bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The current landscape of genetic test stewardship: A multi‐center prospective study
Authors: Kieke Michele C. , Conta Jessie H. , Riley Jacquelyn D. , Zetzsche Lindsay H.
Published: March 2021

Genetic counselors (GCs) play a pivotal role in selecting clinically appropriate and cost‐effective genetic testing. Several single‐institution reports over the past decade provide evidence of the value GCs bring to this stewardship role across diverse settings in healthcare, including hospital laboratories, commercial laboratories, and insurance companies. This multi‐center, prospective, and quantitative study describes the outcomes of GC review of genetic test requests over a four‐week period at six hospital laboratories and three commercial laboratories, thus expanding our understanding of this emerging specialty in the genetic counseling field. This study also highlights the added value of utilizing GC expertise in stewardship efforts, namely selecting the most appropriate genetic testing and realizing significant cost savings. GC review of genetic test requests led to an average order modification rate of 22%–25%. It also resulted in significant cost savings to institutions. The projected average annual savings after GC review of genetic test requests approximated $665,600 for hospital laboratories and $1,651,000 for commercial laboratories. These study findings demonstrate the significant value of GC‐led genetic test stewardship programs, allow for comparisons across institutions currently performing genetic test stewardship, and support the implementation of a GC‐led stewardship program at institutions who currently do not have one.
Bone Marrow Fat Measured by a Chemical Shift‐Encoded Sequence (IDEAL‐IQ) in Patients With and Without Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Ma Qiang , Cheng Xiaoyue , Hou Xinmeng , Yang Zhenghan , Ma Daqing , Wang Zhenchang
Published: March 2021

Background

Metabolic syndrome increases the risk of chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease and diabetes. Metabolic syndrome also has an impact on bone mineral density. However, the relationship between metabolic syndrome and bone marrow fat is unclear.

Purpose

To determine factors associated with bone marrow fat concentration in subjects with and without metabolic syndrome.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

One hundred and one women with metabolic syndrome (31.0 years ±5.1) and 96 female living liver transplant donors (32.0 years ±3.7). Our institutional review board approved the study. Each subject signed written informed consent.

Field Strength/Sequence

3.0 T MRI system and a commercially available chemical shift‐encoded 3D sequence (Iterative Decomposition of water and fat with Echo asymmetry and Least Square Estimation).

Assessment

Proton density fat fraction (PDFF) in liver, vertebral body, and paraspinal muscle (erector spinae) were measured from a single acquisition by a 15‐year‐experience orthopedic radiologist. The factors associated with PDFF were acquired.

Statistical Tests

The analysis of covariance test, after adjustment for body mass index and age, was used to analyze the differences between metabolic syndrome and non‐metabolic syndrome groups. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to determine which variables were independently associated with PDFF.

Results

Mean vertebral PDFF and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly lower in donors than subjects with metabolic syndrome (both P < 0.05). Serum vitamin D concentration, ferritin, and high‐density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol were significantly higher in donors than subjects with metabolic syndrome (all P < 0.05). Multiple regression analysis revealed antidiabetic medicine, higher serum vitamin D concentration, lower waist circumference, lower ferritin, lower HDL, absence of metabolic syndrome, and lower ALT were significantly associated with lower vertebral PDFF (all P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

Multiple factors affect bone marrow fat concentration in subjects with metabolic syndrome. Serum vitamin D concentration and antidiabetic medicine are associated with low bone marrow fat, whereas waist circumference, serum ferritin, metabolic syndrome, imbalanced lipid metabolism, and abnormal liver function are associated with high bone marrow fat.

Level of Evidence Level

3

Technical Efficacy Stage

1
Mapping glucose metabolites in the normal bovine lens: Evaluation and optimisation of a matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation imaging mass spectrometry method
Authors: Zahraei Ali , Guo George , Perwick Rebecca D. , Donaldson Paul J. , Demarais Nicholas J. , Grey Angus C.
Published: March 2021

The spatial resolution of microdissection‐based analytical methods to detect ocular lens glucose uptake, transport and metabolism are poor, whereas the multiplexing capability of fluorescence microscopy‐based approaches to simultaneously detect multiple glucose metabolites is limited in comparison with mass spectrometry‐based methods. To better understand lens glucose transport and metabolism, a more highly spatially resolved technique that maintains the fragile ocular lens tissue is required. In this study, a sample preparation method for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation imaging mass spectrometry (MALDI IMS) analysis of ocular lens glucose uptake and metabolism has been evaluated and optimised. Matrix choice, tissue preparation and normalisation strategy were determined using negative ion mode MALDI‐Fourier transform‐ion cyclotron resonance MS of bovine lens tissue and validation performed using gas chromatography‐MS. An internal standard was applied concurrently withN‐(1‐naphthyl)ethylenediamine dihydrochloride (NEDC) matrix to limit cracking of the fresh frozen lens tissue sections. MALDI IMS data were collected at a variety of spatial resolutions to detect both endogenous lens metabolites and stable isotopically labelled glucose introduced by ex vivo lens culture. Using this approach, initial steps in important metabolic processes that are linked to diabetic cataract formation were spatially mapped in the bovine lens. In the future, this method can be applied to study the dynamics of glucose uptake, transport and metabolic flux to aid in the study of diabetic lens cataract pathophysiology.
Accelerated parameter tuning of antenna structures using inverse and feature‐based forward kriging surrogates
Authors: Koziel Slawomir , Pietrenko‐Dabrowska Anna , Al‐Hasan Muath
Published: March 2021

Tuning of geometry parameters is one of the essential stages of contemporary antenna design. It is necessary because available design methods, whether based on theoretical considerations or on engineering experience, are only capable of yielding initial designs that need further adjustment in order to boost the performance parameters as much as possible. Numerical optimization is also imperative for antenna re‐design with respect to different operating conditions (e.g., center frequency) or material parameters (e.g., substrate permittivity/thickness). As the tuning process normally involves full‐wave electromagnetic (EM) analysis, it may incur considerable computational expenses. Reducing these costs is highly desirable from the perspective of both academic research and industry. This paper proposes a simple surrogate‐assisted framework for accelerated antenna parameter tuning that allows for reusing the previously acquired design data. The first (inverse) surrogate serves as a reliable predictor for generating a reasonable initial design, whereas the second (forward) model encodes antenna sensitivities at the level of so‐called response features. The involvement of the response feature technology leads to a more accurate rendition of the antenna gradients, which speeds up the design refinement as compared to the forward model constructed at the level of original antenna characteristics. Our methodology is demonstrated using two microstrip antennas and compared to the previously reported warm‐start optimization procedures.
ST‐segment elevation during arrhythmia ablations—A review
Authors: Kichloo Asim , Aljadah Michael , Naji Mohammed Bakir , Kanjwal Khalil
Published: March 2021

Coronary injury presenting as ST segment elevation (STE) during ablation procedures for different arrhythmias is a rare and most feared complication. There have been multiple reports on STE during various ablation procedures in the recent past. Herein, we review various mechanisms, presentations, and management of STE observed during various ablations, including atrial fibrillation ablation cavotricuspid isthmus and ablation, supraventricular tachycardia ablations, coronary sinus ablation, and ventricular arrhythmia ablations.
The degradation activities for three seaweed polysaccharides ofShewanellasp. WPAGA9 isolated from deep‐sea sediments
Authors: Wang Dingquan , Wang Jianxin , Zeng Runying , Wu Jie , Michael Shija V. , Qu Wu
Published: March 2021

Seaweed oligosaccharides possess great bioactivities. However, different microbial strains are required to degrade multiple polysaccharides due to their limited biodegradability, thereby increasing the cost and complexity of production.Shewanellasp. WPAGA9 was isolated from deep‐sea sediments in this study. According to the genomic and biochemical analyses, the extracellular fermentation broth of WPAGA9 had versatile degradation abilities for three typical seaweed polysaccharides including agar, carrageenan, and alginate. The maximum enzyme activities of the extracellular fermentation broth of WPAGA9 were 71.63, 76.4, and 735.13 U/ml for the degradation of agar, alginate, and carrageenan, respectively. Moreover, multiple seaweed oligosaccharides can be produced by the extracellular fermentation broth of WPAGA9 under similar optimum conditions. Therefore, WPAGA9 can simultaneously degrade three types of seaweed polysaccharides under similar conditions, thereby greatly reducing the production cost of seaweed oligosaccharides. This finding indicates thatShewanellasp. WPAGA9 is an ideal biochemical tool for producing multiple active seaweed oligosaccharides at low costs and is also an important participant in the carbon cycle process of the deep‐sea environment.
Role of Body Dysmorphic Disorder in Patients With Postparalytic Facial Synkinesis
Authors: Volk Gerd Fabian , Hesse Susanne , Geißler Katharina , Kuttenreich Anna‐Maria , Thielker Jovanna , Dobel Christian , Guntinas‐Lichius Orlando
Published: March 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

To evaluate the role of body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) in patients with postparalytic facial nerve syndrome with synkinesis (PFS).

Study Design

A single‐center retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 221 adults (74% women; median age: 44 years; median duration since onset of facial palsy: 1.6 years) were included. To diagnose BDD, the BDD Munich Module was used. Associations with House‐Brackmann grading, Stennert index grading, Facial Clinimetric Evaluation (FaCE) survey, Facial Disability Index (FDI), general quality of life (SF‐36), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and the Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale (LSAS) was analyzed.

Results

A total of 59 patients (27%) were classified as patients with BDD. Significant associations were found between the diagnosis of BDD and female gender and lower FDI, FaCE, and SF‐36 scores and higher BDI and LSAS scores. Multivariate analysis revealed BDI, FaCE total score, and FaCE social function subscore as independent factors associated with BDD.

Conclusion

BDD was a relevant diagnosis in patients with PFS. A higher BDD level was associated with general and facial‐specific quality of life and more psychosocial disabilities. Optimal treatment of PFS has to include these nonmotor dysfunctions.

Level of Evidence

3Laryngoscope, 131:E2518–E2524, 2021
The role of active soil carbon in influencing the profitability of fertilizer use: Empirical evidence from smallholder maize plots in Tanzania
Authors: Chamberlin Jordan , Jayne T. S. , Snapp Sieglinde
Published: March 2021

We use recent plot‐level panel data from Tanzanian smallholder farmers to investigate maize yield responses to inorganic fertilizer under variable soil carbon conditions. Unlike many prior studies which consider total carbon measurements, we focus on active soil carbon, which is a component strongly related to key soil functions, such as nutrient cycling and availability. Active soil carbon is found to be a strong predictor of maize yield response to nitrogen fertilizer. These results highlight important sources of variation in the returns to fertilizer investments across plots and smallholder farmers in the region. When farmgate prices for maize and fertilizer are incorporated into calculations of economic returns, we find that the profitability of fertilizer use is strongly dependent upon farmgate price ratio assumptions: under our most optimistic agronomic response estimates, 39% of farmer plots have an average value‐cost ratio greater than 1.5 at a maize‐nitrogen price ratio of 0.15. That share drops to 4% at a price ratio of 0.12 and 0% at a price ratio of 0.09. Our findings provide insights into the intertwined biophysical and economic underpinnings of low levels of fertilizer use in Tanzania and elsewhere in the region. Raising active carbon stocks in smallholder systems may be a strategic priority in many areas for incentivizing greater use of inorganic fertilizer, reversing land degradation, and achieving sustainable agricultural intensification.
Increased nitrogen availability alters soil carbon quality by regulating microbial r‐K growth strategy, metabolic efficiency, and biomass in degraded temperate grasslands
Authors: Zeng Wenjing , Wang Zhaodi , Chen Xinyue , Yao Xiaodong , Wang Wei
Published: March 2021

Experimental evidence is limited for the role of soil microbial r‐K growth strategy, metabolic efficiency, and biomass in regulating soil carbon (C) quality under the atmospheric nitrogen (N) deposition scenario, especially in degraded grasslands. Here, soil samples were collected from four sites with non, moderately, severely, and extremely degraded grasslands in Inner Mongolia, China. The soil was incubated for 200 days with N addition treatment. Soil CO2‐C release rates were measured to fit a three‐pool model for describing soil C quality by the pool sizes of the fast, slow, and passive C fractions. Soil microbial r‐K growth strategy, metabolic efficiency, biomass, and major abiotic factors were measured. In non‐degraded grasslands, N addition significantly increased the fast C pool size but decreased the slow C pool size primarily through increases in microbial biomass N. However, in all three degraded grasslands, a consistent pattern was observed among different C pool sizes with N addition through changes in microbial r‐K growth strategy, metabolic efficiency, and biomass: the fast C pool size remained relatively stable because of the contrasting effects of increases in r‐strategists and enhanced metabolic efficiency; the slow C pool size was increased by the combined positive impacts of microbial metabolic efficiency and microbial biomass N and the passive C pool size decreased unexpectedly, although the metabolic efficiency, microbial biomass N, and r‐strategists increased. These findings highlight the important role of changes in microbial r‐K growth strategy, metabolic efficiency, and biomass in regulating soil C quality in degraded temperate grasslands.
Tuning the Phenotype of Cartilage Tissue Mimics by Varying Spheroid Maturation and Methacrylamide‐Modified Gelatin Hydrogel Characteristics
Authors: De Moor Lise , Minne Mendy , Tytgat Liesbeth , Vercruysse Chris , Dubruel Peter , Van Vlierberghe Sandra , Declercq Heidi
Published: March 2021

In hybrid bioprinting of cartilage tissue constructs, spheroids are used as cellular building blocks and combined with biomaterials for dispensing. However, biomaterial intrinsic cues can deeply affect cell fate and to date, the influence of hydrogel encapsulation on spheroid viability and phenotype has received limited attention. This study assesses this need and unravels 1) how the phenotype of spheroid‐laden constructs can be tuned through adjusting the hydrogel physico–chemical properties and 2) if the spheroid maturation stage prior to encapsulation is a determining factor for the construct phenotype. Articular chondrocyte spheroids with a cartilage specific extracellular matrix (ECM) are generated and different maturation stages, early‐, mid‐, and late‐stage (3, 7, and 14 days, respectively), are harvested and encapsulated in 10, 15, or 20 w/v% methacrylamide‐modified gelatin (gelMA) for 14 days. The encapsulation of immature spheroids do not lead to a cartilage‐like ECM production but when more mature mid‐ or late‐stage spheroids are combined with a certain concentration of gelMA, a fibrocartilage‐like as well as a hyaline cartilage‐like phenotype can be induced. As a proof of concept, late‐stage spheroids are bioprinted using a 10 w/v% gelMA–Irgacure 2959 solution with the aim to test the processing potential of the spheroid‐laden bioink.
Numerical analysis of nonlinear variable fractional viscoelastic arch based on shifted Legendre polynomials
Authors: Cao Jiawei , Chen Yiming , Wang Yuanhui , Zhang Hua
Published: March 2021

An innovative numerical procedure for solving the viscoelastic arch problem based on variable fractional rheological models, directly in time domain, is proposed and investigated. First, the nonlinear integral‐differential governing equation is established according to the variable fractional constitutive relation and geometrical relationship. Second, the nonlinear integral‐differential governing equation is transformed into algebraic equations and solved by using the shifted Legendre polynomials. Furthermore, the accuracy and effectiveness of the algorithm are verified according to the mathematical example. A small value of the absolute error between numerical and accurate solution is obtained. Finally, the dynamic analysis of viscoelastic arch is investigated to determine the displacement at different times and positions. The displacement of the viscoelastic arch is compared under various loading (uniformly distributed load and linear load). The displacement of the viscoelastic arch of different materials under the same load conditions is also investigated. The results in the paper show the efficiency of the proposed numerical algorithm in the dynamical analysis of the viscoelastic arch.
A simple filtering patch antenna based on stub‐loaded resonator
Authors: Yang Dong , Zhai Huiqing , Guo Chaozong
Published: March 2021

In this article, a simple coaxial‐feed filtering patch antenna based on stub‐loaded resonator is investigated and analyzed. Owning to the addition of a pair of parasitic stubs, the original rectangular patch antenna acquires a new resonance point and an out‐side radiation null beyond the upper band edge. Then, by establishing a transverse path (introducing connected stubs), the radiating and filtering responses at lower band have been enhanced accordingly. In short, it operates like a three‐order filter with two‐constrained radiation nulls along the passband outside. The novel design has been verified by machining and testing, which meets the expected lately. A fractional bandwidth of 28% and a stable realized gain of 5.8 dBi in‐band are finally measured, and more it also reaches a higher radiation efficiency of 83%. Besides, it exhibits a unidirectional radiation pattern with a low‐cross polarization less than −20 dB in the boresight direction.
NMReDATA: Tools and applications
Authors: Kuhn Stefan , Wieske Lianne H. E. , Trevorrow Paul , Schober Daniel , Schlörer Nils E. , Nuzillard Jean‐Marc , Kessler Pavel , Junker Jochen , Herráez Angel , Farès Christophe , Erdélyi Mate , Jeannerat Damien
Published: March 2021

The nuclear magnetic resonance extracted data (NMReDATA) format has been proposed as a way to store, exchange, and disseminate nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) data and physical and chemical metadata of chemical compounds. In this paper, we report on analytical workflows that take advantage of the uniform and standardized NMReDATA format. We also give access to a repository of sample data, which can serve for validating software packages that encode or decode files in NMReDATA format.
A 43Ca nuclear magnetic resonance perspective on octacalcium phosphate and its hybrid derivatives
Authors: Laurencin Danielle , Li Yang , Duer Melinda J. , Iuga Dinu , Gervais Christel , Bonhomme Christian
Published: March 2021

43Ca nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy has been extensively applied to the detailed study of octacalcium phosphate (OCP), Ca8(HPO4)2(PO4)4.5H2O, and hybrid derivatives involving intercalated metabolic acids (viz., citrate, succinate, formate, and adipate). Such phases are of importance in the development of a better understanding of bone structure. High‐resolution 43Ca magic angle spinning (MAS) experiments, including double‐rotation (DOR) 43Ca NMR, as well as 43Ca{1H} rotational echo DOR (REDOR) and 31P{43Ca} REAPDOR NMR spectra, were recorded on a 43Ca‐labeled OCP phase at very high magnetic field (20 T), and complemented by ab initio calculations of NMR parameters using the Gauge‐Including Projector Augmented Wave–density functional theory (GIPAW‐DFT) method. This enabled a partial assignment of the eight inequivalent Ca2+ sites of OCP. Natural‐abundance 43Ca MAS NMR spectra were then recorded for the hybrid organic–inorganic derivatives, revealing changes in the 43Ca lineshape. In the case of the citrate derivative, these could be interpreted on the basis of computational models of the structure. Overall, this study highlights the advantages of combining high‐resolution 43Ca NMR experiments and computational modeling for studying complex hybrid biomaterials.
Distance measurements to quadrupolar nuclei: Evolution of the rotational echo double resonance technique
Authors: Goldbourt Amir
Published: March 2021

Molecular structure determination is the basis for understanding chemical processes and the property of materials. The direct dependence of the magnetic dipolar interaction on the distance makes solid‐state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) an excellent tool to study molecular structure when X‐ray crystallography fails to provide atomic‐resolution data. Although techniques to measure distances between pairs of isolated nuclear spin‐1/2 pairs are routine and easy to implement using the rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) experiment (Gullion & Schaefer, 1989), the existence of a nucleus with a spin > 1/2, appearing in approximately 75% of the elements in the periodic table, poses a challenge due to difficulties stemming from the large nuclear quadrupolar coupling constant (QCC). This mini‐review presents the existing solid‐state magic‐angle spinning NMR techniques aimed toward the efficient and accurate determination of internuclear distances between a spin‐1/2 and a “quadrupolar” nucleus having a spin larger than one half. Analytical expressions are provided for the various recoupling curves stemming from different techniques, and a coherent nomenclature for these various techniques is suggested. Treatment of some special cases such as multiple spin effects and spins with close Larmor frequencies is also discussed. The most advanced methods can recouple spins with quadrupolar frequencies up to tens of megahertz and beyond, expanding the distance measurement capabilities of solid‐state NMR to an increasingly growing number of applications and nuclear spin systems.
Aliasing artifact reduction in spiral real‐time MRI
Authors: Tian Ye , Lim Yongwan , Zhao Ziwei , Byrd Dani , Narayanan Shrikanth , Nayak Krishna S.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To mitigate a common artifact in spiral real‐time MRI, caused by aliasing of signal outside the desired FOV. This artifact frequently occurs in midsagittal speech real‐time MRI.

Methods

Simulations were performed to determine the likely origin of the artifact. Two methods to mitigate the artifact are proposed. The first approach, denoted as “large FOV” (LF), keeps an FOV that is large enough to include the artifact signal source during reconstruction. The second approach, denoted as “estimation‐subtraction” (ES), estimates the artifact signal source before subtracting a synthetic signal representing that source in multicoil k‐space raw data. Twenty‐five midsagittal speech‐production real‐time MRI data sets were used to evaluate both of the proposed methods. Reconstructions without and with corrections were evaluated by two expert readers using a 5‐level Likert scale assessing artifact severity. Reconstruction time was also compared.

Results

The origin of the artifact was found to be a combination of gradient nonlinearity and imperfect anti‐aliasing in spiral sampling. The LF and ES methods were both able to substantially reduce the artifact, with an averaged qualitative score improvement of 1.25 and 1.35 Likert levels for LF correction and ES correction, respectively. Average reconstruction time without correction, with LF correction, and with ES correction were 160.69 ± 1.56, 526.43 ± 5.17, and 171.47 ± 1.71 ms/frame.

Conclusion

Both proposed methods were able to reduce the spiral aliasing artifacts, with the ES‐reduction method being more effective and more time efficient.
Overview of Ocular Side Effects of Selinexor
Authors: Al-Zubidi Nagham , Gombos Dan S. , Hong David S. , Subbiah Vivek , Fu Siqing , Ahnert Jordi Rodon , Piha-Paul Sarina A. , Tsimberidou Apostolia M. , Karp Daniel D. , Bernstam Funda Meric , Naing Aung
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim of this review is to elucidate the type and frequency of ocular adverse events associated with selinexor with a goal to quantify the occurrence of these events in our investigator-initiated trial.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed medical records of 174 patients treated with at least one dose of selinexor in combination with multiple standard chemotherapy or immunotherapy agents between July 2015 and July 2020 at a comprehensive cancer center in the U.S. All reported ocular adverse events were assessed.

Results

A total of 174 patient medical records were reviewed. All patients received at least one dose of selinexor in combination with multiple standard chemotherapy or immunotherapy agents in our cohort of patients with advanced malignancies. A total of 34 (19.54%) patients experienced 37 ocular adverse events. The most frequently reported ocular symptom was blurred vision, which was reported in 22 (12.64%) patients. The most frequently reported treatment-related adverse event was dry eye syndrome reported in 21 (12.1%) patients, and 19 (10.9%) of them were diagnosed with mild dry eye. The second most common treatment-related adverse event was the progression of age-related nuclear sclerosis (cataract) reported in 7 (4.0%) patients. None of the ocular adverse events required therapy discontinuation.

Conclusion

Our findings highlight that ocular adverse events associated with oral selinexor were mild. The most frequently reported ocular treatment-related adverse events were mild dry eye and progression of age-related nuclear sclerosis. None of the ocular adverse events required therapy discontinuation.

Implications for Practice

Patients receiving selinexor in combination with multiple standard chemotherapy or immunotherapy agents were reviewed, with a total of 34 patients experiencing 37 ocular adverse events. Findings highlight that ocular adverse events associated with oral selinexor were mild. The most frequently reported ocular treatment-related adverse events were mild dry eye and progression of age-related nuclear sclerosis. None of the ocular adverse events required therapy discontinuation.
Fabrication and characterization of flame‐retardant and smoke‐suppressant of flexible polyurethane foam with modified hydrotalcite
Authors: Zhang Xu , Wen Yueqi , Li Sen , Wang Zhi , Xie Hua
Published: March 2021

The hydrotalcite has been chemically modified by using the ion exchange method to insert dihydrogen phosphate between the carbonate‐type magnesium–aluminum hydrotalcite layers. And then, the effect of modified hydrotalcite on the flame retardancy and smoke suppression properties of flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) has been investigated using limiting oxygen index (LOI) method, cone calorimeter test (CONE), smoke density chamber, flue gas analyzer, and scanning electron microscope (SEM). The current indicated that the LOI of flame‐retardant modified FPUF was increased to 25.4%. And the peak heat release rate (PHRR) and total heat release (THR) of the samples were decreased by 74.9 kW/m2 and by 9.7 MJ/m2, respectively. Additionally, the total amount of flue gas produced by combustion was reduced by 157.7 m2/m2, and the maximum concentration of carbon monoxide (CO) gas decreased from 51.3 to 23.8 mg/m3. Based on these data, it can be found that the hydrotalcite modified by dihydrogen phosphate intercalation had an excellent flame‐retardant and smoke‐suppressant effect, and 15% of modified hydrotalcite was the most appropriate amount during the combustion process of the modified FPUFs.
Risk of interstitial lung disease in patients treated for atrial fibrillation with dronedarone versus other antiarrhythmics
Authors: Tave Arlene , Goehring Earl , Desai Vibha , Wu Chuntao , Bohn Rhonda L. , Tamayo Sally G. , Sicignano Nicholas , Juhaeri Juhaeri , Jones Judith K. , Weiss Sheila R.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To compare risks of interstitial lung disease (ILD) between patients treated with dronedarone versus other antiarrhythmics.

Methods

Parallel retrospective cohort studies were conducted in the United States Department of Defense Military Health System database (DoD) and the HealthCore Integrated Research Database (HIRD). Study patients were treated for atrial fibrillation (AF) with dronedarone, amiodarone, sotalol, or flecainide. Propensity score matching was employed to create analysis cohorts balanced on baseline variables considered potential confounders of treatment decisions. The study period of July 20, 2008 through September 30, 2014 included a 1‐year baseline and minimum 6 months of follow‐up, for patients with drugs dispensed between July 20, 2009 and March 31, 2014. Suspect ILD outcomes were reviewed by independent adjudicators. Cox proportional hazards regression compared risk of confirmed ILD between dronedarone and each comparator cohort. A sensitivity analysis examined the effect of broadening the outcome definition.

Results

A total 72 ILD cases (52 DoD; 20 HIRD) were confirmed among 27 892 patients. ILD risk was significantly higher among amiodarone than dronedarone initiators in DoD (HR = 2.5; 95% CI = 1.1–5.3, p = 0.02). No difference was detected in HIRD (HR = 1.0; 95% CI = 0.4–2.4). Corresponding risks in sotalol and flecainide exposure groups did not differ significantly from dronedarone in either database.

Conclusions

ILD risk among AF patients initiated on dronedarone therapy was comparable to or lower than that of amiodarone initiators, and similar to that of new sotalol or flecainide users. This finding suggests that elevated ILD risk associated with amiodarone does not necessarily extend to dronedarone or other antiarrhythmic drugs.
Influence of different molecular weights of polyhexene‐1 on the morphology and rheology of cyclic olefin copolymer blends
Authors: Shamsoddini‐Zarch Fatemeh , Jahani Yousef , Karrabi Mohammad , Ohshima Masahiro
Published: March 2021

The morphology and rheological behavior of cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) blends with two molecular weights of polyhexene‐1 (PH‐1, PH‐1‐UH [ultra‐high]) were investigated at a wide range of compositions. Morphology of the blends at low concentrations of polyhexene‐1 s showed a droplet‐matrix structure and changed to a co‐continuous morphology at intermediate concentrations. The rheological Cole‐Cole plots and viscosity versus composition confirmed immiscibility of the blends. The interfacial interaction of blends phases was investigated and Complex viscosity and storage modulus versus frequency were measured and the results were consistent with high interfacial strength between the COC and high concentrations of PH‐1‐UH which increases the melt strength of the blends. Relaxation time spectra and Tan δ versus frequency curves were analyzed and these results were consistent with a high degree of entanglements between the COC and PH‐1‐UH chains in the PH‐1‐UH‐rich compounds which in turn increased the elasticity. Damping factor measurements and calculation of interfacial tension using emulsion models showed that in the COC‐rich blends, the interfacial interaction COC/PH‐1 blends is higher than that of the COC/PH‐1‐UH blends and thus the elasticity and particles form relaxation time of the PH‐1 blends are higher compared to PH‐1‐UH blends.
Crosslinked electrospun composite membranes of poly(vinyl alcohol) and poly(vinyl chloride): tunable mechanical properties, porosity and performance
Authors: Mithaiwala Husain , Tronstad Zachary T , Korah Mani Modayil , Buffington Alexander , Green Matthew D
Published: March 2021

Managing water resources has become one of the most pressing concerns of scientists in both academia and industry. Broadening access to nontraditional water feedstocks, such as brackish water, seawater and wastewater, requires a robust pretreatment process to prolong the lifetime and improve the efficiency of reverse osmosis treatment processes. Herein, pretreatment membranes with tunable hydrophilic characteristics and mechanical properties were developed through a facile and scalable technique. Specifically, poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC) were electrospun at various PVA‐to‐PVC mass ratios and then crosslinked with a poly(ethylene glycol) diacid. Fiber diameters and morphologies were characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM); Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and confocal fluorescence microscopy further confirmed the presence of both polymers. Moreover, a rigorous analysis to map the PVA/PVC concentration was established to accurately determine the relative concentrations of the two polymers on the co‐spun mat. The crosslinking reaction noted above tuned the membrane porosity from 500 to 80 nm, as seen using SEM, and the mechanical properties were probed using tensile testing. The data revealed that the PVC content controlled the mechanical strength; moreover, higher PVA contents were expected to increase water permeation by enhancing the hydrophilicity, but the higher degree of crosslinking in these materials actually reduced water permeation. This work introduces a facile, scalable route for the manufacture of pretreatment membranes with tunable porosity, mechanical properties and water permeation behavior. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Quantum chemical design of near‐infrared sensitive fused ring electron acceptors containing selenophene as π‐bridge for high‐performance organic solar cells
Authors: Mehboob Muhammad Yasir , Hussain Riaz , Khan Muhammad Usman , Adnan Muhammad , Ehsan Muhammad Ali , Rehman Abdul , Janjua Muhammad Ramzan Saeed Ashraf
Published: March 2021

End‐capped acceptors modification of fused ring electron acceptors (FREAs) is an attractive strategy to boost the optoelectronic and photovoltaic properties of the materials. FREAs are also proven beneficial due to their tremendous applications in organic solar cells (OSCs). Among fused‐ring electronic species, small fullerene‐free FREAs have already been drawn more attention due to their near‐infrared sensitivity and constantly increasing efficiencies. Therefore, we have designed six new FREAs (K1–K6) having selenophene as π‐bridge in between the central alkylated indaceno[1,2‐b:5,6b]dithiophene (IDT) unit after the incorporations of various end‐capped acceptors on to the recently synthesized IDT2SeC2C4‐4F molecule. Structural–property relationship and photophysical and photovoltaic properties of newly designed molecules are studied with the help of density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT). Certain critical specifications like frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) alignment, density of states (DOS), absorption maxima, excitation energy, binding energy (BE) along with transition density matrix (TDM), and the specifically estimated reorganizational energy values of electron and hole and the open circuit voltages of newly designed molecules are computed and compared with reference molecule. Generally, a red‐shifting absorption behavior of FREAs is considered the most important reason for their high efficiencies in OSCs. Our novel designed molecules exhibit red shift in absorption spectrum. Similarly, low excitation and binding energies of designed molecules offer improved power conversion efficiencies (PCEs) with highest possible charge photocurrent density (Jsc) in OSCs devices. Furthermore, study of PTB7‐Th/K1 complex is also done in order to examine charge transfer between within complex. By introducing the efficient end‐capped acceptor moieties in reference molecule, enhancement in charge mobilities is noted. The large open circuit voltage, low reorganizational energies, narrower highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) energy gap, lower binding and excitation energies, and highly red shifting in absorption phenomenon indicate an efficient designing of molecules, which could be best fitted for high efficiency OSCs. Finally, theorized molecules are much superior related to their photovoltaic and electronic properties and thus are recommended to experimentalist for their synthesis and out‐looking future developments of highly efficient solar cells devices.
High fractional exhaled nitric oxide levels in asthma patients: Does size matter?
Authors: Diamant Nir , Amirav Israel , Armoni‐Domany Keren , Sadot Efraim , Shapira Udi , Cahal Michal , Be'er Moria , Rochman Mika , Lavie Moran
Published: March 2021

Background

Fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) is a biomarker for eosinophilic inflammation used for diagnosis and monitoring of asthma. High FeNO indicates significant airway eosinophilia and steroid‐responsive airway inflammation. Some children with asthma have extremely high FeNO levels, but whether these levels represent a different asthma phenotype compared with those with mildly elevated FeNO is unclear. The objective of this study is to investigate whether the extent of high FeNO levels correlates with clinical phenotype, asthma control, comorbidity, and pulmonary function test (PFT) findings in children with asthma.

Methods

Anthropometric data, daytime and nighttime symptoms, controller treatment, comorbidity, and PFT findings were retrieved from the Pediatric Pulmonology Unit database (2014–2020) and correlated with FeNO levels in pediatric asthma patients with high FeNO levels.

Results

Two‐hundred children and adolescents with high FeNO levels (range 36–227 ppb) were included. Within this range, higher FeNO levels positively correlated with increased daytime and nighttime symptoms (p = .013 and p = .01, respectively) and poorly controlled asthma (p = .034). A FeNO level of ≥80 ppb was the cutoff for significantly more severe daytime and nighttime symptoms and very poorly controlled asthma compared with levels <80 ppb (p = .004, p = .005, and p = .036, respectively). No correlation was found between FeNO and controller treatment, comorbidity, and PFT performance.

Conclusion

In pediatric asthma patients, high FeNO levels correlate with increased symptom severity and poor asthma control. A FeNO level of ≥80 ppb may serve as an objective indicator for severe asthma.
An Optimized & Scaled‐Up Synthetic Procedure for Trinitroethyl Formate TNEF
Authors: Dosch Dominik E. , Andrade Karen , Klapötke Thomas M. , Krumm Burkhard
Published: March 2021

Previous reports showed, that tris(2,2,2‐trinitroethoxy)methane, also known as tris(2,2,2‐trinitroethyl) orthoformate or trinitroethyl formate (TNEF), exhibits a very high potential for application due to its excellent energetic properties and compatibility with state of the art binder systems for composite propellants. However, TNEF was never produced on a scale exceeding a few grams. In this work, a scaled and optimized synthetic procedure for the manufacturing of elemental analysis pure TNEF in a 100 g pre‐technical scale is described. Applied optimizations focus on cost of the synthesis and improvements regarding a greener purification process. Acceptable yields were achieved in the 100 g scale and the described synthetic procedure could be easily applied in the technical scale in the next step. This could stimulate a broader application of TNEF as an environmentally benign high energy density oxidizer for composite propellants.
Entomopathogenic fungi to control bark beetles: a review of ecological recommendations
Authors: Mann Andrew J , Davis Thomas S
Published: March 2021

There is considerable interest in applying entomopathogenic fungi as a biological control to limit insect populations due to their low environmental and human applicator impacts. However, despite many promising laboratory tests, there are few examples where these fungi were successfully applied to manage bark beetles. Here, we explore how environmental conditions unique to bark beetle habitats may have limited previous entomopathogenic fungus applications, including variable temperatures, ultraviolet light, bark beetle symbiotic microorganisms, tree phytochemicals, and cryptic bark beetle behaviors. Based on the existing literature, we provide a framework for interpreting the pathogenicity of entomopathogenic fungi to bark beetles, with emphasis on both standardizing and improving laboratory approaches to enhance field applications. Our synthesis indicates that most previous laboratory evaluations are conducted under conditions that are not representative of actual bark beetle systems; this may render fungal isolates functionally non‐pathogenic in field settings. We recommend that future studies place particular effort into understanding entomopathogen response to the presence of bark beetle symbiotic microorganisms, plant phytochemicals, and potential as a tree endophyte. Additionally, field application methods should aid entomopathogens in overcoming stressful conditions and allow the fungus to infect multiple bark beetle life stages. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Silicon amendment to rice plants reduces the transmission of southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus by Sogatella furcifera
Authors: Jia Luyao , Han Yongqiang , Hou Maolin
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Plant viruses are transmitted mainly by piercing‐sucking herbivores, and viral disease management relies on chemical control of vectors. Southern rice black‐streaked dwarf virus (SRBSDV) is transmitted by the white‐backed planthopper (WBPH), Sogatella furcifera. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of silicon (Si) amendment for reducing SRBSDV transmission.

RESULTS

The settling and ovipositional preferences of WBPH females decreased significantly by 14.6–43.7% for plants treated with either 0.16 g or 0.32 g SiO2 kg−1 soil during SRBSDV acquisition and by 26.2–28.3% for plants treated with 0.32 g SiO2 kg−1 soil during SRBSDV inoculation, compared with controls. Adding either 0.16 or 0.32 g SiO2 kg−1 soil significantly reduced SRBSDV inoculation rate by 31.3% and 45.3%, respectively, and acquisition rate by 25.5% and 66.0%, respectively. Silicification was intensified more in plants treated with 0.32 g SiO2 kg−1 soil than in controls. The nonprobing (np) duration increased, and the phloem sap ingestion (N4‐b) duration decreased significantly in the WBPHs feeding on high‐rate‐Si‐supplemented plants compared with control plants during both inoculation and acquisition access.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that Si amendment to rice plants decreased the WBPH settling and ovipositional preference and the SRBSDV acquisition and inoculation rates, thereby reducing SRBSDV transmission. The intensified plant silicification and the altered WBPH feeding behaviors (i.e. prolonged np and shortened N4‐b) may explain the reduced SRBSDV transmission in Si‐amended plants. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Laboratory and field insights into the dynamics and behavior of Argentine ants, Linepithema humile, feeding from hydrogels
Authors: Cabrera Emilia , Rivas Fontan Ignacio , Hoffmann Benjamin D , Josens Roxana
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Hydrogels that have absorbed a liquid containing a toxicant are a novel form of bait‐delivery for ant control. Here, we study the abilities of Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) workers to imbibe liquid from hydrogels. We quantified feeding behavior with: (i) hydrogels containing different sucrose concentrations (20, 30, 40 and 50% w/w); (ii) hydrogels versus liquid droplets; and (iii) hydrogel age (air exposure time). We also performed a field assay to assess visits by L. humile and other ant species to hydrogels.

RESULTS

Ingested volume and feeding time decreased with increasing sucrose concentrations, but the number and duration of pauses were similar. Feeding from hydrogels was slower than from a liquid droplet and ants imbibed less liquid and fed for shorter times from hydrogels. Feeding time increased with hydrogel age, whereas ingested volume decreased and approached zero after 120 min under laboratory conditions. In the field, ants attended the hydrogels during the full 120‐min study period. When L. humile workers found a hydrogel, they monopolized it to the exclusion of other ant species. L. humile occupied and dominated hydrogels predominantly in shaded locations.

CONCLUSION

Hydrogels with sucrose concentrations no greater than 30% appear best for liquid uptake by L. humile. Hydrogels not in direct sunlight will have greater attendance by L. humile and, therefore, less attendance by non‐target ant species. Shady and humid places may prolong the longevity of hydrogels, which would imply higher intakes. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Skills on the move: Highly skilled migrants in Switzerland and beyond
Authors: Hercog Metka , Cangià Flavia
Published: March 2021

This article explores how highly skilled migrants make sense of and subjectively validate their skills when in search of employment in a new country. With the use of a transnational perspective, we suggest that in the context of migration, skills can only be properly understood if we consider the multiple locations and events in people's life trajectories. In addition to foregrounding the spatial context, we also explore skills through a temporal perspective. The country of origin, previous countries of migration, receiving context and future destinations, and past experiences and future plans can all play a role in the way individuals make sense of and subjectively validate what migrants themselves consider to be their skills. Drawing upon qualitative research among highly skilled migrants in Switzerland, we examine how personal and professional skills intertwine with each other when people engage with a given yet evolving socio‐economic environment.