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The photon energy of terahertz waves is of the order of a few milli-electronvolts and is much lower than the thermal energy of ~ 26 meV at room temperature. However, the fast and sensitive detection of terahertz waves is notoriously difficult at ambient conditions. Moreover, the material flexibility is also very important within existing terahertz technologies for development of wearable and portable terahertz devices. We experimentally demonstrate that multiwall carbon nanotube flexible paper (MWCNT-FP) is one of the potential candidates to be used for terahertz detectors at room temperature. For the first time, MWCNT-FP sample is measured over a wide frequency band ranging from 0.02 to 4.5 THz at room temperature as compared to previously reported materials that demonstrate prominent frequency response between 0.2 and 2.5 THz. The MWCNT-FP sample delivered wide band absorption between 0.02 and 4.0 THz. Over the transmission, a high absorption peak is detected at 1.0 THz. The optical density spectrum is observed around 1.25 and 3.37 THz in the low-frequency regime and high-frequency regime, respectively. The present results suggest the potential application of MWCNT-FP as a wearable THz detector.

Background In 2019, a randomized controlled trial (RCT) authored by Dr. Ismail was retracted due to concerns about data integrity. Since there are no policies in place to investigate other publications of authors of retracted studies, we investigated Dr. Ismail’s other trials. Methods We searched for RCTs authored by Dr. Ismail. We made pairwise comparisons of values in baseline and outcome tables between trials. We assessed whether the distributions of baseline characteristics were compatible with properly conducted randomization, using Monte Carlo simulations and the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. We read the publications carefully for unusual features. Results Dr. Ismail was author in eight published and one unpublished trial. In three of his first author studies we found multiple identical values in the baseline and/or outcome tables from different trials. At least some of the trials were unlikely to have followed a proper randomization process. There were a number of other unusual features in the papers we reviewed. Conclusions It is probable that other trials published by Dr. Ismail contain questionable data. We call for a thorough investigation of the original trial data and related official documents. Our exercise suggests that the practice to assess research integrity should include all publications of authors with retracted fabricated articles.

Background Quality of life and patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) are important secondary endpoints and incorporated in most contemporary clinical trials. There have been deficiencies in their assessment and reporting in ovarian cancer clinical trials, particularly in trials of maintenance treatment where they are of particular importance. The Gynecologic Cancer InterGroup (GCIG) symptom benefit committee (SBC) recently convened a brainstorming meeting with representation from all collaborative groups to address questions of how to best incorporate PROMs into trials of maintenance therapies to support the primary endpoint which is usually progression free survival (PFS). These recommendations should harmonize the collection, analysis and reporting of PROM's across future GCIG trials. Methods Through literature review, trials analysis and input from international experts, the SBC identified four relevant topics to address with respect to promoting the role of PROMs to support the PFS endpoint in clinical trials of maintenance treatment for OC. Results The GCIG SBC unanimously accepted the importance of integrating PROM's in future maintenance trials and developed four guiding principles to be considered early in trial design. These include 1) adherence to SPIRIT-PRO guidelines, 2) harmonization of selection, collection and reporting of PROM's; 3) combining Health Related Quality of Life (HRQL) measures with clinical endpoints and 4) common approaches to dealing with incomplete HRQL data. Conclusions Close attention to incorporating HRQL and PROM's is critical to interpret the results of ovarian cancer clinical trials of maintenance therapies. There should be a consistent approach to assessing and reporting patient centered benefits across all GCIG trials to enable cross trial comparisons which can be used to inform practice.

Approximately 10% of patients resuscitated from out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) survive to hospital discharge. Improved management to improve outcomes are required, and it is proposed that such patients should be preferentially treated in cardiac arrest centres (CACs). The minimum requirements of therapy modalities for the CAC are 24/7 availability of an on-site coronary angiography laboratory, an emergency department, an intensive care unit, imaging facilities, such as echocardiography, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging, and a protocol outlining transfer of selected patients to CACs with additional resources (OHCA hub hospitals). These hub hospitals are regularly treating a high volume of patients and offer further treatment modalities. This consensus document describes the aims, the minimal requirements for therapeutic modalities and expertise, and the structure, of a CAC. It represents a consensus among the major European medical associations and societies involved in the treatment of OHCA patients.

Objective Stool repositories are a valuable resource for retrospective analyses including quantitative PCR assays to distinguish between asymptomatic shedding and clinical disease. The suitability of archival specimens for this purpose is unclear and requires assessment. We conducted a pilot study to evaluate pathogen detection by TaqMan Array Card (TAC) in travelers’ diarrhea (TD) stool specimens stored for 1–13 years, as well as the impact of transporting specimens on Whatman FTA Elute cards (FTA Cards) on detection. Results The positive percent agreement (PPA) for TAC on stool vs. microbiologic testing was lower than our a priori PPA estimate of 80% for most pathogens: Shigella spp. (100% [95%CI 69–100%]), enterotoxigenic E coli (ETEC) (63% [95%CI 49–75%]), Campylobacter spp. (66% [95%CI 43–85%]) and Norovirus (37% [95%CI 16–61%]). Use of the FTA card resulted in a further reduction of PPA. Our findings suggest that archival specimens may lead to insensitive detection on quantitative PCR assays due to degradation of nucleic acid with prolonged storage, although our limited sample size precluded us from evaluating the impact of storage duration on nucleic acid yield. Additional studies are needed to understand the impact of storage duration on quantitative PCR data.

The Society for Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance (SCMR) last published its comprehensive expert panel report of clinical indications for CMR in 2004. This new Consensus Panel report brings those indications up to date for 2020 and includes the very substantial increase in scanning techniques, clinical applicability and adoption of CMR worldwide. We have used a nearly identical grading system for indications as in 2004 to ensure comparability with the previous report but have added the presence of randomized controlled trials as evidence for level 1 indications. In addition to the text, tables of the consensus indication levels are included for rapid assimilation and illustrative figures of some key techniques are provided. ispartof: JOURNAL OF CARDIOVASCULAR MAGNETIC RESONANCE vol:22 issue:1 ispartof: location:England status: published

Background The traditional informed consent (IC) process rarely emphasizes research participants’ comprehension of medical information, leaving them vulnerable to unknown risks and consequences associated with procedures or studies. Objective This paper explores how we evaluated the feasibility of a digital health tool called Virtual Multimedia Interactive Informed Consent (VIC) for advancing the IC process and compared the results with traditional paper-based methods of IC. Methods Using digital health and web-based coaching, we developed the VIC tool that uses multimedia and other digital features to improve the current IC process. The tool was developed on the basis of the user-centered design process and Mayer’s cognitive theory of multimedia learning. This study is a randomized controlled trial that compares the feasibility of VIC with standard paper consent to understand the impact of interactive digital consent. Participants were recruited from the Winchester Chest Clinic at Yale New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut, and healthy individuals were recruited from the community using fliers. In this coordinator-assisted trial, participants were randomized to complete the IC process using VIC on the iPad or with traditional paper consent. The study was conducted at the Winchester Chest Clinic, and the outcomes were self-assessed through coordinator-administered questionnaires. Results A total of 50 participants were recruited in the study (VIC, n=25; paper, n=25). The participants in both groups had high comprehension. VIC participants reported higher satisfaction, higher perceived ease of use, higher ability to complete the consent independently, and shorter perceived time to complete the consent process. Conclusions The use of dynamic, interactive audiovisual elements in VIC may improve participants’ satisfaction and facilitate the IC process. We believe that using VIC in an ongoing, real-world study rather than a hypothetical study improved the reliability of our findings, which demonstrates VIC’s potential to improve research participants’ comprehension and the overall process of IC. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02537886; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02537886

Traction transformers have been withstood the effects of shock load, which would become more than 2~3 times rated load when the train passes, and it can result in the winding insulation under short-term high temperature frequently. And the average load far less than 50% result in relatively low oil temperature, the very uneven rise of temperature lead to the very uneven distribution of insulation aging. In order to evaluate the aging life of oil-paper insulation of traction transformer under shock load effectively, in this paper, Ekenstam aging kinetic model was optimized considering the effect of shock temperature, shock duration and shock interval on cellulose degradation rate of insulating paper. Firstly, the effects of shock temperature, shock duration and shock interval on the parameters of Ekenstam model are analyzed and determined by handing and testing experimental materials. Then, according to the test data, the Ekenstam optimization model considering shock temperature, shock duration and shock interval is obtained. Finally, the optimized model is verified by experiments. The results show that the optimization model can effectively evaluate the aging life of oil-paper insulation of traction transformer under shock load in the temperature range, which provides a basis and reference for the subsequent related research.

More than 10,000 preterm infants have participated in randomised controlled trials on probiotics worldwide, suggesting that probiotics in general could reduce rates of necrotising enterocolitis (NEC), sepsis, and mortality. Answers to relevant clinical questions as to which strain to use, at what dosage, and how long to supplement are, however, not available. On the other hand, an increasing number of commercial products containing probiotics are available from sometimes suboptimal quality. Also, a large number of units around the world are routinely offering probiotic supplementation as the standard of care despite lacking solid evidence. Our recent network meta-analysis identified probiotic strains with greatest efficacy regarding relevant clinical outcomes for preterm neonates. Efficacy in reducing mortality and morbidity was found for only a minority of the studied strains or combinations. In the present position paper, we aim to provide advice, which specific strains might potentially be used and which strains should not be used. In addition, we aim to address safety issues of probiotic supplementation to preterm infants, who have reduced immunological capacities and occasional indwelling catheters. For example, quality reassurance of the probiotic product is essential, probiotic strains should be devoid of transferable antibiotic resistance genes, and local microbiologists should be able to routinely detect probiotic sepsis. Provided all safety issues are met, there is currently a conditional recommendation (with low certainty of evidence) to provide either Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ATCC53103 or the combination of Bifidobacterium infantis Bb-02, Bifidobacterium lactis Bb-12, and Streptococcus thermophilus TH-4 in order to reduce NEC rates.

Made available in DSpace on 2020-12-10T19:54:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 Previous issue date: 2020-03-04 Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES) We present a capacitive smart sensor based on printed circuit board (PCB) technology to measure the amount of water content in a paper pulp at the wet end of a paper machine. The developed sensor incorporates in the same PCB the signal processing circuits. It is a handheld portable device, and its output is sent to the reading equipment using a Bluetooth wireless connection, providing to the sensor's operator ease of mobility around the wet end of a paper machine. The prototype was tested in a laboratory, using a wire mesh to emulate the end of a paper machine, and we were able to measure and easily detect when it reaches the water content in the range of 90% to 92%, as required in the paper fabrication process. Standard deviation of the capacitance measurements at various moisture levels is four orders of magnitude smaller than the mean. The smart sensor was tested in the 20 degrees C to 40 degrees C temperature range, in a paper pulp with a gravimetric water content of 91%. Since the variation of capacitance with temperature is practically linear, we propose a simple linear compensation equation to correct the observed sensitivity with the temperature. To keep the signal processing circuits small, low cost, simple, and robust, a novel direct interface sensor to microcontroller circuit technique was used to make the capacitive measurement, allowing for measuring small capacitance deviations without high-frequency oscillators. It was shown that it is possible to integrate the signal processing circuits in the top layer of the PCB interdigitated sensor without adding noise or degrading the performance of the capacitive sensor. Sao Paulo State Univ Julio de Mesquita Filho, Fac Sci & Engn, Tupa, SP, Brazil Parana Fed Univ Technol UTFPR, Cornelio Procopio, PR, Brazil FEEC UNICAMP, Dept Semicond Instrumentat & Photon, Campinas, SP, Brazil Uninove Campus Vergueiro, Sao Paulo, SP, Brazil Sao Paulo State Univ Julio de Mesquita Filho, Fac Sci & Engn, Tupa, SP, Brazil CAPES: 001

BackgroundSurgical site infections (SSI) represent a considerable burden for healthcare systems. They are largely preventable and multiple interventions have been proposed over past years in an attempt to prevent SSI.We aim to provide a position paper on Operative Room (OR) prevention of SSI in patients presenting with intra-abdominal infection to be considered a future addendum to the well-known World Society of Emergency Surgery (WSES) Guidelines on the management of intra-abdominal infections.MethodsThe literature was searched for focused publications on SSI until March 2019. Critical analysis and grading of the literature has been performed by a working group of experts; the literature review and the statements were evaluated by a Steering Committee of the WSES.ResultsWound protectors and antibacterial sutures seem to have effective roles to prevent SSI in intra-abdominal infections. The application of negative-pressure wound therapy in preventing SSI can be useful in reducing postoperative wound complications.It is important to pursue normothermia with the available resources in the intraoperative period to decrease SSI rate.The optimal knowledge of the pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic characteristics of antibiotics helps to decide when additional intraoperative antibiotic doses should be administered in patients with intra-abdominal infections undergoing emergency surgery to prevent SSI.ConclusionsThe current position paper offers an extensive overview of the available evidence regarding surgical site infection control and prevention in patients having intra-abdominal infections.

We report a laser-based photo-polymerisation technique for the fabrication of 3D -multilayer paper-based devices. This method circumvents fabrication issues associated with other reported methods (e.g. alignment, contact), providing a pathway for mass-manufacture of paper-based devices.

Background High-frequency patient-reported outcome (PRO) assessments are used to measure patients' symptoms after surgery for surgical research; however, the quality of those longitudinal PRO data has seldom been discussed. Objective The aim of this study was to determine data quality-influencing factors and to profile error trajectories of data longitudinally collected via paper-and-pencil (P&P) or web-based assessment (electronic PRO [ePRO]) after thoracic surgery. Methods We extracted longitudinal PRO data with 678 patients scheduled for lung surgery from an observational study (n=512) and a randomized clinical trial (n=166) on the evaluation of different perioperative care strategies. PROs were assessed by the MD Anderson Symptom Inventory Lung Cancer Module and single-item Quality of Life Scale before surgery and then daily after surgery until discharge or up to 14 days of hospitalization. Patient compliance and data error were identified and compared between P&P and ePRO. Generalized estimating equations model and 2-piecewise model were used to describe trajectories of error incidence over time and to identify the risk factors. Results Among 678 patients, 629 with at least 2 PRO assessments, 440 completed 3347 P&P assessments and 189 completed 1291 ePRO assessments. In total, 49.4% of patients had at least one error, including (1) missing items (64.69%, 1070/1654), (2) modifications without signatures (27.99%, 463/1654), (3) selection of multiple options (3.02%, 50/1654), (4) missing patient signatures (2.54%, 42/1654), (5) missing researcher signatures (1.45%, 24/1654), and (6) missing completion dates (0.30%, 5/1654). Patients who completed ePRO had fewer errors than those who completed P&P assessments (ePRO: 30.2% [57/189] vs. P&P: 57.7% [254/440]; P Conclusions It is possible to improve data quality of longitudinally collected PRO through ePRO, compared with P&P. However, ePRO-related sampling bias needs to be considered when designing clinical research using longitudinal PROs as major outcomes.

Background Display signage is ubiquitous and essential in hospitals to serve several clerical, operational, and clinical functions, including displaying notices, providing directions, and presenting clinical information. These functions improve efficiency and patient engagement, reduce errors, and enhance the continuity of care. Over time, signage has evolved from analog approaches such as whiteboards and handwritten notices to digital displays such as liquid crystal displays, light emitting diodes, and, now, electronic ink displays. Electronic ink displays are paper-like displays that are not backlit and show content by aligning microencapsulated color beads in response to an applied electric current. Power is only required to generate content and not to retain it. These displays are very readable, with low eye strain; minimize the emission of blue light; require minimal power; and can be driven by several data sources, ranging from virtual servers to electronic health record systems. These attributes make adapting electronic ink displays to hospitals an ideal use case. Objective In this paper, we aimed to outline the use of signage and displays in hospitals with a focus on electronic ink displays. We aimed to assess the advantages and limitations of using these displays in hospitals and outline the various public-facing and patient-facing applications of electronic ink displays. Finally, we aimed to discuss the technological considerations and an implementation framework that must be followed when adopting and deploying electronic ink displays. Methods The public-facing applications of electronic ink displays include signage and way-finders, timetables for shared workspaces, and noticeboards and bulletin boards. The clinical display applications may be smaller form factors such as door signs or bedside cards. The larger, ≥40-inch form factors may be used within patient rooms or at clinical command centers as a digital whiteboard to display general information, patient and clinician information, and care plans. In all these applications, such displays could replace analog whiteboards, noticeboards, and even other digital screens. Results We are conducting pilot research projects to delineate best use cases and practices in adopting electronic ink displays in clinical settings. This will entail liaising with key stakeholders, gathering objective logistical and feasibility data, and, ultimately, quantifying and describing the effect on clinical care and patient satisfaction. Conclusions There are several use cases in a clinical setting that may lend themselves perfectly to electronic ink display use. The main considerations to be studied in this adoption are network connectivity, content management, privacy and security robustness, and detailed comparison with existing modalities. Electronic ink displays offer a superior opportunity to future-proof existing practices. There is a need for theoretical considerations and real-world testing to determine if the advantages outweigh the limitations of electronic ink displays.

This paper presents the integration process of an ultra-thin PZT/Si chip on paper and that it functions as a simple speaker by applying a voltage in the audible frequency range. The PZT/Si chip used is only 5-μm-thick, so it does not interfere with the flexibility of the substrate, and it can be integrated on paper because it does not use a high-temperature process in the electrode connection process. We have revealed that a paper with an ultra-thin PZT/Si chip of only 1 × 5 mm2 in size generates a fully audible sound pressure level (SPL) of about 40 dB. It was rounded to a radius of curvature of 1 cm without breaking. The overall SPL was about the same even when the paper substrate dimension was reduced to 50 mm square. This technology is expected to be applied to electronic components such as surround speakers or haptics in electronic paper.

Highlights The superior conductivity and unique porous electrode structure in the TiN paper enable fast charging by simultaneously providing efficient ion diffusion and electron transport. The TiN paper-based supercapacitors exhibit charging/discharging at an ultrahigh scan rate of 100 V s−1 in a wide voltage window of 1.5 V in Na2SO4 neutral electrolyte and show zero capacitance loss after 200,000 cycles. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40820-019-0340-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users., Ultrafast-charging energy storage devices are attractive for powering personal electronics and electric vehicles. Most ultrafast-charging devices are made of carbonaceous materials such as chemically converted graphene and carbon nanotubes. Yet, their relatively low electrical conductivity may restrict their performance at ultrahigh charging rate. Here, we report the fabrication of a porous titanium nitride (TiN) paper as an alternative electrode material for ultrafast-charging devices. The TiN paper shows an excellent conductivity of 3.67 × 104 S m−1, which is considerably higher than most carbon-based electrodes. The paper-like structure also contains a combination of large pores between interconnected nanobelts and mesopores within the nanobelts. This unique electrode enables fast charging by simultaneously providing efficient ion diffusion and electron transport. The supercapacitors (SCs) made of TiN paper enable charging/discharging at an ultrahigh scan rate of 100 V s−1 in a wide voltage window of 1.5 V in Na2SO4 neutral electrolyte. It has an outstanding response time with a characteristic time constant of 4 ms. Significantly, the TiN paper-based SCs also show zero capacitance loss after 200,000 cycles, which is much better than the stability performance reported for other metal nitride SCs. Furthermore, the device shows great promise in scalability. The filtration method enables good control of the thickness and mass loading of TiN electrodes and devices. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s40820-019-0340-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Background In recent years, interest in universal newborn screening for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV) has intensified. consequently, reliable and simple methods of mass screening for cCMV, are essential. Herein, we present a novel approach of using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in saliva with direct inoculation onto Guthrie paper. Our aim was to determine the diagnostic accuracy of real- time PCR in saliva rolled directly onto Guthrie paper in diagnosing cCMV infection. Objectives To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of real-time PCR analysis of dried saliva on Guthrie paper as a future approach for mass screening of newborns in diagnosing cCMV infection. Study design This prospective, blinded study was performed in a tertiary cytomegalovirus (CMV) clinic from May 2018 through January 2019. Forty-two cCMV positive newborns and 41 without cCMV, were enrolled and tested for CMV using PCR from their saliva placed onto Guthrie paper and from their saliva using standard methods. Specificity and sensitivity of dried saliva PCR versus gold-standard methods were analyzed. Results Forty-two out of 42 (100 %) CMV positive infants showed positive PCR in the dried saliva on the Guthrie paper. All (100 %) controls exhibited negative PCR results. Congenital CMV infection was identified with a sensitivity of 100 % (95 % C.I. = 91.4%–100.00%) and specificity of 100 % (95 % C.I. = 91.4%–100.00%). Discussion CMV testing with saliva real-time PCR on Guthrie paper displayed a high sensitivity and specificity, rendering it a powerful screening test. The accuracy, simplicity of sampling, storage and transportation and the potential reliance on existing logistic resources, establishes this method as a candidate for cCMV universal screening programs.

This paper introduces a paper-based closed Au-bipolar electrode (BPE) biosensing system for the rapid and sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection of miRNA-155. This microfluidic paper-based sensing platform is formed by wax-printing technology, screen printing method and in-situ Au nanoparticles (NPs) growth to form hydrophilic cells, hydrophobic boundaries, water proof electronic bridge, driving electrode regions and bipolar electrode regions. For rapid and sensitive detection, the cathode of bipolar electrode was modified with the prepared DNA (S1)–AuPd NPs by hybridization chain reaction, in which the target could initiate multiple cycles reaction to load more AuPd NPs which catalyzed H2O2 reduction. In addition, a classical ECL system tris (2,2′-bipyridine) ruthenium (II)- tripropylamine (Ru(bpy)32+/TPrA) exists at the anode of the bipolar electrode. Due to the charge balance between the anode and the cathode of BPE, the ECL signal response of Ru(bpy)32+/TPrA system was enhanced in the reporting cell. The intensity of ECL was quantitatively correlated with the concentration of miRNA-155 in the range of 1 pM–10 μM with the detection limit 0.67 pM. Moreover, this method paves a novel way for highly sensitive detection of miRNA-155 in clinical application.

Humidity sensors are indispensable for various electronic systems and instrumentations. To develop a new humidity sensing mechanism is the key for the next generation of sensor technology. In this work, a novel flexible paper-based current humidity sensor is proposed. The developed alternating current electroluminescent devices (ACEL) consist of the electroless plating Ni on filter paper and silver nanowires (AgNWs) as the bottom and upper electrodes, and ZnS:Cu as the phosphor layer, respectively. The proposed humidity sensor is based on ACEL with the paper substrate and the ZnS:Cu phosphor layer as the humidity sensing element. The moisture effect on the optical properties of ACELs has been studied firstly. Then, the processing parameters of the paper-based ACELs such as electroless plated bottom electrode and spin-coated phosphor layer as a function of the humidity-sensitive characteristics are investigated. The sensing mechanism of the proposed sensor has been elucidated based on the Q ~ V analysis. The sensor exhibits an excellent linearity ( R 2 = 0.99965 ) within the humidity range from 20% to 90% relative humidity (RH) and shows excellent flexibility. We also demonstrate its potential application in postharvest preservation where the EL light is used for preservation and the humidity can be monitored simultaneously through the current.

Flexible supercapacitors are considered as a promising candidate for power supplementation in wearable electronics due to their high power density. However, effectively fabricate flexible and low-cost supercapacitor electrodes in a big scale is still a key challenge. Herein we demonstrate a scalable fabrication method for hierarchical electrodes via metalizing air-laid paper and loading with MnO2 as cathode active materials. To be specific, we coat a thin layer of Ni on air-laid paper by magnetron sputtering, then deposit Ni nanocone arrays (NNAs) on the Ni sputtered paper and finally deposit MnO2 on the NNAs to obtain the NNAs@MnO2 paper electrode. The as-prepared paper-based electrode possesses high conductivity and fine wettability, which facilitates the electrons and ions transporting through the conductive network. Additionally, this electrode provides large specific surface area with a hierarchical architecture. Thus the electrode shows high capacitance (451 F/g) and favorable cycle performance (92.9% capacity retention after cycling for 5000 times). By coupling with activated carbon (AC) coated on the NNAs conductive paper as anode, an NNAs paper-based asymmetric supercapacitor is constructed. Benefiting from the high mechanical durability and the 3D hierarchical architecture of the electrodes, the asymmetric supercapacitor exhibits excellent mechanical flexibility and high energy density (26.9 μWh/cm2 at 1.08 mW/cm2). This method can be easily scaled up to produce lightweight and low-cost conductive paper electrodes, making it promising for the application of flexible supercapacitors in wearable electronics.

Paper-based sensors fabricated using the pencil-on-paper method are expected to find wide usage in many fields owing to their low cost and high reproducibility. Here, hydrogen (H2) detection was realized by applying palladium (Pd) nanoparticles (NPs) to electronic circuits printed on paper using a metal mask and a pencil. We confirmed that multilayered graphene was produced by the pencil, and then characterized Pd NPs were added to the pencil marks. To evaluate the gas-sensing ability of the sensor, its sensitivities and reaction rates in the presence and absence of H2 were measured. In addition, sensing tests performed over a wide range of H2 concentrations confirmed that the sensor had a detection limit as low as 1 ppm. Furthermore, the sensor reacted within approximately 50 s at all H2 concentrations tested. The recovery time of the sensor was 32 s at 1 ppm and 78 s at 1000 ppm. Sensing tests were also performed using Pd NPs of different sizes to elucidate the relationship between the sensing rate and catalyst size. The experimental results confirmed the possibility of fabricating paper-based gas sensors with a superior sensing capability and response rate.

Recently, triboelectric nanogenerator (TENG) has aroused considerable interest due to various advantages. Particularly, one benefit which sand out is that the triboelectric pair of TENG is very tolerant to the material composition. Thus, it is possible and significant to develop cost-effective TENG using commercial and inexpensive material. In this work, we present a paper TENG by repeated folding completely using commercially available commodity materials, such as paper, brush pen, Teflon tape, and conductive ink. Paper is used as functionally triboelectric pair and spring-like supporting structure. The stacked paper TENG is fabricated and large enhancement of output performance is observed. The generated electric outputs have been used to directly light-up commercial LEDs. The proposed TENG has demonstrated simplicity and cost-effective, which is suitable for flexible electronics.

In the last decade, much effort has been invested in using methanol as an oil-soluble chemical marker for assessing the condition of insulating paper. The use of this marker as paper life index presents many advantages particularly with new transformers insulated with thermally upgraded papers. However, until now, no interpretation model has been available for its extensive use by the transformer community. In this paper, a methanol-based interpretation model is presented for the first time using postmortem paper analysis on core-type transformers. This model allows the evaluation of the average degree of polymerization of a transformer's cellulose winding. Furthermore, threshold values based on the methanol concentration are given using this approach. Finally, model validation was performed on a limited number of papers taken from transformers being assessed in the repair shop.

The purpose of this study is to investigate influence of calcination and cooling conditions on pozzolanic reactivity of waste paper sludge. Calcined paper sludge (CPS) is prepared by different temperatures of calcination, duration of calcination and cooling methods. Pozzolanic activity of CPS was investigated by using API (Assessed Pozzolanic Activity Index) and SAI (Strength Activity Index) in accordance with ASTM C618 -17 (KS L 5405) and consumption of Ca(OH)2 hydrate in mortars with CPS in detail, and compared to that of commercial fly ash (FA) and blast furnace slag (BFS) used in the concrete industry. Results revealed CPS produced from waste paper sludge had excellent pozzolanic activity compared with commercial pozzolanic admixtures such as FA or BFS. Their pozzolanic activity was most excellent in calcination temperature of 700 °C, calcination duration of 2 h and cooling method of water quenching. SAI (%) of mortar with CPS produced under optimal conditions was 96% at 28 days of age, and satisfied the quality of fly ash (Class F) as specified in ASTM C618 -17 (KS L 5405). There was linear relation between API (%) and SAI (%) of mortars with CPS, and the correlation coefficient was relatively good as 0.8 at 28 days of age. The API method is recommended as rapid and appropriate evaluation of the pozzolanic activity of the CPS.

When portability, low cost, and green energy requirements are considered, the search for an electricity generator harvesting environmental energy based on available cheap commercial materials and simple fabrication techniques becomes significantly important. In this study, the capability of ultrasoft and cuttable paper-based triboelectric nanogenerator (P-TENG) to harvest mechanical energy is demonstrated. The P-TENG maintains the excellent softness of tissue paper and has the characteristics of light weight (~ 87 g/m2), high electric conductivity (6 Ω/square), and low cost (~ $3.00/m2). More importantly, the P-TENG can be cut by the end-user to modify its size and shape and still function properly. The mechanical energies available during cleaning processes, the energy associated with the body's motion, sound energy, and wind energy can be directly harvested by using the P-TENG. The high portability of the P-TENG, the simple and scalable fabrication processes, low cost, and its ability to harvest mechanical energy make the P-TENG important for the development of green, portable, energy-harvesting devices.

Purpose: Dried blood spot (DBS) specimen simplifies blood collection, processing, storage and shipment and may reduce the cost of testing for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. We wanted to see if DBS using a cheap filter paper is reliable alternative to serum for detection of anti-HCV and HCV RNA. Materials and Methods: At a tertiary care hospital in Northeast India, we collected 91 paired DBS and serum specimens from patients at risk of HCV infection from July 2014 to June 2015. DBS was collected on Whatman No. 1 filter paper. After processing, the specimens were subjected to anti-HCV detection by a third-generation Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The reactive DBS and serum specimens were further subjected to HCV RNA detection by polymerase chain reaction. The results were analysed in paired screen-positive study design. Results: Anti-HCV was detected in 9 (9.9%) DBS specimens and 10 (10.9%) serum specimens. There was statistically significant (P < 0.0001) correlation between the optical density values of DBS and serum specimens (Pearson r = 0.9181, 95% confidence interval: 0.8781–0.9453). HCV RNA was detected in 5/9 (55.6%) reactive DBS and 9/10 (90.0%) reactive serum specimens. There was no correlation between HCV RNA levels in the DBS and the serum specimens. The relative sensitivity rate and the relative false-positive rate of DBS anti-HCV ELISA were 0.89 and 1.00, respectively. Conclusions: DBS using Whatman No. 1 filter paper is quite reliable as serum for detection of anti-HCV. It can be useful in effective surveillance. However, it is not suitable for confirmation of chronic HCV infection.

Prospective double-blind placebo-controlled randomized clinical trials (RCTs) are considered standard for the proof of the efficacy of oncologic therapies. Molecular methods have provided new insights into tumor biology and led to the development of targeted therapies. Due to the increasing complexity of molecular tumor characteristics and of the individuality of specific anti-tumor immune reactivity, RCTs are unfortunately only of limited use.The historical methods of drug research and approval and the related practices of reimbursement by statutory and private health insurance companies are being questioned. New, innovative methods for the documentation of evidence in personalized medicine will be addressed. Possible perspectives and new approaches are discussed, in particular with regard to glioblastoma.Highly specialized translational oncology groups like the IOZK can contribute to medical progress and quick transfer 'from bench to bedside.' Their contribution should be acknowledged and taken into account more strongly in the development of guidelines and the reimbursement of therapy costs. Methodological plurality should be encouraged.

Developing flexible microwave-absorbing film with efficient electromagnetic (EM) response and practicability is of great importance. However, it is still a big challenge for microwave-absorbing films to exhibit excellent EM response ability, good mechanical properties, and fine multifunctional features at the same time. Herein, novel microwave-absorbing papers (MAPs) are designed based on a facile poly(vinyl pyrrolidone)-assisted vacuum filtration assembly to take full advantage of the natural physical properties of carbon nanotubes and reduced graphene oxide. The constructed laminated papers not only keep the original performance characteristics of the conductive components, but also have new functionality by component integration and microscopic structure formation. Based on that, the minimum reflection loss value of MAPs is −49.6 dB at 1.5 mm and the effective absorption bandwidth reaches 6.2 GHz at 1.6 mm. Meanwhile, the optimum RCS reduction value reaches 17.5 dB m2 when the detection theta was set as 0°. Moreover, integrated functionalities are revealed in the MAPs, such as good flexibility, high tensile strength, light feature, having the nature of writing papers, machinability in architectures, and potential as thermal-protective coatings, demonstrating great potential for applications as microwave-absorbing devices or wearable smart electronics.

This work demonstrates the solution processed fabrication of a SnS2/graphene (Gr) heterojunction on a biodegradable cellulose paper substrate for its utilization as a broadband photodetector. Graphene was dip coated on cellulose paper followed by the direct growth of SnS2 on Gr/cellulose paper by a hydrothermal method. To study the charge transport mechanism of this unique heterojunction, first principles calculations are performed to theoretically estimate the band gap and the electron affinity values that lead to a detailed understanding of the band alignment in this heterojunction. There are no reports which demonstrate the direct large area growth of SnS2 on cellulose paper to fabricate an efficient broadband photodetector, complemented by a detailed theoretical understanding to understand the underlying physics of this device. The responsivity of the fabricated photodetector was calculated to be 6.98 and 3.67 mA W−1 for visible and UV light illumination respectively suggesting that the device was more responsive towards the visible spectrum when compared to the UV region. The durability of the photodetector was tested by subjecting it to 500 bending cycles wherein a negligible change in the responsivity values was observed. The successful fabrication of a large area SnS2/Gr heterojunction on a low-cost cellulose paper substrate with its performance metrics comparable to a device fabricated using sophisticated techniques is a major step ahead in the development of low-cost photodetectors which finds potential applications in security, visible light communication, etc.

In light of the surging research interest in disposable electronics, great demands have been imposed on compact power sources. Herein, a paper-based zinc-air battery that takes advantage of a hollow channel structure is reported. Unlike conventional paper-based metal-air batteries and fuel cells that tightly immobilize the electrode on the paper channel, a hollow channel layer containing potassium hydroxide solution electrolyte is sandwiched between the electrodes and paper channel layer. This novel zinc-air battery is capable of delivering a peak power density of 102 mW cm-2, surpassing state-of-the-art paper-based power sources. The superior power density originates from the boosted electrochemically active surface area of the cathode, which enhances the oxygen reduction reaction kinetics.