bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Changes in Disease‐Modifying Antirheumatic Drug Treatment for Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis in the US During the COVID‐19 Pandemic: A Three‐Month Observational Study
Authors: Michaud Kaleb , Pedro Sofia , Wipfler Kristin , Agarwal Ekta , Katz Patricia 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveTo understand medication, lifestyle, and clinical care changes of persons with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) during the first months (March 2020 through May 2020) of the COVID‐19 pandemic in the US.MethodsData were collected from adults with RA participating in FORWARD, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases observational registry, who answered COVID‐19 web‐based surveys in May 2020 and previously provided baseline characteristics and medication use prior to the US COVID‐19 pandemic. We compared medication changes by disease‐modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD) exposure in logistic models that were adjusted for age, sex, comorbidities including pulmonary and cardiovascular diseases, education level, health insurance status, RA disease activity, fatigue, and polysymptomatic distress.ResultsOf 734 respondents, 221 (30%) reported medication changes. Among respondents who experienced a medication change, i.e., “medication changers/changers,” glucocorticoids (GCs) were more commonly used compared to respondents who did not experience a medication change (“non‐changers”) (33% versus 18%). Non‐hydroxychloroquine conventional DMARDs were less commonly used in changers compared to non‐changers pre–COVID‐19 (49% versus 62%), and changers reported more economic hardship during the COVID‐19 pandemic compared to non‐changers (23% versus 15%). While JAK inhibitor use was associated with the likelihood of a medication change, with an odds ratio (OR) of 1.9 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.0, 3.4), only pre‐COVID GC use remained a strong predictor for medication change in multivariable models (OR 3.0 [95% CI 1.9, 4.9]). Change in care was observed to have a significant association with pulmonary disease (OR 2.9 [95% CI 1.3, 6.5]), worse RA disease activity (OR 1.1 [95% CI 1.0, 1.1]), and GC use (OR 1.6 [95% CI 1.0, 2.5]). While the incidence of medication changes was the same before and after the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) guidance for the management of rheumatic disease in adult patients during the COVID‐19 pandemic were first published in April 2020, self‐imposed changes in medication were approximately twice as likely before publication of the guidelines, and physician‐guided changes were more likely after publication.ConclusionPersons with RA in the US made substantial medication changes during the first three months of the COVID‐19 pandemic, and changes among persons with RA after publication of the ACR guidance in April 2020 were made with increased physician guidance.
Prevalence and Associated Factors of Electrocardiogram Abnormalities in Patients With Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A Machine Learning Study
Authors: Hu Zhuoran , Wu Lin , Lin Zhiming , Liu Xiuhua , Zhao Changlin , Wu Zhen 
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveElectrocardiogram (EKG) abnormalities are predictive of subsequent cardiovascular events. Cardiac involvement is common in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). We aimed to determine the prevalence of EKG abnormalities in SLE patients and to examine the factors associated with EKG abnormalities with machine learning approaches.MethodsConsecutive SLE patients’ records were retrieved from the database of the hospital for the cross‐sectional study. Abnormal EKGs with clinical significance were grouped by the presence of tachyarrhythmias, atrioventricular block, nonspecific ST segment changes, T wave abnormalities, ventricular hypertrophy, axis deviation, bundle branch block, and QT interval prolongation. Associated factors of the most common EKG abnormalities were assessed by comparing logistic regression and 4 other machine learning approaches.ResultsIn the present study, 299 patients were enrolled, with 128 showing clinically significant abnormalities on EKG. T wave changes (52.3%), nonspecific ST segment–T wave (ST‐T) changes (26.6%), and prolonged QT interval (8.6%) were the most prevalent abnormalities among patients with abnormal findings on EKG. Random forests models had the best performance in the discovery of associated factors. Age, disease duration, antinuclear antibody titer, disease activity (as measured by the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000) were associated with nonspecific ST‐T changes, prolonged QT interval, and T wave changes. Hypertension, positivity for anti‐SSA antibodies, and secondary Sjögren's syndrome were influential factors for nonspecific ST‐T changes, prolonged QT interval, and T wave changes, specifically.ConclusionST‐T and T wave changes were the most common abnormalities seen on EKGs of SLE patients. Our finding suggests that age, longer disease duration, higher disease activity, hypertension, anti‐SSA antibody positivity, and secondary Sjögren's syndrome are important and influential factors in these EKG abnormalities.
Adaptive saturation compensation for strict‐feedback systems with unknown control coefficient and input saturation
Authors: Hu Xin , Wei Xinjiang , Zhang Huifeng , Han Jian 
Published: March 2021

SummaryThis work presents an adaptive saturation compensation scheme for the strict‐feedback uncertain systems with unknown control coefficient and input saturation. An adaptive saturation dynamic filter that does not require the a priori information of the completely unknown control coefficient is incorporated to correct position errors online to reduce the saturation effect. A Nussbaum‐type function is employed to handle the unknown control coefficient and avoid the control singularity. The adaptive command‐filtered backstepping is employed to derive the adaptive controller. The repeated differential operations of stabilizing functions required in the traditional backstepping are obviated due to command filters. It is analyzed that the designed adaptive controller achieves the system output tracking and the closed‐loop uniform ultimate stability. A simulation example is provided to validate the scheme.
Event‐triggered integral sliding mode control of Takagi‐Sugeno fuzzy stochastic systems
Authors: Sharmila Velu , Rakkiyappan Rajan , Hoon Joo Young 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article analyzes the integral sliding mode control (ISMC) problem for the nonlinear stochastic system by employing the fuzzy approach. Firstly, the Takagi‐Sugeno (T‐S) fuzzy stochastic model with unknown nonlinear function and external disturbance has been developed. Based on the fuzzy model, an observer‐based integral sliding mode fuzzy controller is derived under the event‐triggered scheme (ETS). The Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals (LKFs) involving double and triple integral terms are considered and evaluated by applying Writinger inequality lemma and reciprocally convex combination lemma. With the help of matrix's singular value decomposition lemma, the stability conditions have been derived which is in terms of linear matrix inequalities (LMIs) and this can be solved by MATLAB LMI toolbox. Two numerical examples are provided to demonstrate the usefulness of our theoretical conclusions.
A Robust Ternary Heterostructured Electrocatalyst with Conformal Graphene Chainmail for Expediting Bi‐Directional Sulfur Redox in Li–S Batteries
Authors: Cai Jingsheng , Sun Zhongti , Cai Wenlong , Wei Nan , Fan Yuxin , Liu Zhongfan , Zhang Qiang , Sun Jingyu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractDesigning high‐performance electrocatalysts for boosting aprotic electrochemistry is of vital importance to drive longevous Li–S batteries. Nevertheless, investigations on probing the electrocatalytic endurance and protecting the catalyst activity yet remain elusive. Here, a ternary graphene‐TiO2/TiN (G‐TiO2/TiN) heterostructure affording conformal graphene chainmail is presented as an efficient and robust electrocatalyst for expediting sulfur redox kinetics. The G‐TiO2/TiN heterostructure synergizes adsorptive TiO2, catalytic TiN, and conductive graphene armor, thus enabling abundant anchoring points for polysulfides and sustained active sites to allow smooth bi‐directional electrocatalysis. Encouragingly, in situ crafted graphene chainmail ensures favorable protection of inner TiO2/TiN to retain their catalytic robustness towards durable sulfur chemistry. As expected, sulfur cathodes mediated by ternary G‐TiO2/TiN harvest an impressive rate capability (698.8 mAh g−1 at 5.0 C), favorable cycling stability (a low decay of 0.054% per cycle within 1000 cycles), and satisfactory areal capacity under elevated loading (delivering 8.63 mAh cm−2 at a sulfur loading of 10.4 mg cm−2). The ternary heterostructure design offers an in‐depth insight into the electrocatalyst manipulation and protection toward long lifespan Li–S batteries.
A Supramolecular “Trident” for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Li Xinxin , Wang Yuhan , Zhang Yiming , Liang Chunhui , Zhang Zhenghao , Chen Yaoxia , Hu Zhi‐Wen , Yang Zhimou 
Published: March 2021

AbstractImmunotherapy has shown great promise for the treatment of cancer. However, the limited efficacy of single‐agent immunotherapy hinders its widespread application, which stimulated the investigation of combination therapy with improved efficacy. Herein, a tri‐functional immunostimulatory supramolecular nanomedicine consisting of indoximod (IND, an indoleamine 2,3‐dioxygenase (IDO) inhibitor), DPPA‐1 (a D‐peptide antagonist against programmed cell death ligand‐1 (PD‐L1)), and a self‐assembling D‐tetrapeptide of GDFDFDY (a powerful adjuvant with immunostimulatory properties) is reported. The resulting IND‐GDFDFDY‐DPPA‐1 behaves as a supramolecular “trident,” and its three functional parts play parallel roles to boost the effective immune responses. It is shown that the supramolecular “trident” exhibits a stronger binding ability to PD‐L1 than the DPPA‐1 peptide (>fourfold) and is able to inhibit the IDO‐1 pathway more efficiently than IND itself. The supramolecular “trident” activates and recruits the cytotoxic CD8+ T lymphocytes along with other immune effector cells in tumors, concomitant with downregulation of Foxp3+ T cells and upregulation of tumor immune‐related cytokines, thus showing a strong ability to improve the tumor microenvironment and enhance immunotherapeutic effects to prevent tumor growth and metastasis in the breast tumor model. The findings may stimulate the development of self‐assembling peptide‐based multifunctional nanomedicines for cancer therapy.
Self‐Diagnostic Polymers—Inline Detection of Thermal Degradation of Unsaturated Poly(ester imide)s
Authors: Funtan Alexander , Michael Philipp , Rost Simon , Omeis Jürgen , Lienert Klaus , Binder Wolfgang H. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMonitoring polymer degradation is an important quest, particularly relevant for industry. Although many indirect methodologies for assessing polymer degradation exist, only few are applicable for an inline‐monitoring via optic detection‐systems. An inline‐monitoring system is introduced for the thermal degradation of crosslinked poly(ester imide)s (PEIs) by embedding trifluoroacetyl functionalized stilbene molecules, serving as chemosensors to track the release of generated alcoholic byproducts. Nucleophilic addition of an alcohol to the sensors trifluoroacetyl functionality triggers hemiacetal formation which is accompanied by significant changes in optical properties, in turn allowing monitoring of sensor activation by direct spectroscopy. Fluorescence spectroscopy offers an easy detection tool for the inline thermal monitoring of PEI‐degradation.
Lattice‐Oxygen‐Stabilized Li‐ and Mn‐Rich Cathodes with Sub‐Micrometer Particles by Modifying the Excess‐Li Distribution
Authors: Hwang Jaeseong , Myeong Seungjun , Lee Eunryeol , Jang Haeseong , Yoon Moonsu , Cha Hyungyeon , Sung Jaekyung , Kim Min Gyu , Seo Dong‐Hwa , Cho Jaephil 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn recent years, Li‐ and Mn‐rich layered oxides (LMRs) have been vigorously explored as promising cathodes for next‐generation, Li‐ion batteries due to their high specific energy. Nevertheless, their actual implementation is still far from a reality since the trade‐off relationship between the particle size and chemical reversibility prevents LMRs from achieving a satisfactory, industrial energy density. To solve this material dilemma, herein, a novel morphological and structural design is introduced to Li1.11Mn0.49Ni0.29Co0.11O2, reporting a sub‐micrometer‐level LMR with a relatively delocalized, excess‐Li system. This system exhibits an ultrahigh energy density of 2880 Wh L−1 and a long‐lasting cycle retention of 83.1% after the 100th cycle for 45 °C full‐cell cycling, despite its practical electrode conditions. This outstanding electrochemical performance is a result of greater lattice‐oxygen stability in the delocalized excess‐Li system because of the low amount of highly oxidized oxygen ions. Geometric dispersion of the labile oxygen ions effectively suppresses oxygen evolution from the lattice when delithiated, eradicating the rapid energy degradation in a practical cell system.
A Review on Materials and Technologies for Organic Large‐Area Electronics
Authors: Buga Cláudia S. , Viana Júlio C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractNew and innovative applications in the field of electronics are rapidly emerging. Such applications often require flexible or stretchable substrates, lightweight and transparent materials, and design freedom. This paper offers a complete overview concerning flexible electronics manufacturing, focusing on the materials and technologies that have been recently developed. This combination of materials and technologies aims to fuel a fast, economical, and environmentally sustainable transition from the conventional to the novel and highly customizable electronics. Organic conductors, semiconductors, and dielectrics have recently gathered lots of attention since they are compatible with printing technologies, and can be easily spread over large and flexible substrates. These printing technologies are usually simple and fast procedures, which rely on low‐cost and recycle‐friendly materials, intended for large‐scale fabrication. Overall, even though organic large‐area electronics manufacturing is still in its early stages of development, it is a field with tremendous potential that holds promise to revolutionize the way products are designed, developed, and processed from the factory premises to the consumers’ hands. Besides, this technology is highly versatile and can be applied to a large array of sectors such as automotive, medical, home design, industrial, agricultural, among others.
Gate‐Tunable Photodiodes Based on Mixed‐Dimensional Te/MoTe2 Van der Waals Heterojunctions
Authors: Zhao Dongyang , Chen Yan , Jiang Wei , Wang Xudong , Liu Jingjing , Huang Xinning , Han Sancan , Lin Tie , Shen Hong , Wang Xianying , Hu Weida , Meng Xiangjian , Chu Junhao , Wang Jianlu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe dangling‐bond‐free surfaces of 2D materials enable them to possess various degrees of freedom to form heterostructures with non‐2D materials. This allows for the combination of the advantages of different dimensional materials to fabricate van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, thereby improving device performance and even bringing diversity and novelty. Herein, a mixed‐dimensional vdW heterostructure photodiode comprising a 1D tellurium (Te) nanowire and a 2D molybdenum ditelluride (MoTe2) flake is demonstrated. Forward rectifying and backward rectifying characteristics are realized by applying different gate voltage. The device displays a broad spectral response from visible to near‐infrared and exhibits ultrahigh external quantum efficiency of 7.16 × 103% for photogating effect. Moreover, the response time can be improved by controlling gate voltage and a rapid response time of 4.8 ms is achieved. These mixed‐dimensional vdW heterojunctions, which take advantages of both 1D and 2D semiconductors, will facilitate the development of next‐generation electronics and optoelectronics.
Green Fabrication of (6,5)Carbon Nanotube/Protein Transistor Endowed with Specific Recognition
Authors: Berto Marcello , Di Giosia Matteo , Giordani Martina , Sensi Matteo , Valle Francesco , Alessandrini Andrea , Menozzi Claudia , Cantelli Andrea , Gazzadi Gian Carlo , Zerbetto Francesco , Calvaresi Matteo , Biscarini Fabio , Bortolotti Carlo Augusto 
Published: March 2021

AbstractA general single‐step approach is introduced for the green fabrication of hybrid biosensors from water dispersion. The resulting device integrates the semiconducting properties of a carbon nanotube (CNT) and the functionality of a protein. In the initial aqueous phase, the protein (viz., lysozyme [LZ]) disperses the (6,5)CNT. Drop‐casting of the dispersion on a test pattern (a silicon wafer with interdigitated Au source and drain electrodes) yields a fully operating, robust, electrolyte‐gated transistor (EGT) in one step. The EGT response to biorecognition is then assessed using the LZ inhibitor N‐acetyl glucosamine trisaccharide. Analysis of the output signal allows one to extract a protein‐substrate binding constant in line with values reported for the free (without CNT) system. The methodology is robust, easy to optimize, redirectable toward different targets and sets the grounds for a new class of CNT‐protein biosensors that overcome many limitations of the technology of fabrication of CNT biosensors.
A New Pd Doped Proton Conducting Perovskite Oxide with Multiple Functionalities for Efficient and Stable Power Generation from Ammonia at Reduced Temperatures
Authors: He Fan , Gao Qinning , Liu Zuoqing , Yang Meiting , Ran Ran , Yang Guangming , Wang Wei , Zhou Wei , Shao Zongping 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThe combination of ammonia fuel and proton‐conducting fuel cells (PCFCs) technology may provide an ideal clean energy system for the future, considering matured NH3 synthesis technology and transportation and storage infrastructure, the high energy density of NH3, and the high efficiency of fuel cells. However, poor catalytic activity of the anode for NH3 decomposition, quick performance degradation due to the ammonia induced nickel coarsening, difficult sintering, and insufficient proton conductivity of electrolytes are the main challenges for stable and high‐power generation from ammonia‐fueled PCFCs. Herein, a new Ba(Zr0.1Ce0.7Y0.1Yb0.1)0.95Pd0.05O3−δ perovskite is reported as a key anode component and electrolyte, which demonstrates multifunctionalities and tackles most challenges of conventional PCFCs. The incorporation of a small amount of Pd boosts catalytic activity of the nickel‐perovskite cermet anode for NH3 decomposition and increases proton conductivity from the creation of B‐site cation deficiency and electrolyte sintering. The corresponding thin‐film electrolyte PCFC delivers a maximum power density of 724 mW cm–2 at 650 °C operated on NH3, much higher than the similar cell without Pd incorporation (450 mW cm–2). Furthermore, no apparent performance decay is observed for the cell operated at 550 °C in H2 and NH3 for 350 h, making it highly promising for practical applications.
Legume species not spatial arrangement influence cover crop mixture effects in strip‐tilled organic cabbage
Authors: Maher Ryan M. , Rangarajan Anusuya , Caldwell Brian A. , Hayden Zachary D. , Brainard Daniel C. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractManagement constraints in reduced tillage organic vegetable production may be alleviated by combining strip tillage (ST) with overwintering cereal–legume cover crop mixtures. Field studies in Michigan and New York over 6 site‐years evaluated the effects of preceding cover crops, including cereal rye (R; Secale cereale L.), hairy vetch (V; Vicia villosa Roth) and crimson clover (CC; Trifolium incarnatum), on N availability, weed management, and yields in ST organic cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata). Cover crop treatments included R–legume mixtures (RV and RCC) planted under two spatial arrangements, standard full‐width mixed [‐M] vs. segregated strips [‐S] (legumes planted in‐row and R between‐row), and R and V monocultures. Cover crop aboveground biomass (5–10 Mg ha–1) and N content (>90 kg N ha–1) were not different among RV and RCC but the C/N of RCC was 58% greater than RV. Cabbage yields after RCC‐M were lower than RV‐M in five of six cases with yield reductions ranging from 22 to 41%. Spatial arrangement had no effect on cabbage yield after RV but improved yields after RCC from 23 to 39% in one, relatively dry, site‐year. Without N fertilizer, yields after RV and V were equivalent to or greater than R‐S with 134 kg N ha–1 in seven of nine and four of four cases, respectively. Legume species and spatial arrangement had little or no impact on the efficacy of in‐row mechanical cultivation, hand‐weeding time or weed biomass. Overall, N supplied from V and RV mixtures was an important driver of ST organic cabbage yields across different soil types and weather conditions.
Turning an FDA‐approved therapeutic into an AIEgen for imaging live bacteria and for bacterial detection
Authors: Yoon Juyoung 
Published: March 2021

AbstractAggregation Induced Emission (AIE) is an attractive, fluorescent‐based phenomenon that can be used to design fluorescent imaging agents and fluorescent sensors. In this highlight, we discuss a recently reported study that identifies the chemical scaffold of an FDA‐approved therapeutic (deferasirox) as a molecule with AIE‐like properties (AIEgen). Utilizing its therapeutic efficacy for bacterial biofilms, deferasirox‐derivatives were shown able to treat and image bacteria biofilms and detect a bacterial biomarker. This demonstrates the potential of AIE for drug design as this allows the simultaneous ability to image the therapeutic's location and mode of action.