bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prostate Cancer Grade and Stage Misclassification in Active Surveillance Candidates: Black Versus White Patients
Authors: Stolzenbach Lara Franziska , Rosiello Giuseppe , Pecoraro Angela , Palumbo Carlotta , Luzzago Stefano , Deuker Marina , Tian Zhe , Knipper Anne-Sophie , Pompe Raisa , Zorn Kevin C. , Shariat Shahrokh F. , Chun Felix K.H. , Graefen Markus , Saad Fred , Karakiewicz Pierre I.
Published: November 2020

Background: Misclassification rates defined as upgrading, upstaging, and upgrading and/or upstaging have not been tested in contemporary Black patients relative to White patients who fulfilled criteria for very-low-risk, low-risk, or favorable intermediate-risk prostate cancer. This study aimed to address this void. Methods: Within the SEER database (2010–2015), we focused on patients with very low, low, and favorable intermediate risk for prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy and had available stage and grade information. Descriptive analyses, temporal trend analyses, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used. Results: Overall, 4,704 patients with very low risk (701 Black vs 4,003 White), 17,785 with low risk (2,696 Black vs 15,089 White), and 11,040 with favorable intermediate risk (1,693 Black vs 9,347 White) were identified. Rates of upgrading and/or upstaging in Black versus White patients were respectively 42.1% versus 37.7% (absolute Δ = +4.4%; P<.001) in those with very low risk, 48.6% versus 46.0% (absolute Δ = +2.6%; P<.001) in those with low risk, and 33.8% versus 35.3% (absolute Δ = –1.5%; P=.05) in those with favorable intermediate risk. Conclusions: Rates of misclassification were particularly elevated in patients with very low risk and low risk, regardless of race, and ranged from 33.8% to 48.6%. Recalibration of very-low-, low-, and, to a lesser extent, favorable intermediate-risk active surveillance criteria may be required. Finally, our data indicate that Black patients may be given the same consideration as White patients when active surveillance is an option. However, further validations should ideally follow.
Cost-Effectiveness of Maintenance Olaparib for Germline BRCA-Mutated Metastatic Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wu Bin , Shi Lizheng
Published: November 2020

Background: Maintenance therapy with the PARP inhibitor olaparib for metastatic pancreatic cancer (MPC) with a germline BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutation has been shown to be effective. We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of maintenance olaparib for MPC from the US payer perspective. Materials and Methods: A partitioned survival model was adopted to project the disease course of MPC. Efficacy and toxicity data were gathered from the Pancreas Cancer Olaparib Ongoing (POLO) trial. Transition probabilities were estimated from the reported survival probabilities in each POLO group. Cost and health preference data were derived from the literature. The incremental cost-utility ratio, incremental net-health benefit, and incremental monetary benefit were measured. Subgroup analysis, one-way analysis, and probabilistic sensitivity analysis were performed to explore the model uncertainties. Results: Maintenance olaparib had an incremental cost-utility ratio of $191,596 per additional progression-free survival (PFS) quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained, with a high cost of $132,287 and 0.691 PFS QALY gained, compared with results for a placebo. Subgroup analysis indicated that maintenance olaparib achieved at least a 16.8% probability of cost-effectiveness at the threshold of $200,000/QALY. One-way sensitivity analyses revealed that the results were sensitive to the hazard ratio of PFS and the cost of olaparib. When overall survival was considered, maintenance olaparib had an incremental cost-utility ratio of $265,290 per additional QALY gained, with a high cost of $128,266 and 0.483 QALY gained, compared with results for a placebo. Conclusions: Maintenance olaparib is potentially cost-effective compared with placebo for patients with a germline BRCA mutation and MPC. Economic outcomes could be improved by tailoring treatment based on individual patient factors.
General and Health-Related Internet Use Among Cancer Survivors in the United States: A 2013–2018 Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Dee Edward Christopher , Muralidhar Vinayak , Butler Santino S. , Yu Zizi , Sha Sybil T. , Mahal Brandon A. , Nguyen Paul L. , Sanford Nina N.
Published: November 2020

Background: A significant proportion of cancer survivors endorse ongoing health information needs and may use the internet to access information. We assessed patterns and predictors of general and health-specific internet use among cancer survivors. Methods: Using data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS), which was administered in 2013 through 2018, for adults reporting a cancer diagnosis, sample weight-adjusted estimates defined prevalence and multivariable logistic regressions defined adjusted odds ratios (aORs) of general and health-specific internet use, adjusting for relevant sociodemographic covariates, including healthcare satisfaction as the primary independent variable. The analysis for health-specific internet use was also repeated including a sex (female vs male)*healthcare satisfaction (very satisfied/somewhat satisfied vs somewhat dissatisfied/very dissatisfied) interaction term. Results: Among 12,970 survivors of cancer, general and health-specific internet use increased from 2013 to 2018 (from 63.2% to 70.8% and from 46.8% to 52.2%, respectively; P<.05 for both). Survivors who were very dissatisfied with healthcare were more likely to use the internet for health information compared with those who were very satisfied (59.5% vs 48.0%; aOR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.20–2.64; P=.004). Younger age, female sex, higher educational attainment, and higher socioeconomic status were all associated with increased reported use of the internet for both general and health-specific purposes (P<.001 for all). There was a significant sex*healthcare satisfaction interaction (P=.009) such that for female survivors, healthcare dissatisfaction was associated with higher odds of health-specific internet use (61.4% vs 52.5%; P<.001; men, P=.97). No association was found between healthcare satisfaction and general internet use (P=.42). Conclusions: The increasing proportion of survivors of cancer using the internet for health-specific information may be associated with self-reported dissatisfaction with healthcare. Efforts are needed to improve both access to the internet and the quality of cancer-relevant online health information, and to enhance patients’ online health literacy.
A New Surveillance Algorithm After Resection of Colorectal Liver Metastases Based on Changes in Recurrence Risk and RAS Mutation Status
Authors: Kawaguchi Yoshikuni , Kopetz Scott , Lillemoe Heather A. , Hwang Hyunsoo , Wang Xuemei , Tzeng Ching-Wei D. , Chun Yun Shin , Aloia Thomas A. , Vauthey Jean-Nicolas
Published: November 2020

Background: The optimal surveillance strategy after resection of colorectal liver metastases (CLM) is unknown. We evaluated changes in recurrence risk after CLM resection and developed a surveillance algorithm. Methods: Patients undergoing CLM resection during 1998 to 2015 were identified from a prospectively compiled database and analyzed if they had the potential for follow-up longer than the longest observed time to recurrence in this cohort. Changes in recurrence risk and risk factors for recurrence were evaluated. All statistical tests were 2-sided. Results: Among 2,105 patients who were initially identified and underwent CLM resection, the latest recurrence was observed at 87 months; 1,221 consecutive patients from 1998 through 2011 with the potential for at least 87 months of follow-up were included. The risk of recurrence was highest at 0 to 2 years after CLM resection, lower at 2 to 4 years after CLM resection, and steadily lower after 4 years after CLM resection. Factors associated with increased recurrence risk at the time of surgery were primary lymph node metastasis (hazard ratio [HR], 1.54; 95% CI, 1.21–1.97; P<.001), multiple CLM (HR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.06–1.63; P=.015), largest liver metastasis diameter >5 cm (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.23–2.19; P<.001), and RAS mutation (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04–1.59; P=.020). In patients without recurrence at 2 years, the only factor still associated with increased recurrence risk was RAS mutation. In those patients, the recurrence rate at 4 years was 59.3% in patients with RAS mutation versus 27.8% in patients with RAS wild-type (P=.019). Conclusions: For patients who have undergone CLM resection, we propose surveillance every 3 to 4 months during years 0 to 2, every 3 to 4 months (if mutant RAS) versus every 4 to 6 months (if RAS wild-type) during years 2 to 4, and every 6 to 12 months if recurrence-free at 4 years.
Selected Topics on Information Management in Complex Systems: Editorial Introduction to Issue 24 of CSIMQ
Authors: Nazaruka Erika
Published: November 2020

Complex systems consist of multiple interacting parts; some of them (or even all of them) may also be systems. While performing their tasks, these parts operate with multiple data and information flows. Data are gathered, created, transferred, and analyzed. Information based on the analyzed data is assessed and taken into account during decision making. Different types of data and a large number of data flows can be considered as one of the sources of system complexity. Thus, information management, including data control, is an important aspect of complex systems development and management.According to ISO/IEC/IEEE 15288:2015, “the purpose of the Information Management Process is to generate, obtain, confirm, transform, retain, retrieve, disseminate and dispose of information, to designated stakeholders…”. Information management strategies consider the scope of information, constrains, security controls and information life cycle. This means that information management activities should be implemented starting from the level of primitive data gathering and ending with enterprise-level decision making.The articles, which have been recommended by reviewers for this issue of CSIMQ, present contributions in different aspects of information management in complex systems, namely, implementation of harmful environment monitoring and data transmitting by Internet-of-Things (IoT) systems, analysis of technological and organizational means for mitigating issues related to information security and users’ privacy that can lead to changes in corresponding systems’ processes, organization and infrastructure, as well as assessment of potential benefits that a controlled (i.e. based on the up-to-date information) change process can bring to an enterprise.
Transferencias monetarias estatales e intimidad: la dimensión moral del dinero en los hogares argentinos
Authors: Hornes Martín
Published: November 2020

This article proposes an approximation of the social and moral meanings that state money acquires in households holding cash transfer programs (TM). From an ethnographic field work carried out in popular neighborhoods of the Municipality of Avellaneda (Province of Buenos Aires of the Argentine Republic) a qualitative approximation of the budgets of different households is carried out, with the aim of demonstrating that the expansion and rooting of cash transfers programs transforms the family dynamics of the popular sectors. Indeed, this situation generates new power relations that are mobilized from disputes over social constructions of gender and intergenerational interpretations of the moral meanings that such money acquires.
A Narrative Review on the Tests Used in Biomechanical Functional Assessment of the Foot and Leg: Diagnostic Tests of Deformities and Compensations
Authors: Di Stasio Gaetano , Montanelli Mia
Published: November 2020

Background

To date, scientific literature has not as yet come up with any review showing the diagnostic tests used for functional assessment of the foot and leg.

Methods

A literature review was conducted of electronic databases (MEDLINE, PEDro, DOAJ, BioMed Central, PLOS, and Centre for Reviews and Dissemination at the University of York) up to December 8, 2018. The biomechanical tests, which have adequate supportive literature, were divided into qualitative tests that provide a dichotomy/trichotomy-type answer to clinical diagnostic questions; semiquantitative tests that provide numerical data to clinical diagnostic questions; and quantitative tests that record continuous numerical data (in analogue or digital form).

Results

These tests produce a useful functional evaluation model of the foot and leg for different purposes: evaluation of lower limb deficits or abnormalities in healthy patients and in athletes (in sports or other physical activities); assessment of tissue stress syndromes caused by pathomechanics; evaluation of lower limb deficits or abnormalities in rheumatic disease and diabetic foot patients; and to determine the appropriate functional or semifunctional foot orthotic therapy and therapeutic path used in gait rehabilitation.

Conclusions

Many of these tests have adequate diagnostic reliability and reproducibility and therefore can be considered diagnostic. Few of these are validated, and some have initiated the validation process by determining their sensitivity and specificity. The widespread use of these tools in clinical practice (diagnosis of function) lacks scientific evidence and in-depth analysis of their limitations.
BiSCoT: improving large eukaryotic genome assemblies with optical maps
Authors: Istace Benjamin , Belser Caroline , Aury Jean-Marc
Published: November 2020

Motivation

Long read sequencing and Bionano Genomics optical maps are two techniques that, when used together, make it possible to reconstruct entire chromosome or chromosome arms structure. However, the existing tools are often too conservative and organization of contigs into scaffolds is not always optimal.

Results

We developed BiSCoT (Bionano SCaffolding COrrection Tool), a tool that post-processes files generated during a Bionano scaffolding in order to produce an assembly of greater contiguity and quality. BiSCoT was tested on a human genome and four publicly available plant genomes sequenced with Nanopore long reads and improved significantly the contiguity and quality of the assemblies. BiSCoT generates a fasta file of the assembly as well as an AGP file which describes the new organization of the input assembly.

Availability

BiSCoT and improved assemblies are freely available on GitHub at http://www.genoscope.cns.fr/biscot and Pypi at https://pypi.org/project/biscot/.
Sphingolipids in plants: a guidebook on their function in membrane architecture, cellular processes, and environmental or developmental responses
Authors: Mamode Cassim Adiilah , Grison Magali , Ito Yoko , Simon‐Plas Francoise , Mongrand Sébastien , Boutté Yohann
Published: November 2020

Sphingolipids are fundamental lipids involved in various cellular, developmental and stress‐response processes. As such, they orchestrate not only vital molecular mechanisms of living cells but also act in diseases, thus qualifying as potential pharmaceutical targets. Sphingolipids are universal to eukaryotes and are also present in some prokaryotes. Some sphingolipid structures are conserved between animals, plants and fungi, whereas others are found only in plants and fungi. In plants, the structural diversity of sphingolipids, as well as their downstream effectors and molecular and cellular mechanisms of action, are of tremendous interest to both basic and applied researchers, as about half of all small molecules in clinical use originate from plants. Here, we review recent advances towards a better understanding of the biosynthesis of sphingolipids, the diversity in their structures as well as their functional roles in membrane architecture, cellular processes such as membrane trafficking and cell polarity, and cell responses to environmental or developmental signals.
Engineering of Living Cells with Polyphenol‐Functionalized Biologically Active Nanocomplexes
Authors: Zhao Zongmin , Pan Daniel C. , Qi Qin M. , Kim Jayoung , Kapate Neha , Sun Tao , Shields C. Wyatt , Wang Lily Li‐Wen , Wu Debra , Kwon Christopher J. , He Wei , Guo Junling , Mitragotri Samir
Published: November 2020

Approaches to safely and effectively augment cellular functions without compromising the inherent biological properties of the cells, especially through the integration of biologically labile domains, remain of great interest. Here, a versatile strategy to assemble biologically active nanocomplexes, including proteins, DNA, mRNA, and even viral carriers, on cellular surfaces to generate a cell‐based hybrid system referred to as “Cellnex” is established. This strategy can be used to engineer a wide range of cell types used in adoptive cell transfers, including erythrocytes, macrophages, NK cells, T cells, etc. Erythrocytenex can enhance the delivery of cargo proteins to the lungs in vivo by 11‐fold as compared to the free cargo counterpart. Biomimetic microfluidic experiments and modeling provided detailed insights into the targeting mechanism. In addition, Macrophagenex is capable of enhancing the therapeutic efficiency of anti‐PD‐L1 checkpoint inhibitors in vivo. This simple and adaptable approach may offer a platform for the rapid generation of complex cellular systems.
Thermodynamic Properties and Molecular Packing Explain Performance and Processing Procedures of Three D18:NFA Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Wang Zhen , Peng Zhengxing , Xiao Zuo , Seyitliyev Dovletgeldi , Gundogdu Kenan , Ding Liming , Ade Harald
Published: November 2020

Organic solar cells (OSCs) based on D18:Y6 have recently exhibited a record power conversion efficiency of over 18%. The initial work is extended and the device performance of D18‐based OSCs is compared with three non‐fullerene acceptors, Y6, IT‐4F, and IEICO‐4Cl, and their molecular packing characteristics and miscibility are studied. The D18 polymer shows unusually strong chain extension and excellent backbone ordering in all films, which likely contributes to the excellent hole‐transporting properties. Thermodynamic characterization indicates a room‐temperature miscibility for D18:Y6 and D18:IT‐4F near the percolation threshold. This corresponds to an ideal quench depth and explains the use of solvent vapor annealing rather than thermal annealing. In contrast, D18:IEICO‐4Cl is a low‐miscibility system with a deep quench depth during casting and poor morphology control and low performance. A failure of ternary blends with PC71BM is likely due to the near‐ideal miscibility of Y6 to begin with and indicates that strategies for developing successful ternary or quaternary solar cells are likely very different for D18 than for other high‐performing donors. This work reveals several unique property–performance relations of D18‐based photovoltaic devices and helps guide design or fabrication of yet higher efficiency OSCs.
Highly Sensitive Fiber‐Optic Intrinsic Electromagnetic Field Sensing
Authors: Leal-Junior Arnaldo , Díaz Camilo , Frizera Anselmo , Lee Heeyoung , Nakamura Kentaro , Mizuno Yosuke , Marques Carlos
Published: November 2020

Fiber‐optic sensing is resistant to electromagnetic interference; therefore, electromagnetic field sensing using fiber‐optic sensors is challenging. Herein, the first demonstration of fiber‐optic intrinsic electromagnetic field sensing based on modal interferometry with the highest reported sensitivity is presented (here, to be intrinsic means that the magnetic field interaction occurs only within the optical fiber, where there is no use of magnetic fluids or extrinsic structures). A fused polymer optical fiber (POF) is connected to two silica single‐mode fibers (SMFs) through an UV‐curing resin. Another interferometer with a nonfused POF is also fabricated, and the transmitted spectra of both the interferometers are compared in the presence of an electromagnetic field (0–240 mT). The results show the insensitivity of the nonfused POF interferometer and a mean sensitivity of 16.7 pm mT−1 for the fused POF interferometer, which presents a tenfold increase by changing the fused POF length from 2 to 5 cm, resulting in a sensitivity of 113.5 pm mT−1. The proposed intrinsic electromagnetic field sensor has the potential of measuring magnetic field intensities as low as 45 μT (considering its high sensitivity) with possibility of further increase with small changes in the signal acquisition components.
Hydrazine Formation via Coupling of a Nickel(III)–NH2 Radical
Authors: Gu Nina X. , Oyala Paul H. , Peters Jonas C.
Published: November 2020

M(NHx) intermediates involved in N−N bond formation are central to ammonia oxidation (AO) catalysis, an enabling technology to ultimately exploit ammonia (NH3) as an alternative fuel source. While homocoupling of a terminal amide species (M‐NH2) to form hydrazine (N2H4) has been proposed, well‐defined examples are without precedent. Herein, we discuss the generation and electronic structure of a NiIII‐NH2 species that undergoes bimolecular coupling to generate a NiII2(N2H4) complex. This hydrazine adduct can be further oxidized to a structurally unusual Ni2(N2H2) species; this releases N2 in the presence of NH3, thus establishing a synthetic cycle for Ni‐mediated AO. Distribution of the redox load for H2N‐NH2 formation via NH2 coupling between two metal centers presents an attractive strategy for AO catalysis using Earth‐abundant, late first‐row metals.
High‐Rate Lithium‐Ion Cycling in Electrodeposited Binder‐Free Thin‐Film Vanadium Oxide Cathodes with Lithium Metal Anodes in Ionic Liquid and Polymer Gel Analogue Electrolytes
Authors: McGrath Louise M. , Rohan James F.
Published: November 2020

High rate and long cycle life performance for electrodeposited, binder‐free V2O5 thin film cathodes and lithium metal anodes is described using liquid and polymer gel electrolytes of the pyrrolidinium based (C4mpyrTFSI) ionic liquid (IL). Sharp well‐defined voltammetric peaks typically seen with nanostructured V2O5 materials in organic electrolytes, support the fast kinetics observed. The addition of vinylene carbonate (VC) stabilises the electrolyte interface leading to higher electrode capacities than for the additive‐free electrolyte, ∼120 versus ∼90 mAh g−1 at 0.75 C. Polymer gel electrolytes based on the IL yield similar electrode capacities, coulombic efficiencies and high rate performances without the VC‐additive. The polymer gel option delivers the better long‐term stability up to 400 cycles with lithium metal anodes with minimal capacity fade at elevated charge and discharge rates up to 5 C.
Exact change point detection with improved power in small‐sample binomial sequences
Authors: Ellenberger David , Lausen Berthold , Friede Tim
Published: November 2020

To detect a change in the probability of a sequence of independent binomial random variables, a variety of asymptotic and exact testing procedures have been proposed. Whenever the sample size or the event rate is small, asymptotic approximations of maximally selected test statistics have been shown to be inaccurate. Although exact methods control the type I error rate, they can be overly conservative due to the discreteness of the test statistics in these situations. We extend approaches by Worsley and Halpern to develop a test that is less discrete to increase the power. Building on ideas from binary segmentation, the proposed test utilizes unused information in the binomial sequences to add a new ordering to test statistics that are of equal value. The exact distributions are derived under side conditions that arise in hypothetical segmentation steps and do not depend on the type of test statistic used (e.g., log likelihood ratio, cumulative sum, or Fisher's exact test). Using the proposed exact segmentation procedure, we construct a change point test and prove that it controls the type‐I‐error rate at any given nominal level. Furthermore, we prove that the new test is uniformly at least as powerful as Worsley's exact test. In a Monte Carlo simulation study, the gain in power can be remarkable, especially in scenarios with small sample size. Giving a clinical database example about pin site infections and an example assessing publication bias in neuropsychiatric drug research, we demonstrate the wide‐ranging applicability of the test.
Heatstroke‐like symptoms in a patient with coronavirus disease pneumonia
Authors: Deguchi Ryo , Ohba Hikoaki , Haga Taiki , Ujiro Atsushi
Published: November 2020

While there are no clear indications for body temperature control during viral infections such as COVID‐19, if heat stress caused by COVID‐19 leads to organ failure, then proactive body temperature regulation may be an effective treatment option.
Corona und andere Herausforderungen
Authors: Woppowa Ljuba
Published: November 2020

Auch im Jahr 2020 findet am 20.11.2020 ab 08:30 Uhr ein Jahrestreffen der Betriebsingenieure statt – allerdings pandemiebedingt nicht in Frankfurt sondern online.
Wenn die Hitze fehlt
Authors: Günther Sabine
Published: November 2020

überdruckkapselung ist eine einfache Methode, um elektrische Betriebsmittel während der Verwendung in explosionsgefährdeten Bereichen zu schützen, erfordert jedoch eine sorgfältige Planung. Einige der häufigsten Probleme, die bei der Anwendung der überdru
Fit für das 21. Jahrhundert
Authors: Dittmar Patricia
Published: November 2020

Die Corona‐Krise hat gezeigt, wie wichtig die Digitalisierung in Service und Instandhaltung heute ist, um Betriebe auch in schwierigen Zeiten am Laufen zu halten: Einsatzplanung aus dem Home Office, Servicetechniker, die dank ihrer mobilen App von zuhause
A New Pressure‐induced Mechanism of Polyvinyl Chloride Pyrolysis with Formation of Nanodiamonds
Authors: Kondrin M. V. , Zibrov I. P. , Lyapin S. G. , Grigoriev Yu. V. , Khmelnitskiy R. A. , Ekimov E. A.
Published: November 2020

Application of high pressure to molecular compounds with high compressibility can initiate chemical reactions, unexpected under normal conditions. Here we present the evidence of pressure‐induced change in the mechanism of dehydrochlorination at polyvinyl chloride (PVC) pyrolysis. PVC pyrolysis was investigated at pressures from 2 to 9 GPa and temperatures up to 1600 °C. At critical pressures of 8–9 GPa, decomposition of PVC starts at 500 °C and results in formation of ultrasmall nanodiamonds. Based on density functional theory calculations, we show that intermolecular linking by single C−C bonds during dehydrochlorination is responsible for the scenario of carbonization, leading to nanodiamonds formation. At decreased pressure, carbonized product consists mainly of graphite‐like carbon, implying that high‐pressure intermolecular dehydrochlorination of PVC becomes inferior to “normal”, intramolecular one. Our study suggests that at low pressures, random intermolecular linking of PVC with formation of single HCl molecules may trigger “normal”, HCl‐catalyzed dehydrochlorination.
An Exotic Layered Compound Consisting of Interconnected Arsenato‐Polyoxovanadate Clusters: Thermal and Magnetic Properties and Liquid Phase Exfoliation
Authors: Mahnke Lisa K. , Stehlíková Gabriela , Synnatschke Kevin , Backes Claudia , Näther Christian , Bensch Wolfgang
Published: November 2020

The compound {[Mn(teta)]4V16As4O42(H2O)}n ⋅ 10 H2O (teta=triethylenetetraamine) was synthesized under solvothermal conditions. The crystal structure consists of layers composed of {V16As4O42} moieties joined by O−Mn−O bridges. The crystal water molecules can be thermally removed and they are reintegrated in humid atmosphere. The water sorption occurs in two steps indicating differing strengths of hydrogen bonding interactions. Investigations of the magnetic properties present evidence that the antiferromagnetic exchange interactions between the spins of the Mn2+ and of the V4+ cations are relatively strong. The magnetocaloric effect could be observed but is relatively small due to the antiferromagnetic exchange. Using liquid phase exfoliation, small crystallites with thicknesses as low as 10 nm could be obtained, while larger crystallites exhibit thicknesses of 20–40 nm.
Thermal behavior of Mg−Ni‐phyllosilicate nanoscrolls and performance of the resulting composites in hexene‐1 and acetone hydrogenation
Authors: Khrapova Ekaterina K. , Ugolkov Valery L. , Straumal Elena A. , Lermontov Sergey A. , Lebedev Vasily A. , Kozlov Daniil A. , Kunkel Tatyana S. , Nominé Alexandre , Bruyere Stephanie , Ghanbaja Jaafar , Belmonte Thierry , Krasilin Andrei A.
Published: November 2020

Here we report on the thermal properties of Mg−Ni‐phyllosilicate nanoscrolls as a promising precursor for production of Ni/silicate composite catalysts. Spontaneous scrolling of the phyllosilicate layer originating from size difference between metal‐oxygen and silica sheets provides high surface area of the catalyst. Metal nanoparticles can be obtained directly from the matrix by H2 reduction. The phyllosilicate structure passed through a number of transformations including partial dehydroxylation with formation of sepiolite‐like phase followed by silicate or oxide crystallization. Temperature ranges of these transitions overlapped with the reduction process sophisticating the H2 consumption profiles. In particular, some amount of Ni2+ got sealed up by the sepiolite structural features, that opened a path for the tuning of Ni0 : Ni2+ ratio of the catalyst. An increase of Ni content in the system yielded a decrease in the metal nanoparticles sizes due to both high intensity of nucleation and type of residual matrix. Ni nanoparticles size distribution and specific surface area of the composite catalysts governed conversion rate of hexene‐1 and acetone hydrogenation. In the view of the turnover frequency MgNi2Si2O5(OH)4 precursors were slightly more preferable than pure Ni3Si2O5(OH)4.
Use of NPK Liquids in Managing Irrigated Alfalfa Cropping Systems
Authors: Tindall Terry A. , Mooso Galen
Published: November 2020

Alfalfa continues to be world‐class leader for feed value for North American production agriculture, especially in the Intermountain West. Alfalfa yield will always depend on the amount and quality of irrigation water in the desert areas of this geography; however, proper nutrition related to available fertility is of primary importance. This unique study explores the potential of addressing in‐season applications of low‐salt liquid NPK delivered to alfalfa at the right time within a growing season and between cuttings. Earn 0.5 CEUs in Nutrient Management by reading the article and taking the quiz at www.certifiedcropadviser.org/education/classroom/classes/891.
Hypertrophic scars and keloids—Treatment with fractional lasers
Authors: Aristizabal Miguel , Ayala‐Bernal Diana
Published: November 2020

Hypertrophic scars and keloids are frequent causes of dermatological consultation that impair function and cosmesis. Besides traditional therapies, lasers, and particularly fractional lasers (FLs), have emerged as readily available instruments to treat a variety of dermatological and aesthetic ailments including scars. In this review, the use of FLs in the treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars is summarized in detail. Practitioners should be aware of the use of lasers as key devices in the treatment protocols of hypertrophic and keloid scars.
Mediators of change in cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal psychotherapy for eating disorders: A secondary analysis of a transdiagnostic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sivyer Katy , Allen Elizabeth , Cooper Zafra , Bailey‐Straebler Suzanne , O'Connor Marianne E. , Fairburn Christopher G. , Murphy Rebecca
Published: November 2020

Objective

Understanding the mechanisms of action of psychological treatments is a key first step in refining and developing more effective treatments. The present study examined hypothesized mediators of change of enhanced cognitive behavior therapy (CBT‐E) and interpersonal psychotherapy for eating disorders (IPT‐ED).

Method

A series of mediation studies were embedded in a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing 20 weeks of CBT‐E and IPT‐ED in a transdiagnostic, non‐underweight sample of patients with eating disorders (N = 130) consecutively referred to the service. Three hypothesized mediators of change in CBT‐E (regular eating, weighing frequency, and shape checking) and the key hypothesized mediator of IPT‐ED (interpersonal problem severity) were studied.

Results

The data supported regular eating as being a mediator of the effect of CBT‐E on binge‐eating frequency. The findings were inconclusive regarding the role of the other putative mediators of the effects of CBT‐E; and were similarly inconclusive for interpersonal problem severity as a mediator of the effect of IPT‐ED.

Discussion

This research highlights the potential benefits of embedding mediation studies within RCTs to better understand how treatments work. The findings supported the role of regular eating in reducing patients' binge‐eating frequency. Other key hypothesized mediators of CBT‐E and IPT‐ED were not supported, although the data were not inconsistent with them. Key methodological issues to address in future work include the need to capture both behavioral and cognitive processes of change in CBT‐E, and identifying key time points for change in IPT‐ED.
Self‐Supported Binder‐Free Hybrid Electrodes of Cu@CuO Nanowires/Carbon Nanotubes for Supercapacitors with Ultrahigh Areal‐Capacitance
Authors: Zhao Hai-Xu , Liu Yi-Lin , Wang Gui-Gen , Li Fei , Li Gui-Zhong , Zhou Hai-Ling , Zhang Hua-Yu , Han Jie-Cai
Published: November 2020

To meet the requirement of clean and efficient energy storage system for practical applications, supercapacitors (SCs), which are promising candidates for the next‐generation energy storage devices, have received tremendous attention. Herein, a hybrid electrode consisting of copper nanowires (Cu NWs) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs) is prepared by simple vacuum‐filtration method. Both Cu NWs and CNTs have excellent conductivities, high aspect ratios, and large surface areas, in which the two kinds of materials are evenly dispersed and are entangled with each other. The electrochemical performance characterization of the Cu@CuO NWs/CNTs hybrid electrode shows high specific capacitance of 1.7 F cm−2 and excellent cycling characteristics of 97.4% after 5000 cycles. The hybrid electrode of Cu@CuO NWs/CNTs with one‐dimensional (1D) structure provides significant advantages in terms of electron/ion transport pathways. The SC devices with excellent electrochemical performance and stability clearly demonstrate their broad applications as low‐cost, high‐performance power supplies for electronic devices.
Dihydrophenazine‐Based Copolymers as Promising Cathode Materials for Dual‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Obrezkov Filipp A. , Somova Anna I. , Fedina Elena S. , Vasil'ev Sergey G. , Stevenson Keith J. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: November 2020

Herein, two novel copolymers of dihydrophenazine with diphenylamine (PDPAPZ) and phenothiazine (PPTZPZ) are synthesized and investigated as cathode materials for dual‐ion batteries. Both polymers demonstrate high average discharge potentials (3.5–3.6 V) in lithium cells. The PDPAPZ//Li cells demonstrate impressive rate capability: specific capacities of 101 and 82 mAh g−1 are reached under galvanostatic charging and discharging at the high current densities of 5 and 20 A g−1, respectively. The capacity retention of 86% and 34% after 100 and 25 000 cycles, respectively, features decent operational stability of the batteries. Furthermore, an encouraging energy density of 398 Wh kg−1 is achieved in potassium PDPAPZ//K cells. The obtained values place PDPAPZ on par with the best organic cathode materials for fast lithium and potassium batteries.
Dielectric Micro‐ and Sub‐Micrometric Spacers for High‐Temperature Energy Converters
Authors: Bellucci Alessandro , Sabbatella Gianfranco , Girolami Marco , Mastellone Matteo , Serpente Valerio , Mezzi Alessio , Kaciulis Saulius , Paci Barbara , Generosi Amanda , Polini Riccardo , Vitulano Aniello , Vivaldi Ilaria , Antonelli Marco , Trucchi Daniele M.
Published: November 2020

Dielectric microspacers (DMS) are important components in thermal energy converters. Engineered DMS are fabricated and characterized on different substrates by depositing patterned ceramic thin films of alumina (Al2O3) and zirconia (ZrO2) with a thickness ranging from 0.3 to 3 μm. Both Al2O3 and ZrO2 films are electrically and thermally optimized, finding zirconia more suitable as a thermal and electrical insulating material at high temperature, whereas the developed DMS are morphologically analyzed by scanning electron microscopy. The analysis of thermal simulations carried out with COMSOL Multiphysics allows identifying the best geometrical constraints for each single structure, whereas simulations carried out by the Fluent software allow identifying the best arrangement for DMS, leading to a solution with optimized pattern in terms of amount and spatial distribution so to achieve the required electrical and thermal insulation for practical applications. DMS are integrated within thermionic‐photovoltaic devices to be validated experimentally, and enhanced electron emission measurements are successfully performed at a cathode temperature up to 1350 °C to verify the operational feasibility and potential of this technology.
Mock clinical testing in the validation of fluid‐phase biomarkers for head and neck carcinoma diagnosis: Scoping review
Authors: Adeoye John , Wan Chi Ching Joan , Thomson Peter
Published: November 2020

This review sought to determine the range and nature of prospective‐sampling and blinding methods for validating nonviral biofluid markers diagnostic of head and neck carcinomas. Electronic database searching was conducted to identify studies published in English from January 1, 2009 to August 1, 2020. Sixteen studies from 17 articles published between 2011 and 2020 were included in this review. We found that about 3 out of 100 studies utilized at least one of the mock testing approaches for biomarker validation. Protein, mRNA, and metabolomic markers also represented the only groups whose validation has been attempted using these methods. Furthermore, studies that utilized both methods were found to have lower bias concerns on the quality assessment of diagnostic accuracy studies (QUADAS‐2) tool. Overall, there is a need to include these protocols in research endeavours verifying diagnostic biomarkers for head and neck carcinomas following the preliminary establishment of their classification accuracy.
Health promotion competencies for promoting child‐oral health: Victorian multidisciplinary workforce perspectives
Authors: Lang Adina Y. , Carpenter Lauren M. , de Silva Andrea M. , Kearney Susan L. , Hegde Shalika
Published: November 2020

Issue addressed

Population oral health (OH) improvements depend on successful, coordinated execution of oral health promotion (OHP) programs by both oral and general health professionals with key competencies (skills, abilities, knowledge and values). This study explored multidisciplinary professionals’ perspectives of the competencies required for the successful implementation of a community‐based OHP program called Smiles 4 Miles (S4M) in early childhood settings in Victoria, Australia.

Methods

Convenience sampling was used to recruit multidisciplinary professionals working in the S4M early childhood health promotion program in Victoria. Semi‐structured focus groups were conducted with program managers/coordinators (n = 26) from 21 S4M sites and the state‐wide program coordination team (n = 5). Focus groups explored OHP competency needs, capacity to promote child OH and strategies for enhancing OHP competencies. The competencies identified through focus groups were then compared to the International Union for Health Promotion and Education (IUHPE) competencies framework.

Results

Strategies to enhance individual and organisational OHP competencies included intersectoral collaborations; working in multidisciplinary teams; support networks and partnerships; sharing skills and expertise between health professionals. The OHP competencies identified by the participants were consistent with key IUHPE domains including ethical values and health promotion knowledge base underpinning, enabling change, advocacy for health, mediating through partnerships, communication, leadership, assessment, planning, implementation, evaluation and research.

Conclusion

A multidisciplinary workforce based in community settings can play key and complementary roles in OHP and widen avenues for oral disease prevention.

So what?

Integrated collaborative workforce models involving multidisciplinary professionals beyond the OH sector can more effectively support efforts to address the burden of oral disease.
Tie2‐expressing monocytes as a novel angiogenesis‐related cellular biomarker for non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Xue Rui , Sheng Yuqiao , Duan Xixi , Yang Yang , Ma Shengli , Xu Jingjing , Wei Na , Shang Xiaoping , Li Feng , Wan Jiajia , Qin Zhihai
Published: November 2020

To investigate the clinical value of Tie2‐expressing monocytes (TEMs) in the early diagnosis of lung cancer and assess its correlation with angiogenesis, a total of 184 patients with non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), 101 patients with benign pulmonary disease (BPD), and 77 healthy controls were enrolled in our study. The distribution of TEMs in lung tissue was determined by immunofluorescence staining. Lung microvascular density was assessed by immunohistochemical staining. Receiver‐operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic value of TEM frequency. Patients with NSCLC were followed up for 26 months. We found that the TEM frequency in peripheral blood monocytes of patients with NSCLC was significantly greater than that in patients with BPD and healthy controls. TEM frequency showed a correlation with NSCLC recurrence. The majority of TEMs in tumor tissues were localized around blood vessels; tumoral TEM frequency showed a positive correlation with microvascular density. High percentage of TEMs in the peripheral blood was associated with poor overall survival. ROC curve analysis revealed the potential diagnostic value of circulating TEM frequency in NSCLC. Thus, we believe that TEM frequency is related to angiogenesis in tumor tissues and may serve as a diagnostic marker for NSCLC.
Early diagnosis of breast cancer from exhaled breath by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis: A prospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yu , Guo Lei , Qiu Zhongzhi , Lv Yang , Chen Guangmin , Li Enyou
Published: November 2020

Background

It has proved that there is an association between cancer and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of exhaled breath. This study targets on verifying the existence of specific VOCs in breathing in breast cancer patients, especially those with ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS).

Methods

There were a total of 203 participants included in the final analysis, which included 71 (35.0%) patients with histologically confirmed breast cancer (including 13 with DCIS, 31 with lymph node metastasis‐negative status, and 27 with lymph node metastasis‐positive status), 78 (38.4%) healthy volunteers, and 54 (26.6%) patients with histologically confirmed gastric cancer. Gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry and solid‐phase microextraction were used to analyze the breath samples for the presence of VOCs.

Results

There were significant differences in the volatile organic metabolites between the DCIS, lymph node metastasis‐negative breast cancer, and lymph node metastasis‐positive breast cancer groups compared with the healthy controls as well as between the breast cancer and gastric cancer patients. An overlapping set of seven VOCs, including (S)‐1,2‐propanediol, cyclopentanone, ethylene carbonate, 3‐methoxy‐1,2‐propanediol, 3‐methylpyridine, phenol, and tetramethylsilane, was significantly different between the breast cancer patients and healthy individuals as well as between the breast cancer and gastric cancer patients. The combination of these seven compounds was considered as a biomarker for breast cancer. The sensitivity for predicting DCIS by this set of seven compounds was determined to be 80.77%, and the specificity was determined to be 100%.

Conclusions

This set of seven breast cancer‐specific VOCs can be regarded as one particular expiratory marker for DCIS and will help to establish new screening methods for early breast cancer.
Directional liquefaction of lignocellulose in 1,4‐dioxane–ethanol–formic acid co‐solvents
Authors: Wu Zhen , Wang Fei , Hu Lei , Jiang Yetao , Wang Xiaoyu , Xu Jiaxing
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Liquefaction has been considered to be a promising way to convert lignocellulosic biomass to high‐energy‐density and high‐grade liquid fuel. Generally, mixed solvents are more effective for biomass liquefaction than a single solvent because of the synergistic effect among the components of the mixture solvent. 1,4‐Dioxane, ethanol and formic acid with low boiling points are frequently used to liquefy biomass, although biomass liquefaction in recyclable 1,4‐dioxane–ethanol–formic acid co‐solvents (DEFCS) has not been investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the liquefaction ability, feedstock adaptability and recyclability of DEFCS and provide a reference for industrial application.

RESULTS

The excellent liquefaction ability of the designed DEFCS was verified using various lignocellulosic biomass as feedstocks. Corn straw, corncob, bamboo and poplar could be efficaciously liquefied in DEFCS; moreover, herbaceous plants were more readily liquefied in DEFCS than woody plants. A low residue yield of 1.79% could be achieved when corn straw was liquefied in the ternary mixed solvents (25:25:9, v/v/v) at 250 °C for 120 min. Tetrahydrofurfuryl alcohol with a content of 29.33% and 4‐ethylphenol with a content of 11.08% were the main components of ethyl acetate‐soluble products (EASP) in bio‐oil, illustrating the directional conversion of corn straw by liquefaction. DEFCS exhibited good recycling potential and successive use for four times was feasible.

CONCLUSION

The results were indicative of favorable liquefaction ability, feedstock adaptability and recyclability of the complex solvents. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Theoretical and kinetic modeling study of chloromethane (CH3Cl) pyrolysis and oxidation
Authors: Pelucchi Matteo , Cavallotti Carlo , Frassoldati Alessio , Ranzi Eliseo , Glarborg Peter , Faravelli Tiziano
Published: November 2020

This work presents a comprehensive kinetic modeling study of the pyrolysis and oxidation of chloromethane. Theoretical calculations were performed for the decomposition reaction CH3Cl + M = CH3 + Cl + M and for a set of relevant H‐abstraction reactions (CH3Cl + R, R = Cl, Ḣ, ȮH, HȮ2, O2, Ö, ĊH3, Ċ2H3, Ċ2H5; CH4 + Cl, C2H6 + Cl, C2H4 + Cl, C2H2 + Cl). Comparison with previous experimental or theoretical determinations, when available, proved the appropriateness of the adopted protocols and the accuracy of the calculated rate constants. Previously developed subsets for CH3Cl and HCl/Cl2 were updated with the theoretical rate constants and combined with the CRECK C1–C3 mechanism, yielding a kinetic mechanism consisting of 143 species and 2347 reactions. The validation was performed through comparison with all the pyrolysis and oxidation measurements available for pure CH3Cl and its mixtures with CH4, H2, and CO/H2O. The kinetic discussion highlights the role of key reaction steps that have been theoretically investigated in this work and in previous efforts and sheds light on additional reaction pathways needing better assessments.