bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extrusion texturization of cricket flour and soy protein isolate: Influence of insect content, extrusion temperature, and moisture‐level variation on textural properties
Authors: Kiiru Samuel M. , Kinyuru John N. , Kiage Beatrice N. , Martin Anna , Marel Anna‐Kristina , Osen Raffael
Published: June 2020

Due to the increasing global population and unsustainable meat production, the future supply of animal‐derived protein is predicted to be insufficient. Currently, edible insects are considered as a potential and “novel” source of protein in the development of palatable meat analogues. This research used high moisture extrusion cooking (HMEC), at a screw speed of 150 rpm, to produce meat analogues using full‐ or low‐fat cricket flours (CF) and soy protein isolate (SPI). Effects of water flow rate (WFR), cooking temperature (9 and 10 ml/min; 120, 140, and 160°C, respectively), and CF inclusions levels of 0, 15, 30, and 45% were analyzed. Cooking temperature and CF inclusion had a significant effect (p < .05) on both tensile stress in parallel and perpendicular directions, while WFR had no significant effect (p = .3357 and 0.7700), respectively. The tensile stress increased with temperature but decreased with CF inclusion at both WFRs. Comparatively, the tensile stress was stronger at WFR of 9 ml/min than at 10 ml/min; however, the tensile stress in parallel was mostly greater than tensile stress in perpendicular directions. Fibrous meat analogues with high anisotropic indices (AIs) of up to 2.80 were obtained, particularly at WFR of 10 ml/min and at inclusions of 30% low‐fat CF. By controlling HMEC conditions, full‐/low‐fat cricket flours at 15% and 30% inclusions can offer an opportunity to partially substitute SPI in manufacturing of fibrous meat analogues.
Effect of ultrasonic treatment on rheological and emulsifying properties of sugar beet pectin
Authors: Yang Yang , Chen Dongdong , Yu Yang , Huang Xin
Published: June 2020

The effects of ultrasonic treatment on rheological and emulsifying properties of sugar beet pectin were studied. Results indicated that intrinsic viscosity ([η]) and viscosity average molecular weight ([Mv]) decreased with the increased time from 0 to 30 min but increased when the duration prolonged to 45 min. The change of apparent viscosity with shear rate of all pectin solutions could be well described by Sisko model (R2 ≥ .996) and the infinite‐rate viscosity (η∞) and the consistency coefficient (ks) values decreased after ultrasonic treatment. Ultrasonic treatment could have an effect on dynamic moduli and activation energy of sugar beet pectin solutions. Particle size of pectin emulsions decreased and absolute zeta potential increased with increased time from 0 to 20 min. Excessive ultrasonic duration (30 and 45 min) could result in the aggregation of oil droplets in pectin emulsion and decrease in emulsifying stability. It could be concluded that ultrasonic treatment could affect the rheological and emulsifying properties of sugar beet pectin. The results have important implications for understanding the ultrasonic modification of sugar beet pectin.
Analysis of the flow field, thermal performance, and heat transfer augmentation in circular tube using different dimple geometrical configurations with internal twisted‐tape insert
Authors: Al‐Obaidi Ahmed Ramadhan
Published: June 2020

In this study, a numerical investigation for the fluid flow field analysis using different configuration dimple parameters in conjunction with an internal type insert in pipe is carried out. The effects of the dimple diameters with a center twisted tape on the flow pattern, pressure drop, friction factor, and heat transfer characteristics are investigated. The influence of the latter device on heat performance and thermal‐hydraulic performance evaluation factor (PEF) were carried out in a pipe for fully developed flow with range for fully developed flow with range of Reynolds number (Re) of 1573 and 23 592. Experiments with numerical models are performed using different dimpled dimeters by inserting twisted tapes. The outcomes observe that the qualitative analysis for flow fields such as static pressure, dynamic pressure, velocity magnitude, wall shear stress, and turbulent kinetic energy as well as the quantities analysis for pressure drop, heat transfer coefficient friction factor, and Nu number in dimpled pipe fitted with twisted tape are greater than plain pipe. This is because using these devices cause more secondary flow, swirl flow, and flow mixing that lead to higher turbulence, which, in turn, enhance the overall heat transfer. The results indicated that the lower and higher values of thermal PEF are about 0.78 and 1.6, respectively, at the dimple dimmers of 1 mm.
Unsteady natural convection magnetohydrodynamic stagnation point flow with assisting and opposing characteristics: Buongiorno model
Authors: Sreedhar Babu M. , Ramana Velpula V. , Ravisankar G. , Raju C. S. K. , Bashir M. N. , Shehzad Sabir A.
Published: June 2020

In this investigation, the flow of an unsteady mixed convection boundary layer viscous nanofluid on a stretchable sheet is considered. The flow examination is affected by a magnetic field. The reason for the examination exhibited is to create models for nanomaterials that incorporate the Brownian movement and thermophoresis phenomena. The created nonlinear standard differential condition is illuminated numerically utilizing the Runge‐Kutta‐Gill technique and the start program. The different factors of speed, temperature, and concentration are reported and discussed. The examination shows that the speed, temperature, and concentration are lower in contrast with the consistent stream on account of an assisting flow, whereas the opposite situation is noticed in the opposing flow case. The effects of Brownian movement and thermophoresis in the concentration case are totally different.
Melting heat transfer analysis of electrically conducting nanofluid flow over an exponentially shrinking/stretching porous sheet with radiative heat flux under a magnetic field
Authors: Venkatadri K. , Abdul Gaffar S. , Rajarajeswari P. , Prasad V. Ramachandra , Anwar Bég O. , Hidayathulla Khan B. Md.
Published: June 2020

Modern magnetic nanomaterial processing operations are progressing rapidly and require increasingly sophisticated mathematical models for their optimization. Stimulated by such developments, in this paper, a theoretical and computational study of a steady magnetohydrodynamic nanofluid over an exponentially stretching/shrinking permeable sheet with melting (phase change) and radiative heat transfer is presented. Besides, wall transpiration, that is, suction and blowing (injection), is included. This study deploys Buongiorno's nanofluid model, which simulates the effects of the Brownian motion and thermophoresis. The transport equations and boundary conditions are normalized via similarity transformations and appropriate variables, and the similarity solutions are shown to depend on the transpiration parameter. The emerging dimensionless nonlinear coupled ordinary differential boundary value problem is solved numerically with the Newton‐Fehlberg iteration technique. Validation with special cases from the literature is included. The increase in the magnetic field, that is, the Hartmann number, is observed to elevate nanoparticle concentration and temperature, whereas it dampens the velocity. Higher values of the melting parameter consistently decelerate the boundary layer flow and suppress temperature and nanoparticle concentration. A higher radiative parameter strongly increases temperature (and thermal boundary layer thickness) and weakly accelerates the flow. The increase in the Brownian motion reduces nanoparticle concentrations, whereas a greater thermophoretic body force strongly enhances them. The Nusselt number and Sherwood number are observed to be decreased with an increasing Hartmann number, whereas they are elevated with a stronger wall suction and melting parameter.
Heat transfer characteristics of an external‐fin‐assisted two‐phase closed thermosyphon: An experimental study
Authors: Alizadeh Milad , Ganji Davood Domiri
Published: June 2020

In the current paper, the performance of an external‐fin‐assisted thermosyphon is investigated experimentally. The thermosyphon is produced with a copper tube and includes three parts—the evaporator, the adiabatic, and the condenser. The condenser part is enhanced with external longitudinal fins. In this study, different number of fins, filling ratios (FRs), coolant flow rates, a wide range of heat inputs, and initial absolute pressures are considered. The experiments are carried out by measurement of temperature distribution of the thermosyphon's wall and the temperature difference of the coolant. The results depict that increasing the heat input and FR reduces the thermal resistance, while raising the coolant flow rate augments the thermal resistance. Adding external fins to the condenser causes further condensation, which enhances the thermosyphon thermal performance by a reduction of 26.32% in thermal resistance and an increment of 28.55% in the thermosyphon efficiency.
Advances of nanofluids in heat exchangers—A review
Authors: Menni Younes , Chamkha Ali J. , Ameur Houari
Published: June 2020

Recently, many researchers have focused on their studies on the analysis of nanofluid flows due to their participation in the enhancement of heat transfer rates in industrial processes. The ordinary fluids, such as water, mineral oils, and so on, are known for their low thermal conductivity in heat transfer processes. A significant enhancement in the thermal properties of ordinary fluid may be obtained by adding nanoparticles having a diameter of less than 100 nm or suspension of fibers. Better spreading, wetting, dispersion, and stability and with acceptable viscosity are the main advantageous properties of nanofluids on a solid surface. The nanofluids are encountered in various thermal engineering systems such as in heat exchangers, refrigeration, thermal management of fuel cells, cooling of nuclear reactors, microelectromechanical systems, and others. In particular, the thermal conversion is known as a great application of nanotechnology, and many studies have been achieved with such fluids in heat exchangers. Therefore, this paper aims to present a global insight into the different applications of nanofluids in various heat exchangers, that is, heat pipe and plate‐fin heat exchangers. All research works have been summarized into three main parts: laminar, transition, and turbulent nanofluid flow regimes.
Menopausal hormone therapy use and long‐term all‐cause and cause‐specific mortality in the Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project
Authors: Wang Tengteng , Bradshaw Patrick T. , Moorman Patricia G. , Nyante Sarah J. , Nichols Hazel B. , Shantakumar Sumitra , Parada Humberto , Khankari Nikhil K. , Terry Mary Beth , Teitelbaum Susan L. , Neugut Alfred I. , Gammon Marilie D.
Published: June 2020

Previous studies have observed a reduced mortality risk associated with menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) use among breast cancer survivors. We sought to clarify whether such association could be explained by tumor heterogeneity, specific causes of death, confounding from comorbidities or health behaviors, and a comparison group of women without breast cancer. We interviewed 1508 women newly diagnosed with first primary breast cancer in 1996 to 1997 (~3 months after diagnosis), and 1556 age‐matched women without breast cancer, about MHT use history. The National Death Index was used to ascertain vital status after a median of 17.6 years of follow‐up (N = 597 deaths for breast cancer subjects). Multivariable‐adjusted Cox proportional hazards regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95%CIs) for all‐cause mortality, and cause‐specific HR (cHR) for breast cancer and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The Fine‐Gray model was used to account for competing causes of death. Among women with breast cancer, ever vs never MHT use was inversely associated with all‐cause (HR = 0.77, 95%CI = 0.62‐0.95), breast cancer‐specific (cHR = 0.69, 95%CI = 0.48‐0.98), and CVD‐specific mortality (cHR = 0.57, 95%CI = 0.38‐0.85). Difference of the association was observed in breast cancer‐specific mortality according to hormone receptor status (negative tumors: cHR = 0.44, 95%CI = 0.19‐1.01; positive tumors: cHR = 0.96, 95%CI = 0.60‐1.53). Among the comparison group, we observed similar, but more modest inverse associations for all‐cause and CVD‐specific mortality. MHT use was inversely associated with mortality after breast cancer, even after accounting for competing causes of death and multiple confounders, and was evident among women without breast cancer. Potential heterogeneity by hormone receptor status requires more study.
Platinum‐based chemotherapy in advanced triple‐negative breast cancer: A multicenter real‐world study in China
Authors: Chen Yimeng , Guan Yin , Wang Jiayu , Ma Fei , Luo Yang , Chen Shanshan , Zhang Pin , Li Qing , Cai Ruigang , Li Qiao , Mo Hongnan , Lan Bo , Chen Xuelian , Zhao Weihong , Xu Binghe , Fan Ying
Published: June 2020

Platinum‐based chemotherapy (PBC) has proven benefits in phase III studies for advanced triple‐negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients; however, real‐world data of large samples from multiple centers are lacking. Our study was to compare the effectiveness of PBC and non‐PBC in advanced TNBC patients in multicenter real‐world settings. Totally, 495 patients with advanced TNBC receiving PBC (n = 350) or non‐PBC (n = 145) at four cancer centers in China between 2003 and 2019 were included. Treatment responses and outcomes were compared between the two groups from first‐line to third‐line treatment. Of patients with PBC, 249 (71.1%) received PBC from first‐line chemotherapy, 86 (24.6%) from second‐line and 15 (4.3%) from third‐line treatment. In first‐line treatment, PBC was superior to non‐PBC in objective response rate (ORR, 53.0% vs 32.1%, P < .001) and median progression‐free survival (PFS, 8.4 vs 6.0 months, P = .022), whereas overall survival (OS) was similar (19.2 vs 16.8 months, P = .439). When comparing patients receiving non‐PBC doublets (n = 221) with those receiving PBC doublets (n = 249), the same trend was observed in ORR (32.6% vs 53.0%, P < .001), median first‐line PFS (6.5 vs 8.4 months, P = .041) and median first‐line OS(17.8 vs 19.2 months, P = .568). Paclitaxel/docetaxel + platinum was more likely to be used, followed by gemcitabine + platinum. In second/third‐line treatment, PBC yielded a similar response and survival compared to non‐PBC. Adding PBC in the first‐line therapy was better than that in the latter‐line of treatment in terms of ORR, PFS and OS (P < .001). Toxic effects of PBC were tolerable and the most common adverse event was neutropenia (38.6%). PBC doublets exhibited superior efficacy and manageable toxicity compared to non‐PBC doublets in the first‐line treatment for Chinese mTNBC patients.
Recent insights into the role of L1CAM in cancer initiation and progression
Authors: Altevogt Peter , Ben‐Ze'ev Avri , Gavert Nancy , Schumacher Udo , Schäfer Heiner , Sebens Susanne
Published: June 2020

First described as a neuronal cell adhesion molecule, L1CAM was later identified to be present at increased levels in primary tumors and metastases of various types of cancer. Here, we describe the multifaceted roles of L1CAM that are involved in diverse fundamental steps during tumor initiation and progression, as well as in chemoresistance. Recently, Ganesh et al reported that L1CAM identifies metastasis‐initiating cells in colorectal carcinoma exhibiting stem‐like cell features, increased tumorigenic potential and enhanced chemoresistance. In this review, we highlight recent advances in L1CAM research with particular emphasis on its role in de‐differentiation processes and cancer cell stemness supporting the view that L1CAM is a powerful prognostic factor and a suitable target for improved therapy of metastatic and drug‐resistant tumors.
Defining benchmarks for tolerable risk thresholds in cancer screening: Impact of HPV vaccination on the future of cervical cancer screening
Authors: Tota Joseph E. , Isidean Sandra D. , Franco Eduardo L.
Published: June 2020

The performance of cervical cancer screening will decline as a function of lower disease prevalence—a consequence of successful human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. Replacement of cytology with molecular HPV testing as the primary screening test and adoption of risk‐based screening, with less intense screening of vaccinated individuals and initiated at older ages is expected to improve efficiency. However, policy officials may decide to further reduce or eliminate screening as the ratio of benefits to harms continues to decline. To evaluate the level of risk currently tolerated for different cancers in the United States (ie, for which clinical guidelines do not recommend secondary prevention though effective screening methods exist), we used US cancer registry data to compare incidence (2008‐2012) and survival (1988‐2011) associated with different cancers for which organized screening is recommended and not recommended. The most common cancer at ages 70 to 74 years (ie, age group with highest cancer incidence and reasonable life expectancy to consider screening in the US) satisfying Wilson and Jungner's classic screening criteria was vulvar cancer (incidence = 9/100 000 females). In comparison, the incidence of cervical cancer among females 65 years of age (the upper recommended age limit for screening) was 13 cases per 100 000 females (low as a reflection of effective screening), whereas 10‐year survival was 66% (similar to vulvar cancer at 67%). Our approach of defining tolerable risk in cancer screening could help guide future decisions to modify cervical screening programs.
Cancer‐specific ischemic complications in elderly patients with atrial fibrillation: Data from the prospective ATHERO‐AF study
Authors: Pastori Daniele , Menichelli Danilo , Bucci Tommaso , Violi Francesco , Pignatelli Pasquale ,   ATHERO‐AF study group
Published: June 2020

Cancer may complicate the clinical course of nonvalvular atrial fibrillation (AF) but its association with cardiovascular events (CVEs) remains unclear. We performed a prospective cohort study including 2092 consecutive AF patients on vitamin K antagonists. Principal endpoint was the occurrence of CVEs including fatal/nonfatal myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke/transient ischemic attack and cardiovascular death. Secondary endpoints were major adverse cardiac events (MACEs) and thromboembolism (TE). Mean age was 73.7 ± 9.1 years and 42.1% were women; 367 (17.5%) patients had cancer: 21% gastrointestinal (GI), 10% respiratory, 28% genitourinary and 41% had other localization. Cancer patients were older but with similar comorbidities than those without. During a mean of 35.9 months, 203 CVEs occurred (incidence rate [IR] = 3.24 per 100 patient‐years): 133 MACEs (IR = 2.12 per 100 patient‐years) and 70 TE (IR = 1.12 per 100 patient‐years). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed an association between GI cancer and MACE occurrence (hazard ratio [HR] = 3.22, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.59‐6.52, P = .001) and between respiratory cancer and TE (HR = 3.37, 95% CI = 1.30‐8.75, P = .013). These associations were confirmed at competing risk analysis. In conclusion, AF patients with cancer have specific vascular outcomes according to cancer site, as indicated by the higher risk of MACE and TE in patients with gastrointestinal and respiratory cancer, respectively.
The Folding of Knotted Proteins: Distinguishing the Distinct Behavior of Shallow and Deep Knots
Authors: Piejko Maciej , Niewieczerzal Szymon , Sulkowska Joanna I.
Published: June 2020

The mechanism of deep knot formation in proteins has been debated for the past two decades, but definitive answers are still lacking. In this review, we first describe knotted proteins from the perspective of shallow and deep knots, taking into account recent experimental and theoretical results. We focus on the folding mechanism, where this difference is most profound. We explain in more details the cotranslational knotting pathway. Then, we additionally show that proteins with extremely deep knots have a distinct mechanism of knotting from proteins with shallow knots. The approach based on treating shallow and deep knots as separate classes of molecules allow to classify them better and introduce a new paradigm of thinking about knotted proteins as such. This may in turn help to avoid ambiguities in further research.
Immunoengineering has arrived
Authors: Green Jordan J.
Published: June 2020

Immunoengineering is a new discipline that creates and applies engineering tools and principles to investigate and modulate the immune system. It spans from the molecular scale to the scale of populations and is critically important in both health and disease. This perspective discusses the rapid development of immunoengineering as a field, including advances to research and education. On the research side, immunoengineering is poised to revolutionize technologies for tissue engineering, drug delivery, and medical devices, among others. Immunoengineering is shown to unlock new tools for biomedical discovery and innovation and has the potential to safely and effectively treat myriad diseases, from cancer to infectious diseases to type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diseases in novel ways. On the educational side, it is described how immunoengineering centers and educational focus areas are being created at leading universities. Furthermore, data are presented to show how grant agencies are making major investments into the field and high‐impact research and translational biotechnologies are being developed.
Development of hybrid scaffold: Bioactive glass nanoparticles/chitosan for tissue engineering applications
Authors: Oudadesse Hassane , Najem Sanaa , Mosbahi Siwar , Rocton Nicolas , Refifi Jihen , El Feki Hafedh , Lefeuvre Bertrand
Published: June 2020

Bone tissue engineering is gaining popularity as an alternative method for the treatment of osseous defects. A number of biodegradable polymers have been explored for tissue engineering purposes. A new family of biodegradable polymer/bioactive glass composite materials has been designed to be used in bone regeneration approaches. In this work, a hybrid scaffold of chitosan (CH) and bioactive glass nanoparticles (BGN) was prepared by the freeze‐gelation method. This method has been studied by adjusting the concentration of acetic acid; this process can influence the structure properties of the scaffold. In this work, several BGN/CH composites have been prepared by varying the proportion of BGN in the hybrid scaffold (20, 40, 60, and 80%). Brunauer–Emmett–Teller results showed the increased surface area and porosity volume of our composite with decreasing BGN proportion. BGN/CH hybrid scaffold was characterized by using physicochemical techniques. Obtained results showed a macroporous morphology of the scaffold with a pore size of about 200 μm, and a homogeneous distribution of the BGN in the CH matrix. X‐ray diffraction study confirmed the amorphous state of the BGN/CH hybrid scaffold. Interaction between CH and BGNs in the composite was confirmed. The in vitro assays showed adequate degradation properties, which is essential for the potential replacement by the new tissue. The in vitro bioactivity studies confirmed the formation of an apatite layer on the surface of the hybrid scaffold, which results in a direct bone bonding of the implant. These results indicate that BGN/CH hybrid scaffold developed is a potential candidate for bone tissue engineering.
Raman analysis of conjugated bithiophene (2T) encapsulated in semiconducting and metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: J. Chenouf , M. Boutahir , B. Fakrach , AH. Rahmani , H. Chadli , A. Rahmani
Published: June 2020

In this theoretical work, the encapsulation effect of bithiophene (2T) inside single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) is reported. The optimum configurations of 2T inside SWCNTs (2T@SWCNTs) are derived from minimum energy calculations using a Lennard‐Jones expression to describe the van der Waals intermolecular interactions. The great number of atoms present the main handicap for the theoretical study of our systems. A hybrid approach is set out to build a dynamic model of 2T@SWCNTs systems. This approach combines density of functional theory and molecular dynamics. We have finally developed the process necessary to build the dynamic matrix of our systems. After calculation of the dynamical model, for the obtained configuration of 2T@SWCNTs, the nonresonant Raman spectra have been calculated using the spectral moment's method. The charges transfer in the hybrid systems has been investigated by analyzing the Raman active modes of 2T molecule and the G‐band modes of free SWCNTs and 2T@SWCNTs hybrid systems.
Correlation between Detergency of Different Oily and Solid Non‐Particulate Soils and Hydrophilic–Lipophilic Deviation
Authors: Phaodee Parichat , Harwell Jeffrey H. , Sabatini David A.
Published: June 2020

This research examined the correlation between the detergency of soils with varying equivalent alkane carbon numbers (EACN) and hydrophilic–lipophilic deviation (HLD) values. The detergency of oily soils with EACN ranging from 5.2 to 16.6 was evaluated using C10‐4PO‐SO4Na as a primary surfactant system and a 1:1 binary mixture of C10‐4PO‐SO4Na and AOT as a confirmatory surfactant system (with 65/35 polyester/cotton at 25°C). These surfactant systems were characterized using HLD concepts which showed that C10‐4PO‐SO4Na was more hydrophilic (had a higher negative Cc value) than that of the mixed surfactant system. Detergency of the selected soils was evaluated at different salinities corresponding to HLD ranging from negative to positive values. The results showed that detergency of all soils increased with increasing salinity (starting with an HLD = −3.0 (Winsor Type I microemulsion)), reached the maximum at widely different optimum salinity (S*) but at an identical HLD value of zero (optimum Type III), and then decreased with further increasing salt levels corresponding to positive HLD values (Type II). The preferred HLD range from −3.0 to 0.0 showed detergency levels exceeding 80% removal with interfacial tension values (IFT) below 1 mN m−1 for all oily soils studied. Detergency of octadecane (EACN = 18, solid at 25°C) was further conducted and demonstrated that performing detergency at HLD = −3.0 to 0.0 likewise revealed superior soil removal (over 80%) versus systems with HLD values outside this range. Thus, this work highlighted the utility of using the HLD approach in designing surfactant formulations for detergency of soils with widely varying EACN.
Multi‐institutional analysis of stereotactic body radiotherapy for sarcoma pulmonary metastases: High rates of local control with favorable toxicity
Authors: Baumann Brian C. , Bernstein Karen De Amorim , DeLaney Thomas F. , Simone Charles B. , Kolker James D. , Choy Edwin , Levin William P. , Weber Kristy L. , Muniappan Ashok , Berman Abigail T. , Staddon Arthur , Hartner Lee , Van Tine Brian , Hirbe Angela , Glatstein Eli , Hahn Stephen M. , Nagda Suneel N. , Chen Yen‐Lin
Published: June 2020

Background/Objectives

Oligometastatic sarcoma pulmonary metastases (PM's) are traditionally treated with resection and/or chemotherapy. We hypothesize that stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an effective, safe alternative to surgery that can achieve excellent local control (LC) with a favorable toxicity profile.

Methods

Patients treated with SBRT for sarcoma PM's from 2011 to 2016 at Massachusetts General Hospital and the University of Pennsylvania were included. Median dose was 50 Gy. Patients underwent computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography/CT Q3 months post‐SBRT.

Results

44 patients with 56 separate PM's were treated with SBRT. Median age was 59 (range 19‐82). 82% received prior chemotherapy, 66% had prior pulmonary resections (range, 1‐5 resections), and 32% received prior thoracic radiotherapy. Median lesion size was 2.0 cm (range, 0.5‐8.1 cm). Median follow‐up was 16 months and 25 months for patients alive at last follow‐up. Overall survival at 12 and 24 months was 74% (95% confidence interval [CI], 67%‐81%) and 46% (95% CI, 38%‐55%). LC at 12 and 24 months was 96% (95% CI, 93%‐98%) and 90% (95% CI, 84%‐96%). LC and overall survival did not differ based on age, gender, histology, fractionation, lesion location, or size (P > .05). Three developed Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events version 4 grade‐2 chest‐wall toxicities; one had grade‐2 pneumonitis.

Conclusions

In the first multi‐institutional series on SBRT for sarcoma PM's, SBRT has excellent LC and is well‐tolerated. SBRT should be considered as an alternative/complement to resection.
Docosahexaenoic Acid Incorporation Is Not Affected by Doxorubicin Chemotherapy in either Whole Cell or Lipid Raft Phospholipids of Breast Cancer Cells in vitro and Tumor Phospholipids in vivo
Authors: Newell Marnie , Patel Dhruvesh , Goruk Susan , Field Catherine J.
Published: June 2020

To better understand how docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) improves the effects of doxorubicin (DOX), we examined DHA ± DOX on changes in whole cell and lipid raft phospholipids (PL) of MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. We sought to confirm whether the relative changes in PL DHA content of MDA‐MB‐231 cells could be extended to PL from MDA‐MB‐231 tumors grown in mice fed a DHA supplemented diet ±DOX. Treatment with DHA did not change PL composition yet DOX increased the proportion of phosphatidylserine in MCF‐7 cell lipid rafts by two‐fold (p < 0.001). Regardless of DOX, the relative percent incorporation of DHA was higher in MDA‐MB‐231 cells compared to MCF‐7 cells in phosphatidylserine, phosphatidylethanolamine, and phosphatidylcholine (whole cell and lipid rafts); and higher in phosphatidylethanolamine vs. phosphatidylcholine (4.4‐fold in MCF‐7 and 6‐fold in MDA‐MB‐231 cells respectively). DHA treatment increased eicosapentaenoic acid and docosapentaenoic acid in MDA‐MB‐231 cells but not MCF‐7 cells. Increased DHA content in MDA‐MB‐231 cells, MCF‐7 cells, and MDA‐MB‐231 tumors in all PL moieties (except sphingomyelin) corresponded with reduced arachidonic acid (p < 0.05). Feeding mice 2.8% (w/w of fat) DHA ± DOX increased tumor necrotic regions (p < 0.05). This study established differential incorporation of DHA into whole cell and lipid rafts between human breast cancer cell lines. However, within each cell line, this incorporation was not altered by DOX confirming that DOX does not change membrane lipid composition. Furthermore, our findings indicate that membrane changes observed in vitro are translatable to in vivo changes and that DHA + DOX could contribute to the anticancer effects through increased necrosis.
Poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐Based Polymers as Additive for Rapid Generation of Spheroid via Hanging Drop Method
Authors: R. A. Vignesh , Kumari Shalini , Poddar Puja , Dhara Dibakar , Maiti Souvik
Published: June 2020

Multicellular tumor spheroid (MCTS) mimics microenvironment for tumor formation and provides predictive insight for in vivo tests. The hanging drop (HD) method of spheroid generation is cost effective, but it is limited by a long time duration for spheroid development and a low rate of formation of larger spheroids. Toward addressing those limitations, thermoresponsive copolymers with poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (p(NIPA)) backbone are developed, to be used as additives in the MCTS formation via HD method. Upon investigation it is found that in the presence of the polymer, robust and compact spheroids are formed in a short duration of 48 h. Larger spheroids (350–600 µm) can be formed by increasing the number of cells. Spheroids are characterized for their 3D shape and different cellular layers, and drug uptake study is done to prove the efficacy of the spheroids generated in drug screening.
Rare variants in the GABAA receptor subunit ε identified in patients with a wide spectrum of epileptic phenotypes
Authors: Markus Fenja , Angelini Chloé , Trimouille Aurelien , Rudolf Gabrielle , Lesca Gaetan , Goizet Cyril , Lasseaux Eulalie , Arveiler Benoit , van Slegtenhorst Marjon , Brooks Alice S. , Abou Jamra Rami , Korenke Georg‐Christoph , Neidhardt John , Owczarek‐Lipska Marta
Published: June 2020

Background

Epilepsy belongs to a group of chronic and highly heterogeneous brain disorders. Many types of epilepsy and epileptic syndromes are caused by genetic factors.

The neural amino acid y‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system. It regulates activity of channel pores by binding to transmembrane GABA‐receptors (GABRs). The GABRs are heteropentamers assembled from different receptor subunits (α1‐6, β1‐3, γ1‐3, δ, ε, θ, π, and ρ1‐3). Several epileptic disorders are caused by mutations in genes encoding single GABRs.

Methods

We applied trio‐ and single‐whole exome sequencing to search for genetic sequence variants associated with a wide range of epileptic phenotypes accompanied by intellectual disability and/or global developmental delay in the investigated patients.

Results

We identified four hemizygous sequence variants in the GABAA receptor subunit ε gene (GABRE), including one nonsense (NM_004961.3: c.399C>A, p.Tyr133*), two missense variants (NM_004961.3: c.664G>A, p.Glu222Lys; NM_004961.3: c.1045G>A, p.Val349Ile), and one variant affecting the translation initiation codon (NM_004961.3: c.1A>G, p.Met1?) in four unrelated families.

Conclusion

Our clinical and molecular genetic findings suggest that GABRE is a likely candidate gene for epilepsy. Nevertheless, functional studies are necessary to better understand pathogenicity of the GABRE‐mutations and their associations with epileptic phenotypes.
New approach for fractional Schrödinger‐Boussinesq equations with Mittag‐Leffler kernel
Authors: Prakasha Doddabhadrappla Gowda , Malagi Naveen Sanju , Veeresha Pundikala
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we find the solution and analyse the behaviour of the obtained results for the nonlinear Schrödinger‐Boussinesq equations using q‐homotopy analysis transform method (q‐HATM) within the frame of fractional order. The considered system describes the interfaces between intermediate long and short waves. The projected fractional operator is proposed with the help of Mittag‐Leffler function to incorporate the nonsingular kernel to the system. The projected algorithm is a modified and accurate method with the help of Laplace transform. The convergence analysis is presented with the help of the fixed point theorem in the form existence and uniqueness. To validate and illustrate the effectiveness of the algorithm considered, we exemplified considered system with respect of arbitrary order. Further, the behaviour of achieved results is captured in contour and 3D plots for distinct arbitrary order. The results show that the projected scheme is very effective, highly methodical and easy to apply for complex and nonlinear systems and help us to captured associated behaviour diverse classes of the phenomenon.
Positive solutions for a class of conformable fractional boundary value problems
Authors: Bachar Imed , Eltayeb Hassan
Published: June 2020

We establish the existence and qualitative behavior of positive continuous solutions to some nonlinear singular fractional differential equation in the frame of conformable fractional derivative. To this end, we combine estimates on the Green's function and a fixed point argument. Some examples are given to illustrate the applicability of our main result.
Benchmarking the performance of organic farming in India
Authors: Yadava Anup Kumar , Komaraiah Jadi Bala
Published: June 2020

This study set out to measure the performance of organic farming in India. The study utilized data of 21 Indian states for the period 2016–2017, and the states are considered as decision making units for performance assessment. In the first step, we compared the “pure organic production” or “production technology set A” with the “production including the conversion period” of organic farming or “production technology set B” by incorporating the Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) method of performance evaluation. In the second step, we estimated the performance of “pure organic production” and applied the bootstrap DEA method to correct the biasness in the traditional DEA approach. The input‐oriented DEA model reveals that on average technical efficiency of organic farming production is 84.7%, and the output‐oriented DEA model concludes 20% technical efficiency which means organic farming production can be increased by 80% with the same amount of inputs utilization. Evidence is presented in the conclusion which shows that organic farming practice is highly beneficial for land degraded states of India. The findings can contribute to implement policies for organic farming production in Indian states.
Role of silicon surface, polished 〈100〉 and 〈111〉 or textured, on the efficiency of double‐sided TOPCon solar cells
Authors: Lozac'h Mickaël , Nunomura Shota
Published: June 2020

We investigate the role of the silicon surface and orientation on double‐sided TOPCon solar cells properties. The solar cells of front and rear, (p) and (n), poly‐Si/SiOx stack, fabricated on polished surfaces oriented 〈100〉 and 〈111〉 and pyramid textured surfaces, are characterized as a function of the thickness of an ultrathin SiOx layer, controlled at atomic scale from one‐ to four‐cycle atomic layer deposition (ALD). Our findings underline that the optimized thickness of the ultrathin SiOx is about 1.1 ± 0.1 nm, corresponding to a two‐cycle ALD, regardless of the surface and orientation of the c‐Si substrate. The open‐circuit voltage is about 10 mV higher on the polished 〈100〉‐oriented surface, associated with lower defect density at the interface of SiOx/c‐Si. On the other hand, the contact resistance is much lower, about 0.45 Ω/cm2, on the polished 〈111〉‐oriented surface. On textured surfaces, we demonstrate a photoconversion efficiency of 19.1% for the double‐sided TOPCon structure strictly for a SiOx thickness with two‐cycle ALD, which underlines the importance of the ALD technique for the precise control of the ultrathin SiOx thickness on textured surface.
Prediction intervals for load‐sharing systems in accelerated life testing
Authors: Leckey Kevin , Müller Christine H. , Szugat Sebastian , Maurer Reinhard
Published: June 2020

Based on accelerated lifetime experiments, we consider the problem of constructing prediction intervals for the time point at which a given number of components of a load‐sharing system fails. Our research is motivated by lab experiments with prestressed concrete beams where the tension wires fail successively. Due to an audible noise when breaking, the time points of failure could be determined exactly by acoustic measurements. Under the assumption of equal load sharing between the tension wires, we present a model for the failure times based on a birth process. We provide a model check based on a Q‐Q plot including a simulated simultaneous confidence band and four simulation‐free prediction methods. Three of the prediction methods are given by confidence sets where two of them are based on classical tests and the third is based on a new outlier‐robust test using sign depth. The fourth method uses the implicit function theorem and the δ‐method to get prediction intervals without confidence sets for the unknown parameter. We compare these methods by a leave‐one‐out analysis of the data on prestressed concrete beams. Moreover, a simulation study is performed to discuss advantages and drawbacks of the individual methods.
Large thermoelectric figure of merit in hexagonal phase of 2D selenium and tellurium
Authors: Ramírez‐Montes Luz , López‐Pérez William , González‐Hernández Rafael , Pinilla Carlos
Published: June 2020

We found a large thermoelectric figure of merit in the hexagonal phase of 2D selenium and tellurium from first‐principles calculations. The hexagonal phase (α) is obtained from three atomic layers truncated along the [001] direction of trigonal Te and Se bulk in the equilibrium structure. We found the α‐Se structure dynamically stable. The calculated electronic structures of α‐Se and α‐Te show interesting semiconductor character for both electronic and optoelectronic applications. Furthermore, the obtained elastic properties show that hexagonal tellurene is a softer material than selenene. The thermoelectric figure of merit for hexagonal 2D phase (∼1.0) is larger than those reported for the tetragonal 2D phase (∼0.75) of selenium and tellurium. Additionally, the computed electrical and phonon transport parameters indicate that selenene and tellurene are promising thermoelectric materials; both offer an alternative to recovering residual heat and transforming it into electricity.
Bounds on the Zagreb indices for molecular (n,m)‐graphs
Authors: Raza Zahid , Ali Akbar
Published: June 2020

Zagreb indices are among the most studied molecular structure descriptors. In this paper, we present upper bounds on the first Zagreb index, second Zagreb index, second multiplicative Zagreb index, multiplicative sum Zagreb index and a lower bound on the first multiplicative Zagreb index for simple connected molecular (n, m)‐graphs, which are the simple connected graphs of order n, size m, and maximum degree at most 4.
Exact solutions of the rigid rotor in the electric field
Authors: Chen Chang‐Yuan , Wang Xiao‐Hua , You Yuan , Sun Guo‐Hua , Dong Shi‐Hai
Published: June 2020

We first present a new constraint condition on the confluent Heun functionHC(α,β,γ,δ,η;z) (β,γ ≥ 0,z∈ [0, 1]) and then illustrate how to solve the rigid rotor in the electric field. We find its exact solutions unsolved previously through solving the Wronskian determinant. The present results compared with those by the perturbation methods are found to have a big difference for a large parametera. We also present 2D and 3D probability density distributions by choosing different angular momentum quantum numbersl. We observe that the original eigenvalues with degeneracy (2l + 1) are split into the (l + 1) state with approximate eigenvaluesl(l + 1) for smallabut largel.
Magnetoelectronic properties of ferromagnetic compounds Rb2TaZ6 (Z = Cl, Br) for possible spintronic applications
Authors: Ali Malak Azmat , Murtaza G. , Khan Afzal , Algrafy Eman , Mahmood Asif , Ramay Shahid M.
Published: June 2020

Highly spin‐polarized ferromagnetic materials are essential for efficient spintronic devices. Here, 100% spin‐polarized compounds Rb2TaZ6 (Z = Cl, Br) studied via density functional theory are reported. These compounds show stability in the ferromagnetic phase with cubic symmetry and half metallic behavior, thereby exhibiting a nonzero direct band gap in the spin‐down channel and zero band gap in the spin‐up configuration. The Ta‐d sates contribute mainly to the net magnetic moments as explained by the crystal field theory and density of states. High Curie temperatures of 960.35 and 1021.74 K for Ra2TaCl6 and Rb2TaBr6, along with maximum spin polarizability, make these compounds favorable for efficient spintronic applications.
A dynamic multilevel ecological approach to drinking event modelling and intervention
Authors: Gonzalez Villasanti Hugo , Madden Danielle , Passino Kevin , Clapp John
Published: June 2020

The complex and dynamic interplay between an individual's psychophysiological processes and multilevel interactions with his/her group and environment during alcohol drinking events is analysed in this work. Our aim is to provide a system dynamics model to accurately represent a drinking event and provide guidelines for feedback‐based behavioural interventions. We employ a pharmacodynamics model of alcohol metabolism, with a self‐regulation approach of decision‐making to characterize the individual's drinking behaviour. The nonlinearities introduced by the acute effects of alcohol in cognition, along with social perception and influence, complete the individual's model, which serves as a basis for the group and environment's behaviour models. A sensitivity analysis revealed that influenceability and overestimation via descriptive social norms are key drivers of higher blood alcohol content levels. Furthermore, simulations showed that intervening early in the event, before cognition processes are inhibited, and targeting groups of individuals result in efficient implementations.
Statistical insights into deep neural network learning in subspace classification
Authors: Wu Hao , Fan Yingying , Lv Jinchi
Published: June 2020

Deep learning has benefited almost every aspect of modern big data applications. Yet its statistical properties still remain largely unexplored. It is commonly believed nowadays that deep neural networks (DNNs) benefit from representational learning. To gain some statistical insights into this, we design a simple simulation setting where we generate data from some latent subspace structure with each subspace regarded as a cluster. We empirically demonstrate that the performance of DNN is very similar to that of the two‐step procedure of clustering followed by classification (unsupervised plus supervised). This motivates us to ask: Does DNN indeed mimic the two‐step procedure statistically? That is, do bottom layers in DNN try to cluster first and then top layers classify within each cluster? To answer this question, we conduct a series of simulation studies, and to our surprise, none of the hidden layers in DNN conduct successful clustering. In some sense, our results provide an important complement to the common belief of representational learning, suggesting that at least in some model settings, although the performance of DNN is comparable with that of the ideal two‐step procedure knowing the true latent cluster information a priori, it does not really do clustering in any of its layers. We also provide some statistical insights and heuristic arguments to support our empirical discoveries and further demonstrate the revealed phenomenon on the real data application of traffic sign recognition.
Complete elimination of the beam hardening effect in quantitative absorption tomography using polychromatic x‐rays with single‐component specimens
Authors: Eyou Aileen , Arhatari Benedicta D , Tran Chanh Quoc
Published: June 2020

Absorption tomography has been a unique technique for 3D imaging in many scientific research and applications. However, the use of polychromatic x‐ray sources for quantitative tomography has been limited due to the well‐known beam hardening effect. In this article, we will describe the theoretical details of a new technique for quantitative tomography using polychromatic x‐rays. The technique incorporates the full spectral information of the incident beam into the tomographic reconstruction process. Consequently, beam‐hardening effects are eliminated and the result is quantitative. We will also demonstrate the technique experimentally using a single‐component specimen. This technique promises great opportunities for laboratory‐based x‐ray sources to be used in quantitative applications.