bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pilot of a pharmacist‐integrated interprofessional team to optimize prescribing in a telemedicine palliative care clinic
Authors: Shirley Lauren , DiScala Sandra , Brooks Abigail , Vartan Christine M. , Silverman Michael
Published: September 2021

Introduction

The rapidly growing number of frail elderly patients is leading to a greater need for palliative care services. Palliative care clinical pharmacy specialists (CPSs) can improve quality of care through comprehensive symptom and medication management. Incorporating pharmacists into palliative care through telemedicine meets complex pharmacotherapy needs of Veterans who have difficulty accessing care due to advanced illness.

Objectives

The primary objective of this quality improvement project was to pilot a pharmacist‐integrated palliative care team clinic utilizing telemedicine to optimize palliative prescribing for Veterans and to describe CPS outcomes related to pharmacotherapy changes implemented. A secondary outcome was to assess Veteran satisfaction with assessments completed via telephone post visit.

Methods

A CPS was integrated into the existing palliative care team beginning December 1, 2019 with video and audio telemedicine clinic appointments offered through May 31, 2020. The CPS completed comprehensive medication regimen reviews, assessed symptoms, and addressed medication‐related concerns during the visit. Recommendations for deprescribing opportunities and symptomatic management were provided to the consulting provider and/or primary treatment team. Recommendations made and those implemented within 30 days of the appointment were documented. Veteran satisfaction assessments were completed via telephone 14‐30 days after the clinic visit.

Results

The palliative care team integrated a CPS and completed 25 consults via telemedicine technology between December 2019 and May 2020. The pharmacotherapy implementation rate was 60% (119/200) including a deprescribing rate of 57% (72/126), decreasing polypharmacy and potentially resulting in a decrease in adverse drug events. Veterans were on average very satisfied with their visit, with an assessment response rate of 56% (14/25).

Conclusion

Pharmacist involvement with the palliative care team decreased polypharmacy, optimized symptom management, and increased use of telemedicine technology. Veterans were overall satisfied with the care received by the palliative care team via telemedicine technology.
On the maximum number of odd cycles in graphs without smaller odd cycles
Authors: Grzesik Andrzej , Kielak Bartłomiej
Published: September 2021

We prove that for each odd integer , every graph on vertices without odd cycles of length less than contains at most cycles of length . This extends the previous results on the maximum number of pentagons in triangle‐free graphs, conjectured by Erdős in 1984, and asymptotically determines the generalized Turán number for odd . In contrary to the previous results on the pentagon case, our proof is not computer‐assisted.
Perfusion Analysis of Kidney Injury in Rats With Cirrhosis Induced by Common Bile Duct Ligation Using Arterial Spin Labeling MRI
Authors: Yu Yongquan , Xie Shuangshuang , Wang Kaiqi , Zhang Fuzhi , Jiang Chao , Qiu Caixin , Zhu Jinxia , Shen Wen
Published: September 2021

Background

Arterial spin labeling (ASL) has been proven to be effective in ischemia‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI); however, validation of ASL magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is limited in AKI in the presence of cirrhosis.

Purpose

To investigate the feasibility of ASL in revealing renal blood flow (RBF) changes in kidney injury in the presence of cirrhosis and to assess its value in the early diagnosis of disease.

Study Type

Longitudinal.

Animal Model

Rats were randomized into baseline group (N = 3), sham surgery group (N = 18), and common bile duct ligation (BDL) group (N = 48). All groups were divided into six subgroups based on different sacrificed time points.

Field Strength/Sequence

3 T scanner, prototypic pulsed ASL sequence using flow‐sensitive alternating inversion recovery preparation, half‐Fourier acquisition single‐shot turbo spin echo sequence.

Assessment

RBF measurement was performed by ASL. Hematoxylin–eosin (HE) score, Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1alpha (HIF‐1α) score, peritubular capillar (PTC) density, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum total bilirubin, total bile acids, serum creatinine (Scr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were harvested.

Statistical Tests

Analysis of variance, Pearson's correlation coefficient, and receiver operating characteristic curves were performed. P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

RBF, HE score, HIF‐1α score, and PTC density after BDL were significantly different from baseline. RBF was highly correlated with HE score, HIF‐1α score, and PTC density (r = −0.7598, r = −0.7434, r = 0.6406, respectively). RBF and Scr began to differ significantly from baseline at day 3 and 7 after intervention, respectively. The areas under the curves of RBF, Scr, and BUN for distinguishing non‐AKI from AKI in cirrhosis were 1.00, 0.888, and 0.911, while those for distinguishing mild from severe kidney injury were 0.961, 0.830, and 0.857, respectively.

Data Conclusion

ASL allows the longitudinal assessment of the degree of AKI induced by cholestatic cirrhosis in rats and can serve as a noninvasive marker for the early and accurate diagnosis of AKI.

Level of Evidence

2

Technical Efficacy Stage

2
Estimating land use/land cover change impacts on vegetation response to drought under ‘Grain for Green’ in the Loess Plateau
Authors: Ding Yibo , Wang Fengzuo , Mu Qing , Sun Yanan , Cai Huanjie , Zhou Zhaoqiang , Xu Jiatun , Shi Haiyun
Published: September 2021

A series of serious environmental problems have appeared in North China, especially in the Loess Plateau. The 'Grain for Green Program' project has been implemented to address issues caused by vegetation degradation. Human beings play a key moderating role between drought and vegetation; however, it is not clearly understood how typical land cover changes from human activities impact the ability of vegetation to resist drought. To represent meteorological drought and vegetation dynamics, this study applied the standardized precipitation and evapotranspiration index and solar‐induced chlorophyll fluorescence. We investigated the vegetation response relationship to drought and how changing land cover affected it. The land cover changes associated with strategic human activity were also analyzed using the response relationship and environmental characteristics. Our results showed that land cover changes contributed to abnormal changes in vegetation dynamics and type. From 2001 to 2016, meteorological drought showed an insignificant difference in Loess Plateau. To a certain extent, land cover changes could extend vegetation response time with the implementation of the 'Grain for Green Progam'. Response time to the drought of different vegetation types in both changed and unchanged land cover showed an increasing trend from early‐period to later‐period. Similar response time to drought was among cropland, forest, grassland, construction land, and desert of unchanged land cover vegetation in different Grain for Green periods. Forest cover effectively improved vegetation response time and reduced vulnerability. This study improves the understanding of vegetation change and offers guidance for environmental protection projects and evaluating ecological restoration.
Timing of postoperative oral feeding after head and neck mucosal free flap reconstruction
Authors: Stramiello Joshua , Nuyen Brian , Saraswathula Anirudh , Blumenfeld Liza , Divi Vasu , Rosenthal Eben , Orosco Ryan , Starmer Heather M.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Fistula remains a common complication of upper aerodigestive tract reconstruction. Optimal timing of oral feeding is unknown and the impact of early feeding on swallow function and fistula rates remains controversial. The purpose of this study is to better understand the effects of “early feeding” on fistula rate and swallow in patients with free flap reconstruction of upper aerodigestive tract defects.

Methods

Retrospective cohort study. One hundred and four patients undergoing free flap reconstruction of mucosalized head and neck defects. Two groups, early feeding (oral intake on or before postoperative day 5) and late‐feeding (oral intake after postoperative day 5). Primary outcome was incidence of salivary fistula. Secondary outcomes included Functional Oral Intake Scale scores.

Results

Fistula rate was 16.5% in late‐feeding group and 0% in early‐feeding group (P = .035). Patients who were fed early had an association with progression to a full oral diet by 30 days (P = .027).

Discussion

This cohort analysis suggests that in properly selected patients with free flap reconstruction for mucosal defects, early feeding may not increase risk of salivary fistula and may improve swallow functional outcomes earlier.

Level of Evidence: 3
Comprehensive medical evaluation of pediatric bilateral sensorineural hearing loss
Authors: Kılıç Suat , Bouzaher Malek H. , Cohen Michael S. , Lieu Judith E. C. , Kenna Margaret , Anne Samantha
Published: September 2021

Children with bilateral sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL) should undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation to determine the underlying etiology and help guide treatment and counseling. In this article, we review the indications and rationale for medical evaluation of pediatric bilateral SNHL, including history and physical examination, imaging, genetic testing, specialist referrals, cytomegalovirus (CMV) testing, and other laboratory tests. Workup begins with a history and physical examination, which can provide clues to the etiology of SNHL, particularly with syndromic causes. If SNHL is diagnosed within the first 3 weeks of life, CMV testing should be performed to identify patients that may benefit from antiviral treatment. If SNHL is diagnosed after 3 weeks, testing can be done using dried blood spots samples, if testing capability is available. Genetic testing is oftentimes successful in identifying causes of hearing loss as a result of recent technological advances in testing and an ever‐increasing number of identified genes and genetic mutations. Therefore, where available, genetic testing should be performed, ideally with next generation sequencing techniques. Ophthalmological evaluation must be done on all children with SNHL. Imaging (high‐resolution computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging) should be performed to assess for anatomic causes of hearing loss and to determine candidacy for cochlear implantation when indicated. Laboratory testing is indicated for certain etiologies, but should not be ordered indiscriminately since the yield overall is low.
The redox fate of hydrogen peroxide in the marine water column
Authors: Sutherland Kevin M. , Grabb Kalina C. , Karolewski Jennifer S. , Taenzer Lina , Hansel Colleen M. , Wankel Scott D.
Published: September 2021

Marine microbes produce extracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as superoxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a result of regulated and nonregulated physiological and metabolic reactions. ROS production can be a sink and cryptic recycling flux of dissolved oxygen that may rival other key fluxes in the global oxygen cycle; however, the low abundance and high turnover rate of ROS makes this figure difficult to constrain. One key step in determining the disparity between the gross production of ROS and the net sink of dissolved oxygen lies in understanding the degradation pathways of H2O2 in the marine water column. In this study, we use isotope‐labeling techniques to determine the redox fate of H2O2 in a range of marine environments off the West Coast of California. We find that H2O2 reduction is greater than or equal to H2O2 oxidation at most sampled depths, with notable exceptions in some surface and intermediate water depths. The observation that H2O2 oxidation can exceed reduction in the dark ocean indicates the presence of an oxidizing decay pathway that is not among the known suite of microbially mediated enzymatic pathways (i.e., catalase and peroxidase), pointing to an abiotic and/or a nonenzymatic decay pathway at intermediate water depths. These results highlight the complexity and heterogeneity of ROS decay pathways in natural waters and their unconstrained regulation of oxygen levels within the ocean.
Predicting Outcome in a Cohort of Isolated and Combined Dystonia within Probabilistic Brain Mapping
Authors: Soares Carolina , Reich Martin M. , Costa Francisca , Lange Florian , Roothans Jonas , Reis Carina , Vaz Rui , Rosas Maria José , Volkmann Jens
Published: September 2021

Background

Probabilistic brain mapping is a promising tool to estimate the expected benefit of pallidal deep brain stimulation (GPi‐DBS) in patients with isolated dystonia (IsoD).

Objectives

To investigate the role of probabilistic mapping in combined dystonia (ComD).

Methods

We rendered the pallidal atlas and the volume of tissue activated (VTA) for a cohort of patients with IsoD (n = 20) and ComD (n = 10) that underwent GPi‐DBS. The VTA was correlated with clinical improvement. Afterwards, each VTA was applied on the previously published probabilistic model (Reich et al., 2019). The correlation between predicted and observed clinical benefit was studied in a linear regression model.

Results

A good correlation between observed and predicted outcome was found for both patients with IsoD (n = 14) and ComD (n = 7) (r2 = 0.32; P < 0.05). In ComD, 42% of the variance in DBS response is explained by VTA‐based outcome map.

Conclusion

A probabilistic model would be helpful in clinical practice to circumvent unpredictable and less impressive motor results often found in ComD.
Mittag–Leffler collocation optimization method for studying a physical problem in fluid flow with fractional derivatives
Authors: Khader M. M.
Published: September 2021

An efficient computational approach is presented to solve numerically a mathematical model of fractional order in a fluid. The proposed model describes the effects of variable heat flux, viscous dissipation, and the slip velocity on the viscous Casson flow and heat transfer due to an unsteady stretching sheet taking into account the influence of heat generation or absorption. A collocation method based on a summation of Mittag–Leffler functions is employed to convert the system of ODEs that describe the problem to a system of algebraic equations. This system is constructed as a constrained optimization problem and optimized to get the unknown coefficients. Error analysis of the approximation solution is studied. The influence of the parameters governing the flow and heat transfer such as unsteadiness parameter, slip velocity parameter, Casson parameter, local Eckert number, heat generation parameter, and the Prandtl number are discussed and presented through tables and graphs. Besides, the local skin‐friction coefficient and the local Nusselt number at the stretching sheet are computed and discussed. Finally, the results show that the given procedure is an easy and efficient tool to investigate the solution of such fluid models.
Turkish validation and reliability of the symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network Symptom Index‐29 (LURN SI‐29) questionnaire in patients with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Culpan Meftun , Acar Hazal C. , Cella David , Tahra Ahmet , Cakici Mehmet C. , Efiloğlu Özgür , Atis Gokhan , Yildirim Asif
Published: September 2021

Aims

To evaluate the validity and reliability of the Turkish version of the Symptoms of Lower Urinary Tract Dysfunction Research Network Symptom Index‐29 (LURN SI‐29).

Methods

Patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) were included in a single‐center study between January and April 2021. Patients' demographics, such as age, sex, and level of education, were recorded. The Turkish version of the LURN SI‐29 and the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) were administered to all patients, and the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI‐6) was additionally administered to female patients. Construct validity was evaluated by confirmatory factor analysis. Concurrent validity was evaluated with correlations to similar measures. Internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha) and split‐half reliability analyses were used to establish the scale's reliability.

Results

A total of 295 participants, 35.3% females and 64.7% males, were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 56.4 ± 11.7 years. The median total LURN SI‐29 scores were 38.0 (26–50) and 26.0 (18–43) for female and male patients, respectively. The LURN SI‐29 scale showed a high correlation with IPSS and UDI‐6 scales (r = .758, p < .001; r = .774, p < .001, respectively) in concurrent validity analysis. Cronbach's alpha coefficient of the scale and all subscales were greater than 0.70 for both female and male patients.

Conclusions

This measurement tool can potentially be used to evaluate LUTS in Turkish women and men. Further studies should be performed to reveal the clinical usefulness of this scale.
Emulation of a randomized controlled trial in ulcerative colitis with US and French claims data: Infliximab with thiopurines compared to infliximab monotherapy
Authors: Kirchgesner Julien , Desai Rishi J. , Schneeweiss Maria C. , Beaugerie Laurent , Kim Seoyoung C. , Schneeweiss Sebastian
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To understand the validity of real‐world evidence (RWE) studies in ulcerative colitis (UC), we emulated the SUCCESS randomized controlled trial (RCT) on the effectiveness of infliximab plus thiopurines, using US and French healthcare insurance claims data.

Methods

The SUCCESS trial showed improved remission with infliximab plus thiopurines combined compared to infliximab monotherapy in patients with UC. Based on two US commercial claims databases (IBM MarketScan and Optum) and the French nationwide health insurance database (SNDS) from 2004 through 2019, all patients with UC who initiated combination therapy or infliximab alone were identified. The primary outcome of treatment failure was emulated by: Hospitalization related to UC or colectomy, treatment switch to another biologic or immunosuppressant, or use of corticosteroids 16 weeks after infliximab initiation. We estimated risk ratios with 95% confidence intervals after 1:1 propensity score (PS) matching.

Results

Among 620 PS‐matched pairs of combination therapy and infliximab monotherapy users, treatment failure occurred in 124 (20%) of patients initiating combination therapy and 170 (27%) during monotherapy. Like in SUCCESS, the risk of treatment failure was decreased with combination therapy in the overall cohort (RR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.60–0.90). Findings were consistent across MarketScan, Optum, and SNDS: RR = 0.76 (0.57–1.02), 0.82 (0.54–1.24), and 0.61 (0.41–0.90). Similar results were observed for each component endpoint.

Conclusions

RWE results across three large claims databases were consistent with RCT findings. These findings provide support for the use of RWE to assess treatment effectiveness in UC.
A strategy for assessment and validation of major bleeding cases in a primary health care database in Spain
Authors: de Burgos‐Gonzalez Airam , Bryant Verónica , Maciá‐Martinez Miguel Angel , Huerta Consuelo
Published: September 2021

Purpose

This study aims to validate major bleeding (MB) cases within a cohort of new users of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) in Electronic health records (EHRs) from primary care in Spain (BIFAP), introducing more efficient techniques and automating the process of validation in the pharmacoepidemiologic research with EHR data as much as possible.

Methods

Registered bleedings were identified in a cohort of new users of DOACs in BIFAP using ICPC 2 and ICD 9 codes; we ascertained these bleedings as MB through a validation strategy based on the MB definition from the International Society on Thrombosis and Hemostasis, which used hospitalization and critical localization as proxies. We assessed hospitalization with hospital discharge information (only available for some years and regions) and a free text‐based algorithm created to identify hospitalization in EHR's clinical notes. Incidence rates (IR) of MB were evaluated by bleeding type.

Results

The study cohort included 104 614 patients, with 274521.5 p‐y of follow up. There were 6143 registered bleedings during the study period (519 intracranial bleeding – ICB, 4606 gastrointestinal bleeding – GIB, 1018 extracranial bleeding – ECB), from which 1679 were confirmed as MB (416 ICB, 1086 GIB, and 177 ECB). The free text‐based semi‐automatic algorithm had moderate recall (0.59), but high specificity (0.99), and precision (0.94).

Conclusion

The combination of hospitalization and critical localization is a valid approach to validate MB in EHRs with incomplete information. The use of more automatic methods for case validation instead of manual review of clinical notes is favored.
Recent advances of organometallic complexes in emerging photovoltaics
Authors: Gao Huaizhi , Yu Runnan , Ma Zongwen , Gong Yongshuai , Zhao Biao , Lv Qianglong , Tan Zhan'ao
Published: September 2021

Organometallic complexes (OMCs) consisting of organic and metal active moieties have shown immense potential for application in solar cells. The diverse structure, rich porosity, and unique charge centers of OMCs enable them to be functional in solar cells. In this review, we introduced four types of OMCs, such as crown organometallic complexes, β‐diketone metal complexes, cyclometallic complexes, and main chain metal‐containing polymers, providing an in‐depth analysis of the structure‐performance relationship. OMCs could serve as active or interlayer materials in a variety of solar cell systems such as organic solar cells, perovskite solar cells, and dye‐sensitized solar cells, especially some metals to improve the photoelectric performance of the device as dopants. In the end, perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of OMCs are given.
The role of breast reconstruction choice on body image patient‐reported outcomes at four years post‐mastectomy for breast cancer: A longitudinal prospective cohort study
Authors: Dempsey Kathy , Mathieu Erin , Brennan Meagan , Snook Kylie , Hoffman Julia , Campbell Ian , Scarlet Jenni , Flay Heather , Wong April Z. H. , Boyle Frances , King Madeleine , Spillane Andrew
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To examine the impact of breast reconstruction on women's perceptions of body image over time and to assess the influence of sociodemographic variables on body image.

Methods

A prospective, longitudinal cohort study, using validated breast cancer‐specific questionnaires, to compare patient‐reported outcomes in women choosing immediate (n = 61), delayed (n = 16) or no (n = 23) breast reconstruction.

Results

One hundred women completed baseline questionnaires that included items on body image; 30 women completed all four annual follow‐up sets, while 20 women completed baseline only. The three groups were well matched at baseline and similar trajectories in body image measures were identified over 48 months in all groups. At 12 months post‐mastectomy, significant changes were seen in eight of the 10 subscales; this reduced to seven subscales at 24 months and four at 36 months. By 48 months, only three subscales remained significantly different to baseline scores: women remained less vulnerable and had fewer limitations (improved outcomes); the one worse outcome was persistently higher levels of arm concern. Three of the sociodemographic variables (health insurance, age and employment status) showed significant inter‐group differences at some time points.

Conclusion

These findings suggest women recover from the negative impact of mastectomy on body image within four years of surgery, whether they have immediate, delayed or no reconstruction. Our results provide some indirect evidence that having a choice of BR options is important, regardless of the choice made. Four years appears to be a suitable follow‐up period for future studies in this area.
A 10‐yr thermal regime of permafrost beneath and adjacent to an alpine thermokarst lake, Beiluhe Basin, Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, China
Authors: Sun Zhizhong , Zhang Shujuan , Li Guoyu , Wu Guilong , Liu Yongzhi
Published: September 2021

Thermokarst lakes are distributed widely in permafrost regions on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau (QTP), China. Better knowledge of ground thermal variability beneath and around thermokarst lakes is important for understanding future landscape development and hydrological changes. At a typical undisturbed small, shallow, alpine thermokarst lake in the Beiluhe Basin on the QTP, ground temperatures beneath and adjacent to the lake were monitored at four locations with maximum 30 m depth from the lake center to natural ground. The lake is elliptical with an area of ~700 m2and maximum water depth of 0.6 m. Permafrost was present beneath and adjacent to the lake during the monitoring period. However, supra‐taliks were present above the permafrost table beneath the lake before monitoring of ground temperature began, but were absent around the lake. The supra‐permafrost taliks beneath the lake have thickened over time. The difference in mean permafrost table depth between the lake center and natural ground reached 5.14 m, and permafrost table depths increased beneath the lake, but changed indistinctively around the lake. Mean annual ground temperatures at different depths (5, 10, 20 and 30 m) were higher beneath the lake than around the lake, and mean increasing rates of ground temperature were also greater beneath the lake than around the lake. Ground temperature differences between the lake bottom and natural ground surface are important for understanding ground thermal patterns beneath and around thermokarst lakes.
Development of the A‐STEP: A new incremental maximal exercise capacity step test in cystic fibrosis
Authors: Wilson Lisa M. , Ellis Matthew J. , Lane Rebecca L. , Wilson John W. , Keating Dominic T. , Jaberzadeh Shapour , Button Brenda M.
Published: September 2021

Background

Exercise testing is important in people with cystic fibrosis (pwCF). The aim was to develop an incremental maximal step test to assess exercise capacity across the range of pwCF, without floor or ceiling effects, within restrictions of space, and infection prevention.

Methods

The step test was developed in adults with stable CF. Subjects assisted in selecting: step height, start rate, increments, stage and test duration parameters. Equipment to externally pace and time the test and measure exercise parameters were selected. Reasons for stopping, criteria for achieving a maximal test, and key outcome measures were determined. Documentation to record and standardize the test and instructions to set up the metronome and timer App were developed. Infection control practices were considered.

Results

Eight subjects were recruited to develop the Alfred Step Test Exercise Protocol (A‐STEP) on a 20 cm portable step. The A‐STEP package included a pretest information sheet, clinical assessment and instructions, recording worksheet, and the metronome/timer instructions. The test started at 18 steps/min. Each level increased by two steps/min to a maximum of 48 steps (Level 16). Results were presented as mean (SD) [range] for: age 30.63 (5.89) [21–39] years; FEV1 58.13 (18.33) [32–89]%; levels: 10.31 (3.29) [6–15.5]. The A‐STEP required space of 2 m2 and complied with current infection control guidelines.

Conclusions

The A‐STEP is a new incremental maximal step test to assess exercise capacity in pwCF, without floor or ceiling effects. It addresses the issues of space restrictions and the need for strict infection prevention in the clinical setting.
Twist Effect on the Electronic and Transport Properties of 1D Helical Carbyne Chains
Authors: Xu Degao , Hou Lu , Dong Jiansheng , Hu Huamin , Ouyang Gang
Published: September 2021

The electronic and transport properties of 1D helical carbyne chains (HCCs) are investigated in terms of continuum medium mechanics, density functional theory, and nonequilibrium Green's function by modeling a covalently sandwiched HCC connecting two zigzag graphene nanoribbon leads. It is found that the current of the device decreases by up to two orders of magnitude with increasing twisted pitch. The prodigious negative differential resistance (NDR) and rectifying effects are only exhibited in HCCs with multiple coil cycles. Moreover, graphene/HCC junctions with parallel/antiparallel magnetism configurations allow perfect (100%) spin polarization and NDR behaviors and simultaneously realize the switching effect during twisting. The results provide inspiration for the optimal design of nanomaterials and development of high‐performance multifunctional all‐carbon nanodevices.
Quantum Simulating the Electron Transport in Quantum Cascade Laser Structures
Authors: Trombettoni Andrea , Scazza Francesco , Minardi Francesco , Roati Giacomo , Cappelli Francesco , Consolino Luigi , Smerzi Augusto , De Natale Paolo
Published: September 2021

Ultracold fermionic atoms are proposed to be used in 1D optical lattices to quantum simulate the electronic transport in quantum cascade laser (QCL) structures. The competition between the coherent tunneling among (and within) the wells and the dissipative decay at the basis of lasing is discussed. In order to validate the proposed simulation scheme, such competition is quantitatively addressed in a simplified 1D model. The existence of optimal relationships between the model parameters is shown, maximizing the particle current, the population inversion (or their product), and the stimulated emission rate. This substantiates the concept of emulating the QCL operation mechanisms in cold‐atom optical lattice simulators, laying the groundwork for addressing open questions, such as the impact of electron–electron scattering and the origin of transport‐induced noise, in the design of new‐generation QCLs.
Bayesian modeling of location, scale, and shape parameters in skew‐normal regression models
Authors: Corrales Martha Lucía , Cepeda‐Cuervo Edilberto
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we propose Bayesian skew‐normal regression models where the location, scale and shape parameters follow (linear or nonlinear) regression structures, and the variable of interest follows the Azzalini skew‐normal distribution. A Bayesian method is developed to fit the proposed models, using working variables to build the kernel transition functions. To illustrate the performance of the proposed Bayesian method and application of the model to analyze statistical data, we present results of simulated studies and of the application to studies of forced displacement in Colombia.
Preparation of Ag/CdS/MIL‐101(Cr) Composite by Dual Solvent Method and Its Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production
Authors: Liu Fengjiao , Shan Xiaoyue , Gao Yan , Ju Li , Guan Rongfeng , Chi Xianhu
Published: September 2021

MIL‐101(Cr) with regular octahedron structure was synthesized by hydrothermal method, and CdS/MIL‐101(Cr) was prepared by solution titration. CdS was introduced into the surface of MIL‐101(Cr) matrix with large surface area and its pores to make it well dispersed and grow. On this basis, nano‐Ag was compounded, and the charge transfer rate was increased and the optical response spectrum of CdS was prolonged by using the localized surface plasmon resonance effect of noble metals. The results showed that under visible light irradiation, Ag/CdS/MIL‐101(Cr)‐0.6 ternary composite exhibited excellent photocatalytic H2 generation rate (521.05 μmol/(g h), which was 1.9 times that of CdS/MIL‐101(Cr)‐0.4. This provides an idea for the synthesis of other high‐performance photocatalytic materials.
The Synergistic Character of Highly N‐Doped Coconut–Shell Activated Carbon for Efficient CO2 Capture
Authors: Rajasekaran Navvamani , Vinoba Mari , Al‐Sheeha Hanadi , Rana Mohan S.
Published: September 2021

The coconut shell‐based activated carbon (AC) surface was effectively anchored with amine moieties with acid treatment followed by tetraethylenepentamine (TEPA) anchoring. The activated carbon surface enhanced with basicity is likely to increase the sorbent properties towards CO2 adsorption. The AC surface was modified by varying TEPA concentrations. After amine doping, significant loss in textural property indicates their occupation inside the pores and surfaces. Further, the samples were thermally activated to retrieve the textural properties. The physicochemical properties of modified carbon were characterized using BET, TPD, FT‐IR, Raman spectroscopy and elemental composition. The amine‐modified and thermally activated carbons were tested for CO2 adsorption up to 25 bar at 25 °C. The acid‐base properties of N‐doped carbons were evaluated using isopropanol as a model test reaction at atmospheric pressure. The IPA reaction products of acetone and propene were quantified for their acid‐base nature and correlated to CO2 adsorption capacities. The CO2 adsorption capacity increases by tailoring synergistic properties between surface basicity and micropores. Hence, 20 % TEPA‐derived nitrogen‐enriched carbon reveals a higher yield of acetone 73 %, which in turn enhanced CO2 adsorption capacity of 9.9 mmol/g, and it is found to be a suitable applicant for CO2 capture.
Preparation of Macroporous High Adsorbent Resin and Its Application for Heavy Metal Ion Removal
Authors: Shi Changxin , Li Yuanze , Li Xinyue , Zhao Xiaohan , Ma Xintao , Zhou Xun , Cui Yuming , Ma Songmei , Xu Wenlong , Ren Chunguang
Published: September 2021

Macroporous high adsorbent resins (MHAR) are important and urgent requirements for qualified adsorbents to remove toxic heavy metals in wastewater since the short adsorption time and large adsorption capacity. Herein, a new type of MHAR was prepared by graft copolymerization of acrylic acid with sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) and sodium alginate (SA) by using N, N′‐methylenebisacrylamide (MBA) as crosslinking agent, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and ascorbic acid as initiator. We characterized the morphology of the MHAR and explored the optimal conditions for MHAR to absorb water. The results showed that pH and temperature had great influences on the amount of heavy metals adsorption. The adsorption process is a linear model of multiphase multilayer molecular adsorption reaction, which belongs to the second‐level kinetic model. The adsorption thermodynamic experiment showed that the adsorption of Cu2+ by MHAR conforms to the Freundlich adsorption isotherm. This work succeeded in preparing a MHAR that may have potential applications in environmental governance.
Integrated, Highly Flexible, and Tailorable Thermoelectric Type Temperature Detectors Based on a Continuous Carbon Nanotube Fiber
Authors: Xia Xiaogang , Zhang Qiang , Zhou Wenbin , Mei Jie , Xiao Zhuojian , Xi Wei , Wang Yanchun , Xie Sishen , Zhou Weiya
Published: September 2021

As possible alternatives to traditional thermoelectric (TE) materials, carbon nanomaterials and their hybrid materials have great potential in the future application of flexible and lightweight temperature detection. In this work, an integrated, highly flexible, and tailorable TE temperature detector with high performance has been fabricated based on a continuous single‐walled carbon nanotube (SWCNT) fiber. The detector consists of more than one pairs of thermocouples composed of p‐type SWCNT fiber and n‐type SWCNT hybrid fiber in situ doped by polyethylenimine. Due to the node contact mechanism of the detection, the sensitivity of the detector can be improved with the increase of the number of p–n thermocouples, independent of the length of the thermocouple. The temperature detection process of the detector has been studied in detail. In particular, the integrated and flexible detector can be divided into several sub‐detectors easily by cutting, illustrating the prospect of large‐scale preparation of this kind of novel temperature detectors. Its high flexibility ensures the detector to maintain excellent detection performance after 15 000 bending circles. Furthermore, the as‐designed TE type temperature detector demonstrates a great application promise for real‐time temperature detection and temperature change sensing even in complex surface and harsh environment.
In situ establishment of Co/MoS2 heterostructures onto inverse opal‐structured N,S‐doped carbon hollow nanospheres: Interfacial and architectural dual engineering for efficient hydrogen evolution reaction
Authors: Lu Tingyu , Li Tongfei , Shi Desheng , Sun Jialin , Pang Huan , Xu Lin , Yang Jun , Tang Yawen
Published: September 2021

Rational design of low‐cost and high‐efficiency non‐precious metal‐based catalysts toward the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is of paramount significance for the sustainable development of the hydrogen economy. Interfacial manipulation‐induced electronic modulation represents a sophisticated strategy to enhance the intrinsic activity of a non‐precious electrocatalyst. Herein, we demonstrate the straightforward construction of Co/MoS2 hetero‐nanoparticles anchored on inverse opal‐structured N,S‐doped carbon hollow nanospheres with an ordered macroporous framework (denoted as Co/MoS2@N,S–CHNSs hereafter) via a template‐assisted method. Systematic experimental evidence and theoretical calculations reveal that the formation of Co/MoS2 heterojunctions can effectively modulate the electronic configuration of active sites and optimize the reaction pathways, remarkably boosting the intrinsic activity. Moreover, the inverse opal‐structured carbon substrate with an ordered porous framework is favorable to enlarge the accessible surface area and provide multidimensional mass transport channels, dramatically expediting the reaction kinetics. Thanks to the compositional synergy and structural superiority, the fabricated Co/MoS2@N,S–CHNSs exhibit excellent HER activity with a low overpotential of 105 mV to afford a current density of 10 mA/cm2. The rationale of interface manipulation and architectural design herein is anticipated to be inspirable for the future development of efficient and earth‐abundant electrocatalysts for a variety of energy conversion systems.
An Artificial Mechano‐Nociceptor with Mott Transition
Authors: Kumar Mohit , Park Ji‐Yong , Seo Hyungtak
Published: September 2021

Intelligent touch sensing is now becoming an essential part of various human‐machine interactions and communication, including in touchpads, autonomous vehicles, and smart robotics. Usually, sensing of physical objects is enabled by applied force/pressure sensors; however, reported conventional tactile devices are not able to differentiate sharp and blunt objects, although sharp objects can cause unavoidable damage. Therefore, it is central issue to implement electronic devices that can classify sense of touch and simultaneously generate pain signals to avoid further potential damage from sharp objects. Here, concept of force‐enabled nociceptive behavior is proposed and demonstrated using vanadium oxide‐based artificial receptors. Specifically, versatile criteria of bio‐nociceptor like threshold, relaxation, no adaptation, allodynia, and hyperalgesia behaviors are triggered by pointed force, but the device does not mimic any of these by the force applied by blunt objects; thus, the proposed device classifies the intent of touch. Further, supported by finite element simulation, the nanoscale dynamic is unambiguously revealed by conductive atomic force microscopy and results are attributed to the point force‐triggered Mott transition, as also confirmed by temperature‐dependent measurements. The reported features open a new avenue for developing mechano‐nociceptors, which enable a high‐level of artificial intelligence within the device to classify physical touch.
Posits and the state of numerical representations in the age of exascale and edge computing
Authors: Poulos Alexandra , McKee Sally A. , Calhoun Jon C.
Published: September 2021

Growing constraints on memory utilization, power consumption, and I/O throughput have increasingly become limiting factors to the advancement of high performance computing (HPC) and edge computing applications. IEEE‐754 floating‐point types have been the de facto standard for floating‐point number systems for decades, but the drawbacks of this numerical representation leave much to be desired. Alternative representations are gaining traction, both in HPC and machine learning environments. Posits have recently been proposed as a drop‐in replacement for the IEEE‐754 floating‐point representation. We survey the state‐of‐the‐art and state‐of‐the‐practice in the development and use of posits in edge computing and HPC. The current literature supports posits as a promising alternative to traditional floating‐point systems, both as a stand‐alone replacement and in a mixed‐precision environment. Development and standardization of the posit type is ongoing, and much research remains to explore the application of posits in different domains, how to best implement them in hardware, and where they fit with other numerical representations.
Effects of Rolling Force on Strip Shape during Tandem Cold Rolling Using a Novel Multistand Finite Element Model
Authors: Li Lianjie , Xie Haibo , Liu Tianwu , Li Xingsheng , Liu Xu , Huo Mingshuai , Wang Enrui , Li Jianxin , Liu Hongqiang , Sun Li , Jiang Zhengyi
Published: September 2021

In the tandem cold rolling (TCR) process, the work hardening effect has a direct influence on the rolling force, which affects the strip shape, including the strip crown and flatness, significantly. However, previous studies focus on the single finite element (FE) model, ignoring the work hardening effect. To investigate the effect of the rolling force on strip shape, herein, a novel elastic–plastic multistand FE model for the TCR process with consideration of the work hardening effect is proposed for the first time using a segmentation modeling strategy, data transfer technologies, and element remesh technology. The proposed FE model is verified by comparing with industrial experimental results. The effects of rolling force on the strip crown and flatness at each stand are investigated quantitatively using the developed FE model. The results illustrate that the strip crown at 40 mm from the edge (C
40) is in a decreasing trend when the rolling force decreases from stand 1 (S1) to stand 4 (S4). By contrast, interestingly, two opposite trends of C
40 are found at stand 5 (S5). This work provides a fresh perspective on the TCR simulation and contributes to further understanding the effect of the rolling force on the strip shape.
Emerging biocompatible nanoplatforms for the potential application in diagnosis and therapy of deep tumors
Authors: Guo Wenna , Chen Zengzhen , Tan Longfei , Gu Deen , Ren Xiangling , Fu Changhui , Wu Qiong , Meng Xianwei
Published: September 2021

Cancer, as one of the most attention‐grabbing medical problems, has been tried to solve with various methods. With the development of nanotechnology, diagnosis and therapy based on nanoplatforms have become new dawn for overcoming cancer problems. Biocompatible nanoplatforms integrating diagnosis and therapy technology for cancer have been extensively studied. Most of the reported works focus on the diagnosis and therapy of subcutaneous tumor. To promote clinical application, it is of great significance to develop efficient methods for deep tumors. This work reviews the latest research progress and future development prospects for the diagnosis and therapy of deep tumors based on biocompatible nanoplatforms. It mainly introduces four cancer diagnostic technologies (fluorescence imaging (FI), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and photoacoustic imaging (PAI)) and four tumor treatment methods (phototherapy, ultrasound therapy, radiotherapy (RT), and microwave therapy (MWT)) based on the nanoplatforms. Several diagnostic techniques and treatment methods are systematically summarized and compared, and the advantages and limitations of different methods in tumors are discussed. At last, the application prospects and challenges of the nanoplatforms for the diagnosis and therapy of deep tumors are discussed. It is hoped that this review will provide some useful information for the research in this field.
The co‐administration effects of florfenicol and lasalocid on performance, biochemical and pathological parameters of muscle, heart, liver, kidney and sciatic nerve in broiler chickens
Authors: Gholami‐Ahangaran Majid , Karimi‐Dehkordi Maryam , Namjoo Abdolrasul , Shojaei Hasan , Ahmadi‐Dastgerdi Asiye
Published: September 2021

The study aimed to examine the effect of simultaneous application of florfenicol and lasalocid on the performance and vital organ function of chickens. For this, 300 chicks were divided into four groups. Group one to three received florfenicol, lasalocid and lasalocid plus florfenicol, respectively. Group four as the control group received a basic diet without lasalocid or florfenicol. Lasalocid was used from 7 to 35 days old, continuously. Florfenicol was used at 21 days old for 5 days. The growth indices were measured at the end of each week. The chickens were euthanized at the ages of 28 and 35 days old after collecting blood samples with and without anticoagulants. The liver, heart, muscle, kidney and sciatic nerve were collected in formalin 10% for histopathological examination. The blood and serum samples were used to determine clinical pathologic and hematologic indices. The ratio of internal organs to body weight and ratio of the right ventricle to the total ventricles (RV/TV) of the heart was measured. Results showed, the use of lasalocid decreased feed conversion rate and triglyceride, and increased total protein. Simultaneous administration of lasalocid and florfenicol affected histopathology of the liver and heart and significantly increased creatine phosphokinase, uric acid and the ratio of RV/TV of heart. The eosinophil percentage in the chickens who received florfenicol plus lasalocid was significantly higher than chickens who received florfenicol alone (p < 0.05). In conclusion, it seems that simultaneous administration of the florfenicol and lasalocid induces side‐effects especially on cardiac function and it is not recommended.
New estimation method of wind power density with three‐parameter Weibull distribution: A case on Central Inner Mongolia suburbs
Authors: Wang Wenxin , Chen Kexin , Bai Yang , Chen Yu , Wang Jianwen
Published: September 2021

Suburbs have the potential for future wind energy development because of their open terrain, good wind conditions, closeness to the city, wind power that can be absorbed in place, and other advantages. Therefore, accurately evaluating the wind energy resources in the suburbs is particularly important. The three‐parameter Weibull distribution can accurately describe the wind speed in the suburbs, but research on the estimation of wind power density (WPD) with it is limited. On the basis of the mathematical models of wind speed probability distribution as Rayleigh, two‐parameter Weibull, and three‐parameter Weibull, a new WPD estimation formula with three‐parameter Weibull distribution is derived using the partial integration method and by introducing incomplete gamma function to solve the transcendental integration. A field experiment platform is built, and the accuracy of the formula is verified by the measured data. The analysis of the measured data collected in recent 3 years in the suburbs of Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, concludes that the statistical characteristics of the measured wind speed and the distribution of wind energy resources are more conducive to capture the scattered and changing wind energy in the suburbs by taking the month as the time scale. Moreover, the three‐parameter Weibull distribution estimated by the least square method can be used as the local wind speed model. The new method of WPD estimation can also reduce the calculation error by approximately 21.06%. This study provides an important reference for the subsequent analysis of wind power fluctuation characteristics and wind energy development planning.