bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The evolving landscape of immunotherapy in solid tumors
Authors: Keilson Jessica M. , Knochelmann Hannah M. , Paulos Chrystal M. , Kudchadkar Ragini R. , Lowe Michael C.
Published: February 2021

While surgical resection, local and cytotoxic therapies have long formed the basis of cancer care, immunotherapy now plays a key role in supplementing and even replacing these agents in the first line. Here we review the early success of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1) and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte associated protein 4 blockade and discuss biomarkers of therapeutic response. We next highlight a select group of novel targets in Phase III trials both as monotherapies and in combination with PD‐1 inhibitors. Finally, we discuss innovations which seek to improve outcomes in therapy‐resistant solid tumors.
Crohn's Disease Activity Evaluation by Transabdominal Ultrasonography: Correlation with Double‐Balloon Endoscopy
Authors: Yamanashi Kana , Katsurada Takehiko , Nishida Mutsumi , Onishi Reizo , Omotehara Satomi , Otagiri Shinsuke , Sakurai Kensuke , Nagashima Kazunori , Kinoshita Kenji , Takagi Ryo , Sakamoto Naoya
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Transabdominal ultrasonography (US) has been reported as a useful tool for evaluating Crohn's disease (CD) activity. Endoscopic findings and Crohn's disease activity index (CDAI) are currently considered the gold standard for assessing CD activity. We assessed the correlation between US and double‐balloon endoscopy (DBE), and CDAI for evaluating CD activity.

Methods

We analyzed patients with CD undergoing US and DBE within 10 days between the procedures. The intestine was divided into four segments and analyzed by the US scoring system (US‐CD) and the simple endoscopic score for Crohn's disease (SES‐CD). CDAI was compared with US‐CD and SES‐CD. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient was used for statistical analysis.

Results

Twenty‐five patients with CD (11 women, 14 men; mean age 35.4 ± 14.9 years, range 16–65 years) were enrolled. Twenty‐four patients received antitumor necrosis factor inhibitor therapy. CDAI was 128.1 (range 36–227). A significant moderate correlation was found between the US‐CD and SES‐CD in all segments (ρ = .64, P < .01). The US‐CD showed a strong correlation with CDAI (ρ = .78, P < .01), whereas the SES‐CD showed a moderate correlation (ρ = .55, P < .05).

Conclusions

US‐CD and SES‐CD showed a moderate correlation for assessing CD activity. US‐CD showed a stronger correlation with CDAI than SES‐CD, suggesting that US could more accurately evaluate the disease activity.
Designing Timber Harvesting to Enhance New Zealand Falcon Populations
Authors: Horikoshi Chifuyu , Battley Phil F. , Minot Edward O.
Published: February 2021

Previous breeding‐season studies of threatened New Zealand falcons (Falco novaeseelandiae) in plantation forests have suggested that falcons benefit when harvesting creates a mosaic of differently aged stands, especially where young and mature tree stands are adjacent. Thus, changes in the rate and pattern of harvesting may affect habitat heterogeneity by altering the size and distribution of forest patches. We sought to determine guidelines for harvesting that would most benefit falcons by increasing the carrying capacity of the forest for falcons. We used radio‐tracking to determine the home‐range sizes of non‐breeding falcons over 3 seasons and compared winter home‐range overlap in the most‐selected land cover types by falcons (mature‐young edges and open patches) with other land cover types. The distribution of open patches and edges between mature stands and recently cleared areas affected falcon home ranges, home‐range overlap, and the likelihood of nesting. Specifically, home ranges were smaller as the density of edges and percentage of open patch increased, and there was greater home‐range overlap between individuals in the most‐selected land cover types. Numbers of falcons decreased as the size of open patches increased, concomitant with a decrease in edge size, the number of edge borders, and the number of open patches. The likelihood of nesting also decreased as open patch size increased. Our results indicate that smaller open patches spread through a forest, maximizing the amount of mature‐young edges, will favor smaller home ranges and therefore potentially greater numbers of falcons. We recommend harvesting protocols that ensure that open patches (0–3‐yr‐old stands) are <4 km2 in size and retain at least small stands of mature pine to maintain a high density of edges. Similar protocols may increase the carrying capacity for other species occurring in managed systems involving fragmented landscapes or small reserves. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
Prospective Evaluation of Safety of Singing on Steroids: Testing the Truth of Received Wisdom
Authors: Murphy Estes Christine , Chadwick Keith , Sadoughi Babak , Andreadis Katerina , Sussman Scott , Sulica Lucian
Published: February 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Performing while on steroids is widely considered to increase risk of vocal injury. This study aims to determine incidence and type of injury, and changes in performers' voices after treatment of vocal fold edema (VFE) with glucocorticoids.

Study Design

Prospective Cohort.

Methods

Fifty‐five performers (34 female; 21 male) treated for acute VFE with short‐course oral glucocorticoids were prospectively evaluated pre‐ and post‐treatment. Subjects underwent videostroboscopy, acoustic/aerodynamic assessment, and functional assessment with the Singing Voice Handicap Index‐10 (SVHI‐10) and Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily (EASE). Blinded reviewers rated videostroboscopic examinations and performed audio‐perceptual assessment. Chi‐square tests and Wilcoxon signed rank tests were applied for analyses of treatment changes.

Results

Following glucocorticoid treatment, two instances of vocal fold hemorrhage (3.6%) and three instances of glottic thrush (5.5%) were observed. These resolved without consequence. Mucosal wave dynamics and edema improved. Nearly all subjects completed scheduled performances, and significant improvement was noted on the EASE, reflecting improved function after treatment. These were further supported by statistically significant improvements in CAPE‐V and some acoustic and aerodynamic outcomes (semitone pitch range for females, airflow measures for males).

Conclusions

Oral glucocorticoids appear to be generally safe for performers presenting with acute VFE. The incidence of adverse effects, specifically hemorrhage and thrush, was low and the effects transient. Vocal fold examination should be considered obligatory before prescribing glucorticoids to working performers. A treatment strategy for acute VF edema incorporating glucocorticoids when appropriate appears to result in significant improvements in measures of glottal function including videostroboscopic appearance, subject perception, and auditory perception.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:2298–2304, 2021
Consumption of High‐Oleic Soybean Oil Improves Lipid and Lipoprotein Profile in Humans Compared to a Palm Oil Blend: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Baer David J. , Henderson Theresa , Gebauer Sarah K.
Published: February 2021

Partially hydrogenated oils (PHO) have been removed from the food supply due to adverse effects on risk for coronary heart disease (CHD). High‐oleic soybean oils (HOSBO) are alternatives that provide functionality for different food applications. The objective of this study was to determine how consumption of diets containing HOSBO compared to other alternative oils, with similar functional properties, modifies LDL cholesterol (LDLc) and other risk factors and biomarkers of CHD. A triple‐blind, crossover, randomized controlled trial was conducted in humans (n = 60) with four highly‐controlled diets containing (1) HOSBO, (2) 80:20 blend of HOSBO and fully hydrogenated soybean oil (HOSBO+FHSBO), (3) soybean oil (SBO), and (4) 50:50 blend of palm oil and palm kernel oil (PO + PKO). Before and after 29 days of feeding, lipids/lipoproteins, blood pressure, body composition, and markers of inflammation, oxidation, and hemostasis were measured. LDLc, apolipoprotein B (apoB), NonHDL‐cholesterol (HDLc), ratios of total cholesterol (TC)‐to‐HDLc and LDLc‐to‐HDL cholesterol, and LDL particle number and small LDL particles concentration were lower after HOSBO and HOSBO+FHSBO compared to PO (specific comparisons p < 0.05). Other than TC:HDL, there were no differences in lipid/lipoprotein markers when comparing HOSBO+FHSBO with HOSBO. LDLc and apoB were higher after HOSBO compared to SBO (p < 0.05). PO + PKO increased HDLc (p < 0.001) and apolipoprotein AI (p < 0.03) compared to HOSBO and HOSBO+FHSBO. With the exception of lipid hydroperoxides, dietary treatments did not affect other CHD markers. HOSBO, and blends thereof, is a PHO replacement that results in more favorable lipid/lipoprotein profiles compared to PO + PKO (an alternative fat with similar functional properties).
Functionalized Graphene Oxide‐Reinforced Chitosan Hydrogel as Biomimetic Dressing for Wound Healing
Authors: Wang Yanjie , Liu Sijun , Yu Wei
Published: February 2021

A novel chitosan composite hydrogel by combining functionalized graphene oxide (CGO) is fabricated. The introduction of CGO significantly improves the mechanical property of CS hydrogel owing to the enhanced interaction between chitosan and CGO sheets. In comparison to the CS‐GO composite hydrogel, the compressive stress of the CS‐CGO composite hydrogel increases from 1.9 MPa at strain of 70.4% to 4.2 MPa at strain of 78.4%, the tensile stress and strain improve from 141.2 kPa and 134.6% to 300.2 kPa and 165.9%, respectively. An interconnected porous structure is formed in the CS‐CGO composite hydrogel and the pore size decreases as the CGO loading increases, which is desirable in improving its mechanical property. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity tests indicate that the CS‐CGO composite hydrogel possesses an excellent biocompatibility and can promote the adhesion and proliferation of fibroblasts. In vivo evaluation on full‐thickness excision wounds in experimental rat shows that the CS‐CGO composite hydrogel significantly accelerates wound healing, and the wound closure rate reaches up to 92.2% after 21 days. A feasible strategy to fabricate an enhanced chitosan composite hydrogel for application in wound healing is offered.
Box‐Behnken Design a Key Tool to Achieve Optimized PCL/Gelatin Electrospun Mesh
Authors: Guerreiro Sara F. C. , Valente Joana F. A. , Dias Juliana R. , Alves Nuno
Published: February 2021

Hybrid electrospun nanofibers of polycaprolactone (PCL)/gelatin are considered as drug‐delivery systems for increasing the treatment efficacy in superficial (skin) wounds. Continuous delivery of therapeutic agents, skin extracellular matrix similarity, management of wound exudate, and antimicrobial barrier effect are the major advantages of electrospun nanofibers in skin applications. Additionally, combining the favorable properties of PCL and gelatin, regarding their biocompatibility, biodegradability and mechanical performance have been revealed promising parameters to be considered for blend in hybrid structures. However, the usual optimization protocol of nanofibers’ production in electrospinning is based on the observation of one‐variable‐at‐time being this methodology expensive and time‐consuming. Therefore, in this research work, a statistical model based on four input variables namely, the flow rate, the needle‐working distance, the applied voltage, and the ratio of PCL in the solution, is developed to predict the behavior of nanofibers. The performance of nanofibers is monitored by measurements of fiber's diameter, mesh's thickness, and mesh's permeability. Overall, the model showed to be statistically significant (p‐value < 0.05) and an independent analysis validated the predicted response for optimal condition. Finally, a delivery study is performed to evaluate the electrospun mesh performance as a drug carrier.
Strain Softening of Bimodal Isoprene Rubber Vulcanizates
Authors: Hou Fengyi , Xia Zhijie , Song Yihu , Chen Wei , Zheng Qiang
Published: February 2021

Isoprene rubber (IR) vulcanizates soften upon large‐amplitude oscillational shear and large‐strain cyclic tensile deformation. The mechanisms of these two strain softening behaviors remain unclarified and methods for reducing the accompanied mechanical dissipations are not well established. Herein IR/liquid isoprene rubber bimodal blends are cured into vulcanizates with similar cross‐linking densities. The results indicate that, in comparison with the pure IR network, the bimodal networks demonstrate lowered loss modulus and loss tangent at low strain amplitudes during oscillational shear and reduced loading−unloading dissipation energy at large strains during cyclic tensile deformation. The latter is ascribed to the weakened strain‐induced crystallization (SIC) as disclosed by in situ wide angle X‐ray diffraction. To the best of the current knowledge, the depression of SIC and thus dissipation energy in cyclic deformation is seldom reported for rubber materials. This work provides a new perspective for preparing rubber materials with balanced deformation resistance and mechanical hysteresis.
Isothermal and anisothermal creep behavior of the nickel base Alloy 602 CA
Authors: Schwing R. , Linn S. , Kontermann C. , Neubert S. , Oechsner M.
Published: February 2021

Components in industrial furnaces and apparatus construction are usually exposed to temperatures up to 1,200 °C as well as mechanical loading and corrosive attack of the environmental atmosphere. Furthermore, they undergo numerous temperature cycles in service. To describe the characteristics of the nickel base Alloy 602 CA, which is often used in this industrial sector, the long term creep behavior of this alloy was studied at temperatures from 800 °C to 1,200 °C with and without thermal cycling. During these tests unexpected effects could be noticed. At load levels representing typical component loads and isothermal temperature control an anomalous decrease in creep rate in the third creep stage was observed. Experiments under thermal cycling showed a considerably higher creep rate in the whole range than in the isothermal case. Within the present article, these findings are outlined in detail together with a brief discussion of causes and consequences based on extensive microstructural examinations.
Metabolic potential of the moderate halophile Yangia sp. ND199 for co‐production of polyhydroxyalkanoates and exopolysaccharides
Authors: Romero Soto Luis , Thabet Habib , Maghembe Reuben , Gameiro Denise , Van‐Thuoc Doan , Dishisha Tarek , Hatti‐Kaul Rajni
Published: February 2021

Yangia sp. ND199 is a moderately halophilic bacterium isolated from mangrove samples in Northern Vietnam, which was earlier reported to grow on several sugars and glycerol to accumulate poly(hydroxyalkanoates) (PHA). In this study, the potential of the bacterium for co‐production of exopolysaccharides (EPS) and PHA was investigated. Genome sequence analysis of the closely related Yangia sp. CCB‐M3 isolated from mangroves in Malaysia revealed genes encoding enzymes participating in different EPS biosynthetic pathways. The effects of various cultivation parameters on the production of EPS and PHA were studied. The highest level of EPS (288 mg/L) was achieved using sucrose and yeast extract with 5% NaCl and 120 mM phosphate salts but with modest PHA accumulation (32% of cell dry weight, 1.3 g/L). Growth on fructose yielded the highest PHA concentration (85% of CDW, 3.3 g/L) at 90 mM phosphate and higher molecular weight EPS at 251 mg/L yield at 120 mM phosphate concentration. Analysis of EPS showed a predominance of glucose, followed by fructose and galactose, and minor amounts of acidic sugars.
Allelic and genotype frequencies of major CYP2B6 polymorphisms in the Pakistani population
Authors: Ahmed Sagheer , Khan Saeed , Janjua Kholood , Imran Imran , Khan Arif Ullah
Published: February 2021

Background

Cytochrome P450 (CYP2B6) is an important enzyme that metabolizes about 3.0% of therapeutic drugs. Drugs metabolized mainly by CYP2B6 include artemisinin, bupropion, cyclophosphamide, efavirenz, ketamine, and methadone. The genetic polymorphisms in the CYP2B6 gene have earlier been studied in many populations, but the data are lacking for the Pakistani population. This research study aimed to determine the frequencies of the three of the most important variant alleles and genotypes of the CYP2B6 gene in the Pakistani population.

Methods

Blood was withdrawn from healthy volunteers after taking informed consent. DNA was extracted using commercial kits, and allelic and genotype frequencies were determined after PCR amplification followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) and gel electrophoresis.

Results

Our results show a minor allele frequency of 33.8% for CYP2B6*6, 25.8% for CYP2B6*4, 6.5% for CYP2B6*3, whereas wild‐type genotype frequency was 48.57% for CYP2B6*6, 59.79% for CYP2B6*4, and 90.20% for CYP2B6*3. A significant interethnic variation was also observed.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the frequency of poor metabolizers of CYP2B6, especially *6 variant, is significant enough in the Pakistani population to be given an important consideration when drugs metabolized by this enzyme are prescribed.
He's variational method for the time–space fractional nonlinear Drinfeld–Sokolov–Wilson system
Authors: Wang Kang‐Jia , Wang Guo‐Dong
Published: February 2021

The well‐known Drinfeld–Sokolov–Wilson system is widely used to describe the flow of the shallow water. This paper considers the time–space fractional Drinfeld–Sokolov–Wilson system, where He's variational method together with the two‐scale transform is applied to find its solitary solutions. The numerical results have been shown through graphs to demonstrate the applicability and efficiency of our approach. The main advantage of variational approach is that it can reduce the order of differential equation and make the equation more simple. The obtained results in this work are expected to shed a bright light on the study of fractional nonlinear partial differential equations.
Improving accuracy in the Leray model for incompressible nonisothermal flows via adaptive deconvolution‐based nonlinear filtering
Authors: Akbaş Mine , Bowers Abigail
Published: February 2021

This paper considers a Leray regularization model of incompressible, nonisothermal fluid flows which uses nonlinear filtering based on indicator functions and introduces an efficient numerical method for solving it. The proposed method uses a multistep, second‐order temporal discretization with a finite element (FE) spatial discretization in such a way that the resulting algorithm is linear at each time level and decouples the evolution equations from the velocity filter step. Since the indicator function chosen in this model is mathematically based on approximation theory, the proposed numerical algorithm can be analyzed robustly, i.e., the stability and convergence of the method is provable. A series of numerical tests are carried out to verify the theoretical convergence rates and to compare the algorithm with direct numerical simulation and the usual Leray‐α model of the flow problem.
Multiexciton state of singlet fission in triisopropylsilylethynyl‐pentacene
Authors: Cui Minghuan , Jiang Yuanzhi , Zhang Bo , Song Didi , Yuan Mingjian , Qin Chaochao , Liu Yufang
Published: February 2021

Singlet fission (SF) is a spin‐allowed conversion process, in which one singlet exciton is replaced by a pair of triplet excitons resided on adjacent molecules. To rationalize this phenomenon, a multiexcitonic spin‐zero triplet‐pair state is generally hypothesized as an intermediate state for SF. However, the details of its formation during the fission process, and its subsequent evolution over time are still remain unclear. Thus, this work provides a model of the SF system for triisopropylsilylethynyl‐pentacene by using femtosecond time‐resolved transient absorption spectroscopy. A mixed state of singlet and multiexciton, which mediates the ultrafast SF process is directly observed. This work represents a new viewpoint for the research on SF intermediates.
Comparison of deep phenotyping features of UCPPS with and without Hunner lesion: A MAPP‐II Research Network Study
Authors: Lai H. Henry , Newcomb Craig , Harte Steve , Appleby Dina , Ackerman A. Lenore , Anger Jennifer T. , Nickel J. Curtis , Gupta Priyanka , Rodriguez Larissa V. , Landis J. Richard , Clemens J. Quentin ,   The MAPP Research Network
Published: February 2021

Objective

To use the phenotyping data from the MAPP‐II Symptom Patterns Study (SPS) to compare the systemic features between urologic chronic pelvic pain syndrome (UCPPS) with Hunner lesion (HL) versus those without HL.

Methods

We performed chart review on 385 women and 193 men with UCPPS who enrolled in the MAPP‐II SPS. 223 had cystoscopy and documentation of HL status. Among them, 12.5% had HL and 87.5% did not.

Results

UCPPS participants with HL were older, had increased nocturia, higher Interstitial Cystitis Symptom and Problem Indexes, and were more likely to report “painful urgency” compared with those without HL. On the other hand, UCPPS without HL reported more intense nonurologic pain, greater distribution of pain outside the pelvis, greater numbers of comorbid chronic overlapping pain conditions, higher fibromyalgia‐like symptoms, and greater pain centralization, and were more likely to have migraine headache than those with HL. UCPPS without HL also had higher anxiety, perceived stress, and pain catastrophizing than those with HL. There were no differences in sex distribution, UCPPS symptom duration, intensity of urologic pain, distribution of genital pain, pelvic floor tenderness on pelvic examination, quality of life, depression, pain characteristics (nociceptive pain vs. neuropathic pain), mechanical hypersensitivity in the suprapubic area during quantitative sensory testing, and 3‐year longitudinal pain outcome and urinary outcome between the two groups.

Conclusions

UCPPS with HL displayed more bladder‐centric symptom profiles, while UCPPS without HL displayed symptoms suggesting a more systemic pain syndrome. The MAPP‐II SPS phenotyping data showed that Hunner lesion is a distinct phenotype from non‐Hunner lesion.
The urethra in continence and sensation: Neural aspects of urethral function
Authors: Ferreira Ana , Duarte Cruz Célia
Published: February 2021

Aims

Traditionally, the urethra has been considered a mere conduit to guide urine from the bladder to the external side of the body. Building evidence indicates that the urethra may directly influence bladder function via mechanisms restricted to the lower urinary tract (LUT).

Methods

Here, we discuss the tissue arrangement of the urethra and addressed the contribution of new paraneuronal cells to LUT function. We also briefly reviewed two frequent LUT pathologies associated with urethral dysfunction.

Results

Continence depends on an intact and functional urethral sphincter, composed of smooth, and striated muscle fibers and regulated by somatic and autonomic fibers. Recent studies suggest the existence of an urethro‐vesical reflex that also contributes to normal LUT function. Indeed, the urethral lumen is lined by a specialized epithelium, the urothelium, in the proximal urethra. In this region, recent evidence demonstrates the presence of specific paraneuronal cells, expressing the neurotransmitters acetylcholine and serotonin. These cells are in close proximity of nerve fibers coursing in the lamina propria and are able to release neurotransmitters and rapidly induce detrusor contractions, supporting the existence of an urethro‐vesical crosstalk.

Conclusion

The mechanism underlying the fast communication between the urethra and thebladder are beginning to be understood and should involve the interaction between specificepithelial cells and fibres innervating the urethral wall. It is likely that this reflex should bealtered in pathological conditions, becoming an attractive therapeutic target.
Capital structure determinants for arts nonprofits
Authors: Charles Cleopatra , Sloan Margaret F. , Butler John S.
Published: February 2021

Nonprofit leaders use various strategies when making financial decisions and balancing current mission fulfillment with long‐term financial stability is a delicate act for nonprofit organizations. From a financial management perspective, nonprofit managers and executives looking to sustain a healthy organization must successfully manage the tension between pursuing the mission and preserving organizational and financial viability. This study explores potential factors that influence nonprofit arts organizations' decisions to issue financial debt and determine whether these organizations balance financial obligations by exercising pecking order or static trade‐off decisions. We use the DataArts database and investigate whether donor‐restricted endowments have an impact on financial debt of arts nonprofit organizations. Model estimates show that organizations with a donor‐restricted endowment are less likely to issue debt and have lower debt ratios on average. This study finds support for both pecking order theory and static trade‐off theory, which indicates that there is no one‐dominant capital structure theory to explain the capital structure of arts nonprofits.
Nursing physical workload and mental workload in intensive care units: Are they related?
Authors: Nasirizad Moghadam Kolsoom , Chehrzad Minoo Mitra , Reza Masouleh Shademan , Maleki Maryam , Mardani Abbas , Atharyan Shahaboddin , Harding Celia
Published: February 2021

Aim

In order to ensure patient safety and quality of care, it is important to consider factors which may impact on nursing workloads. This study aimed to investigate the simultaneous physical and mental workload and any relationships between these concepts on nurses working in intensive care units.

Design

A cross‐sectional design was undertaken.

Method

Participants were nurses (N = 105) recruited from six adult intensive care units which met the inclusion criteria. Nursing Activities Score (NAS) to measure physical workload and NASA Task Load Index (NASA‐TLX) to measure mental workload were used. Data were collected for each participating nurse in three shifts (morning, evening and night). Data were analysed using bivariate correlation and multivariable linear regression analysis.

Results

The mean (SD) of nurses' physical and mental workload was 72.84% (22.07%) and 70.21 (12.36), respectively. A significant relationship between physical and mental workload (p <.001) was identified.
Prioritized multi‐objective model predictive control without terminal constraints and its applications to nonlinear processes
Authors: He Defeng , Zhang Yongda , Yu Shiming
Published: February 2021

Many process control problems encapsulate multiple and often conflicting objective criteria spanning different levels of relative importance. In this paper, we consider a class of multi‐objective receding horizon optimal control problems and propose a novel multi‐objective model predictive control (MO‐MPC) scheme for nonlinear systems subject to constraints and several prioritized (economic) criteria. Combining the lexicographic optimization and the receding horizon principle, a prioritized MO‐MPC scheme without terminal constraints is presented to solve economically optimal control problems of the constrained nonlinear system. The results on recursive feasibility and stability of the MO‐MPC are established in the context of economy optimization and no terminal constraints. Particularly, for the systems without state constraints, the computational burden of the MO‐MPC is reduced due to the removal of terminal constraints. Using an intuitive optimizaiton, the feasible set of initial states is offline estimated to move out the initial feasibility condition. The proposed MO‐MPC strategy is verified by the multiple control problems of a coupled‐tank system and a six‐order fluidized bed combustion process.
Fabrication of Porous Polyimide Membrane with Through‐Hole via Multiple Solvent Displacement Method
Authors: Hirai Sho , Phanthong Patchiya , Wakabayashi Tsubasa , Yao Shigeru
Published: February 2021

Porous polyimide (PI) membranes are widely used in separation processes because of their excellent thermal and mechanical properties. However, the applications of porous PI membranes are limited in the nanofiltration range. In this study, porous PI membranes with through‐holes have been successfully fabricated by the novel multiple solvent displacement method. This new method requires only a porous polyamic acid (PAA) membrane, which was prepared by immersing PAA film in N‐methylpyrrolidoneebk; (NMP) prior to immersing it in a mixed solvent consisting of NMP and a poor solvent, followed by immersion only in poor solvent. The pore size, morphology, porosity, and air permeability demonstrated that the fabricated PI membranes had a uniformly porous structure with through‐holes over their surface. This new method enabled control of pore size (3–11 μm) by selecting a suitable poor solvent. This multiple solvent displacement method is highly versatile and promising for the fabrication of porous PI membranes.
Oxygen Evolution and Reduction Reaction Activity Investigations on Fe, Co or Ni embedded Tetragonal Graphene by A Thermodynamical Full‐Landscape Searching Scheme
Authors: Gai Yanqin
Published: February 2021

Single transition metal (TM) atoms such as Fe, Co and Ni occupying a carbon divacancy in tetragonal graphene (TG) and bonded with four nitrogen atoms (TM@N4TG) as electrocatalysts are investigated by means of first‐principles calculations. To consider the effect of solvent species on the local configuration of the active single metal, a thermodynamical full‐landscape searching (TFLS) scheme is employed. The calculated thermodynamic overpotentials (ηtd) from our TFLS indicate that Co@N4TG displays high catalytic activity toward both oxygen evolution reaction (OER) and reduction reaction (ORR), with ηtdOER and ηtdORR as 0.397 and 0.357 V, respectively. Its OER potential cannot be captured if only one four electron reaction loop (FERL) is considered. The actual active pathways do not always turn out to be the reactions starting from the bare site. Our findings demonstrate that TG is a promising support and TM confined TD can be used to design effective and cheap multifunctional electrocatalysts.
Preparation, structure, and performance of poly(lactic acid)/vermiculite‐poly(lactic acid)‐β‐cyclodextrin inclusion complex nanocomposites
Authors: Li Hao , Li Ke , Zhen Weijun , Luo Dawei , Zhao Ling
Published: February 2021

Poly(lactic acid) (PLA)‐β‐cyclodextrin (β‐CD) inclusion complexes (PLA‐ICs) were synthesized by ultrasonic coprecipitation with β‐CD and PLA. Furthermore, vermiculite‐PLA‐ICs (VMT‐PLA‐ICs) were synthesized with VMT and PLA‐ICs by a coupling method. Orthogonal experimental analysis exhibited that the optimum preparation conditions of VMT‐PLA‐ICs were as follows: reaction temperature of 60°C, reaction time of 3 h, dosage of coupling agent of 2 wt%, and a mass ratio of VMT and PLA‐ICs of 1:6. PLA/VMT‐PLA‐ICs nanocomposites were prepared with PLA and VMT‐PLA‐ICs by melt blending. Compared with pure PLA, the tensile strength, impact strength, and elongation at break of PLA/VMT‐PLA‐ICs (0.3 wt%) nanocomposites were increased by 8.67%, 54.90%, and 25.67%, respectively. Differential scanning calorimetric curves showed that the addition of VMT‐PLA‐ICs (0.3 wt%) increased the crystallinity of PLA to 34.46% compared with the crystallinity of pure PLA (4.67%). Due to the addition of VMT‐PLA‐ICs, the creep resistance and dimensional stability of PLA/VMT‐PLA‐ICs nanocomposites were improved, and the creep recovery deformation of PLA4 reached from 4.66% to 10.31%.
In vivo anti‐inflammatory activity of Fabaceae species extracts screened by a new ex vivo assay using human whole blood
Authors: Rosa Welton , da Silva Domingos Olívia , de Oliveira Salem Paula Pio , Caldas Ivo Santana , Murgu Michael , Lago João Henrique Ghilardi , Sartorelli Patricia , Dias Danielle Ferreira , Chagas‐Paula Daniela Aparecida , Soares Marisi Gomes
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Plants have been considered a promising source for discovering new compounds with pharmacological activities. The Fabaceae family comprises a large variety of species that produce substances with diverse therapeutic potential, including anti‐inflammatory activity. The limitations of current anti‐inflammatories generate the need to research new anti‐inflammatory structures with higher efficacy as well as develop methods for screening multiple samples, reliably and ethically, to assess such therapeutic properties.

Objective

Validate and apply a quantification method for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) production from an ex vivo assay in human blood in order to screen anti‐inflammatory activity present in many Fabaceae species extracts.

Methods

Human blood was incubated with extracts from 47 Fabaceae species. After lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced inflammation, PGE2 was quantified in the plasma by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The extracts that presented PGE2 production inhibition were further assessed through in vivo assay and then chemically characterised through an analysis of ultra‐performance liquid chromatography electrospray ionisation quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐ESI‐QTOF‐MS2) data.

Results

The new ex vivo anti‐inflammatory assay showed that five out of the 47 Fabaceae species inhibited PGE2 production. Results from an in vivo assay and the metabolic profile of the active extracts supported the anti‐inflammatory potential of four species.

Conclusion

The quantification method for PGE2 demonstrated fast, sensitive, precise, and accurate results. The new ex vivo anti‐inflammatory assay comprised a great, reliable, and ethical approach for the screening of a large number of samples before an in vivo bioassay. Additionally, the four active extracts in both ex vivo and in vivo assays may be useful for the development of more efficient anti‐inflammatory drugs.
Effects of corona treatment on surface properties of co‐extruded transparent polyethylene film
Authors: Das Bidhan , Chakrabarty Debabrata , Guha Chandan , Bose Saswata
Published: February 2021

Current study encompasses that the effect of corona treatment on the outer surface of transparent co‐extruded polyethylene films was at various levels by applying different wattages, in tandem with the blown film extrusion process. A maximum treatment of 42 dynes/cm was achieved at 4.5 KW of applied wattage. The heat seal joint strength of the films sealed at different combinations of treated/untreated surfaces was evaluated and an untreated/untreated surface combination was found to exhibit maximum strength (2.8 kgf/25 mm), while a treated/treated surface combination showed the minimum (1.41 kgf/25 mm) under identical conditions of sealing and testing. The peel adhesion to ascertain the treatment level on the treated surfaces was inspected by a standard Scotch tape method, and the results exhibited a linear relationship between the applied wattage and the pulling force of adhesion. The Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra of the treated and untreated film samples in an attenuated total reflection (ATR) mode showed the peaks' characteristics mostly of polyolefin films. The morphologies of the treated surfaces displayed relatively rough surface compared to the untreated one. The barrier properties of the treated films in respect of water vapor and oxygen transmission rate do not undergo any appreciable change.
Registration of ‘Adams’ black bean
Authors: Kelly James D. , Awale Halima E. , Wiersma Andrew T. , Wright Evan M.
Published: February 2021

‘Adams’ black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) (Reg. no. CV‐338, PI 695268), developed by Michigan State University AgBioResearch, was released in 2020 as a high‐yielding, upright, full‐season cultivar with anthracnose resistance and acceptable canning quality. Adams was developed using the pedigree breeding method to the F4 generation followed by pure line selection for disease, agronomic, and quality traits. In 2 yr of field trials at 27 locations, Adams yielded 3,501 kg ha−1, flowered in 45 d, and matured in 96 d on average. Plants averaged 51 cm in height, with a lodging resistance score of 1.3 and seed weight of 20.9 g per 100 seed. Adams has resistance to lodging, with high pod placement within the plant structure, making it suitable for direct harvest under narrow‐row production systems. The upright architecture also contributes to avoidance of white mold. Adams is resistant to races 73 and 109 of anthracnose present in Michigan and produces a top necrosis reaction to strain NL 3 of Bean common mosaic necrosis virus. Adams produces seed that meets industry standards for export and packaging and was rated acceptable in canned bean color in the black bean seed class. The name Adams was chosen to honor Professor M. Wayne Adams, former bean breeder, for his significant contributions in archetype breeding and establishing the black bean breeding program at Michigan State University.
The use of titanium dioxide particles embedded in anionic hydrogel composite for photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue
Authors: Ari Betul , Sengel Sultan B. , Sahiner Nurettin
Published: February 2021

Poly(2‐acrylamido‐2‐methyl‐1‐propane sulfonic acid) (p(AMPS)) anionic hydrogels with 1, 5 and 10 wt% TiO2 particles were prepared by a simultaneous free radical polymerization and crosslinking reaction. The hydrogel composites were tested as photo‐catalysts for the degradation of methylene blue (MB) in water. Since MB dye is positively charged, MB should be readily absorbed by the anionic p(AMPS) hydrogel and then degraded by the entrapped TiO2 nanoparticle photocatalysts within the p(AMPS) matrix. Photocatalytic degradation of MB was promoted using a UV lamp (300 W) to activate TiO2 particles and was monitored by UV–Vis spectrometer. Interestingly, the activation energy of 20.58 kJ.mol−1 was found to be one of the lowest reported in the literature. The reusability and regeneration efficiency studies of the composite catalyst showed that the p(AMPS)‐TiO2 composite catalyst possessed 90% activity even after five repetitive use and maintained above 85% activity even after the second regeneration. Using different organic scavengers such as ascorbic acid, dimethylsulfoxide and methanol, it was determined that the main reactive species in the photodegradation of MB dye are electrons and superoxide ions. p(AMPS)‐TiO2 composite hydrogel has potential to be used as a good photocatalyst in degradation of toxic dyes and some organic pollutants.
Novel chalcone derivatives with large conjugation structures as photosensitizers for versatile photopolymerization
Authors: Chen Shixiong , Qin Chen , Jin Ming , Pan Haiyan , Wan Decheng
Published: February 2021

Four chalcones with large conjugation structures were designed and synthesized. Strong light absorption within the UV–vis range (λmax = 380–410 nm, εmax = 10,200–33,600 M−1 cm−1) matched the emission of light‐emitting diodes within 385–450 nm. Compared with that of phenyl ring‐containing chalcone, the bathochromic shift of the four chalcones was due to the enlarged conjugation structure and the intramolecular charge transfer effect. The reactive species produced from two‐ or three‐component photoinitiating systems (PISs) based on chalcone‐containing triphenyl amine and N‐ethyl carbazole combined with an iodonium salt or/and an amine were highly efficient for versatile photopolymerizations (i.e., radical, cationic, blending, and thiol‐ene polymerizations) upon soft exposure conditions (385–425 nm LEDs). UV–vis spectra, theoretical calculation, electrochemistry, real‐time nuclear magnetic resonance spectra, and fluorescence quenching were investigated to determine the photochemical mechanism. Chalcone photoisomerization, which mainly occurred in anthracene‐containing chalcone, weakened the initiation ability of the PISs. These chalcones have promising applications in photopolymerization.
Synthesis and performance of flexible epoxy resin with long alkyl side chains via click reaction
Authors: Dai Xueyan , Li Peihong , Sui Yanlong , Zhang Chunling
Published: February 2021

Epoxy resin is a thermosetting polymer with excellent performance and wide application. However, it suffers from low toughness and high brittleness because of its high crosslink density. To overcome these disadvantages, this study synthesizes a toughened, flexible, and hydrophobic epoxy resin (DGEBDBP) by introducing a flexible segment into the polymer network via a thiol‐ene click reaction. The cured flexible epoxy resin is obtained by mixing E44, DGEBDBP, and polyamide curing agents of varying contents. The long alkyl side chains significantly improve the mechanical properties and hydrophobicity of the cured epoxy resin. The sample containing 75% DGEBDBP and 25% E44 achieve the highest breaking elongation that was nine times that of pure E44, the highest compressive strength of 112.8 MPa, and the highest contact angle of 101.4°. The introduction of side chains through the thiol‐ene click reaction can provide a simple and effective method for designing and preparing multifunctional epoxy resins.
CT‐guided liver beacon transponder implantation
Authors: Zhang Yufeng , He Xia , Guo Wenjie , Sun Li , Guo Chang , Feng Yong
Published: February 2021

Objective

To investigate the method of CT‐guided beacon transponder implantation and precautions after implantation for liver malignant tumor.

Methods

CT‐guided beacon transponder implantation in three patients with liver malignancies was the first time in China. The operations were performed using Siemens's 16‐row large‐aperture spiral CT and 17‐G guide needles were using for percutaneous liver puncture.

Results

All three operations were successfully completed. During the operations, the beacon transponders were successfully implanted at predetermined targets next to the lesion in the liver parenchyma, and there was no obvious bleeding, pain or discomfort. All patients underwent localized CT examination on the fifth day after operations. Only one beacon transponder moved slightly, the remaining eight beacon transponders did not move, and the CT images did not have obvious metal artifacts. After the completion of radiotherapy in three patients, the follow‐up CT examination showed no movement of the beacon transponders, and the liver lesions shrank well. However, 3.0 T MRI of the liver showed that the magnetic sensitive artifacts at beacon transponders were more obvious, which affected the observation of local liver tissue.

Conclusion

CT‐guided liver beacon transponder implantation is safe and feasible. Beacon transponders may move in the liver parenchyma within a short period of time after implantation. Therefore, localized CT examination is recommended to be performed 4 days after the implantation. CT scans after beacon transponder implantation have no obvious metal artifacts. So CT is recommended for follow‐up. However, magnetic resonance sensitive artifacts are more obvious when MRI is performed, which will affect the evaluation of local efficacy and detect new small lesions.
A shifting yet grounded transnational social field: Interplays of displacement and emplacement in African migrant trajectories across Central America
Authors: Drotbohm Heike , Winters Nanneke
Published: February 2021

In this article, we draw on the volatile complexity of African migrant trajectories in Central America to broaden the scope of transnational scholarship. These trajectories are characterised by mobilities as well as immobilities, taking shape in particular local contexts. By focusing on the interplays between displacement and emplacement that are part of these trajectories, we aim to increase our understanding of the extent to which migrants still ‘on the move’ experience both temporal embeddedness and cross‐border connectedness, thereby acknowledging and unravelling transnational lives as they ‘touch the ground’ en route. To do so, we build on long‐standing scholarly commitments in Central and South America and recent field research in Costa Rica. We go into selected empirical cases to discuss the dynamics of travelling, dwelling and travelling again as part of African migrant trajectories across Central America. We then explore the value of a ‘shifting’ transnational social field perspective and indicate some challenges for future trajectory research.
Modelling skilled and less‐skilled internal migrations in China, 2010–2015: Application of an eigenvector spatial filtering hurdle gravity approach
Authors: Gu Hengyu , Shen Tiyan
Published: February 2021

In consideration of the issue of network autocorrelation and zero‐inflated migration data, the study constructs an eigenvector spatial filtering (ESF) hurdle gravity model (ESF HGM) to examine the determinants of China's skilled and less‐skilled internal migrations between 2010 and 2015. In our case, the ESF technique effectively reduces network autocorrelation bias, while the hurdle approach enhances the model prediction on the probability of zeros. Results from the ESF HGM have illustrated significant differences in the determinants between skilled and less‐skilled migrations. It is found that the gravity factors (population sizes at origins and destinations; migration distance), regional industrial structure, unemployment rate, and education level are more related to the migration of less‐skilled people. However, the migration of skilled people is more affected by the wage disparity, natural comforts, and medical services of a region. Our results have also highlighted the differences in some factors (employment rate; education level at origins) between the probability of having migration and the migration volume.
Novel (X‐DADAD)n Polymers with Phenylene and Fluorene Blocks as Promising Electronic Materials for Organic and Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Kuznetsov Ilya E. , Kuznetsov Petr M. , Ustinova Marina I. , Zakirov Klim E. , Troshin Pavel A. , Akkuratov Alexander V.
Published: February 2021

Herein, the synthesis of two novel (X‐DADAD)n conjugated polymers comprising phenylene or fluorene X blocks coupled with benzothiadiazole acceptor (A) and thiophene donor (D) units is reported. The designed polymers are explored as absorber materials in organic solar cells and hole‐transport materials (HTMs) in perovskite solar cells (PSCs). The encouraging efficiencies of ≈17% are obtained in PSCs when using fluorene‐containing polymer P2 featuring this material as a promising HTM for the state‐of‐the‐art perovskite photovoltaics.
A new hybrid MCDM approach for RPN evaluation for a medical device prototype
Authors: Pintelon Liliane , Di Nardo Mario , Murino Teresa , Pileggi Giuseppe , Vander Poorten Emmanuel
Published: February 2021

The Failure Mode and Effect Analysis (FMEA) is a useful instrument born in the aerospace industry and widely used to improve a process or product's efficiency. Over the years, this instrument has been adopted in increasingly different contexts, such as HealthCare. This paper proposes an approach aimed at improving the defects typical of the classic FMEA in the design phase, that is, in a scenario full of uncertainties and with little information available, using a new hybrid Multiple‐criteria decision‐making (MCDM) method in order to obtain a priority index more performant than Risk Priority Number (RPN). In the proposed method, the three assessment criteria have a different weighting in the index's final computation, differently from the classical RPN. These weights are obtained with a scientific technique, thus avoiding that excessive subjectivity influences the final result. A more efficient priority index is obtained through a new hybrid approach that solves some classical RPN gaps. A case study concerning an endoscope Ear Nose Throat Entropy (ENT) prototype is examined to illustrate the proposed method. FMEA analysis in HealthCare is increasingly used for its flexibility and reliability. This study focuses on using new techniques to eliminate certain defects or exploit some qualities better. The use of a robust and elastic innovative MCDM method to calculate a new priority index and a scientific technique to obtain the weight of the selection are the interesting insights proposed in this paper.