AI-assisted discovery of high-temperature dielectrics for energy storage.

Electrostatic capacitors play a crucial role as energy storage devices in modern electrical systems. Energy density, the figure of merit for electrostatic capacitors, is primarily determined by the choice of dielectric material. Most industry-grade polymer dielectrics are flexible polyolefins or rigid aromatics, possessing high energy density or high thermal stability, but not both. Here, we employ artificial intelligence (AI), established polymer chemistry, and molecular engineering to discover a suite of dielectrics in the polynorbornene and polyimide families. Many of the discovered dielectrics exhibit high thermal stability and high energy density over a broad temperature range. One such dielectric displays an energy density of 8.3 J cc-1 at 200 °C, a value 11 × that of any commercially available polymer dielectric at this temperature. We also evaluate pathways to further enhance the polynorbornene and polyimide families, enabling these capacitors to perform well in demanding applications (e.g., aerospace) while being environmentally sustainable. These findings expand the potential applications of electrostatic capacitors within the 85-200 °C temperature range, at which there is presently no good commercial solution. More broadly, this research demonstrates the impact of AI on chemical structure generation and property prediction, highlighting the potential for materials design advancement beyond electrostatic capacitors.

Pendant Group Functionalization of Cyclic Olefin for High Temperature and High-Density Energy Storage.

High-temperature flexible polymer dielectrics are critical for high density energy storage and conversion. The need to simultaneously possess a high bandgap, dielectric constant and glass transition temperature forms a substantial design challenge for novel dielectric polymers. Here, by varying halogen substituents of an aromatic pendant hanging off a bicyclic mainchain polymer, a class of high-temperature olefins with adjustable thermal stability are obtained, all with uncompromised large bandgaps. Halogens substitution of the pendant groups at para or ortho position of polyoxanorborneneimides (PONB) imparts it with tunable high glass transition from 220 to 245 °C, while with high breakdown strength of 625-800 MV/m. A high energy density of 7.1 J/cc at 200 °C is achieved with p-POClNB, representing the highest energy density reported among homo-polymers. Molecular dynamic simulations and ultrafast infrared spectroscopy are used to probe the free volume element distribution and chain relaxations pertinent to dielectric thermal properties. An increase in free volume element is observed with the change in the pendant group from fluorine to bromine at the para position; however, smaller free volume element is observed for the same pendant when at the ortho position due to steric hindrance. With the dielectric constant and bandgap remaining stable, properly designing the pendant groups of PONB boosts its thermal stability for high density electrification.

The assessment of the mechanism of action of lauric acid in the context of oral cancer through integrative approach combining network pharmacology and molecular docking technology.

OBJECTIVES: Lauric acid has been investigated for its effects on various human cancer cell types, although limited research has been dedicated to its impact on oral cancer. In light of this, the objective of our study was to comprehensively assess the anticancer properties of lauric acid specifically in the context of oral cancer. This evaluation was achieved through an in-silico approach, leveraging network analysis techniques. By employing this methodology, we aimed to gain valuable insights into the potential therapeutic benefits of lauric acid for treating oral cancer. METHODS: The in-silico analysis involved determination of drug-likeness prediction, prediction of common targets between oral cancer and LA, protein-protein interactions (PPI), hub genes, top 10 associated pathways by gene ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway, molecular docking experiments. RESULTS: Our study pinpointed 23 common genes involved in critical cellular processes, including proliferation, apoptosis regulation, PI3K AKT cascade, and cell cycle control. Among them, CXCL8, MMP9, PPARA, MAPK1, and AR stood out in the top 10 pathways, particularly in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. This highlights the potential role of lauric acid in oral cancer treatment through the PI3K/AKT pathway and calls for further exploration of this mechanism. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights lauric acid's promising anticancer properties through computational analysis, offering a foundation for future research in cancer treatment development. This approach combines molecular insights with in-silico methods, paving the way for identifying therapeutic compounds and understanding their mechanisms. Lauric acid holds potential as a chemotherapeutic agent, opening up new avenues for cancer therapy exploration.

An intriguing case report of follicular lymphoid hyperplasia of tongue with the detailed review of literature.

Follicular lymphoid hyperplasia is a rare reactive benign lesion of the oral mucosa. This is also known as pseudolymphoma as the features mimic the malignant counterpart Follicular lymphoma. In present case, a 34 year old male patient came with a nodular swelling in the posterior-lateral left side of tongue. Medical or dental history was non contributory. Swelling was painless, well demarcated, and about peanut sized. The swelling was provisionally diagnosed as either neurilemmoma, mucocele, or traumatic fibroma. Complete excision was performed, and tissue was sent to a private laboratory. Histopathological findings seen were germinal centers having a core of monotonous cells of the same size and demarcated mantle area mimicking the lymphoma. Immunophenotyping revealed diffused positivity for kappa and lambda expressions. CD10 was diffusely positive in germinal centers and BCl 2 was positive in the mantle area while negative in germinal centers. The final diagnosis given was follicular lymphoid hyperplasia. The entity mentioned in the present paper is an unusual variant of the benign lymphoproliferative lesion and very few cases are reported in the tongue area. Thus, it is important to understand the nature of this benign lesion in all aspects to avoid diagnostic dilemmas due to its malignant mirroring characteristics.

Effect of Fluorine in Redesigning Energy-Storage Properties of High-Temperature Dielectric Polymers.

Exploration of novel polymer dielectrics exhibiting high electric-field stability and high energy density with high efficiency at elevated temperatures is urgently needed for ever-demanding energy-storage technologies. Conventional high-temperature polymers with conjugated backbone structures cannot fulfill this demand due to their deteriorated performance at elevated electric fields. Here, in search of new polymer structures, we have explored the effect of fluorine groups on the energy-storage properties of polyoxanorbornene imide polymers with simultaneous wide band gap and high glass transition temperature (Tg). The systematic synthesis of polymers with varying amounts of fluorine is carried out and characterized for the energy-storage properties. The incorporation of fluorine imparts flexibility to the polymer structure, and free-standing films can be obtained. An oxanorbornene copolymer with 25% fluorination exhibits a high breakdown strength of 700 MV/m and a discharged energy density of 6.3 J/cm3 with 90% efficiency. The incorporation of fluorine helps to increase the polymer band gap, as observed using UV-vis spectroscopy, but lowers the polymer Tg, as shown by differential scanning calorimetry. Both the displacement-electric field (D-E) hysteresis loop and high-field conduction measurements show increased conduction loss for polymers with higher fluorine content, despite their larger band gap. The presence of excess free volume may play a key role in increasing the conduction current and lowering the efficiency of polymers with high fluorine content. Such an improved understanding of the effect of fluorination on the polymer energy-storage properties, as revealed in this systematic molecular engineering study, broadens the basis of material-informatic proxies to enable a more targeted codesign of scalable and efficient polymer dielectrics.

"Peek-a-boo" Sign in Pediatric Cataract Surgery.

The authors demonstrate a "peek-a-boo" sign for intra-operative evaluation of the posterior pole of the fundus during pediatric cataract surgery. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(5):e54.].

Virtual bedside clinics in pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus - An innovation in education and learning.

We piloted an innovation in teaching by conducting live virtual bedside clinics and evaluated the effectiveness compared to conventional bedside clinics. The purpose is to report the methodology and survey results of this innovation in teaching. A virtual bedside clinic was set up utilizing multiple audio-visual aids at a tertiary eye care facility. The bedside clinic was conducted and streamed live to pre-registered participants across the globe using the Zoom platform. The online survey was conducted comparing its effectiveness with conventional bedside clinics. A total of five sessions were conducted. A total of 2058 participants registered (411/session), of which 938 (45.57%) attended (187/session). A total of 287 participants (30.6%) responded to the survey. The respondents included ophthalmology residents (43.4%), fellows (19%), sub-specialty ophthalmologists (15.4%), general ophthalmologists (12%), and optometrists (9%). More than 95% of the respondents felt that these clinics were equally effective/better in imparting the following: physical examination 97%, clinical knowledge 99.3%, clinical reasoning 98.3%, procedural skills 95%, and communication skills 96.5%. Respondents suggested that these clinics were better/equally effective in the following techniques: general examination (96%), ocular motility (93.3%), nystagmus evaluation (93.3%), and anterior (80%) and posterior segment examination (73.3%). The hybrid mode presentation (97.3%) and discussion with the panel (100%) were reported to be equally effective/much better. Live virtual bedside clinics are a novel and effective way of continuing quality teaching and impactful learning. Most of the bedside manners, procedural skills, and examination techniques can be effectively taught through this virtual platform with a scope to improve anterior and posterior segment examination skills.

An unusual case report of basal cell ameloblastoma and a detailed review of literature.

Ameloblastoma is an odontogenic tumour derived from the remnants of odontogenic epithelium. Ameloblastoma shows versatile clinical and histological variants. Basal cell ameloblastoma is a rare variant among all histopathological variants of ameloblastoma. We present a case of a 25-year-old male patient with painless swelling on the lower left side of the face for 1 year, which had gradually increased in size and histologically showed features of basal cell ameloblastoma. The aim of the present paper is to understand this rare variant of ameloblastoma and review the literature.

Newer insights into the clinical profile of posterior lenticonus in children and its surgical, visual, refractive outcomes.

PURPOSE: To analyze the clinical profile of patients with posterior lenticonus and their surgical, visual, and refractive outcomes. RESULTS: Retrospective interventional case series of 84 eyes of 63 patients with posterior lenticonus. The incidence of posterior lenticonus was 3.98% during a study period of 5 years. One-third of cases had bilateral posterior lenticonus. The mean age was 4.78 ± 4.28 years (unilateral cases were significantly older than bilateral, P = 0.0001). Males were 54%. Mean axial length and keratometry were 21.49 mm and 44.88 D, respectively. Eyes with the bilateral disease were significantly shorter (axial length, P = 0.0012) and smaller (horizontal corneal diameter, P < 0.0001) compared to those with unilateral disease. While 88% were pseudophakic; 12% were aphakic. The posterior capsular defect was noted intraoperatively in 44%. Sixty-eight percent of eyes had a pre-operative diagnosis of posterior lenticonus, 32% were diagnosed intraoperatively. The mean follow-up period was 1.3 years. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 6 months was fair to poor in two-third of patients (median 20/100). The mean ± SD visual acuity (LogMAR) and spherical equivalence for unilateral and bilateral cases were 0.70 ± 0.27, 0.67 ± 0.26D (p = 0.57) and 2.04 ± 2.74, 5.15 ± 3.73D (p = 0.0001), respectively. Visual outcomes were better in children who are aged 2 years or more (P = 0.0056). Eight percent needed a second surgery. CONCLUSION: We report a higher prevalence of bilateral posterior lenticonus in this cohort. The clinical profile of bilateral disease differs from unilateral disease. The diagnosis is not always clinical. In the bag, intra-ocular lens (IOL) implantation is possible in the majority. The visual outcomes remain fair to poor, possibly due to late presentation and the presence of dense refractory amblyopia. SYNOPSIS: The manuscript consists of the largest series of posterior lenticonus to date. It provides the prevalence of posterior lenticonus along with characteristics difference between unilateral and bilateral cases of posterior lenticonus. Newer insights in terms of diagnostics, pre-operative pick-up rate, how to improve, visual and refractive outcomes of unilateral and bilateral cases are described.

Clinical Profiles and Surgical Outcomes of Strabismus Following Orbital Wall Fractures: A Large Cohort From a Tertiary Eye Care Center.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the demographic details, clinical presentation, and surgical outcomes in patients presenting with strabismus following orbital wall fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review was conducted over a 6-year period on 347 consecutive patients with strabismus who presented after orbital wall fractures. The patients were evaluated for their demographic data, clinical presentation, and profiles, management, complications, and outcomes of strabismus. RESULTS: Strabismus following orbital wall fractures was noted in 347 patients: 87.03% were men (n = 302) and 12.97% were women (n = 45). Fracture of the orbital floor in isolation or in combination with other walls was more frequently noted in 72.3% of patients (n = 251). The resultant strabismus included paralytic, restrictive, or both etiologies. Exotropia was noted most frequently in 25.65% of patients (n = 89), followed by exotropia with hypotropia in 20.75% of patients (n = 72). Ten percent of patients with strabismus (n = 34), who were observed for at least 6 months after injury, underwent surgical correction for strabismus. Preoperative diplopia was observed in 79.41% of patients (n = 27) and persisted after strabismus surgery in 15% of patients (n = 6). A successful outcome regarding the postoperative angle of deviation of 10 prism diopters or less horizontal and/or 5 prism diopters or less of vertical deviation with elimination of diplopia was observed in 41.17% of patients. CONCLUSIONS: Strabismus following orbital wall fractures is complex and requires a tailored strategy. The current study found the orbital floor to be more frequently involved in orbital wall fractures. However, the resultant strabismus was a combination of paralytic and restrictive etiologies. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2022;59(3):172-179.].

Flexible cyclic-olefin with enhanced dipolar relaxation for harsh condition electrification.

Flexible large bandgap dielectric materials exhibiting ultra-fast charging-discharging rates are key components for electrification under extremely high electric fields. A polyoxafluoronorbornene (m-POFNB) with fused five-membered rings separated by alkenes and flexible single bonds as the backbone, rather than conjugated aromatic structure typically for conventional high-temperature polymers, is designed to achieve simultaneously high thermal stability and large bandgap. In addition, an asymmetrically fluorinated aromatic pendant group extended from the fused bicyclic structure of the backbone imparts m-POFNB with enhanced dipolar relaxation and thus high dielectric constant without sacrificing the bandgap. m-POFNB thereby exhibits an unprecedentedly high discharged energy density of 7.44 J/cm3 and high efficiency at 150 °C. This work points to a strategy to break the paradox of mutually exclusive constraints between bandgap, dielectric constant, and thermal stability in the design of all-organic polymer dielectrics for harsh condition electrifications.

Dielectric Polymers Tolerant to Electric Field and Temperature Extremes: Integration of Phenomenology, Informatics, and Experimental Validation.

Flexible polymer dielectrics tolerant to electric field and temperature extremes are urgently needed for a spectrum of electrical and electronic applications. Given the complexity of the dielectric breakdown mechanism and the vast chemical space of polymers, the discovery of suitable candidates is nontrivial. We have laid the foundation for a systematic search of the polymer chemical space, which starts with "gold-standard" experimental measurements and data on the temperature-dependent breakdown strength (Ebd) for a benchmark set of commercial dielectric polymer films. Phenomenological guidelines are derived from this data set on easily accessible properties (or "proxies") that are correlated with Ebd. Screening criteria based on these proxy properties (e.g., band gap, charge injection barrier, and cohesive energy density) and other necessary characteristics (e.g., a high glass transition temperature to maintain the thermal stability and a high dielectric constant for high energy density) were then setup. These criteria, along with machine learning models of these properties, were used to screen polymers candidates from a candidate list of more than 13 000 previously synthesized polymers, followed by experimental validation of some of the screened candidates. These efforts have led to the creation of a consistent and high-quality data set of temperature-dependent Ebd, and the identification of screening criteria, chemical design rules, and a list of optimal polymer candidates for high-temperature and high-energy-density capacitor applications, thus demonstrating the power of an integrated and informatics-based philosophy for rational materials design.

Interobserver Variability for Measurement of Grating Acuity in Preverbal and Nonverbal Children Using Lea Grating Paddles.

PURPOSE: To study interobserver variability for measurement of grating acuity in preverbal and nonverbal children with developmental delay using Lea Grating Paddles (Lea Hyvärinen). METHODS: In this prospective study, preverbal patients younger than 3 years and older nonverbal patients (with developmental delay) were included. Those with poor neck holding were excluded. Binocular and monocular visual acuity assessment was done simultaneously using Lea Grating Paddles by two examiners who were blinded from each other's results. RESULTS: Thirty-one children were tested (19 [61.29%] males and 12 [38.71%] females). The mean age was 28.5 months (range: 4 to 44 months). A total of 92% of the observations showed interobserver agreement of 0.5 octave or better in binocular testing. Results for monocular testing showed interobserver agreement (0.5 octaves or better) in 95.65% and 95.23% of right and left eyes, respectively. Combined results showed agreement better than 0.5 octaves in 94.20%. The mean binocular visual acuity was 2.07 and 2.14 cycles per degree (cpd) for the first and second observer, respectively (P = .59). Similarly, the mean monocular visual acuity for the right and left eyes was 0.98 and 0.97 cpd for observer 1 and 0.89 and 0.79 cpd for observer 2, respectively (P = .91 and .14, for the right and left eyes, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Interobserver variability for grating acuity measurement using Lea Grating Paddles is minimal, signifying it to be a reliable and reproducible alternative to conventional preferential looking testing procedures. [J Pediatr Ophthalmol Strabismus. 2020;57(5):305-308.].

Pivoting to teleconsultation for paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus: Our experience during COVID-19 times.

PURPOSE: The objective is to analyse and report the data of teleconsultations provided to paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus patients during COVID-19 times and to elaborate our experience for guiding future teleconsultation practices to General, paediatric Ophthalmologists and Strabismologists. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of electronic medical record data of teleconsultations provided in the department of Strabismus, Paediatric and Neuro-ophthalmology was done. Patients with optic nerve related disorders were excluded. Study period was one month. Statistical analysis of collected data was done using Microsoft excel. RESULTS: A total of 198 patients were provided teleconsultations (an average of seven teleconsultations/day). The final analysis included 161 patients after excluding optic nerve related disorders. The median age was seven years. We had a near equal gender distribution (53% males and 47% females) of whom a third were new cases. Video calling was used in 14%, review of clinical photos shared was used in 53%. Rest of the 33% were given telephonic advice. Allergic conjunctivitis (14%), pseudophakia (9%), strabismus (12%), status post strabismus surgery (8%), cranial nerve palsies (11%) were common diagnoses. 19% (n = 30) were advised/needed visit in emergency services on same or next day. CONCLUSION: Our experience of teleconsultation during COVID-19 times for paediatric ophthalmology and strabismus patients was very encouraging. Pivoting teleconsultation platform can provide primary eye care to most of the patients and work as essential forward triage for rest. As we continue to further explore the currently available avenues in multimedia such as video conferencing and web/mobile based applications, we believe that tele-ophthalmology platform can provide a reliable service in patient care.

Flexible Temperature-Invariant Polymer Dielectrics with Large Bandgap.

Flexible dielectrics operable under simultaneous electric and thermal extremes are critical to advanced electronics for ultrahigh densities and/or harsh conditions. However, conventional high-performance polymer dielectrics generally have conjugated aromatic backbones, leading to limited bandgaps and hence high conduction loss and poor energy densities, especially at elevated temperatures. A polyoxafluoronorbornene is reported, which has a key design feature in that it is a polyolefin consisting of repeating units of fairly rigid fused bicyclic structures and alkenes separated by freely rotating single bonds, endowing it with a large bandgap of ≈5 eV and flexibility, while being temperature-invariantly stable over -160 to 160 °C. At 150 °C, the polyoxafluoronorbornene exhibits an electrical conductivity two orders of magnitude lower than the best commercial high-temperature polymers, and features an unprecedented discharged energy density of 5.7 J cm-3 far outperforming the best reported flexible dielectrics. The design strategy uncovered in this work reveals a hitherto unexplored space for the design of scalable and efficient polymer dielectrics for electrical power and electronic systems under concurrent harsh electrical and thermal conditions.

Graphene and Poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):Poly(4-styrenesulfonate) on Nonwoven Fabric as a Room Temperature Metal and Its Application as Dry Electrodes for Electrocardiography.

Highly conductive, metal-like poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) nonwoven fabric was prepared by coating poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(4-styrenesulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) containing dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) onto PET nonwoven fabric previously coated with graphene/graphite. The sheet resistance of the original nonwoven fabric decreases from >80 MΩ□-1 to 1.1 Ω□-1 after coating with 10.7 wt % graphene and 5.48 wt % PEDOT:PSS with a maximum current at breakdown of 4 A. This sheet resistance is lower than previously reported sheet resistances of fabrics coated with graphene films, PEDOT:PSS films, or PEDOT:PSS coated fabrics from the literature. The effect of temperature on the resistance of graphene/PEDOT:PSS coated fabric has revealed that the resistance decreases with increasing temperature, analogous to semiconductors, with a clear semiconductor-metal transition occurring at 290 K. Finally, a coating of 18 wt % graphene/graphite and 2.5 wt % PEDOT:PSS (Rs = 5.5 Ω□-1) screen printed on the nonwoven fabric was shown to function as an electrode for electrocardiography without any hydrogel and with dry skin conditions. This composite coating finds application in wearable electronics for military and consumer sectors.

Older Drivers and Glaucoma in India: Driving Habits and Crash Risks.

PRéCIS:: In India, older drivers with glaucoma show greater driving difficulty but are not involved in higher number of on-road accidents. To achieve balance between safety aspects and independence for drivers with glaucoma is important. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to analyze driving habits of patients with glaucoma and to compare their driving behavior, driving difficulties, and accident rates with nonglaucoma controls. PATIENTS: Patients with glaucoma aged older than 40 years were recruited. Subjects with best-corrected visual acuity ≤6/24 in the better-seeing eye and those having primary eye disorder other than glaucoma were excluded. Age-matched nonglaucoma controls were recruited. Subjects with clinically significant cataract and/or with best-corrected visual acuity ≤6/24 in both eyes were excluded. All cases and controls were legally licensed to drive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, Driving Habits Questionnaire was used. Collected data were statistically analyzed using SAS, version 9.2 (GLM procedure), and IBM SPSS, version 22. P-values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. RESULTS: All controls and 84% (n=84/100) of cases were current drivers. Among them, 16% (n=16/100) cases had stopped driving, of which 31.25% (n=5/16) had stopped because of self-reported ocular causes. Cases drove lesser number of days per week (P=0.001) and had more driving dependence on other drivers (44%, n=37/84) compared with controls. Glaucoma was significantly associated with driving difficulty in the rain, in rush-hour traffic, and at night. Comparing driving difficulty scores and visual field index within glaucoma group showed statistical significance [F(1,82)=22.12, P<0.001]. Composite scores of driving difficulty (P<0.001) and driving space (P=0.003) between the 2 groups showed strong statistical significance. Controls had higher number of self-reported accidents (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Patients with glaucoma show greater driving difficulty, self-regulate their driving behavior, and restrict their driving. Older patients with glaucoma in India are not involved in higher rates of on-road crash risks compared with nonglaucoma drivers.

Pediatric viral orbital cellulites secondary to H1N1 infection: A case report.

A 10-year-old boy admitted for high-grade fever and pneumonia developed left preseptal and early orbital cellulitis, unresponsive to higher intravenous antibiotics. He received oseltamivir, on testing positive for H1N1 virus on the nasopharyngeal and throat swabs. There was dramatic improvement with resolution of orbital cellulitis within 24 h of starting oseltamivir. We report a very rare presentation of pediatric orbital cellulitis secondary to systemic H1N1 infection. Prompt investigations and timely treatment with oseltamivir aided in complete resolution, avoiding vision and life-threatening complications.