Intermediate-statistics quantum bracket, coherent state, oscillator, and representation of angular momentum (su(2)) algebra

In this paper, we first discuss the general properties of an intermediate-statistics quantum bracket, $[ u,v]_{n}=uv-e^{i2\pi /(n+1)}vu$, which corresponds to intermediate statistics in which the maximum occupation number of one quantum state is an arbitrary integer, $n$. A further study of the operator realization of intermediate statistics is given. We construct the intermediate-statistics coherent state. An intermediate-statistics oscillator is constructed, which returns to bosonic and fermionic oscillators respectively when $n\to \infty$ and $n=1$. The energy spectrum of such an intermediate-statistics oscillator is calculated. Finally, we discuss the intermediate-statistics representation of angular momentum ($su(2)$) algebra. Moreover, a further study of the operator realization of intermediate statistics is given in the Appendix.Comment: 12 pages, no figures. Revte

Enhancing thermoelectric figure-of-merit by low-dimensional electrical transport in phonon-glass crystals

Low-dimensional electronic and glassy phononic transport are two important ingredients of highly-efficient thermoelectric material, from which two branches of the thermoelectric research emerge. One focuses on controlling electronic transport in the low dimension, while the other on multiscale phonon engineering in the bulk. Recent work has benefited much from combining these two approaches, e.g., phonon engineering in low-dimensional materials. Here, we propose to employ the low-dimensional electronic structure in bulk phonon-glass crystal as an alternative way to increase the thermoelectric efficiency. Through first-principles electronic structure calculation and classical molecular dynamics simulation, we show that the $\pi$-$\pi$ stacking Bis-Dithienothiophene molecular crystal is a natural candidate for such an approach. This is determined by the nature of its chemical bonding. Without any optimization of the material parameter, we obtain a maximum room-temperature figure of merit, $ZT$, of $1.48$ at optimal doping, thus validating our idea.Comment: Nano Lett.201

An Analysis of Two Aged Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis

What methods would you choose apart from purified protein derivative (PPD) skin test and culture for acid-fasting bacilli (AFB) to make a clinical diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in an aged patient with possible TB? These are two cases of pulmonary TB, that occurred with persistent low-grade fever, fatigue and anorexia due to a mild toxemia of tuberculosis. A final diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis was established on the basis of mild toxemia(low-grade fever), debilitation and characteristic pulmonary CT imaging, free of PPD and interferon-gamma release assay (T-spot). The authors realized that the dosage of anti-tuberculosis drugs should be carefully controlled and the improvement of their overall nutritional status to gain better efficacy is much more needed

Development of communication skills training in Diabetes care for general practitioners in China

Background China has more ascertained cases of diabetes than any other country. Much of the care of people with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) in China is being managed by general practitioners (GPs), and this will increase with the implementation of health care reforms over the next ten years. Such a shift of chronic disease management into primary care will need to be supported by new training systems for the existing workforce and for a very large number of new entrants. Diabetes care requires effective communication between physicians and patients, yet little is known about this area and how it might relate to training needs in Chinese primary care. Aim and objectives To develop an evidence-based communication skills training program in diabetes care for general practitioners in China. Methods A systematic review was conducted in finding existing evidence in communication skills training in diabetes care worldwide. Two focus group studies were conducted with GPs and diabetes patients in Guangzhou City, China. Data from the above studies were combined to inform potential communication skills components for training. A nominal group technique (NGT) with GPs was used to identify the most important and feasible communication skills training components for Chinese GPs in diabetes care. Results Key ingredients for successful communication training for diabetes care were found in the systematic review. 4 focus groups with 15 GPs and 5 groups with 22 diabetes patients were involved. Chinese GPs faced challenges in communication with diabetes patients. People with type 2 diabetes require more access to trustworthy diabetes information and wish for better channels of communication with their GPs. 60 GPs participated in 8 NGT groups. Priorities of diabetes communication skills in training GPs were identified: health education in clinical encounters, discussion of blood glucose monitoring and explanation, diabetes complications and cardiovascular disease risk communication. Conclusions Communication skills training priorities for Chinese GPs in diabetes care were identified. With the changes in communication quality and the delivery of diabetes care in primary care in China, significantly improved outcomes should be seen for the whole diabetes population in the long term

Design for Children’s Playful Learning with Robots

This article presents an investigation of the implications of designing for children’s playful learning with robots. This study was carried out by adopting a Research through Design approach that resulted in the development of a novel low-anthropomorphic robot called Shybo. The article reports the main phases of the project: the preliminary and exploratory research that was carried out to define a list of design requirements; the design of the robot and its supplementary materials for carrying out playful learning experiences; and the evaluation of the project that involved both parents and children. The robot, in fact, was finally tested as part of a two-hour experience that engaged children in activities related to the associations between sounds and colours. The article presents and discusses the results of this evaluation to point out positive aspects of the experience, emerging issues and hints for future works. These are documented to share lessons learned that might be supportive of the general development of children’s playful learning and cognitive experiences with robots

A revision of the Generalized Uncertainty Principle

The Generalized Uncertainty Principle arises from the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle when gravity is taken into account, so the leading order correction to the standard formula is expected to be proportional to the gravitational constant $G_N = L_{Pl}^2$. On the other hand, the emerging picture suggests a set of departures from the standard theory which demand a revision of all the arguments used to deduce heuristically the new rule. In particular, one can now argue that the leading order correction to the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle is proportional to the first power of the Planck length $L_{Pl}$. If so, the departures from ordinary quantum mechanics would be much less suppressed than what is commonly thought.Comment: 6 pages, 1 figur

Study on the visible-light-induced photokilling effect of nitrogen-doped TiO2 nanoparticles on cancer cells

Nitrogen-doped TiO2 (N-TiO2) nanoparticles were prepared by calcining the anatase TiO2 nanoparticles under ammonia atmosphere. The N-TiO2 showed higher absorbance in the visible region than the pure TiO2. The cytotoxicity and visible-light-induced phototoxicity of the pure- and N-TiO2 were examined for three types of cancer cell lines. No significant cytotoxicity was detected. However, the visible-light-induced photokilling effects on cells were observed. The survival fraction of the cells decreased with the increased incubation concentration of the nanoparticles. The cancer cells incubated with N-TiO2 were killed more effectively than that with the pure TiO2. The reactive oxygen species was found to play an important role on the photokilling effect for cells. Furthermore, the intracellular distributions of N-TiO2 nanoparticles were examined by laser scanning confocal microscopy. The co-localization of N-TiO2 nanoparticles with nuclei or Golgi complexes was observed. The aberrant nuclear morphologies such as micronuclei were detected after the N-TiO2-treated cells were irradiated by the visible light