bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of Magnesium Sulphate in Attenuation of Succinylcholine Induced FasciculationsA Randomised Clinical Study
Authors: Kar S Bala Bhas , Hree Y Vedas , Chand N Kiran , Srinivasalu D
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Magnesium Sulphate (MgSO4 ) pre-administration is effective in reducing Succinylcholine (Sch) induced fasciculations due to its effect at presynaptic end plate. Magnesium competes with calcium at the pre-synaptic end plate of neuromuscular junction and inhibits the release of acetylcholine (Ach) from the motor nerve terminal and to a lesser extent, decreases the sensitivity of the postjunctional membrane and reduces the excitability of the muscle fibre. Aim: To evaluate three doses of MgSO4 in reducing the incidence and severity of fasciculations and correlate with the serum magnesium levels. Materials and Methods: This prospective, randomised clinical trial was at Vijayanagar Institute of Medical Sciences (VIMS), Ballari, India. Ninety consenting adult patients aged 20-50 years scheduled for elective surgeries with endotracheal intubation under general anaesthesia were randomly allocated to three groups- Group 1, Group 2 and Group 3, to receive Injection (Inj.) MgSO4 20 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively, before induction. Induction with Inj. propofol (2 mg/kg) was followed by administration of Inj. Sch (1.5 mg/kg). The main outcome parameters were the incidence of fasciculations and grading of the severity. Haemodynamic responses from the basal levels and after intubation, and adverse effects to the study drugs were noted. Chi-square test was used to find the significance of study parameters on categorical scale among the groups. Probability values at <0.05 were considered as significant. Results: The incidence of fasciculations was 90%, 53.4% and 43.4% in groups 1, 2 & 3, respectively. Greater number of patients had grade 3 fasciculations in group 1 (20%), compared to group 2 and group 3 (3.4% and nil) respectively. The fall in blood pressure after MgSO4 was comparable among the three groups. Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP) increased by 23.5% and 18.5%, 7.9% and 4.1% and 2.8% and 2.7% in groups 1, 2 and 3, respectively at one minute. The SBP and DBP at 3rd and 5th minute stayed at statistically significant greater levels in group 1 as compared to groups 2 and 3, but were similar in groups 2 and 3 overall. The Heart Rate (HR) changes followed similar trend in all 3 groups. Incidence of feeling of warmth was highest in group three as compared to other groups. Conclusion: MgSO4 at 40 mg/kg can be the optimal dose to suppress Sch-induced fasciculations, with better attenuation of intubation associated haemodynamic changes.
Analysis of Movements in Spinal Cord Hemisection Treatment with Amniotic Membrane – Preclinical Study
Authors: Neves M. F. , Fonseca J. L. R. , Carvalho P. C. S. , Pereira A. P. C. , Polisel E. H. P. , Pröglhöf S. M. P. , Sant´Anna L. B. , Lima M. O. , Arisawa E. A. L.
Published: March 2022

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Amniotic Membrane application in rats with Spinal Cord Injury induced by transverse hemisection using kinematic analysis and Sciatic Functional Index.

Study design: True experimental research design.

Place and Duration of Study: Instiuto de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento (IP&D) of Universidade do Vale do Paraíba (UNIVAP), between September 2016 and December 2017.

Methodology: Fifteen adult male rats were used, allocated into three equal groups: Control (the spinal cord injury and Amniotic Membrane application were simulated), Lesion (spinal cord injury not treated), Amniotic membrane (spinal cord injury treated by amniotic membrane). All animals underwent surgical procedures. A transverse hemisection was performed in groups Lesion and Amniotic Membrene. A fragment of the biomaterial was applied in group AM covering the hemisection area.

Results: Sciatic Functional Index and motion analysis were performed by comparing images taken at pre- and postoperative time at 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The kinematic analysis showed a significant difference between groups Control and Lesion at 7 days (p = 0.023) and 14 days (p = 0.015), and between groups Lesion and Amniotic Membrane at 14 days (p = 0.039), comparing the postoperative periods. The Sciatic Functional Index revealed significant differences between Groups Control and Lesion at 7 (p = -0.002), 14 (p = 0.003), and 21 days (p = 0.009), between Groups Control and Amniotic Membrane at 7 (p = 0.014), 14 (p = 0.007), and 28 days (p = 0; 013), and between Groups Lesion and Amniotic Membrane only at 14 days (p = 0.039).

Conclusion: Application of amniotic membrane in spinal cord hemisection in rats induced gait recovery and improvement in SFI compared to the untreated group.
Difference in Academic Performance of Medical Students in Biochemistry: An Analysis Based on Gender and Place of Residence
Authors: Mai Cing Jap , Suryowati Trini , Nunu Prihantini Nur , Alfarabi Muhammad , Rahmawati Fri , Sri Sunarti Lusia , Erwin Siagian Forman , Maulidya Sunandar Zyachra
Published: March 2022

Aims: Due to the complexity of teaching new subjects to medical freshmen, especially in basic medical science, and the variability of the academic performance, we want to explore the difference of our student’s Biochemistry examination score based on their gender and place of residence.

Methods: This is a simple retrospective cross sectional study by analyzing the examination result and compared it based on our student’s gender (male or female) and place of residence (living in their own house or in boarding house).

Result and Discussion: During data collection, there are 913 active students from all class of  2016-2021 but only 569 freshmen from the class of 2018-2021 which gender and place of residence data are available, there are 155 male (27.24%) and 414 female (72.75%). Female students achieved better mean score compared to their male counterparts. Students which live in their own house also achieved better mean score compared to those who lived in boarding house.

Conclusion: there are differences in the achievement of examination scores based on student’s gender and place of residence.
Screening for Bacterial Leaf Blight Resistant Genes in Some Rice Genotypes Using SSR Markers
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Sayani , Dasgupta Tapash , Saha Samita , Payra Nillahit
Published: March 2022

Bacterial leaf blight disease plays a major detrimental effect in the yield and quality of Rice (Oryza sativa). To overcome the problem, finding bacterial leaf blight resistant gene is very crucial. In this study, identification of bacterial leaf blight resistant genes was attempted among 27 rice genotypes including two control genotypes using three Simple Sequence Repeats markers tagged with Bacterial leaf blight resistant genes which are Xa4, xa5 and xa13. As a result, six genotypes, MTU1010, IR 68144-2B-2-2-3-1-127, ARC-10086, Mali 4, IR 64 and Kalinga-2, were classified as resistant to the disease due to the presence of bands (150bp, 160bp and 190bp), of MP1, RM13 and RM264 markers which were tagged with Xa4, xa5 and xa13 genes respectively. Among the genotypes, 12 genotypes were considered as susceptible and the other 7 genotypes showed moderate resistance or susceptible results. The identified resistant genotypes can be utilized as a donor for developing Bacterial leaf blight resistant rice varieties in breeding programme.
Steady Flow of Blood Plasma through a Non-deformed Artery
Authors: Ekhator Monday , Etebefia Stephen
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the variation of axial velocity of blood plasma with arterial radius has been studied in the laminar flow of blood plasma through a non-deformed artery. Since blood plasma is a Newtonian fluid, the Hagen-Poiseuille flow was used to study this variation. The Hagen-Poiseuille model was obtained by transforming the Navier- Stokes equations from rectangular coordinates system to cylindrical coordinates system and then making some approximations to the transformed equations. Furthermore, the axial velocity of blood plasma was plotted against the radius of a sampled artery, results and conclusions were made between the relationships.
Hysterosalpingography Findings among Women Presenting for Infertility Evaluation in Bayelsa State, South-South Nigeria
Authors: Kiridi E. K. , Oriji P. C. , Ugwoegbu J. U. , Abasi I. J.
Published: March 2022

Background: Hysterosalpingography is an investigative modality used in the evaluation of the uterine cavity, fallopian tubes, and adjacent peritoneal cavity following the injection of contrast material through the cervical canal.

Objective: To determine the pattern of pathologies seen in infertile women undergoing hysterosalpingography.

Materials and Methods: This prospective research was conducted at the Obstetrics and Gynaecology, and Radiology Departments of the two tertiary health institutions in Bayelsa State, Nigeria, from January to July, 2021. Hysterosalpingography was done for 350 infertile women, after obtaining written informed consent. Data were entered into a pre-designed proforma, and analysed using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) version 25.0. Results were presented in frequencies and percentages for categorical variables, and mean and standard deviation for continuous variables.

Results: The most common tubal finding was blockage; 7 in 10 (71.7%) women had at least one blocked tube. One hundred and nine (31.1%) had both tubes blocked, the left tube was blocked in seventy-nine (22.6%), while the right tube was affected in sixty-three (18.0%) women. Hydrosalpinx affected the right, left and both tubes in 20 (5.7%), 8 (2.3%) and 4 (1.1%) women respectively. Uterine findings were fibroids (21.1%), intrauterine adhesion (3.4%) bicornuate uterus (0.9%) and adenomyosis (1.1%).

Conclusion: This study revealed a high incidence of tubal blockage in the women being evaluated for infertility. The plausible reason for this observation may be due to post-abortion sepsis and pelvic inflammatory disease that may have arisen from induced abortion, as observed in our study. Hysterosalpingography remains a very crucial investigative modality that plays a central role in the evaluation of infertile women.
Assessing the Utility of Actual Proliferation Index Measured by Expression of ‘Agnor and Ki-67’ in Histopathologically Negative Surgical Margins of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma as a Modality for Prediction of Recurrence
Authors: Gawande Madhuri , Chaudhary Minal
Published: March 2022

Background: Oral squamous cell carcinoma is most common malignancy of head and neck which is the major cause of death. Recurrence is the major important prognostic factor in the survival of patients and tumor stage, degree of differentiation of neoplastic cells, pN stage resected margins, and lymphovascular invasion are the factors for recurrence. The rate of recurrence varies from 18 to76% for patients who underwent standard treatment. Histological assessment of surgical margins has a major role to predict the recurrence. But in spite of negative histological surgical margins recurrence rate is high, as there are genetic alterations in these margins which are not detected by routine histopathlogy. Even when surgical margins are free histopathologically the local recurrence rate is 10 to 30 percent.

That’s why molecular evaluation of these margins should be done. Many immunohistochemical studies are done to assess surgical margins of OSCC but no study is carried out to assess the proliferative index in surgical margins. Therefore this study will help to improve management and predict the recurrence of OSCC.

Objectives: In this study we aim to assess the utility of “actual proliferation index” measured by expression of “Agnor” and “Ki-67” in histopathologically negative “surgical margins” of “oral sqaumous cell carcinoma” as a modality for prediction of recurrence. 

Methodology: The resected surgical margins of the oral squamous cell carcinoma cases which are operated in Sharad Pawar dental college will be selected as samples. The anterior, posterior, inferior and superior margin of resected specimens will be stained by H&E staining.  Immunohistochemical staining by ki-67 antibody will be done in the negative histopathological surgical margins. The same sections will be stained with  AgNOR staining. Both sections will be evaluated. Actual proliferative index will be calculated with the given formula

Ki67 Labeling Index: Ki67 L1= “Number of Ki67 positive cells” x 100

Total number of tumor cells observed

“Actual Proliferative Index (PI)” = “ Ki-67” or MIB-1 LI × AgNOR count ’

Recurrence of tumor will be observed during first two years period after surgical procedure.

Expected Results: The “actual proliferative index” calculated by “Ki-67 labelling index” and “AgNOR count expression in histopathologically” negative surgical margins of OSCC will be more in recurrence patients as compared to patients who do not have recurrence.

Conclusion: The API values measured by assessing the Agnor and Ki67 expression, in histopathological negative surgical margins of OSCC will be compared between with values of patient with recurrence.
Frequency of Different Clinical Presentations of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus in Tertiary Care Hospital
Authors: Sandeelo Nabiya , Ali Gohar , Memon Muhammad Yahya , Bukhari Syeda Iffat , Bano Saliha , Talib Abu , Ali Shah Syed Zulfiquar , Kanwal .
Published: March 2022

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a multisystem, autoimmune, inflammatory disorder presenting with manifestations from various organ systems.

Objective: To determine the frequency of clinical presentations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus at tertiary care hospital

Methodology: The cross-sectional study was conducted during 21st October 2018 to 20th April 2019 in the Department of Medicine Civil Hospital Karachi. Total 143 diagnosed patients were included. All patients were evaluated for the initial clinical manifestations including clinical investigations at presentation, Ocular, Mucocutaneous, Pulmonary, Cardiovascular, Gastrointestinal, Musculoskeletal, Hematological, Renal, Neuro Psychiatric, Gynaecological. Descriptive statistics were calculated and stratification was done. Post stratification chi square test was applied. p value≤0.05 was taken as significant.

Results: There were 18.9% male and 81.1% female patient. Mean age was 32.36±9.92 years. Mean SLE duration was 8.16±2.22 months. 79.7% were married and 20.3% were unmarried. In this study among major findings, 52.4% patients were found with fever, 79% with fatigue, 79.7% with arthralgia, 66.4% with weakness, 71.3% with body ache, 35.7% with decreased appetite, 40.6% with headache, 60.1% with photosensitivity, 67.1% with malar rash, 67.1% with alopecia, 60.8% with oral ulcer, 52.4% with Raynaud’s phenomenon, 52.4% with nausea/vomiting, 33.6% with diarrhea, 31.5% with arthritis, 37.1% with muscle atrophy, 35.7% with osteoporotic fractures, 38.5% with hemolytic anemia.

Conclusion: In this study, majority of patients presented with combination of fever, fatigue, arthralgia, weakness, body ache, photosensitivity, and malar rash.
Approaching Practically Accessible and Environmentally Adaptive Sodium Metal Batteries with High Loading Cathodes through In Situ Interlock Interface
Authors: Zhou Ya‐Nan , Xiao Zichun , Han Duzhao , Yang Lianping , Zhang Jiyong , Tang Wei , Shu Chengyong , Peng Chengxin , Zhou Dezhong
Published: March 2022

Fast‐charging and high‐energy‐density solid‐state sodium metal batteries (SMBs) working under harsh temperatures are in urgent demand for the state‐of‐the‐art secondary batteries. However, the unmatched interfacial contact and temperature‐limited ionic conductivity still impede SMBs from authentic commercialization. Constructing a 3D ion diffusion channel through in situ interlock interfaces can effectively address these bottlenecks. Herein, an in situ cured gel polymer electrolyte (GPE) is developed by introducing trihydroxymethylpropyl triacrylate (TMPTA) into conventional electrolytes. The as‐prepared GPE can generate superior 3D ionic conductive networks in the cathodes with high ionic conductivity at universal temperatures (0–60 °C) and a wide working potential, which successfully pairs with the high‐voltage cathodes with ultrahigh loads of 13.01 mg cm−1 to develop a practical solid‐state battery. Furthermore, as deciphered by in‐depth X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, the flexible solid electrolyte interphase layer is stable enough to prevent sodium metal from the corrosion of the electrolyte and the formation of sodium dendrites. Benefitting from this “two‐in‐one” effect, solid‐state SMBs with the in situ GPE exhibit an excellent long‐term cycling stability at 60 °C with a capacity retention of 80% after 1000 cycles at 1 C, and superior temperature adaptability even at 0 °C with a rate capacity retention of 90% at 1 C compared with that at 0.1 C.
Poly‐γ‐Glutamic Acid Microgel‐Encapsulated Probiotics with Gastric Acid Resistance and Smart Inflammatory Factor Targeted Delivery Performance to Ameliorate Colitis
Authors: Wang Rui , Guo Kun , zhang Weijie , He Yineng , Yang Kai , Chen Qian , Yang Liang , Di Zhengao , Qiu Jiangkai , Lei Peng , Gu Yian , Luo Zhengshan , Xu Xiaoqi , Xu Zongqi , Feng Xiaohai , Li Sha , Yu Ziyi , Xu Hong
Published: March 2022

Hydrogel microspheres with probiotic‐loaded therapy have been considered an effective and safe strategy for treating inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). However, the low survival rate under harsh stomach conditions and inflam‐matory cytokine target release efficiency remains a major challenge for their application. Herein, a novel NO‐responsive poly‐γ‐glutamic acid (γ‐PGA) hydrogel microcapsule (NRPM) strategy based on a droplet microfluidic technology platform is proposed. Accordingly, highly uniform microspheres with high cell densities (6.0 × 108 cells mL−1) and a wide range of diameters (100–600 μm) are produced, which are critical for realizing accurate down‐stream evaluation and applications. Owing to the cytoprotective effects of the NRPM, the decorated probiotics showed high viability in the simulated gastric (89.67%) and intestinal (93.67%) fluid environments, while the data are 0% and 61.60% for free cells, respectively. Moreover, both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrate that microspheres can respond to nitric oxide (NO) stimuli and rapidly release probiotics to maintain the intestinal mechanical barrier and regulate the balance of intestinal flora. Consequently, NRPM significantly increases the treatment efficacy against dextran sulfate sodium‐induced colitis in a mouse model. The results demonstrate that NRPM is a promising approach for improving the efficacy of orally administered probiotics in patients with colonic IBD.
Pistia‐Inspired Photothermal Fabric based on Waste Carbon Fiber for Low‐Cost Vapor Generation: An Industrialization Route
Authors: Wang Jiang , Shi Qianqian , Li Chaojing , Zhang Yuze , Du Shiyi , Mao Jifu , Wang Jun
Published: March 2022

The industrial production of solar‐steaming materials is an essential part of the wide promotion of solar‐driven desalination technology. However, balancing the cost and freshwater yield constitutes a constant challenge. To solve these problems, discrete waste carbon fibers are assembled into an extensible and compressible yarn and further prepared for a fabric evaporator to achieve solar steam generation by two main textile technologies: blended yarn spinning and multibeam weaving. To improve the evaporation efficiency of the photothermal device, a bionic fabric structure resembling the aquatic plant Pistia is designed to reduce heat loss and increase material utilization. Assisted by the porous structure and gradient capillary effect of the evaporator, the performance is maximized by setting the photothermal part 3.2 cm above the water, improving evaporation efficiency from 52.70% in the original state to 88.70% under one sun (1 kW m−2). Combined with the low‐cost of waste carbon fiber and mature textile technologies, the overall raw material cost of the device is reduced to USD 3.54 per m2, which is anticipated that this study offers new possibilities for a cost‐effective, industrialized solar‐driven steam generation route.
Low‐Oxidized Siloxene Nanosheets with High Capacity, Capacity Retention, and Rate Capability in Lithium‐Based Batteries
Authors: Arnot David J. , Li Wenzao , Bock David C. , Stackhouse Chavis A. , Tong Xiao , Head Ashley R. , Takeuchi Esther S. , Takeuchi Kenneth J. , Yan Shan , Wang Lei , Marschilok Amy C.
Published: March 2022

The mechanical degradation experienced by Si electrodes during Li (de)alloying reactions can potentially be mitigated by using Si‐based materials with layered 2D geometries. Such materials are expected to exhibit favorable mechanical properties and be capable of buffering the volume change associated with (de)lithitation. In this work, 2D siloxene nanosheets are synthesized using a facile topotactic reaction followed by ultrasonication as an exfoliation step. Detailed structural and chemical characterization via electron microscopy, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Raman spectroscopy is conducted, revealing a low‐oxidized siloxene nanosheet material with only 15% surface Si‐oxide. The obtained siloxene nanosheets are tested as Li‐ion negative electrodes in lithium‐based electrochemical cells. The cells exhibit high rate capability with a capacity of 935 mAh g–1 at 3200 mA g–1 and ≈99.5% coulombic efficiency. The inclusion of fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) in the electrolyte improves capacity retention over 200 cycles from 13% to 77% at 1000 mA g–1. This behavior is attributed to the FEC decomposition forming a solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) with higher ion conductivity and robust LiF/LixPOyFz content, as characterized via XPS Raman spectroscopy.
Novel, High‐Resolution, Subtractive Photoresist Formulations for 3D Direct Laser Writing Based on Cyclic Ketene Acetals
Authors: Carlotti Marco , Tricinci Omar , Mattoli Virgilio
Published: March 2022

Direct laser writing (DLW) is an innovative technology based on two‐photon polymerization processes which allow the 3D printing of architectures with arbitrary complexity at the (sub)micrometer scale. While most of the research interest in this field relies on additive manufacturing, subtractive approaches can be extremely helpful in nano/microfabrication, allowing the preparation of expendable scaffolds, replaceable parts, and for the protection of fragile structures. In this study, we show that the simple addition of 2‐methylene‐1,3‐dioxepane, a cyclic ketene acetal compound, to a series of different acrylate‐based photoresists results in functional formulations that allow the 3D‐printing of degradable poly(ester‐co‐acrylate) microstructures via DLW. These latter could be degraded reliably under mild conditions compatible with other photoresists and materials of common use in the fabrication of MEMS, thus opening new opportunities to design novel fabrication procedures. In addition, the possibility of using different acrylate mixtures without affecting the degradability, allows the users to choose between a broad range of properties for the printed structures to fit their needs, without affecting the degradability. Finally, the authors show the potential of these photoresists in the fabrication of shadowing masks on 3D objects and their selective degradation employing a photobase.
Boosting Self‐Powered Ultraviolet Photoresponse of TiO2‐Based Heterostructure by Flexo‐Phototronic Effects
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Park Ji‐Yong , Seo Hyungtak
Published: March 2022

Ultraviolet photodetectors have long been used as key elements for various applications, including optical sensing and communication. However, accurate sensing of weak UV intensities under self‐powered conditions with stable photocurrent and rapid temporal response remains critical because of challenges related to having suitable band alignment and strong junction quality. Here, an enhancement in the self‐power ultraviolet (UV, λ = 365 nm) photoresponse of the silver nanowires/TiO2 Schottky photodetector is demonstrated by taking advantage of the flexoelectric phenomenon. The device does not show measurable photocurrent under self‐biased conditions with low‐intensity (200 µW cm–2) UV illumination, whereas a significant photocurrent of about 0.48 µA is measured by integrating the photovoltaic and flexo‐phototronic effects. Additionally, rise/fall times improved from 300/1068 to 43/165 µs by utilizing the flexo‐phototronic effects, depicting an enhancement of 597%. Further, remarkable responsivity of 124 mA W–1 and high detectivity of 6.5 × 1011 Jones under self‐biased conditions are recorded. Moreover, microscopic evidence of flexoelectric effect modulated photoresponse is provided by photoconductive atomic force microscopy measurements. High efficiency and self‐powered capability demonstrated in this study are likely to inspire the development of next‐generation ultrafast, energy‐efficient, and sophisticated photodetectors for communication, imaging, and sensing networks.
Transition Metal‐Free, Visible Light‐Mediated Radical Cyclisation of Malonyl Radicals onto 5‐Ring Heteroaromatics
Authors: Hernández‐Lladó Pol , Garrec Kilian , Schmitt Daniel C. , Burton Jonathan W.
Published: March 2022

Annulated heteroaromatics can be accessed through the addition of malonyl radicals onto heterocycles. Current methods are applicable to electron‐rich heteroaromatics and reliant on transition metals or toxic tin reagents. Here we report a metal‐free, visible light‐mediated cyclisation of malonates onto 5‐ring heteroaromatics using iodomalonates as key intermediates. The iodomalonates are prepared and photolysed in situ to give the desired annulated products, in yields of 46–94% without the need for external catalysts. The scope of this transformation includes N‐alkyl, N‐acyl and carbon‐tethered malonates adding onto a wide range of 5‐membered heteroaromatics.

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Energy Transfer Assisted Fast X‐ray Detection in Direct/Indirect Hybrid Perovskite Wafer
Authors: Liu Lulu , Li Weijun , Feng Xiaopeng , Guo Chunjie , Zhang Huimao , Wei Haotong , Yang Bai
Published: March 2022

Metal halide perovskite scintillators encounter unprecedented opportunities in indirect ionizing radiation detection due to their high quantum yields. However, the long scintillation lifetime of microseconds upon irradiation, known as the afterglow phenomenon, obviously limits their fast development. Here, a new type of hybrid X‐ray detector wafer combining direct methylamine lead iodide (MAPbI3) semiconductor and indirect zero‐dimensional cesium copper iodide (Cs3Cu2I5) scintillator through low‐cost fast tableting processes is reported. Due to the fast energy transfer from Cs3Cu2I5 to MAPbI3, the device response time to X‐rays is dramatically reduced by nearly 30 times to 36.6 ns, which enables fast X‐ray detection capability by a large area detector arrays within 1 s. Moreover, Cs3Cu2I5 exists at the grain boundaries of MAPbI3 crystals, and blocks the paths of mobile ions of perovskite, leading to the lowest detectable dose rate of hybrid X‐ray detector is thus reduced by 1.5 times compared with control MAPbI3 direct‐type semiconductor, and 10 times compared with the Cs3Cu2I5 indirect‐type scintillator. The direct/indirect hybrid wafer also exhibits improved operation stability at ambient conditions without any encapsulation. This new kind of hybrid X‐ray detectors provides strong competitiveness by combining the advantages of both direct perovskite semiconductors and indirect perovskite scintillators for next‐generation products.
Towards Mapping Mouse Metabolic Tissue Atlas by Mid‐Infrared Imaging with Heavy Water Labeling
Authors: Liu Xinwen , Shi Lixue , Shi Lingyan , Wei Mian , Zhao Zhilun , Min Wei
Published: March 2022

Understanding metabolism is of great significance to decipher various physiological and pathogenic processes. While great progress has been made to profile gene expression, how to capture organ‐, tissue‐, and cell‐type‐specific metabolic profile (i.e., metabolic tissue atlas) in complex mammalian systems is lagging behind, largely owing to the lack of metabolic imaging tools with high resolution and high throughput. Here, the authors applied mid‐infrared imaging coupled with heavy water (D2O) metabolic labeling to a scope of mouse organs and tissues. The premise is that, as D2O participates in the biosynthesis of various macromolecules, the resulting broad C‐D vibrational spectrum should interrogate a wide range of metabolic pathways. Applying multivariate analysis to the C‐D spectrum, the authors successfully identified both inter‐organ and intra‐tissue metabolic signatures of mice. A large‐scale metabolic atlas map between different organs from the same mice is thus generated. Moreover, leveraging the power of unsupervised clustering methods, spatially‐resolved metabolic signatures of brain tissues are discovered, revealing tissue and cell‐type specific metabolic profile in situ. As a demonstration of this technique, the authors captured metabolic changes during brain development and characterized intratumoral metabolic heterogeneity of glioblastoma. Altogether, the integrated platform paves a way to map the metabolic tissue atlas for complex mammalian systems.
The cost of doing politics: A critical discursive analysis of Australian liberal politicians’ responses to accusations by female politicians of bullying and intimidation
Authors: Sorrentino Jasmin , Augoustinos Martha , Le Couteur Amanda
Published: March 2022

Recent conversations prompted by the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have put issues of workplace sexism, sexual harassment and sexual assault into the global spotlight. This paper examines how members of the Australian Liberal Party made sense of, and responded to, accusations by female Liberal MPs of bullying and intimidation in their party. Transcripts of media interviews identified by searching the ParlInfo database (between August and September 2018) were analysed using a critical discursive psychology approach. Two discursive repertoires were routinely mobilised in Liberal politicians’ accounts: (1) a gender‐neutral repertoire whereby reported incidents of bullying were argued to apply equally to men and women, and (2) a ‘politics is tough’ repertoire that served to downplay and legitimise bullying and intimidation as normative and unproblematic. We argues that such repertoires functioned to silence talk about the relevance of gender and the persistence of inequality. The bullying and intimidation experienced by women may continue to be the cost of their political engagement unless systemic change occurs that acknowledges the ongoing relevance of gender in politics.
Beyond a Linker: The Role of Photochemistry of Crosslinkers in the Direct Optical Patterning of Colloidal Nanocrystals
Authors: Lu Shaoyong , Fu Zhong , Li Fu , Weng Kangkang , Zhou Likuan , Zhang Lipeng , Yang Yuchen , Qiu Hengwei , Liu Dan , Qing Wenyue , Ding He , Sheng Xing , Chen Menglu , Tang Xin , Duan Lian , Liu Wenyong , Wu Longjia , Yang Yixing , Zhang Hao , Li Jinghong
Published: March 2022

Surface chemistry mediated direct optical patterning represents an emerging strategy for incorporating colloidal nanocrystals (NCs) in integrated optoelectronic platforms including displays and image sensors. However, the role of photochemistry of crosslinkers and other photoactive species in patterning remains elusive. Here we show the design of nitrene‐ and carbene‐based photocrosslinkers can strongly affect the patterning capabilities and photophysical properties of NCs, especially quantum dots (QDs). Their role beyond physical linkers stems from structure‐dictated electronic configuration, energy alignment and associated reaction kinetics and thermodynamics. Patterned QD layers with designed carbene‐based crosslinkers fully preserve their photoluminescent and electroluminescent properties. Patterned light emitting diodes (QLEDs) show a maximum external quantum efficiency of ≈12 % and lifetime over 4800 h, among the highest for reported patterned QLEDs. These results would guide the rational design of photoactive species in NC patterning and create new possibilities in the monolithic integration of NCs in high‐performance device platforms.
Hydrogen Isotope Effects on Aqueous Electrolyte for Electrochemical Lithium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Chou Jia , Zhao Yao , Li Xue‐Ting , Wang Wen‐Peng , Tan Shuang‐Jie , Wang Ya‐Hui , Zhang Juan , Yin Ya‐Xia , Wang Fuyi , Xin Sen , Guo Yu‐Guo
Published: March 2022

As two stable hydrogen isotopes, protium and deuterium show magnified isotope effects in physicochemical properties due to the significantly varied atomic masses. In this work, aqueous electrolytes based on heavy water (D2O) and light water (H2O) were prepared to reveal the electrochemical isotope effects between the hydrogen isotopes. The covalent hydrogen–oxygen bond and intermolecular hydrogen bond in D2O are much stronger than those in H2O, making them thermodynamically more stable. Compared with the H2O‐based electrolyte, the D2O‐based electrolyte shows a broader electrochemical window, a higher percentage of coordinated water and a longer lifetime of hydrogen bond. Because of the above electrochemical isotope effects, the D2O‐based electrolyte shows high anodic stability against operation of high‐voltage layered oxide cathode materials including LiCoO2 and LiNi0.8Co0.1Mn0.1O2, which enables long cycle life and favorable rate performance of aqueous Li‐ion batteries.
Nickel/Copper‐Cocatalyzed Asymmetric Benzylation of Aldimine Esters for the Enantioselective Synthesis of α‐Quaternary Amino Acids
Authors: Peng Youbin , Han Chongyu , Luo Yicong , Li Guanlin , Huo Xiaohong , Zhang Wanbin
Published: March 2022

The first asymmetric Ni/Cu cocatalyzed benzylation of aldimine esters is reported. A series of benzyl‐substituted α‐quaternary amino acids could be synthesized in high yield and with high levels of enantioselectivity (up to 90 % yield and 99 % ee). The experimental and theoretical calculation results suggested that the strong electrophilicity of the η3‐benzylnickel intermediate is crucial for the high reactivity, enabling the reaction under base‐free conditions. Furthermore, this method has been applied to the synthesis of the cell adhesion inhibitor BIRT‐377 analogues, and the key intermediate of the NK1 receptor antagonist PD154075 and CCK‐B receptor antagonist CI‐988.
Identifying Crystallographically Different Si−OH−Al Brønsted Acid Sites in LTA Zeolites
Authors: Ahn Sang Hyun , Wang Qiang , Wang Yongxiang , Chu Yueying , Deng Feng , Hong Suk Bong
Published: March 2022

A clear understanding of the acidic properties of bridging Si−OH−Al groups containing crystallographically different oxygen atoms in zeolites is a prerequisite for optimizing their performance as industrial solid catalysts and developing new acid‐catalyzed reactions, but presents many challenges. Here, we report the direct observation of yet unrecognized bridging Si−OH−Al groups in the LTA zeolite whose oxygen atoms are crystallographically different from those of already known Brønsted acid sites. We also report that the creation of a crystallographically particular type of bridging OH groups in zeolites and its concentration and acid strength can vary strongly with the content and spatial distribution of framework Al atoms, thus being synthetic in nature, which has been rationalized in terms of the secondary building unit concept.
Cobalt‐Catalyzed Direct Aminocarbonylation of Ethers: Efficient Access to α‐Amide Substituted Ether Derivatives
Authors: Wang Le‐Cheng , Chen Bo , Wu Xiao‐Feng
Published: March 2022

Ethers are of central importance in the fields of biomass, energy, and organic chemistry. Herein, a novel cobalt‐catalyzed carbonylative coupling of ethers with amines to construct α‐carbonylated ethers has been achieved. Remarkably, Alfuzosin, a medicine for treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), can be synthesized by this process straightforwardly. Notably, this protocol presents the first example on the direct carbonylative reaction of ethers.
Small Molecules Modulate Liquid‐to‐Solid Transitions in Phase‐Separated Tau Condensates
Authors: Jonchhe Sagun , Pan Wei , Pokhrel Pravin , Mao Hanbin
Published: March 2022

In Tau protein condensates formed by the Liquid–Liquid Phase Separation (LLPS) process, liquid‐to‐solid transitions lead to the formation of fibrils implicated in Alzheimer's disease. Here, by tracking two contacting Tau‐rich droplets using a simple and nonintrusive video microscopy, we found that the halftime of the liquid‐to‐solid transition in the Tau condensate is affected by the Hofmeister series according to the solvation energy of anions. After dissecting functional groups of physiologically relevant small molecules using a multivariate approach, we found that charged groups facilitate the liquid‐to‐solid transition in a manner similar to the Hofmeister effect, whereas hydrophobic alkyl chains and aromatic rings inhibit the transition. Our results not only elucidate the driving force of the liquid‐to‐solid transition in Tau condensates, but also provide guidelines to design small molecules to modulate this important transition for many biological functions for the first time.
Amplified Circularly Polarized Electroluminescence Behavior Triggered by Helical Nanofibers from Chiral Co‐assembly Polymers
Authors: Geng Zhongxing , Zhang Yuxia , Zhang Yu , Quan Yiwu , Cheng Yixiang
Published: March 2022

Two chiral binaphthyl polymers (R/S‐P1 and R/S‐P2) with different dihedral angles of the binaphthyl moiety were chosen as chiral inducers to construct chiral co‐assemblies with an achiral pyrene‐naphthalimide dye (NPy) and then acted as the emitting layer (EML) of circularly polarized electroluminescence (CP‐EL) devices. The anchored dihedral angle of R/S‐P2 not only exhibited the enhanced chirality signal, but also had a strong chirality‐inducing effect on the achiral NPy dye in the chiral co‐assembly (R/S‐P2)0.6‐(NPy)0.4. After annealing at 120 °C, the CPL signal (|gem|) of ordered helical nano‐fibers (R/S‐P2)0.6‐(NPy)0.4 was amplified to 5.6×10−2, which was about 6‐fold larger than that of (R/S‐P1)0.6‐(NPy)0.4. The amplified gem value of (R/S‐P2)0.6‐(NPy)0.4 was due to the formation of a helical co‐assembly through the strong π–π stacking interaction between the R/S‐P2 and the achiral NPy. This kind of ordered helical nano‐fibers (R/S‐P2)0.6‐(NPy)0.4 acted as the EML of CP‐OLEDs, and achieved an excellent CP‐EL performance (|gEL|=4.8×10−2).
Preparation and characterization of innovative poly(butylene adipate terephthalate)‐based biocomposites for agri‐food packaging application
Authors: Sciancalepore Corrado , Togliatti Elena , Giubilini Alberto , Pugliese Diego , Moroni Fabrizio , Messori Massimo , Milanese Daniel
Published: March 2022

The present work reports on the preparation and subsequent mechanical, morphological and thermal characterization of composites based on poly(butylene adipate terephthalate) (PBAT), reinforced with micro‐particles of inorganic bioabsorbable calcium‐phosphate glass (CPG) at different contents up to 40 wt%. The PBAT‐CPG composites were prepared by solvent casting. The resulting composite pellets were used for the injection molding of model 1BA specimens, according to standard UNI EN ISO 527. PBAT‐CPG composites displayed an effective increase of the Young's modulus (E) up to 82% compared to the pristine polymer, while showing a reduction of the yield stress (σy) up to 20%, of the stress at break (σB) up to 46%, of the strain at break (εB) up to 57% and of the toughness (T) up to 72%. The values of E, σy and σB were also compared and validated with theoretical values calculated using Kerner's and Pukanszky's models. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images display homogeneous dispersion and distribution of the filler particles in the polymer matrix with no aggregates or phase separation that would cause a deterioration of the material properties. Infrared (IR) spectroscopy did not show structural variations of the polymer matrix due to the CPG presence. The oxygen permeability in PBAT‐based samples assumes significantly lower values when benchmarked with the permeability of low‐density polyethylene (LDPE). Among the different composites, a decrease in oxygen permeability is observed as the CPG concentration increases. Regarding water vapor permeability, PBAT‐based samples show a lower barrier effect than polyethylene (PE): in particular, permeability to water vapor assumes an increasing trend as the quantity of filler increases. The tuneable degradation of the final composite materials was defined by the disintegration degree (DD) determination under composting conditions in a laboratory‐scale reactor. The developed materials prove to be valid biodegradable and eco‐friendly alternatives to traditional thermoplastic polymers, such as LDPE, and can be applied in many fields, especially in package and mulch film applications.
Portable gamma ray spectrometry for archaeological prospection: A preliminary investigation at Silchester Roman Town
Authors: Robinson Victoria , Clark Robert , Black Stuart , Fry Robert , Beddow Helen
Published: March 2022

Several studies have suggested the potential value in applying gamma radiation surveys to support identification of buried archaeological features. However, the number of previous studies is very small and has yielded mixed results. The true efficacy of the technique is therefore unclear. Here, we report on an alternative survey method that uses Groundhog®, a portable gamma radiation system with spectrometric capability, to achieve high spatial density monitoring of archaeological sites. The system, which is used extensively in the nuclear industry, was used to carry out preliminary surveys at four different locations within the Silchester Roman Town. Targeting a site for which an extensive amount of archaeological data is available facilitated testing of the method on a range of known target types. Surveys were carried out along 1‐m transects at an approximate walking speed of 1 m per second, resulting in the capture of one radiation measurement per square metre. Total gamma radiation, recorded in counts per second, was presented in the form of surface radiation (contour) maps and compared against existing geophysical data. Total gamma counting consists of counting gamma rays, without energy discrimination, that are spontaneously emitted by the material under investigation. The obtained counts represent the total, or gross, gamma contribution from all radionuclides, both natural background series and anthropogenic. Radiation anomalies were identified in two of the four survey sites. These anomalies correlated with features present in the geophysical data and can be attributed to a Temenos wall bounding the temple complex and an infilled clay pit. Early results suggest that this may be a complementary technique to existing geophysical methods to aid characterization of archaeological sites. However, it is believed that data quality could be significantly improved by further increasing spatial resolution. This will be explored as part of future fieldwork.
Nonlinear disturbance observer‐based adaptive feedback linearized model predictive controller design for a class of nonlinear systems
Authors: Dutta Lakshmi , Kumar Das Dushmanta
Published: March 2022

Adaptive control with less prior information of a nonlinear system subjected to external disturbance and parametric uncertainties is a longstanding problem in the control community. In this paper, a nonlinear disturbance observer‐based adaptive feedback linearized model predictive control (NDO‐AFLMPC) technique is proposed for a class of nonlinear MIMO systems. In this approach, a nonlinear disturbance observer (NDO) is used to observe the external disturbance of the system. A suitable constraint mapping algorithm is developed to map the input–output constraints within the proposed control scheme. Here, a multiple estimation model and the concept of second‐level adaptation technique is used to handle the parametric uncertainty of the real‐time plant. The boundedness of the estimated parameter is solved by developing the projection‐based parameter adaptation laws. Using an aerodynamic laboratory set‐up, known as the twin‐rotor MIMO system (TRMS), the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm is verified. The complete state information of the real‐time system is provided to the proposed adaptive controller from an extended Kalman filter (EKF)‐based state observer. The performance of the proposed control algorithm is compared with other existing nonlinear control algorithms in the presence of unknown external disturbance and parametric uncertainties.
Stability analysis and controller design for consensus in discrete‐time networks with heterogeneous agent dynamics
Authors: Cihan Onur
Published: March 2022

In this paper, we study the heterogeneous consensus problem in directed networks consisting of first‐ and second‐order agents that can only receive the position states of their neighbors. Necessary and sufficient conditions on the controller parameters are obtained in order to achieve consensus in the network. The mathematical expressions of the consensus equilibria are given for two different scenarios. Furthermore, we propose a systematic method for choosing controller parameters to ensure stability in a network of agents with heterogeneous dynamics. Several numerical examples are also provided to illustrate the theoretical results.
Robust stabilization for affine control systems in Banach spaces
Authors: Benzaza Abdelaziz , Brouri Adil , Ouzahra Mohamed
Published: March 2022

This paper is devoted to the investigation of feedback stabilization of affine control systems on real Banach spaces. Under an appropriate decomposition of the state space, we provide sufficient conditions for exponential stabilization of the system at hand. Furthermore, we show that the proposed feedback law remains a stabilizing control under some types of perturbations on the dynamic and the control operator. Finally, two illustrative examples are provided.
Die Chance des großen Ganzen – Ganzheitliche Gestaltung, Planung und Umsetzung des Autobahnabschnitts der BAB A 3 zwischen Erlangen und Würzburg
Authors: Endres Bernd , Wagner Markus
Published: March 2022

Autobahnen sind – mit ihren zahlreichen Bauwerken – nicht nur elementare Grundlage unserer mobilen Zivilisation, sondern auch unübersehbarer und damit prägender Bestandteil unserer gebauten Umwelt und Landschaftsräume. Rund 100 Jahre nach dem Bau der ersten kreuzungsfreien Straßen präsentiert sich das gewachsene Autobahnnetz als Ansammlung meist rein funktionaler Bauwerke aus unterschiedlichen Dekaden. Das ÖPP‐Großprojekt „Ausbau der A 3 zwischen den Autobahnkreuzen Würzburg/Biebelried und Fürth/Erlangen“ ist eine nahezu einmalige Chance, eine der am stärksten befahrenen europäischen Fernstraßenverbindungen auf einem ca. 80 km langen Abschnitt nach einheitlichen Kriterien zu erneuern: zeitlose Gestaltung mit harmonischer Einbindung in stark variierende Landschaftsräume, hohe Materialeffizienz, Dauerhaftigkeit und bestmögliche konstruktive Durchbildung aller Bauteile. Vorzeitige Obsoleszenz durch konstruktive Mängel, Vandalismus oder kurzlebige Gestaltung gilt es zu vermeiden. 2015 begann auf Initiative des Bauherrn eine intensive, interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit mit Architekten, Bauingenieuren und Landschaftsplanern. Das Resultat war 2017 ein umfassendes Gestaltungshandbuch und, darauf aufbauend, Pflichtenhefte und ‐pläne für die Gestaltung und Konstruktion sämtlicher Brücken und Lärmschutzanlagen des gesamten Projekts. 113 Brücken werden erneuert und mehr als 45 km Lärmschutzanlagen gebaut. Eine ganzheitliche Betrachtung der auszubauenden Autobahnstrecke statt der Summierung zahlreicher Einzelmaßnahmen von unterschiedlicher Qualität und Erscheinung, ausgezeichnet mit dem Polis Award in Silber und einer Auszeichnung bei dem Deutschen Brückenbaupreis 2020.