Spray-coating techniques have recently emerged as especially effective approaches for the deposition of small semiconducting molecules toward the fabrication of organic field-effect transistors ...(OFETs). Despite the promising mobility values and the industrial implementation capability of such techniques, the resultant devices still face challenges in terms of morphology control and performance variation. In this work, the efficient process control of electrostatic spraying deposition (ESD) and the excellent film forming properties of polymer:small molecule blends were successfully combined to develop reliable and high performance transistors. Specifically, a highly efficient blended system of 2,8-difluoro-5,11-bis(triethylsilylethynyl)-anthradithiophene (diF-TES-ADT) and poly(triarylamine) (PTAA) was employed in order to realize top-gate OFETs under ambient conditions, both on rigid and on flexible substrates. The films revealed extensive crystallization and microstructural organization implying distinct phase separation in the electrosprayed blend. Furthermore, we investigated the effect of processing temperature on film continuity and the presence of grain boundaries. Remarkably, the electrosprayed OFETs exhibited field-effect mobilities as high as 1.7 cm 2 V −1 s −1 and enhanced performance consistency when compared to conventional gas-sprayed transistors. Additionally, the transistors showed excellent electrical and environmental stability, indicative of the good interface quality and the self-encapsulation capability of the top-gate structure. These results highlight the great potential of electrohydrodynamic atomization techniques for implementation in large-area processing for OFET fabrication.
Diabetes mellitus (DM) is currently considered a modern global epidemic, and diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the most common cause of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Anemia is one of the most significant ...complications of CKD, and it is mainly attributed to insufficient erythropoietin (EPO) production. However, anemia develops earlier in the course of CKD among patients with DM, and the severity of anemia tends to be more marked in these patients compared to nondiabetic subjects, regardless of the stage of CKD. In this review, we focus on the “less known” complex interacting mechanisms which are involved in the pathophysiology of anemia associated with DN. Although the major cause of anemia in DN is considered to be an inappropriate response of the plasma EPO concentration to anemia, several other possible mechanisms have been suggested. Glomerular hyperfiltration, proteinuria, renal tubular dysfunction and interstitial fibrosis are among the main culprits. On the other hand, systemic effects such as chronic inflammation, autonomic neuropathy and the renin–angiotensin system are also involved. Finally, several medications are considered to aggravate anemia associated with DN. Since anemia is an important predictor of quality of life and is implicated in the increased burden of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, further research is required to elucidate its pathogenesis in diabetic patients.
Response to anti-diabetic medications is not always predictable or favourable even in phenotypically similar type-2 diabetes (T2D) cases. This is not only due to patient's compliance and access to ...care but is also considered to be an effect of idiosyncratic differences among individuals, stemming from the combination of their unique genetic background and environmental exposures. In this systematic review, we aimed to summarise the available evidence on pharmacogenetic and pharmacogenomic studies of oral agents for T2D that are currently in the market and describe the agents studied, the targeted loci in regards to the efficacy and the toxicity profile of the agents included. We included 53 studies published between 2003-2012, which examined the following anti-diabetic classes: sulphonylureas, metformin, metiglinides and thiazolidenediones. There were no published studies on newer agents (e.g. incretin based treatments). Forty-nine studies (92.5%) examined the therapeutic response to oral antiglycaemic agents. Outcomes assessed included changes in metabolic markers (fasting or postprandial blood glucose, fasting or postprandial insulin, HbA1c), Homeostasis Assessment Model (HOMA)-Insulin Resistance (IR) or HOMA-B-cell function (HOMA-B), and time to monotherapy failure. Regarding side effects, hypoglycaemia and TZD-related oedema were the most commonly assessed. In the vast majority of the studies included (n=38, 71.7%), more than one outcomes (n=27, 50.9%) and/or more than one SNPs (n=21, 39.6%) were evaluated in the same publication, but most studies examined one drug (n=50, 94.3%). A considerable number of the proposed genes seem to be related to beta-cell development and function, but there are several genes whose underlying pathway linked to diabetes pharmacotherapy remains poorly understood. Pharmacogenomics are still not in pace with the wealth of information provided by GWAS in the genetics of T2D and related traits and the proposed associations need further validation in well-characterized large studies of varying ancestral origins.
The paper investigates the effect of Si content on TiAlSiN, TiSiN and TiAlN/TiSiN films mechanical strength, brittleness, fatigue and adhesion. The films used were deposited on cemented carbide ...inserts by employing cathodic arc evaporation. For determining coating strength properties, nanoindentations were carried out. Based on the data acquired and a FEM continuous simulation of nanoindentation, elasto-plastic laws for the films were determined. The adhesion of the coatings was evaluated by inclined impact tests and by Rockwell indentations. The fatigue of the examined coatings, at ambient and elevated temperatures, was characterized via perpendicular impact tests. Moreover, nano-impact tests were conducted for capturing the influence of Si-content on film brittleness. The cutting performance of the coated cemented carbide inserts was tested in milling stainless steel 304L at various cutting speeds. According to the obtained results, the beneficial effect of Si on the cutting performance of PVD coated tools was detected within an optimum cutting speed range. In addition, a superficial TiSiN layer on TiAlN coated cemented carbide tools leads to improved compound mechanical properties. These properties, as well as the cutting performance, depend on the TiSiN-film Si content and coating structure.
•Coated tools properties and cutting performance are affected by the film Si content.•TiAlN, TiAlSiN, TiSiN and bilayer TiAlN/TiSiN of different Si content were examined.•Films’ strength, adhesion, fatigue and brittleness were tested by innovative methods.•Si up to 8% improves neither properties nor cutting performance of TiAlN films.•TiSiN and bilayer TiAlN/TiSiN coatings increase the tool life depended on Si content.
Nanoindentation is an effective technique for determining mechanical properties of bulk materials and thin films. Prevailing measurement uncertainties in nanoindentations by Vickers or Berkovich ...diamond pyramids are commonly caused by manufacturing imperfections of the indenter's side angles and tip sharpness. Moreover, the tip geometry changes over the indenter operation time, due to diamond wear.
The paper presents a fast method for estimating diamond indenters' tip nano and micro geometry. This method is based on a combination of nanoindentations on Si(100), used as reference material, with FEM supported calculations of Martens hardness. The hardness calculations are conducted using an equivalent indenter tip geometry with geometrical characteristics, which may vary for a specific set of parameters, describing the real indenter with manufacturing imperfections. These parameters are varied in successive iterations until the calculated hardness converges with that of the reference material.
For a quick determination of these parameters, the software package “TIDE” (TΙp Deviations Estimation) has been developed. “TIDE” is based on numerous FEM supported simulation results of nanoindentations, conducted on the reference material, varying the indenter tip geometry. By this software package, a quick prediction of nanoindenters' tip equivalent geometry is facilitated, also for anticipating changes due to wear of the diamond over time.
► In nanoindentation the exact knowledge of the indenter tip geometry is pivotal. ► Tip geometry changes during the indenter operation time, due to diamond wear. ► A fast method for estimating diamond indenters' tip geometry was developed. ► This method is based on nanoindentations and FEM-calculations of Martens hardness. ► A software package “TIDE” (TΙp Deviations Estimation) has been developed.
This Paper includes the nano cavity implementation of the biosensors in the detection of any chemical analyte and pesticide. Chemical, organic substances or any biological analytes are deemed to be ...present in any food or soft drink. Detection of these kinds of analytes are the potential risk. Photonic Crystals are rapid and precise to reach the sky for the next future. The photonic crystal model simulation is performed using Beam Propagation technology, with change in the refractive index in one selected arm. Therefore the designed MZI acts as a bio sensing device to detect any kind of chemical, bio analyte and organic substances that are present in different food. MZI has many advantages in photonic crystal with the use of least instrument and ready to be compatible with CMOS technology. The experimental program is observed for minute change in refractive index, in this work. Mach Zender Interferometer shall behave as sensor for small change in refractive index of pesticide value and observed power and intensity thus will be accounted. Indicates that it is highly sensitive for the changes in refractive index and in turn it can differentiate between normal food which do not contain any chemical and pesticide present in food.
OBJECTIVEIn pediatric inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), the prevalence of low bone mineral density (BMD) and bone fractures and the relationship between these are still debated. Our aim was to report ...data from a cohort of pediatric patients with IBD.
PATIENTS AND METHODSCross-sectional assessment of growth and BMD (dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) and retrospective chart review were performed to report the lifetime prevalence of bone fractures and clinical associations with patients’ data.
RESULTSWe examined 216 patients with IBD, 8–25 years old (median14 years). Low BMD was found in 12.5% (spine) and 27% (total body). Multiple regression analysis showed that BMD was predicted by Z-scores for height and weight at DXA. History of menstrual irregularities and nasogastric tube feedings was associated with lower BMD, whereas physical activity and higher Z-score for height at DXA were associated with higher BMD.The prevalence of lifetime fractures was 11.8%. Patients with a history of fractures had lower Z-scores for spine BMD (−1.20 vs. −0.69, P=0.020) and total-body BMD (−1.30 vs. −0.75, P=0.014) compared with those without a history of fractures. Patients with spine BMD Z-score of up to −2 SD score had significantly increased prevalence of fractures compared with those with Z-score more than −2 SD score (28 vs. 10%, P=0.015).
CONCLUSIONThis study provides further insight into risk factors for low BMD in pediatric IBD. Novel findings were the association between low BMD and fractures, and the positive relationship between BMD and physical activity.
The cutting performance of hardmetal inserts coated with PVD TiN, TiAlN and TiSiN films was investigated by innovative analytical–experimental methods, for explaining the effect of coating properties ...on coated tool wear in milling. Nanoindentation results were evaluated by FEM-supported algorithms for determining the stress–strain constitutive laws of the applied films. According to these laws, the TiSiN films possess enhanced mechanical properties in comparison to TiAlN and TiN coatings. Moreover, in perpendicular impact experiments at various temperatures, the TiSiN films exhibited the best resistance and fatigue behaviour. Additionally, Rockwell C indentations and inclined impact tests were performed to assess qualitatively and quantitatively the films' adhesion on the substrate. These tests revealed a deteriorated adhesion of the TiSiN coating compared to the corresponding ones of the other two films. Finally, by FEM-supported calculations of the material removal process in milling, the mechanical and thermal loadings of the cutting edge were estimated and insight was provided concerning the effect of coating adhesion, mechanical properties and fatigue on the cutting performance. The deterioration of the adhesion of the TiSiN films on the substrate led to a cutting performance reduction in milling compared to the one achieved with TiAlN coated hardmetal inserts.
Biomembranes in bioelectronic sensing Jayaram, A.K.; Pappa, A.M.; Ghosh, S. ...
Trends in biotechnology (Regular ed.),
January 2022, 2022-01-00, 20220101, Letnik:
40, Številka:
1
Journal Article
Recenzirano
Odprti dostop
Cell membranes are integral to the functioning of the cell and are therefore key to drive fundamental understanding of biological processes for downstream applications. Here, we review the current ...state-of-the-art with respect to biomembrane systems and electronic substrates, with a view of how the field has evolved towards creating biomimetic conditions and improving detection sensitivity. Of particular interest are conducting polymers, a class of electroactive polymers, which have the potential to create the next step-change for bioelectronics devices. Lastly, we discuss the impact these types of devices could have for biomedical applications.
Biomembrane-based bioelectronic research has shown exponential growth since the inception of the field in the 1960s.The field is driven by parallel development of more representative membrane systems coupled with compatible substrates.Conducting polymers emerge as a promising class of materials that can significantly accelerate the development of bioelectronic sensors for biomedical applications.
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