High-pressure induces topology boosting thermoelectric performance of Bi2Te3.

Decoupling conductivity(σ)and Seebeck coefficient(S)by electronic topological transitions (ETT) under high pressure (2-4 GPa) is a promising method for bismuth telluride (Bi2Te3) to optimize thermoelectric (TE) performance. However, theScannot dramatically increase with increasingσwhen ETT occurs in Bi2Te3, which impedes optimizing TE performance by utilizing ETT in Bi2Te3. A new strategy of enhanced ETT by combining lattice distortions and high pressure is proposed in this work. The lattice distortions in Bi2Te3were introduced by high pressure and high temperature (HPHT) treatment to generate surplus dislocations. Thein-situmeasurements ofσandSat HPHT in Bi2Te3with lattice distortions show an enhanced ETT effect at 2 GPa, which causes decoupleσandSwith an anomalous increase in its|S|about 22%. The ETT effect causes the figure of merit (ZT) of Bi2Te3can be improved to 0.275 at 1.50-2.62 GPa, 460 K, it is more than 62% compared with 0.79 GPa, at 450 K. The excellent TE performance of Bi2Te3arising from the lattice distortions can result in local non-hydrostatic pressure which enhances ETT under high pressure. This work provides a new strategy to enhance ETT to decoupleσandS, and search for better TE materials from the pressure dimension in the future.

Efficacy and Safety of Methylphenidate and Atomoxetine in Medication-Naive Children with Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in a Real-World Setting.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Methylphenidate (MPH) and atomoxetine (ATX) are the most common medications used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in China; however, despite this, there is still a paucity of studies comparing their efficacy and safety, particularly for different characteristics. To address the lack of research, a real-world prospective cohort study was conducted to examine these properties of MPH and ATX, and to analyze correlations associated with age, sex, and different ADHD presentation. METHODS: Children with ADHD meeting the eligibility criteria were recruited from January 2016 to July 2021. Study participants were treated with either MPH or ATX prescribed in the real-world setting, and were followed up for 26 weeks. Clinical efficacy response and adverse events (AEs) were recorded and measured. Subgroup analysis was performed to examine the efficacy response and AEs associated with age, sex, and different ADHD presentation. RESULTS: A total of 1050 children were recruited and 29 children were lost to follow-up. Of the 1021 children remaining, 533 were treated with MPH and 488 were treated with ATX. No significant differences were found in intelligence quotient, age, sex, or ADHD presentation between the MPH- and ATX-treated groups (p > 0.05). The response rates were 84.6% in the MPH-treated group and 63.3% in the ATX-treated group. Subgroup analysis of response rate demonstrated that the treatment effect of MPH over ATX was consistent across subgroups except in the girls (odds ratio [OR] 2.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.97-4.7) and the hyperactive/impulsive presentation group (OR 2.88, 95% CI 0.77-12.76). A total of 47.8% of children experienced AEs during MPH treatment, significantly lower than the rate of 56.8% during ATX treatment (p < 0.05). The incidence of AEs in the MPH-treated group was higher in young children (<8 years: 56.8%; 8-10 years: 47.2%) and lower in children over 10 years of age (29.0%). CONCLUSIONS: Overall, MPH was more effective and better tolerated than ATX. The incidence of AEs in children treated with MPH varied with age, and was higher in young children and lower in children over 10 years of age.

Accurate in situ measurements of thermoelectric transport properties at high pressure and high temperature.

Regulating electron structure and electron-phonon coupling by means of pressure and temperature is an effective way to optimize thermoelectric properties. However, in situ testing of thermoelectric transport performance under pressure and temperature is hindered by technical constraints that obscure the intrinsic effects of pressure and temperature on thermoelectric properties. In the present study, a new reliable assembly was developed for testing the in situ thermoelectric transport performance of materials at high pressure and high temperature (HPHT). This reduces the influence of thermal effects on the test results and improves the success rate of in situ experiments at HPHT. The Seebeck coefficient and electrical resistivity of α-Cu2Se were measured under HPHT, and the former was found to increase with increasing pressure and temperature; for the latter, although an increase in the pressure acted to lower the electrical resistivity, an increase in the temperature acted to increase it. On increasing pressure from 0.8 to 3 GPa at 333 K, the optimal power factor of α-Cu2Se was increased by ∼76% from 2.36 × 10-4-4.15 × 10-4 W m-1 K-2, and the higher pressure meant that α-Cu2Se had its maximum power factor at lower temperature. The present work is particularly important for understanding the thermoelectric mechanism under HPHT.

[Randomized Controlled Trial of the Effects of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Mirror Therapy on Phantom Limb Pain in Amputees].

Objective: To investigate the effect of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on phantom limb pain (PLP) in amputees, and to compare the therapeutic effect with that of mirror therapy (MT). Methods: The study was designed as a randomized controlled trial. The evaluators were blinded, while the subjects and the therapists were unblinded. Subjects were randomly assigned to either the rTMS group or the MT group with a computer-generated random number table. From June 2018 to December 2020, from out of 45 amputee patients screened for the study, 30 who met the inclusion criteria were recruited for the study. All patients were recruited from the Rehabilitation Medicine Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University. In the end, 4 patients withdrew from the study and 26 patients (12 in the rTMS group and 14 in the MT group) completed the prescribed treatment and evaluation. The rTMS group was given rTMS (1 Hz, 15 min, 5 d/week) for 2 weeks in addition to conventional rehabilitation therapy, while the MT group received MT (corresponding movements of limbs, 15 min, 5 d/week) for 2 weeks in addition to conventional rehabilitation therapy. PLP was evaluated by the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and Douleur Neuropathique 4 Questions (DN-4). Subjects were assessed before treatment ( t 0), immediately after the completion of the treatment ( t 1) and 3 months after the completion of the treatment ( t 2). Results: The mean age of the 26 patients was 39.73±12.64. There were 15 males and 11 females. According to the reported description of the characteristics of the PLP by the patients, the characteristics with the highest incidence were tingling, stabbing, numbing, electric shocks and burning in descending order. There was no significant difference in the incidence of PLP characteristics between the two groups ( P>0.05). The two groups had comparable baseline data, showing no significant difference in VAS and DN-4 between the two groups at t 0 ( P>0.05). At t 1 and t 2, the VAS and DN-4 scores were decreased from those of t 0, showing statistically significant difference in both groups ( P<0.01 for both scores). In the rTMS group, there was no significant difference between VAS and DN-4 scores at t 1 and those at t 2 ( P>0.05). In the MT group, the VAS and DN-4 scores at t 2 were significantly lower than those of t 1 ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the rTMS group and MT group in the changes in pain measurements, i.e., VAS and DN-4 scores, before and after the intervention ( P>0.05). The 26 patients who completed the experiment showed no dizziness, headache, or other abnormalities during the study. Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation could improve PLP in amputees, and the improvement effect was comparable to that of mirror therapy.

[Hydro-chemical Characteristics and Ion Origin Analysis of Surface Groundwater at the Shengjin Lake and Yangtze River Interface].

The interface between Shengjin Lake and Yangtze River was selected as the study area. The water chemical composition and hydrogen and oxygen isotope values of different types of water bodies were tested, and their seasonal variation characteristics were analyzed to explore the sources of chemical ions in the surface and groundwater. Finally, the contribution of mixed water sources to chemical ions in groundwater was estimated. The results show the following ① The concentration of chemical ions in the surface and groundwater of the study area is higher than that of atmospheric precipitation, and the physical and chemical parameters exhibit seasonal variation. ② Surface water mainly belongs to the Ca-HCO3 type, but the proportion of the Ca-SO4 type in summer is significantly lower than that in other seasons; Groundwater primarily belongs to Ca-HCO3 and Ca-SO4 types, with proportions of 46% and 27%, respectively, and the seasonal difference is not significant. ③ Ca2+ and Mg2+ in the surface and groundwater mainly come from the dissolution of carbonate rocks, carbonic acid and sulfate ions participate in the dissolving process of carbonate minerals. Na+and Cl- are partly derived from atmospheric precipitation and partly sourced from agricultural fertilization and manure sewage. ④ Mixed water sources is also an important source of chemical ions in groundwater, with the average contribution 28% to Cl-, showing a seasonal trend.

Assessment of Zeolite, Biochar, and Their Combination for Stabilization of Multimetal-Contaminated Soil.

In this study, the natural zeolite and rice husk biochar were mixed as a combination amendment for metal immobilization in a Cd, Pb, As, and W co-contaminated soil. A 90 day incubation study was conducted to investigate the effects of amendments on toxic metal in soil. Zeolite, biochar, and their combination application increased the soil pH and cation exchange capacity. A combination of amendments decreased the bioavailability of Cd, Pb, As, and W. Besides, the potential drawback of biochar application on As and W release was overcome by the combination agent. Zeolite, biochar, and combination treatment decreased total bioavailability toxicity from 335.5 to 182.9, 250.5, and 143.4, respectively, which means that combination was an optimum amendment for soil remediation. The results of the Community Bureau of Reference sequential extraction and scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive spectrometry images confirmed the Cd and Pb adsorption onto biochar. However, As and W immobilization was dominantly controlled by zeolite. It appears that the combination of amendments is an efficient amendment to remediate Cd, Pb, As, and W co-contamination in soil, although the combination of amendments has a lower stabilization rate for W than for zeolite.

High immunoglobulin E level is associated with increased readmission in children with bronchopneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Increased immunoglobulin E (IgE) is associated with lower respiratory tract infections. The study aimed to evaluate the association between IgE and the rate of bronchopneumonia-related readmission within 12 months in children. METHODS: A total of 1099 children aged over 1 year with bronchopneumonia, from 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016, were enrolled. Unplanned readmissions within 12 months after discharge were observed. Multivariate regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors for rehospitalization. RESULTS: The rate of rehospitalization was 11.4% (125/1099). Compared to the nonreadmission children, IgE levels, the proportion of children with asthma and hospitalization duration were significantly higher in the readmission children (p < 0.05). Compared to the children with normal IgE (≤ 165 IU/ml) levels, the risk of rehospitalization was significantly higher in children with abnormal IgE [odds ratio (OR) 1.781, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.209-2.624, p = 0.004]. Children with IgE level more than three times the upper limit had even higher risks of readmission (OR 2.037, 95%CI 1.172-3.540, p = 0.012). Meanwhile, the risk of readmission in children with abnormal IgE combined with or without bronchial asthma was significantly higher (OR 2.548 and 1.918, 95% CI 1.490-4.358 and 1.218-3.020, p = 0.001 and 0.005, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Children aged over 1 year with bronchopneumonia who had higher IgE levels are at increased risk for rehospitalization within the first 12 months of the index hospitalization and IgE level may be used as a predictor of rehospitalization in children with bronchopneumonia.

[Emission Characteristics and Characteristic Substance Identification of Volatile Odorous Organic Compounds in Industries Using Organic Solvents].

To study the emission characteristics of volatile organic malodorous compounds and identify the characteristic substances of associated industries, the components of VOCs of typical industries were detected and analyzed in an industrial area of south China. The results showed that there are certain differences in the material composition among different companies, and there are also certain differences in the composition of different processes in the same company. For the automobile manufacturing industry, alcohols and esters were the main substances in the spraying workshop, accounting for 21.87% and 21.62%, respectively, and aromatic hydrocarbons were the typical substances in the drying workshop, accounting for 41.14%. Concerning the electronic components industry, esters were the main substances, accounting for 67.99% in the spraying and coating workshop. Regarding the coating production industry, esters were the main substances in the two paint companies, but the emission ratio of aromatic hydrocarbons was the second highest in one company and the emission ratio of ketone was the second highest in the other company. For the printing industry, alcohols were the characteristic substances, accounting for 99.32%. Concerning the refrigeration industry, alkanes were the most abundant compounds, accounting for 83.01%. Esters (ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, and isobutyl acetate), aromatic hydrocarbons (toluene, ethylbenzene, and styrene), and alcohol ketones (ethanol, methyl isobutyone, and 2-butanone) were preliminarily identified as characteristic malodorous compounds of the industries using organic solvents.

[Pollution characterization of volatile organic compounds in ambient air of Tianjin downtown].

To study the pollution characteristics of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in Tianjin downtown ambient air, 26 sampling points were distributed in Tianjin and systematic sampling was carried out in Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter, respectively. More than 80 kinds of VOCs were detected which mainly included alkanes, BETX and halohydrocarbon with detection rates of over 80%. The total concentration of VOCs changed with the seasons, in the order of Spring (110.43 x 10(-9)) > Autumn (93.73 x 10(-9)) > Winter (73.37 x 10(-9)) > Summer (60.43 x 10(-9)). The result of concentration statistics indicates that the total concentration of VOCs in urban areas was in the range of 30 x 10(-9)-90 x 10(-9) and the number of samples in every season in this concentration range accounted for over 50%. There were also differences in the composition of VOCs with the change of seasons in Tianjin. Oxygenated organic compounds and hydrocarbons were the main substances of VOCs and the concentration percentage of them was over 50% in every season. Two main pollutants, BETX and halohydrocarbon, were analyzed for seasonal variation in this paper.

[Charge-transfer compounds based on TCNQ: synthesis and spectroscopic properties].

Charge-transfer materials based on organic donors and acceptors have been under investigation, beginning with the first reports of conducting salts of organocyanide acceptors such as TCNQ. Charge-transfer compounds of the pi-electron acceptor 7,7,8,8,-tetracyanoquinodimethane (TCNQ) show unusual electrical and magnetic properties. The form of TCNQ has a dramatic effect on the properties of the kinds of charge-transfer compounds. In order to further study the vibrational spectroscopy of the organic semiconductor, two kinds of (1:1) charge transfer compounds of TCNQ and [RBz(4-CH3)Py][TCNQ](R==Br(1), I (2)) were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectrum and Raman spectrum. The tested results of elementary analysis of the charge transfer compounds (1) and (2) were consistent with theoretical values. The IR and Raman spectra of (1) and (2) which indicate the presence of a type of TCNQ species, general speaking, the C[triple bond]N stretching frequencies around 2200 cm(-1), were used to determine the average charge on the TCNQ units, v(CN)for the neutral TCNQ molecule is higher than 2200 cm(-1)), however, v(CN) for the compounds is from 2185 to 2156 cm(-1), both shift to lower frequencies, which were consistent with the frequencies of the TCNQ radical anion In conclusion, the results of IR and Raman spectrum were consistent with the TCNQ radical anion in the compounds, namely TCNQ-.

A charge-transfer salt, 3,5-dimethyl-1-(4-nitro-benz-yl)pyridinium 7,7,8,8-tetra-cyano-quinodimethane.

In the title salt, C(14)H(15)N(2)O(2) (+)·C(12)H(4)N(4) (-), the asymmetric unit contains one cation and one anion. C-H⋯N and C-H⋯N and C-H⋯O hydrogen bonds and π-π stacking inter-actions (inter-planar distance 3.845 Å) are found in the crystal structure.

[Hydrothermal synthesis of Co9S8 nanocrystalline aggregations and spectral study].

Co9S8 nanocrystalline aggregations were synthesized in hydrazine hydrate (N2H4 x H2O) solvent at 180 degrees C for 12 h through a hydrothermal method using cobalt sulfate hydrate (CoSO4 x 7H2O) and sodium sulfate (Na2SO3) as the starting materials. The prepared samples were characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), field-emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM). FTIR spectrum was measured using Fourier-transform infrared spectrometer. The results showed that the products were mainly composed of Co9S8 hexagonal flakes, which were about 2.1 microm in diameter and 200 nm in thickness. The flakes consisted of Co9S8 nanocrystallites with an average size of 2.5 nm.

[Synthesis and infrared spectroscopic study of 1-D magnetic chain compound based on [BrBzPy [Ni (dmit) 2]].

The synthesis and functional study of one-dimensional free radical-metal chain compound has been a hotspot task in molecule material, especially in composing high Tc molecule ferromagnet. A new compound [BrBzPy] [Ni(dmit)2] has been prepared and characterized. The crystal structure at room temperature was determined. The crystal is triclinic with space group P21/c, a = 0.627 5(1) nm, b = 1.743 8(3) nm, c = 2.283 9(3) nm, alpha = 90 degrees, beta = 91.87(1) degrees, gamma = 90 degrees, V = 2.497(7) nm3, Z = 4, Mr = 700. 57, and Dc = 1.863 g x cm(-3). The planar [Ni(dmit)2]- is nearly perfect, which shows that it has good conjugate characteristic and is a 1-D magnetic chain compound.

[Spectral research on the effect various metal ions on the of photocatalytic degradation properties of TiO2 nanocrystal].

TiO2 nanocrystalline was prepared by a emulsion method in the mixed solvent of cyclohexane and acetic anhydride using, titanyl organic compound as the precursor. The prepared product was characterized by means of X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transform infrared spectrum (FTIR). The photocatalytic oxidation of methyl orange with TiO2 loaded with various metal ions was discussed. The spectral research results showed that the photocatalytic reaction of methyl orange with TiO2 loaded with Bi3+ was promoted, some metal ions caused almost no promotion of TiO2 oxidation of methyl orange, and Ni2+ and Fe3+ ions caused a little promotion. The best mass proportion of Bi3+ and TiO2 was defined as 1:8, which has a good photocatalytic activity. The photocatalytic degradation reaction of methyl orange was affected by the concentration of TiO2 nanocrystal, and when the mass proportion of Bi3+ and TiO2 is 1:8, the best photocatalytic activity concentration of TiO2 is about 1.6 g x L(-1).

[Preparation and spectroscopic study of two new charge transfer salts].

TCNQ (TCNQ= tetracyanoquinodimethane) salts have good conductivity. The magnetic properties of substituted benzylpridiniums, such as ferromagnetism, antiferromagnetism and spin Peierls transition, have widely been investigated. In order to obtain some new materials with both conductivity and magnetism, two new organic salts, [NO2BzPy]Cl (1) and [NO2 BzPyNH2]Cl (2), were synthesized and characterized. Further more, two new charge transfer salts, [NO2BzPy] [TCNQ]2 (3) and [NO2BzPyNH2] [TCNQ]2 (4) were synthesized and characterized. The tested results of elementary anAlysis of charge transfer salts (3) and (4) were consistent with theoretical values, and the results of IR indicated that there exist TCNQ and TCNQ anions. One-dimensional molecular column of TCNQ has been formed. Partial charge transfer takes place from [TCNQ]2- to cation.

[Effect of combined decompression operation on middle and late stage cerebral herniation].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of combined decompression operation on patients with severe traumatic brain injury complicated by tentorial cerebral herniation. METHODS: Ninety-seven patients with an admission Glasgow Coma Scale score 3-5 were randomly divided into two groups: combined decompression group (n=46), in whom tentorium cerebelli was incised (2-4 cm) combined with bone flap craniectomy decompression [(10-15)cm x (15-17)cm], and conventional temporoparietal craniectomy group (n=51). CT scanning was performed in the patients before and after the operation. The patients of both groups received routine treatment and followed up for 1-32 months (mean 7 months) after the operation. The clinical symptoms, change in intracranial pressure and incidence of complications were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The efficacious rate was 80.4% (37/46) in the combined decompression group, and among them 27 patients were cured (58.7%) and 10 patients remained to have moderate disability(21.7%). Nine patients (19.6%) died after combined decompression. However, in patients with conventional temporoparietal craniectomy decompression, favorable outcome was only found in 6 cases(11.8%), moderate disability accounted for 21.6% of patients, and 34 patients died(66.6%). In patients with combined decompression, the intracranial pressure was more efficiently lowered compared with conventional craniectomy decompression(P<0.01). Furthermore the incidence of acute brain edema, incisional herniation, traumatic epilepsy, occipital cerebral infarct and cerebro-spinal fluid(CSF) leakage were lower in combined decompression group compared with conventional craniectomy group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The incidence of intracranial infection was not significantly different between two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION: Combined decompression is preferable to routine temporoparietal craniectomy for patients with severe head injury complicated by tentorial herniation.

[Synthesis of nanocrystalline ZnO and its luminescence spectrum].

ZnO nanocrystal was prepared with Zn(CH3COO)2.2H2O and CO(NH2)2 as precursor by a solvothermal process. The products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), and photoluminescence spectrum (PL). The results show that the ZnO nanocrystal has good characteristics, and the average particle size of the ZnO nanocrystal is about 17.2 nm. There is a broad PL peak for ZnO nanocrystal between 500-700 nm.

[Simultaneous determination of copper and iron by catalytic kinetic spectrophotometry].

A simultaneous catalytic effect copper (II) and iron (III) on the oxidation of acid chrome blue K by potassium bromate in dilute sulfuric acid medium was observed. But there was an obvious difference in their reaction rates, and the ratio of the reaction constant changed with time. And their spectral addiitive properties were not satisfactory. The simultaneous determination of copper and iron by catalytic kinetic spectrophotometric method was realized by using a three-layer Levenberg-Marquardt BP neural network to cope with the experimental data. The optimum conditions of reaction and determination were studied. The calculation results of the determination in synthetic samples and human hair were satisfactory.

[Research on the synthesis and spectroscopy of the copolymer of polyvinyl alcohol and amino acid].

In this paper, a series of new polymers with grafted amino acids were synthesized. The purpose of the research is to develop a kind of polymer drugs with grafted amino acids for the treatment of some patients. The preparations of polyvinyl alcohol and amino acid were described by using inorganic acid as catalyst. The reaction methods were investigated in order to find the optimal conditions for the highest yield and purity. The copolymers were analysed and characterized by IR and 1HNMR. The result indicated that the reaction products were what we needed and the yield of the polymer of polyvinyl alcohol and glycine was higher than that of polyvinyl alcohol and alanine.