bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guard against loss of institutional knowledge through proper offboarding process
Authors: Lynn Sarah A. , Sellai Michael
Published: September 2022

Unfortunately, when members of your nonprofit's board are nearing the end of their terms, they might not be as engaged as they should be. For many board members, the end of their terms of service come after many years of commitment to the organization, putting in time and effort to help it succeed and build a solid foundation for future success. Transitioning off the board means their schedules will be a little less full, their time a little more free. In the final months, they might be thinking more about what comes next than what they still have to do before their terms expire.
Radiomics analysis of amide proton transfer‐weighted and structural MR images for treatment response assessment in malignant gliomas
Authors: Jiang Shanshan , Guo Pengfei , Heo Hye‐Young , Zhang Yi , Wu Jingpu , Jin Yuecen , Laterra John , Eberhart Charles G. , Lim Michael , Blakeley Jaishri O.
Published: September 2022

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of amide proton transfer‐weighted (APTw) MRI radiomic features for the differentiation of tumor recurrence from treatment effect in malignant gliomas. Eighty‐six patients who had suspected tumor recurrence after completion of chemoradiation or radiotherapy, and who had APTw‐MRI data acquired at 3 T, were retrospectively analyzed. Using a fluid‐attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) image‐based mask, radiomics analysis was applied to the processed APTw and structural MR images. A chi‐square automatic interaction detector decision tree was used for classification analysis. Models with and without APTw features were built using the same strategy. Tenfold cross‐validation was applied to obtain the overall classification performance of each model. Sixty patients were confirmed as having tumor recurrence, and the remainder were confirmed as having treatment effect, at median time points of 190 and 171 days after therapy, respectively. There were 525 radiomic features extracted from each of the processed APTw and structural MR images. Based on these, the APTw‐based model yielded the highest accuracy (86.0%) for the differentiation of tumor recurrence from treatment effect, compared with 74.4%, 76.7%, 83.7%, and 76.7% for T1w, T2w, FLAIR, and Gd‐T1w, respectively. Model classification accuracy was 82.6% when using the combined structural MR images (T1w, T2w, FLAIR, Gd‐T1w), and increased to 89.5% when using these structural plus APTw images. The corresponding sensitivity and specificity were 85.0% and 76.9% for the combination of structural MR images, and 85.0% and 100% after adding APTw image features. Adding APTw‐based radiomic features increased MRI accuracy in the assessment of the treatment response in post‐treatment malignant gliomas.
Fast, interleaved, Look‐Locker–based T1 mapping with a variable averaging approach: Towards temperature mapping at low magnetic field
Authors: Fiorito Marco , Yushchenko Maksym , Cicolari Davide , Sarracanie Mathieu , Salameh Najat
Published: September 2022

Proton resonance frequency shift (PRFS) is currently the gold standard method for magnetic resonance thermometry. However, the linearity between the temperature‐dependent phase accumulation and the static magnetic field B0 confines its use to rather high‐field scanners. Applications such as thermal therapies could naturally benefit from lower field MRI settings through leveraging increased accessibility, a lower physical and economical footprint, and further consideration of the technical challenges associated with the integration of heating systems into conventional clinical scanners.
‐based thermometry has been proposed as an alternative to the gold standard; however, because of longer acquisition times, it has found clinical use solely with adipose tissue where PRFS fails. At low field, the enhanced
dispersion, combined with reduced relaxation times, make
mapping an appealing candidate. Here, an interleaved Look‐Locker–based
mapping sequence was proposed for temperature quantification at 0.1 T. A variable averaging scheme was introduced, to maximize the signal‐to‐noise ratio throughout
recovery. In calibrated samples, an average
accuracy of 85% ± 4% was achieved in 10 min, compared with the 77% ± 7% obtained using a standard averaging scheme. Temperature maps between 29.0 and 41.7°C were eventually reconstructed, with a precision of 3.0 ± 1.1°C and an accuracy of 1.5 ± 1.0°C. Accounting for longer thermal treatments and less strict temperature constraints, applications such as MR‐guided mild hyperthermia treatments at low field could be envisioned.
Challenges in implementation of patient‐centred care in cardiac care unit: A qualitative study
Authors: Charosaei Firouzeh , Rostami Shahnaz , Esmaeili Maryam , Molavynejad Shahram , Vanaki Zohreh
Published: September 2022

Aim

This study aimed to explore the barriers to the implementation of patient‐centred care (PCC) in the cardiac care unit (CCU) from the perspectives of patients, nurses, physicians and nursing managers.

Design

This study was performed with a descriptive qualitative study approach.

Methods

In this study, the data were collected through face‐to‐face in‐depth semi‐structured interviews with 10 cardiac care nurses, one assistant nurse, two cardiologists, seven patients admitted to the CCU and nine nursing managers and analysed by Graneheim and Lundman content analysis method.

Results

After analysing the data, eight subcategories and three main categories were extracted. The main categories includedchallenges related to: organization, healthcare providers and patients. This study demonstrated the barriers to the implementation of PCC in the CCU. Insights into these barriers can guide interventions aimed at improving the quality of PCC in the CCU, which in turn can lead to improved disease outcomes.
Development and validation of the information security attitude questionnaire (ISA‐Q) for nurses
Authors: Kang Jiwon , Seomun GyeongAe
Published: September 2022

Aim

The aim of the study was to understand nurses' information security attitudes towards patient information. This study developed the Information Security Attitude Questionnaire (ISA‐Q) to measure the physical, technical and administrative aspects of information security for nurses and assessed its validity and reliability.

Design

Cross‐sectional study and scale development.

Methods

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses and correlation analyses were performed to assess construct, discriminant and convergent validity; Cronbach's α and test–retest reliability were examined.

Results

Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses yielded a 6‐factor, 30‐item solution. Six factors accounted for 60.19% of the total variance. The confirmatory factor analysis was achieved through structural equation modelling. Discriminant and convergent validity were confirmed. The internal consistency of the ISA‐Q was 0.94, and the test–retest reliability was 0.74. The ISA‐Q is an appropriate questionnaire for identifying information security attitudes of nurses, making it useful for developing systematic performance methods to enhance nurses' information security levels.
Perinatal mental e‐health: What is the profile of pregnant women interested in online assessment of their emotional state?
Authors: Andreu‐Pejó Laura , Martínez‐Borba Verónica , Osma López Jorge , Suso‐Ribera Carlos , Crespo Delgado Elena
Published: September 2022

Aim

This study explores the profile of pregnant women interested in the online assessment of their emotional status according to their sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, history of psychopathology, and healthcare setting used (private vs. public).

Design

This is a comparative and descriptive cross‐sectional study.

Method

Participants were 281 Spanish pregnant women assessed with the MamáFeliz (HappyMom) website.

Results

Participants were probably to be unemployed, in a relationship, and generally had a high educational level and an intermediate economic status. Most of them were primiparous, had non‐complicated natural pregnancies and presented healthy habits and good physical and emotional health, despite 31.3% of them had a history of psychological treatment. Our results reveal the profile of women interested in the online assessment of their emotional status, which can contribute to improving future initiatives to facilitate rapid screenings of perinatal mental health by nurses in both public and private settings.
Random forest modelling demonstrates microglial and protein misfolding features to be key phenotypic markers in C9orf72‐ALS
Authors: Rifai Olivia M , Longden James , O'Shaughnessy Judi , Sewell Michael DE , Pate Judith , McDade Karina , Daniels Michael JD , Abrahams Sharon , Chandran Siddharthan , McColl Barry W , Sibley Christopher R , Gregory Jenna M
Published: September 2022

Clinical heterogeneity observed across patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a known complicating factor in identifying potential therapeutics, even within cohorts with the same mutation, such as C9orf72 hexanucleotide repeat expansions (HREs). Thus, further understanding of pathways underlying this heterogeneity is essential for appropriate ALS trial stratification and the meaningful assessment of clinical outcomes. It has been shown that both inflammation and protein misfolding can influence ALS pathogenesis, such as the manifestation or severity of motor or cognitive symptoms. However, there has yet to be a systematic and quantitative assessment of immunohistochemical markers to interrogate the potential relevance of these pathways in an unbiased manner. To investigate this, we extensively characterised features of commonly used glial activation and protein misfolding stains in thousands of images of post‐mortem tissue from a heterogeneous cohort of deeply clinically profiled patients with a C9orf72 HRE. Using a random forest model, we show that microglial staining features are the most accurate classifiers of disease status in our panel and that clinicopathological relationships exist between microglial activation status, TDP‐43 pathology, and language dysfunction. Furthermore, we detected spatially resolved changes in fused in sarcoma (FUS) staining, suggesting that liquid–liquid phase shift of this aggregation‐prone RNA‐binding protein may be important in ALS caused by a C9orf72 HRE. Interestingly, no one feature alone significantly impacted the predictiveness of the model, indicating that the collective examination of all features, or a combination of several features, is what allows the model to be predictive. Our findings provide further support to the hypothesis of dysfunctional immune regulation and proteostasis in the pathogenesis of C9‐ALS and provide a framework for digital analysis of commonly used neuropathological stains as a tool to enrich our understanding of clinicopathological relationships within and between cohorts. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
How we approach lymphedema in the pediatric population
Authors: Pateva Irina , Greene Arin K. , Snyder Kristen M.
Published: September 2022

Lymphedema in children is rare; however, it is usually a progressive and chronic condition. Accurate diagnosis of lymphedema in the pediatric population often takes several months and sometimes is delayed for years. Lymphedema can be isolated or associated with genetic syndromes, thus it is very important to identify the correct diagnosis, to select carefully which patients to refer for genetic testing, and to initiate appropriate treatment in a timely fashion. In this article, we review key information about diagnosis of lymphedema, associated conditions and syndromes, and current treatment modalities.
Management of childhood cancer survivors at risk for thyroid function abnormalities: A Delphi study
Authors: Welch Jennifer J.G. , Ames Bethany , Cohen Laurie E. , Gaufberg Eva , Hudson Melissa M. , Nathan Paul C. , Nekhlyudov Larissa , Yock Torunn I. , Chemaitilly Wassim , Kenney Lisa B.
Published: September 2022

Background

Thyroid function abnormalities can occur after treatment for childhood cancer. Evidence for the management of thyroid dysfunction among asymptomatic childhood cancer survivors (CCS) is lacking. We used a Delphi consensus methodology to expand guidelines for screening asymptomatic CCS at risk for thyroid dysfunction and explore recommendations for the clinical management of abnormal results.

Procedure

A Delphi panel of 40 expert physicians representing oncology, endocrinology, and primary care participated in three rounds of anonymous, iterative questionnaires formatted as clinical scenarios. Consensus is defined as ≥ 90% of panelists agree with recommendation and disagreement as < 70% agree.

Results

Panelists reached consensus that CCS treated with radiation including neck, total body, whole brain, brain including the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis (HPA), and therapeutic meta‐iodobenzylguanidine (MIBG) should have annual, lifelong screening using serum thyroid‐stimulating hormone (TSH) and free T4 starting within one year off‐treatment (98%). Panelists disagreed on continuing to screen CCS for thyroid dysfunction after immunotherapy associated with acute thyroid injury (31%‐50%). There was also disagreement on indications for brain (17%‐43%) or thyroid (50%‐65%) imaging, laboratory tests to assess the HPA (29%‐75%), and TSH threshold to initiate treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism. Lack of evidence was the most frequent rationale panelists offered for not recommending additional testing or medications. Panelists’ recommendations did not vary by geography, specialty, or survivorship clinical experience.

Conclusions

Consensus was reached on most recommendations for screening and management of cancer treatment‐related thyroid dysfunction. Screening after completion of thyroid‐toxic immunotherapy, indications for imaging, and treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism are areas of disagreement for further investigation.
Locoregional failure after postoperative flank irradiation for nephroblastoma: Results from the French cohort of the SIOP‐2001 trial
Authors: Jouglar Emmanuel , Laprie Anne , Isfan Florentina , Dumont Benoit , Thebaud Estelle , Escande Alexandre , Supiot Stéphane ,   on behalf on the Groupe Français de Radiothérapie Pédiatrique (GFRP)
Published: September 2022

Objective

To describe locoregional failure (LRF) after postoperative flank radiotherapy (RT) among French patients with nephroblastoma included in the Société Internationale d'Oncologie Pédiatrique (SIOP)‐2001 protocol.

Patients and methods

In selected SIOP‐2001 patients, planning with simulation computed tomography (CT) scan and posttreatment CT scan demonstrating LRF were registered and analyzed. LRF was contoured and classified as in‐field, marginal or out‐of‐field according to dose distribution.

Results

Total 316 French SIOP‐2001 patients were treated with postoperative RT. Three patients with nephroblastoma developed LRF after flank RT. All failures were located within the retroperitoneum. In two patients, the relapse was within the RT field and in one it was classified as marginal.

Conclusion

LRF after postoperative flank RT for nephroblastoma was rare and exclusively situated in the retroperitoneum. These results point out this region as the most at risk of local relapse. A prospective evaluation of a target volume restricted to the retroperitoneum allowing the use of modern and highly conformal radiation techniques in order to decrease dose to normal tissues shall be encouraged.
Core concepts in pharmacoepidemiology: Validation of health outcomes of interest within real‐world healthcare databases
Authors: Weinstein Erica J. , Ritchey Mary Elizabeth , Lo Re Vincent
Published: September 2022

Real‐world healthcare data, including administrative and electronic medical record databases, provide a rich source of data for the conduct of pharmacoepidemiologic studies but carry the potential for misclassification of health outcomes of interest (HOIs). Validation studies are important ways to quantify the degree of error associated with case‐identifying algorithms for HOIs and are crucial for interpreting study findings within real‐world data. This review provides a rationale, framework, and step‐by‐step approach to validating case‐identifying algorithms for HOIs within healthcare databases. Key steps in validating a case‐identifying algorithm within a healthcare database include: (1) selecting the appropriate health outcome; (2) determining the reference standard against which to validate the algorithm; (3) developing the algorithm using diagnosis codes, diagnostic tests or their results, procedures, drug therapies, patient‐reported symptoms or diagnoses, or some combinations of these parameters; (4) selection of patients and sample sizes for validation; (5) collecting data to confirm the HOI; (6) confirming the HOI; and (7) assessing the algorithm's performance. Additional strategies for algorithm refinement and methods to correct for bias due to misclassification of outcomes are discussed. The review concludes by discussing factors affecting the transportability of case‐identifying algorithms and the need for ongoing validation as data elements within healthcare databases, such as diagnosis codes, change over time or new variables, such as patient‐generated health data, are included in these data sources.
Staphylococcus lugdunensis in children: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Bowman Thomas Patrick , Deshpande Ashutosh , Balfour Alison , Harvey‐Wood Kathleen
Published: September 2022

Importance

Staphylococcus lugdunensis (S. lugdunensis) is a coagulase‐negative staphylococcus (CoNS), found commonly as skin flora in humans. While most species of CoNS are clinically benign, S. lugdunensis can exhibit a similar virulence to that of S. aureus. However, there is scant data concerning S. lugdunensis infection in the pediatric population.

Objective

To ascertain local S. lugdunensis infection rates and sensitivity patterns in the pediatric population.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of all S. lugdunensis isolates across a 6‐year period from 2015 to 2020. Data were collected from electronic patient notes and laboratory records. Matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization and time of flight mass spectrometry were used to identify isolates.

Results

Ninety‐six isolates of S. lugdunensis were identified from 86 patients. Of these, 34 isolates were treated as an infection. Twenty‐three (67.6%) were found to have skin as the primary source of infection. While the observed number was small, central nervous system (CNS) sources of S. lugdunensis infection appear to be a significant source: all three isolates cultured from cerebrospinal fluid were clinically managed as infection. All three were associated with ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt infection. No cases of S. lugdunensis infective endocarditis were identified. About 18.6% of S. lugdunensis isolates were resistant to flucloxacillin.

Interpretation

S. lugdunensis is an uncommon but significant cause of infection in the pediatric population and appears to be a rising cause of CNS infection, particularly when associated with VP shunts. Flucloxacillin is recommended locally as the first choice of antibiotic.
Conformation control of triplet state diffusion in platinum containing polyfluorene copolymers
Authors: Lambeva Nikol T. , Mullen Claudius C. , Gao Xuyu , Wu Qingjing , Taylor Robert A. , Tao Youtian , Bradley Donal D. C.
Published: September 2022

The spectral diffusion of singlet and triplet excitons in 9,9‐dioctylfluorene‐based conjugated copolymers is investigated using photoluminescence spectroscopy at both low (5 K) and room temperature (300 K). Inclusion of a N,N‐diphenyl‐4‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)aniline moiety into the polymer backbone allows subsequent cyclometalation with platinum acetylacetonate to increase the spin‐orbit coupling and yield radiative decay from the triplet state. For suitably low fractions (≤5%) of bulky ligand inclusion, cyclometalated or not, the resulting longer sequences of fluorene units are able to adopt the chain‐extended β‐phase conformation. Comparison between the phosphorescence spectral diffusion in glassy‐ and β‐phase Pt‐copolymer samples provide insight into the triplet exciton transfer in more‐ or less‐disordered conjugated polymer films. It is found in the glassy‐phase samples with shorter conjugation lengths that the triplet exciton relaxation becomes frustrated at low temperature due to a freezing out of the thermally activated hops required to move from one conjugated segment to another. In contrast, for films containing β‐phase chain segments, with increased conjugation lengths, this frustration is lifted as more hopping sites remain accessible through intra‐segment motion. This work demonstrates controlled use of changes in molecular conformation to optimize triplet diffusion properties in a member of the widely deployed fluorene‐based conjugated copolymers.
Is implementation of a hospital pathway for high‐flow nasal cannula initiation and weaning associated with reduced high‐flow duration in bronchiolitis?
Authors: Tarantino Laura , Goodrich Nathaniel , Kerns Ellen , McCulloh Russell , Burrows Jason
Published: September 2022

Background

High‐flow nasal cannula (HFNC) therapy is widely used for children with bronchiolitis, but its optimal role remains uncertain. Our institution created and later revised a clinical pathway guiding HFNC initiation and weaning.

Methods

A retrospective review of 1690 bronchiolitis encounters was conducted. Trends in the duration of HFNC and hours spent weaning HFNC as proportions of the monthly hospital length of stay (LOS) for bronchiolitis, hospital LOS, and escalation of care were compared using interrupted time series (ITS) models across three study periods: Baseline (HFNC managed at provider discretion), Intervention 1 (pathway with initiation at 0.5 L/kg/min and escalation up to 2 L/kg/min), and Intervention 2 (revised pathway, initiation at the maximum rate of 2 L/kg/min). Both pathway iterations provided titration and weaning guidance. Maximum respiratory scores were used to adjust for case severity.

Results

After adjustment for severity and time, both HFNC duration and HFNC weaning time (as a proportion of monthly LOS) decreased at the start of Intervention 1, but subsequently increased. During Intervention 2, both these measures trended downward, returning to baseline. Total LOS did not change in the baseline or intervention periods. Escalation of care did not differ from baseline to the end of Intervention 2.

Conclusion

Initiating HFNC at higher flow rates with weaning guidance for children hospitalized with bronchiolitis was associated with a reduction in HFNC duration without differences in LOS or escalation of care. These findings suggest that standardization through clinical pathways can limit HFNC duration in bronchiolitis.
Metolachlor metal–organic framework nanoparticles for reducing leaching, ecotoxicity and improving bioactivity
Authors: Ren Lirui , Li Wenjing , Li Qingjie , Zhang Daqi , Fang Wensheng , Yan Dongdong , Li Yuan , Wang Qiuxia , Jin Xi , Cao Aocheng
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

The adverse effects of pesticides has led to a series of ecological, environmental and public health issues. Amide herbicides are an important agrochemical, yet many are prone to leach and pollute the environment, which limits their further application. In this study, metolachlor (METO) was selected as a model pesticide and a controlled released nanoparticle (NP) system was constructed employing a zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 hybrid inorganic–organic porous material (METO@ZIF‐8).

RESULTS

The synthesis parameters of METO@ZIF‐8 were optimized, and the loading content of METO@ZIF‐8 was maximized by a central composite design of response surface test. The NPs were regular dodecahedron with uniform size (mostly 54.3 nm diameter). METO@ZIF‐8 had high specific surface area and good dispersal in water. Moreover, it endowed the active ingredient with a pH‐responsive release property. The nanocarrier effectively improved the adsorption capacity of METO in soil and reduce the leaching by 10.3–21.7%. Pot experiments suggested that the control effect of METO@ZIF‐8 was 16.6 and 48.4% higher than that of METO emulsifiable concentrate (EC) and METO technical concentration (TC) at the recommended dose. Based on the excellent controlled release profiles, METO@ZIF‐8 did not affect corn plant growth and significantly reduced the risk of phytotoxicity induced by METO. METO@ZIF‐8 effectively reduced acute toxicity in zebrafish compared with METO EC.

CONCLUSION

This study explored the fabrication of a nanocarrier for improving the efficacy and promoting the environmental safety of leachable amide herbicides. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Silicon and boron on cauliflower induce attractiveness and mortality in Plutella xylostella
Authors: Cardoso Camila Pires , da Silva Nunes Gilmar , da Silva José Lucas Farias , de Mello Prado Renato , de Farias Guedes Victor Hugo , de Bortoli Sergio Antonio , de Souza Júnior Jonas Pereira
Published: September 2022

Background

Boron (B) and silicon (Si) are fundamental for brassica nutrition, and in some cases, they have potential as an insecticide. Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae), one of the most economically important agricultural pests, is difficult to control due to the resistance to insecticides and the absence of alternative control methods.

Results

Cauliflower leaves sprayed with Si and B showed a higher concentration of the beneficial element and micronutrient, respectively. When evaluating the firmness of the cauliflower leaves, it was found that the plants with leaf sprayings of Si and B did not differ statistically from each other. However, they showed an increase in firmness, in relation to the plants of the control treatment. Leaf spraying of Si and B on cauliflower did not influence the number of eggs/female. The attractiveness index showed that both Si and B applications stimulated the presence of second instar larvae, being more stimulating in relation to the control treatment. However, the use of Si and B in isolation showed a positive result, since it caused high mortality in diamondback moth larvae compared to the control treatment.

Conclusion

The application of both foliar fertilizers positively affects the attractiveness index of the larvae, being attractive; however, both Si and B caused high mortality (~80%). The results showed that Si and B have the potential to control P. xylostella and serve as a basis for alternative pest management in brassica crops. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Involvement of a novel Pseudomonas protegens strain associated with entomopathogenic nematode infective juveniles in insect pathogenesis
Authors: Ruiu Luca , Marche Maria Giovanna , Mura Maria Elena , Tarasco Eustachio
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

The bioinsecticidal action of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) typically relies on their symbiosis with core bacteria. However, recent studies highlighted the possible involvement of other noncore species. We have recently isolated a novel Pseudomonas protegens strain as a major agent of septicaemia in larvae of the wax moth, Galleria mellonella, infected with a soil‐dwelling Steinernema feltiae strain. The actual role of this bacterium in entomopathogenesis was investigated.

RESULTS

The association of P. protegens with nematodes appeared to be robust, as supported by its direct and repeated isolation from both nematodes and insect larvae infected for several consecutive generations. The bacterium appeared to be well‐adapted to the insect haemocoel, being able to proliferate rapidly after the injection of even a small amount of living cells [100 colony forming units (CFU)] to a larva, causing its fast death. The bacterium also was able to act by ingestion against G. mellonella larvae [median lethal concentration (LC50) = 4.0 × 107 CFU mL–1], albeit with a slower action, which supports the involvement of specific virulence factors (e.g. chitinases, Fit toxin) to overcome the intestinal barrier to the haemocoel. Varying levels of bacterial virulence were observed on diverse target Diptera and Lepidoptera.

CONCLUSION

The soil‐dwelling bacterium P. protegens appears to have evolved its own potential as a stand‐alone entomopathogen, yet the establishment of an opportunistic association with entomoparasitic nematodes would represent a special competitive advantage. This finding contributes to a deeper understanding of the nematode–bacteria biocontrol agent complex and the deriving paradigm of their use as biological control agents. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Effectiveness of slow‐release fungicide formulations for suppressing potato pathogens
Authors: Kiselev Evgeniy G , Prudnikova Svetlana V , Streltsova Nadezhda V , Volova Tatiana G
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

For the first time, the biological activity of slow‐release fungicide formulations for suppressing potato pathogens deposited in a degradable poly‐3‐hydroxybutyrate/sawdust base has been obtained and investigated.

RESULTS

The slow‐release fungicide formulations (azoxystrobin, azoxystrobin + mefenoxam, and difenoconazole) were studied in vitro and in vivo in comparison with commercial analogues. In in vitro cultures of phytopathogens, the deposited fungicides showed an inhibitory effect comparable to commercial analogues, limiting the growth of colonies of Phytophthora infestans, Alternaria longipes, Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium solan (2.0–2.3 times relative to the negative control). In laboratory experiments, the use of deposited fungicides was accompanied by earlier germination and more active growth of potatoes against the background of a decrease in the area of plant damage and an increase in yield. In the field experiment, the deposited fungicides suppressed the development of Phytophthora and Alternariosis in the rhizosphere during the entire growing season and reduced the area of plant damage by pathogens by 10–15%, which is two times less than in the groups of plants treated with commercial preparations. The higher biological activity of the embedded fungicides ensured the maximum number of tubers undamaged by pathogens and the total yield of 22–23 t ha−1, which exceeded the yields in the groups with commercial fungicides (18.4–20.8 t ha−1).

CONCLUSION

The slow‐release fungicide formulations deposited in a degradable P(3HB)/sawdust base are effective in protecting potatoes from pathogens and increasing yields and have an advantage over commercial counterparts. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Predator‐ and killed prey‐induced fears bear significant cost to an invasive spider mite: Implications in pest management
Authors: Ristyadi Dwi , He Xiong Z , Wang Qiao
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

The success of biological control using predators is normally assumed to be achieved through direct predation. Yet it is largely unknown how the predator‐ and killed prey‐induced stress to prey may contribute to biological control effectiveness. Here, we investigate variations in life‐history traits and offspring fitness of the spider mite Tetranychus ludeni in response to cues from the predatory mite Phytoseiulus persimilis and killed T. ludeni, providing knowledge for evaluation of the nonconsumptive contribution to the biological control of T. ludeni and for future development of novel spider mite control measures using these cues.

RESULTS

Cues from predators and killed prey shortened longevity by 23–25% and oviposition period by 35–40%, and reduced fecundity by 31–37% in T. ludeni females. These cues significantly reduced the intrinsic rate of increase (rm) and net population growth rate (R0), and extended time to double the population size (Dt). Predator cues significantly delayed lifetime production of daughters. Mothers exposed to predator cues laid significantly smaller eggs and their offspring developed significantly more slowly but these eggs had significantly higher hatch rate.

CONCLUSION

Predator‐ and killed prey‐induced fears significantly lower the fitness of T. ludeni, suggesting that these nonconsumptive effects can contribute to the effectiveness of biological control to a great extent. Our study provides critical information for evaluation of biological control effectiveness using predators and paves the way for identification of chemical odors from the predator and killed prey, and development of new materials and methods for the control of spider mite pests. © 2022 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Three‐Input Magnetic Logic Gates Using Magnetic Vortex Transistor
Authors: Bhattacharjee Payal , Barman Saswati
Published: September 2022

Compared to the present‐day semiconductor technology in logic gates, which uses the transport properties of electrons, the magnetic analog of logic gates using magnetic vortices has proven to be advantageous in many ways due to its efficiency in terms of negligible electron power leakage and higher switching speed. Based on the asymmetric magnetic vortex transistor (AMVT), a 3‐input OR gate and a majority gate using micromagnetic simulations are demonstrated. Depending on the distances between the three‐input units and the input–output unit and the polarities of the magnetic vortices of the output unit, the networks behave as logic gates. Considering AMVT as one unit, three such units are placed parallel to the input side and another on the output side. Spin‐polarized current is applied to the input units, and the energy is transferred to the output unit owing to the movement of antivortex solitons through the magnetic stray field distribution. Energy transfer is recorded from the output unit, and any energy amplification is considered an ON (1) state, whereas a reduction in energy is considered an OFF (0) state. These “magnetic” logic gate configurations using magnetic vortices can thus behave as fundamental blocks of “magnetic” integrated circuits in the future.
A Linear Thermoelectricity Theory for Thermoelectric Materials
Authors: Jin Zhihe
Published: September 2022

The governing equations of thermoelectricity are nonlinear in general. Herein, a first‐order linear theory of thermoelectricity for thermoelectric (TE) materials is presented, in which the Joule heating contribution is neglected in the energy balance equation as it is usually at least one order of magnitude smaller than the total thermal energy in TE generator applications. The first‐order linear theory is applied to calculate the energy conversion efficiency for homogeneous, functionally graded, and segmented TE generators under 1D heat flow conditions. Energy efficiency for a 2D example is also presented. It is found that the maximum energy efficiencies predicted by the linear theory agree well with those using the general nonlinear theory of thermoelectricity, which indicates that the linear theory is accurate in predicting the energy efficiencies of TE devices. Finally, the peak efficiency for a homogeneous leg under 1D conditions in the linear theory is also characterized by the figure of merit parameter Z as in the nonlinear theory.
A hybrid computing framework for risk‐oriented reliability analysis in dynamic PSA context: A case study
Authors: Jiang Chenyu , He Zhanyu , Li Fengjun , Xie Fei , Zheng Licheng , Yang Jun , Yang Ming
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, the emerging digital technologies and digitalization trend in safety‐critical industrial process systems are bringing great opportunities for system performance improvements. However, new big challenges are also encountered in the reliability and safety evaluation of large complex industrial process systems due to its multi‐state, multi‐phase dynamic interactions, resilience on software and inter‐dependencies among digital components. The objectives of this study are i) to present an introductory overview of a hybrid computing framework as a supplementary to conventional fault tree analysis toolkit for risk‐oriented reliability analysis in dynamic probabilistic safety assessment context; ii) to illustrate how to combine the three methods of DDET, Markov/CCMT, and GO‐FLOW for integrated risk solutions by a case study of small‐break LOCA in nuclear power plants. Within the hybrid computing framework, the DDET model is implemented based on graph‐based search and sequence diagram refactoring by linking with Markov/CCMT and GO‐FLOW solver for branch probability estimation. The dynamic event tree model is adopted to represent the accident sequence of small‐break LOCA, where the heading events of system failure of digital RPS and phased‐mission ECCS in realization of safety‐critical functions of reactivity control and emergency core cooling are respectively modeled and analyzed by Markov chain and GO‐FLOW method. The demonstration results show that the failure analysis of complex dynamic process interactions together with time‐dependent mission reliability analysis of safety systems involved in accident prevention and mitigation can be easily implemented with accurate modeling and fast evaluation within the hybrid integration platform. The core algorithms and principles implemented for dynamic risk scenarios development by DDET, modeling, and analysis of dynamic process interactions by Markov/CCMT, time‐dependent and multi‐phase mission reliability analysis by GO‐FLOW as well as their integration to provide comprehensive solutions for the application of dynamic reliability in risk assessment are also discussed as open problems for future research.
Improved spatial resolution of infrared matrix‐assisted laser desorption electrospray ionization mass spectrometry imaging using a reflective objective
Authors: Joignant Alena N. , Bai Hongxia , Manni Jeffrey G. , Muddiman David C.
Published: September 2022

Rationale

The level of visual detail of a mass spectrometry image is dependent on the spatial resolution with which it is acquired, which is largely determined by the focal diameter in infrared laser ablation‐based techniques. While the use of mid‐IR light for mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) has advantages, it results in a relatively large focal diameter and spatial resolution. The continual advancement of infrared matrix‐assisted electrospray ionization (IR‐MALDESI) for MSI warranted novel methods to decrease laser ablation areas and thus improve spatial resolution.

Methods

In this work, a Schwarzschild‐like reflective objective was incorporated into the novel NextGen IR‐MALDESI source and characterized on both burn paper and mammalian tissue using an ice matrix. Ablation areas, mass spectra, and annotations obtained using the objective were compared against the current optical train on the NextGen system without modification.

Results

The effective resolution was determined to be 55 μm by decreasing the step size until oversampling was observed. Use of the objective improved the spatial resolution by a factor of three as compared against the focus lens.

Conclusions

A Schwarzschild‐like reflective objective was successfully incorporated into the NextGen source and characterized on mammalian tissue using an ice matrix. The corresponding improvement in spatial resolution facilitates the future expansion of IR‐MALDESI applications to include those that require fine structural detail.
A new sampling method with zirconium‐loaded resin for phosphate oxygen isotope analysis in oligotrophic freshwater systems
Authors: Ishida Takuya , Tayasu Ichiro , Onodera Shin‐ichi , Ban Syuhei , Okuda Noboru
Published: September 2022

Rationale

The phosphate oxygen isotope ratio () is a useful technique to trace the sources and biogeochemical cycles of phosphorus (P) in aquatic ecosystems. However, has not been widely used in oligotrophic freshwater systems due to technical and methodological difficulties in collecting sufficient phosphate (PO4) for the analysis, which sometimes requires hundreds of liters of the water sample. In this study, a new approach (PaS‐Zir) was developed for the analysis in oligotrophic freshwater systems using zirconium (Zr)‐loaded (ZrIRC) resin, which has a high affinity for PO4.

Methods

ZrClO2 was added to Amberlite IRC748 to obtain the ZrIRC resin. The adsorption/desorption experiment using KH2PO4 with a known value of was conducted to determine the adsorption/desorption properties of the resin and the likelihood of isotopic fractionation. By installing mesh bags filled with the resin, the PaS‐Zir approach was used in two rivers with low PO4 concentrations (0.2 and 5.3 μmol/L). A conventional sampling method was also performed in the study river with a higher PO4 concentration to validate the efficacy of the PaS‐Zir method.

Results

The adsorption/desorption experiment demonstrated that the ZrIRC resin possessed a sufficient adsorption capacity (153 μmol/resin‐mL) and exhibited little isotopic fractionation during the adsorption/desorption processes. Using the PaS‐Zir method, we were able to collect sufficient PO4 samples for the analysis from the rivers within at least 4 days of mesh bag installation. The values (14.2‰ ± 0.2‰) obtained using the PaS‐Zir method were comparable to those obtained using the conventional method (14.0‰ ± 0.03‰).

Conclusion

We proved that the PaS‐Zir method is applicable to oligotrophic freshwater systems and is generally more efficient than the conventional method. In addition, our method is useful for improving the understanding of the P dynamics of oligotrophic ecosystems because of the extremely low concentration of PO4 commonly found in them, which are often prone to P pollution.
Electrokinetic Insights into the Triple Ionic and Electronic Conductivity of a Novel Nanocomposite Functional Material for Protonic Ceramic Fuel Cells
Authors: Bello Idris Temitope , Yu Na , Song Yufei , Wang Jian , Chan Ting‐Shan , Zhao Siyuan , Li Zheng , Dai Yawen , Yu Jie , Ni Meng
Published: September 2022

Triple ionic and electronic conductivity (TIEC) in cathode materials for protonic ceramic fuel cells (PCFCs) is a desirable feature that enhances the spatial expansion of active reaction sites for electrochemical oxygen reduction reaction. The realization of optimal TIEC in single‐phase materials, however, is challenging. A facile route that facilitates the optimization of TIEC in PCFC cathodes is the strategic development of multiphase cathode materials. In this study, a cubic‐rhombohedral TIEC nanocomposite material with the composition Ba(CeCo)0.4(FeZr)0.1O3−δ (BCCFZ) is designed via self‐assembly engineering. The material consists of a mixed ionic and electronic conducting phase, BaCo1−(x+y+z)CexFeyZrzO3−δ (M‐BCCFZ), and a dominant proton‐conducting phase, BaCe1−(x+y+z)CoxZryFezO3−δ (H‐BCCZF). The dominant cerium‐rich H‐BCCFZ phase enhances the material's oxygen vacancy concentration and the proton defects formation and transport with a low enthalpy of protonation of −30 ± 9 kJ mol−1. The area‐specific resistance of the BCCFZ symmetrical cell is 0.089 Ω cm2 at 650 °C in 2.5% H2O‐air. The peak power density of the anode‐supported single cell based on BCCFZ cathode reaches 1054 mW cm−2 at 650 °C with good operation stability spanning over 500 h at 550 °C. These promote BCCFZ as a befitting cathode material geared toward PCFC commercialization.
Low‐Dimensional Organic Crystals: From Precise Synthesis to Advanced Applications
Authors: Lv Qiang , Zheng Min , Wang Xue‐Dong , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: September 2022

Low‐dimensional organic crystals (LOCs) have attracted increasing attention recently for their potential applications in miniaturized optoelectronics and integrated photonics. Such applications are possible owing to their tunable physicochemical properties and excellent charge/photon transport features. As a result, the precise synthesis of LOCs has been examined in terms of morphology modulation, large‐area pattern arrays, and complex architectures, and this has led to a series of appealing structure‐dependent properties for future optoelectronic applications. This review summarizes the recent advances in the precise synthesis of LOCs in addition to discussing their structure–property relationships in the context of optoelectronic applications. It also presents the current challenges related to organic crystals with specific structures and desired performances, and the outlook regarding their use in next‐generation integrated optoelectronic applications.
Comparison Study of Hot Deformation Behavior and Microstructure Evolution of Rack Steels with and without Segregation
Authors: Wang Qinghai , Ye Qibin , Kan Liye , Wang Hongtao , Liu Geng , Tian Yong , Wang Zhaodong
Published: September 2022

In order to compare the hot deformation behavior and microstructure evolution of the rack steels with and without segregation, hot compression tests are carried out in the temperature range of 1173–1423 K and the strain rate range of 0.01–10 s−1 on a DIL805A/D quenching and deformation dilatometer. The flow stress, constitutive relation, processing map, and microstructure characterization are investigated. The results show that the flow stress increases with the increase of strain rate and the decrease of deformation temperature. The calculated activation energy (Q) and stress exponent (n) for the segregated samples are 395.245 kJ mol−1 and 6.046, which are higher than segregated samples, showing 376.815 kJ mol−1 and 5.930. The processing maps show that the workability of the nonsegregated steel is significantly more excellent than segregated steel. The segregated steel shows a higher kernel average misorientation angle and local strain. Complete dynamic recrystallization occurs at a high strain rate, and high deformation temperature can refine the grains.
A Modified Arrhenius‐Type Constitutive Model and its Implementation by Means of the Safe Version of Newton–Raphson Method
Authors: Liang Pei , Kong Ning , Zhang Jie , Li Hongbo
Published: September 2022

Arrhenius‐type constitutive models are widely used in thermomechanical processing due to their ease of parameter calibration and ability to track the deformation behavior with various materials. Herein, a modified Arrhenius model is proposed, and the model is implemented in the finite element (FE) simulation to improve the simulation accuracy. The VUMAT Fortran subroutine of the model is established for the commercial nonlinear FE software Abaqus/Explicit based on an implicit time integration scheme and the radial return mapping algorithms. A root‐finding method called the safe version of Newton–Raphson method is applied to calculate the plastic corrector term. The efﬁciency and accuracy of both analytical and numerical methods are evaluated for calculating the derivatives in this algorithm. The implementation of the user‐defined modified Arrhenius‐type material model is successfully applied to a thermal–mechanical coupling FE model for the hot rolling of heavy steel plate. The goal optimization function is used to calibrate the material parameters for the model. The plastic strain field and temperature field are in accordance with the theoretical derivation and experimental results. It provides valuable references for characterizing and optimizing thermomechanical processing.