bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Recent Progress in Al‐, K‐, and Zn‐Ion Batteries: Experimental and Theoretical Viewpoints
Authors: Pal Dipayan , Chakraborty Sudip , Chattopadhyay Sudeshna
Published: June 2021

Herein, recent advancements in battery materials’ research post‐Li‐ion era, from both the perspective of experimental investigations and theoretical analysis, are focused on. A plethora of materials family, which has been proven to be impactful for Al‐, K‐, and Zn‐ion batteries, leverages the advanced synthesis and characterization along with the first‐principles electronic structure calculations. However, the adequate amalgamation between experimental findings and theoretical study of materials’ properties needs to be well addressed. This paves the way to the present article, where the recent progress in Al, K, and Zn battery materials, with a common string of connections between experiment and theory, is critically reviewed. The advanced characteristics relevant to Al‐, Zn‐, and K‐ion battery technology, along with theoretical tools like molecular dynamics simulation, transition pathway, and voltage profiles, are discussed. It also sheds light on the treatment of solid−liquid interfaces and how one can achieve an optimum electrochemical performance for the next‐generation battery advancement. An extensive status quo of the Al‐, Zn‐, and K‐ion battery research would certainly be instrumental for the energy‐storage community, where one can perceive broader viewpoints in battery technology from fundamental understanding.
Evaluating the geomorphic channel response to beaver dam analog installation using unoccupied aerial vehicles
Authors: Davis Julianne , Lautz Laura , Kelleher Christa , Vidon Philippe , Russoniello Christopher , Pearce Casey
Published: June 2021

Beaver dam analogs (BDAs) are a stream restoration technique that is rapidly gaining popularity in the western United States. These low‐cost, stream‐spanning structures, designed after natural beaver dams, are being installed to confer the ecologic, hydrologic, and geomorphic benefits of beaver dams in streams that are often too degraded to provide suitable beaver habitat. BDAs are intended to slow streamflow, reduce the erosive power of the stream, and promote aggradation, making them attractive restoration tools in incised channels. Despite increasing adoption of BDAs, few studies to date have monitored the impacts of BDAs on channel form. Here, we examine the geomorphic changes that occurred within the first year of restoration efforts in Wyoming using high‐resolution visible light orthomosaics and elevation data collected with unoccupied aerial vehicles (UAVs). By leveraging the advantages of rapidly acquired images from UAV surveys with recent advancements in structure‐from‐motion photogrammetry, we constructed centimeter‐scale digital elevation models (DEMs) of the restoration reach and an upstream control reach. Through DEM differencing, we identified areas of enhanced erosion and deposition near the BDAs, suggesting BDA installation initiated a unique geomorphic response in the channel. Both reaches were characterized by net erosion during the first year of restoration efforts. While erosion around the BDAs may seem counter to the long‐term goal of BDA‐induced aggradation, short‐term net erosion is consistent with high precipitation during the study and with theoretical channel evolution models of beaver‐related stream restoration that predict initial channel widening and erosion before net deposition. To better understand the impacts of BDAs on channel morphology and restoration efforts in the western United States, it is imperative that we consistently assess the effects of beaver‐inspired restoration projects across a range of hydrologic and geomorphic settings and that we continue this monitoring in the future.
Giving birth during a pandemic: From elation to psychopathology
Authors: Puertas‐Gonzalez Jose A. , Mariño‐Narvaez Carolina , Romero‐Gonzalez Borja , Peralta‐Ramirez Maria Isabel
Published: June 2021

Objective

To compare the postpartum psychopathological symptoms of women who gave birth before the pandemic with those who gave birth during the pandemic.

Methods

A total of 212 women participated in the study, of which 96 gave birth before the pandemic and 116 during the pandemic. Psychopathological symptoms, postpartum depression, perceived stress, and resilience were evaluated.

Results

Women who gave birth during the pandemic had higher scores on somatization, obsessions and compulsions, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, hostility, phobic anxiety, and psychoticism. In addition, perceived stress was the common predictor of an increase in these symptoms.

Conclusion

Postpartum is a complicated period in a woman's life. Many psychological adaptations take place and women may be subject to psychological alterations during this period. In addition, women who gave birth during the COVID‐19 crisis may show greater psychological vulnerability, due to the specific situation experienced during the pandemic. The COVID‐19 pandemic may have played a role in the increase in psychopathological symptoms after childbirth. Detecting possible symptoms postpartum plays a crucial role, because it allows intervening and preventing the development of psychopathologies.
Automatic lumen segmentation using uniqueness of vascular connected region for intravascular optical coherence tomography
Authors: Zhu Fengyu , Ding Zhenyang , Tao Kuiyuan , Li Qingrui , Kuang Hao , Tian Feng , Zhou Shanshan , Hua Peidong , Hu Jingqi , Shang Mingjian , Yu Yin , Liu Tiegen
Published: June 2021

We present an automatic lumen segmentation method using uniqueness of connected region for intravascular optical coherence tomography (IVOCT), which can effectively remove the effect on lumen segmentation caused by blood artifacts. Utilizing the uniqueness of vascular wall on A‐lines, we detect the A‐lines shared by multiple connected regions, identify connected regions generated by blood artifacts using traversal comparison of connected regions' location, shared ratio and area ratio and then remove all artifacts. We compare these three methods by 216 challenging images with severe blood artifacts selected from clinical 1076 IVOCT images. The metrics of the proposed method are evaluated including Dice index, Jaccard index and accuracy of 94.57%, 90.12%, 98.02%. Compared with automatic lumen segmentation based on the previous morphological feature method and widely used dynamic programming method, the metrics of the proposed method are significantly enhanced, especially in challenging images with severe blood artifacts.
Enhanced corrosion resistance and reduced cytotoxicity of the AZ91 Mg alloy by plasma nitriding and a hierarchical structure composed of ciprofloxacin‐loaded polymeric multilayers and calcium phosphate coating
Authors: Shanaghi Ali , Mehrjou Babak , Chu Paul K.
Published: June 2021

Much effort has made to lessen the cytotoxicity and enhance the corrosion resistance of biodegradable magnesium alloys, for example, by depositing multilayered polymeric coatings containing hydroxyapatite. In this work, a hierarchical structure composed of ciprofloxacin (Cip)‐loaded on polyacrylic acid (PAA) and poly (ethyleneimine) (PEI) as biocompatible polymeric multilayers and calcium phosphate coating as the top layer is formed by the sol–gel method on the AZ91 Mg alloy with an intermediate layer formed by nitrogen plasma immersion ion implantation. The thicknesses of the multilayered coating and nitrided layer (Mg3N2) are 10 μm and 140 nm, respectively. The corrosion current density decreases by 95.6% and the corrosion potential in the polarization curve shifts to the positive direction by 23%. The passivation process which occurs at defects by deposition of corrosion products mitigates both galvanic and localized corrosion. Slight increase in the contact angle and surface free energy, enhanced corrosion resistance, and reduced cytotoxicity are observed from the multilayered structure. The better corrosion resistance enables better control of release of Cip. Biological assessment indicates that the antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli is improved by 100% after culturing for 24 hr and the cell viability and noncytotoxic behavior of the coated AZ91 are enhanced as well. The corrosion behavior and biological results suggest that the strategy of using a hierarchical structure composed of Cip‐loaded polymeric multilayers in conjunction with an intermediate plasma nitrided layer has large potential in the development of biodegradable orthopedic implants made of Mg alloys.
Synthesis of AgNPs functionalized CuMOF/PPy–rGO nanocomposite and its use as an electrochemical sensor for metronidazole determination
Authors: Saedi Hamide , Fat'hi Mohammad Reza , Zargar Behrooz
Published: June 2021

In this research, a simple and sensitive electrochemical technique based on using nanocomposite of (AgNP/CuMOF/PPy–rGO) modified carbon paste electrode for determination of metronidazole (MTZ) is described. Polypyrrole (PPy) hemispherical molecules coated reduced graphene oxide (PPy–rGO) was combined with CuMOF, a typical metal–organic framework, by hydrothermal method. AgNP/CuMOF/PPy–rGO was simply fabricated by creating AgNP inside and on the surface of the nanocomposite. The composition and morphology of the synthesized nanocomposite were investigated by SEM, FT‐IR, EDX, and XRD. Cyclic voltammetry and ASSWV were utilized to determine the electrocatalytic activity of the sensor regarding the reduction of MTZ. Interestingly, some outstanding properties of the nanocomposite including high surface area of CuMOF, good conductivity of PPy–rGO, and the catalytic activity of AgNPs could result in the enhancement of the electron transfer rate, electrochemical behavior, and the reduction of peak currents at the surface of the proposed sensor. Sensitive, promising, and stable electrochemical sensor exhibited linear detection range of 0.08–160 μM at pH 5.0 with detection and limit of 24 nM (S/N = 3). The system was validated for precision with standard deviation less than 2.0%. Moreover, its feasibility was successfully assessed through analysis of tablet and human urine.
Extrapolation of Efficacy and Dose Selection in Pediatrics: A Case Example of Atypical Antipsychotics in Adolescents With Schizophrenia and Bipolar I Disorder
Authors: Kalaria Shamir N. , Farchione Tiffany R. , Uppoor Ramana , Mehta Mehul , Wang Yaning , Zhu Hao
Published: June 2021

Pediatric labeling information for novel atypical antipsychotics can be significantly delayed as the result of time lag between initial drug approval in adults and the completion of pediatric clinical trials. This delay can lead health care providers to rely on limited evidence‐based literature to make critical therapeutic decisions for pediatric patients. Effective and scientifically justified dosing recommendations are needed to improve treatment outcomes in pediatric patients with schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder. Extrapolation‐based drug development strategies rely on leveraging prior data to reduce evidentiary requirements for newer data in establishing drug efficacy. On January 13, 2020, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released a general advice letter to sponsors highlighting the acceptance of extrapolating efficacy of atypical antipsychotics to pediatric patients. This review provides insight into the FDA's justification for extrapolating efficacy from adult to pediatric patients and provides a rationale for dose selection in pediatric patients with schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder.
From chemostats to high‐density perfusion: the progression of continuous mammalian cell cultivation
Authors: Wong H. Edward , Chen Chun , Le Huong , Goudar Chetan T.
Published: June 2021

Continuous cultivation of mammalian cells originated in chemostats in the 1950s and, through a series of technological advancements, has evolved into modern‐day high‐density perfusion processes with volumetric productivities >5 g L–1 day–1over extended cultivation periods. With appropriate process development, these productivities can be achieved with no adverse impact on cell line stability and product quality. Developments in downstream processing and automation have enabled the integration of drug substance manufacturing processes suitable for next‐generation plants that require lower capital deployment, with the potential for rapid construction and validation for clinical and commercial production. Perfusion also has been successfully used to generate high‐density cell banks (> 50 × 106cells mL–1) and for seed‐train optimization. They have resulted in significant productivity increases (10‐fold increase in volumetric productivity) from fed‐batch bioreactors by providing a high‐density seeding culture that elevates the inoculation density in a production bioreactor (> 5 × 106cells mL–1). Related advancements in cell culture medium formulations and cell line performance typically are independent of bioreactor format and have broad applicability for biotherapeutic manufacturing. The last decade has seen renewed interest in high‐density perfusion cultures and technological advances spanning the entire space of drug substance manufacturing – from cell line development to the final purification step. Continually evolving, these new technologies now are being introduced into clinical and commercial manufacturing. We anticipate that the general principles and knowledge gleaned from process intensification will extend well beyond classical perfusion cultivation and into all aspects of mammalian cell culture. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Sonographic diagnosis of appendicitis: A pictorial essay and a new diagnostic maneuver
Authors: Kadasne Ravi , Sabih Durr ‐e‐ , Puri Gunjan , Sabih Quratulain
Published: June 2021

While many cases of appendicitis are easy to diagnose clinically, a significant number need further workup in the form of imaging. Ultrasound and CT are both used extensively to diagnose or exclude appendicitis, or arrive at an alternate diagnosis. Ultrasound has many advantages but can be a difficult modality to use due to, among other reasons, the anatomical variations in appendicial location. The true retrocolic appendix is particularly difficult to diagnose with ultrasound. This pictorial essay examines the ultrasound features of normal and diseased appendix and proposes a new examining station, the prone view, for visualizing true retrocolic appendicitis.
The ontogeny of personality: Repeatability of social and escape behaviors across developmental stages in Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus)
Authors: Adaniya Catherine H. , Wellman Cara L. , Demas Gregory E. , Cusick Jessica A.
Published: June 2021

Animal personality is defined as behavioral tendencies that are consistent across time and contexts within an individual, but differ across individuals. Studies investigating personality typically examine individuals across short time periods or within a single life stage. Growing evidence suggests that personality may be less stable across life stages, highlighting the need to consider the effects of ontogeny on the expression of consistent behavioral traits. We investigated individual consistency in social and escape behaviors across developmental stages using Siberian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus). To determine whether individuals were consistent in these behaviors as juveniles and across developmental stages, we measured male and female social and escape behaviors twice as juveniles and once as adults. Individuals' social scores were significantly repeatable within the juvenile stage, but not across developmental stages. In contrast, escape scores were highly repeatable across developmental stages, with males' scores being more repeatable than females' scores. Our results support previous findings that personality traits, especially those associated with social behavior, are less stable across development, whereas behaviors associated with stress or coping may represent a more permanent feature of an individual's phenotype. Our results also indicate potential sex differences in long‐term repeatability of personality. Considering how ontogeny affects animal personality for males and females can provide insight into the evolution and mechanisms that maintain animal personality.
The behavior of Gammarus aequicauda (crustacea, amphipoda) during predation on chironomid larvae: Sex differences and changes in precopulatory mate‐guarding state
Authors: Shadrin Nickolai , Yakovenko Vladimir , Anufriieva Elena
Published: June 2021

The foraging behavior determines the diet size influencing the growth and reproduction of a predator and its prey populations. Amphipods play a key role in various aquatic ecosystems. Gammarus aequicauda is an abundant widespread omnivorous species and the only known amphipod species of hypersaline waters. Its predation can suppress the populations of planktonic and benthic invertebrates. Males of G. aequicauda actively eat chironomid larvae but there is no data on predatory females. Experiments were conducted to study sex‐related differences in feeding behavior including during precopulatory mate guarding (PCMG). There were significant sex differences in feeding characteristics. For females, calculations showed that maximum consumption could be 3–4 chironomid larvae per day and for males about 9–10 larvae per day. During PCMG, males did not feed and females fed as efficiently as single females. Males transported females and alone carrying the energetic costs of swimming during PCMG. Less expenditure of energy on swimming means more energy for reproduction for females. This allows more energy‐efficient use of food resources and increases the reproductive success of the population. There are currently two alternative views on PCMG among crustaceans. 1. It is a sexual conflict between males and females serving as a male adaptive strategy to achieve a female during strong male competition, while females bear many costs during the long guarding period. 2. There is also the opposite view that pairs get energetic benefits from long PCMG. Obtained data suggest that PCMG is likely to be intersexual cooperation and not intersexual conflict.
STAT5 promotes chronic pancreatitis by enhancing GM-CSF-dependent neutrophil augmentation
Authors: Lin Yuli , Chen Yusheng , Feng Wenxue , Zhang Junfeng , Hua Rong , Yin Bo , Yang Xuguang
Published: June 2021

Chronic pancreatitis (CP) is a continuing or relapsing inflammatory disease of the pancreas, characterized by fibrosis of the whole tissue. The regulatory mechanisms of the immune microenvironment in the pathogenesis of CP are still not clear. Immune cells, especially myeloid cells, play an important role in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms of immune infiltration has a significant impact on CP intervention. Here, we demonstrated that transcription factor STAT5 was involved in and critical for the progression of CP. Inflammatory stress could significantly increase the expression and activation of STAT5 during CP. STAT5 deficiency or inhibition contributed to alleviating pancreatic inflammation and fibrosis in CP mice. The increased neutrophil infiltration, mediated by up-regulated GM-CSF, was responsible for the pancreatitis-promoting activity of STAT5. Our investigation highlighted the importance of STAT5 in regulating the immune microenvironment of CP. Targeting STAT5 may hold distinct promise for clinical treatment to alleviate CP.
Long‐term monitoring of the development and extinction of IgA and IgG responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Ivanov Andrei , Semenova Elena
Published: June 2021

Despite the great interest of the scientific community in the behavior of the human body after contact with the new coronavirus severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2), long‐term (more than 6 months) monitoring of the immunological status of patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) having varying severity degrees and of the people with a low SARS‐CoV‐2 viral load is practically absent. The aim of this study is a 9‐month monitoring of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection immune response development and extinction using quantitative assessment of IgA and IgG levels in the blood of healthy donors living in the context of the coronavirus pandemic and of the patients who have undergone COVID‐19. The project involved 180 volunteers, of whom 51 persons (28.33%) fell ill with COVID‐19 during the observation period. All people who underwent COVID‐19 developed a stable humoral immune response but their individual immune status had a number of features. Approximately 39.22% (20 of 51 people) of project participants diagnosed with COVID‐19 showed an unusual change in plasma anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgA levels. Relatively high levels of IgA (ratio ~ 3) after recovery persisted for a long time (more than 6 months). In one‐third (17 of 51 people) of patients with COVID‐19, the IgA level exceeded the IgG level. IgA antibodies appeared earlier and showed a stronger and more robust response to the SARS‐CoV‐2 virus than IgG. Increased levels of anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 IgA (ratio from 0.8 to 2.36) throughout the observation period were recorded in 28 of 180 project participants (15.56%) of whom only one person fell ill with COVID‐19.
A prospective randomized double‐blind clinical trial to assess the effects of leukocyte‐reduced platelet‐rich plasma on pro‐inflammatory, degradative, and anabolic biomarkers after closed pilon fractures
Authors: Zitsch Bradford P. , James Christopher R. , Crist Brett D. , Stoker Aaron M. , Della Rocca Gregory J. , Cook James L.
Published: June 2021

Posttraumatic osteoarthritis (PTOA) significantly affects patients with pilon fractures even after adequate anatomical reduction, and treatment strategies targeting the biologic mediators of PTOA are needed. This study was designed to determine the effects of intra‐articular injection of platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) on synovial fluid (SF) biomarkers for patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of pilon fractures. Patients undergoing staged management of pilon fractures were enrolled in a prospective, double‐blinded, randomized, and placebo‐controlled clinical trial to determine the effects of a single intra‐articular injection of leukocyte‐reduced PRP on SF biomarkers. Arthrocentesis of the injured and uninjured ankles was performed at the time of external skeletal fixation (ESF) and ORIF. Patients were randomized to receive either autogenous leukocyte‐reduced PRP or saline (control) via intra‐articular injection into the injured ankle at the time of ESF. SF biomarker concentrations were compared—uninjured, injured pretreatment, and saline‐injected or PRP‐injected. Eleven patients (PRP, n = 5; saline, n = 6) completed the study. Twenty‐one uninjured, and 11 injured pretreatment, five PRP‐treated, and six saline‐treated SF samples were analyzed. PRP‐treated SF contained significantly higher levels of PDGF‐AA (p = 0.046) and significantly lower levels of MMP‐3 (p = 0.042), MMP‐9 (p = 0.009), IL‐1β (p = 0.049), IL‐6 (p < 0.01), IL‐8 (p = 0.048), and PGE2 (p < 0.04). This study provided mechanistic data to suggest that a single intraarticular injection of leukocyte‐reduced PRP is associated with anti‐inflammatory, anti‐degradative, and anabolic responses compared with saline control. These findings provide the impetus for investigating long‐term clinical outcomes after PRP injection as an orthobiologic adjunct to ORIF for mitigating the incidence and severity of PTOA after pilon fractures.
The size and temperature effect of ideality factor in GaN/InGaN multiple quantum wells micro‐light‐emitting diodes
Authors: Liu Yibo , Zhang Ke , Feng Feng , Chan Ka‐Wah , Yeung Sze‐Yan , Kwok Hoi‐Sing , Liu Zhaojun
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the GaN/InGaN multiple quantum wells (MQWs) micro‐light‐emitting diode (micro‐LED) devices of different size with green light emission were fabricated. The ideality factor of micro‐LED was discussed. For temperature‐dependent electrical characterization, the current–voltage relationship within a temperature category of 303–573 K was measured. The contact resistance between electrodes and GaN was exhibited, and a favorable ohmic contact was achieved for p‐electrode and p‐GaN. Next, the temperature and size effect of ideality factor was demonstrated. All size devices showed an extremely low factor smaller than 1.9. In order to better evaluate the temperature dependence, the thermal characterization was performed with a constant current and voltage mode. The 80‐μm device revealed a satisfactory temperature coefficient, namely, 1.92 mV/K at the forward voltage and 2.66 kA·K at the reverse bias. For temperature‐dependent optical characterization, the irradiance and brightness from 303 to 453 K of 100 μm were demonstrated. Even at 453 K, the brightness is still favorable as 34,520 nits. Following this, the luminous efficiency droop with increasing injection current density was described and discussed.
An LC‐MS/MS method for simultaneous quantification of 11 components of Xian‐Xiong‐Gu‐Kang in the plasma of osteoarthritic rats and pharmacokinetic analysis
Authors: Li Junfeng , Chen Wenjun , Wang Yahong , Yin Hua
Published: June 2021

Xian‐Xiong‐Gu‐Kang is composed of Epimedium brevicornu, Ligusticum chuanxiong, Radix clematidis, Cinnamomum cassia, and Fructus xanthii. It is used to treat numbness and pain of limbs. In this study, we developed a method to simultaneously quantify 11 components of Xian‐Xiong‐Gu‐Kang (icarrin, epimedin A, epimedin B, epimedin C, icariside II, chlorogenic acid, ligustilide, senkyunolide A, senkyunolide I, ferulic acid, and cinnamic acid) in rat plasma using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry. Chromatographic separation was performed on an ACQUITY UPLC BEH C18 column using gradient elution with a mobile phase comprising acetonitrile and 0.05% (v/v) formic acid aqueous solution. Mass spectrometry detection was performed using positive and negative electrospray ionization in the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The calibration curves of the 11 constituents were linear, with correlation coefficients > 0.99. The intra‐ and interday accuracy and precision values were within ±15.0%. The extraction recoveries of the 11 constituents and two internal standards were between 66.05 and 105.40%, and the matrix effects were between 86.74 and 112.86%. Using this method, the pharmacokinetic features of the 11 constituents were elucidated in the plasma of osteoarthritic rats after oral administration of the Xian‐Xiong‐Gu‐Kang extract.
Strategic multiple criteria group decision‐making model for continuous auditing system
Authors: Shiue William , Liu Jau Yang , Li Zong Ying
Published: June 2021

The increasing attention to continuous auditing in practice has demonstrated its significance as an important field of scholarly inquiry. This research takes the two well‐known continuous auditing systems, embedded audit module (EAM) and monitoring and control layer (MCL), to explore the key factors of successfully implementing a continuous auditing system. This study proposes a hybrid multiple criteria group decision‐making (MCGDM) model, which employs decision‐making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) and analytic network process (ANP) to determine the influential direction and criterion weight of continuous auditing system. We then use zero–one goal programming (ZOGP) to suggest the optimal allocation of the limited resources within the firm for the continuous auditing system. Finally, we present an empirical case to demonstrate the applicability of our proposed model. The proposed model guides business managers and executives to make proper judgment under dynamic market and technological environment.
Global strong solution to a thermodynamic compressible diffuse interface model with temperature‐dependent heat conductivity in 1D
Authors: Chen Yazhou , He Qiaolin , Huang Bin , Shi Xiaoding
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we investigate the wellposedness of the nonisentropic compressible Navier–Stokes/Allen–Cahn system with the heat conductivity proportional to a positive power of the temperature. This system describes the flow of a two‐phase immiscible heat‐conducting viscous compressible mixture. The phases are allowed to shrink or grow due to changes of density in the fluid and incorporates their transport with the current. We established the global existence and uniqueness of strong solutions for this system in 1D, which means no phase separation, vacuum, shock wave, mass, or heat or phase concentration will be developed in finite time, although the motion of the two‐phase immiscible flow has large oscillations and the interaction between the hydrodynamic and phase‐field effects is complex. Our result can be regarded as a natural generalization of the Kazhikhov–Shelukhin's result (Kazhikhov and Shelukhin, 1977) for the compressible single‐phase flow with constant heat conductivity to the non‐isentropic compressible immiscible two‐phase flow with degenerate and nonlinear heat conductivity.
Time‐periodic solutions for the full quantum Euler equation
Authors: Li Min , Yao Xianzhong
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we establish the existence and uniqueness of a time‐periodic solution to the full compressible quantum Euler equations. First, we prove the existence of time‐periodic solutions under some smallness assumptions imposed on the external force in a periodic domain by a regularized approximation scheme and the Leray–Schauder degree theory. Then the result is generalized to
by adapting a limiting method and a diagonal argument. The uniqueness of the time‐periodic solutions is also given. Compared to classical Euler equations, the third‐order quantum spatial derivatives are considered which need some elaborated treatments thereof in obtaining the highest‐order energy estimates.
First online X‐ray fluorescence characterization of liquid‐liquid extraction in microfluidics
Authors: Maurice Ange A. , Theisen Johannes , Rai Varun , Olivier Fabien , El Maangar Asmae , Duhamet Jean , Zemb Thomas , Gabriel Jean‐Christophe P.
Published: June 2021

Liquid‐liquid extraction is a complex chemical purification process, which is associated with many thermodynamic and kinetic values. This makes its application in the recycling industry difficult, as it deals with waste streams that have highly variable compositions. In this regard, modelling an extraction process using microfluidics proves to be a useful approach to allow rapid adaptation to such composition changes, if development can be shown to be more accurate, faster, and safer than the classical batch approach with separate analysis. Here, the first automated microfluidic tool integrated with online X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) is reported to study liquid‐liquid extraction processes by enabling metal concentration quantification. The measurement is automated and performed for both aqueous and organic phases to improve accuracy. Overall, this fully automated approach shows that: (i) Thermodynamic and kinetic values associated with these processes can rapidly and efficiently be obtained simultaneously (in less than 13 hours with a resulting liquid use of less than 20 mL). (ii) Numerical simulations are consistent with the experimental data and provide rare insights regarding the respective contributions to the overall kinetic of the extraction system.
A randomized, placebo‐controlled clinical development program exploring the use of litoxetine for treating urinary incontinence
Authors: Dmochowski Roger R. , Haab Francois , Robinson Dudley
Published: June 2021

Aims

To investigate the safety and efficacy of litoxetine, a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, in treating urinary incontinence (UI) and mixed urinary incontinence (MUI).

Methods

Two randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled clinical trials (RCT1 and RCT2) were conducted. RCT1, which included 196 women aged 18–75 with MUI randomized 1:1:1:1 to receive 10, 20, or 40 mg litoxetine or placebo orally twice daily (BID) for 12 weeks, investigated the efficacy (including changes in patient reported outcomes) and safety of litoxetine compared to placebo. RCT2, which included 82 men and women aged 18–70 with any UI type randomly assigned 2:1 to receive 30 mg litoxetine or placebo orally BID for 8 weeks including a 2 week dose titration period, investigated the safety (including psychiatric safety) and efficacy of litoxetine compared to placebo. Efficacy was measured as the change in number of incontinence episodes per week and assessed using an analysis of covariance with missing data imputed by Predictive Mean Matching. Safety was assessed by adverse events (AEs) and physical examinations and analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results

The 30‐mg and placebo groups in RCT2 showed no difference in frequency of AEs, and litoxetine reduced the number of incontinence episodes per week compared to placebo. Although RCT1 suffered an unexpectedly high placebo response, and therefore did not meet the primary efficacy endpoint, 71% of participants receiving 40 mg litoxetine reported a clinically meaningful improvement in the King's Health Questionnaire.

Conclusions

Litoxetine may be a safe, effective and well‐tolerated treatment for patients with UI.
Synthesis of a bio‐based piperazine phytate flame retardant for epoxy resin with improved flame retardancy and smoke suppression
Authors: Huang Zhenyu , Wang Zhengzhou
Published: June 2021

Piperazine phytate (PIPT), a bio‐based nitrogen‐phosphorus containing flame retardant, was feasibly synthesized by the reaction of piperazine (PI) with phytic acid (PA) in ethanol. The structure and chemical composition of PIPT were systematically characterized by NMR, FTIR, XRD, TEM and EDX. Epoxy resin (EP) composites with PIPT were prepared by utilizing 4, 4′‐diaminodiphenylmethane as a curing agent. The flame retardancy, mechanical performances and thermal decomposition of the EP composites were studied. The results show that the EP composite containing 15 wt% PIPT (sample EP/15PIPT) passes UL‐94 V0 rating with a limiting oxygen index reaching 35.5%. The cone calorimetric tests results demonstrate the peak heat release rate and total smoke release of EP/15PIPT are about 51.4% and 44.9% reduced than which of pure EP, respectively. The morphology of residual char reveals that the EP/ PIPT composites can form good and compact char during the combustion. In comparison with pure EP, the mechanical performances of the EP/PIPT composites decrease slightly as PIPT content increases.
Thermoplastic polyurethane/multiwalled carbon nanotubes nanocomposites: Effect of nanoparticle content, shear, and thermal processing
Authors: Farzaneh Arman , Rostami Amir , Nazockdast Hossein
Published: June 2021

In this study, nanocomposites of thermoplastic polyurethane and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) with varying nanofiller content (ranging from 0 wt% to 1 wt%) were prepared via the melt compounding method. Moreover, the influence of shear field and thermal processing on electrical conductivity has been evaluated. The evaluation of the phase separation degree revealed that with the increase in the nanofiller content from 0% to 0.4%, the phase separation degree increased by 25%. However, a further increase in the nanoparticle content slightly decreased the phase separation degree. Moreover, by increasing the nanofiller content up to 0.4%, the melting temperature and the melting enthalpy of the soft phase as well as the melting temperature of the hard phase increased. With the increase in the nanofiller content to 0.4%, a 3D network of MWCNTs was developed, corroborating the formation of an electrically conductive nanocomposite. The conductivity increased 3750‐fold in the quenched and 5000‐fold in the annealed samples with the increase in the nanofiller content from 0.2% to 1%. In general, the annealed nanocomposites featured lower conductivity than the quenched ones. The effect of the shear on conductivity was nanofiller content‐dependent. Exposure to shear below and above the percolation threshold decreased and increased the electrical conductivity, respectively.
Comprehensive characterization of naturally occurring antioxidants from the twigs of mulberry (Morus alba) using on‐line high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with chemical detection and high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Thomas Pannakal Steve , Eilstein Joan , Prasad Arpita , Ekhar Prashant , Shetty Sanketh , Peng Zhengang , Bordier Eric , Boudah Samia , Paillat Lionel , Marrot Laurent , Garnier Laurence , Pavan Laurent , Roy Nita
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The mulberry tree (Morus alba L.) is a prolific source of biologically active compounds. There is considerable growing interest in probing M. alba twigs as a source of disruptive antioxidant lead candidates for cosmetic skin care product development.

Objective

An integrated approach using high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with either chemical detection (CD) or high‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was applied to the hydroalcoholic extract of M. alba to detect and identify lead antioxidant compounds, respectively.

Material and methods

The twigs were weighed, powdered and homogenized using a mill and the extract was prepared using 70% aqueous ethanol. The antioxidant metabolites were detected with HPLC coupled with CD (based on the ORAC assay) and their structural identification was carried out using a Q‐Exactive Orbitrap MS instrument.

Results

Using this approach, 13 peaks were detected as overall contributors to the antioxidant activity of M. alba, i.e. mulberrosides (A & E), oxyresveratrol & its derivatives, moracin & its derivatives and a dihydroxy‐octadecadienoic acid, which together accounted for >90% of the antioxidant activity, highlighting the effectiveness of the integrated approach based on HPLC‐CD and HPLC‐HRMS. Additionally, a (3,4‐dimethoxyphenyl‐1‐O‐β‐D‐apiofuranosyl‐(1″ → 6′)‐O‐β‐D‐glucopyranoside was also discovered for the first time from the twig extract and is presented here.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first report from M. alba twigs using HPLC‐CD and HPLC‐HRMS that identifies key compounds responsible for the antioxidant property of this native Chinese medicinal plant.
Psychooncological care for patients with cancer during 12 months of the Covid‐19 pandemic: Views and experiences of senior psychooncologists at German Comprehensive Cancer Centers
Authors: Dinkel Andreas , Goerling Ute , Hönig Klaus , Karger André , Maatouk Imad , Petermann‐Meyer Andrea , Senf Bianca , Woellert Katharina , Wünsch Alexander , Zimmermann Tanja , Schulz‐Kindermann Frank
Published: June 2021

Key points

A monthly videoconference was maintained over 1 year, allowing senior psychooncologists from German Comprehensive Cancer Centers to discuss the implications of the Covid‐19 pandemic for psychooncological care.

In the early phase of the pandemic, a widespread disruption of psychooncological services was noted.

Rapidly developed adaptations of regular services worked well and sometimes brought about unexpected, creative solutions.

In March 2021, the high numbers of infections, the occurrence of new variants of the coronavirus, and the slow progress in vaccination raise fears about new disruptions and restrictions in service provision.

In coping with the pandemic, many therapists have felt like many cancer patients do feel in the process of coping with cancer, and this might help to better understand our patients.
Analysis of Doorway States in a Graphene Structure
Authors: Carrillo Enrique Arturo , Monsivais Guillermo , Flores Jorge Andres
Published: June 2021

Doorway states (DWSs) are related to the strength function phenomenon and giant resonances; and arise when two systems interact: one with a high‐density eigenvalue spectrum and the other with a comparatively lower density. They are important because they constitute a very efficient mechanism for energy absorption when a system has such a state. These concepts, studied first in nuclear physics in the 1940s, are analyzed here from a theoretical point of view in some particular graphene structures, obtained after applying appropriate voltages to a graphene sheet. The influence of the DWSs on the electronic transport in these systems is also studied. To analyze these effects, a graphene sheet is considered to which three electrodes are applied to produce two potential barriers separated by a well. It is shown that, for the thin barrier, the transmission coefficient as a function of the energy has well‐localized maxima, each maximum occurring at the DWS energies. This transmission clearly shows the strength function phenomenon. This function is an envelope for the resonances of the composite system. The results suggest the possibility of building graphene electronic devices, such as filters matching the DWSs.
Kitaev Magnetism through the Prism of Lithium Iridate
Authors: Tsirlin Alexander A. , Gegenwart Philipp
Published: June 2021

Fifteen years since its inception, the Kitaev model still boasts only a narrow group of material realizations. The progress in studying and understanding one of them, lithium iridate available in three polymorphs that host strong Kitaev interactions on spin lattices of different dimensionality and topology, is reviewed. Feasibility, effectiveness, and repercussions of tuning strategies based on the application of external pressure and chemical substitutions are also discussed.
Opportunities in Quantum Reservoir Computing and Extreme Learning Machines
Authors: Mujal Pere , Martínez‐Peña Rodrigo , Nokkala Johannes , García‐Beni Jorge , Giorgi Gian Luca , Soriano Miguel C. , Zambrini Roberta
Published: June 2021

Quantum reservoir computing and quantum extreme learning machines are two emerging approaches that have demonstrated their potential both in classical and quantum machine learning tasks. They exploit the quantumness of physical systems combined with an easy training strategy, achieving an excellent performance. The increasing interest in these unconventional computing approaches is fueled by the availability of diverse quantum platforms suitable for implementation and the theoretical progresses in the study of complex quantum systems. In this review article, recent proposals and first experiments displaying a broad range of possibilities are reviewed when quantum inputs, quantum physical substrates and quantum tasks are considered. The main focus is the performance of these approaches, on the advantages with respect to classical counterparts and opportunities.
A legislative framework for environmental flow implementation: 30‐years operation in Japan
Authors: Shinozaki Yui , Shirakawa Naoki
Published: June 2021

The Japanese environmental flow (e‐flow) concept and framework are outlined in the current study. We first review the natural and historical background related to the establishment and implementation of the e‐flow framework in Japan. We then summarize the national guidelines used to assess e‐flows. Finally, we discuss a river for which the guidelines have been applied to set e‐flow requirements. It is legally mandated that flows be established to maintain the riverine environments of class A rivers managed by the national government. These correspond to e‐flows, which are referred to as maintenance flows in Japan. A Guideline established in 1997 provides detailed instructions on how to assess e‐flows, and the e‐flow framework has been implemented for 100 class A rivers according to the guidelines. E‐flow objectives in Japan are intended to benefit ecosystems through the protection of river habitats and fisheries and the protection and maintenance of water quality, groundwater levels, riverine scenery, and navigable waterways. E‐flow objectives also address cultural and social needs, such as the prevention of salt damage and estuary clogging, and the protection of wooden infrastructure management facilities. Although Japanese rivers are characterized by large fluctuations and sudden peaks in flow, there has been little discussion about e‐flow evaluation methods that take flow variability into consideration. This is because dams on Japanese river basins control only a small percentage of total runoff volume. This is one reason why the guidelines for setting e‐flows focus only on the minimum flows required to prevent extreme low‐flow conditions.
First Report on the Complexation of Uranyl Ion with Two Diglycolamide Ligands in a Room Temperature Ionic Liquid: Optical Spectroscopy and Calorimetric Studies
Authors: Ansari Seraj A. , Dumpala Rama Mohana R. , Mohapatra Prasanta K.
Published: June 2021

The complexation of UO22+ with N,N,N′,N′‐tetraoctyl diglycolamide (TODGA) and N,N,N′,N′‐tetra‐2‐ethylhexyl diglycolamide (T2EHDGA) was investigated in ionic liquid using UV−vis absorption spectrophotometry and isothermal titration calorimetry. Spectrophotometric titration suggested the formation of two successive complexes, [UO2L]2+ and [UO2L2]2+ where L=TODGA or T2EHDGA. The formation constant values obtained in ionic liquid medium were several orders of magnitude higher than those observed with the analogous DGA ligands in aqueous medium. The stability constant (logβ) for UO22+/TODGA complex was at least an order of magnitude higher than those observed for UO22+/T2EHDGA complex. The speciation of UO22+/DGA complex obtained by spectrophotometric titration was in conformity with those observed in biphasic solvent extraction. Energetically the UO22+/DGA complexation was mainly driven by negative enthalpy and large positive entropy changes as a result of the release of entire water molecules from the solvation sphere of the hydrated UO22+ ions. The results from this work gave an insight understanding of the complexation behaviour of UO22+ ions with DGA ligands in ionic liquid. It is anticipated that such understanding will give valuable information for understanding the extraction behavior of uranyl ions by DGA ligands in ionic liquid.
Synthesis, Characterization and Photovoltaic Properties of Electron‐Accepting (11‐Oxoanthra[2,1‐b]thiophen‐6‐ylidene)dipropanedinitrile‐Based Molecules
Authors: Baranov Denis S. , Nevostruev Danil A. , Kazantsev Maxim S. , Zinoviev Vladimir A. , Zelentsova Ekaterina A. , Dmitriev Alexey A. , Gritsan Nina P. , Tsentalovich Yuri P. , Kotova Maria , Düreth Johannes , Sperlich Andreas , Dyakonov Vladimir , Kulik Leonid V.
Published: June 2021

Two acceptor small molecules consisting of 2‐(11‐oxoanthra[2,1‐b]thiophen‐6‐ylidene)dipropanedinitrile frameworks connected by a bis(thiophen‐2‐ylethynyl)arene bridge were synthesized by the two‐step sequence of Sonogashira cross‐coupling and Knoevenagel condensation in order to investigate their performance as non‐fullerene acceptors in organic solar cells. Optical, electrochemical and photovoltaic properties of new 2,2′‐[2,2′‐(5,5′‐(arenediyl)bis(ethyne‐2,1‐diyl)bis(thien‐5,2‐diyl))bis(11‐oxoanthra[2,1‐b]thiophen‐6‐ylidene)]dipropanedinitriles and previously studied analogs of 2,2′‐[2,2′‐arenediylbis(11‐oxoanthra[1,2‐b]thiophene‐6‐ylidene)]dipropanedinitriles were compared to assess the effect of introducing ethynylthiophene units between the arene linker and the 2‐(11‐oxoanthrathiophen‐6‐ylidene)propanedinitrile units. Despite the proper energy level alignment and morphology, composites of the newly synthesized compounds with the PBDB‐T donor polymer demonstrate a moderate PCE of 0.54 %. The small value of the short circuit current as compared to composites with fullerene acceptors is probably due to the low electron mobility in the newly synthesized compounds. The low electron mobility, in turn, is probably cause by the LUMO localization at the edge units of the acceptor‐type molecules, in contrast to the almost uniform LUMO delocalization over the whole π‐conjugated system for high‐performing non‐fullerene acceptors such as ITIC.