bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Within‐ and between‐session reliability of secondary hyperalgesia induced by electrical high‐frequency stimulation
Authors: Cayrol Timothée , Lebleu Julien , Mouraux André , Roussel Nathalie , Pitance Laurent , van den Broeke Emanuel N.
Published: June 2020

Background

An increasing number of studies are focusing on secondary hyperalgesia to better understand central sensitization, as this phenomenon may play an important role in persistent pain. Recent studies have shown that, compared to the classical high‐frequency stimulation protocol (HFS) at 100 Hz, a protocol using 42 Hz stimulation induces a more intense and a larger area of secondary hyperalgesia (SH).

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the within‐ and between‐session reliability of SH induced by this optimized HFS protocol.

Methods

Thirty‐two healthy subjects received HFS to their volar forearm in two sessions, separated by at least 2 weeks. SH was assessed by measuring the area size of increased sensitivity to pinprick stimuli after applying HFS, the sensitivity to pinprick stimuli after applying HFS and the change in pinprick sensitivity after versus before HFS. Assessments were made before HFS, and 30, 35 and 40 min after HFS. Relative and absolute reliability were analysed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), coefficients of variation (CVs), standard error of means (SEMs) and the minimum detectable changes (MDCs).

Results

The area of SH showed good to excellent within‐session and between‐session relative reliability (ICCs > 0.80), except for the change in pinprick sensitivity, which showed close to poor between‐session relative reliability (ICC = 0.53). Furthermore, measures of absolute reliability generally demonstrated large between‐subject variability and significant fluctuations across repeated measurements.

Conclusions

HFS‐induced hyperalgesia is suitable to discriminate or compare individuals but it may not be sensitive to changes due to an intervention.

Significance

It is crucial to evaluate central sensitization adequately in humans. This study formally establishes the reliability of secondary hyperalgesia induced by electrical high‐frequency stimulation. The results of this study will improve future studies investigating secondary hyperalgesia in humans.
Perovskite Conversion Coatings as Novel and Simple Approach for Improving Functional Performance of Ferritic Stainless Steel SOFC Interconnects
Authors: Frangini S. , Della Seta L. , Masi A. , Paoletti C. , Bianco M.
Published: June 2020

A novel type of iron conversion process has been recently developed to produce dense and adherent LaFeO3 perovskite coatings onto ferritic stainless steel surfaces by reaction with La2O3 dissolved in specially‐formulated alkali molten carbonate baths. The major application of LaFeO3 perovskite coatings is for use as electrically conductive and Cr barrier layers for enhancing the functional performance of solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC) stainless steel interconnects. An overview of the molten salt bath conversion process including the effect of chemical accelerants on structure and morphology of the deposited perovskite coatings is illustrated in this work. Latest results on SOFC coating functional properties obtained in recent European Union (EU) funded projects are also briefly mentioned. In particular, the tight correlation between coating thickness and electrical functional properties in terms of area specific resistance is highlighted here. Although thickness dependency may indicate a mediocre electrical conductivity of LaFeO3 coatings produced by the conversion process, nonetheless very promising ASR results could be obtained in SOFC cathode environments at 700 °C with optimized coating structures and appropriate low coating thickness, thus suggesting a high potential of the conversion process for SOFC interconnect applications.
Characterization of polysulfone/diisopropylamine 1‐alkyl‐3‐methylimidazolium ionic liquid membranes: high pressure gas separation applications
Authors: Khraisheh Majeda , Zadeh Khadija M. , Alkhouzaam Abedalkhader I. , Turki Dorra , Hassan Mohammad K. , Momani Fares Al , Zaidi Syed M. J.
Published: June 2020

Membrane separation is gaining great attention in many applications, especially in gas separation. Polysulfone (PSF) is the most widely studied polymeric membrane material for CO2 in its pure or modified state. Ionic liquids supported membrane technology (SILMs) are now widely applied due to their unique properties at room temperatures. In our previous study, we proved the enhanced ability of ionic liquid enhanced PSF for the separation of CO2 from gas streams. In this study, the dielectric measurements (BDS) extending up to 107 Hz for different concentrations of ionic liquid into PSF matrix, are presented. Thermogravimetric analysis measurement (TGA), differential scanning calorimeter (DSC), dynamic mechanical analysis, and the tensile properties of the membranes are studied in order to optimize the efficiency of separating CO2 from CO2/N2 mixture and CO2/CH4. TGA showed that pure PSF is a highly thermostable polymer, of which the 5% weight loss temperature is above 150°C. DSC traces show that the Tg of PSF was 149.5°C and decreases gradually for the composites. This behavior was confirmed with BDS analyses, which also revealed important information about the chain motions dynamics and the fragility index. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracheostomy intervention in intubated COVID positive patients: A survey of current clinical practice among ENT surgeons
Authors: D'Souza Ayman , Simo Ricard , D'Souza Alwyn , Vaz Francis , Prior Andrew , Kanegaonkar Rahul
Published: June 2020

Introduction

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in an unprecedented need for critical care intervention. Prolonged intubation and mechanical ventilation has resulted in the need for tracheostomy in some patients. The purpose of this international survey was to assess optimal timing, technique and outcome for this intervention.

Methods

An online survey was generated. Otorhinolaryngologists from both the United Kingdom and Abroad were polled with regards to their experience of tracheostomy in COVID‐19 positive ventilated patients.

Results

The survey was completed by 50 respondents from 16 nations. The number of ventilated patients totalled 3403, on average 9.7% required a tracheostomy. This was on average performed on day 14 following intubation. The majority of patients were successfully weaned (mean 7.4 days following tracheostomy).

Conclusion

The results of this brief survey suggest that tracheostomy is of benefit in selected patients. There was insufficient data to suggest improved outcomes with either percutaneous vs an open surgical technique.
A serialized classification method for pulmonary nodules based on lightweight cascaded convolutional neural network‐long short‐term memory
Authors: Ni Zihao , Peng Yanjun
Published: June 2020

Computer Assisted Diagnosis (CAD) is an effective method to detect lung cancer from computed tomography (CT) scans. The development of artificial neural network makes CAD more accurate in detecting pathological changes. Due to the complexity of the lung environment, the existing neural network training still requires large datasets, excessive time, and memory space. To meet the challenge, we analysis 3D volumes as serialized 2D slices and present a new neural network structure lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN)‐long short‐term memory (LSTM) for lung nodule classification. Our network contains two main components: (a) optimized lightweight CNN layers with tiny parameter space for extracting visual features of serialized 2D images, and (b) LSTM network for learning relevant information among 2D images. In all experiments, we compared the training results of several models and our model achieved an accuracy of 91.78% for lung nodule classification with an AUC of 93%. We used fewer samples and memory space to train the model, and we achieved faster convergence. Finally, we analyzed and discussed the feasibility of migrating this framework to mobile devices. The framework can also be applied to cope with the small amount of training data and the development of mobile health device in future.
Comparing response blocking and response interruption/redirection on levels of motor stereotypy: Effects of data analysis procedures
Authors: DeRosa Nicole M. , Novak Matthew D. , Morley Allison J. , Roane Henry S.
Published: June 2020

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is marked by deficits in social communication and the presence of restrictive and/or repetitive behaviors or interests. Motor stereotypy is a form of repetitive behavior that is common in ASD. Response Interruption and Redirection (RIRD) and response blocking (RB) are two interventions found to be efficacious in reducing motor stereotypy. However, the current literature presents with inconsistencies regarding the relative efficacy of these two procedures. Thus, we sought to replicate and extend previous literature by evaluating the efficacy of both interventions on reducing motor stereotypy among 3 individuals with ASD. We also sought to evaluate how variations in data analysis affected the interpretation of treatment outcomes. Results indicated that both interventions were equally efficacious at reducing stereotypy when analyzing data exclusive of treatment‐implementation time. However, when analyzing total session time data, RB produced greater and more sustained reductions in stereotypy across all participants. These results emphasize the importance of data analysis decision‐making in evaluating intervention outcomes.
An evaluation of textual prompts and generalized textual instruction‐following
Authors: Phillips Cara L. , Vollmer Timothy R. , Porter Allen
Published: June 2020

The benefit of permanent prompts depends on the extent to which their use is generalized. Previous research has demonstrated both control by and efficacy of pictorial prompts (e.g., Phillips & Vollmer, 2012). The present studies similarly evaluated stimulus control by textual prompts. Six school aged children with intellectual disabilities were taught to complete four 5‐step instructional sets under the control of textual prompts. All 6 subjects showed some generalization to the final set. The results suggest that training served 1 of 3 purposes: (a) established control by the textual prompts or the ordinal sequence thereof, (b) addressed a reading deficit, or (c) addressed the lack of a motivating operation during baseline. Training a single task sequence may not be sufficient for acquisition of generalized textual instruction‐following. However, establishing appropriate stimulus control by the textual prompts may facilitate acquisition of a generalized repertoire.
Randomized controlled trial of an applied behavior analytic intervention for food selectivity in children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Peterson Kathryn M. , Piazza Cathleen C. , Ibañez Vivian F. , Fisher Wayne W.
Published: June 2020

Food selectivity is a common problem for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD; Schreck, Williams, & Smith, 2004). Behavior‐analytic interventions have the most empirical support for feeding disorders (Sharp, Jaquess, Morton, & Miles, 2011). However, there are no randomized controlled trials that have evaluated its effects with a well‐defined cohort of children with ASD. In the current investigation, we randomly assigned 6 young children with ASD and food selectivity to either an applied behavior analytic intervention or a wait‐list control. We used a crossover randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effects of a multicomponent applied behavior analytic intervention on independent acceptance and mouth clean of 16 novel foods. We subsequently exposed the wait‐list control group to the intervention. We also evaluated the effects of the intervention on individual participants with single‐case designs. The percentage of independent acceptance and mouth clean increased for the applied behavior analytic intervention group, but not for the wait‐list control group until we implemented the intervention.
Presession attention affects the acquisition of tacts and intraverbals
Authors: Cengher Mirela , Fienup Daniel M.
Published: June 2020

This study examined the effects of presession attention on the acquisition of tacts (Experiment 1) and intraverbals (Experiment 2) in children diagnosed with autism. Each participant experienced 3 conditions. In the first 2 conditions, participants experienced a 15‐min interval of either presession attention (PA) or no presession attention (NPA) followed by a teaching session. The third condition was a control condition. Across experiments, all participants acquired the verbal operants assigned to the NPA condition, whereas only 4 of the 6 participants acquired the verbal operants assigned to the PA condition. Five of the 6 participants required fewer sessions to meet the mastery criterion and a shorter duration of training for the verbal operants assigned to the NPA condition as compared to the PA condition. These outcomes suggest that antecedent manipulations traditionally reserved for mand training can positively affect the acquisition of other verbal operants. Theoretical implications are discussed.
Evaluation of a finger prompt variation in the treatment of pediatric feeding disorders
Authors: Rubio Emily Kate , Volkert Valerie M. , Farling Heather , Sharp William G.
Published: June 2020

Children with feeding disorders often engage in refusal behavior to escape or avoid eating. Escape extinction combined with reinforcement is a well‐established intervention to treat food refusal. Physical guidance procedures (e.g., jaw prompt, finger prompt) have been shown to increase food acceptance and decrease inappropriate mealtime behavior when more commonly employed escape extinction (e.g., nonremoval of the spoon) procedures are ineffective. The finger prompt, however, has not been extensively evaluated as a treatment adjunct to target food refusal, thus necessitating further examination. The purpose of this prospective study was to assess a variation of a finger prompt procedure to treat food refusal and to assess caregivers' acceptability of the procedure. Three children age 1 to 4 years admitted to an intensive feeding disorders program and their caregivers participated. The finger prompt was effective in increasing bite acceptance across all participants and decreasing or maintaining low levels of inappropriate behavior for 2 participants. The procedure was also acceptable to all caregivers.
Using dual‐criteria methods to supplement visual inspection: Replication and extension
Authors: Falligant John Michael , McNulty Molly K. , Hausman Nicole L. , Rooker Griffin W.
Published: June 2020

The dual‐criteria and conservative dual‐criteria methods effectively supplement visual analysis with both simulated and published datasets. However, extant research evaluating the probability of observing false positive outcomes with published data may be affected by case selection bias and publication bias. Thus, the probability of obtaining false positive outcomes using these methods with data collected in the course of clinical care is unknown. We extracted baseline data from clinical datasets using a consecutive controlled case‐series design and calculated the proportion of false positive outcomes for baseline phases of various lengths. Results replicated previous findings from Lanovaz, Huxley, and Dufour (2017), as the proportion of false positive outcomes generally decreased as the number of points in Phase B (but not Phase A) increased using both methods. Extending these findings, results also revealed differences in the rate of false positive outcomes across different types of baselines.
Prevalence of renewal of problem behavior during context changes
Authors: Muething Colin , Call Nathan , Pavlov Alexis , Ringdahl Joel , Gillespie Scott , Clark Seth , Mevers Joanna Lomas
Published: June 2020

Renewal is defined as the reemergence of a previously eliminated behavior following a context change. Determining the prevalence of this effect in clinical practice would allow clinicians to better anticipate the reemergence of problem behavior, such as when a patient is discharged from a treatment facility to return to their home. The current consecutive, case‐series analysis determined the prevalence and magnitude of renewal when implementing behavioral treatments for problem behavior. Across 182 context changes, renewal was observed 77 times (42.3%). In the first session following the context change, problem behavior rates increased by a factor of 3 and then decreased across successive sessions. These results indicated that renewal effects may be common, but are also transient and return to rates observed before context changes.
Preference for leisure items over edible items in individuals with dementia: A replication
Authors: Lucock Zoe R. , Sharp Rebecca A. , Jones Robert S.
Published: June 2020

We replicated previous research in which adults with dementia tended to show a preference for leisure items over edible items when presented in the same array. Additionally, we conducted engagement analyses with the highest, middle, and lowest preference leisure items to determine whether relative preference corresponded to engagement in the natural environment. The most highly preferred stimulus for 6 out of 7 participants was a leisure item, and for each of those six the top 3 preferred stimuli were leisure stimuli. For 4 participants, the most preferred stimulus also produced the longest duration of engagement. We discuss the issues we encountered when conducting preference assessments with adults with intact vocal verbal repertoires, and suggest potential explanations for the displacement of edibles by leisure stimuli in older adults with dementia.
Back to sleep: Teaching adults to arrange safe infant sleep environments
Authors: Carrow Jacqueline N. , Vladescu Jason C. , Reeve Sharon A. , Kisamore April N.
Published: June 2020

There are over 3,000 sleep related infant deaths each year in the United States. Attempts to teach medical personnel and parents safe infant sleep practices in the infant sleep training literature have demonstrated mixed results. Thus, strategies to teach arrangements of safe infant sleep environments warrant further investigation. Behavioral skills training (BST) is an evidence‐based teaching strategy shown to successfully teach various safety skills to children and adults. The current study evaluated the effectiveness of behavioral skills training to teach safe infant sleep practices to typically developing adults. Specifically, differential responding was assessed across multiple environmental arrangements typical of contexts parents may be exposed to when putting an infant to sleep. BST significantly improved appropriate arrangement of a safe sleep environment for infants for all 8 participants.
An evaluation of differential reinforcement with stimulus fading as an intervention for medical compliance
Authors: Stuesser Hailee A. , Roscoe Eileen M.
Published: June 2020

Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often exhibit noncompliance during medical exams. One intervention used to address this concern is differential reinforcement. Although differential reinforcement includes extinction, it may not be feasible or safe to implement extinction during medical exams. In the current study, we evaluated differential reinforcement without extinction and differential reinforcement without extinction plus stimulus fading, for increasing compliance during routine medical exams exhibited by 4 individuals with ASD. An indirect assessment identified problematic medical procedures, and a functional analysis showed that participants' disruptive behavior was maintained by escape from medical tasks. Differential reinforcement without extinction was insufficient in increasing medical compliance with 3 of 4 participants. The addition of a modified stimulus fading procedure that involved gradually introducing smaller components of problematic exam steps was effective in increasing medical compliance with all exam steps.
Interpreting functional analysis outcomes using automated nonparametric statistical analysis
Authors: Hall Scott S. , Pollard Joy S. , Monlux Katerina D. , Baker Joseph M.
Published: June 2020

Current methods employed to interpret functional analysis data include visual analysis and post‐hoc visual inspection (PHVI). However, these methods may be biased by dataset complexity, hand calculations, and rater experience. We examined whether an automated approach using nonparametric rank‐based statistics could increase the accuracy and efficiency of functional analysis data interpretation. We applied Automated Nonparametric Statistical Analysis (ANSA) to a sample of 65 published functional analyses for which additional experimental evidence was available to verify behavior function. Results showed that exact behavior function agreement between ANSA and the publications authors was 83.1%, exact agreement between ANSA and PHVI was 75.4%, and exact agreement across all 3 methods was 64.6%. These preliminary findings suggest that ANSA has the potential to support the data interpretation process. A web application that incorporates the calculations and rules utilized by ANSA is accessible at https://ansa.shinyapps.io/ansa/
Utilizing in‐vivo feedback for caregiver training of pediatric feeding protocols
Authors: Bachmeyer‐Lee Melanie H. , Kirkwood Caitlin A. , Sheehan Connor M. , Gibson Amanda L. , Shuler Natalie J. , Keane Jessica A.
Published: June 2020

Researchers have used multicomponent behavioral skills training packages including written and verbal instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback when teaching caregivers to implement pediatric feeding treatment protocols (e.g., Anderson & McMillan, 2001; Seiverling et al., 2012). Some investigators have shown that fewer behavioral skills training components may be necessary for effective training (e.g., Mueller et al., 2003; Pangborn et al., 2013). We examined the use of in‐vivo feedback following written instructions to train caregivers to implement pediatric feeding treatment protocols using a multiple baseline design across 3 caregiver dyads. Correct implementation of the feeding treatment procedures was low during baseline (written instructions only), increased with only the addition of in‐vivo feedback, and remained high during follow‐up sessions for all caregivers. Results are discussed in terms of clinical implications and caregiver satisfaction.
Increasing item engagement and decreasing automatically reinforced problem behavior within a modified competing stimulus assessment
Authors: Leif Erin S. , Roscoe Eileen M. , Ahearn William H. , Rogalski Jacqueline P. , Morrison Heather
Published: June 2020

A competing stimulus assessment (CSA) is commonly used to identify leisure items for use in treatments designed to decrease automatically reinforced problem behavior. However, this type of assessment may not yield useful information if participants do not readily engage with leisure items. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a modified CSA that included additional treatment components (i.e., prompting, prompting plus differential reinforcement of alternative behavior). The modified CSA identified the treatment components and leisure items that were most effective for increasing leisure‐item engagement and decreasing problem behavior for each participant. Modified CSA outcomes maintained during an extended treatment analysis in a natural setting and when intervention components were faded.
An evaluation of synchronous reinforcement for increasing on‐task behavior in preschool children
Authors: Diaz de Villegas Sara C. , Dozier Claudia L. , Jess Rachel L. , Foley Elizabeth A.
Published: June 2020

A synchronous‐reinforcement schedule is a type of schedule of covariation in which the onset and offset of the reinforcer covaries with the onset and offset of behavior. This study was a proof‐of‐concept demonstration of the efficacy of synchronous reinforcement for on‐task behavior (completing a preacademic skill) and an evaluation of preschoolers' preference for this schedule in comparison to a more traditional schedule of reinforcement. Specifically, we compared the effects of a synchronous‐reinforcement schedule to one in which continuous access to stimuli was delivered at the end of the session and yoked to the duration of on‐task behavior that occurred during the session (accumulated reinforcement). Results showed the synchronous‐reinforcement schedule was more effective for increasing on‐task behavior and preferred by most participants.
Evaluating adult interaction during the Step It UP! game to increase physical activity in children
Authors: Nieto Paola , Wiskow Katie M.
Published: June 2020

A recent intervention, the Step it UP! game (Galbraith & Normand, 2017), consists of an interdependent group contingency to increase student physical activity. In addition, previous research demonstrated that adult interaction may reinforce physical activity (Larson et al., 2014). We extended research on the Step it UP! game by comparing the effects of no game, Step it UP! game, and Step it UP! game plus adult interaction on the number of steps taken by participants in a third‐grade classroom during recess. Overall, 19 of the 25 participants took more steps during the Step it UP! game plus adult interaction compared to the Step it UP! game and no‐game recesses. Furthermore, 20 participants preferred the Step it UP! game plus adult interaction. Results suggest that adult interaction can enhance the effects of the Step it UP! game to increase physical activity.
Caregivers can implement play‐based instruction without disrupting child preference
Authors: Pisman Maegan D. , Luczynski Kevin C.
Published: June 2020

Young children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder often require systematic teaching to learn new skills, and caregivers can teach their children by embedding learning opportunities in a play‐based context. However, researchers have not evaluated procedures to train caregivers how to implement a combination of strategies designed to establish rapport and early language skills while maintaining play as a preferred context. Caregiver–child dyads composed of 2 mothers and their sons were recruited to participate. A multiple‐probe design across strategies was used to demonstrate the efficacy of behavioral skills training on the mothers' integration of parallel play, child‐directed interaction, teaching requests (mands), and teaching labels (tacts). Both children acquired the target requests and labels as a function of their mothers' teaching. By assessing the children's preferences, we confirmed the teaching strategies did not decrease toy engagement or the value of playing with their mother. We obtained stimulus generalization of the mothers' implementation of the strategies from a clinic to their home and maintenance of mother and child performance across a month.
The influence of instructive feedback presentation schedule: A replication with children with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Nottingham Casey L. , Vladescu Jason C. , DeBar Ruth M. , Deshais Meghan , DeQuinzio Jaime
Published: June 2020

Instructive feedback (IF) is a modification to discrete trial instruction that may increase instructional efficiency for individuals with autism spectrum disorder. Several variations of IF have recently been evaluated in the literature; however, few studies have assessed the effectiveness and efficiency of presenting secondary targets on continuous versus intermittent presentation schedules. The current study evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of various presentation schedules of secondary targets during discrete trial instruction. Specifically, we replicated and extended Griffen et al. (1998) by comparing a condition in which secondary targets were presented during each trial of a session, a condition in which secondary targets were presented every other trial, and a condition in which secondary targets were presented about every 4 trials. Within‐subject replications were included for both participants. One of the intermittent presentation schedules was associated with the most optimal outcomes in all 4 comparisons.
Providing noncontingent, alternative, functional reinforcers during delays following functional communication training
Authors: Sumter Meagan E. , Gifford Margaret R. , Tiger Jeffrey H. , Effertz Hannah M. , Fulton Caitlin J.
Published: June 2020

Functional Communication Training (FCT) involves arranging extinction for problem behavior and reinforcement for a more desirable, functionally equivalent, communicative response (FCR). Although effective under ideal arrangements, the introduction of delays to reinforcement following the FCR can result in increased problem behavior. Austin and Tiger (2015) showed that for individuals whose problem behavior was sensitive to multiple sources of reinforcement, providing access to alternative, functional reinforcers during delays mitigated this increase in problem behavior during delay fading. The current study replicated the procedures of Austin and Tiger with 2 individuals displaying multiply controlled problem behavior. Providing alternative functional reinforcers reduced problem behavior during 10‐min delays for both participants without requiring delay fading.
Using auditory feedback in body weight training
Authors: Vorbeck Benedict , Bördlein Christoph
Published: June 2020

Auditory feedback has been successfully used to enhance performance in several sports such as golf and dance. The current study used auditory feedback procedures (i.e., a clicker) to improve the performance of 3 students performing a handstand. Handstands are part of a discipline called body weight training, that uses only the weight of an individual's own body to gain strength and body control. A multiple baseline design across four components was used to evaluate the effectiveness of auditory feedback. The results showed that auditory feedback was effective. The students and the trainer were highly satisfied with the auditory feedback procedure. Implications for future research are discussed.
An electron density based analysis to establish the electronic adiabaticity of proton coupled electron transfer reactions
Authors: Raucci Umberto , Chiariello Maria Gabriella , Coppola Federico , Perrella Fulvio , Savarese Marika , Ciofini Ilaria , Rega Nadia
Published: June 2020

Electrons and protons are the main actors in play in proton coupled electron transfer (PCET) reactions, which are fundamental in many biological (i.e., photosynthesis and enzymatic reactions) and electrochemical processes. The mechanism, energetics and kinetics of PCET reactions are strongly controlled by the coupling between the transferred electrons and protons. Concerted PCET reactions are classified according to the electronical adiabaticity degree of the process. To discriminate among different mechanisms, we propose a new analysis based on the use of electron density based indexes. We choose, as test case, the 3‐Methylphenoxyl/phenol system in two different conformations to show how the proposed analysis is a suitable tool to discriminate between the different degree of adiabaticity of PCET processes. The very low computational cost of this procedure is extremely promising to analyze and provide evidences of PCET mechanisms ruling the reactivity of many biological and catalytic systems.
Transport of hydrated nitrate and nitrite ions through graphene nanopores in aqueous medium
Authors: Yadav Sushma , Chandra Amalendu
Published: June 2020

Nitrate () and nitrite () ions are naturally occurring inorganic ions that are part of the nitrogen cycle. High doses of these ions in drinking water impose a potential risk to public health. In this work, molecular dynamics simulations are carried out to study the passage of nitrate and nitrite ions from water through graphene nanosheets (GNS) with hydrogen‐functionalized narrow pores in presence of an external electric field. The passage of ions through the pores is investigated through calculations of ion flux, and the results are analyzed through calculations of various structural and thermodynamic properties such as the density of ions and water, ion–water radial distribution functions, two‐dimensional density distribution functions, and the potentials of mean force of the ions. Current simulations show that the nitrite ions can pass more in numbers than the nitrate ions in a given time through GNS hydrogen‐functionalized pore of different geometry. It is found that the nitrite ions can permeate faster than the nitrate ions despite the former having higher hydration energy in the bulk. This can be explained in terms of the competition between the number density of the ions along the pore axis and the free energy barrier calculated from the potential of mean force. Also, an externally applied electric field is found to be important for faster permeation of the nitrite over the nitrate ions. The current study suggests that graphene nanosheets with carefully created pores can be effective in achieving selective passage of ions from aqueous solutions.
Model‐Based Evaluation of Linear Limited and Bayesian Sparse Sampling for Therapeutic Monitoring of Recombinant Coagulation Factor IX
Authors: Tegenge Million A. , Mahmood Iftekhar
Published: June 2020

Dosing of coagulation factor products is mainly determined based on a patient's body weight; however, several studies have reported high interindividual variability in their pharmacokinetics (PK). The objective of this study was to develop and evaluate 2 sparse sampling methods for the estimation of AUC of recombinant factor IX (BeneFIX) as proof of concept for dose individualization. A population pharmacokinetic model was used to generate the plasma factor IX activity‐versus‐time data. The linear limited sampling model (LLSM) was developed based on the correlation of factor IX activity versus AUC0‐72 hours following screening of several blood sampling times in adolescent and adult subjects (n = 90 subjects). Factor IX trough concentrations were predicted from a relationship established from AUC versus factor IX activity measured 72 hours postdosing. Using the best selected sampling time, the LLSM and Bayesian model were validated in separate data sets (n = 75 subjects). Using the LLSM and Bayesian analysis, a blood sample at 24 hours predicted AUC with bias and root mean square error < 5% and < 15%, respectively. The predicted trough concentrations were ≥1 IU/dL in 99% and 100% of subjects by the LLSM and Bayesian model, respectively. The average factor IX dose for a target AUC of 800 IU·h/dL was 61, 60, and 63 IU/kg using the extensive (reference), LLSM and Bayesian model, respectively. Overall, the AUC, trough concentrations and individualized dosing of recombinant factor IX could be reasonably predicted using the LLSM and Bayesian model.
Real‐time optimization and control for polyhydroxybutyrate fed‐batch production at pilot plant scale
Authors: Ochoa Silvia , García Cesar , Alcaraz Wilman
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Polyhydroxyalkanoate‐type polymers (PHAs) are claimed as an alternative for replacing conventional plastics; but the economic feasibility of its production should still be assured in order to accomplish such a massive goal. In a previous work on fed‐batch production of PHAs, it was shown that the process yield and the properties of the biopolymer obtained highly depend on the type of feeding strategy applied. Such results evidenced the need for implementing optimization‐based control strategies to control the process in real‐time, rather than implementing pre‐defined feeding policies.

RESULTS

In this study, real‐time optimization for the fed‐batch production of PHAs at pilot plant scale from a low‐cost substrate (vinasses‐molasses mixture) is presented. Two optimization‐based control strategies were developed to calculate the optimal feed flow rate. One strategy considered only the process productivity as an objective, whereas the other incorporated not only productivity but also a profitability‐oriented objective. The latter resulted in a productivity of 0.364 g/L h and a maximal polymer concentration of 62.03% cell dry weight, versus 0.043 g/L h and 6.25% attained by applying a traditional feedback control law.

CONCLUSION

Implementation of closed‐loop based‐optimal control policies in PHA production has led to higher yield and polymer concentration, confirming that an improved operation of fed‐batch bioprocesses is reached when the feeding policy is updated in real‐time, according to an optimization goal. Despite implementation costs, applying this approach might be the best alternative for simultaneously facing uncertainties and achieving optimal operation at an industrial scale, especially when living microorganisms are used as factories. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Effect of chitosan and Dysphania ambrosioides on the bone regeneration process: A randomized controlled trial in an animal model
Authors: Penha Elizandra Silva da , Lacerda‐Santos Rogério , de Medeiros Luanna Abílio Diniz Melquíades , Araújo Rosendo Rosana , dos Santos Antonielson , Fook Marcus Vinícius Lia , de Sousa Wladymyr Jefferson Bacalhau , de Oliveira Firmino Millena , Montagna Erik
Published: June 2020

The focus of this triple‐blind study was on evaluating the effect of chitosan combined with Dysphania ambrosioides (A) extract on the bone repair process in vivo. In total, 60 male Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus albinus) weighing between 260 and 270 g were randomly selected for this study and distributed into four groups (n = 15). Group C (chitosan), Group CA5 (chitosan + 5% of D. ambrosioides), Group CA20 (chitosan + 20% of D. ambrosioides), and Group CO (Control‐Blood clot). In each animal, bone defects measuring 2 mm in diameter were performed in both tibias for placement of the substances. After 7, 15, and 30 days, the animals were sedated and sacrificed using the cervical dislocation technique and the tissues were analyzed under optical microscope relative to the following events: inflammatory infiltrate, necrosis, osteoclasts, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, periosteal, and endosteal bone formation. The data were evaluated to verify distribution using the Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, and variance, using the Levene test; as distribution was not normal, data were subjected to the Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn nonparametric tests (p < .05). A significant inflammatory infiltrate was observed in Group CA5 (p = .008) in the time interval of 7 days, and in Group C at 15 (p = .009) and 30 (p = .017) days. Osteoblastic activity was more significant in Group CA20 (p = .027) compared with CA5 in the time interval of 7 days. Group CA20 demonstrated a significantly higher endosteal and periosteal bone formation value in the time interval of 7 (p = .013), 15 (p = .004), and 30 days (p = .008) compared with the other groups. The null hypothesis was refuted, bone regeneration was faster in spheres with an association of chitosan and 20% extract, and complete bone repair occurred clinically at 15 days and histologically at 30 days. The spheres proved to be a promising method for the biostimulation of alveolar bone repair and bone fractures.
Revisiting the indications for liver transplantation in cirrhotic patients considering the long‐term outcomes of cirrhotic patients
Authors: Ishigami Masatoshi , Honda Takashi , Kuzuya Teiji , Ishizu Yoji , Ito Takanori , Kamei Hideya , Ogura Yasuhiro , Fujishiro Mitsuhiro
Published: June 2020

Background

In this study, we investigated long‐term survival of cirrhotic patients without hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and the proper timing of liver transplantation in the era with recent progress of management.

Methods

We first classified 217 non‐transplant cirrhotic patients without HCC according to the long‐term survival based on Child‐Turcotte‐Pugh (CTP) scores and the MELD scores. We then compared them with the survival after liver transplantation in 114 patients with liver cirrhosis.

Results

We classified into four groups (class A as CTP score of 5,6, B as 7,8, C as 9‐12, D as 13‐15) according to the long‐term survival of the patients, the survivals of patients with class C and D were significantly worse compared with transplant patients (P < 0.001 in each group). And we also classified into four groups based on the MELD scores (class A as MELD score of −8, B as 9‐12, C as 13‐19, D as 19‐), the survivals of patients with class C and D were significantly worse compared with those of transplant patients (P < 0.001 in each group).

Conclusions

Considering the long‐term survival of patients with liver cirrhosis, CTP score of 9 and/or MELD score of 13 could be a proper timing for liver transplantation.
Measuring the color capability of modern display systems
Authors: Smith Euan , Heckaman Rodney L. , Lang Karl , Penczek John , Bergquist Johan
Published: June 2020

Historically displays used three colorants in an additive system. During that time, the CIE chromaticity diagram adequately illustrated color capability. Modern displays are not constrained by this additive architecture, and the diagram can fail in its purpose. This is demonstrated by analysis and a large number of display measurements. A device‐independent methodology using CIE 1976 L*a*b* color gamut volume is described that provides a robust means to determine the size of the color gamut. This methodology is then extended to the ‘gamut rings’ diagram as a solution for visualizing color capability that directly correlates to color gamut volume. It is further shown how the methodology can be applied to determine the intersection between two gamut volume boundaries.
An international laboratory comparison of dissolved organic matter composition by high resolution mass spectrometry: Are we getting the same answer?
Authors: Hawkes Jeffrey A. , D'Andrilli Juliana , Agar Jeffrey N. , Barrow Mark P. , Berg Stephanie M. , Catalán Núria , Chen Hongmei , Chu Rosalie K. , Cole Richard B. , Dittmar Thorsten , Gavard Rémy , Gleixner Gerd , Hatcher Patrick G. , He Chen , Hess Nancy J. , Hutchins Ryan H. S. , Ijaz Amna , Jones Hugh E. , Kew William , Khaksari Maryam , Palacio Lozano Diana Catalina , Lv Jitao , Mazzoleni Lynn R , Noriega‐Ortega Beatriz E. , Osterholz Helena , Radoman Nikola , Remucal Christina K. , Schmitt Nicholas D. , Schum Simeon K , Shi Quan , Simon Carsten , Singer Gabriel , Sleighter Rachel L. , Stubbins Aron , Thomas Mary J. , Tolic Nikola , Zhang Shuzhen , Zito Phoebe , Podgorski David C.
Published: June 2020

High‐resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) has become a vital tool for dissolved organic matter (DOM) characterization. The upward trend in HRMS analysis of DOM presents challenges in data comparison and interpretation among laboratories operating instruments with differing performance and user operating conditions. It is therefore essential that the community establishes metric ranges and compositional trends for data comparison with reference samples so that data can be robustly compared among research groups. To this end, four identically prepared DOM samples were each measured by 16 laboratories, using 17 commercially purchased instruments, using positive‐ion and negative‐ion mode electrospray ionization (ESI) HRMS analyses. The instruments identified ~1000 common ions in both negative‐ and positive‐ion modes over a wide range of m/z values and chemical space, as determined by van Krevelen diagrams. Calculated metrics of abundance‐weighted average indices (H/C, O/C, aromaticity, and m/z) of the commonly detected ions showed that hydrogen saturation and aromaticity were consistent for each reference sample across the instruments, while average mass and oxygenation were more affected by differences in instrument type and settings. In this paper we present 32 metric values for future benchmarking. The metric values were obtained for the four different parameters from four samples in two ionization modes and can be used in future work to evaluate the performance of HRMS instruments.
Optimal strategic alliance in multi‐echelon supply chains with open innovation
Authors: Tavana Madjid , Amoozad Mahdiraji Hannan , Beheshti Moein , Abbasi Kamardi Ali‐Asghar
Published: June 2020

We propose a game‐theoretic approach to examine several possible coalition strategies in a four‐echelon supply chain consisting of a supplier, manufacturer, wholesaler, and retailer. A solitude model is used to probe the role of learning in quality improvements, and experimental design is conducted to evaluate all possible supply chain coalition strategies between echelons. The novelty of this study is the comprehensive evaluation of knowledge‐sharing strategies in collaborative supply chains. The results confirm that the Delta model with a coalition among a supplier, manufacturer, and retailer is the best strategy.
New research launching to identify psychological effects of COVID‐19
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: June 2020

A team of more than 200 scientists representing diverse academic organizations from more than 35 countries recently announced plans to assess the impact COVID‐19 has had on global mental wellness and what can be learned from it.
Influence of 0.35 T magnetic field on the response of EBT3 and EBT‐XD radiochromic films
Authors: Darafsheh Arash , Hao Yao , Maraghechi Borna , Cammin Jochen , Reynoso Francisco J. , Khan Rao
Published: June 2020

Purpose

To investigate the inconsistency of recent literature on the effect of magnetic field on the response of radiochromic films, we studied the influence of 0.35 T magnetic field on dosimetric response of EBT3 and EBT‐XD GafchromicTM films.

Methods

Two different models of radiochromic films, EBT3 and EBT‐XD, were investigated. Pieces of films samples from two different batches for each model were irradiated at different dose levels ranging from 1 to 20 Gy using 6 MV flattening filter free (FFF) x‐rays generated by a clinical MR‐guided radiotherapy system (B = 0.35 T). Film samples from the same batch were irradiated at corresponding dose levels using 6 MV FFF beam from a conventional linac (B = 0) for comparison. The net optical density was measured 48 h postirradiation using a flatbed scanner. The absorbance spectra were also measured over 500–700 nm wavelength range using a fiber‐coupled spectrometer with 2.5 nm resolution. To study the effect of fractionated dose delivery to EBT3 (/EBT‐XD) films, 8 (/16) Gy dose was delivered in four 2 (/4) Gy fractions with 24 h interval between fractions.

Results

No significant difference was found in the net optical density and net absorbance of the films irradiated with or without the presence of magnetic field. No dependency on the orientation of the film during irradiation with respect to the magnetic field was observed. The fractionated dose delivery resulted in the same optical density as delivering the whole dose in a single fraction.

Conclusions

The 0.35 T magnetic field employed in the ViewRay® MR‐guided radiotherapy system did not show any significant influence on the response of EBT3 and EBT‐XD GafchromicTM films.