bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External Solvent‐Free Catalytic Hydrodeoxygenation of Softwood Lignin to Aromatics over Carbon–ZrO2 Supported Ni/MoS2 Catalysts
Authors: Mukundan Swathi , Chowdari Ramesh Kumar , Beltramini Jorge
Published: December 2020

This work aims to convert black liquor‐ derived softwood lignin into industrially vital aromatic compounds by catalytic hydrodeoxygenation (HDO), without the use of external solvent. Lignin melts serve as the solvent itself under HDO conditions. Activated carbon supported NiMoS2 catalysts are prepared by a water/oil micro–emulsion method and the required support acidity is tailored by addition of ZrO2 (10–50%) to the support. The maximum deoxygenation of 82.2% is observed along with a monomer yield of 69.1% in 3 h reaction time, when 10% ZrO2 is added to the carbon support. The yield of monomers is distributed in the following order: alkyl phenolics (23.1%) > guaiacolics (18.1%) > aromatic hydrocarbons (17.5%) > alkanes (10.5%). Interestingly, aromatic hydrocarbons yield increases with increase in time. The catalyst is found to be stable, without any significant loss in the activity and product selectivity when tested for up to five reaction cycles.
Deep Proton Insertion Assisted by Oxygen Vacancies for Long‐Term Memory in VO2 Synaptic Transistor
Authors: Oh Chadol , Kim Inseo , Park Jaeseoung , Park Yunkyu , Choi Minseok , Son Junwoo
Published: December 2020

Reversible phase transformation of correlated oxides by field‐driven ionic process present opportunity to efficiently transduce between ionic transfer and electrical currents in insertion‐based reconfigurable transistors. However, the switching rate of insertion transistors is fundamentally limited by the slow rate of ionic insertion into the lattices of correlated oxides. Here, it is demonstrated that preformed oxygen vacancies in VO2−δ lattices strongly accelerate proton insertion by low gate voltage in synaptic transistors. As the degree of oxygen deficiency δ increases in VO2−δ transistors, the steepness of phase transformation and transconductance increase during the voltage sweep at the expense of the channel current modulation. Theoretical and experimental analyses reveal that the accelerated of H+ kinetics in the VO2−δ lattice occurs because immobile oxygen vacancies reduce the energy barrier to H+ migration. In an electronic synapse, this facile H+ migration in VO2−δ lattices renders “inscribed” memory by positioning the H+ neurotransmitter far from the electrolyte/VO2−δ interface. This discovery suggests a strategy to improve the learning and memory processes of artificial synaptic devices by controlling the density of intrinsic defects in the lattice framework to achieve efficient ion exchange.
Gate‐Controlled Field Emission Current from MoS2 Nanosheets
Authors: Pelella Aniello , Grillo Alessandro , Urban Francesca , Giubileo Filippo , Passacantando Maurizio , Pollmann Erik , Sleziona Stephan , Schleberger Marika , Di Bartolomeo Antonio
Published: December 2020

Monolayer molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) nanosheets, obtained via chemical vapor deposition onto SiO2/Si substrates, are exploited to fabricate field‐effect transistors with n‐type conduction, high on/off ratio, steep subthreshold slope, and good mobility. The transistor channel conductance increases with the reducing air pressure due to oxygen and water desorption. Local field emission measurements from the edges of the MoS2 nanosheets are performed in high vacuum using a tip‐shaped anode. It is demonstrated that the voltage applied to the Si substrate back‐gate modulates the field emission current. Such a finding, that it is attributed to gate‐bias lowering of the MoS2 electron affinity, enables a new field‐effect transistor based on field emission.
Fluorinated Carbonate Electrolyte with Superior Oxidative Stability Enables Long‐Term Cycle Stability of Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 Cathodes in Sodium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Wu Shuilin , Su Bizhe , Ni Kun , Pan Fei , Wang Changlai , Zhang Kaili , Yu Denis Y. W. , Zhu Yanwu , Zhang Wenjun
Published: December 2020

Layered transition metal oxides are promising cathode materials for sodium‐ion batteries applicable for low‐cost energy storage systems. However, their cycle stability needs to be substantially improved to meet the requirements of practical applications. Specifically, the issues related to electrolyte stability and the formation of an unstable cathode–electrolyte interface (CEI) remain unsolved. Herein, it is shown that an electrolyte with high fluorine content may induce a robust fluorinated CEI on Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 cathode, a representative transitional metal oxide, which can efficiently passivate its surface and suppress continuous electrolyte decomposition during cycling. As a result, the cells deliver a remarkably improved rate capability and cycle stability. Density functional simulations further validate the superior stability of fluorinated electrolyte on cathodes with low highest occupied molecule orbital energy and high dissociation energy barriers. This finding demonstrates the favorable role of fluorinated electrolytes for improving the long‐term cycle stability of Na2/3Ni1/3Mn2/3O2 cathode toward grid‐scale applications.
Recent Progress in Understanding Solid Electrolyte Interphase on Lithium Metal Anodes
Authors: Wu Haiping , Jia Hao , Wang Chongmin , Zhang Ji‐Guang , Xu Wu
Published: December 2020

Lithium metal batteries (LMBs) are one of the most promising candidates for next‐generation high‐energy‐density rechargeable batteries. Solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on Li metal anodes plays a significant role in influencing the Li deposition morphology and the cycle life of LMBs. However, a thorough understanding on the mechanisms of SEI formation and evolution is still inadequate. In this review, the progress in understanding structures, properties, and influencing factors of SEI, as well as efficient strategies of tailoring SEI are focused upon. First, the compositions, models, and recent progress in characterizing atomic structures of SEI are summarized. Second, the properties of SEI, including electronic conduction, ionic conduction, stability, and mechanical properties are elucidated. Structures and properties of SEI are greatly affected by multiple factors, thus interactions between these factors and SEI are systematically discussed. Correlations of SEI with Li deposition morphology, rate capability, and cycle life are further summarized. Moreover, efficient strategies of tailoring SEI with desired properties, including in situ SEI and ex situ SEI, are also reviewed. Finally, future directions, including in‐operando techniques, multi‐modality approaches for characterization of SEI, and artificial intelligence assisted understanding of correlations between electrolyte components and SEI properties are proposed.
Alloying of Alkali Metals with Tellurene
Authors: Jain Rishabh , Yuan Yifei , Singh Yashpal , Basu Swastik , Wang Dawei , Yang Aijun , Wang Xiaohua , Rong Mingzhe , Lee Ho Jin , Frey David , Khadka Rajan , Hundekar Prateek , Kim Sang Ouk , Han Fudong , Wang Lin‐Wang , Mitlin David , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza , Koratkar Nikhil
Published: December 2020

Graphite anodes offer low volumetric capacity in lithium‐ion batteries. By contrast, tellurene is expected to alloy with alkali metals with high volumetric capacity (≈2620 mAh cm−3), but to date there is no detailed study on its alloying behavior. In this work, the alloying response of a range of alkali metals (A = Li, Na, or K) with few‐layer Te is investigated. In situ transmission electron microscopy and density functional theory both indicate that Te alloys with alkali metals forming A2Te. However, the crystalline order of alloyed products varies significantly from single‐crystal (for Li2Te) to polycrystalline (for Na2Te and K2Te). Typical alloying materials lose their crystallinity when reacted with Li—the ability of Te to retain its crystallinity is therefore surprising. Simulations reveal that compared to Na or K, the migration of Li is highly “isotropic” in Te, enabling its crystallinity to be preserved. Such isotropic Li transport is made possible by Te's peculiar structure comprising chiral‐chains bound by van der Waals forces. While alloying with Na and K show poor performance, with Li, Te exhibits a stable volumetric capacity of ≈700 mAh cm−3, which is about twice the practical capacity of commercial graphite.
Targeting BCL‐2 with venetoclax and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed/refractory t(11;14) multiple myeloma
Authors: Kaufman Jonathan L. , Gasparetto Cristina , Schjesvold Fredrik H. , Moreau Philippe , Touzeau Cyrille , Facon Thierry , Boise Lawrence H. , Jiang Yanwen , Yang Xiaoqing , Dunbar Fengjiao , Vishwamitra Deeksha , Unger Stefanie , Macartney Tammy , Pesko John , Yu Yao , Salem Ahmed Hamed , Ross Jeremy A. , Hong Wan‐Jen , Maciag Paulo C. , Pauff James M. , Kumar Shaji
Published: December 2020

Venetoclax (Ven) is a selective small‐molecule inhibitor of BCL‐2 that exhibits antitumoral activity against MM cells with t(11;14) translocation. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of Ven and dexamethasone (VenDex) combination in patients with t(11;14) positive relapsed/refractory (R/R) multiple myeloma (MM). This open‐label, multicenter study had two distinct phases (phase one [P1], phase two [P2]). Patients in both phases received VenDex (oral Ven 800 mg/day + oral Dex 40 mg [20 mg for patients ≥75 years] on days 1, 8, and 15, per 21–day cycle). The primary objective of the P1 VenDex cohort was to assess safety and pharmacokinetics. Phase two further evaluated efficacy with objective response rate (ORR) and very good partial response or better. Correlative studies explored baseline BCL2 (BCL‐2) and BCL2L1 (BCL‐XL) gene expression, cytogenetics, and recurrent somatic mutations in MM. Twenty and 31 patients in P1 and P2 with t(11;14) positive translocation received VenDex. P1/P2 patients had received a median of 3/5 lines of prior therapy, and 20%/87% were refractory to daratumumab. Predominant grade 3/4 hematological adverse events (AEs) with ≥10% occurrence included lymphopenia (20%/19%), neutropenia (15%/7%), thrombocytopenia (10%/10%), and anemia (5%/16%). At a median follow‐up of 12.3/9.2 months, ORR was 60%/48%. The duration of response estimate at 12 months was 50%/61%, and the median time to progression was 12.4/10.8 months. In biomarker evaluable patients, response to VenDex was independent of concurrent del(17p) or gain(1q) and mutations in key oncogenic signaling pathways, including MAPK and NF‐kB. VenDex demonstrated efficacy and manageable safety in heavily‐pre‐treated patients with t(11;14) R/R MM.
Cardiac evaluation of patients with 22q11.2 duplication syndrome
Authors: Butensky Adam , de Rinaldis Chiara Pandolfi , Patel Shrey , Edman Sharon , Bailey Alice , McGinn Daniel E. , Zackai Elaine , Crowley T. Blaine , McDonald‐McGinn Donna M. , Min Jungwon , Goldmuntz Elizabeth
Published: December 2020

The 22q11.2 duplication syndrome (22q11.2DupS) is characterized by phenotypic heterogeneity, from seemingly asymptomatic to severely affected patients. Our study sought to detail the cardiac phenotype associated with 22q11.2DupS, the prevalence of aortic arch anomalies and aortic root dilation in 22q11.2DupS, and to assess how frequently new congenital heart disease (CHD) is diagnosed at outpatient cardiac evaluation following genetic diagnosis. In our cohort of 85 patients, 20.0% had CHD, with a wide range of phenotypes. Sixty‐eight patients had complete cardiac evaluations detailing aortic arch sidedness and branching pattern, of which 5 (7.4%) had an aortic arch anomaly, all of whom had concurrent intracardiac CHD. Of 53 patients without CHD who had complete cardiac evaluations, only 3 (5.7%) had evidence of aortic root dilation. Of 46 patients who underwent outpatient cardiac evaluation following diagnosis of 22q11.2DupS, only one (2.2%) was found to have CHD, an isolated bicuspid aortic valve without stenosis. Therefore, the CHD phenotype in 22q11.2DupS, when present, is heterogeneous. Aortic arch anomalies are uncommon, and no patient in our cohort had one in isolation. Isolated aortic root dilation is also uncommon. Finally, outpatient cardiac evaluation following genetic diagnosis without previously known CHD infrequently identified minor cardiac malformations.
Synthesis and anticancer properties of novel hydrazone derivatives incorporating pyridine and isatin moieties
Authors: Zebbiche Zineddine , Tekin Suat , Küçükbay Hasan , Yüksel Furkan , Boumoud Boudjemaa
Published: December 2020

Nine novel hydrazone derivatives (4a–i) incorporating pyridine and isatin moieties were synthesized through one‐pot, four‐component heterocyclic condensation reactions. The structures of all new compounds (2a–e, 3a, 3c–e, and 4a–e) were identified by 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), 13C NMR, and Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis. Cell viability assays for the tested hydrazone derivatives were performed and the log IC50 values of the compounds were calculated after a 24‐h treatment. All hydrazide derivatives tested showed a promising antitumor activity against A‐2780 cells as compared with the standard drug docetaxel with a log IC50 value of 0.2200 μM (p < .05). Seven of the examined compounds (4b–e, 4g–i) showed high cytotoxic activity against A‐2780 cells as compared with the standard drug docetaxel. Whereas the log IC50 of docetaxel was 0.2200 μM for A‐2780 cells at 24 h, the IC50 values of these compounds were −0.4987, −0.4044, −0.8138, −0.3868, −0.6954, −0.4751, and 0.1809 μM, respectively. Three of the compounds, 4b, 4d, and 4i, showed high cytotoxic activity against MCF‐7 cells as compared with docetaxel (p < .05). Whereas the log IC50 of docetaxel was 0.2400 μM for MCF‐7 cells at 24 h, the log IC50 values of compounds 4b, 4d, and 4i were −0.1293, −0.1700, and 0.2459 μM, respectively.
Determination of cardiac disease biomarker by plasmonic sandwich ELISA
Authors: Wei Weirong , Tang Yinyan , He Huimin , Gopinath Subash C.B. , Wang Lingling
Published: December 2020

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) is the heart attack happening when the blood flow is terminated to the heart muscles. C‐reactive protein (CRP) level is raising significantly in AMI patients after the onset of symptom; also, temporal variations of CRP in plasma of AMI patient have also been found. Quantifying the concentration of CRP helps to identify the condition associated with AMI. Plasmonic enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was utilized here to identify CRP by the sandwich of aptamer and antibody. Bare‐eye CRP detection was achieved by plasmonic ELISA through the aggregation (blue color) of gold nanoparticle in the presence of CRP, whereas in the absence of CRP, it retains its red color (dispersion). Depending on the catalase presence on the ELISA surface, hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) controls gold growth and differentiates with color changes. To achieve the lowest detection limit of CRP, H2O2 (200 µM), gold seed (0.2 µM), and streptavidin–catalase (1:500) were found optimal. The detection limit was reached at 0.25 µg/mL, whereas it was 0.5 µg/mL in the CRP‐spiked serum. This method of detection system is easier to detect the levels of CRP and helps diagnosing AMI.
Spectrofluorimetric investigation for determination of sumatriptan succinate: application to tablets and spiked human plasma
Authors: Abo Zaid Mona H. , Abo El abass Samah , El‐Enany Nahed , Aly Fatma
Published: December 2020

A simple and highly sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for the estimation of sumatriptan succinate has been investigated. The suggested method depends on the determination of the intrinsic fluorescence properties of the drug in aqueous systems at λem 350 nm following λex at 225 nm. The linearity range was 10–100 ng/ml, with a detection limit and quantitation limit of 1.2 and 3.6 ng/ml, respectively. The suggested method was sufficiently successful for determination of sumatriptan its pharmaceutical tablets as well as in spiked human plasma. Moreover, the validation parameters were determined following International Council for Harmonisation guidelines. Statistical analysis of the obtained results from the proposed and reference methods showed no significance difference between the two methods regarding accuracy and precision.
Developmental Education Redesign in Colorado
Authors: McKay Heather , Michael Suzanne
Published: December 2020

Colorado's Community College System's Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College Career Training (TAACCCT) grant facilitated and supported the state's redesign of developmental education (DE) to increase rates of student retention and completion across fifteen community colleges. This chapter presents observations about the process of transforming Colorado's DE policy and practice, challenges faced, insights about institutional change, and the role the TAACCCT grant played.
Scaling Transformative Change in America's Community Colleges Through TAACCCT
Authors: Bragg Debra D. , Richie Deborah , Kirby Catherine
Published: December 2020

Ensuring that the federal investment in TAACCCT has a lasting legacy is important to community colleges and the nation. Exploring the notion of transformative change, this chapter describes research and development associated with the Transformative Change Initiative (TCI), including seven guiding principles to sustain and scale change in community colleges.
Pushing the Limits of Acene Chemistry: The Recent Surge of Large Acenes
Authors: Tönshoff Christina , Bettinger Holger F.
Published: December 2020

Acenes, consisting of linearly fused benzene rings, are an important fundamental class of organic compounds with various applications. Hexacene is the largest acene that was synthesized and isolated in the 20th century. The next largest member of the acene family, heptacene, was observed in 2007 and since then significant progress in preparing acenes has been reported. Significantly larger acenes, up to undecacene, could be studied by means of low‐temperature matrix isolation spectroscopy with in situ photolytic generation, and up to dodecacene by means of on‐surface synthesis employing innovative precursors and highly defined crystalline metal surfaces under ultrahigh vacuum conditions. The review summarizes recent experimental and theoretical advances in the area of acenes that give a significantly deeper insight into the fundamental properties and nature of the electronic structure of this fascinating class of organic compounds.
Non‐coordinated and Hydrogen Bonded Phenolate Anions as One‐Electron Reducing Agents
Authors: Weitkamp Robin F. , Neumann Beate , Stammler Hans‐Georg , Hoge Berthold
Published: December 2020

In this work, the syntheses of non‐coordinated electron‐rich phenolate anions via deprotonation of the corresponding alcohols with an extremely powerful perethyl tetraphosphazene base (Schwesinger base) are reported. The application of uncharged phosphazenes renders the selective preparation of anionic phenol‐phenolate and phenolate hydrates possible, which allows for the investigation of hydrogen bonding in these species. Hydrogen bonding brings about decreased redox potentials relative to the corresponding non‐coordinated phenolate anions. The latter show redox potentials of up to −0.72(1) V vs. SCE, which is comparable to that of zinc metal, thus qualifying their application as organic zinc mimics. We utilized phenolates as reducing agents for the generation of radical anions in addition to the corresponding phenoxyl radicals. A tetracyanoethylene radical anion salt was synthesized and fully characterized as a representative example. We also present the activation of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) with phenolates in a SET reaction, in which the nature of the respective phenolate determines whether simple fluorides or pentafluorosulfanide ([SF5]−) salts are formed.
Guided Antitumoural Drugs: (Imidazol‐2‐ylidene)(L)gold(I) Complexes Seeking Cellular Targets Controlled by the Nature of Ligand L
Authors: Bär Sofia I. , Gold Madeleine , Schleser Sebastian W. , Rehm Tobias , Bär Alexander , Köhler Leonhard , Carnell Lucas R. , Biersack Bernhard , Schobert Rainer
Published: December 2020

Three [1,3‐diethyl‐4‐(p‐methoxyphenyl)‐5‐(3,4,5‐trimethoxyphenyl)imidazol‐2‐ylidene](L)gold(I) complexes, 4 a (L=Cl), 5 a (L=PPh3), and 6 a (L=same N‐heterocyclic carbene (NHC)), and their fluorescent [4‐(anthracen‐9‐yl)‐1,3‐diethyl‐5‐phenylimidazol‐2‐ylidene](L)gold(I) analogues, 4 b, 5 b, and 6 b, respectively, were studied for their localisation and effects in cancer cells. Despite their identical NHC ligands, the last three accumulated in different compartments of melanoma cells, namely, the nucleus (4 b), mitochondria (5 b), or lysosomes (6 b). Ligand L was also more decisive for the site of accumulation than the NHC ligand because the couples 4 a/4 b, 5 a/5 b, and 6 a/6 b, carrying different NHC ligands, afforded similar results in cytotoxicity tests, and tests on targets typically found at their sites of accumulation, such as DNA in nuclei, reactive oxygen species and thioredoxin reductase in mitochondria, and lysosomal membranes. Regardless of the site of accumulation, cancer cell apoptosis was eventually induced. The concept of guiding a bioactive complex fragment to a particular subcellular target by secondary ligand L could reduce unwanted side effects.
Heat‐transfer and hydrodynamic performance investigation of graphene‐titanium dioxide composite nanofluid in micro‐heat exchangers
Authors: Serour Nourwanda M. , El‐Shazly Ahmed H. , El‐Gayar Dina A. , Nosier Shaaban A.
Published: December 2020

Nanofluids have made a breakthrough contribution toward maximizing the efficiency of heat exchangers. Consequently, graphene nanofluids have attracted significant attention, as they yield the best heat‐transfer enhancement among all nanofluids; however, graphene is highly expensive, and further studies on hybrid graphene nanofluids are required to optimize costs. Research has been performed on the performance of pure graphene nanofluids, though little has been conducted on hybrid graphene nanofluids. Therefore, we investigated the hydrodynamic and convective heat‐transfer performance of graphene‐titanium dioxide composite (GTNC) nanofluid in a micro‐heat exchanger, and compared the results with the performance of pure graphene and pure titanium dioxide nanofluids under similar conditions. Herein, we report the synthesis of GTNC using our novel green micro‐synthesis technique and the preparation of graphene, titanium dioxide, and GTNC nanofluids using a two‐step method at three concentrations (0.02~0.08 wt%) using a surfactant. Furthermore, the stability and thermo‐physical properties of nanofluids were investigated, and nanofluids were studied for their effect on the performance of a counter‐current laminar flow micro‐heat exchanger at different flow rates (Re = 750‐1460). Findings show that thermal conductivity enhancement of GTNC nanofluid and pure graphene nanofluid at the highest mass fraction (0.08%) was 25.8% and 31.6%, respectively, while the maximum enhancement of convective heat‐transfer coefficient was 64.6% and 87%, respectively. These results indicate that hybrid GTNC nanofluid showed proximate thermal performance and stability level to graphene nanofluid with 50% less graphene content, which improves the economics of the process.
Finding our true north: On languages, understanding and curriculum in Northern Ireland
Authors: Jones Sharon
Published: December 2020

Language learning can open up new worlds and deepen understanding of our own. It can foster awareness of other people, other places and cultures, and bring social and educational benefits. Northern Ireland (NI) is an increasingly multilingual region that is emerging from conflict into a welcome, but fragile, peace. It faces unique uncertainties caused by Brexit, as well as the need to develop empathy in face of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Concerns have been expressed also about academic underachievement and mental health amongst its young people. Against such a background, this paper explores the current context in NI relating to languages, and curriculum policy and practice in language education. It argues that young people in NI are poorly served, and that curriculum reform with respect to languages is timely. The paper makes five key recommendations: (1) Reform of curriculum, policy and practice relating to language education in NI; (2) Introduction of statutory language learning in primary schools; (3) Investment in teacher development; (4) Valuing of linguistic diversity and plurality in curriculum policy and practice; and (5) Further practice‐based research to explore pedagogy and outcomes in language education in NI.
Chimerism evaluation in measurable residual disease‐suspected cells isolated by flow cell sorting as a reliable tool for measurable residual disease verification in acute leukemia patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Semchenkova Alexandra , Brilliantova Varvara , Shelikhova Larisa , Zhogov Vladimir , Illarionova Olga , Mikhailova Ekaterina , Raykina Elena , Skorobogatova Elena , Novichkova Galina , Maschan Alexey , Maschan Michael , Popov Alexander
Published: December 2020

Background

The presence of minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) before or after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) is known as a predictor of poor outcome in patients with acute myeloid (AML) or lymphoblastic (ALL) leukemia. When performed with multiparameter flow cytometry (MFC), assessment of residual leukemic cells after HSCT may be limited by therapy‐induced shifts in the immunophenotype (e.g., loss of surface molecules used for therapeutic targeting). However, in such cases, questionable cells can be isolated and tested for hematopoietic chimerism to clarify their origin.

Methods

Questionable cell populations were detected during the MFC‐based MRD monitoring of 52 follow‐up bone marrow samples from 37 patients diagnosed with T cell neoplasms (n =14), B cell precursor ALL (n = 16), AML (n = 7). These cells (suspected leukemic or normal) were isolated by flow cell sorting and tested for hematopoietic chimerism by RTQ‐PCR.

Results

The origin of cells was successfully identified in 96.15% of cases (n = 50), which helped to validate the results of MFC‐based MRD monitoring.

Conclusions

We believe that a combination of MFC, cell sorting, and chimerism testing may help confirm or disprove MRD presence in complicated cases after HSCT.
Foster parent responsiveness and young children's diurnal cortisol production
Authors: Szenczy Aline K. , Bernard Kristin , Raby K. Lee , Garnett Mallory , Dozier Mary
Published: December 2020

Foster children are at risk for dysregulated hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis functioning, conferring risk for negative health outcomes. Responsive parenting may support young children's HPA axis regulation; however, few studies have examined the association between responsive parenting and cortisol production among children in foster care. In a sample of 97 foster parent–child dyads, we examined whether variation in foster parent responsiveness was linked to children's waking and bedtime levels of cortisol. Children's saliva samples were collected at wake‐up and bedtime for three consecutive days. Foster parent responsiveness, as indicated by parent sensitivity, intrusiveness, and positive regard, was assessed during video‐recorded semistructured play interactions between foster parents and children. Foster parent responsiveness significantly predicted children's waking cortisol levels (β = 0.26, p = .023). Follow‐up analyses revealed that foster parent sensitivity uniquely predicted waking cortisol (β = 0.46, p = .006), over and above other dimensions of parenting, such that children with more sensitive foster parents had higher waking cortisol than children with less sensitive foster parents. The association between foster parent sensitivity and the waking‐to‐bedtime slope of cortisol across the day was nonsignificant. Findings suggest that sensitive caregiving may support foster children's healthy HPA axis functioning.
Development of exoskeleton haptic device using powder brake and constant torque spring
Authors: Nakamura Shoki , Motoi Naoki
Published: December 2020

This study proposes an exoskeleton haptic device using a powder brake and a constant torque spring. The powder brake can change the torque resistance in real time, and the constant torque spring can generate a constant torque. This device is of a wearable type, and is worn on the operator's hand. By combining the powder brake and the constant torque spring, it is possible to generate an arbitrary passive force on the fingertip. Because this device generates passive force alone, it has an advantage from the viewpoint of safety. The proposed device is applied to the master system to control the slave system in a virtual reality (VR) device. Consequently, the operator can perceive the contact force between the VR device and the VR object. VR object exists in VR space, and can provide the contact force with arbitrary plasticity and elasticity. The experimental results confirm the validity of the proposed system.
Quantitative and qualitative analysis of thermodynamic process of a bi‐fuel compressed natural gas spark ignition engine
Authors: Sahoo Sridhar , Srivastava Dhananjay Kumar
Published: December 2020

A comparative energy and exergy analysis was experimentally performed using a bi‐fuel compressed natural gas (CNG) spark ignition engine. The experiments were conducted for gasoline and CNG fuel at 1700 rpm and different operating loads from 5 to 30 Nm. The experiments were performed under stoichiometric air‐fuel ratio and maximum brake torque ignition timing. Quantitative and qualitative analysis were conducted using the first and second law of thermodynamics, respectively. The effect of engine operating load on various energy and exergy parameters was compared for both the fuels. Output energy with respect to engine load was found higher for CNG compared to gasoline. Engine wall heat transfer was also higher in the CNG engine case due to its high combustion chamber temperature and lower burning velocity. The difference in heat transfer energy fraction between gasoline and CNG gradually increased with engine load. The exhaust energy was found maximum in the case of CNG under low operating load and reduced to a minimum at higher engine operating load. The unaccounted energy fraction was found lower for the CNG engine and reduced with respect to engine load. CNG exhibits the highest exergy efficiency (26.80%) compared to gasoline (25.50%) at 30 Nm load. On average, a 2% higher exergy efficiency was observed with the CNG engine at all operating load conditions. This indicates CNG has a higher potential to convert chemical energy present in the fuel into useful work output. CNG shows lower exergy destruction at all operating loads compared to gasoline, and it reduces significantly at higher engine loads. In all operating loads, exergy transfer due to exhaust gas and heat transfer to the wall was higher in the case of CNG.
Removal of gas condensate from industrial wastewater using low‐cost adsorbents: Optimization by Box–Behnken design method
Authors: Fouladi Amin , Esmaeili Hossein , Tamjidi Sajad , Foroutan Rauf
Published: December 2020

In this study, three effective adsorbents such as Padina sanctae cruces algae (PSC), activated carbon (AC), and bentonite clay were used to remove gas condensates from industrial wastewater generated in the fourth refinery of South Pars Gas Complex in Iran. Physical and surface properties of the adsorbents were characterized using Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), field‐emission scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform‐infrared spectroscopy, and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDAX) analyses. Also, droplet size distribution analysis was used to determine the size distribution of gas condensate droplets in the emulsion and to evaluate the emulsion stability. According to the BET analysis, the specific surface area of AC, PSC, and bentonite were obtained as 900.93, 0.0463, and 40.70 m2/g, respectively. To check the effect of different parameters on the removal efficiency of gas condensates, the Box–Behnken design method was used. Moreover, the optimal conditions for the removal of gas condensates included pH 9, temperature of 65°C, contact time of 120 min, and an adsorbent dosage of 5 g/L. Under such optimal conditions, the adsorption efficiencies using AC, PSC, and bentonite were obtained as 98.90%, 96.35%, and 97.24%, respectively. Furthermore, the maximum adsorption capacities of 1250, 54.95, and 99.01 mg/g were achieved using AC, PSC, and bentonite, respectively, in which AC showed the highest adsorption capacity ever achieved for the removal of gas condensate from wastewater. Besides, the thermodynamic study indicated that the sorption process was exothermic and spontaneous.
Hillslope erosion in a grassland environment: Calibration and evaluation of the SIBERIA landscape evolution model
Authors: Hancock G.R. , Gibson Abraham , Wells T.
Published: December 2020

Field measurement and modelling of soil erosion provides insights into landscape systems as well as the potential for enhanced landscape management. There are a number of field and numerical methods by which soil erosion and deposition can be quantified. Here we examine the capability of the SIBERIA landscape evolution model to quantify short‐term erosion and deposition on a well‐managed cattle grazing landscape on the east coast of Australia. The model is calibrated by two methods (1) a geomorphological approach using a site digital elevation model (DEM) and soil data and (2) a laboratory‐scale flume. The two calibration processes resulted in similar model input parameters and estimated erosion rates of 3.1 t ha−1year−1and 4.4 t ha−1year−1, respectively. These were found to closely match erosion rates estimated using the environmental tracer137Cs (2.7–4.8 t ha−1year−1). However, erosion and deposition estimated at individual points along the hillslope was not well correlated with137Cs at the same position due to the temporal averaging of the model and microtopography. Sensitivity analysis showed the model was more sensitive to parameterisation than sub‐DEM‐scale topography. This places confidence in the model's ability to estimate erosion and deposition across an entire hillslope and catchment on decadal time scales. We also highlight the robustness and flexibility of the calibration methods.
Sources of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and Other Dioxins in Lower Passaic River, New Jersey, Sediments
Authors: Bock Michael J. , Brown Lauren E. , Wenning Richard J. , Bell Jennifer L.
Published: December 2020

Elevated levels of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), and other contaminants have been reported in lower Passaic River, New Jersey, USA, sediments since the 1980s. Nearly 8000 surficial and buried sediment samples have been collected along the 17 miles (27.4 km) of river and analyzed for various contaminants, including the seventeen 2,3,7,8-substituted PCDD/F congeners. Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis reveal spatial heterogeneity in the distribution of dioxin congeners, with respect to both sediment depth and river mile. Polytopic vector analysis resolved 11 unique 2,3,7,8-substituted dioxin congener profiles in the river sediment. The profiles were consistent with multiple dioxin source types, including manufacture of certain dyes and pigments, chlorinated industrial chemicals, hexachlorophene, polychlorinated biphenyls, waste disposal and incineration, the production and use of 2,4,5-trichorophenol (2,4,5-TCP), and other industrial processes. The distribution of dioxin profiles in surface and buried river sediments is indicative of multiple inputs of 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (2,3,7,8-TCDD) and other dioxins at different locations along the lower Passaic River. These findings are inconsistent with historical claims that a former herbicide manufacturing plant in the lower reach of the river is the only significant 2,3,7,8-TCDD source and consistent with evidence of several different inputs associated with the production, use, and/or disposal of 2,4,5-TCP at several locations along the lower Passaic River. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1499–1519. © 2020 SETAC
Surface-Dwelling Aquatic Insects in Low-Energy Freshwater Environments Are Highly Impacted by Oil Spills and the Surface Washing Agent Corexit EC9580A Used in Oil Spill Response
Authors: Black Tyler A. , Hanson Mark L. , Palace Vince P. , Rodriguez-Gil Jose Luis
Published: December 2020

Physical impacts of diluted bitumen (dilbit) and the application of surface washing agents (SWAs) in freshwater have not been characterized for aquatic invertebrates. These compounds are known to reduce surface tension in feather and fur microstructures of birds and mammals, and are thus likely to affect the buoyancy of surface-dwelling aquatic insects. We evaluated impacts of fresh dilbit and a SWA on water striders (Metrobates sp.), which are surface-dwelling organisms that rely on fine-hair microstructures to remain buoyant. We report nominal sheen thickness values that cause 50% immobility in 48 h as determined from exposure studies in outdoor tanks. A comparison of our data with those from historic oil spill volumes in Canada and the United States in the past 12 yr indicates that our reported nominal sheen thicknesses could have been reached or exceeded in 99% of historic spills when scaled to a small reference lake. The addition of Corexit EC9580A, a SWA approved for marine use in Canada, led to 100% immobility in striders within minutes, both in combination with oil and alone. Our study reveals an acute sensitivity to Corexit EC9580A and dilbit by surface-dwelling insects and may be driven by disruption of mechanisms of buoyancy. We highlight a need to evaluate physical impacts, typically excluded from standard toxicity testing, within the context of spill impact mitigation assessments. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1298–1307. © 2020 SETAC

Abstract

Water strider response to diluted bitumen and to Corexit EC9580A.
A short cut: Directly pricing VIX futures with discrete‐time long memory model and asymmetric jumps
Authors: Yin Fangsheng , Bian Yang , Wang Tianyi
Published: December 2020

This paper proposes a simple but rich framework to directly price volatility index (VIX) futures by applying the heterogeneous autoregressive structure and asymmetric jumps to the logarithm of the VIX. Compared with other discrete‐time models, our model imposes fewer parameter constraints. The analytical solution is also free from time‐consuming and sometimes unstable numerical integration. Empirical results suggest that our model can significantly reduce pricing errors compared with existing models using realized variance, both in‐ and out‐of‐sample. The improvement indicates that besides looking for a better measure of current volatility, it is also important to utilize information embedded in the VIX itself.
Multi‐tissue transcriptome‐wide association studies
Authors: Grinberg Nastasiya F. , Wallace Chris
Published: December 2020

A transcriptome‐wide association study (TWAS) attempts to identify disease associated genes by imputing gene expression into a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) using an expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) data set and then testing for associations with a trait of interest. Regulatory processes may be shared across related tissues and one natural extension of TWAS is harnessing cross‐tissue correlation in gene expression to improve prediction accuracy. Here, we studied multi‐tissue extensions of lasso regression and random forests (RF), joint lasso and RF‐MTL (multi‐task learning RF), respectively. We found that, on our chosen eQTL data set, multi‐tissue methods were generally more accurate than their single‐tissue counterparts, with RF‐MTL performing the best. Simulations showed that these benefits generally translated into more associated genes identified, although highlighted that joint lasso had a tendency to erroneously identify genes in one tissue if there existed an eQTL signal for that gene in another. Applying the four methods to a type 1 diabetes GWAS, we found that multi‐tissue methods found more unique associated genes for most of the tissues considered. We conclude that multi‐tissue methods are competitive and, for some cell types, superior to single‐tissue approaches and hold much promise for TWAS studies.
Evaluating the impact of metabolic syndrome on postoperative thyroidectomy outcomes
Authors: Elsamna Samer T. , Suri Pooja , Mir Ghayoour S. , Roden Dylan F. , Paskhover Boris
Published: December 2020

Objective

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has previously been linked to increased risk of postoperative morbidity and mortality in other surgical undertakings. Because MetS is a consequence of endocrine dysfunction, and given the thyroid's crucial role in endocrine homeostasis, we sought to evaluate the association between MetS and postoperative outcomes of thyroidectomy.

Methods

Data were acquired from the ACS‐NSQIP database from years 2005 to 2017. Patients with obesity, diabetes, and hypertension were defined as having MetS. Odds ratios (OR) were obtained for outcomes to quantify risk with multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Outcomes significantly affected by MetS included overall complication (OR: 2.00), extended postoperative stay (OR: 1.52), medical complication (OR: 1.48), surgical complication (OR: 1.62), and mortality (OR: 2.33).

Conclusions

Patients with MetS undergoing thyroidectomy are at increased risk of an increased length of stay, overall complications, and mortality.
Putting the humanity into inhuman systems: How human factors and ergonomics can be used to manage the risks associated with artificial general intelligence
Authors: Salmon Paul M. , Carden Tony , Hancock Peter A.
Published: December 2020

The next generation of artificial intelligence, known as artificial general intelligence (AGI) could either revolutionize or destroy humanity. As the discipline which focuses on enhancing human health and wellbeing, human factors and ergonomics (HFE) has a crucial role to play in the conception, design, and operation of AGI systems. Despite this, there has been little examination as to how HFE can influence and direct this evolution. This study uses a hypothetical AGI system, Tegmark's “Prometheus,” to frame the role of HFE in managing the risks associated with AGI. Fifteen categories of HFE method are identified and their potential role in AGI system design is considered. The findings suggest that all categories of HFE method can contribute to AGI system design; however, areas where certain methods require extension are identified. It is concluded that HFE can and should contribute to AGI system design and immediate effort is required to facilitate this goal. In closing, we explicate some of the work required to embed HFE in wider multi‐disciplinary efforts aiming to create safe and efficient AGI systems.
Further evidence from the LiveLighter® campaign: A controlled cohort study in Victoria and South Australia
Authors: Miller Caroline , Caruso Joanna , Dono Joanne , Morley Belinda , Wakefield Melanie , Dixon Helen , Ettridge Kerry
Published: December 2020

Issue addressed

The LiveLighter® healthy weight and lifestyle social marketing campaign, developed in Western Australia, employs graphic advertising to communicate negative health effects of overweight and motivate behaviour change. This study extends prior evidence of the effectiveness of the LiveLighter® campaign by evaluating its implementation in a new jurisdiction.

Methods

A controlled cohort design was employed in intervention (Vic) and comparison states (SA), with and without campaign exposure. Population surveys conducted at baseline (BL) (n = 1000 each state), had 75% retention at follow‐up (FU) (Vic: n = 715; SA: n = 787).

Results

Total campaign awareness was moderate (61.5%). Exposed respondents indicated the campaign was “believable” (91.0%), made a strong argument for reducing weight (87.3%), made them “stop and think” (70.1%), motivated action to reach/stay a healthy weight (59.1%) and was “relevant” (55.6%). The proportion of respondents indicating “toxic fat build up” was a health consequence of overweight increased significantly from BL to FU in Vic and to a lesser extent in SA (Vic:55.7% vs 75.9%; SA:58.1% vs 62.6%, interaction P < .001). The proportion indicating cancer is a health consequence of overweight increased significantly from BL to FU in Vic, but not in SA (Vic:77.1% vs 83.4%; SA:77.8% vs 78.1%, interaction P < .05).

Conclusions

This study extends the evidence base for the LiveLighter® campaign. Sustained campaign activity with clear behavioural recommendations is required to translate improved knowledge into behaviour change.

So what

Evidence‐based mass media campaigns can positively impact health behaviours to address the unsustainable increasing burdens of unhealthy weight, dietary risk and inadequate physical activity. A National Obesity Campaign is needed and LiveLighter® is a ready‐made, relevant Australian resource.
Facile Iodine Detection via Fluorescence Quenching of β‐Cyclodextrin:Bimane‐Ditriazole Inclusion Complexes
Authors: Pramanik Apurba , Karmakar Joy , Grynzspan Flavio , Levine Mindy
Published: December 2020

Reported herein is the detection of iodine using a non‐covalent association complex formed between a β‐cyclodextrin host and a designer bimane ditriazole guest. This complex responds to the presence of iodine with a marked decrease in the observed fluorescence signal. A sub‐nanomolar detection limit of this system in the solution‐state was determined. Moreover, results using filter paper onto which the β‐cyclodextrin‐bimane complex was adsorbed show a noticeable advantage compared to the cyclodextrin‐free bimane. Thus, highly sensitive on‐paper colorimetric iodine detection was achieved.
The Tunisian exchange rate regime: Is it really floating?
Authors: Bouabidi Mohamed
Published: December 2020

While the Tunisian authority claims to adopt a floating exchange regime, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) classifies it as a rather crawl‐like regime. This paper aims at studying the Tunisian exchange rate regime over the post‐revolution period. It uses daily data from 2010 to 2019. The empirical results show that the Tunisian de facto regime is broadly consistent with the IMF classification. Nevertheless, the IMF stated that in 2018 the EUR is the only anchor, but this study shows that from 2017 the implicit weight of the USD becomes higher than the EUR. Most of the time, there is a discrepancy between the regime claimed by the Tunisian authority and the de facto regime detected by the model. Annual regressions, the Chow, and the Bai‐Perron breakpoint tests show that the Tunisian de facto regime is not stable.