite film, leading to a record efficiency of 40.1% under 301.6 µW cm−2 warm light‐emitting diode (LED) light for low‐light solar‐cell applications. The involvement of guanidinium into the perovskite bulk film and 2‐(4‐methoxyphenyl)ethylamine hydrobromide (CH3O‐PEABr) passivation on the perovskite surface synergistically suppresses the trap states. The charge carrier lifetimes of the perovskite film increase by tenfold and fivefold to 981 ns and 8.02 µs at the crystal surface and in its bulk, respectively. The decreased nonradiative recombination loss translates to a high open‐circuit voltage (Voc) of 1.00 V, a high short‐circuit current (Jsc) of 152.10 µA cm−2, and a fill factor (FF) of 79.52%. Note that this performance also stands as the highest among all photovoltaics measured under indoor light illumination. This work of trap passivation for micrometer‐thick perovskite film paves a way for high‐performance, self‐powered IoT devices.
Double‐Gate MoS2 Field‐Effect Transistors with Full‐Range Tunable Threshold Voltage for Multifunctional Logic Circuits
Authors: Yi Jiali , Sun Xingxia , Zhu Chenguang , Li Shengman , Liu Yong , Zhu Xiaoli , You Wenxia , Liang Delang , Shuai Qin , Wu Yanqing , Li Dong , Pan Anlian
Published: May 2021

Multifunctional reconfigurable devices, with higher information capacity, smaller size, and more functions, are urgently needed and draw most attention in frontiers in information technology. 2D semiconductors, ascribing to ultrathin body and easy electrostatic control, show great potential in developing reconfigurable functional units. This work proposes a novel double‐gate field‐effect transistor architecture with equal top and bottom gate (TG and BG) and realizes flexible optimization of the subthreshold swing (SS) and threshold voltage (VTH). While the TG and BG are used simultaneously, as a single gate to drive the transistor, ultralow average SS value of 65.5 mV dec−1 can be obtained in a large current range over 104, enabling the application in high gain inverter. While one gate is used to initialize the channel doping, full logic swing inverter circuit with high noise margin (over 90%) is demonstrated. Such device prototype is further extended for designing reconfigurable logic applications and can be dynamically switched and well maintained between binary and ternary logics. This study provides important concept and device prototype for future multifunctional logic applications.
Innervated, Self‐Sensing Liquid Crystal Elastomer Actuators with Closed Loop Control
Authors: Kotikian Arda , Morales Javier M. , Lu Aric , Mueller Jochen , Davidson Zoey S. , Boley J. William , Lewis Jennifer A.
Published: May 2021

The programmable assembly of innervated LCE actuators (iLCEs) with prescribed contractile actuation, self‐sensing, and closed loop control via core–shell 3D printing is reported. This extrusion‐based direct ink writing method enables coaxial filamentary features composed of pure LM core surrounded by an LCE shell, whose director is aligned along the print path. Specifically, the thermal response of the iLCE fiber‐type actuators is programmed, measured, and modeled during Joule heating, including quantifying the concomitant changes in fiber length and resistance that arise during simultaneous heating and self‐sensing. Due to their reversible, high‐energy actuation and their resistive feedback, it is also demonstrated that iLCEs can be regulated with closed loop control even when perturbed with large bias loads. Finally, iLCE architectures capable of programmed, self‐sensing 3D shape change with closed loop control are fabricated.
Combining Switchable Phase‐Change Materials and Phase‐Transition Materials for Thermally Regulated Smart Mid‐Infrared Modulators
Authors: Lyu Xinrui , Heßler Andreas , Wang Xiao , Cao Yunzhen , Song Lixin , Ludwig Alfred , Wuttig Matthias , Taubner Thomas
Published: May 2021

Phase‐change materials (PCMs) and phase‐transition materials (PTMs) both show a large contrast in their respective optical properties upon switching, enabling compact optical components with diverse functionalities like sensing, thermal imaging, and data recording. However, their switching properties differ significantly, that is, the switching is non‐volatile for PCMs while volatile for PTMs. Here, new‐generation smart mid‐infrared modulators with switchable transmission, reflection, and absorption are demonstrated conceptually and experimentally, which combine one PCM (Ge3Sb2Te6 or In3SbTe2) with one PTM (VO2) as two active layers. The bottom VO2 layer is employed as a thermally regulated (modulated) dynamic mirror, facilitating the switching of transmission between “on” state (using VO2 in its semiconducting state at temperatures below its phase transition temperature Tc) and “off” state (metallic VO2 at temperatures above Tc). The PCM layer on top of the metallic VO2 layer is used either for continuously adjusting the absorption peak spectrally (by up to 1.8 µm using different phases of Ge3Sb2Te6) or for switching between absorption mode (A = 0.99 with amorphous In3SbTe2) and reflection mode (R = 0.85 with crystalline In3SbTe2). The presented concept of merging static, non‐volatile thermal switching (via PCMs) with dynamic, volatile thermal modulation (via PTMs) empowers a new generation of optical devices for smart optical switching, for example in spectrally tunable safety optical switches.
Material Perspective on the Structural Design of Artificial Meat
Authors: He Jun , Zhao Yiguo , Jin Xin , Zhu Xinyuan , Fang Yapeng
Published: May 2021

Artificial meat is a promising solution to the negative impacts of meat consumption on natural resources, public health, and animal welfare. Inspired by the use of framework, scaffold, and skeleton in material science, the concept of supporting structures is introduced into the artificial meat to complement the existing theory of structural design. The available structures in artificial meat are evaluated in prefabrication and post‐build strategies to illustrate the relationship between fabrication and characteristics. Due to its adjustable structural features and mechanical properties, supporting structures can regulate the quality of artificial meat. Emerging materials and approaches such as amyloid fibrils, double network gels, oleogels, and stretch processing, multicell co‐culture, as well as multiscale design, are recommended as candidates to enrich the supporting structures and thus to meet the various demands of artificial meat. This review provides an interdisciplinary insight into the structural design of artificial meat, and touches on the promising opportunities for future research and applications.
Mesocrystallizing Nanograins for Enhanced Li+ Storage
Authors: Liu Jingjie , Yuan Yifei , Guo Xiaowei , Li Bao , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza , Liu Dai‐Huo , Chen Zhongwei , Amine Khalil , Lu Jun , Yang Lin , Bai Zhengyu
Published: May 2021

The morphology and crystallinity of electrode materials have a major effect on their charge carrier storage properties when applied in rechargeable batteries. While nanosizing electrode particles (with larger surface area) and maintaining electrode integrity are both good for performance enhancement, they seem to contradict each other and are challenging to balanced. Herein, electrode particles consisting of numerous nanograins with uniform crystalline orientation are designed to guarantee both high surface area and high structural integrity, allowing the significant improvement of Li+ storage kinetics and performance. Applying this “mesocrystallizing” strategy to an NiCo2O4‐based anode, results in various degrees of pseudocapacitance response, the long‐term cyclability and rate performance of this material are also significantly enhanced. Impressively, the mesocrystalline NiCo2O4 electrode exhibits a high specific capacity of 1403 mAh g–1 after 200 cycles at 1.6 A g–1 (a rate of 1.8 C). The growth mechanism of mesocrystalline materials with different morphologies is identified to be a topotactic structural transition process featuring a gradual edge‐to‐core corrosion process. This work presents an important synthetic clue to balance the morphology and crystallinity of battery electrode materials for their performance optimization and is expected to inspire future structural design for battery materials beyond the one prototyped here.
Revealing Cathode–Electrolyte Interface on Flower‐Shaped Na3V2(PO4)3/C Cathode through Cryogenic Electron Microscopy
Authors: Ihsan-Ul-Haq Muhammad , Cui Jiang , Mubarak Nauman , Xu Mengyang , Shen Xi , Luo Zhengtang , Huang Baoling , Kim Jang-Kyo
Published: May 2021

The electrode–electrolyte interfaces play a critical role in influencing the cyclic stability, Coulombic efficiency, and safety of rechargeable batteries. Although there are many recent efforts for investigating the solid electrolyte interface formed on anodes, much less attention has been paid to examine the cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI) established on cathodes. Understanding of the chemistry, morphology, and structure of CEI layers is still illusive requiring further in‐depth characterization. The cryogenic electron microscopy is used to reveal a 1.1 nm thick CEI layer formed on a flower‐shaped, carbon‐coated Na3V2(PO4)3/C (NVP/C) cathode in ether‐based electrolyte for Na‐ion batteries. The rationally designed NVP/C cathode delivers cyclic stability with a capacity retention of over 88% at 50 mA g−1 after 1600 cycles and an excellent high‐rate capability at up to 3200 mA g−1. These findings may shed new light on the design of CEI layers to achieve high energy and power densities in rechargeable Na‐ion/metal batteries.
Alzheimer's disease research progress in Australia: The Alzheimer's Association International Conference Satellite Symposium in Sydney
Authors: Sexton Claire E. , Anstey Kaarin J. , Baldacci Filippo , Barnum C. J. , Barron Anna M. , Blennow Kaj , Brodaty Henry , Burnham Samantha , Elahi Fanny M. , Götz Jürgen , Jeon Yun‐Hee , Koronyo‐Hamaoui Maya , Landau Susan M. , Lautenschlager Nicola T. , Laws Simon M. , Lipnicki Darren M. , Lu Hanzhang , Masters Colin L. , Moyle Wendy , Nakamura Akinori , Pasinetti Giulio Maria , Rao Naren , Rowe Christopher , Sachdev Perminder S. , Schofield Peter R. , Sigurdsson Einar M. , Smith Kate , Srikanth Velandai , Szoeke Cassandra , Tansey Malú G. , Whitmer Rachel , Wilcock Donna , Wong Tien Y. , Bain Lisa J. , Carrillo Maria C.
Published: May 2021

The Alzheimer's Association International Conference held its sixth Satellite Symposium in Sydney, Australia in 2019, highlighting the leadership of Australian researchers in advancing the understanding of and treatment developments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias.

This leadership includes the Australian Imaging, Biomarker, and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL), which has fueled the identification and development of many biomarkers and novel therapeutics. Two multimodal lifestyle intervention studies have been launched in Australia; and Australian researchers have played leadership roles in other global studies in diverse populations.

Australian researchers have also played an instrumental role in efforts to understand mechanisms underlying vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia; and through the Women's Healthy Aging Project have elucidated hormonal and other factors that contribute to the increased risk of AD in women. Alleviating the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia has also been a strong research and clinical focus in Australia.
Stereoselective Synthesis of β‐Branched Aromatic α‐Amino Acids by Biocatalytic Dynamic Kinetic Resolution**
Authors: Li Fuzhuo , Yang Li‐Cheng , Zhang Jingyang , Chen Jason S. , Renata Hans
Published: May 2021

β‐Branched noncanonical amino acids are valuable molecules in modern drug development efforts. However, they are still challenging to prepare due to the need to set multiple stereocenters in a stereoselective fashion, and contemporary methods for the synthesis of such compounds often rely on the use of rare‐transition‐metal catalysts with designer ligands. Herein, we report a highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective biocatalytic transamination method to prepare a broad range of aromatic β‐branched α‐amino acids. Mechanistic studies show that the transformation proceeds through dynamic kinetic resolution that is unique to the optimal enzyme. To highlight its utility and practicality, the biocatalytic reaction was applied to the synthesis of several sp3‐rich cyclic fragments and the first total synthesis of jomthonic acid A.
Doubt, Hope, Pain, and New Discoveries: Parents’ Experiences of the High‐Conflict Program ‘No Kids in the Middle’
Authors: Høigilt Anne Margrethe , Bøe Tore Dag
Published: May 2021

Studies show that there are strong links between parental conflict and children’s psychosocial problems. The program ‘No Kids in the Middle’ is a group‐based, time‐limited, multi‐family intervention for children aged between four and 16, living with parents in prolonged conflict after divorce. The program is based on a dialogical framework and the purpose is to create a therapeutic and dialogical space where the parents are invited to see, empathise, and connect with their children and act with their child in mind. This paper presents a qualitative study based on interviews with parents who participated in the program. The analysis of the material led to three main themes: ambivalence – doubt, shame and hope; painful new experiences; and progress and new discoveries. We discuss the findings in relation to the therapists’ role and the program’s aim of creating a free space for interaction, which seems to be important to the parents’ progress.
Effect of modified layered double hydroxide on the flammability of intumescent flame retardant PP nanocomposites
Authors: Shen Hui , Wu Wei , Wang Zhengyi , Wu Wenzheng , Yuan Yue , Feng Yanling
Published: May 2021

The dodecyl sulfate intercalated CaMgAl‐hydrotalcites (layered double hydroxides [LDHs]) were successfully prepared by co‐precipitation method, and characterized by X‐ray diffraction analysis, infrared spectroscopy (Fourier transform infrared spectra [FT‐IR]), thermogravimetry (TG‐DTA), scanning electron microscope, and Brunner−Emmet−Teller (BET). The prepared LDHs were added to the intumescent flame retardant (IFR) polypropylene (PP) nanocomposites, and the limiting oxygen index method (LOI), vertical combustion method (UL‐94), cone calorimetry (CCT), and other test methods were used to study its thermal stability and combustion performance. The results showed that when the flame retardant was composed of 23 wt% IFR and 2 wt% O‐SDS‐LDHs, the LOI value of the material was increased to 31.5%, reaching the V‐0 level, and the flame retardant performance was significantly improved. The results also showed that there was a significant synergistic effect between IFR and O‐SDS‐LDHs, which could improve the thermal stability and graphitization degree of PP nanocomposites. In addition, the peak heat release rate, total heat release, and total smoke production of the PP/IFR/O‐SDS‐LDHs system were 177 kW/m2, 101 MJ/m2, and 15.4 m2, respectively, which were 82.2%, 51.0%, and 23.0% lower than those of pure PP, respectively. These improvements could be attributed to the presence of dense and continuous char layer formed by the synergistic effect.
Novel polysulfone/sulfonated polyaniline/niobium pentoxide polymer blend nanocomposite membranes for fuel cell applications
Authors: Maria Mahimai Berlina , Kulasekaran Poonkuzhali , Deivanayagam Paradesi
Published: May 2021

New series of polymer nanocomposite membranes were prepared from polysulfone (PSU), sulfonated polyaniline (SPANI) and niobium pentoxide (Nb2O5) by solution casting technique. In order to assess the suitability of the polymer electrolytes in fuel cell applications, the membranes were characterized with respect to their physicochemical properties. Scanning electron microscope, X‐ray diffraction, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy data confirmed the successful incorporation of nanofillers into the polymer matrix. The membrane loaded with 10 wt% of niobium pentoxide into PSU/SPANI exhibited a proton conductivity of 0.0674 S cm−1, whereas the control membrane showed 0.0110 S cm−1. The incorporation of niobium pentoxide into pristine polymer not only improved the ionic conductivity but also enhanced the thermal and oxidative stabilities. The substantial results achieved with the organic–inorganic polymer composites derived from PSU‐SPANI and Nb2O5 have been established and can be viable materials for electrolyte in fuel cell applications.
Splitting model reduction for bilinear control systems
Authors: Huang Yao , Jiang Yao‐Lin , Qiu Zhi‐Yong
Published: May 2021

In this paper, based on low‐rank balanced truncation (BT), we present a splitting model reduction method for bilinear control systems with nonzero initial conditions. By analyzing Volterra series, the original bilinear control system is split up into two systems: one is a bilinear control system with zero initial condition, and the other is our constructed control system. Specifically, we prove that the Volterra series containing initial condition of the original system converges to the output of our constructed control system. Thus, we develop a new splitting model reduction method that involves reducing two systems independently by low‐rank BT method and then combining the reduced outputs into an aggregate output. A nonlinear RC circuit and a heat transfer model are taken as numerical examples to illustrate the effectiveness of our proposed method.
Anterior, posterior, or all‐vessel infrapopliteal revascularization in patients with moderate‐severe claudication: Insights from the LIBERTY 360 study
Authors: Salahuddin Taufiq , Giannopoulos Stefanos , Adams George , Armstrong Ehrin J.
Published: May 2021

Background

Little data guides revascularization of infrapopliteal peripheral arterial disease (PAD) in patients with claudication. We assessed outcomes after infrapopliteal‐only intervention for claudication in the LIBERTY 360 observational study.

Methods

In this post hoc analysis, LIBERTY 360 patients (N = 128) with claudication and isolated infrapopliteal disease undergoing endovascular revascularization were divided by territory into anterior‐vessel, posterior‐vessel, or all‐vessel groups. Patients were followed for periprocedural, in‐hospital, and long‐term outcomes. Logistic regression for odds ratios, Cox proportional hazard models, ANOVA, and Kaplan–Meier estimates were utilized to compare outcomes.

Results

Patients underwent anterior (N = 37), posterior (N = 76), or all‐vessel (N = 15) infrapopliteal revascularization. Initial procedural success was 86%, 86%, and 69% for anterior, posterior, and all‐vessel groups, respectively. Each group had improvements in Rutherford classification (RC) from baseline to 2 years (mean RC change: −1.3, −1.5, and −1.5, respectively). Compared with all‐vessel intervention, both anterior and posterior groups had lower rate of major adverse events (MAE) and target vessel revascularization (TVR) at 3 years (MAE: 12% and 15% in anterior and posterior groups, respectively compared with 51% in the all‐vessel group; hazard ratios and 95% CIs 0.22 [0.06–0.74], p = .015; 0.24 [0.09–0.64], p = .004). Other outcomes were similar among the three groups. The anterior group showed more improvement in pain subdomain and total VascuQoL scores compared with posterior and all‐vessel groups at 2 years (p = .016, p = .020 and p = .068, p = .009, respectively).

Conclusions

Both anterior or posterior revascularization have favorable outcomes and may be beneficial for improvement of symptoms in claudicants with isolated infrapopliteal PAD.