bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of regioregularity and role of heteroatom on the chiral behavior of oligo(heteroalkyl thiophene)s
Authors: Marinelli Martina , Angiolini Luigi , Lanzi Massimiliano , Di Maria Francesca , Salatelli Elisabetta
Published: November 2020

Novel optically active oligothiophenes bearing electron‐donating chiral side chains have been prepared by synthetic methods suitable to achieve regioregular head‐to‐tail and head‐to‐head/tail‐to‐tail derivatives. In particular, the chiral (S)‐(2‐methyl)butyl moiety was linked at position 3 of the thiophene ring through heteroatoms, such as S or O, to evaluate its effect on the macro molecular aggregation and, consequently, on the chiroptical properties of the material in the solid state. The materials have been fully characterized and investigated by optical and chiroptical methods upon aggregation both from the solution and as cast films. Compared with the related head‐to‐tail and head‐to‐head/tail‐to‐tail poly(3‐alkyl)thiophene derivatives, with the same optically active moiety directly linked to the ring and possessing a higher polymerization degree, the chiroptical properties of the newly synthesized oligomers were significant, or even better, and provided insight into the role of intrachain–interchain interactions between the heteroatom and the thienyl sulfur atom.
Reversible Hyperpolarization of Ketoisocaproate Using Sulfoxide‐containing Polarization Transfer Catalysts
Authors: Tickner Ben. J. , Ahwal Fadi , Whitwood Adrian C. , Duckett Simon B.
Published: November 2020

The substrate scope of sulfoxide‐containing magnetisation transfer catalysts is extended to hyperpolarize α‐ketoisocaproate and α‐ketoisocaproate‐1‐[13C]. This is achieved by forming [Ir(H)2(κ2‐ketoisocaproate)(N‐heterocyclic carbene)(sulfoxide)] which transfers latent magnetism from p‐H2 via the signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) process. The effect of polarization transfer field on the formation of enhanced 13C magnetization is evaluated. Consequently, performing SABRE in a 0.5 μT field enabled most efficient magnetisation transfer. 13C NMR signals for α‐ketoisocaproate‐1‐[13C] in methanol‐d4 are up to 985‐fold more intense than their traditional Boltzmann derived signal intensity (0.8 % 13C polarisation). Single crystal X‐ray diffraction reveals the formation of the novel catalyst decomposition products [Ir(μ‐H)(H)2(IMes)(SO(Ph)(Me)2)]2 and [(Ir(H)2(IMes)(SO(Me)2))2(μ‐S)] when the sulfoxides methylphenylsulfoxide and dimethylsulfoxide are used respectively.
Instrumentiertes Feuchtemonitoring von historischen Bauwerken mittels elektrischer Impedanzspektroskopie
Authors: Krüger Markus , Lehmann Frank
Published: November 2020

Im Rahmen mehrerer Forschungsprojekte zum Erhalt historischer Bauwerke wurde ein drahtloses Monitoringsystem für die kontinuierliche Bauwerksüberwachung entwickelt. Das System erlaubt die Verwendung einer Vielzahl von verschiedenen Sensoren sowohl zur Erfassung der Einwirkungen bzw. Umweltbedingungen, denen die historischen Objekte ausgesetzt sind, als auch der Bauwerksreaktion bzw. der Veränderungen am Bauwerk. Feuchtebedingte Schäden spielen dabei eine bedeutende Rolle und verursachen sehr hohe Kosten. Im vorliegenden Beitrag werden die Grundlagen zur instrumentierten Dauerüberwachung mittels drahtloser Sensornetze zur präventiven Konservierung vorgestellt und die Besonderheiten diskutiert, die auch bei der Weiterentwicklung von Monitoringsystemen berücksichtigt werden können. Die elektrische Impedanzspektroskopie bzw. Impedanzmessungen stellen dabei eine kostengünstige Möglichkeit zur qualitativen Feuchtemessung dar.
Factors related to length of stay, referral on discharge and hospital readmission for children and adolescents with anorexia nervosa
Authors: Li Ang , Cunich Michelle , Miskovic‐Wheatley Jane , Maloney Danielle , Madden Sloane , Wallis Andrew , Maguire Sarah
Published: November 2020

Objective

This study examined factors related to hospital length of stay (LOS), reported referral on discharge, and hospital readmission, for children and adolescents (C&A) admitted to public hospitals for anorexia nervosa (AN), in a large health jurisdiction in Australia.

Method

Sociodemographic, illness, treatment, and hospital factors associated with LOS, reported referral to post‐hospital treatment, and readmission within 28 days were analyzed for C&A with AN admitted to all New South Wales public hospitals in 2017, using median, multinomial logit and logit models. The sample comprised 289 admissions by 200 C&A aged 9–18 years with a primary or secondary diagnosis of AN.

Results

AN as a primary diagnosis and the presence of some physical and mental co‐occurring conditions (e.g., malnutrition and obsessive–compulsive disorders) conferred a longer LOS. The majority of admissions were recorded being referred to primary care physicians (59.86%) and relatively small numbers to outpatient mental health services (5.54%) or outpatient eating disorder services (8.30%), with age, area socioeconomic status, and illness factors related to referral type. Male, low socioeconomic status, the presence of some co‐occurring illnesses (e.g., adjustment disorder and viral infection), and rural or remote locations increased the likelihood of readmission.

Discussion

The findings have implications for service design, in particular the pathway to care from hospital into community for AN. Targeted interventions should consider recognizing and treating physical co‐occurring illnesses at presentation to the health system, ensuring appropriate referral to community services, and providing services in socioeconomically disadvantaged and rural or remote areas.
Enduring value of perfectionism and maturity fears for predicting eating disorder maintenance over 10‐, 20‐, and 30‐year follow‐up
Authors: Fitzgerald Elizabeth H. , Wick Madeline R. , Keel Pamela K.
Published: November 2020

Objective

The Eating Disorder Inventory provides a theoretically informed multidimensional assessment of eating disorder symptoms and associated psychological factors widely used to examine the development and maintenance of eating disorders. Yet, mixed findings for some factors raise questions about whether their prognostic value varies as a function of duration of follow‐up or type of eating pathology studied.

Method

The current study compared prognostic value of perfectionism, maturity fears, and interpersonal distrust as predictors of restrictive versus bulimic symptom patterns at 10‐, 20‐, and 30‐year follow‐up in N = 127 individuals diagnosed with eating disorders at baseline. Multivariable regression analyses and statistical comparison of effect sizes were used.

Results

Drive for Thinness at 10‐ and 30‐year follow‐up was predicted by higher Perfectionism and higher Maturity Fears at baseline. Baseline Maturity Fears also predicted higher Drive for Thinness at 20‐year follow‐up and higher Bulimia at 10‐ and 20‐year follow‐up. Interpersonal Distrust did not demonstrate prognostic significance in multivariable models. Comparisons of effect sizes support that some differences in statistical significance reflect differences in prognostic value of psychological factors.

Discussion

Both duration of follow‐up and type of pathology impact the predictive value of psychological factors and have important implications for understanding illness maintenance. Findings support the utility of targeting Perfectionism for restrictive symptoms. Developing interventions focused on Maturity Fears may provide a novel approach to reducing both restrictive and bulimic symptoms.
Discontinuation and non‐publication of heart failure randomized controlled trials: a call to publish all trial results
Authors: Khan Muhammad Shahzeb , Shahid Izza , Asad Nava , Greene Stephen J. , Khan Safi U. , Doukky Rami , Metra Marco , Anker Stefan D. , Filippatos Gerasimos S. , Fonarow Gregg C. , Butler Javed
Published: November 2020

Aims

Discontinuation or non‐publication of trials may hinder scientific progress and violates the commitment made to research participants. We sought to identify the prevalence of discontinuation and non‐publication of heart failure (HF) clinical trials.

Methods and results

We conducted a cross‐sectional search of ClinicalTrials.gov to identify all completed and discontinued HF clinical trials. We limited our search to only include trials that were completed by 31 December 2017. Trials were investigated to identify reasons for discontinuation. Informative termination was defined as trial termination due to safety or efficacy concerns. Data pertaining to the trial phase, funding, intervention, enrolment, and trial completion date were extracted for each trial. A total of 572 trials were included. Of these, 21% (n = 118) were discontinued before completion. Patient accrual was the most frequently cited reason (n = 42; 36%) for trial discontinuation, followed by informative termination (n = 16; 14%) and funding (n = 14; 12%). Overall, 24 780 patients were enrolled in trials that were terminated. Of trials that were completed and not terminated, nearly one‐third (n = 131/454; 29%) were not published. Seventy‐nine (24%) trials were published within 12 months, 192 (59%) within 24 months, and 252 (78%) trials within 36 months.

Conclusions

Discontinuation and non‐publication of HF trials is common. This raises ethical concerns towards participants who volunteer for research and are exposed to potential risks, inconvenience, and discomfort without furthering scientific progress.
Inorganic oxidizer detection from propellants, pyrotechnics, and homemade explosive powders using gradient elution moving boundary electrophoresis
Authors: Krauss Shannon T. , Forbes Thomas P. , Jobes Dillon
Published: November 2020

Advancement in rapid targeted chemical analysis of homemade and improvised explosive devices is critical for the identification of explosives‐based hazards and threats. Gradient elution moving boundary electrophoresis (GEMBE), a robust electrokinetic separation technique, was employed for the separation and detection of common inorganic oxidizers from frequently encountered fuel‐oxidizer mixtures. The GEMBE system incorporated sample and run buffer reservoirs, a short capillary (5 cm), an applied electric field, and a pressure‐driven counterflow. GEMBE provided a separation format that allowed for continuous injection of sample, selectivity of analytes, and no sample cleanup or filtration prior to analysis. Nitrate, chlorate, and perchlorate oxidizers were successfully detected from low explosive propellants (e.g., black powders and black powder substitutes), pyrotechnics (e.g., flash powder), and tertiary explosive mixtures (e.g., ammonium nitrate‐ and potassium chlorate‐based fuel‐oxidizer mixtures). Separation of these mixtures exhibited detection without interference from a plethora of additional organic and inorganic fuels, enabled single particle analysis, and demonstrated semiquantitative capabilities. The bulk counterflow successfully excluded difficult components from fouling the capillary, yielding estimated limits of detection down to approximately 10 μmol/L. Finally, nitrate was separated and detected from postblast debris collected and directly analyzed from two nitrate‐based charges.
Tunable current duration in triboelectric generators via capacitive air gaps
Authors: Seo Byungseok , Cha Youngsun , Kim Sangtae , Choi Wonjoon
Published: November 2020

Despite the low cost, high power, and wide application areas, impact‐type triboelectric generators exhibit limited applicability due to the extremely short current duration, on the order of a millisecond. The high power, short lasting current peak not only results in reduced time‐averaged power output but also acts as triboelectric shock to the accompanying circuits, quickly degrading the usability of the generator. Here, we demonstrate tunable triboelectric current duration via controlling the air gap capacitance inserted between the two dielectric plates. In typical contact‐type triboelectric generator with nylon/air gap/Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) multilayers, decreasing the vertical speed of the dielectric plates from 0.5 cm/s to 0.05 cm/s result in increased current duration from 0.10 second to 0.81 second. The increased peak duration accompanies decreased peak current, resulting in the optimal charge density of 0.163 nC/cm2 at the vertical speed of 0.25 cm/s. Changing the air gap capacitance in noncontact mode or the relative permittivity in dielectric layers also results in similar change in peak duration. To explain the tunable current duration, an equivalent circuit model is constructed via serially connected capacitors and numerical solutions reproduce the trends in current duration associated with change in air gap capacitance. This study provides significant implications toward further optimizing triboelectric generators, in terms of optimal triboelectric charge density, accompanying circuit lifetime and broadened applicability.
Mining large‐scale high utility patterns in vehicular ad hoc network environments
Authors: Wu Jimmy Ming‐Tai , Wei Min , Srivastava Gautam , Chen Chien‐Ming , Lin Jerry Chun‐Wei
Published: November 2020

One well‐known type of mobile ad hoc network is known as a vehicular ad hoc network (VANET). The functions of such a network are integrated into a new generation of wireless networks for vehicles, which has established a robust self‐organizing network that exists between roadside units and mobile vehicles. In this article, we research the comfort applications in VANET with a new proposed algorithm, EHUM, short form for efficient high utility itemset mining, to mine patterns of the more popular Points of Interest (POIs). This algorithm is based on the traditional high‐utility itemset mining (HUIM) algorithm, and we propose a more reasonable pruning strategy. Concurrently, for solving the problem of excessive data volume in VANET, we applied this algorithm to the MapReduce architecture used for improving the feasibility in practical applications. Our in‐depth work in this article culminates with some experimental results that clearly show that our proposed algorithm can perform well to mine the POIs pattern in a big data data set and shows great performance in a Hadoop computing cluster.
FERC Order 2222 Gives Boost to DERs
Authors: Cartwright Echo D.
Published: November 2020

As the electricity industry looks to the future with a more decarbonized electricity grid and higher penetrations of clean energy generation, distributed energy resources (DERs) are front and center to this transition. DERs are considered alternatives to traditional industry investment in electric power generation, and, in some cases, transmission and distribution infrastructure. DERs include solar, wind, battery storage technologies, microgrids, and demand response, to name a few. Yet, as critical as DERs have become and will continue to be for a cleaner electricity grid and to achieve state and regional clean energy and climate goals, existing market rules have prevented DERs from being as competitive as traditional energy generation resources in the wholesale electricity markets. Recent actions by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) are designed to change the playing field by removing market barriers for these resources to be more competitive.
Partial parotidectomy via periauricular incision: Retrospective cohort study and comparative analysis to alternative incisional approaches
Authors: Colaianni C.Alessandra , Feng Allen L. , Richmon Jeremy D.
Published: November 2020

Background

We investigated a periauricular approach to the parotid and compared outcomes to alternative parotidectomy incisions.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients (n = 97) undergoing partial parotidectomy for benign or malignant pathology by a single surgeon. After October 2017, most patients were approached via a periauricular incision (n = 59).

Results

There was no significant difference in patient age, tumor location, length of hospital stay, postoperative complication, or pathology. Mean tumor diameter was significantly smaller in the periauricular group (2.1 cm) than in the traditional incision group (2.6 cm). No permanent injuries to facial nerve branches occurred in either group. Patients were followed for a median of 44 days after surgery.

Conclusions

This is the largest study to date that demonstrates the periauricular incision is a safe and feasible approach for most parotid neoplasms. The cosmetic advantage of this approach is that the resulting scar is smaller and does not extend into the neck.
Novel mammogram‐based measures improve breast cancer risk prediction beyond an established mammographic density measure
Authors: Nguyen Tuong L. , Schmidt Daniel F. , Makalic Enes , Maskarinec Gertraud , Li Shuai , Dite Gillian S. , Aung Ye K. , Evans Christopher F. , Trinh Ho N. , Baglietto Laura , Stone Jennifer , Song Yun‐Mi , Sung Joohon , MacInnis Robert J. , Dugué Pierre‐Antoine , Dowty James G. , Jenkins Mark A. , Milne Roger L. , Southey Melissa C. , Giles Graham G. , Hopper John L.
Published: November 2020

Mammograms contain information that predicts breast cancer risk. We developed two novel mammogram‐based breast cancer risk measures based on image brightness (Cirrocumulus) and texture (Cirrus). Their risk prediction when fitted together, and with an established measure of conventional mammographic density (Cumulus), is not known. We used three studies consisting of: 168 interval cases and 498 matched controls; 422 screen‐detected cases and 1197 matched controls; and 354 younger‐diagnosis cases and 944 controls frequency‐matched for age at mammogram. We conducted conditional and unconditional logistic regression analyses of individually‐ and frequency‐matched studies, respectively. We estimated measure‐specific risk gradients as the change in odds per standard deviation of controls after adjusting for age and body mass index (OPERA) and calculated the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). For interval, screen‐detected and younger‐diagnosis cancer risks, the best fitting models (OPERAs [95% confidence intervals]) involved:Cumulus(1.81 [1.41‐2.31]) andCirrus(1.72 [1.38‐2.14]);Cirrus(1.49 [1.32‐1.67]) andCirrocumulus(1.16 [1.03 to 1.31]); andCirrus(1.70 [1.48 to 1.94]) andCirrocumulus(1.46 [1.27‐1.68]), respectively. The AUCs were: 0.73 [0.68‐0.77], 0.63 [0.60‐0.66], and 0.72 [0.69‐0.75], respectively. Combined, our new mammogram‐based measures have twice the risk gradient for screen‐detected and younger‐diagnosis breast cancer (P ≤ 10−12), have at least the same discriminatory power as the current polygenic risk score, and are more correlated with causal factors than conventional mammographic density. Discovering more information about breast cancer risk from mammograms could help enable risk‐based personalised breast screening.
Vaginally assisted NOTES hysterectomy with adnexectomy (vNOTES) compared with conventional laparoscopy. A retrospective observational cohort study
Authors: Badiglian‐Filho Levon , Chaves Faloppa Carlos , Narciso de Oliveira Menezes Ademir , Mantoan Henrique , Kumagai Lillian Yuri , Baiocchi Glauco
Published: November 2020

Objective

To compare vaginally‐assisted natural orifices endoscopic transluminal endoscopic surgery (vNOTES) hysterectomy with salpingectomy/salpingo‐oophorectomy with standard laparoscopic access.

Methods

Medical records for patients undergoing hysterectomy with adnexectomy for benign disease indication between February 1, 2019 and February 1, 2020 were retrospectively examined. Exclusion criteria were endometriosis, previous pelvic radiotherapy, inflammatory pelvic disease history, any other concurrent surgery, laparotomy, robotic surgery, and/or traditional vaginal hysterectomy.

Results

Among 86 patients, 21 (24.4%) were allocated to a vNOTES group and 65 (75.6%) were allocated to a conventional laparoscopy (LAP) group. Mean ages for the groups were 47.19 ± 11.11 years and 46.69 ± 9.11 years, respectively (P = 0.928). There were no statistically significant differences in age, body mass index, arterial hypertension/diabetes, smoking, menopausal status, obstetric history, number of abdominal surgeries, or preoperative hemoglobin level between the two groups. The mean (range) operative times were 111.90 min (80–180 min) in the vNOTES group and 113.98 min (64–350 min) in the LAP group (P = 0.904). There were no statistically significant differences in terms of surgery indication, specific and unspecific complications, conversions, blood transfusion, reoperation, significant ileus/emesis, and hospital stay.

Conclusions

Based on the parameters assessed, we found vNOTES to be comparable to laparoscopy among our cohort.
Magnetic needle‐tracking device for ultrasound guidance of radial artery puncture: A randomized study on a simulation model
Authors: Grau‐Mercier Laura , Chetioui Adrien , Muller Laurent , Roger Claire , Genre Grandpierre Romain , de La Coussaye Jean Emmanuel , Cuvillon Philippe , Claret Pierre‐Géraud , Bobbia Xavier
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Ultrasound‐guidance of radial artery catheter insertion improves the first attempt success and reduces the occurrence of hematomas. Needle‐tracking devices optimize needle‐ultrasound beam alignment by displaying in real‐time the needle tip position. We compared the median time need by experienced physicians to achieve radial artery puncture using either a conventional ultrasonography device (CUD) or a magnetic needle‐tracking ultrasound device (MUD) in a simulation training arm model.

Methods

Fifty experienced residents and physicians performed two punctures in randomized order with the CUD and the MUD. The primary outcome was puncture duration; the secondary outcomes were puncture success, rate of accidental vein puncture, and practitioner's comfort (subjective scale 0‐10).

Results

The median [lower‐upper quartile] puncture time was 10 [6‐14] seconds when using CUD and 4 [3‐7] seconds when using MUD (P < .01). In the multivariate analysis, MUD use was associated with decreased puncture duration whatever the puncture order (OR 1.13 [1.07‐1.20], P < .01). The participants performed 99 (99%) successful punctures: 50 with the MUD (100%) and 49 with the CUD (98%). There was no accidental venous puncture. The practitioner's comfort level was 6.5 [6, 7] with the CUD and 8 [7‐9] with the MUD (P < .01).

Conclusion

MUD reduced radial artery puncture time and improved physician comfort in a simulation training arm model.
Exploratory analysis to enhance operational efficiency of new patient screenings
Authors: Kim Shawn J. , Patel Nirav , Xu Junjie , Huot Vanak , Sonani Hardik , Magnuson Britta E.
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aims of this study were to 1) evaluate patient demographic data for new patient exams (NPE) and 2) analyze lead response time for checked‐in and no‐show appointments in predoctoral clinics in a dental school.

Methods

The data for the study were collected from the predoctoral clinics at Tufts University School of Dental Medicine (TUSDM) for patients with NPE appointments with American Dental Association's (ADA) diagnostic code of D100. A total of 26,826 appointments and 24,419 unique patients were reviewed from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2019. Patient demographic variables such as age, gender, zip codes, and lead response time were analyzed.

Results

From 26,826 total number of appointments, 10,454 appointments were categorized as no‐show appointments (38.97%). In the no‐show appointments, the sex distribution was 59.93% female and 40.07% male, and in checked‐in category, the sex distribution was 53.75% female and 46.25% male. As the lead response time increased over 5 days, the no‐show rate increased to 49.79%. Approximately 55% of the entire NPE was from Greater Boston area.

Conclusion

The association between lead time and no‐show rate was shown that when lead time was reduced, no‐show rate decreased. By identifying the no‐show appointments and lead time, schools and clinics can improve operational efficiency, reduce financial loss, and maintain continuation of care by supporting patients who need access to care and creating secondary automated recall system to maximize communication and chair use.
Tinnitus and cognition: Can load theory help us refine our understanding?
Authors: Khan Rafay A. , Husain Fatima T.
Published: November 2020

Objective: Tinnitus has been shown to be associated with specific cognitive deficits. Contemporary models of tinnitus, based primarily on human behavior, emphasize the influence of the cognitive response to tinnitus in tinnitus manifestation and level of associated annoyance. The models and hypotheses proposed thus far have (a) focused on the cognitive response to the onset of tinnitus, and not necessarily focused on the cognitive consequences of established chronic tinnitus, and (b) failed to dissociate the contributions of cognitive and perceptual load in their theories. Load theory states that we have a limited capacity of neural resources that can be used to process internal and external stimuli. This theory is differentially applied to perceptual load, which refers to the neural resources engaged in the processing of sensory stimuli in our environment, and cognitive load, which refers to the occupation of a more central resource that is involved in higher‐level processing, such as stimulus discrimination, decision making, and working memory processing.

Methods: A focused review was conducted on behavioral and brain‐imaging studies examining cognitive deficits in tinnitus, in an attempt to reexamine the findings in a load theory framework.

Results: Findings of these studies are discussed in the context of load theory, and a novel model for understanding these findings is proposed.

Conclusion: We believe the incorporation of load theory into models of tinnitus may advance understanding of the cognitive impact of tinnitus and lead to better management of tinnitus.
A database of ocean primary productivity from the 14C method
Authors: Marra J. F. , Barber R. T. , Barber E. , Bidigare R. R. , Chamberlin W. S. , Goericke R. , Hargreaves B. R. , Hiscock M. , Iturriaga R. , Johnson Z. I. , Kiefer D. A. , Kinkade C. , Knudson C. , Lance V. , Langdon C. , Lee Z.‐P. , Perry M. J. , Smith W. O. , Vaillancourt R. , Zoffoli L.
Published: November 2020

The database on ocean primary productivity comprises over two decades (1985–2008) of data that the authors have participated in collecting, using the assimilation of inorganic 14C through photosynthesis, in incubations carried out in situ. The dataset is perhaps unique in that it uses, overwhelmingly, consistent methodology while covering a wide geographic range. Ancillary data are included. Using the database, it is hoped that investigators can test for the relationships among the environmental drivers for ocean productivity, the meaning of the 14C method in terms of phytoplankton physiology and the dynamics in the water column, and as a resource for further development of productivity algorithms using satellite ocean color imagery.
Excitonic Transport and Intervalley Scattering Dynamics in Large‐Size Exfoliated MoSe2 Monolayer Investigated by Heterodyned Transient Grating Spectroscopy
Authors: Kuhn Henning , Wagner Julian , Han Shuangping , Bernhardt Robin , Gao Yan , Xiao Liantuan , Zhu Jingyi , van Loosdrecht Paul H. M.
Published: November 2020

Exciton intervalley scattering, annihilation, relaxation dynamics, and diffusive transport in monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides are central to the functionality of devices based on them. Here, these properties in a large‐size exfoliated high‐quality monolayer MoSe2 are addressed directly using heterodyned transient grating spectroscopy at room temperature. While the free exciton population is found to be long‐lived (≈230 ps), an extremely fast intervalley scattering (≤170 fs) is observed, leading to a negligible valley polarization, consistent with steady state photoluminescence measurements and theoretical calculation. The exciton population decay shows an appreciable contribution from the exciton–exciton annihilation, with an annihilation rate of ≈0.01 cm2 s−1. The annihilation process also leads to a significant distortion of the transient grating evolution. Taking this distortion into account, consistent exciton diffusion constants D ≈ 1.4 cm2 s−1 are found by a model simulation in the excitation density range of 1011–1012 cm−2. The presented results highlight the importance of correctly considering the many‐body annihilation processes to obtain a pronounced understanding of the excitonic properties of monolayer transition metal dichalcogenides.
Microfluidic Whispering Gallery Mode Optical Sensors for Biological Applications
Authors: Wang Yuye , Zeng Shuwen , Humbert Georges , Ho Ho‐Pui
Published: November 2020

Whispering gallery mode (WGM) resonators have been exploited as a highly sensitive and efficient sensing technique in the past few years. They offer the advantages of ultrahigh sensitivity, compact size, and label‐free sensing capability. More recently, with the rapid development of microfluidic technologies, many integrated WGM sensors, by combining the portability of lab‐on‐chip devices and the high sensitivity of WGM resonators, have emerged. The capabilities of efficient sample handling and multiplexed analyte detection offered by these systems have led to many biological and chemical sensing applications, especially for the detection of single particle or biomolecule. In this review, different sensing mechanisms based on integrated whispering gallery mode resonators are introduced. Various geometries of WGM cavities including solid, liquid, and hollow resonators and a detailed discussion on their integration with microfluidic devices are also covered. Different types of packaging schemes and integration methods are compared in terms of ease of fabrication and device performance. Finally, recent applications of microfluidic‐based WGM sensors for detecting biological and chemical target molecules are discussed, with a prospect on future challenges and trends of development in microfluidics for multiplexed detection.
The Utilization of Poly(2‐ethyl‐2‐oxazoline)‐b‐Poly(ε‐caprolactone) Ellipsoidal Particles for Intracellular BIKDDA Delivery to Prostate Cancer
Authors: Kocak Polen , Oz Umut Can , Bolat Zeynep Busra , Ozkose Umut Ugur , Gulyuz Sevgi , Tasdelen Mehmet Atilla , Yilmaz Ozgur , Bozkir Asuman , Sahin Fikrettin , Telci Dilek
Published: November 2020

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer, which is about 15–20% among male cancers worldwide. As most common strategies such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or surgery alone can be unsuccessful in the treatment of prostate cancer, this study aims to develop a new approach to deliver newly generated proapoptotic gene, BIKDDA, to androgen independent prostate cancer cells, 22RV1, using new generation nanocarriers called ellipsoids. As far as it is known, this is the first study that assesses the ability of proapoptotic gene BIKDDA to induce apoptosis in prostate cancer cell. BIKDDA encapsulating PEtOx‐b‐PCL‐based ellipsoids are fabricated by solvent‐switch method, and their morphology, size, and BIKDDA content are characterized. Gene delivery efficiency of BIKDDA loaded PEtOx‐b‐PCL ellipsoids is demonstrated by analysis of BIK mRNA expression with real‐time PCR. The apoptotic effect of PEtOx‐b‐PCL ellipsoids loaded with BIKDDA (EPs‐BIKDDA) on 22RV1 is shown by Annexin V staining. The obtained results demonstrate that the treatment of 22RV1 cells with EPs‐BIKDDA can significantly increase BIK mRNA levels by 4.5‐fold leading to cell death. This study not only represents BIKDDA as a potential therapeutic strategy in prostate cancer but also the capacity of ellipsoids as promising in vivo gene delivery vehicles.
Hydrophobic Cross‐Linked Poly(dimethylsiloxane)‐Based Sorbents for Oil Spill Applications
Authors: Askin Sule , Kizil Soner , Bulbul Sonmez Hayal
Published: November 2020

With the increase of industrialization and urbanization, humankind faces massive oil‐based pollution due to tanker accidents, human error, and natural disasters. For this, hydrophobic sorbents are fabricated and their applications for the removal of oil from polluted water sources are investigated. These hydrophobic sorbents are prepared by the condensation reaction of poly(dimethylsiloxane) and tris[3‐(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]isocyanurate cross‐linker via bulk polymerization. The obtained sorbents exhibit high oil sorption capacity, fast absorption–desorption kinetics, and great reusability. Moreover, they can selectively absorb oil from the water surface, thus making them practical for water clean‐up applications.
Fiber‐Optic Photoacoustic Generator Realized by Inkjet‐Printing of CNT‐PDMS Composites on Fiber End Faces
Authors: Oser Patrick , Jehn Johannes , Kaiser Michael , Düttmann Oliver , Schmid Fabian , Schulte‐Spechtel Levin , Rivas Sergio Sánchez , Eulenkamp Constanze , Schindler Christina , Grosse Christian U. , Wu Datong
Published: November 2020

In recent years, photoacoustic generators based on multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) are manufactured in a variety of ways, which influences the properties of the generators with respect to frequency bandwidth, sound wave pressure, robustness, and reproducibility. Due to the high optical absorption of MWCNTs and the high thermal expansion coefficient of PDMS, this combination is ideally suited for use as a photoacoustic generator. This study presents a novel method to produce photoacoustic generators based on long‐term stable MWCNT and PDMS inks with a high reproducibility by means of inkjet‐printing. The MWCNT‐PDMS layers (thicknesses of 2–4 µm), printed directly onto the distal end face of a multimode glass fiber, show a good homogeneity and low optical transmission (19–21%). After the preparation of the fiber pieces, the inkjet printer performs all steps automatically in a time period of 30–60 s per layer. The generated ultrasonic pressure (0.39–0.54 MPa) and frequency bandwidth (1.5–12.7 MHz) can be measured at a distance of ≈4 mm with a laser fluency of 12.7 mJ cm−2. These highly reproducible printed photoacoustic generators can be well used for nondestructive material testing and medical applications.
Risk of Hospitalization and Death for COVID‐19 in People with Parkinson's Disease or Parkinsonism
Authors: Vignatelli Luca , Zenesini Corrado , Belotti Laura M.B. , Baldin Elisa , Bonavina Giuseppe , Calandra‐Buonaura Giovanna , Cortelli Pietro , Descovich Carlo , Fabbri Giovanni , Giannini Giulia , Guarino Maria , Pantieri Roberta , Samoggia Giuseppe , Scaglione Cesa , Trombetti Susanna , D'Alessandro Roberto , Nonino Francesco ,   ParkLink Bologna group
Published: November 2020

Background

The risk of COVID‐19 and related death in people with Parkinson's disease or parkinsonism is uncertain. The aim of the study was to assess the risk of hospitalization for COVID‐19 and death in a cohort of patients with Parkinson's disease or parkinsonism compared with a control population cohort, during the epidemic bout (March–May 2020) in Bologna, northern Italy.

Methods

Participants of the ParkLink study with the clinical diagnosis of Parkinson's disease or parkinsonism and people anonymously matched (ratio 1:10) for sex, age, district, and Charlson Index were included. The hospital admission rate for COVID‐19 (February 26–May 31, 2020) and the death rate for any cause were the outcomes of interest.

Results

The ParkLink cohort included 696 subjects with Parkinson's disease and 184 with parkinsonism, and the control cohort had 8590 subjects. The 3‐month hospitalization rate for COVID‐19 was 0.6% in Parkinson's disease, 3.3% in parkinsonism, and 0.7% in controls. The adjusted hazard ratio (age, sex, district, Charlson Index) was 0.8 (95% CI, 0.3–2.3, P = 0.74) in Parkinson's disease and 3.3 (1.4–7.6, P = 0.006) in parkinsonism compared with controls. Twenty‐nine of the infected subjects died; 30‐day fatality rate was 35.1%, without difference among the 3 groups. Six of 10 Parkinson's disease/parkinsonism patients had the infection during hospitalization or in a nursing home.

Conclusions

Parkinson's disease per se probably is not a risk factor for COVID‐19 hospitalization. Conversely, parkinsonism is an independent risk factor probably because of a more severe health status, entailing higher care dependence and placement in high‐infection‐risk accommodations. © 2020 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Min‐max fuzzy goal programming ‐ Taguchi model for multiple additives optimization in expansive soil improvement
Authors: Ikeagwuani Chijioke Christopher , Nwonu Donald Chimobi , Onah Hyginus Nwankwo
Published: November 2020

This present study optimizes multiadditives for the improvement of the properties of expansive soil by integrating min‐max fuzzy goal programming model, a variant of fuzzy goal programming, into Taguchi optimization method. The multiadditives, which included ordinary Portland cement (OPC), quarry dust (QD), and sawdust ash (SDA), had various levels assigned to them in the Taguchi designed experiment, and they were all added by air‐dried weight of the expansive soil. Responses that included differential free swell, California bearing ratio, and unconfined compressive strength were determined using the Taguchi designed experiment. Concurrent analysis of the data obtained from the responses was performed using the min‐max fuzzy goal programming and the optimum combinations of additives that resulted in the significant improvement of the soils were obtained at 20% SDA, 20% QD, and 8% OPC. In addition, scanning electron micrograph analysis for the expansive soil that was combined with the optimum combination of additives showed cementitious compound formation in the soil‐additives mixtures and this confirmed lucidly that min‐max fuzzy goal programming can be integrated in Taguchi method to optimize additives for the improvement of expansive soil properties.
A novel scheme for time‐fractional semi‐relativistic Vlasov–Maxwell system based on laser‐plasma interaction with linear polarization and Landau damping instability
Authors: Zubair Tamour , Lu Tiao , Usman Muhammad
Published: November 2020

The Vlasov–Maxwell system is a revolutionary tool to model and analyze the dynamic behavior of the collisionless plasma in the existence of the electromagnetic field. In this perspective, the investigation of this system with the concept of the time‐fractional derivative is the new benchmark and also one of the main objectives of this article. To construct the numerical solution, we propose and implement a novel scheme which grounded on finite‐difference and spectral approximations. The temporal variables are tackled by using finite‐difference approximations, whereas spatial variables approximated via sifted Gegenbauer polynomials. Various simulations are performed to explore new phenomena, demonstrate the accuracy and reliability of the proposed method. Convergence, error bound and stability of the suggested methods are investigated numerically. Moreover, the developed method can be used conveniently to examine the numerical solution of other multidimensional highly nonlinear fractional or variable order problems of physical nature.
A Cationic Stearamide‐based Solid Lipid Nanoparticle for Delivering Yamanaka Factors: Evaluation of the Transfection Efficiency
Authors: Alkan Funda , Varlı Hanife Sevgi , Demirbilek Murat , Kaplan Engin , Laçin Nelisa Türkoğlu
Published: November 2020

Induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC) are preferred as an alternative source for regenerative medicine, disease modeling, and drug screening due to their unique properties. As seen from the previous studies in the literature, most of the vector systems to transfer reprogramming factors are viral‐based and have some well‐known limitations. This study aims to develop a non‐viral vector system for the transfection of reprogramming factors. Cationic stearamide lipid nanoparticles (CSLN) were prepared via the solvent diffusion method. The obtained CSLNs were used for the delivery of plasmid DNA (pDNA) encoding Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, and GFP to fibroblast cell lines. The optimization studies, for zeta potential and particle size of the conjugate, was performed to achieve high cell viability. CSLN63 with 36.5±0.06 mV zeta potential and 173.6±13.91 nm size was used for the transfection of Fibroblast cells. The transfection efficiency was observed by following GFP expression and was found as 70 %±0.11. The expression of the Oct4, Sox2, Klf4 was determined by RT‐qPCR; an increase was observed after the 12th cycle in Klf4 (Ct averages: 13,41), Sox2 (Ct averages; 12,4), Oct4 (Ct average; 13,77). The tendency of colonization was observed. The upregulation efficiency of Oct4 and SSEA‐1 with CSLN and another non‐viral vector designed for the transportation of Yamanaka factors developed in our lab previously were compared with flow cytometer analysis.
Fetal neurodevelopmental recovery in donors after laser surgery for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome
Authors: Rajagopalan Vidya , Ashouri Karam , Llanes Arlyn , Vanderbilt Douglas L. , Lepore Natasha , Bluml Stefan , Lai Hollie A. , Wisnowski Jessica , Chon Andrew H. , Chmait Ramen H.
Published: November 2020

Background

Fetal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) provide a unique opportunity to non‐invasively measure markers of neurodevelopment in survivors of twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS).

Objective

To characterize fetal brain maturation after laser surgery for TTTS by measuring brain volumes and cerebral metabolite concentrations using fetal MRI + MRS.

Study Design

Prospective study of dual surviving fetuses treated with laser surgery for TTTS. At 4–5 postoperative weeks, fetal MRI was used together with novel image analysis to automatically extract major brain tissue volumes. Fetal MRS was used to measure major metabolite concentrations in the fetal brain.

Results

Twenty‐one twin pairs were studied. The average (±SD) gestational age at MRI was 25.89 (±2.37) weeks. Total brain volume (TBV) was lower in the donors, although cerebral volumes were not different between twin pairs. Recipients showed lower proportions of cortical and cerebellar volumes, normalized to TBV and cerebral volumes. MRS data showed that biochemical differences between twin brains were related to discrepancy in their brain volumes.

Conclusion

Although donors have a smaller TBV compared to recipients, proportionality of brain tissue volumes are preserved in donors. MRS maturational markers of fetal brain development show that recovery in donors persists 4 weeks after surgery.
Safety‐II—Resilience in the face of abnormal operation
Authors: Cutchen Steven S.
Published: November 2020

Traditional process safety, Safety‐I, is the condition where adverse outcomes are minimized, for example, OSHA PSM. Adverse Outcomes result from unusual (erroneous) actions in usual conditions. Safety‐I applies to situations that were planned. While process safety incident rates have improved dramatically under Safety‐I, industry seems to have reached an asymptote. There is a Safety‐I gap for unplanned situations, those with no procedures, the initiating event type for a majority of incidents. Work‐as‐Done does not align with Work‐as‐Imagined. Operational Discipline defined in terms of following procedures cannot apply. Safety‐II, the condition where adaption and recovery to safe conditions are maximized, applies where Safety‐I is weak. Adverse Outcomes result from usual (normal) actions in unusual conditions, when workers do what appears to make sense at the time, but the situation is not as expected. Safety‐I and Safety‐II processes are both vital. System improvement results from Safety‐I. System robustness results from Safety‐II. Safety‐II provides for Resilience. Safety‐II is not formally implemented in the United States. This article introduces the concepts behind Safety‐II, the justification for adoption of Safety‐II to cover unplanned operation, and an outline for beginning implementation.
A novel method for fault tree uncertainty analysis using error propagation methods
Authors: Freeman Raymond “Randy”
Published: November 2020

Fault tree analysis (FTA) is a widely used methodology in the process industries. FTA is used for the development of failure mechanisms, computation of failure frequencies and the determination of the probability of failure on demand of safety systems. Much of the data used in a FTA study are uncertain. For example, the failure rate of a pump is often not known with great precision. Likewise the failure rates of instrumentation are often known only within some defined limits. The common practice, used by analysts in the quantification of a fault tree, is to use the most likely or best guess as to the needed failure rate data. The use of best guess values as data inputs to the quantification of a fault tree creates uncertainty in the computed results. This paper presents a general methodology for the determination of the impact of uncertainty on the results of a fault tree study. The general methodology is based on the mathematics of propagation of error and variance contribution analysis. For a fault tree that contains 10 event minimal cut sets, the methodology will compute the variance in the probability (or frequency) of the top event with a maximum error of 5%. For five event minimal cut sets the error in variance of the top event probability (or frequency) will be no more than 2%. An example is presented to illustrate the application of the fault tree uncertainty analysis methodology to a real world problem.
The Coulomb Impurity in 2D Materials with Strong Spin–Orbit Interaction
Authors: Gindikin Yasha , Sablikov Vladimir A.
Published: November 2020

It is shown that the spin–orbit interaction (SOI) produced by the Coulomb fields of charged impurities provides an efficient mechanism for bound states formation. The mechanism is realized in 2D materials with a sufficiently strong Rashba SOI provided that the impurity locally breaks the structure inversion symmetry in the direction normal to the layer.
Assessing the important factors of sustainable agriculture development: An Indicateurs de Durabilité des Exploitations Agricoles‐Analytic Hierarchy Process study in the northern region of Vietnam
Authors: Ngo Thanh , Nguyen Hai‐Dang , Ho Huong , Nguyen Vo‐Kien , Dao Thuy T. T. , Nguyen Hai T. H.
Published: November 2020

Combining the systemic indicators of sustainable agriculture provided by the Indicateurs de Durabilité des Exploitations Agricoles (IDEA) framework and the pairwise comparison method provided by the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) technique, this study examined 644 farmers in the Northern region of Vietnam (using Bac Giang province as a case study) to identify and rank those important factors according to their contributions to the farmer's practices. We found that the Economic dimension is the most important factor that contributes 54% toward the overall Sustainable Agriculture, followed by the Socio‐territorial dimension (29%) and then the Agroecology dimension (17%). We further argue that while it is reasonable for farmers to focus on the sustainable economic performance aspect of their farms, there is a need for the local authorities to be involved to maintain a balanced sustainable agriculture development in the region.