bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of comprehensive family history and genetic analysis in the multidisciplinary pancreatic tumor clinic setting
Authors: Everett Jessica N. , Sanoba Shenin A. , Jing Xiaohong , Stender Cody , Schmitter Madeleine , Baptiste Ariele , Chun Jennifer , Kawaler Emily A. , Khanna Lauren G. , Gross Seth A. , Gonda Tamas A. , Beri Nina , Oberstein Paul E. , Simeone Diane M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Genetic testing is recommended for all pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. Prior research demonstrates that multidisciplinary pancreatic cancer clinics (MDPCs) improve treatment‐ and survival‐related outcomes for PDAC patients. However, limited information exists regarding the utility of integrated genetics in the MDPC setting. We hypothesized that incorporating genetics in an MDPC serving both PDAC patients and high‐risk individuals (HRI) could: (1) improve compliance with guideline‐based genetic testing for PDAC patients, and (2) optimize HRI identification and PDAC surveillance participation to improve early detection and survival.

Methods

Demographics, genetic testing results, and pedigrees were reviewed for PDAC patients and HRI at one institution over 45 months. Genetic testing analyzed 16 PDAC‐associated genes at minimum.

Results

Overall, 969 MDPC subjects were evaluated during the study period; another 56 PDAC patients were seen outside the MDPC. Among 425 MDPC PDAC patients, 333 (78.4%) completed genetic testing; 29 (8.7%) carried a PDAC‐related pathogenic germline variant (PGV). Additionally, 32 (9.6%) met familial pancreatic cancer (FPC) criteria. These PDAC patients had 191 relatives eligible for surveillance or genetic testing. Only 2/56 (3.6%) non‐MDPC PDAC patients completed genetic testing (p < 0.01). Among 544 HRI, 253 (46.5%) had a known PGV or a designation of FPC, and were eligible for surveillance at baseline; of the remainder, 15/291 (5.2%) were eligible following genetic testing and PGV identification.

Conclusion

Integrating genetics into the multidisciplinary setting significantly improved genetic testing compliance by reducing logistical barriers for PDAC patients, and clarified cancer risks for their relatives while conserving clinical resources. Overall, we identified 206 individuals newly eligible for surveillance or genetic testing (191 relatives of MDPC PDAC patients, and 15 HRI from this cohort), enabling continuity of care for PDAC patients and at‐risk relatives in one clinic.
Synchroner Startschuss in Europa und Asien
Authors: Oestreich Volker
Published: July 2022

Mit der Eröffnung der Customer Solutions Center in Brühl und Singapur schafft HIMA völlig neue Möglichkeiten, um Safety‐ und Security‐Lösungen zu erleben, zu testen und gemeinsam mit Anwendern weiterzuentwickeln. Durch die Bündelung der Expertise können Anwender‐Fragestellungen zielgerichtet beleuchtet und validiert werden.
Integraler Ex‐Schutz für die komplette LNG‐Versorgungskette
Authors: Emde Ingo
Published: July 2022

Im Zuge der Energiewende kann verflüssigtes Erdgas (LNG) als übergangslösung einen wichtigen Beitrag für die Versorgungssicherheit leisten. Da das geförderte und verflüssigte Erdgas hochentzündlich ist, muss der Explosionsschutz über die gesamte Wertschöpfungskette gewährleistet sein.
Prozessoptimierung durch Online‐Analysen
Authors: Mahler Harald , Reisinger Thorsten
Published: July 2022

Die Prozessanalytik (PAT) spielt zusammen mit einer ausgeklügelten Systemintegration eine wichtige Rolle für den effizienten Betrieb chemischer Produktionsanlagen. Ein praktisches Beispiel einer Destillation liefert Einblicke in die technische Umsetzung und den ROI.
Cloudbasiertes Fluidmanagement
Authors: Sharpe Markus
Published: July 2022

Cloudbasierte, smarte Gesamtlösungen ermöglichen eine transparente, digitale Kommunikation. Mit einer webbasierten Plattform bietet Prominent eine sichere und ortsunabhängige überwachung von Pumpenzuständen und Prozessdaten in der Cloud. Dadurch können Betreiber die Wartung effizienter gestalten und damit die Anlagenverfügbarkeit steigern.
Mehr Sicherheit rund um SIL und PL
Authors: Garbsch Matthias
Published: July 2022

Für Anwender ist es oft eine komplexe Herausforderung, sich im “Dschungel der Normen” für Anlagensicherheit und SIL zurechtzufinden. JUMO bündelt deshalb die Produkt‐ und Lösungskompetenz zu diesen Themen in der Marke JSP (JUMO Safety Performance) und will damit Engineeringkosten sparen.
Optimale Prozesshygiene durch Chlordioxid
Authors: Zimmermann Janina
Published: July 2022

Eine gute Wasserqualität ist unerlässlich für moderne Produktionsprozesse in einer Vielzahl von Branchen. Das Clorious2‐Desinfektionssystem ermöglicht, für diesen Zweck die bewährten Vorteile von Chlordioxid zu nutzen. Das schafft nicht nur dauerhaft biofilmfreie und hygienische Bedingungen, sondern eröffnet auch neue Optimierungs‐ und Einsparmöglichkeiten in der Desinfektion.
Erdbebensichere Chemieanlagen
Authors: Wirth Stefan
Published: July 2022

Durch die Einführung des neuen Erdbeben Eurocodes DIN EN 1998‐1/NA müssen die Gefahren in Chemieanlagen und deren Auswirkungen auf die Tragstrukturen, Einbauten und Versorgungsbauwerke neu bewertet werden.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Potent and Selective S1PR1 Agonists for the Treatment of Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: He Huan , Xie Mengting , Zhang Mengting , Zhang Haiqin , Zhu Huan , Fang Yuxian , Shen Zihao , Wang Rui , Zhao Zhenjiang , Zhu Lili , Qian Xuhong , Li Honglin
Published: July 2022

Comprehensive Summary

The binding of Sphingosine‐1‐phosphate (S1P) with the S1PR1‐5 plays a fundamental physiological role in a number of processes including vascular development and stabilization, lymphocyte migration and distribution. S1P‐S1PR1 signal axis established roles in immune cell trafficking thus playing a therapeutic role in multiple sclerosis and inflammatory bowel disease. In this study, a series of oxadiazole derivatives were designed and synthesized as S1PR1 agonists based on rational drug design. Among them, compound 9i was identified as a potent and selective S1PR1 agonist with activities on β‐arrestin recruitment (EC50 = 0.36 nmol/L) and receptor internalization (EC50 = 8.09 nmol/L). Meanwhile, compound 9i displayed an oral bioavailability up to 93.6%. Based on its excellent activity to S1PR1 and pharmacokinetic properties, compound 9i effectively alleviated dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)‐induced ulcerative colitis in mice at a dose of 0.1 mg/kg.
Axolotl: A resourceful vertebrate model for regeneration and beyond
Authors: Bölük Aydın , Yavuz Mervenur , Demircan Turan
Published: July 2022

The regenerative capacity varies significantly among the animal kingdom. Successful regeneration program in some animals results in the functional restoration of tissues and lost structures. Among the highly regenerative animals, axolotl provides multiple experimental advantages with its many extraordinary characteristics. It has been positioned as a regeneration model organism due to its exceptional renewal capacity, including the internal organs, central nervous system, and appendages, in a scar‐free manner. In addition to this unique regeneration ability, the observed low cancer incidence, its resistance to carcinogens, and the reversing effect of its cell extract on neoplasms strongly suggest its usability in cancer research. Axolotl's longevity and efficient utilization of several anti‐aging mechanisms underline its potential to be employed in aging studies.
Ecological drivers of avian diversity in a subtropical landscape: Effects of habitat diversity, primary productivity and anthropogenic disturbance
Authors: Shuai Ling‐Ying , Xiao Shu‐Ping , Xie Yan‐Ping , Chen Xing‐Min , Song Xiang‐Rong , Fan Tian‐Qiao , Xie Yun‐Hua , Liu Wei
Published: July 2022

Understanding the roles of ecological drivers in shaping biodiversity is fundamental for conservation practice. In this study, we explored the effects of elevation, conservation status, primary productivity, habitat diversity and anthropogenic disturbance (represented by human population density and birding history) on taxonomic, phylogenetic and functional avian diversity in a subtropical landscape in southeastern China. We conducted bird surveys using 1‐km transects across a total of 30 sites, of which 10 sites were located within a natural reserve. Metrics of functional diversity were calculated based on six functional traits (body mass, clutch size, dispersal ratio, sociality, diet and foraging stratum). We built simultaneous autoregression models to assess the association between the ecological factors and diversity of the local avian communities. Local avian diversity generally increased with increasing habitat diversity, human population density and primary productivity. We also detected phylogenetic and functional clustering in these communities, suggesting that the avian assemblages were structured mainly by environmental filtering, rather than interspecific competition. Compared with sites outside the natural reserve, sites within the natural reserve had relatively lower avian diversity but a higher level of phylogenetic heterogeneity.
Asymmetric generalizability of multimodal brain‐behavior associations across age‐groups
Authors: Yu Junhong , Fischer Nastassja L.
Published: July 2022

Machine learning methods have increasingly been used to map out brain‐behavior associations (BBA), and to predict out‐of‐scanner behavior of unseen subjects. Given the brain changes that occur in the context of aging, the accuracy of these predictions is likely to depend on how similar the training and testing data sets are in terms of age. To this end, we examined how well BBAs derived from an age‐group generalize to other age‐groups. We partitioned the CAM‐CAN data set (N = 550) into the young, middle, and old age‐groups, then used the young and old age‐groups to construct prediction models for 11 behavioral outcomes using multimodal neuroimaging features (i.e., structural and resting‐state functional connectivity, and gray matter volume/cortical thickness). These models were then applied to all three age‐groups to predict their behavioral scores. When the young‐derived models were used, a graded pattern of age‐generalization was generally observed across most behavioral outcomes—predictions are the most accurate in the young subjects in the testing data set, followed by the middle and then old‐aged subjects. Conversely, when the old‐derived models were used, the disparity in the predictive accuracy across age‐groups was mostly negligible. These findings hold across different imaging modalities. These results suggest the asymmetric age‐generalization of BBAs—old‐derived BBAs generalized well to all age‐groups, however young‐derived BBAs generalized poorly beyond their own age‐group.
Mirror neuron brain regions contribute to identifying actions, but not intentions
Authors: Thompson Emma L. , Bird Geoffrey , Catmur Caroline
Published: July 2022

Previous studies have struggled to determine the relationship between mirror neuron brain regions and two distinct “action understanding” processes: identifying actions and identifying the intentions underlying those actions. This may be because the identification of intentions from others' actions requires an initial action identification process. Disruptive transcranial magnetic stimulation was administered to left inferior frontal gyrus (lIFG) during a novel cognitive task to determine which of these “action understanding” processes is subserved by mirror neuron brain regions. Participants identified either the actions performed by observed hand actions or the intentions underlying those actions. The extent to which intention identification was disrupted by lIFG (vs. control site) stimulation was dependent on the level of disruption to action identification. We subsequently performed functional magnetic resonance imaging during the same task. During action identification, responses were widespread within mirror neuron areas including lIFG and inferior parietal lobule. However, no independent responses were found in mirror neuron brain regions during intention identification. Instead, responses occurred in brain regions associated with two distinct mentalizing localizer tasks. This supports an account in which mirror neuron brain regions are involved in an initial action identification process, but the subsequent identification of intentions requires additional processing in mentalizing brain regions.
Metastatic neuroendocrine carcinoma of right adrenal gland successfully treated with laparoscopic adrenalectomy after multimodal therapy
Authors: Yamagata Yusuke , Abe Takashige , Iwahara Naoya , Takada Kohichi , Hida Yasuhiro , Takakuwa Emi , Kikuchi Hiroshi , Matsumoto Ryuji , Osawa Takahiro , Shinohara Nobuo
Published: July 2022

Introduction

We report a case of laparoscopic adrenalectomy in a salvage setting after multiple chemotherapies for neuroendocrine carcinoma.

Case presentation

A 49‐year‐old man was diagnosed with unknown primary carcinoma with single brain metastasis, and right supraclavicular and mediastinal lymph node metastases. After stereotactic radiotherapy of the brain metastasis and systemic chemotherapy, lymphadanectomy was performed. The pathologic diagnosis was neuroendocrine carcinoma. At 11 months after surgery, computed tomography revealed right adrenal metastasis. Local radiotherapy initially resulted in complete remission. However, adrenal recurrence was noted 10 months later. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy was performed with curative intent. The patient is currently alive without recurrence at 20 months after the operation.

Conclusion

Adrenalectomy can become a treatment option if other metastases are well‐controlled with systemic therapy. Surgical elimination of oligometastases can offer long‐term disease control in selected patients as part of a multimodal approach.
A pilot study investigating the role of 18F‐FDG‐PET in the early identification of chemoradiotherapy response in anal cancer
Authors: Smith Drew , Joon Daryl Lim , Knight Kellie , Sim Jenny , Schneider Michal , Lau Eddie , Foroudi Farshad , Khoo Vincent
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Anal cancer (AC) is 18F‐FDG‐PET avid and has been used to evaluate treatment response several months after chemoradiotherapy. This pilot study aimed to assess the utility of semi‐automated contouring methods and quantitative measures of treatment response using 18F‐FDG‐PET imaging at the early time point of 1‐month post‐chemoradiotherapy.

Methods

Eleven patients with AC referred for chemoradiotherapy were prospectively enrolled into this study, with 10 meeting eligibility requirements. 18F‐FDG‐PET imaging was obtained pre‐chemoradiotherapy (TP1), and then 1‐month (TP2), 3–6 months (TP3) and 9–12 months (TP4) post‐chemoradiotherapy. Manual and semi‐automated (Threshold) contouring methods were used to define the primary tumour on all 18F‐FDG‐PET images. Resultant contours from each method were interrogated using quantitative measures, including volume, response index (RI), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), SUVmax, SUVmedian and SUVmean. Response was assessed quantitatively as reductions in these measures and also qualitatively against established criteria.

Results

Nine patients were qualitatively classified as complete metabolic responders at TP2 and all 10 at TP3. All quantitative measures demonstrated significant (P < 0.05) reductions at TP2 for both Manual and Threshold methods. All reduced further at TP3 and again at TP4 for Threshold methods. TLG showed the highest reduction at all post‐chemoradiotherapy time points and classified the most responders for each method at each time point. All patients are recurrence‐free at minimum 4‐year follow‐up.

Conclusion

Based on our small sample size, semi‐automated methods of disease definition using 18F‐FDG‐PET imaging are feasible and appear to facilitate quantitative response classification of AC as early as 1‐month post‐chemoradiotherapy. Early identification of treatment response may potentially improve disease management.
Distinct immune responses in the early phase to natural SARS‐CoV‐2 infection or vaccination
Authors: Peng Pai , Deng Haijun , Li Zhihong , Chen Yao , Fang Liang , Hu Jie , Wu Kang , Xue Jianjiang , Wang Deqiang , Liu Beizhong , Long Quanxin , Chen Juan , Wang Kai , Tang Ni , Huang Ai‐long
Published: July 2022

Immune responses elicited by viral infection or vaccination play key roles in the viral elimination and the prevention of reinfection, as well as the protection of healthy persons. As one of the most widely used Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccines, there have been increasing concerns about the necessity of additional doses of inactivated vaccines, due to the waning immune response several months after vaccination. To further optimize inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines, we compared immune responses to SARS‐CoV‐2 elicited by natural infection and immunization with inactivated vaccines in the early phase. We observed the lower antibody levels against SARS‐CoV‐2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) proteins in the early phase of postvaccination with a slow increase, compared to the acute phase of SARS‐CoV‐2 natural infection. Specifically, IgA antibodies have the most significant differences. Moreover, we further analyzed cytokine expression between these two groups. A wide variety of cytokines presented high expression in the infected individuals, while a few cytokines were elicited by inactivated vaccines. The differences in antibody responses and cytokine levels between natural SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and vaccination with the inactivated vaccines may provide implications for the optimization of inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines and the additional application of serological tests.
Effect of the Trans‐Volcanic Axis on meridional propagation of summer precipitation in western Mexico
Authors: Brito‐Castillo Luis , Farfán Luis M. , Antemate‐Velasco Geimond Jarumi
Published: July 2022

The Trans‐Volcanic Axis (TVA)—comprising ridges and terrain elevations above 1,900 m—strongly affects meridional propagation of summer precipitation in western Mexico. This barrier modifies atmospheric moisture content and changes the annual precipitation cycle configuration, which distinguishes it from the precipitation cycle on both sides of the TVA. Using upper‐air observations and rainfall records, this study demonstrates that the TVA is the region where the North American monsoon (NAM) and the mid‐summer drought (MSD) influence intersections regarding precipitation. This region affects both northward extent of double precipitation maxima with the MSD and the southward extent of the NAM single precipitation peak. This study proposes that the forcing mechanism that controls the annual precipitation cycle in the TVA region relies on latent heat loss via ground cooling by reducing air temperature below dewpoint temperature in the 700–500 hPa layer, consistent with local terrain elevations. The orographic effect increases specific humidity in the atmospheric column—sufficiently large to enhance local precipitation accumulation—resulting in a mid‐summer drought intensity decline but not enough to yield a single peak in precipitation. Consequently, the TVA becomes an uncategorized region that does not display the NAM nor the characteristic features of the MSD.
Impact of Socioeconomic Demographics and Race on Laryngotracheal Stenosis Etiology and Outcomes
Authors: Plocienniczak Michal , Sambhu Krishna Madhav , Noordzij J. Pieter , Tracy Lauren
Published: July 2022

Objective

Certain sociodemographic variables are known to result in health care disparities. This study investigates potential differences in outcomes for patients with laryngotracheal stenosis (LTS) based on racial backgrounds and socioeconomic variables including insurance status and English language‐Proficiency.

Methods

Patients with LTS from 2016 to 2021were identified by relevant ICD codes. Variables including race, age, gender, language preference and insurance status were collected from medical records. Risk factors for LTS including COPD, smoking history, diabetes, GERD, and BMI were obtained. Etiology of LTS was categorized as autoimmune, traumatic, iatrogenic, or idiopathic. Need for temporary tracheostomy and tracheostomy dependence were determined at last follow‐up visit.

Results

129 patients were included for review. 70% of Black patients had iatrogenic LTS, whereas 65% of the White patient cohort had autoimmune or idiopathic LTS. Black patients were more strongly associated with temporary tracheostomy and tracheostomy dependence compared to White patients. Public health insurance and co‐morbid GERD were associated with tracheostomy dependence for White patients only.

Conclusion

This study identified a disproportionate representation of Black patients in the iatrogenic etiology of LTS. Although controlling for risk factors of LTS, this cohort had an increased need for temporary tracheostomy and tracheostomy dependence compared to White and Latinx cohorts. This finding merits further study.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 133:908–913, 2023
Utility of telephone visits at an urban safety‐net hospital during 2020: A retrospective review
Authors: Kim Eric K. , Kidane Joseph , Brodie Shauna , Tuot Delphine S. , Sharon Jeffrey D.
Published: July 2022

Objective

During COVID‐19, otolaryngology clinics rapidly implemented telehealth programs in accordance with social distancing guidelines and institutional policies. Our objectives are to evaluate the usefulness of telephone audio visits for underserved patients seeking otolaryngological care at an urban safety‐net hospital and identify patient factors associated with telephone visit attendance.

Methods

In a retrospective review of all adult telephone visits in 2020, we compared the demographics and visit characteristics of patients who attended telehealth versus in‐person visits and patients who attended versus missed telehealth visits. Univariable and multivariable regressions were utilized to identify predictors of missing telehealth visits.

Results

We identified 318 telehealth encounters completed by 254 patients (72.8% were of racial/ethnic minority; 76.3% had low‐income, need‐based insurances; 43.7% had limited English proficiency). The most common chief complaints were related to head and neck oncology (n = 85, 26.7%), otology/neurotology (n = 74, 23.3%), and general otolaryngology (n = 69, 21.7%). The following actions were executed during telephone visits: behavioral and/or medication patient education (n = 152, 47.8%); sharing testing/imaging/tumor board results (n = 125, 39.3%); referrals to another department (n = 103, 32.4%); rendering a new diagnosis (n = 98, 30.8%); changing medications (n = 60, 18.9%). Less than half of telephone visits (46.2%) resulted in in‐person follow‐up, most commonly for in‐person exams. The distribution of race/ethnicity differed between attended in‐person appointments versus telephone visits (p = .01), but race and ethnicity were not significant predictors of telephone visit attendance.

Conclusion

Despite limited diagnostic capabilities, telephone audio visits can be an effective and accessible tool for providing continuity and advancing care in socially disadvantaged patients.

Level of evidence

IV.
Design and Synthesis of Epoxidized Soybean Oil‐Branched Cardanol Ethers as Poly(vinyl chloride) Plasticizers
Authors: Yang Yang , Zhang Caili , Han Yu , Ma Zhirui , Weng Yunxuan
Published: July 2022

To overcome the migration of epoxidized soybean oil (ESO) used as a poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) plasticizer, ESO‐branched cardanol (CD) ethers (ESO‐CDn) are designed and synthesized in this work. The incorporation of the benzene ring and the C15 straight chain of CD provided excellent plasticizing efficiency, and the increase in the molecular weight by branching CD with ESO enhanced the migration resistance of the plasticizer. In this work, two different methods are adopted to prepare PVC/ESO/CD and PVC/ESO‐CDn, namely the one‐step method (dynamic vulcanization of ESO, CD, and PVC) and the two‐step method (synthesis of ESO‐CD and then mixing it with PVC). The first method is convenient, while it is also uncontrollable, leading to an incomplete reaction between ESO and CD. The second method offers a controllable reaction between ESO and CD. The chemical structure of ESO‐CDn is fully characterized. Furthermore, the thermal, mechanical, rheology, and migration resistance properties of PVC/ESO/CD and PVC/ESO‐CDn are compared. The relationship between the molecular structure and plasticizer performance is investigated, and the plasticization mechanism is proposed. The tensile and thermal properties indicate that PVC/35ESO‐CD10 offered a superior anti‐thermal aging performance due to the excellent plasticizing and migration resistance effects of ESO‐CD10.
Optimal joint trade‐in rebate strategies in a retailer‐led supply chain
Authors: Tang Fei , Dai Ying , Ma Zu‐Jun
Published: July 2022

This study investigates the joint trade‐in rebate strategies in a supply chain with independent manufacturers selling substitutable products via a dominant retailer. We model their interplay as a Stackelberg game and analyze their joint trade‐in rebate decisions. We find that the differentiated trade‐in rebate scheme is better for the retailer, and the manufacturers cooperating in making their trade‐in rebate decisions can achieve win‐win results in most cases. However, replacement consumers could benefit from the retailer's uniform trade‐in rebate scheme and the manufacturers not cooperating in their trade‐in decisions. The latter is always more beneficial to the environment.
Properties of fractional calculus with respect to a function and Bernstein type polynomials
Authors: Sousa José Vanterler da C. , Frederico Gastão S. F. , Oliveira Daniela S. , Capelas de Oliveira Edmundo
Published: July 2022

This paper is divided into two stages. In the first stage, we investigated a new approach for the
‐Riemann–Liouville fractional integral and the Faa di Bruno formula for the
‐Hilfer fractional derivative. In addition, we discussed other properties involving the
‐Hilfer fractional derivative and the
‐Riemann–Liouville fractional integral. In the second stage, Bernstein polynomials involving the
function are investigated and the
‐Riemann–Liouville fractional integral and
‐Hilfer fractional derivative from the Bernstein polynomials are evaluated. We also discussed the relationship between the
‐Hilfer fractional derivative with Laguerre polynomials and hypergeometric functions, and a version of the fractional mean value theorem with respect to a function. Motivated by the Bernstein polynomials, the second stage uses the Bernstein polynomials to approximate the solution of a fractional integro‐differential equation with Hilfer fractional derivative and concluding with a numerical approach with its respective graph.
Real‐time B0 compensation during gantry rotation in a 0.35‐T MRI–Linac
Authors: Curcuru Austen N. , Kim Taeho , Yang Deshan , Gach H. Michael
Published: July 2022

Background

Rotation of the ferromagnetic gantry of a low magnetic field MRI–Linac was previously demonstrated to cause large center frequency offsets of ±400 Hz. The B0 off‐resonances cause image artifacts and imaging isocenter shifts that would preclude MRI‐guided arc therapy.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to measure and compensate for center frequency offsets in real time during gantry rotation on a 0.35‐T MRI–Linac using a free induction decay (FID) navigator.

Methods

A nonselective FID navigator was added before each 2D balanced steady‐state free precession cine image acquisition on a 0.35‐T MRI–Linac. Images were acquired at 7.3 frames per second. Phase data from the initial FID navigator (while the gantry was stationary) was used as a reference. The phase data from each subsequent FID navigator was used to calculate the real‐time B0 off‐resonance. The transmitter/receiver phase and the phase accrual over the adjacent image acquisition were adjusted to correct for the center frequency offset. Measurements were performed using an MRI–Linac dynamic phantom prior to and while the gantry rotated clockwise and counterclockwise. Image quality and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) were compared between uncorrected and B0‐corrected MRIs using a reference image acquired while the gantry was stationary. Four targets in the phantom were manually contoured on the first image frame, and an active contouring algorithm was used retrospectively on each subsequent frame to assess image variations and calculate Dice coefficients. Additionally, three healthy volunteers were imaged using the same pulse sequences with and without real‐time B0 compensation during gantry rotation. Normalized root mean square errors (nRMSEs) were calculated for the phantom and in vivo to assess the efficacy of the B0 compensation on image quality. The measured center frequency offsets from the volunteer and MRI dynamic phantom navigator data were also compared. The sinusoidal behavior of the center frequency offsets was modeled based on the gantry layout and long‐time constant eddy currents resulting from gantry rotation.

Results

The duration of the FID navigator and processing was 4.5 ms. The FID navigator resulted in a ≤11% drop in SNR in the phantom and in vivo (liver). Dice coefficients from the MRI‐guided radiation therapy (MR‐IGRT) phantom contour measurements remained above 0.8 with B0 compensation. Without B0 compensation, the Dice coefficients dropped below 0.8 for up to 21% of the time depending on the contour. Real‐time B0 compensation resulted in mean reductions in nRMSE of 51% and 16% for the MR‐IGRT phantom and in vivo, respectively. Peak‐to‐peak center frequency offsets ranged from 757 to 773 Hz in the phantom and 760 to 871 Hz in vivo.

Conclusion

Dynamic real‐time B0 compensation significantly improved image quality and reduced artifacts during gantry rotation in the phantom and in vivo. However, the FID navigator resulted in a small drop in the imaging duty cycle and SNR.
Fourier‐based decomposition for simultaneous 2‐voxel MRS acquisition with 2SPECIAL
Authors: Riemann Layla Tabea , Aigner Christoph Stefan , Mekle Ralf , Speck Oliver , Rose Georg , Ittermann Bernd , Schmitter Sebastian , Fillmer Ariane
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To simultaneously acquire spectroscopic signals from two MRS voxels using a multi‐banded 2 spin‐echo, full‐intensity acquired localized (2SPECIAL) sequence, and to decompose the signal to their respective regions by a novel voxel‐GRAPPA (vGRAPPA) decomposition approach for in vivo brain applications at 7 T.

Methods

A wideband, uniform rate, smooth truncation (WURST) multi‐banded pulse was incorporated into SPECIAL to implement 2SPECIAL for simultaneous multi‐voxel spectroscopy (sMVS). To decompose the acquired data, the voxel‐GRAPPA decomposition algorithm is introduced, and its performance is compared to the SENSE‐based decomposition. Furthermore, the limitations of two‐voxel excitation concerning the multi‐banded adiabatic inversion pulse, as well as of the combined B0 shim and B1+ adjustments, are evaluated.

Results

It was successfully shown that the 2SPECIAL sequence enables sMVS without a significant loss in SNR while reducing the total scan time by 21.6% compared to two consecutive acquisitions. The proposed voxel‐GRAPPA algorithm properly reassigns the signal components to their respective origin region and shows no significant differences to the well‐established SENSE‐based algorithm in terms of leakage (both <10%) or Cramér‐Rao lower bounds (CRLB) for in vivo applications, while not requiring the acquisition of additional sensitivity maps and thus decreasing motion sensitivity.

Conclusion

The use of 2SPECIAL in combination with the novel voxel‐GRAPPA decomposition technique allows a substantial reduction of measurement time compared to the consecutive acquisition of two single voxels without a significant decrease in spectral quality or metabolite quantification accuracy and thus provides a new option for multiple‐voxel applications.
Measurement of magnetostimulation thresholds in the porcine heart
Authors: Klein Valerie , Coll‐Font Jaume , Vendramini Livia , Straney Donald , Davids Mathias , Ferris Natalie G. , Schad Lothar R. , Sosnovik David E. , Nguyen Christopher T. , Wald Lawrence L. , Guérin Bastien
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Powerful MRI gradient systems can surpass the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) 60601‐2‐33 limit for cardiac stimulation (CS), which was determined by simple electromagnetic simulations and electrode stimulation experiments. Only a few canine studies measured magnetically induced CS thresholds in vivo and extrapolating them to human safety limits can be challenging.

Methods

We measured cardiac magnetostimulation thresholds in 10 healthy, anesthetized pigs using capacitors discharged into a flat spiral coil to produce damped sinusoidal waveforms with effective stimulus duration ts,eff = 0.45 ms. Electrocardiography (ECG), blood pressure, and peripheral oximetry signals were recorded to determine threshold coil currents yielding cardiac capture. Dixon and CINE MR volumes from each animal were segmented to generate porcine‐specific electromagnetic models to calculate dB/dt and E‐field values in the porcine heart at threshold. For comparison, we also simulated maximum dB/dt and E‐field values created by three MRI gradient systems in the heart of a human body model.

Results

The average dB/dt threshold estimated in the porcine heart was 1.66 ± 0.23 kT/s, which is 11‐fold greater than the IEC dB/dt limit at ts,eff = 0.45 ms, and 31‐fold greater than the maximum value created by the investigated MRI gradients in the human heart. The average E‐field threshold estimated in the porcine heart was 92.9 ± 13.5 V/m, which is 6‐fold greater than the IEC E‐field limit at ts,eff = 0.45 ms and 37‐fold greater than the maximum gradient‐induced E‐field in the human heart.

Conclusion

This first measurement of cardiac magnetostimulation thresholds in pigs indicates that the IEC cardiac safety limit is conservative for the investigated stimulus duration (ts,eff = 0.45 ms).
Assessing potential correlation between T2 relaxation and diffusion of lactate in the mouse brain
Authors: Mougel Eloïse , Malaquin Sophie , Valette Julien
Published: July 2022

Purpose

While diffusion and T2 relaxation are intertwined, little or no correlation exists between diffusion and T2 relaxation of intracellular metabolites in the rodent brain, as measured by diffusion‐weighted MRS at different TEs. However, situation might be different for lactate, since it is present in both extracellular and intracellular spaces, which exhibit different diffusion properties and may also exhibit different T2. Such a TE dependence would be crucial to account for when interpreting or modeling lactate diffusion. Here we propose to take advantage of a new diffusion sequence, where J‐modulation of lactate is canceled even at long TE, thus retaining excellent signal, to assess potential T2 dependence on diffusion of lactate in the mouse brain.

Methods

Using a frequency‐selective diffusion‐weighted spin‐echo sequence that removes J‐modulation at 1.3 ppm, thus preserving lactate signal even at long TE, we investigate the effect of TE between 50.9 and 110.9 ms (while keeping diffusion time constant) on apparent diffusivity and kurtosis in the mouse brain.

Results

Regardless of the metabolites, no difference appears for the diffusion‐weighted signal attenuation with increasing TE. For lactate, apparent diffusivity and kurtosis remain unchanged as TE increases.

Conclusion

No significant TE dependence of diffusivity and kurtosis is measured for lactate in the 50–110 ms TE range, confirming that potential T2 effects can be ignored when interpreting or modeling lactate diffusion.
Effect of surface treatment on the performance of composite‐composite and composite‐metal adhesive joints
Authors: Nasreen Adeela , Bangash Muhammad Kashif , Shaker Khubab , Nawab Yasir
Published: July 2022

The use of Fiber‐Reinforced Polymer Composites (FRPCs) in automotive, aerospace, and naval applications has increased significantly due to the requirement for a high performance‐to‐weight ratio. One the issue in using composite parts is their joining to the metal parts in the global structure. Several joining techniques such as mechanical joining, adhesive, vibration joining, and hybrid joining are used for this purpose. Being lighter in weight and lower in cost in comparison to other techniques, adhesive bonding is mostly used for composite‐composite and composite‐metal joining. To achieve reliable adhesive joining, surface preparation of the joining substrates is of utmost importance. Though the effect of physical surface treatments on the performance of joints has been reported in the literature, however, the effect of chemical surface treatment of composites on the mechanical performance of adhesive joints was rarely studied. In this article, the effect of chemical treatment (alkaline permanganate), of the composite surfaces on the single lap shear strength and Izod impact strength of composite‐composite and composite‐metal adhesive joints is reported. The results showed that the chemically treated joints demonstrate a significant improvement in these properties.
Production of bacterial cellulose with antioxidant additive from grape residue with promising cosmetic applications
Authors: Nascimento Helenise A. , Amorim Julia D. P. , M. Filho Luiz E. P. T. de , Costa Andrea Fernanda S. , Sarubbo Leonie A. , Napoleão Daniella Carla , Maria Vinhas Glória
Published: July 2022

The present study describes the development of a polymeric matrix based on bacterial cellulose (BC) additivated with grape skin residue extract by in situ and ex situ methods, to obtain a material with antioxidant and moisturizing characteristics for possible cosmetic applications. The samples developed by the different methods showed antioxidant activity, and this property was intensified with the increase of the extracted content used. Among the samples added by the in situ method, the produced with a fermentation medium containing only pure grape skin residue extract (100%v/v—G100) presented the highest value of antioxidant activity 35.6%. While for the produced by the ex situ method (HSG“ex situ”) the value was approximately 30.3%. Both antioxidant activity results were close to those found for the pure extract (38.5%), emphasizing its stability even after incorporation into the membrane. In addition, it was observed that other properties, such as high water retention capacities (around 98%), high porosity (around 85%), and low crystallinity, favor the development of cosmetic products, because they increase the moisturizing effect and the ability to incorporate active compounds. In addition, the use of residue from the grape juice extraction process is valuable inputs for BC additive with antioxidant properties.
Synoeca‐MP: New insights into its mechanism of action by using NMR and molecular dynamics simulations approach
Authors: Alves Eliane Santana Fernandes , de Santos Bruno de Paula Oliveira , Rodrigues Leticia Valvassori , Freitas Carlos Daniel Pereira , dos Santos Lucianna Helene Silva , Dias Simoni Campos , Franco Octávio Luiz , Lião Luciano Morais , de Magalhães Mariana Torquato Quezado
Published: July 2022

Synoeca‐MP is a 14‐residue amidated peptide, belongs to the mastoparan family and it is found in the venom of the wasp Synoeca surinama and has antibacterial and antifungal activity. The low cytotoxicity of the peptide also makes it an excellent candidate for drug development. To better understand its selectivity and interaction with the membrane, the peptide behavior in membrane‐like environments was studied here and the peptide structure in SDS micelles was determined by NMR spectroscopy. The behavior of the peptide in hydrophobic media and in different pH ranges was studied by CD spectroscopy. The incorporation of residues into the anionic micelles was studied by hydrogen‐deuterium exchange. The peptide stability and insertion in the micelles was studied by molecular dynamics simulations. Synoeca‐MP, bound to SDS micelles, exhibits a partial α‐helix conformation, with the first five residues and the last two unfolded. H/D exchange showed that the peptide has a slow exchange rate. After 164 h, four residues had not yet completed H/D substitution, suggesting parallel alignment of the peptide with the micelle, mainly due to the hydrophobic interface. This may indicate a carpet interaction model of the peptide with micelles. The molecular simulation study of peptide showed that the peptide consists of a well‐folded alpha‐helix core and unfolded extremities, which are responsible for the nature of the peptide interaction. The biophysical analyses can improve the atomic understanding of the mode of action of the peptide and help in future improvements of the peptide for clinical usage.
The intracellular proteome of the gut bacterium Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is widely unaffected by a switch from glucose to sucrose as main carbohydrate source
Authors: Genth Jerome , Kaleja Patrick , Treitz Christian , Schäfer Kathrin , Graspeuntner Simon , Rupp Jan , Tholey Andreas
Published: July 2022

Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron is a gram negative bacterium within the human gut microbiome that metabolizes a wide range of dietary and mucosal polysaccharides. Here, we analyze the proteome response of B. thetaiotaomicron cultivated on two different carbon sources, glucose and sucrose. Two quantitative LC‐MS based proteomics approaches, encompassing label free quantification and isobaric labeling by tandem mass tags were applied. The results obtained by both workflows were compared with respect to the number of identified and quantified proteins, peptides supporting identification and quantification, sequence coverage, and reproducibility. A total of 1719 and 1696 proteins, respectively, were quantified, covering 35 % of the predicted B. thetaiotaomicron proteome. The data show that B. thetaiotaomicron widely maintains its intracellular proteome upon change of the carbohydrates and that major changes are observed solely in the machinery necessary to make use of the carbon sources provided. With respect to the central role of carbohydrates on gut health these data contribute to the understanding of how different carbohydrates contribute to shape bacterial community in the gut microbiome. All proteomics raw data have been uploaded to the ProteomeXchange Consortium via the PRIDE partner repository with the dataset identifier PXD033704.
Polyethylene crosslinking using the epoxy‐anhydride reaction II: Development of a chemorheological model
Authors: Peterson Thomas , Davies Daniel , Koh Kyoungmoo , Ren Dakai , Rickard Mark , Singh‐Rachford Tanya , Sun Yabin
Published: July 2022

We have developed a kinetic model attempting to describe the rheological changes observed during crosslinking of blends of epoxide‐ and anhydride‐functionalized polyethylene using the activatable imidazolium catalyst EMIC. The model incorporated first‐order formation of an active initiator from a latent state followed by initiation of the crosslinking reaction and continued propagation by an active crosslinking end group. Because the formation of a crosslink does not consume an active end group, the post‐initiation crosslinking reaction assumes a first‐order dependence in crosslinkable functionality. Application of the model to data generated from rheological studies exploring the effects of initiator and anhydride loading was met with moderate success. While curvature in the rheological plots modeled very well, capturing the active initiator formation and early cure, some data sets did not model well at higher degrees of cure. Extraction of modeled parameters
,
and
from fits showed that the initiation rate constant
was linearly dependent on the anhydride loading. We believe that this indicates the presence of an independent initiation pathway that destroys latency in the system. Additionally, it was found that the modeled value for the plateau modulus,
showed a remarkably linear dependence on initiator loading. This relationship indicates that the ultimate degree of crosslinking in a system is determined by the sequence length of the crosslinking reaction and how many crosslinking cascades initiate based on the initiator loading.
Reducing boiler operating staff? It might be legal but think through the risks!
Authors: Puskar John R.
Published: July 2022

There's a dire shortage of qualified and licensed boiler operators. Many states have boiler operator laws that set minimum requirements for boiler operators. Many states have allowed for variances to permit remote and unattended operations that help to counter shortages of qualified operators. In some cases, unattended operations are now permitted for periods of time that do not accurately consider all of the risks. Some states require process hazard analyses (PHAs) to allow for variances to boiler operator requirements and licensing requirements. Some states use as a reference NFPA 85, the Boiler Combustion Hazards Code, and this documents reference to PHAs for unattended operations. This document's guidance does not contain many factors related to process safety practices that are important for conducting and implementing PHAs. This article seeks to provide guidance to those who are considering reducing boiler operations staff and/or allowing for remote or unattended operations. It provides a number of considerations that address process safety risk assessment practices that should be used when these kinds of decisions are made.
20.2 GHz‐µmfT–LGin InAlN/GaN‐on‐Si High Electron Mobility Transistors
Authors: Charan Vanjari Sai , Muralidharan Rangarajan , Raghavan Srinivasan , Nath Digbijoy N.
Published: July 2022

Herein, InAlN/GaN‐on‐Si high‐electron‐mobility transistors (HEMTs) with anfT–LGproduct of 20.2 GHz–μm are demonstrated. The device with a gate length of 200 nm and a source–drain spacing of 900 nm exhibits a peak transconductance of 543 mS mm−1, anION/IOFFratio of ≈107, a maximum on‐current of 2.4 A mm−1, and an on‐resistance of 1.07 Ω mm. Small‐signal characteristics show a unity current gain cutoff frequency of 101 GHz. Delay time analysis is performed to evaluate various delay components and their contribution to the small‐signal performance of the device. An effective electron velocity of 1.56 × 107 cm s−1is estimated in these devices, which minimizes the intrinsic delay of the transistor. The factors limiting thefT–LGproduct in deeply scaled devices are discussed using the delay analysis.