bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fever and electrocoagulation syndrome after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection for patients with immunosuppressants and steroids
Authors: Yamamoto Shumpei , Kinugasa Hideaki , Yamasaki Yasushi , Hirai Mami , Ako Soichiro , Takei Kensuke , Igawa Shoko , Yasutomi Eriko , Oka Shohei , Ohmori Masayasu , Inokuchi Toshihiro , Harada Keita , Hiraoka Sakiko , Nouso Kazuhiro , Tanaka Takehiro , Okada Hiroyuki
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Transient fever and electrocoagulation syndrome after colorectal endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) remain a challenge. The aim of this study was to assess the risk factors of post‐ESD fever and post‐ESD coagulation syndrome (PECS), focusing on the involvement of immunosuppressive drugs and steroids (IM).

Methods

This retrospective analysis included 510 patients who underwent colorectal ESD at Okayama University Hospital from 2015 to 2020. The incidence rate, clinical outcome, and factors associated with post‐ESD fever and PECS were investigated.

Results

Post‐ESD fever and PECS occurred in 63 patients (12.4%) and 43 patients (8.4%), respectively. In multivariate analysis, the American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status ≥3, the use of immunosuppressants or prednisolone ≥5mg (IM group), and injury to muscle layer/perforation were significantly associated with post‐ESD fever. In PECS, IM group, tumors located on the right side, treatment time ≥60 min, injury to the muscle layer, and multiple lesions were independent risk factors. Both post‐ESD fever and PECS improved conservatively in the IM group, and no serious complication was observed.

Conclusions

The use of IM was a risk factor for both post‐ESD fever and PECS. However, there were no serious complications in colorectal ESD for patients taking IM.
Formation and Cleavage of a Sb−Sb Double Bond: From Carbene‐Coordinated Distibenes to Stibinidenes
Authors: Krüger Julia , Wölper Christoph , Auer Alexander A. , Schulz Stephan
Published: December 2021

Reactions of L(Cl)Ga‐substituted stibine [L(Cl)Ga]2SbCl (L=HC[C(Me)NAr]2; Ar=2,6‐i‐Pr2C6H3) with N‐heterocyclic carbenes RNHCMe (RNHCMe=[C(R)NMe]2C:; R=Me, Et, iPr) gave NHC‐coordinated stibinidenes L(Cl)GaSb‐RNHCMe (R=Me 1 a, Et 1 b, iPr 1 c) and distibenes L(Cl)GaSbSb(RNHCMe)Ga(Cl)L (R=Me 2 a, Et 2 b, iPr 2 c). Distibenes 2 a and 2 b react with a second equivalent of RNHCMe with cleavage of the Sb−Sb double bond and formation of stibinidenes 1 a and 1 b. 1 a–2 b were spectroscopically characterized and the solid‐state structures determined by single crystal X‐ray diffraction (sc‐XRD). Quantum chemical calculations gave a deeper insight into the electronic nature and bonding situation of 1 a–2 c and the reaction energetics were investigated in detail.
Guidance on Dravet syndrome from infant to adult care: Road map for treatment planning in Europe
Authors: Cardenal‐Muñoz Elena , Auvin Stéphane , Villanueva Vicente , Cross J. Helen , Zuberi Sameer M. , Lagae Lieven , Aibar José Ángel
Published: December 2021

Dravet syndrome (DS) is a severe, rare, and complex developmental and epileptic encephalopathy affecting 1 in 16 000 live births and characterized by a drug‐resistant epilepsy, cognitive, psychomotor, and language impairment, and behavioral disorders. Evidence suggests that optimal treatment of seizures in DS may improve outcomes, even though neurodevelopmental impairments are the likely result of both the underlying genetic variant and the epilepsy. We present an updated guideline for DS diagnosis and treatment, taking into consideration care of the adult patient and nonpharmaceutical therapeutic options for this disease. This up‐to‐date guideline, which is based on an extensive review of the literature and culminates with a new treatment algorithm for DS, is a European consensus developed through a survey involving 29 European clinical experts in DS. This guideline will serve professionals in their clinical practice and, as a consequence, will benefit DS patients and their families.
In situ mineral chemistry of chlorite in Donghua area, Dehua‐Youxi‐Yongtai ore district, Fujian Province, south‐east China: Elemental characteristics and their implications for exploration
Authors: Niu Si‐Da , Guo Jian , Xing Guang‐Fu , Huang Zhao‐Qiang , Wu Hua‐Ying , Fan Fei‐Peng , Xiao Bing
Published: December 2021

As an ordinary alteration mineral in the process of fluid–rock interaction, chlorite (most especially its chemical composition) has the potential to become an effective tool to reveal the physicochemical conditions during alteration and help exploration. However, its elemental characteristics during the chloritization process are yet to be clearly understood. The Dehua‐Youxi‐Yongtai (DYY) ore district in south‐east China is one of the potential areas of gold and polymetallic deposits. Lying in the north‐west section of the DYY ore district, the Donghua area is notable for its remarkable metallogenic potential, and porphyry‐epithermal systems might have developed in the area. This study focuses on the elemental characteristics of chlorite in the Donghua area as footprints of the alteration process and mineralization vectoring. According to the geological features and occurrences, the chlorite from Donghua can be divided into two generations: (a) Chlorite I is closely related to chloritization developed in intrusive and volcanic rocks (Permian quartz monzobiorite and Jurassic volcanic rocks of Changlin Formation), and (b) chlorite II is accompanied by superimposed hydrothermal overprinting. The alteration process suggested by overprinting chlorite II can be regarded as almost coeval with the ca. 154–153 Ma magmatic event, and chlorite II is later than chlorite I generation. According to the geothermometry of the chlorite in Donghua, chlorite I might have crystallized on the temperature of 180–240°C with a peak of ~200°C, and the overprinting chlorite II might have experienced two episodes of hydrothermal/epithermal fluid pulsing. The mineral geochemistry of the trace elements in the two generations of the chlorite in Donghua shows different characteristics. The replacement of Mg2+ by Fe2+ plays an important role for ionic substitution in the octahedral position, especially for chlorite II. The other occasion might be Mg and Fe jointly entering the octahedral position as well as Mg‐ and Fe‐AlVI substitution mechanisms. The enrichment of Mg especially in chlorite II suggests low‐grade oxidation and acid conditions, which might be beneficial for the transportation of metallogenic substances. The obvious differences of Co and Ni are remarkable aspects of the trace elements of chlorite in Donghua, resulted by the ion substitution and function of different octahedral site preference energy. The mineral chemistry of chlorite II from Donghua can be helpful for targeting and exploration vectoring in the DYY ore district.
Preventive restructuring frameworks: Jurisdiction, recognition and applicable law
Authors: Schmidt Jessica
Published: December 2021

The Preventive Restructuring Directive (PRD) has triggered a new era of regulatory competition. Member States are introducing new laws aimed at making themselves the new destination of choice for corporate restructuring. However, the PRD has failed to provide a clear answer to some key issues: international jurisdiction, recognition and applicable law. This article analyses these questions in detail and proposes answers.
Alcohol and Circadian Disruption Minimally Impact Bone Properties in Two Cohorts of Male Mice While Between‐Cohort Differences Predominate: Association With Season of Birth?
Authors: Wilson Brittany M , Witkiewics Brittany R , Voigt Robin M , Forysth Christopher B , Keshavarzian Ali , Ko Frank C , Virdi Amarjit S , Sumner D Rick
Published: December 2021

Many lifestyle factors affect bone. Sleep deprivation increases risk for fractures and alcohol consumption can lead to alterations in the skeleton. How combined exposure to these two risk factors affects bone is unclear. Thus, we sought to determine the effects of circadian rhythm disruption and chronic alcohol intake on bone structure and mechanical properties in mice. A total of 120 male C57BL/6J mice were used in two cohorts of 60 mice each because of limited availability of light‐tight housing cabinets. One cohort was born in winter and the other in summer. Mice were randomly assigned to circadian disruption (weekly shifting of the light/dark cycle) and control (no shifting) groups beginning at 8 to 12 weeks of age for 12 weeks at which time mice were administered an alcohol‐containing or control diet for an additional 10 weeks. Bone structure and mechanical properties of the femur were assessed by micro‐computed tomography and three‐point bending, respectively. The initial data analysis revealed a likely cohort effect. Thus, we used a three‐way analysis of variance to assess the effects of circadian rhythm disruption, alcohol intake, and cohort. Circadian rhythm disruption alone had minimal effects on bone structure and mechanical properties. Alcohol intake reduced body mass and had minimal effects on cortical bone regardless of circadian disruption. Alcohol intake resulted in higher trabecular bone volume, but these beneficial effects were blunted when circadian rhythm was disrupted. Cohort significantly affected body size, many cortical bone structure outcomes, some trabecular bone structure outcomes, and tissue‐level material properties. Thus, cohort had the predominant effect on bone structure and mechanical properties in this study, with chronic alcohol intake and environmental circadian disruption having less consistent effects. The data indicate that season of birth may affect skeletal phenotypes and that studies requiring multiple cohorts should determine if a cohort effect exists. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Musculoskeletal Comorbidities and Quality of Life in ENPP1-Deficient Adults and the Response of Enthesopathy to Enzyme Replacement Therapy in Murine Models
Authors: Ferreira Carlos R. , Ansh Anenya Jai , Nester Catherine , O'Brien Christine , Stabach Paul R. , Murtada Sae-Il , Lester Ethan R. , Khursigara Gus , Molloy Liz , Carpenter Thomas O. , Braddock Demetrios T.
Published: December 2021

Ectonucleotide pyrophosphatase/phosphodiesterase 1 (ENPP1) deficiency leads to cardiovascular calcification in infancy, fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23)-mediated hypophosphatemic rickets in childhood, and osteomalacia in adulthood. Excessive enthesis mineralization and cervical spine fusion have been previously reported in patients with biallelic ENPP1 deficiency, but their effect on quality of life is unknown. We describe additional musculoskeletal complications in patients with ENPP1 deficiency, namely osteoarthritis and interosseous membrane ossification, and for the first time evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in patients with this disease, both subjectively via narrative report, and objectively via the Brief Pain Inventory–Short Form, and a Patient Reported Outcome Measurement Information System Physical Function (PROMIS PF) short form. Residual pain, similar in magnitude to that identified in adult patients with X-linked hypophosphatemia, was experienced by the majority of patients despite use of analgesic medications. Impairment in physical function varied from mild to severe. To assess murine ENPP1 deficiency for the presence of enthesopathy, and for the potential response to enzyme replacement therapy, we maintained Enpp1asj/asj mice on regular chow for 23 weeks and treated cohorts with either vehicle or a long-acting form of recombinant ENPP1. Enpp1asj/asj mice treated with vehicle exhibited robust calcification throughout their Achilles tendons, whereas two-thirds of those treated with ENPP1 enzyme replacement exhibited complete or partial suppression of the Achilles tendon calcification. Our combined results document that musculoskeletal complications are a significant source of morbidity in biallelic ENPP1 deficiency, a phenotype which is closely recapitulated in Enpp1asj/asj mice. Finally, we show that a long-acting form of recombinant ENPP1 prevents the development of enthesis calcification at the relatively modest dose of 0.3 mg/kg per week, suggesting that suppression of enthesopathy may be attainable upon dose escalation. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR). This article has been contributed to by US Government employees and their work is in the public domain in the USA.
Neuromuscular conditions and the impact of cystine‐depleting therapy in infantile nephropathic cystinosis: A cross‐sectional analysis of 55 patients
Authors: Vill Katharina , Müller‐Felber Wolfgang , Landfarth Timotheus , Köppl Christian , Herzig Nadine , Knerr Christine , Holla Heike , Steidle Günther , Harms Erik , Hohenfellner Katharina ,   the Interdisciplinary Cystinosis Group
Published: December 2021

Infantile nephropathic cystinosis (INC) is a rare lysosomal storage disease caused by biallelic mutations in the cystinosin gene, leading to cystine accumulation in various organs. The aim of this cross‐sectional study was to investigate neuromuscular complications in a cohort of 55 patients (aged 2.8‐41.3 years, median 18.5 years) with INC. Clinical examination, jumping mechanography, clinical neurophysiology, and muscle/nerve ultrasound were performed. Physical performance, measured by mechanography, was below average in all patients. However, this reduction in physical performance was not always detected by conventional muscle power assessment. Twenty‐eight percent of patients had mostly mild axial weakness of the neck flexors and/or of the abdominal rectus muscles, the latter often presenting during childhood. One adult patient had generalized muscle weakness. Two patients had evidence of specific neuromuscular conditions, which may not have been directly related to cystinosis. 30% of patients presented with mild, 7% with moderate, and 5% with severe weakness of the intrinsic muscles of the hand. Muscle wasting was more pronounced in the older cystinosis patients with multiple organ complications. Sonographic increase in muscle echogenicity corresponded only with severe weakness. Electromyography of the intrinsic hand muscles, performed in selected patients, showed myopathic, neurogenic, or mixed myopathic‐neurogenic abnormalities. A particularly important finding of this study is that the neuromuscular complications were largely independent from both the age of initiation of pharmacological cystine‐depleting therapy and from adherence to treatment. Significant correlation was observed between better physical performance in jumping and cysteine levels in leukocytes.
Maternal‐fetal transmission of delta‐9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and its metabolites following inhalation and injection exposure during pregnancy in rats
Authors: Baglot Samantha L. , VanRyzin Jonathan W. , Marquardt Ashley E. , Aukema Robert J. , Petrie Gavin N. , Hume Catherine , Reinl Erin L. , Bieber John B. , McLaughlin Ryan J. , McCarthy Margaret M. , Hill Matthew N.
Published: December 2021

Cannabis use during pregnancy has increased over the past few decades, with recent data indicating that, in youth and young adults especially, up to 22% of people report using cannabis during pregnancy. Animal models provide the ability to study prenatal cannabis exposure (PCE) with control over timing and dosage; however, these studies utilize both injection and inhalation approaches. While it is known that Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC; primary psychoactive component of cannabis) can cross the placenta, examination of the transmission and concentration of THC and its metabolites from maternal blood into the placenta and fetal brain remains relatively unknown, and the influence of route of administration has never been examined. Pregnant female rats were exposed to either vaporized THC‐dominant cannabis extract for pulmonary consumption or subcutaneous injection of THC repeatedly during the gestational period. Maternal blood, placenta, and fetal brains were collected following the final administration of THC for analysis of THC and its metabolites, as well as endocannabinoid concentrations, through mass spectrometry. Both routes of administration resulted in the transmission of THC and its metabolites in placenta and fetal brain. Repeated exposure to inhaled THC vapor resulted in fetal brain THC concentrations that were about 30% of those seen in maternal blood, whereas repeated injections resulted in roughly equivalent concentrations of THC in maternal blood and fetal brain. Neither inhalation nor injection of THC during pregnancy altered fetal brain endocannabinoid concentrations. Our data provide the first characterization of maternal‐fetal transmission of THC and its metabolites following both vaporized delivery and injection routes of administration. These data are important to establish the maternal‐fetal transmission in preclinical injection and inhalation models of PCE and may provide insight into predicting fetal exposure in human studies.
Intravenous calcitriol administration modulates mesenteric lymph node CD4+ T‐cell polarization and attenuates intestinal inflammation in obese mice complicated with polymicrobial sepsis
Authors: Yeh Chiu‐Li , Wu Jin‐Ming , Yang Po‐Jen , Lee Po‐Chu , Chen Kuen‐Yuan , Huang Chun‐Chieh , Yeh Sung‐Ling , Lin Ming‐Tsan
Published: December 2021

Background

Sepsis is a lethal syndrome with T‐cell dysregulation, imbalanced inflammatory reactions, and gastrointestinal dysfunction. Obesity coexistent with sepsis can cause more‐deleterious disease outcomes. Vitamin D is a nutrient with immunomodulatory ability and helps maintain intestinal homeostasis. This study investigated treatment with calcitriol on mesenteric lymph node (MLN) CD4+ T‐cell polarization and intestinal injury in obese mice with sepsis.

Methods

Mice received a high‐fat diet for 10 weeks; then, mice were separated into an obese control group without sepsis and sepsis groups that underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Septic mice were subdivided into a group that was injected with saline (SS group) or a group that was injected with calcitriol (SD group) via a tail vein 1 h after CLP. Obese mice with sepsis were euthanized at 12 or 24 h post CLP.

Results

Sepsis resulted in increased percentages of type 2 T helper (Th2), Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells in MLNs. Also, inflammation‐associated genes were upregulated and tight junction genes downregulated in the intestines after CLP. Compared with the SS group, the SD group exhibited reduced Th2, Th17, and Treg percentages in MLNs. Also, intestinal inflammatory chemokine expressions were reduced, whereas MUC2, ZO‐1, and occludin had increased after CLP. Lower inflammatory cytokine levels in peritoneal lavage fluid in the ileum were also noted in the SD group.

Conclusions

Intravenous calcitriol treatment after sepsis can elicit more‐balanced CD4 T‐cell subsets in lymph nodes near the intestines and alleviate intestinal inflammation and injury in obese mice complicated with sepsis.
Patient‐worn endoscopy mask to protect against viral transmission
Authors: Vahabzadeh‐Hagh Andrew M. , Patel Shiv H. , Stramiello Joshua A. , Weissbrod Philip A.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To design and evaluate patient‐worn personal protective equipment (PPE) that allows providers to perform endoscopy while protecting against droplet and airborne disease transmission.

Study design

Single subject study.

Methods

Mask efficacy was evaluated using a cough simulator that sprays dye visible under ultra‐violet light. User‐testing was performed on an airway trainer mannequin where each subject performed the endoscopy with and without the mask in random orders. Their time to completion and number of attempts before successful completion were recorded, and each subject was asked to fill out a NASA Task Load Index (TLX) form with respect to their experience.

Results

The mask has a filtration efficiency of 97.31% and eliminated any expelled particles with the cough simulator. Without the mask, a simulated cough is visualized as it progresses away from the cough origin. Subjects who performed trans‐nasal endoscopy spent 27.8 ± 8.0 s to visualize the vocal cords for the no mask condition and 28.7 ± 13.6 s for the mask condition (mean ± SD, p > .05). There was no statistically significant difference found in the mental demand, physical demand, temporal demand, performance, effort, and frustration of endoscopy under the no mask and mask conditions (all p > .05).

Conclusion

The designed PPE provides an effective barrier for viral droplet and airborne transmission while allowing the ability to perform endoscopy with ease.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 2021.
Impact of Cell Loading of Recombinant Spider Silk Based Bioinks on Gelation and Printability
Authors: Lechner Annika , Trossmann Vanessa T. , Scheibel Thomas
Published: December 2021

Printability of bioinks encompasses considerations concerning rheology and extrudability, characterization of filament formation, shape fidelity, cell viability, and post‐printing cellular development. Recombinant spider silk based hydrogels might be a suitable material to be used in bioinks, that is, a formulation of cells and materials to be used for bioprinting. Here, the high shape fidelity of spider silk ink is shown by bioprinting the shape and size of a human aortic valve. Further the influence of the encapsulation of cells has been evaluated on spider silk hydrogel formation, hydrogel mechanics, and shape fidelity upon extrusion based bioprinting. It is shown that the presence of cells impacts the gelation of spider silk proteins differently, depending on the used silk variant. RGD‐modified spider silk hydrogels are physically crosslinked by the cells, while there is no active interaction between cells and un‐tagged spider silk proteins. Strikingly, even at cell densities up to ten million cells per milliliter, cell viability is high after extrusion‐based printing, which is a significant prerequisite for future applications. Shape fidelity of the printed constructs is demonstrated using a filament collapse test in the absence and presence of human cells.
Early Application of Quaternized Chitin Derivatives Inhibits Hypertrophic Scar Formation
Authors: Chen Zuhan , Xie Fang , Xia Tian , Bian Xiaoen , Zhang Shichen , Cai Jie , Wang Yanfeng
Published: December 2021

Various treatments for hypertrophic scars (HS) are applied after wound re‐epithelialization. However, the lack of early intervention within the wound bed leads to poor HS treatment outcomes. In this study, quaternized chitin (QC) derivatives with different degrees of deacetylation (7.4% and 78.9%) are synthesized and their effects on HS formation are evaluated in a rabbit ear scar model. Early application of QC alleviates scar hypertrophy without delayed wound healing. Fibroblast count, collagen content, and α‐smooth muscle actin expression are decreased, while matrix metalloproteinase‐1 is upregulated on day 35 in the QC treatment group. QC suppresses inflammatory cell infiltration and IL‐6 expression. A subsequent reduction in transforming growth factor β1 expression is also observed. The inhibitory effect of QC on HS formation is eliminated through the administration of exogenous IL‐6. Taken together, early application of QC inhibits HS formation by downregulating IL‐6 expression, and QC with a low degree of deacetylation tends to be more effective. Considering its potential for accelerating wound healing, inhibiting HS formation, and its antibacterial activity, QC may be used as an effective dressing in clinical wound management.
Investigation of Degradation Mechanism of Y6‐Based Inverted Organic Solar Cells and Their Utilization in Durable Near‐Infrared Photodetection
Authors: Tanaka Naoya , Nakano Masahiro , Kobayashi Tomoki , Takahara Akira , Fujinuki Takahiro , Shahiduzzaman Md. , Karakawa Makoto , Taima Tetsuya , Iiyama Koichi
Published: December 2021

The device durability of inverted organic solar cells (OSCs) is investigated based on Y6, which is an effective nonfullerene acceptor for high‐performance OSCs. The durability of Y6‐based inverted OSCs is poor and it can be caused by aggregation of Y6 in the bulk‐heterojunction layer due to heating by continuous photo‐irradiation (≈65 °C, 100 mW cm−2, and 72 h). It is found that the aggregation of Y6 is suppressed at a low temperature (≈50 °C), and that the Y6‐based devices can be useful as a photodurable near‐infrared detector upon continuous laser irradiation.
Dynamic soil consolidation model using a nonlocal continuum poroelastic damage approach
Authors: Chen Yijun , Mobasher Mostafa E. , Waisman Haim
Published: December 2021

We present a novel dynamic poroelastic model for soil consolidation in an isotropic homogeneous fluid saturated porous media. A nonlocal integral‐type continuum damage formulation is applied to describe the damage evolution under dynamic excitations, in which a bilinear damage law is assumed. The governing equations are obtained by considering the conservation of momentum and mass balance for the solid–fluid mixtures, in which the fluid flow obeys Darcy's seepage law in the entire domain. The numerical solution of the fully coupled problem is achieved via a mixed FEM displacement–pressure element formulation. The mechanical equilibrium equations are evolved in time using a Newmark method and the resulting nonlinear system is solved via a Newton–Raphson method. Consistent linearization is then used to obtain the block Jacobian matrix analytically and the linear system is solved monolithically at each time step. Several numerical results are presented to study soil consolidation problems under harmonic excitations. We investigate the time‐dependence response of the skeleton displacement, pressure, and damage evolution. In addition, the examples demonstrate that the nonlocal integral‐type damage model can effectively overcome mesh dependence and yield smooth behavior.
Dexmedetomidine for prevention of opioid/benzodiazepine withdrawal syndrome in pediatric intensive care unit: Interim analysis of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mondardini Maria Cristina , Daverio Marco , Caramelli Fabio , Conti Giorgio , Zaggia Cristina , Lazzarini Rossella , Muscheri Lidia , Azzolina Danila , Gregori Dario , Sperotto Francesca , Amigoni Angela
Published: December 2021

Study Objective

Withdrawal syndrome (WS) may be a critical drawback of opioid/benzodiazepine weaning in children. The most effective intervention to reduce WS prevalence is yet to be determined. Dexmedetomidine (DEX) was estimated to be effective in reducing WS‐related symptoms, but no randomized trial has been conducted to prove its efficacy so far.

We aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of DEX in reducing the occurrence of WS.

Design and Setting

This was an adaptive randomized double‐blind placebo‐controlled trial conducted at three Italian Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICUs).

Patients

It included children admitted to PICU, undergoing at least five days of opioids/benzodiazepines continuous infusion, and ready to start the analgosedation weaning.

Intervention

Twenty‐four hours before the start of weaning, an infusion of DEX/placebo was started. WS symptoms were monitored using the Withdrawal‐Assessment‐Tool‐version‐1 (WAT‐1). In case of WS symptoms (WAT‐1 ≥ 3) an opioid/benzodiazepine bolus was given and the DEX/placebo infusion‐rate was increased.

Measurements

The primary outcome measure was the prevalence of WS. Secondary outcomes were the trend of WAT‐1 over time, number of rescue doses, length of weaning and PICU‐stay, and onset of adverse events (AEs).

Main Results

Forty‐five patients were enrolled, of whom 5 dropped‐out and 40 entered the interim analysis. There were no significant baseline differences between groups. WS prevalence did not significantly differ between groups (77.8% DEX vs 90.9% placebo, p = 0.381). By generalized linear mixed modeling, the WAT‐1 trend showed a significant increase per unit of time in the DEX arm (estimate 0.27, CI 0.07–0.47, p = 0.009) compared to placebo. Most frequent AEs were hemodynamic, and all of them happened in the DEX arm.

Conclusions

A continuous infusion of DEX, started 24 h before the analgosedation weaning and increased based on WS signs, was not able to significantly modify the prevalence of WS in children who received at least five days of opioids/benzodiazepines treatment compared to placebo.
How side‐chain hydrophilicity modulates morphology and charge transport in mixed conducting polymers
Authors: Khot Aditi , Savoie Brett M.
Published: December 2021

Organic mixed ionic‐electronic conductors (OMIECs) are a developing class of organic electronic materials distinguished by their dual modes of conduction. The side‐chains of OMIEC polymers are responsible for forming a percolating electrolyte phase that mediates doping and ionic conduction. Despite this critical role, design rules for OMIEC side‐chains are still nascent and their effects on OMIEC morphology and charge transport have yet to be systematically studied. Here we perform the first dedicated coarse‐grained molecular dynamics study of OMIECs where the side‐chain identity and distribution are systematically varied using a random copolymer architecture. The simulations recapitulate the nonlinear progression of the morphology from an interfacially gated electrolyte when large fractions of hydrophobic side‐chains are incorporated, to an electrolyte swelled morphology after crossing a threshold of approximately 40% polar side‐chains. Kinetic Monte Carlo simulations were used to characterize the charge transport behaviors in these systems, revealing two interesting maxima in the mobility at 40% and 100% polar side‐chain fractions, respectively. With respect to maximizing the charge mobility and conductivity, these simulations suggest that a uniform hydrophilic side‐chain distribution is optimal and that there are few advantages to using mixed side‐chains in a random copolymer architecture. These results also suggest several alternative side‐chain engineering strategies for optimizing OMIEC performance.
Blue Persistent Phosphor of YSiO2N:Ce3+ Developed by Codoping Sm3+ or Tm3+ Ions and Thermoluminescence Analysis of Their Trap Distributions
Authors: Kitagawa Yuuki , Ueda Jumpei , Tanabe Setsuhisa
Published: December 2021

By estimating the trap depth from the relative position of the zigzag curve of divalent lanthanoid ions and conduction band bottom, the YSiO2N:Ce3+‐based blue persistent phosphors are developed, and their persistent luminescence and thermoluminescence properties are characterized to identify the electron trap distributions. Taking the nephelauxetic effect caused by covalent nitrogen into account for the vacuum referred binding energy diagram, it is predicted that Tm3+ and Sm3+ ions with the trap depth of 0.726 and 1.04 eV are an optimal codopant to obtain Ce3+ persistent luminescence. The prepared YSiO2N:Ce3+‐Ln3+ (Ln = Sm or Tm) samples enhance the Ce3+: 5d → 4f blue persistent luminescence intensity. In the thermoluminescence glow curves, the Ce3+ singly doped sample shows two glow peaks related to intrinsic defects; on the other hand, the Ln3+ codoped samples show an additional glow peak related to the Ln3+ traps. The thermoluminescence glow curve analyses through the initial rise method combined with the thermal cleaning and trap density methods reveal that the electron traps of Ln3+‐related defects have a distribution with ≈0.25 eV width and depths of 0.802 eV (Tm3+) and 1.10 eV (Sm3+).
Public corruption and the allocation of government contracts
Authors: Wei Zuobao , Zhu Yicheng
Published: December 2021

Public corruption in the government procurement process is rampant and its cost is huge, even among developed countries. Some scholars estimate that about 20%–30% of the values of government projects are lost due to public corruption. In this paper, we examine how public corruption impacts the allocation of U.S. federal contracts. Using the U.S. Department of Justice corruption convictions data and the federal contract data from 2000 to 2018, we find that firms located in more corrupt states receive more federal contract dollars, more important contracts in terms of their contributions to firm revenues, and contracts with higher visibility among federal contractors. We construct an influence/favoritism index that takes into account defense contracts, cost‐plus contracts, and multi‐year contracts, and document that the index is positively related to corruption levels. These results hold after we conduct several robustness tests, including 2SLS regressions, propensity‐score matching analysis, and using alternative corruption measures. Our empirical findings are consistent with the hypothesis that corruption plays an important role in how federal contracts are allocated.
The impact of irrational behaviors in the optional prisoner's dilemma with game‐environment feedback
Authors: Stella Leonardo , Bauso Dario
Published: December 2021

In the optional prisoner's dilemma (OPD), players can choose to cooperate and defect as usual, but can also abstain as a third possible strategy. This strategy models the players' participation in the game and is a relevant aspect in many settings, for example, social networks or opinion dynamics, for example, during an election abstention is an option. In this article, we provide a formulation of the OPD where we consider irrational behaviors in the population, inspired by prospect theory. Prospect theory has gained increasing popularity in recent times because it can capture aspects such as reference dependence or loss aversion, which are common in human behavior. This element is original in our formulation of the game and is incorporated in our framework through pairwise comparison dynamics. Recently, the impact of the environment has been studied in the form of feedback on the population dynamics. Another element of novelty in our work is the extension of the game‐environment feedback to the OPD in two forms of dynamics, the replicator and the pairwise comparison. The contribution of this article is threefold. First, we propose a modeling framework where prospect theory is used to capture irrational behaviors in an evolutionary game with game‐environment feedback. Second, we carry out the stability analysis of the system equilibria and discuss the oscillating behaviors arising from the game‐environment feedback. Finally, we extend our previous results to the OPD and we discuss the main differences between the model resulting from the replicator dynamics and the one resulting from the pairwise comparison dynamics.
Evolution of supply chain finance: A comprehensive review and proposed research directions with network clustering analysis
Authors: Parida Ratri , Dash Manoj Kumar , Kumar Anil , Zavadskas Edmundas Kazimieras , Luthra Sunil , Mulat‐weldemeskel Eyob
Published: December 2021

Over the last decade, supply chain finance (SCF) has gained popularity and increasing attention among academicians and stakeholders in the context of financial flows in the supply chain. However, some research gaps still exist that need to be explored to improve the sustainability of supply chains. Specifically, there is a critical research need to look at the conceptual background of SCF and its potential applicability in various phases of supply chains. Therefore, this article aims to bridge this gap by conducting a comprehensive State‐of‐the‐Art literature review based on 367 papers published from 2006 to 2020. Furthermore, this article is one of the first attempts to present current and past studies in the domain of SCF in a holistic manner. The analysis highlights the most influential authors, keywords, organisations, leading publications and clusters in existing research areas. This article also sets out a proposed research framework based on the triangulation approach perspective, that is, financial perspective, buyer perspective and supply chain‐oriented perspective. The most important and unique contribution of the article is the identification of new and emerging research areas where the application of SCF is still in the nascent stage. These findings can guide stakeholders at every stage of the value chain to appropriately use techniques that model policies to better inform investment and operational decisions in line with Sustainable Development Goals.
Estimation and inference for multikink expectile regression with longitudinal data
Authors: Li Dongyu , Wang Lei , Zhao Weihua
Published: December 2021

In this article, we investigate parameter estimation, kink points testing and statistical inference for a longitudinal multikink expectile regression model. The estimators for the kink locations and regression coefficients are obtained by using a bootstrap restarting iterative algorithm to avoid local minima. A backward selection procedure based on a modified BIC is applied to estimate the number of kink points. We theoretically demonstrate the number selection consistency of kink points and the asymptotic normality of all estimators. In particular, the estimators of kink locations are shown to achieve root‐n consistency. A weighted cumulative sum type statistic is proposed to test the existence of kink effects at a given expectile, and its limiting distributions are derived under both the null and the local alternative hypotheses. The traditional Wald‐type and cluster bootstrap confidence intervals for kink locations are also constructed. Simulation studies show that the proposed estimators and test have desirable finite sample performance in both homoscedastic and heteroscedastic errors. Two applications to the Nation Growth, Lung and Health Study and Capital Bike sharing dataset in Washington D.C. are also presented. The R codes for simulation studies and the real data are available at
https://github.com/wangleink/MKER.
Puffing Up Hollow Carbon Nanofibers with High‐Energy Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Capacitive‐Dominated Potassium‐Ion Storage
Authors: Wu Yingxiao , Cheng Jinqian , Liang Zibin , Tang Yanqun , Qiu Tianjie , Gao Song , Zhong Ruiqin , Zou Ruqiang
Published: December 2021

Nitrogen‐doped carbon materials with abundant defects and strong potassium adsorption ability have been recognized as potential anodes for potassium ion batteries (PIBs). However, the limited content and uncontrolled type of nitrogen‐doped sites hinder the further performance improvement of PIBs. Herein, this work proposes nitrogen phosphorous co‐doped hollow carbon nanofibers (PNCNFs) derived from high‐energy metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) with an ultra‐high nitrogen content of 19.52 wt% and a high portion of more reactive pyridinic N sites. Furthermore, the highly open architecture exploded by released gases from high‐energy MOFs provides sufficient edge sites to settle the N atoms and further form pyridinic N sites induced by phosphorous dopants. The resulting PNCNFs achieve excellent potassium ion storage performance with high reversible capacity (466.2 mAh g−1), superb rate capability (244.4 mAh g−1 at 8 A g−1), and excellent cycling performance (294.6 mAh g−1 after 3250 cycles). The density functional theory calculation reveals that the N/P defects enhance the potassium adsorption ability and improve the conductivity.
Fabrication of Large‐Area Uniform Nanometer‐Thick Functional Layers and Their Stacks for Flexible Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes
Authors: Zhang Weimin , Du Jinhong , Wei Qinwei , Zhang Dingdong , Pei Songfeng , Tong Bo , Liu Zhibo , Liang Yan , Cheng Hui‐Ming , Ren Wencai
Published: December 2021

Large‐area fabrication and stacking of various nanometer‐thick functional layers from solutions is essentially important for the construction of flexible thin‐film optoelectronic devices, but very challenging. The existing fabrication methods suffer from either non‐uniformity caused by the coffee‐ring effect or serious solution waste (excess of 90% for spin coating), and are hard to scale up and create stacks. Here, it is shown that centrifugal casting is a universal, scalable, and efficient method to fabricate uniform nanometer‐thick films and their stacks of various materials. The coffee‐ring effect is effectively suppressed, the solution utilization ratio is higher than ≈61%, and the films/stacks show a smooth surface/high‐quality interface. Using this method, flexible quantum dot light‐emitting diode displays with uniform luminance in a large lighting area of ≈115 cm2 that have not been achieved even on rigid substrates by the existing methods, are realized. This efficient and low‐cost solution processing method paves a way for large‐area fabrication of various flexible thin‐film optoelectronic devices.
A Buried Functional Layer for Inorganic CsPb0.75Sn0.25I2Br Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Yan Huibo , Huang Jincheng , Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Ming , Liu Jun , Meng Chunfeng , Deng Sunbin , Lu Lei , Xu Ping , Kwok Hoi-Sing , Li Guijun
Published: December 2021

The enlightening inorganic Sn‐based metal halide perovskites hold promise for environment‐friendly and efficient energy conversion. However, the undesired Sn2+ oxidation and uncontrollable crystallization of the perovskite absorber slow the development of highly efficient Sn‐based inorganic perovskite solar cells. Herein, an ionic liquid layer of 1‐butylpyridinium bromide (BPB) is employed as a buried functional template for the growth of the inorganic CsPb0.75Sn0.25I2Br perovskite absorber. The buried functional layer provides lone electron pairs from N atom to coordinate with the unsaturated metal ions (Pb and Sn) via the coupling effect. In addition, the electronegative atom from the hydrogen bond acceptor offers an electron‐rich environment for the perovskite growth to suppress Sn2+ oxidation. More importantly, this positive effect transduces from the interface to the bulk perovskite growth, leading to enhanced crystallinity and thus reduced nonradiative trap defects. Consequently, the efficiency of the inorganic CsPb0.75Sn0.25I2Br PSCs is improved from 6.80% to 11.28%, and the unencapsulated device exhibits superior ambient stability, maintaining 62% of its initial power conversion efficiency in dried air for 200 h. The buried ionic liquid functional layer approach provides an avenue for the development of high‐efficiency Sn‐based optoelectronics.
Direct Vanadium Alloying of Liquid Steel with Self‐Reduction Vanadium Slag Briquette
Authors: Xin Jianjiang , Wang Nan , Chen Min , Chen Chen
Published: December 2021

Herein, a green and innovative direct alloying technology of liquid steel with self‐reduction vanadium slag briquette is proposed. This method with resource‐conserving, energy‐saving, and environment‐friendly, provides an alternative of the compact process for producing vanadium‐bearing steel. Thermodynamic and experimental investigations are carried out to illustrate the selective reduction tendency of oxide components in vanadium slag, recovery yield of vanadium and reaction mechanism during the direct alloying process. The reduction order of oxide components in vanadium slag briquette is FeO, Cr2O3, V2O3, and MnO, and after 20 min alloying time, the mass fraction of [V] in liquid steel climbs dramatically up to 0.56%. With increasing alloying temperature from 1520 to 1600 °C, the recovery yield of vanadium increases from 70.23% to 84.54%, and the highest vanadium recovery yield could reach 90.04% under the optimal conditions, indicating that higher temperature is essential to enhance self‐reduction reaction and mass transfer in liquid steel. The direct alloying process is controlled by the diffusion of vanadium element from the reaction interface into liquid steel through the slag‐metal boundary layer. In addition, smaller‐size vanadium slag briquette and intensified mixing of liquid steel are recommended to ensure rapid alloying and high vanadium recovery in applicable industrial production.
The Effects of Topic Familiarity on Text Quality, Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency: A Conceptual Replication
Authors: Kessler Matt , Ma Wenyue , Solheim Ian
Published: December 2021

Understanding the effects of second language writers’ topic familiarity on their subsequent writing performance has been a subject of great interest to researchers in second language acquisition and TESOL. However, prior studies have tended to suffer from multiple methodological limitations (e.g., no interrater reliability, limited or no control over important variables), which may call into question their results. In this conceptual replication, we highlight some of these issues by revisiting an influential study by He and Shi (2012), which explored the effects of ESL students’ topic familiarity on their writing performance as assessed by measures of text quality and complexity, accuracy, and fluency (CAF). Apart from highlighting the differences in our studies’ designs (e.g., the CAF measures and statistical analyses used), we highlight the similarities and differences in our findings. Finally, we close with a call for increased replication research in this area.
Toward a common language for quality issues in forensic science
Authors: Heavey Anna L. , Turbett Gavin R. , Houck Max M. , Lewis Simon W.
Published: December 2021

The call for transparency with regards to the disclosure of errors in forensic science has permeated dialogues within the field, the legal arena and the public domain. While the challenges of meeting this need have been debated, no consistently accepted approach to recording or disclosing critical issues in forensic science has been developed. Part of the solution may lie in the quality system structures already present in forensic service providers world‐wide. However, while quality systems themselves may be standardized, the language used within them is not. We argue that the development of a common language for quality issues in forensic science may provide the key to unlocking this crucial information to support collaboration, continuous improvement, and the fundamental understanding of “error” in forensic science.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Trace Evidence

Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Communication Across Science and Law

Jurisprudence and Regulatory Oversight > Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence > Presentation and Evaluation of Forensic Science Output
Nearest‐neighbor sparse Cholesky matrices in spatial statistics
Authors: Datta Abhirup
Published: December 2021

Gaussian process (GP) is a staple in the toolkit of a spatial statistician. Well‐documented computing roadblocks in the analysis of large geospatial datasets using GPs have now largely been mitigated via several recent statistical innovations. Nearest neighbor Gaussian process (NNGP) has emerged as one of the leading candidates for such massive‐scale geospatial analysis owing to their empirical success. This article reviews the connection of NNGP to sparse Cholesky factors of the spatial precision (inverse‐covariance) matrix. Focus of the review is on these sparse Cholesky matrices which are versatile and have recently found many diverse applications beyond the primary usage of NNGP for fast parameter estimation and prediction in the spatial (generalized) linear models. In particular, we discuss applications of sparse NNGP Cholesky matrices to address multifaceted computational issues in spatial bootstrapping, simulation of large‐scale realizations of Gaussian random fields, and extensions to nonparametric mean function estimation of a GP using random forests. We also review a sparse‐Cholesky‐based model for areal (geographically aggregated) data that addresses long‐established interpretability issues of existing areal models. Finally, we highlight some yet‐to‐be‐addressed issues of such sparse Cholesky approximations that warrant further research.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Algorithms

Algorithms and Computational Methods > Numerical Methods