bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oligometastatic breast cancer: Are we there yet?
Authors: AlSendi Maha , O'Reilly David , Zeidan Youssef H. , Kelly Catherine M.
Published: May 2021

Patients with metastatic breast cancer are usually considered incurable. Recent advances have resulted in significant improvements in survival for patients with metastatic breast cancer. Due to the lack of randomised trials and heterogeneous disease biology, treatment decisions for patients with oligometastatic breast cancer vary widely. Some patients are treated similar to those with widespread disease while others are treated more aggressively. We conducted a review of the evidence for treatment options in oligometastatic breast cancer and consulted ClinicalTrials.gov to explore currently accruing or studies in development aimed at investigating oligometastatic disease in breast cancer. Surgery to the primary tumour in patients with metastatic breast cancer has failed to show any advantage over systemic therapy. However, there may be a benefit in women with controlled systemic disease who are hormone receptor positive with bone‐predominant metastasis. Stereotactic radiotherapy has gained increased interest in this setting due to its excellent efficacy and lower rates of associated toxicity. A significant challenge remains in identifying the patient population who would benefit from such an approach, and to do so, we need to understand the distinct biology of oligometastatic breast cancer. Unique miRNA expression and low levels of tumour infiltrating lymphocytes in the immune micro‐environment have been described in tumour tissues in patients with oligometastatic breast cancer. There is ongoing research aimed to better characterise these tumours, thus, allowing the selection of patients who would truly benefit from multi‐modality treatment in an attempt for long‐term survival and cure.
A ROR1 small molecule inhibitor (KAN0441571C) induced significant apoptosis of ibrutinib‐resistant ROR1+ CLL cells
Authors: Ghaderi Amineh , Okhovat Mohammad‐Ali , Wikanthi Layung Sekar Sih , Svensson Ann , Palma Marzia , Schultz Johan , Olin Thomas , Österborg Anders , Mellstedt Håkan , Hojjat‐Farsangi Mohammad
Published: May 2021

ROR1 – a receptor tyrosine kinase – is overexpressed in CLL. Ibrutinib, a Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitor, is clinically effective in CLL but patients may develop resistance. We evaluated the effect of an ROR1 inhibitor, KAN0441571C, in CLL cells from six patients obtained before and after developing resistance to ibrutinib. The ROR1 inhibitor induced apoptosis in ibrutinib‐resistant CLL cells to the same degree as in ibrutinib‐sensitive cells and dephosphorylated ROR1. This was also noted in one patient who became resistant to both ibrutinib and the Bcl‐2 inhibitor venetoclax. The combination of ROR1 inhibitor and venetoclax had a synergistic apoptotic effect on ibrutinib‐resistant cells.
Adult‐onset diagnosis of urea cycle disorders: Results of a French cohort of 71 patients
Authors: Toquet Ségolène , Spodenkiewicz Marta , Douillard Claire , Maillot François , Arnoux Jean‐Baptiste , Damaj Lena , Odent Sylvie , Moreau Caroline , Redonnet‐Vernhet Isabelle , Mesli Samir , Servais Aude , Noel Esther , Charriere Sybill , Rigalleau Vincent , Lavigne Christian , Kaphan Elsa , Roubertie Agathe , Besson Gérard , Bigot Adrien , Servettaz Amélie , Mochel Fanny , Garnotel Roselyne
Published: May 2021

Urea cycle disorders (UCD) are rare diseases that usually affect neonates or young children. During decompensations, hyperammonemia is neurotoxic, leading to severe symptoms and even coma and death if not treated rapidly. The aim was to describe a cohort of patients with adult onset of UCDs in a multicentric, retrospective and descriptive study of French adult patients with a diagnosis after 16 years of age of UCDs due to a deficiency in one of the 6 enzymes (arginase, ASL, ASS, CPS1, NAGS, OTC) or the two transporters (ORNT1 or citrin). Seventy‐one patients were included (68% female, 32% male). The diagnosis was made in the context of (a) a metabolic decompensation (42%), (b) family history (55%), or (c) chronic symptoms (3%). The median age at diagnosis was 33 years (range 16‐86). Eighty‐nine percent of patients were diagnosed with OTC deficiency, 7% CPS1 deficiency, 3% HHH syndrome and 1% argininosuccinic aciduria. For those diagnosed during decompensations (including 23 OTC cases, mostly female), 89% required an admission in intensive care units. Seven deaths were attributed to UCD—6 decompensations and 1 epilepsy secondary to inaugural decompensation. This is the largest cohort of UCDs diagnosed in adulthood, which confirms the triad of neurological, gastrointestinal and psychiatric symptoms during hyperammonemic decompensations. We stress that females with OTC deficiency can be symptomatic. With 10% of deaths in this cohort, UCDs in adults remain a life‐threatening condition. Physicians working in adult care must be aware of late‐onset presentations given the implications for patients and their families.
Koppen–Trewartha climate classification as a diagnostic tool to identify pronounced changes in the projected climate by the General Circulation Models over India
Authors: Bindhu Vijayalekshmi Muraleedharan , Smitha Prema Somanathan , Narasimhan Balaji , Annamalai Hariharasubramanian , Srinivasan Govindarajalu
Published: May 2021

Earth's changing climate will pose a major threat to terrestrial ecosystems in their present state of equilibrium that support human habitats. Understanding the underlying aspects of climate change that influence ecosystems is crucial to devise adaptation strategies and conservation efforts. To this end, climate classification schemes can be employed as an effective means for both validation of climate models and identify areas that may experience a pronounced shift in climate in the future. In this context, the current study focuses on the impact of climate change on shift in climatic regimes over the Indian sub‐continent for the mid and late 21st century with respect to the reference period (1975–2005). Koppen–Trewartha climate (KTC) classification was applied to climate projections resulting from four downscaled General Circulation Models from the NASA Earth Exchange Global Daily Downscaled Climate Projections, under two RCPs (4.5 and 8.5) along with global Climate Research Unit TS‐3.23 dataset which is treated as observed. Analysis of the future 21st century climate projections revealed noticeable shifts in climate types, of which expansion of arid and savannah class is the most prominent. Results indicate that the sub‐continental scale analysis done at a grid cell‐by‐grid cell basis was able to locate potentially static and dynamic climate regions across the country with projected shifts from warmer/wetter to drier climate regime. This in turn is expected to pose serious threat to various sectors, especially agriculture, owing to its heavy dependence on water resources. The observations from the study provide information on the magnitude and pattern of change in climate types across the country and thus can serve as prospective reference to develop adequate and effective climate adaptation strategies.
Improving picture‐reproducing quality by a new color gamut mapping method
Authors: Xia Daxue , Chen Lin , Xie Renli
Published: May 2021

The color gamut of input source and the display set usually are disparate; therefore, a mapping mechanism between them is necessary and makes significant impact on the picture‐reproducing quality. In this paper, a new gamut mapping algorithm is proposed, which reduces color difference significantly between the source and target, compared with that without adopting such mapping process. The gamma behavior of luminance dependence on gray scale has been little affected. Artifacts like saturation inversion and hue inconsistency are avoided.
Target profiling of beer styles by their iso‐α‐acid and phenolic content using liquid chromatography–quadrupole time‐of‐flight–mass spectrometry
Authors: Anderson Hailee E. , Liden Tiffany , Berger Blair K. , Schug Kevin A.
Published: May 2021

Beer styles show wide variation in color, flavor, and clarity, due to differences in their chemical content. Some of the major flavor compounds in beer are isomerized alpha acids and phenolic compounds. These were investigated as potentially discerning features between beer styles. A selection of 32 American beers covering five styles was analyzed using liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry, which resulted in high mass accuracy chromatograms of the studied analytes. Distinctions between the presence or relative concentrations of certain compounds were observed and related back to brewing ingredients and procedures. For example, vanillin was only observed in stout beers due to the use of roasted barley malts for brewing, while chlorogenic acid isomers were found in two sours at relatively high concentrations (189 and 34 mg/L) because of the fruits used to flavor the beers. Distinctions were further confirmed using multivariate analysis techniques, which separated three of the five beer styles (India pale ales, stouts, and sours).
Detection of land degradation caused by historical Zn‐Pb mining using electrical resistivity tomography
Authors: Kondracka Marta , Cabała Jerzy , Idziak Adam , Ignatiuk Dariusz , Bielicka‐Giełdoń Aleksandra , Stan‐Kłeczek Iwona
Published: May 2021

Soil contamination with trace elements in mining areas still remains an urgent research problem due to their negative environmental impact that needs to be assessed. Despite the wide application of the electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) method to different environmental problems, it continually remains methodologically challenging in soil contamination near waste dumps of post‐metal historical mining. The aims of our study were: (1) to validate ERT measurements for detecting soil contamination by trace elements in the vicinity of a waste dump containing post‐processing spoil from Zn‐Pb ore smelting, (2) to determine the extent of soil contamination, and (3) to analyze the mineralogical, physical, and chemical properties of the soils affected. ERT enabled us to study the variability of electrical properties of soils, to locate the area of contamination, and to evaluate its spatial diversity in both. The impact of soil pollution is reflected on ERT cross‐sections in the form of electrical resistivities that decrease with increasing depth and distance from the waste dump. The respective maximum contents of Zn, Pb and Cd in the soils were 28,903, 12,407, and 136 mg kg−1. The total concentration of trace elements in soils was the highest down to a depth of 0.25 m and decreased in the order: Zn > Pb > Cu > Cd > Tl > As > Cr > Ni. The electrical resistivities of the soil samples were negatively correlated with the silty and clayey fraction content (−0.78), specific electrical conductivity (−0.75), total trace element content (−0.67), organic matter content (−0.57), and gravimetric water content (−0.53). The results also indicate that the electrical properties of the topsoil depend directly on the type of mineral components. Hydrated iron sulphates, lead sulphates, water‐bound in aluminosilicates, Fe oxides/hydroxides, and hydrated Fe, Zn, and Pb sulphates present in the soil all decrease its electrical resistivity. Our results show the impact of the mineralogical, physical, and chemical properties of the soils on the measured electrical resistivity and that including this information in the interpretation of ERT results enables non‐invasive detailed determination of soil contamination by trace elements.
Ten years of monitoring recruitment of the edible stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes: linking to oceanographic variability
Authors: Fernandes Joana Nascimento , Jacinto David , Penteado Nélia , Sousa Alina , Mateus David , Seabra Maria Inês , Silva Teresa , Castellanos Paola , Castro João José , Cruz Teresa
Published: May 2021

Understanding recruitment patterns of an exploited species is essential to predict changes in population dynamics and to improve its management and conservation. Temporal variability in recruitment of the edible stalked barnacle Pollicipes pollicipes was analyzed over a decade (consecutive annual recruitment seasons from 2007 to 2016) at a cape area located in the Canary‐Iberia Current Upwelling System (Cape of Sines, Southwestern Portugal), in terms of (1) the timing and length of the main recruitment season and (2) the variation in monthly and annual recruitment intensity and its relationship with several oceanographic variables. A longer recruitment season was detected, corresponding to approximately 9–10 months (June through either March or April of the following year, as in 2012, 2015, and 2016) in recent years, while a shorter recruitment season was detected between 2007 and 2010 (< 5 months, September–January in 2007 and July–December in 2010). Mean annual recruitment from 2012 to 2016 was about four times higher (ca. 43 recruits adult−1) than in the first 5 yr of the 10‐yr period (ca. 12 recruits adult−1). Correlation analyses between monthly recruitment and oceanographic variables revealed a significant positive correlation with sea surface temperature and a negative correlation with upwelling index. Results indicate a trend toward a longer recruitment season and a higher recruitment intensity in recent years (2012–2016), and a clear association between recruitment of P. pollicipes and both relaxation of upwelling and seawater warming.
Gratitude and sustainable consumer behavior: A moderated mediation model of time discounting and connectedness to the future self
Authors: Liang Jianping , Guo Leilei
Published: May 2021

Previous studies have explored the relationship between positive emotions and individuals’ sustainable consumer behavior, but the results are inconsistent. Emotions with the same valence but different cognitive appraisals may have different effects on such behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to examine the effects of specific positive emotions on sustainable consumer behavior. Using a longitudinal survey and three experimental studies, this study tests the effect of gratitude on sustainable product choice and examines the underlying psychological mechanism. The results indicate that both trait and state gratitude increase individuals’ sustainable product choice. Furthermore, time discounting mediates the relationship between gratitude and sustainable product choice. Connectedness to the future self moderates the mediation process in the path from gratitude to sustainable product choice and in that from gratitude to time discounting. The findings enrich our understanding of the relationship between gratitude and sustainable product choice and provide marketers with tools to increase consumers’ sustainable product choice by incorporating a gratitude appeal into their marketing communications.
Tracking Huntingtonʼs Disease Progression Using Motor, Functional, Cognitive, and Imaging Markers
Authors: Abeyasinghe Pubu M. , Long Jeffrey D. , Razi Adeel , Pustina Dorian , Paulsen Jane S. , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Poudel Govinda R. , Georgiou‐Karistianis Nellie
Published: May 2021

Background

Potential therapeutic targets and clinical trials for Huntingtonʼs disease have grown immensely in the last decade. However, to improve clinical trial outcomes, there is a need to better characterize profiles of signs and symptoms across different epochs of the disease to improve selection of participants.

Objective

The objective of the present study was to best distinguish longitudinal trajectories across different Huntingtonʼs disease progression groups.

Methods

Clinical and morphometric imaging data from 1082 participants across IMAGE‐HD, TRACK‐HD, and PREDICT‐HD studies were combined, with longitudinal times ranging between 1 and 10 years. Participants were classified into 4 groups using CAG and age product. Using multivariate linear mixed modeling, 63 combinations of markers were tested for their sensitivity in differentiating CAG and age product groups. Next, multivariate linear mixed modeling was applied to define the best combination of markers to track progression across individual CAG and age product groups.

Results

Putamen and caudate volumes, individually and/or combined, were identified as the best variables to both differentiate CAG and age product groups and track progression within them. The model using only caudate volume best described advanced disease progression in the combined data set. Contrary to expectations, combining clinical markers and volumetric measures did not improve tracking longitudinal progression.

Conclusions

Monitoring volumetric changes throughout a trial (alongside primary and secondary clinical end points) may provide a more comprehensive understanding of improvements in functional outcomes and help to improve the design of clinical trials. Alternatively, our results suggest that imaging deserves consideration as an end point in clinical trials because of the prospect of greater sensitivity. © 2021 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Evaluation of different CT maps for attenuation correction and segmentation in static 99mTc‐MAA SPECT/CT for 90Y radioembolization treatment planning: A simulation study
Authors: Lu Zhonglin , Chen Gefei , Lin Kuan‐Heng , Wu Tung‐Hsin , Mok Greta S. P.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Conventional 99mTc‐macroaggregated albumin (99mTc‐MAA) planar scintigraphy overestimates lung shunt fraction (LSF) compared to SPECT/CT. However, the respiratory motion artifact due to the temporal mismatch between static SPECT and helical CT (HCT) may compromise the SPECT quantitation accuracy by incorrect attenuation correction (AC) and volume‐of‐interest (VOI) segmentation. This study aims to evaluate AC and VOI segmentation effects systematically and to propose a CT map for LSF and tumor‐to‐normal liver ratio (TNR) estimation in static 99mTc‐MAA SPECT/CT.

Methods

The 4D XCAT phantom was used to simulate a phantom population of 120 phantoms, modeling 10 different anatomical variations, nine TNRs (2–13.2), nine tumor sizes (2–6.7 cm diameter), eight tumor locations, three axial motion amplitudes of 1, 1.5, and 2 (cm), and four LSFs of 5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%. An analytical projector for low‐energy high‐resolution parallel‐hole collimator was used to simulate 60 noisy projections over 360°, modeling attenuation and geometric collimator–detector response (GCDR). AC and VOI mismatch effects were investigated independently and together, using cine average CT (CACT), HCT at end‐inspiration (HCT‐IN), mid‐respiration (HCT‐MID), and end‐expiration (HCT‐EX) respectively as attenuation and segmentation maps. SPECT images without motion, AC, and VOI errors were also generated as reference. LSF and TNR errors were measured as compared to the ground truth.

Results

HCT‐MID has slightly better performance for AC effect compared with other CT maps in LSF and TNR estimation, while HCT‐EX and HCT‐MID perform better for VOI effect. For a respiratory motion amplitude of 1.5 cm and a LSF of 5%, the LSF errors are 19.56 ± 4.58%, −6.79 ± 1.74%, 77.29 ± 14.74%, and 111.25 ± 18.29% corresponding to HCT‐MID, HCT‐EX, HCT‐IN, and CACT in static SPECT. The TNR errors are −12.38 ± 6.42%, −20.55 ± 11.25%, −20.89 ± 9.98%, and −22.89 ± 14.38% respectively. HCT‐MID has the best performance for LSF estimation for LSF > 10% and TNR estimation, followed by HCT‐EX, HCT‐IN, and CACT.

Conclusions

The HCT‐MID is recommended for AC and segmentation to alleviate respiratory artifacts and improve quantitation accuracy in 90Y radioembolization treatment planning. HCT‐EX would also be a recommended choice if HCT‐MID is not available.
Antifibrosis treatment by inhibition of VEGF, FGF, and PDGF receptors improves bladder wall remodeling and detrusor overactivity in association with modulation of C‐fiber afferent activity in mice with spinal cord injury
Authors: Kwon Joonbeom , Lee Eun‐Ju , Cho Hyun‐Jung , Jang Ji‐Ae , Han Min‐Su , Kwak Eunkyoung , Kim Haesoo , An Jihyun , Park Donghwi , Han Seungwoo , Shimizu Nobutaka , Suzuki Takahisa , Takaoka Ei‐Ichiro , Yoshimura Naoki
Published: May 2021

Aims

Spinal cord injury (SCI) above the sacral level causes bladder dysfunction and remodeling with fibrosis. This study examined the antifibrotic effects using nintedanib, an inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, and platelet‐derived growth factor receptors, on detrusor overactivity (DO) and bladder fibrosis, as well as the modulation mechanisms of C‐fiber afferent pathways.

Methods

Thirty female C57BL/6 mice were divided into group A (spinal intact), group B (SCI with vehicle), and group C (SCI with nintedanib). At 2 weeks after SCI, vehicle or 50 mg/kg nintedanib was administered subcutaneously for 2 weeks. Then, cystometry was conducted, followed by RT‐PCR measurements of fibrosis‐related molecules, muscarinic, β‐adrenergic, TRP and purinergic receptors in the bladder or L6‐S1 dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Trichrome stain and Western blot analysis of transforming growth factor‐beta and fibronectin were performed in the bladder. TRPV1 expression in L6 DRG was measured by immunohistochemistry.

Results

In cystometry, intercontraction intervals, nonvoiding contractions, voided volume, and voiding efficiency were significantly improved in group C versus group B. RT‐PCR, Western blotting, and trichrome staining revealed the fibrotic changes in the bladder of group B, which was improved in group C. Increased messenger RNA levels of TRPV1, TRPA1, P2X2, and P2X3 in DRG of group B were significantly decreased in group C. TRPV1 immunoreactivity in DRG was increased in group B, but decreased in group C.

Conclusions

Nintedanib improves storage and voiding dysfunctions and bladder fibrosis in SCI mice. Also, nintedanib‐induced improvement of DO is associated with reduced expression of C‐fiber afferent markers, suggesting the modulation of bladder C‐fiber afferent activity.
Clinical Nutrition and Human Rights. An International Position Paper
Authors: Cardenas Diana , Correia Maria Isabel Toulson Davisson , Ochoa Juan B. , Hardy Gil , Rodriguez‐Ventimilla Dolores , Bermúdez Charles E. , Papapietro Karin , Hankard Régis , Briend André , Ungpinitpong Winai , Zakka Katerina Mary , Pounds Teresa , Cuerda Cristina , Barazzoni Rocco
Published: May 2021

The International Working Group for Patients' Right to Nutritional Care presents its position paper regarding nutritional care as a human right intrinsically linked to the right to food and the right to health. All people should have access to food and evidence‐based medical nutrition therapy including artificial nutrition and hydration. In this regard, the hospitalized malnourished ill should mandatorily have access to screening, diagnosis, nutritional assessment, with optimal and timely nutritional therapy in order to overcome malnutrition associated morbidity and mortality, while reducing the rates of disease‐related malnutrition. This right does not imply there is an obligation to feed all patients at any stage of life and at any cost. On the contrary, this right implies, from an ethical point of view, that the best decision for the patient must be taken and this may include, under certain circumstances, the decision not to feed. Application of the human rights‐based approach to the field of clinical nutrition will contribute to the construction of a moral, political, and legal focus to the concept of nutritional care. Moreover, it will be the cornerstone to the rationale of political and legal instruments in the field of clinical nutrition.
Pre‐COVID‐19 realities will become post‐COVID‐19 inevitables
Authors: Dennis Marguerite J.
Published: May 2021

It will take some time before we can completely unpack the long‐term impact of COVID‐19 on higher education, but what is clear is that the pandemic accelerated several trends that were already taking place in higher education.
Free tuition plan helps close equity gaps
Authors: Bannister Mary
Published: May 2021

“I've seen the gaps in access to education,” said B. Donta Truss, Vice President for Enrollment Development and Educational Outreach at Grand Valley State University. Truss began his current role at GVSU in July 2020 and helped launch the university's free tuition program, the Grand Valley Pledge. Before he came to GVSU, Truss's 20‐year career in higher education centered around helping low‐income and first‐generation students achieve their academic goals. After graduating as a first‐generation student, Truss worked as an educational advisor with the federal TRIO programs and in institutional research, which ignited his love for data as a big part of the change‐making process. Working as a VP at several institutions, Truss has integrated data analysis with retention, recruitment, and student life.
Phylogeny explains why less therapeutically redundant plant species are not necessarily facing greater use pressure
Authors: Coe Michael A. , Gaoue Orou G.
Published: May 2021

Understanding which factors influence medicinal plant species selection and harvest or use pressure can provide valuable insights for sustainable management of natural resources and conservation efforts. The utilitarian redundancy model, a theoretical framework in ethnobotany, suggests that species that are therapeutically redundant or fulfil similar therapeutic functions within traditional ethnomedicine are less likely to be under greater use pressure. However, species' evolutionary relatedness and the preference of certain species over others to treat a given illness can directly affect how use pressure is diffused across several groups of species. These factors may alter the strength of the therapeutic redundancy–use pressure relationship.

Medicinal plant species that fulfil the same therapeutic functions may experience greater use pressure despite their level of therapeutic redundancy because they are preferred, where most people select these species preferably over other species that are equally available for a given treatment. Furthermore, species that are closely related evolutionarily may be more likely to be harvested not because they are therapeutically unique but because they share evolutionary traits such as secondary chemistry with other medicinally important species which may make them more prone to being harvested.

We investigate the effects of species therapeutic redundancy, use value, preference and evolutionary relatedness on species use pressure in the Shipibo‐Konibo community of Paoyhan in the Peruvian Amazon region. We used phylogenetic generalized least squares models to identify significant predictors of species use pressure for 62 medicinal plant species cited by 30 participants and fulfilling 31 therapeutic functions in Shipibo‐Konibo ethnomedicine.

Our model controlling for species' shared evolutionary history indicated that therapeutically redundant medicinal plants experienced greater levels of use pressure. However, as preference increased, the effect of therapeutic redundancy on species use pressure became less positive. Contrary to predictions, species preference by local people alone did not predict use pressure. Furthermore, when we control for species' shared evolutionary history, the effect of preference on species use pressure was dependent on therapeutic redundancy.

Our study illustrates the importance of controlling for evolutionary relatedness between species in studying plant–human interactions and the complexity involved in employing the utilitarian redundancy model to inform management and conservation efforts.

A free plain language summary can be found within the Supporting Information of this article.
Fragility of short‐chain poly(lactic acid)s derivatives by combining dielectric spectroscopy and fast scanning calorimetry
Authors: Moghaddam Sareh Mahmoudian , Quelennec Blandine , Delpouve Nicolas , Atawa Bienvenu , Delbreilh Laurent , Saiter–Fourcin Allisson , Passaglia Elisa , Fiori Stefano
Published: May 2021

Low‐molecular‐mass bio‐polyesters, such as lactic acid oligomers, constitute a growing category of plasticizers for poly (lactic acid), since they show good compatibility and are respectful of the environment. This study focuses on the glass transition of a series of oligomers with different molecular weights, with the aim of investigating how their associated dynamics occur. Dielectric and calorimetric results are combined to study the molecular mobility in a large temperature range. In comparison with poly (lactic acid), the oligomers exhibit a lower fragility index and smaller cooperative rearranging regions. Among oligomers, the fragility is clearly dependent on the molecular weight, whereas the variations of the cooperativity are subtler.
Graphite production in two‐temperature non‐LTE plasmas of C4F7N and C5F10O mixed with CO2, N2, and O2 as eco‐friendly SF6 replacements: A numerical study
Authors: Zhong Linlin , Gu Qi , Wu Bingyu
Published: May 2021

Many recent works have shown that C4F7N and C5F10O have a great potential to replace SF6 as a greenhouse gas. One of the biggest problems for their application is that condensed species (i.e., graphite) may be produced during gas discharges. However, all the previous works are performed under the assumption of local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE). Therefore, this study investigates the departure of thermodynamic equilibrium and the corresponding effects on the graphite production in the plasmas of C4F7N, C5F10O, and their mixtures with CO2, N2, and O2, based on the two‐temperature (2T) non‐LTE plasma compositions calculated by the Gibbs free energy minimization. The results show that neglecting the nonequilibrium effect can lead to a very inaccurate description of graphite condensation in the above plasmas.
Numerical Simulation of HTPB Resin Curing Process Using OpenFOAM and Study the Effect of Different Conditions on its Curing Time
Authors: Moghimi Rad Hamed , Tavangar Roosta Saeed , Motamed Shariati Seyed Hadi , Ghorban Hosseini Seyed
Published: May 2021

The main purpose of this study is to optimize the curing time of HTPB, by analyzing the curing process in different conditions. Solving equations have been performed using OpenFOAM software and according to the finite volume method. To solve the curing equation, a new solver called CureFOAM was developed and added to the OpenFOAM. Using the experimental results available in the sources, the developed solver was validated. The maximum relative error is +5 %. After validating the CureFOAM solver, the effect of various factors affecting the curing process was simulated. Based on the results, an increase of 10 °C temperature reduces curing time to 2 days, and the use of a fan oven in the Reynolds 1500 range, reduces curing time by up to 50 percent. Also, the curing process in the mold of a rectangular cube is done faster than the cylindrical and spherical molds, in different aspect ratios.
Pharmacokinetics and safety of TCMCB07, a melanocortin‐4 antagonist peptide in dogs
Authors: Axiak‐Bechtel Sandra M. , Leach Stacey B. , Scholten David G. , Newton‐Northup Jessica R. , Johnson Brendan J. , Durham H. E. , Gruber Kenneth A. , Callahan Michael F.
Published: May 2021

The melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) antagonistic peptide TCMCB07 was developed for the treatment of cachexia. The objectives of this study were to examine pharmacokinetics and safety of TCMCB07 administered subcutaneously to healthy dogs. Dogs were treated with high‐ (2.25 mg kg−1) (n = 5) and low‐dose TCMCB07 (0.75 mg kg−1) (n = 5) once daily for 28 days with a 14‐day washout period between groups. Histamine levels, complete blood count, chemistry panel, blood pressure, 24‐hour Holter recording, and pharmacokinetic parameters were monitored in the high‐dose group. Physical examination changes were limited to weight gain and darkening of the coat color. There was no elevation of plasma histamine within 24 hours of injection but there was a significant elevation of plasma histamine across time. An approximately doubled eosinophil count and an approximately 25% increase, and then 25% decrease back to pre‐treatment plasma phosphorous were also found, although both remained within the reference interval. Serial blood pressure and 24‐hour Holter monitors revealed no clinically relevant changes. A difference was found in the AUC between dosing groups and a significant effect of dose, time, and interaction was noted for Vd. Low‐dose TCMCB07 had a Cmaxof 2.1 ug ml−1at day 28, compared to high‐dose TCMCB07 which had a Cmax3.6 ug ml−1at day 28. Once‐daily subcutaneous administration of TCMCB07 was well‐tolerated for up to 28 days in dogs when administered at doses one and three times (0.75 mg kg−1and 2.25 mg kg−1) the predicted therapeutic dose and pharmacokinetic parameters are described.

Significance Statement

Melanocortin‐4 receptor (MC4R) antagonistic peptide TCMCB07 is safe at both low and high doses in dogs. Therapy was tolerated well as determined by physical examination, clinical pathology, and cardiovascular parameters; darkening of the coat was noted with treatment and resolved with discontinuation. Pharmacokinetics are described and further study in the naturally occurring canine model is warranted.
Microstructure and Superconducting Properties of Rapid Heating, Quenching, and Transformation (RHQT) Powder‐in‐Tube Nb3Al Wires Doped with Sn Element
Authors: Hu Yuanbin , Ran Mingming , Chen Ming , Yu Xuan , Liu Lian , Chen Yongliang , Zhang Yong , Yu Zhou , Zhao Yong
Published: May 2021

Properties of rapid heating, quenching, and transformation (RHQT)‐treated powder‐in‐tube (PIT) Nb3Al1−xSnx wires are studied herein. After the RHQ process, the body‐centered cubic (bcc) phase is formed in the Sn‐doped Nb3Al wires. The transformed superconducting A15 phase shows a uniform microstructure and homogenous component distribution feature. With the increase of the Sn doping level, the critical transition temperature (Tc), critical current density (Jc), and irreversibility field (Birr) of the superconducting wires increase first and then reduce, achieving the highest Tc value of 17.6 K and the smallest ΔTc of 0.6 K in the 4% Sn doped Nb3Al wire. The 4% Sn addition helps to improve the layer Jc of the sample to 2.1 × 105 A cm−2 at 8 K and 5 T, which is about 2.5 times that of the pure Nb3Al sample. Furthermore, the Nb3Al1−xSnx (x = 0.04) wire gives the highest Birr value of 17.22, 13.23, and 9.11 T at 8, 10, and 12 K, respectively. The addition of Sn helps to achieve stoichiometric Nb3Al A15 phase and formation of precipitations with the size of 10 nm, which might act as the flux‐pinning center.
Impact of Electrical Current on Single GaAs Nanowire Structure
Authors: Bahrami Danial , AlHassan Ali , Davtyan Arman , Zhe Ren , Anjum Taseer , Herranz Jesús , Geelhaar Lutz , Novikov Dmitri V. , Timm Rainer , Pietsch Ullrich
Published: May 2021

The impact of electrical current on the structure of single free‐standing Be‐doped GaAs nanowires grown on a Si 111 substrate is investigated. Single nanowires have been structurally analyzed by X‐ray nanodiffraction using synchrotron radiation before and after the application of an electrical current. The conductivity measurements on single nanowires in their as‐grown geometry have been realized via W‐probes installed inside a dual‐beam focused ion beam/scanning electron microscopy chamber. Comparing reciprocal space maps of the 111 Bragg reflection, extracted perpendicular to the nanowire growth axis before and after the conductivity measurement, the structural impact of the electrical current is evidenced, including deformation of the hexagonal nanowire cross section, tilting, and bending with respect to the substrate normal. For electrical current densities below 30 A mm−2, the induced changes in the reciprocal space maps are negligible. However, for a current density of 347 A mm−2, the diffraction pattern is completely distorted. The mean cross section of the illuminated nanowire volume is reconstructed from the reciprocal space maps before and after the application of electrical current. Interestingly, the elongation of two pairs of opposing side facets accompanied by shrinkage of the third pair of facets is found. The variations in the nanowire diameter, as well as their tilt and bending, are confirmed by scanning electron microscopy. To explain these findings, material melting due to Joule heating during voltage/current application accompanied by anisotropic deformations induced by the W‐probe is suggested.
The detailed clinical objectives approach to designing clinical trials and choosing estimands
Authors: Bell James , Hamilton Alan , Sailer Oliver , Voss Florian
Published: May 2021

Objective setting is a necessary early step in the development of a clinical trial. ICH E9(R1) notes that the clinical objectives of a trial lead directly to the choice of estimands but barely discusses objectives themselves. Indeed, there is very little guidance anywhere in literature about objectives in clinical trials. This article identifies the substantial overlap between description of estimands and high quality definitions of objectives. It consequently shows that the estimand is decided by the precise choice of trial objective, and that therefore estimand decisions should be made at the objective level. The Detailed Clinical Objectives approach is proposed to support this. It emphasises clarity, specificity and a clinical focus when choosing and documenting objectives. Template text and examples are included to provide guidance on how it can be used in real trials. Finally, we describe objective‐driven trial design, emphasising how strong objective setting establishes an important foundation for rigorous trial design discussions, logistical and operational decision‐making during trial preparations, and clear communication of results and conclusions at the end of the trial. Highlighting the distinctions between objectives and estimands, we note how an objective‐based framework can build on the ICH E9(R1) estimand framework to address many of its unanswered questions.
Vaporization thermodynamics of In2O3 by Knudsen effusion mass spectrometry. The standard enthalpy of formation of In2O(g)
Authors: Smirnov Andrey S. , Gribchenkova Nadezhda A. , Alikhanyan Andrey S.
Published: May 2021

Rationale

In2O3 is one of the most important semiconductor oxides in modern electronics. Vacuum deposition methods are often used for the preparation of In2O3‐based nanomaterials. Thus, vaporization thermodynamics is of key importance for process control and optimization. Since the literature data on the vapor composition and partial pressure values for In2O3 are contradictory, vaporization thermodynamics of In2O3 needs to be clarified.

Methods

Vaporization behavior of In2O3 was studied using the Knudsen effusion technique in the temperature range 1400–1610 K. Quartz effusion cells were employed. A magnet mass spectrometer with an ordinary focus and a sector‐type analyzer was used. Heating of samples and molecular beam ionization were performed by electron impact. The operating ionizing electron energy was 75 eV.

Results

A specially designed experiment allowed us to determine the individual mass spectrum of the In2O molecule and, thus, to interpret the mass spectrum of the vapor registered during In2O3 vaporization. The composition of the equilibrium vapor was quantified and the partial pressures of the vapor species were determined. On the basis of the experimental data, the standard enthalpies of some gaseous and heterogeneous reactions taking place during In2O3 vaporization and the standard enthalpy of formation of In2O(g) were calculated.

Conclusions

The presence of In species in the vapor over In2O3 was confirmed and the vapor composition was quantified. Thermodynamic characteristics of In2O3 vaporization were obtained and a value of the standard enthalpy of formation of In2O(g) was recommended. These data can be used for further thermodynamic calculations and for evaluating parameters for the synthesis and exploitation of In2O3‐containing materials.
Co‐designed sampled‐data output consensus for multi‐agent systems
Authors: Cao Kecai , Qian Chunjiang , Gu Juping , Hua Liang
Published: May 2021

Sampled‐data output consensus problem has been firstly considered within co‐design framework where control gains and sampling periods are incorporated together. In construction of co‐designed controllers, we firstly introduce a scaled coordinate transformation for the original system in the continuous‐time domain. Then design of sampled‐data controllers with absolute/relative damping and stability analysis of closed‐loop system have been conducted directly in discrete‐time domain. Main novelty of the co‐design method lies in that the sampling period can be arbitrarily large due to the compensation of control gains. Compared with previous work on sampled‐data consensus protocols, conservatism on allowable sampling periods has been greatly relaxed and more flexibility has been provided for digital implementation of the obtained sampled‐data controllers. Simulation studies with different sampling periods are also provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the co‐designed sampled‐data output controllers.
Spawning activity of European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) driven by interdaily water temperature variations: Case study Gr. Mühl River/Austria
Authors: Hauer Christoph , Unfer Günther
Published: May 2021

Interdaily water temperature variations were studied at a known spawning site of European grayling (Thymallus thymallus) in the Große Mühl River, Austria. Spawning activity was visually observed from a bridge where spawners were counted and their activity/behaviour documented twice a day. The spawning of grayling was documented for a temperature range of 7.8–11.5°C. Analysis of the collected data showed that spawning activity increases significantly when water temperatures rise during a day. In addition, the results showed a significant response in the relative water temperature increase, which was +3.5°C on average; however, the absolute temperature between periods of non‐activity and spawning activity exhibited no significant differences.
Efficient study design to estimate population means with multiple measurement instruments
Authors: Bitan Michal , Gorfine Malka , Rosen Laura , Steinberg David M.
Published: May 2021

Outcomes from studies assessing exposure often use multiple measurements. In previous work, using a model first proposed by Buonoccorsi (1991), we showed that combining direct (eg, biomarkers) and indirect (eg, self‐report) measurements provides a more accurate picture of true exposure than estimates obtained when using a single type of measurement. In this article, we propose a tool for efficient design of studies that include both direct and indirect measurements of a relevant outcome. Based on data from a pilot or preliminary study, the tool, which is available online as a shiny app at https://michalbitan.shinyapps.io/shinyApp/, can be used to compute: (1) the sample size required for a statistical power analysis, while optimizing the percent of participants who should provide direct measures of exposure (biomarkers) in addition to the indirect (self‐report) measures provided by all participants; (2) the ideal number of replicates; and (3) the allocation of resources to intervention and control arms. In addition we show how to examine the sensitivity of results to underlying assumptions. We illustrate our analysis using studies of tobacco smoke exposure and nutrition. In these examples, a near‐optimal allocation of the resources can be found even if the assumptions are not precise.
Smart Materials for Dynamic Thermal Radiation Regulation
Authors: Wei Hang , Gu Jinxin , Ren Feifei , Zhang Leipeng , Xu Gaoping , Wang Bo , Song Shanshan , Zhao Jiupeng , Dou Shuliang , Li Yao
Published: May 2021

Thermal radiation in the mid‐infrared region profoundly affects human lives in various fields, including thermal management, imaging, sensing, camouflage, and thermography. Due to their fixed emissivities, radiance features of conventional materials are usually proportional to the quadruplicate of surface temperature, which set the limit, that one type of material can only present a single thermal function. Therefore, it is necessary and urgent to design materials for dynamic thermal radiation regulations to fulfill the demands of the age of intelligent machines. Recently, the ability of some smart materials to dynamically regulate thermal radiation has been evaluated. These materials are found to be competent enough for various commands, thereby, providing better alternatives and tremendously promoting the commercial potentials. In this review, the dynamic regulatory mechanisms and recent progress in the evaluation of these smart materials are summarized, including thermochromic materials, electrochromic materials, mechanically and humidity responsive materials, with the potential applications, insufficient problems, and possible strategies highlighted.
Environmentally Compatible Wearable Electronics Based on Ionically Conductive Organohydrogels for Health Monitoring with Thermal Compatibility, Anti‐Dehydration, and Underwater Adhesion
Authors: Niu Yan , Liu Hao , He Rongyan , Luo Meiqing , Shu Maoguo , Xu Feng
Published: May 2021

Hydrogel‐based electronics have found widespread applications in soft sensing and health monitoring because of their remarkable biocompatibility and mechanical features similar to human skin. However, they are subjected to potential challenges like structural failure, functional degradation, and device delamination in practical applications, especially facing extreme environmental conditions (e.g., abnormal temperature and humidity). To address these, ionically conductive organohydrogel‐based soft electronics are developed, which can perform at subzero and elevated temperatures (thermal compatibility) as well as at dehydrated and hydrated environments (hydration compatibility) for extended applications. More specifically, gelatin/poly(acrylic acid–N‐hydrosuccinimide ester) (PAA–NHS ester)‐based ionic‐conductive organohydrogel is synthesized. By introducing a glycerol–water binary solvent system, the gel can maintain mechanical softness in a wide temperature range (from −80 to 60 °C). Besides, excellent conductivity is achieved under various conditions by soaking the gel into lithium chloride anhydrous (LiCl) solution. Strong adhesion with skin, even under water, can be realized by covalent bonds between NHS ester from gel and amino groups from human skin. The excellent performances of LiCl‐loaded PAA‐based organohydrogel (L‐PAA‐OH)‐based electronics are further demonstrated under freezing and high temperatures as well as underwater conditions, unveiling their promising prospects in wearable health monitoring in various conditions.
Hydrophobic Organic Ammonium Halide Modification toward Highly Efficient and Stable CsPbI2.25Br0.75 Solar Cell
Authors: Duan Linrui , Wang Zaiwei , Li Yanyan , Tan Liguo , Zhang Zhuang , Wang Huanhuan , Yi Chenyi , Hagfeldt Anders , Luo Jingshan
Published: May 2021

Inorganic cesium lead halide perovskite solar cells are promising candidates for next‐generation photovoltaic applications. However, their phase instability and relatively low efficiency hinder their commercialization. Herein, hydrophobic organic ammonium halides (Cl, Br, and I) are rationally used for the modification of inorganic CsPb(I0.75Br0.25)3 perovskite solar cells. Benefiting from their passivation effects and hydrophobic long alkyl chain, the modified devices exhibit enhanced efficiency and stability. Among them, the hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC)‐modified device shows the best performance with a power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 18.05%. Furthermore, a gradient triple anion inorganic perovskite CsPb(I0.75Br0.25)3−x
Cl
x
layer is formed in situ during the CTAC modification, which demonstrates better phase stability than CsPb(I0.75Br0.25)3. As a result, the modified device also shows excellent stability, maintaining 94% of the initial efficiency after 35 days in N2 atmosphere.