bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Current Trends in Nanoscale Interfacial Electrode Engineering for Sulfide‐Based All‐Solid‐State Li‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Ali Mukarram , Doh Chil-Hoon , Lee You-Jin , Kim Byung-Gon , Park Jun-Woo , Park Junho , Park Gumjae , Lee Won-Jae , Lee Sang-Min , Ha Yoon-Cheol
Published: March 2021

All‐solid‐state Li‐ion batteries (ASSLBs) have been a topic of interest in the recent two decades for use in energy storage technologies. Among various types of solid electrolytes, sulfide‐based solid electrolytes (SSEs) have been regarded as the most promising electrolytes for practical ASSLBs due to their high ionic conductivity (>1 mS cm−1) and the possibility of high energy density cells (>500 Wh kg−1) using a currently available high capacity oxide cathode and a Li‐metal anode, as well as their nonflammable nature. However, SSEs are known to suffer from: 1) low electrochemical stability window; 2) parasitic interfacial reactions at oxide cathodes; 3) electrochemomechanical degradation at the interface; and 4) dendritic growth at bare Li‐metal anodes. Herein, a comprehensive review of specific strategies for high energy density ASSLBs is provided, focusing on the nanoscale interfacial engineering on oxide‐based cathode materials and Li‐metal anodes. Recent progresses in in situ‐based complex interfacial coatings, deposition techniques for synthesizing complex core–shell structures at oxide‐based cathode active materials, and lithiophilic seeding followed by dendrite protective coatings at anodes are mainly summarized. Finally, the perspectives for the development of high energy density sulfide‐based ASSLBs are highlighted.
Identification of the chemical composition of six essential oils with mass spectroscopy and evaluation of their antibacterial and antioxidant potential
Authors: Nait Irahal Imane , azzahra Lahlou Fatima , Hmimid Fouzia , Errami Ahmed , Guenaou Ismail , Diawara Idrissa , Kettani‐Halabi Mohamed , Fahde Sirine , Ouafik L’Houcine , Bourhim Noureddine
Published: March 2021

This study determined the chemical composition of Cinnamomum verum J.Presl, Cistus ladaniferus L., Laurus nobilis L., Senecio anteuphorbuim, Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. and Schinus molle L. essential oils (EOs) by gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry. Moreover, the six EOs were screened in order to reveal their antibacterial and antioxidant activities. They were initially tested against six pathogenic bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA: methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus), Escherichia coli (ESBL: extended‐spectrum β‐lactamases), Enterococcus faecalis (VRE: vancomycin‐resistant enterococcus), Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRK: carbapenem‐resistant klebsiella), clinical isolate Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. Then, the antioxidant effect was assessed by β‐carotene‐linoleic acid. Cinnamomum verum J.Presl, Cistus ladaniferus L. and Laurus nobilis L. exhibited the greatest antibacterial activity except Boswellia serrata Roxb. ex Colebr. oil. But this last one showed the highest antioxidant activity (85.75%) comparable to that of BHT (98.25%). The principal component analysis between the antibacterial activity and the twenty major components of six EOs revealed that α‐pinene, β‐pinene, 4‐carene, α‐phellandrene, 1,8‐cineole, linalool, 1,3,8‐p‐menthatriene, α‐terpineol, cinnamyl alcohol and cinnamaldehyde are responsible for their antibacterial activity against multi‐resistant strains. From this study, the results obtained show that the EOs may constitute an alternative to the emergence of multidrug‐resistant bacteria.
Effects of ultrasound and microwave pretreatments on hydrodistillation extraction of essential oils from Kumquat peel
Authors: Yu Fen , Wan Na , Zheng Qin , Li Yuanhui , Yang Ming , Wu Zhenfeng
Published: March 2021

Main objectives of this work were to investigate the influences of ultrasound pretreatment (UP) and microwave pretreatment (MP) on extraction kinetics, chemical composition, and antioxidant activity of Kumquat peel essential oil (EO) obtained by hydrodistillation extraction (HDE). The effects of ultrasound power and processing time, and microwave power and processing time were evaluated. As compared with HDE individually, UP and MP decreased the extraction time, increased the yield and DPPH radical‐scavenging activity but did not noticeably affect chemical composition of the EO. For UP and MP, the highest EO yield was obtained when the ultrasonic power and processing time, and microwave power and processing time were 210 W and 30 min, 300 W and 6 min, respectively. In comparison with MP, UP gave a higher yield and DPPH radical‐scavenging activity of the EO. Overall, UP and MP are promising techniques for HDE of EO from kumquat peel.
Correspondences between high‐frequency sequences and the Milankovitch Cycles of Dongying Formation in Liaoxi Uplift, Bohai Bay Basin, North‐east China
Authors: Xia Shiqiang , Lin Changsong , Du Xiaofeng , Li Hong
Published: March 2021

The typical wells in Liaoxi Uplift were selected to conduct studies on high‐frequency sequences and their correspondences with the Milankovitch Cycles in Dongying Formation based on integrated analysis of wireline logs and sieve residue logs. The results of well JZ‐E show that 37 ultra‐short‐term cycles, 13 short‐term cycles, 8 mid‐term cycles, and 5 long‐term cycles are identified. Meanwhile, the correspondences between high‐frequency sequences and the Milankovitch Cycles in Dongying Formation were analysed based on GR curve of well JZ‐E and MATLAB procedure. The correspondences indicate that the Milankovitch Cycles are well preserved in Dongying Formation. The thickness of long‐period cycles caused by eccentricity ranges from 2.7963 to 3.9965 m. The thickness of mid‐term cycles caused by obliquity ranges from 1.5081 to 2.1126 m. The thickness of short‐period cycles caused by precessions ranges from 0.5791 to 1.1269 m. There is a good consistency between high‐frequency sequences and the Milankovitch Cycles in Dongying Formation. The mid‐term cycle, short‐term cycle, and ultra‐short‐term cycle of high‐frequency sequence correspond, respectively, to long‐period eccentricity, short‐period eccentricity, and precession cycle of the Milankovitch Cycles. Lacustrine fluctuations caused by the change in Earth's orbit play a major role in controlling high‐frequency sequences.
Correlates of institutionalization among the oldest old—Evidence from the multicenter AgeCoDe‐AgeQualiDe study
Authors: Hajek André , Luppa Melanie , Brettschneider Christian , van der Leeden Carolin , van den Bussche Hendrik , Oey Anke , Wiese Birgitt , Weyerer Siegfried , Werle Jochen , Fuchs Angela , Pentzek Michael , Löbner Margrit , Stein Janine , Weeg Dagmar , Bickel Horst , Heser Kathrin , Wagner Michael , Scherer Martin , Maier Wolfgang , Riedel‐Heller Steffi G. , König Hans‐Helmut
Published: March 2021

Objectives

There is a lack of studies identifying the correlates of institutionalization specifically among the oldest old. Therefore, our aim was to fill this gap in knowledge.

Methods

Cross‐sectional data (Follow up wave 9; n = 633 observations in the analytical sample) were used from the multicenter prospective cohort study “Needs, health service use, costs and health‐related quality of life in a large sample of oldest‐old primary care patients (85+)” Correlates of institutionalization among the oldest old—Evidence from a multicenter cohort study. The sample consists of primary care patients aged 86 years and over (mean 90.5 years, SD: 2.9 years). Sociodemographic and health‐related independent variables were included in our regression model. Institutionalization was defined as living in a nursing home or an old‐age home (not including assisted living facilities).

Results

Out of the 633 participants, 502 individuals (79.3%) did not live in an institutionalized setting, whereas 73 individuals (20.7%) lived in an institutionalized setting. Multiple logistic regressions showed that the likelihood of institutionalization increased with being divorced/widowed/single (compared to being married; OR: 5.35 [95% CI: 1.75–16.36]), the presence of social isolation (OR: 2.07 [1.20–3.59]), more depressive symptoms (OR: 1.11 [1.01–1.23]), increased cognitive impairment (OR: 1.67 [1.31–2.15]) and higher levels of frailty (OR: 1.48 [1.07–2.06]).

Conclusion

The study findings identified various sociodemographic and health‐related factors associated with institutionalization among the oldest old. Longitudinal studies are required to gain further insights into these associations.
The knowledge based view and global strategy: Past impact and future potential
Authors: Grant Robert , Phene Anupama
Published: March 2021

Research Summary

The centrality of knowledge to the global arena has allowed scholars in this area to play a leading role in developing the knowledge‐based view (KBV) of the firm. We propose that broadening the KBV to take account of the social constructionist approach to knowledge and the multilevel nature of knowledge processes, can build a more serviceable knowledge‐based theory of global strategy. Specifically, we urge research in three directions, the exploration of a KBV of economic organization in a global context, which would encompass macro institutions as well as individuals; focus on the foundational construct of knowledge that would integrate human and machine learning in the global arena; and the creation of a comprehensive framework of knowledge types and knowledge processes across space.

Managerial Summary

Lack of consensus over the nature of knowledge has prevented the KBV from developing into an integrated, stand‐alone theory of the MNE, but has not constrained its ability to provide penetrating insights into global strategy and the management of the MNE. Empirical research shows that the processes through which knowledge is generated and applied in the global arena are complex and contextually differentiated. To extend and synthesize our understanding of these complex processes, we propose the development of a knowledge based theory of global strategy. We advocate extending the KBV in three areas, first, consideration of a KBV of organization in a global context that extends beyond the MNE to consider institutions and individuals, second, a focus on knowledge as a key construct to incorporate recent technological advances in artificial intelligence and machine learning, and third, development of a framework of types and processes of knowledge that have implications for management across locations.
Automated fusion of multimodal imaging data for identifying epileptogenic lesions in patients with inconclusive magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Mareček Radek , Říha Pavel , Bartoňová Michaela , Kojan Martin , Lamoš Martin , Gajdoš Martin , Vojtíšek Lubomír , Mikl Michal , Bartoň Marek , Doležalová Irena , Pail Martin , Strýček Ondřej , Pažourková Marta , Brázdil Milan , Rektor Ivan
Published: March 2021

Many methods applied to data acquired by various imaging modalities have been evaluated for their benefit in localizing lesions in magnetic resonance (MR) negative epilepsy patients. No approach has proven to be a stand‐alone method with sufficiently high sensitivity and specificity. The presented study addresses the potential benefit of the automated fusion of results of individual methods in presurgical evaluation. We collected electrophysiological, MR, and nuclear imaging data from 137 patients with pharmacoresistant MR‐negative/inconclusive focal epilepsy. A subgroup of 32 patients underwent surgical treatment with known postsurgical outcomes and histopathology. We employed a Gaussian mixture model to reveal several classes of gray matter tissue. Classes specific to epileptogenic tissue were identified and validated using the surgery subgroup divided into two disjoint sets. We evaluated the classification accuracy of the proposed method at a voxel‐wise level and assessed the effect of individual methods. The training of the classifier resulted in six classes of gray matter tissue. We found a subset of two classes specific to tissue located in resected areas. The average classification accuracy (i.e., the probability of correct classification) was significantly higher than the level of chance in the training group (0.73) and even better in the validation surgery subgroup (0.82). Nuclear imaging, diffusion‐weighted imaging, and source localization of interictal epileptic discharges were the strongest methods for classification accuracy. We showed that the automatic fusion of results can identify brain areas that show epileptogenic gray matter tissue features. The method might enhance the presurgical evaluations of MR‐negative epilepsy patients.
Albumin in Advanced Liver Diseases: The Good and Bad of a Drug!
Authors: Jagdish Rakesh Kumar , Maras Jaswinder Singh , Sarin Shiv Kumar
Published: March 2021

Human serum albumin is the most abundant plasma protein, and it regulates diverse body functions. In patients with advanced and decompensated cirrhosis, serum albumin levels are low because of a reduction in the hepatocyte mass due to disease per se and multiple therapeutic interventions. Because of their oncotic and nononcotic properties, administration of human albumin solutions (HAS) have been found to be beneficial in patients undergoing large‐volume paracentesis or who have hepatorenal syndrome or spontaneous bacterial peritonitis. Albumin also improves the functionality of the immune cells and mitigates the severity and risk of infections in advanced cirrhosis. Its long‐term administration can modify the course of decompensated cirrhosis patients by reducing the onset of new complications, improving the quality of life, and probably providing survival benefits. There is, however, a need to rationalize the dose, duration, and frequency of albumin therapy in different liver diseases and stages of cirrhosis. In patients with acute‐on‐chronic liver failure, potentially toxic oxidized isoforms of albumin increase substantially, especially human nonmercaptalbumin and 2, and nitrosoalbumin. The role of administration of HAS in such patients is unclear. Determining whether removal of the pathological and dysfunctional albumin forms in these patients by “albumin dialysis” is helpful, requires additional studies. Use of albumin is not without adverse events. These mainly include allergic and transfusion reactions, volume overload, antibody formation and coagulation derangements. Considering their cost, limited availability, need for a health care setting for their administration, and potential adverse effects, judicious use of HAS in liver diseases is advocated. There is a need for new albumin molecules and economic alternatives in hepatologic practice.
Irreversibility analysis of nanofluid flow induced by peristaltic waves in the presence of concentration‐dependent viscosity
Authors: Akbar Y. , Abbasi F. M.
Published: March 2021

The present study employs irreversibility analysis for the peristaltic movement of a nanofluid. The viscosity of the nanofluid is assumed to vary with the local concentration of colloidal particles. Impacts of thermophoresis, magnetic field, Brownian motion, Ohmic heating, viscous dissipation, and buoyant forces are considered in the flow analysis. Equations representing the flow and heat/mass transfer are prepared by employing Buongiorno's model for nanofluids. The lubrication approach is used to simplify the governing equations. The resulting system of differential equations is numerically solved with the aid of NDSolve in Mathematica. Results for entropy generation, Bejan number, velocity, temperature, and concentration are graphically presented. Outcomes show that entropy generation and temperature reduce by increasing the values of viscosity parameter. By increasing buoyancy forces due to temperature difference, the entropy generation increases, whereas the concentration profile shows a decreasing behavior. Maximum velocity reduces with an increment in the Hartman number.
Interferometric optical fiber sensor for optoacoustic endomicroscopy
Authors: Ülgen Okan , Shnaiderman Rami , Zakian Christian , Ntziachristos Vasilis
Published: March 2021

Optical fiber sensors can offer robust and miniaturized detection of wideband ultrasound, yielding high sensitivity and immunity to electromagnetic interference. However, the lack of cost‐effective manufacturing methods prevents the disseminated use of these sensors in biomedical applications. In this study, we developed and optimized a simple method to create optical cavities with high‐quality mirrors for acoustic sensing based on micro‐manipulation of UV‐curable optical adhesives and electroless chemical silver deposition. This approach enables the manufacturing of ultrasound sensors based on Fabry‐Pérot interferometers on optical fiber tips with minimal production costs. Characterization and high‐resolution optoacoustic imaging experiments show that the manufacturing process yielded a fiber sensor with a small NEP () over a broad detection bandwidth (25 MHz), generally outperforming conventional piezoelectric based transducers. We discuss how the new manufacturing process leads to a high‐performance acoustic detector that, due to low cost, can be used as a disposable sensor.
The diagnostic value of platelet distribution width in patients with mild COVID‐19
Authors: Wang Yan , Fan Zhe , Wang Shuang , Zhuang Chengjun
Published: March 2021

COVID‐19 has a worldwide distribution; however, there is no effective diagnosis marker, especially for the mild‐type COVID‐19. The purpose of the current study was to identify parameters for mild‐type COVID‐19. We retrospectively analyzed a single‐center data of patients with mild COVID‐19. Forty patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 were enrolled. Peripheral blood indices between the admission and discharge times were collected and analyzed. The platelet distribution width (PDW) was shown to be an indicator of significant change. The receiver operating characteristic curve for PDW was 0.7; the sensitivity and specificity for PDW were 82.5% and 55.0%, respectively. Therefore, a potential diagnostic value of PDW for mild‐type COVID‐19 was demonstrated.
Community dental health coordinators’ role in community‐based pediatric dental education
Authors: Mitchell Stephen C. , West Cherri A. , Lockwood Stuart A.
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) School of Dentistry utilized a Community Dental Health Coordinator (CDHC) to transform a community‐based dental education rotation into a positive learning experience for senior dental students. Based in a county health department's Women, Infant, and Children's (WIC) clinic and dental clinic, the initial rotation before implementation of the CDHC was received poorly by students and community partners. This paper reports how CDHC involvement improved student experiences with pediatric patients.

Methods

In 2018, the CDHC embedded in the WIC clinic where student rotations occur and developed relationships with the community partners to identify key issues. The CDHC then implemented qualitative improvements, including a restructured workflow, preparatory educational modules, and assessment systems to address the issues. Student performance reports, focus group discussions, and a postgraduation questionnaire provided data for evaluation of performance.

Results

By year 3, dental appointments for patients under age 6 increased, resulting in 95% of UAB students seeing this age patient; 74% completed four or more. Three‐quarters of students reported performing restorative procedures on children. Student and community partner acceptance of the rotation also improved. Postgraduation questionnaires (32% response rate) indicate 35% of graduates continue to treat Medicaid patients after graduation.

Conclusion

The CDHC's unique skills in community relationship‐building, community‐based dental screenings, and pediatric dental care coordination produced measurable improvements in community participation and student clinical experiences. The CDHC can be a vital part of dental education, especially in community education settings. Community‐based dental education generated measurable improvements in students’ clinical experiences.
Cypsela diversity in some members of Compositae through LM study and its taxonomic significance
Authors: Sikder Arunima , Moktan Saurav
Published: March 2021

Compositae (Asteraceae), also known as the sunflower family has evolved to become the most diverse and advanced angiosperm family. However, with high diversity, taxonomic complexities also arise at several levels. A reliable tool in resolving such taxonomic conundrums in this family is the characteristic fruit of Compositae known as “cypsela.” While most of the previous cypsela‐based studies have focused on specific tribes and species of Compositae, in this study, we shift our focus to the genus level and seek a broader understanding of the taxonomic relationships that prevail in this family. In order to achieve this, we sampled 25 genera of Compositae and subjected them to qualitative and quantitative analysis to resolve them into groups based on the degree of similarity. This study was conducted by employing light microscopy techniques for gathering the qualitative and quantitative morphological data of the cypselae. The qualitative data were collected on six key morphological characteristics—shape, color, base, surface ornamentation, ribs, and pappus types for all the members. These data were used to yield an artificial dichotomous key to genera for the 25 members. The quantitative data on dimensions (length, breadth) of the entire cypsela as well as the pappus and ribs were subjected to principal component analysis, to understand the covariance among these variables. Hierarchical clustering followed by dendrogram construction was used to visualize the patterns of correlation within the samples and make taxonomic conclusions. The resulting dendrogram showed four closely related clades that consisted of 23 out of the 25 members whereas 2 members emerged as outgroups. The results of this study commensurate with DNA‐based resolution of the concerned Compositae members, hence highlighting the reliability and significance of both light microscopy and morphology‐based studies that seem to be fading away otherwise.
Effect of different polishing systems on the surface roughness of various bulk‐fill and nano‐filled resin‐based composites: An atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy study
Authors: Kılıç Vahti , Gök Adem
Published: March 2021

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of different polishing systems on the surface roughness of various bulk‐fill and nano‐filled resin‐based composites using different methods. For the study, a total of 192 disc‐shaped samples (10‐mm wide and 2‐mm thick) were prepared from four different bulk‐fill composites (Filtek Bulk Fill, X‐tra fil, Beautifil‐Bulk Restorative and Fill Up) and two nano‐filled resin‐based composites (Ceram.x SphereTEC and Filtek Z550). The samples in each composite group were divided into four subgroups according to the polishing system to be used (n = 8). Four different polishing systems (Sof‐Lex Diamond, Clearfil Twist Dia, HiLuster Plus, OptiDisc) were applied. Then, surface roughness measurements were carried out using a contact‐type profilometer. One sample from each group was subjected to atomic force microscopy (AFM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) examinations. Surface roughness (Ra) values were statistically analyzed in terms of composites and polishing systems using the two‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and comparisons among groups were performed using the Tukey test (α = .05). Surface roughness values differed significantly in relation to the composite and polishing system used (p < .05). Among all composites, the lowest surface roughness values were obtained in the groups treated with the OptiDisc polishing system (except Beautifil‐Bulk Restorative), whereas the highest roughness values were observed in the group polished with Clearfil Twist Dia (except Filtek Z550). X‐tra fil showed the highest roughness value with all polishing systems tested. The findings of AFM analyses were consistent with profilometric measurements. The nano‐filled resin‐based composites showed smoother surface than bulk‐fill composites and the type of the polishing systems was found to affect surface roughness.
Scanning electron microscopy analysis of marginal adaptation of mineral trioxide aggregate, tricalcium silicate cement, and dental amalgam as a root end filling materials
Authors: Jovanović Lena Z. , Bajkin Branislav V.
Published: March 2021

The aim of this research was to examine marginal adaptation of three root end filling materials mineral trioxide aggregate (MTA), Biodentine and amalgam. Ninety single‐rooted extracted human teeth of the maxillary intercanine sector were used in the study. After the endodontic treatment and retrograde preparation, teeth were divided into three groups, depending on the root‐end filling material. Teeth were cut in longitudinal manner. Measurements of the total width of the marginal gap in micrometers were performed using scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that MTA and Biodentine have better marginal adaptation compared to amalgam expressed through the mean value of the measured edge crack, however without significant difference (p > .05). Mean value of the measured edge crack in Group 1 (MTA) was 8.17 μm, in Group 2 (Biodentine) 8.53 μm, and in Group 3 (amalgam) 9.13 μm. All tested materials show a satisfactory degree of marginal adaptation, but MTA and Biodentine proved to be superior to amalgam.
An unexpected cause of sudden cardiac arrest in a young swimmer
Authors: Cia Mendioroz Xabier , Garcia‐Izquierdo Eusebio , Mingo Santos Susana , Castro‐Urda Victor , Toquero‐Ramos Jorge , Fernandez‐Lozano Ignacio
Published: March 2021

Sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) is an uncommon but devastating event among young adults. While inherited cardiomyopathies and channelopathies represent an important proportion of sudden deaths, coronary artery disease remains a significant contributor in this age group. ECG findings are essential to guide the first steps of diagnostic work‐up of SCA, but sometimes can overlap between different etiologies. In this article we present a 16‐year‐old female who experienced SCA during vigorous swimming whose ECG was compatible with long QT syndrome. However, evaluation of the coronary anatomy provided the diagnosis of Kawasaki disease.
Unveiling buried aeolian landscapes: reconstructing a late Holocene dune environment using 3D ground‐penetrating radar
Authors: Rees‐Hughes Luis , Barlow Natasha L. M. , Booth Adam D. , West Landis J. , Tuckwell George , Grossey Tim
Published: March 2021

Across the UK, sandy beaches and dunes protect coastal infrastructure from waves and extreme water levels during large‐scale storms, while providing important habitats and recreational opportunities. Understanding their long‐term evolution is vital in managing their condition in a changing climate. Recently, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) methods have grown in popularity in geomorphological applications, yielding centimetre‐scale resolution images of near‐surface stratigraphy and structure, thus allowing landscape evolution to be reconstructed. Additionally, abrupt changes in palaeo‐environments can be visualized in three dimensions. Although often complemented by core data, GPR allows interpretations to be extended into areas with minimal ground‐truth control. Nonetheless, GPR data interpretation can be non‐intuitive and ambiguous, and radargrams may not initially resemble the expected subsurface geometry. Interpretation can be made yet more onerous when handling the large 3D data volumes that are facilitated with modern GPR technology. Here we describe the development of novel semi‐automated GPR feature‐extraction tools, based on ‘edge detection’ and ‘thresholding’ methods, which detect regions of increased GPR reflectivity which can be applied to aid in the reconstruction of a range Quaternary landscapes. Since reflectivity can be related to lithological and/or pore fluid changes, the 3D architecture of the palaeo‐landscape can be reconstructed from the features extracted from a geophysical dataset. We present 500 MHz GPR data collected over a buried Holocene coastal dune system in North Wales, UK, now reclaimed for use as an airfield. Core data from the site, reaching a maximum depth 2 m, suggest rapid vertical changes from sand to silty‐organic units, and GPR profiles suggest similar lateral complexity. By applying thresholding methods to GPR depth slices, these lateral complexities are effectively and automatically mapped. Furthermore, automatic extraction of the local reflection power yields a strong correlation with the depth variation of organic content, suggesting it is a cause of reflectivity contrast. GPR‐interpolated analyses away from core control thus offer a powerful proxy for parameters derived from invasive core logging. The GPR data collected at Llanbedr airfield highlight a complex dune system to a depth of 2.8 m, probably deposited in several phases over ~700 years, similar to elsewhere in North Wales.
Onsite/on‐field analysis of pesticide and veterinary drug residues by a state‐of‐art technology: A review
Authors: Rahman Md. Musfiqur , Lee Dong Ju , Jo Ara , Yun Seung Hee , Eun Jong‐Bang , Im Moo‐Hyeog , Shim Jae‐Han , Abd El‐Aty A. M.
Published: March 2021

Pesticides and veterinary drugs are generally employed to control pests and insects in crop and livestock farming. However, remaining residues are considered potentially hazardous to human health and the environment. Therefore, regular monitoring is required for assessing and legislation of pesticides and veterinary drugs. Various approaches to determining residues in various agricultural and animal food products have been reported. Most analytical methods involve sample extraction, purification (cleanup), and detection. Traditional sample preparation is time‐consuming labor‐intensive, expensive, and requires a large amount of toxic organic solvent, along with high probability for the decomposition of a compound before the analysis. Thus, modern sample preparation techniques, such as the quick, easy, cheap, effective, rugged, and safe method, have been widely accepted in the scientific community for its versatile application; however, it still requires a laboratory setup for the extraction and purification processes, which also involves the utilization of a toxic solvent. Therefore, it is crucial to elucidate recent technologies that are simple, portable, green, quick, and cost‐effective for onsite and infield residue detections. Several technologies, such as surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy, quantum dots, biosensing, and miniaturized gas chromatography, are now available. Further, several onsite techniques, such as ion mobility–mass spectrometry, are now being upgraded; some of them, although unable to analyze field sample directly, can analyze a large number of compounds within very short time (such as time‐of‐flight and Orbitrap mass spectrometry). Thus, to stay updated with scientific advances and analyze organic contaminants effectively and safely, it is necessary to study all of the state‐of‐art technology.
The Effect of Therapeutic Alliance on Dropout in Cognitive Processing Therapy for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Authors: Sijercic Iris , Liebman Rachel E. , Stirman Shannon Wiltsey , Monson Candice M.
Published: March 2021

A substantial number of individuals who undergo cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) drop out before receiving a full course of treatment. Therapeutic alliance, defined as the working relationship between the therapist and client, is a dynamic process within therapy that may change over time. Research suggests that therapeutic alliance is associated with dropout in various treatments. However, no studies have yet examined the association between therapeutic alliance and dropout in CPT, and few studies have examined therapeutic alliance longitudinally over the course of treatment. Examining alliance in CPT through different methods may increase clinicians’ understanding of how to tailor interventions to prevent treatment dropout. The present study examined the association between therapeutic alliance and treatment dropout among 169 participants in a randomized implementation effectiveness trial. In total, 33.1% of clients dropped out over the course of CPT, and nearly half of these individuals dropped out during the first six sessions. Continuous‐time survival analysis results indicated that mean ratings of alliance significantly predicted treatment dropout, Wald χ2(1, N = 167) = 4.08, Exp(β) = .64, p = .043, whereas initial alliance, late alliance, and change in alliance over treatment did not. These findings suggest that overall therapeutic alliance is an important predictor of dropout from CPT.
The two faces of the corresponding author and the need to separate them
Authors: Helgesson Gert
Published: March 2021

Key points

The role of corresponding author means one thing in the eyes of editors, journals and publishers, but researchers often take it to mean something more.

There are two different roles for the corresponding author: pre‐publication corresponding author and post‐publication corresponding author.

Journals should explicitly acknowledge these separate roles for corresponding authors in order to increase transparency.

The role of the corresponding author should be kept distinct from other responsibilities than those of communication.
Step‐Growth Polymerized Systems of Type “A1+A2+A3”: A Method to Calculate the Bivariate (Molecular Size) × (Path Length) Distribution
Authors: Hillegers, Leo Thomas , Slot Johan J. M.
Published: March 2021

Step‐growth polymerizing systems of type “A1+A2+A3” are considered. The monomers bear one (A1), two (A2), or three (A3) identical reactive sites. In the reactor vessel, at a given degree of conversion, a wide range of polymeric molecules has formed, differing in both molecular size and in branching structure, determined by the laws of probability. In a slice of the molecular size distribution, all polymeric molecules have the same size (i.e., are built up by the same number of monomeric units), but differ in number and position of branching points (A3's). A method is presented to calculate the path length distribution for each such slice. Here, path length is the number of chemical bonds in the path connecting two monomeric units in the molecule. The shape and moments of this distribution may help rheologists and polymer manufacturers in improving the properties of their products. The system “A1+A2+A3” is the most simple representative of the more general step‐growth polymerizing systems of type “Afi,” and of type “AfiBgi.” Extension of this calculation method to these for the chemical industry more relevant systems is intended.
Blue Crab Spawning and Recruitment in Two Gulf Coast and Two Atlantic Estuaries in Florida
Authors: Hart Hannah R. , Crowley Claire E. , Walters Erin A.
Published: March 2021

The present study aimed to investigate the life history traits of blue crabs Callinectes sapidus found in four estuarine systems—two on the Gulf coast of Florida (St. Andrews Bay and Suwannee Sound) and two on the Atlantic coast (St. Johns and Halifax rivers). Females in St. Andrews Bay, Suwannee Sound, the St. Johns River, and the Halifax River reached maturity at a carapace width (measured from lateral spine tip to lateral spine tip) of 116.5, 121.9, 129.5, and 123.7 mm, respectively. At both Gulf coast locations, year-round spawning was not observed; peak spawning occurred in early to late spring, and in St. Andrews Bay there was an additional fall spawning event. On the Atlantic coast, spawning females were collected almost year round, with the greatest abundance in winter through spring and an additional peak in late summer. Potential fecundity on both coasts was directly correlated with body size and was greatest at the beginning of each reproductive season. Egg diameter from crabs on both coasts was independent of female size and was influenced by month, with the largest egg diameters observed in the earlier months of the year. Overall, there was an inverse relationship between potential fecundity and egg diameter. Mean potential fecundity for females sampled in St. Andrews Bay, the Halifax River, and the St. Johns River was 1.8, 2.1, and 2.2 million eggs, respectively. This demonstrates that seasonality is important for blue crab reproductive output and for the timing of juvenile and fishery recruitment.
Objective differential diagnosis of Noonan and Williams–Beuren syndromes in diverse populations using quantitative facial phenotyping
Authors: Porras Antonio R. , Summar Marshal , Linguraru Marius George
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Patients with Noonan and Williams–Beuren syndrome present similar facial phenotypes modulated by their ethnic background. Although distinctive facial features have been reported, studies show a variable incidence of those characteristics in populations with diverse ancestry. Hence, a differential diagnosis based on reported facial features can be challenging. Although accurate diagnoses are possible with genetic testing, they are not available in developing and remote regions.

Methods

We used a facial analysis technology to identify the most discriminative facial metrics between 286 patients with Noonan and 161 with Williams‐Beuren syndrome with diverse ethnic background. We quantified the most discriminative metrics, and their ranges both globally and in different ethnic groups. We also created population‐based appearance images that are useful not only as clinical references but also for training purposes. Finally, we trained both global and ethnic‐specific machine learning models with previous metrics to distinguish between patients with Noonan and Williams–Beuren syndromes.

Results

We obtained a classification accuracy of 85.68% in the global population evaluated using cross‐validation, which improved to 90.38% when we adapted the facial metrics to the ethnicity of the patients (p = 0.024).

Conclusion

Our facial analysis provided for the first time quantitative reference facial metrics for the differential diagnosis Noonan and Williams–Beuren syndromes in diverse populations.
DEI leadership in psychiatry recommends needed guidelines
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2021

Recognizing the importance of diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and observing the widespread protests against racial and social injustice last year, leaders at major academic psychiatry programs across the country, presented their case in the American Journal of Psychiatry (AJP) on the urgent need for psychiatry departments to commit to DEI leadership in academic medicine.
Experiments and Monte Carlo simulations on multiple Coulomb scattering of protons
Authors: Verbeek Nico , Wulff Jörg , Janson Martin , Bäumer Christian , Zahid Sameera , Timmermann Beate , Brualla Lorenzo
Published: March 2021

Background and purpose

Monte Carlo simulations as well as analytical computations of proton transport in material media require accurate values of multiple Coulomb scattering (MCS) angles. High‐quality experimental data on MCS angles in the energy range for proton therapy are, however, sparse. In this work, MCS modeling in proton transport was evaluated employing an experimental method to measure these angles on a medical proton beamline in clinically relevant materials. Results are compared to Monte Carlo simulations and analytical models.

Materials and methods

Aluminum, brass, and lucite (PMMA) scatterers of clinically relevant thicknesses were irradiated with protons at 100, 160, and 220 MeV. Resulting spatial distributions of individual pencil beams were measured with a scintillating screen. The MCS angles were determined by deconvolution and a virtual point source approach. Results were compared to those obtained with the Monte Carlo codes PENH, TOPAS, and RayStation Monte Carlo, as well as the analytical models RayStation Pencil Beam Algorithm and the Molière/Fano/Hanson variant of the Molière theory.

Results

Experimental data obtained with the presented methodology agree with previously published results within 6%, with an average deviation of 3%. The combined average uncertainty of the experimental data yielded 1.8%, while the combined maximum uncertainty was below 4%. The obtained Monte Carlo results for PENH, TOPAS, and RayStation deviate on average for all considered energies, materials and thicknesses, by 2.5%, 3.4%, and 2.8% from the experimental data, respectively. For the analytical models, the average deviations amount to 4.5% and 2.9% for the RayStation Pencil Beam Algorithm and the MoliÃ¨re/Fano/Hanson model, respectively.

Conclusion

The experimental method developed for the present work allowed to measure MCS angles in clinical proton facilities with good accuracy. The presented method permits to extend the database on experimental MCS angles which is rather limited. This work further provides benchmark data for lucite in thicknesses relevant for clinical applications. The data may serve to validate dose engines of treatment planning systems and secondary dose check software. The Monte Carlo and analytical algorithms studied are capable of reproducing MCS data within the required accuracy for clinical applications.
Technical Note: Standalone application to generate custom reflectance Look‐Up Table for advanced optical Monte Carlo simulation in GATE/Geant4
Authors: Trigila Carlotta , Moghe Eshani , Roncali Emilie
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The need for high‐fidelity modeling of radiation detectors to perform reliable detector performance optimization using Monte Carlo simulations requires to accurately simulate the light transport in the scintillator and the light collection by the photodetector. In this work, we implement our well‐validated crystal reflectance model computed from three‐dimensional (3D) crystal surface measurement in a standalone open‐source application to allow researchers to generate fully customized crystal reflectance look‐up‐tables (LUTs) to be used in optical Monte Carlo simulation.

Methods

The LUTDavisModel application can be installed in a few minutes on Windows, macOS, and Linux, using 26 MB of space. MATLAB Runtime is required and is automatically installed with the application. The core algorithm has been previously validated experimentally and implemented in GATE v8.0. The standalone is divided into five panels, each of which performing a specific task: generate LUTs from a combination of surface type, scintillator, and coupling medium available in the database (such as LSO or BGO) or custom; compute LUTs with the reflectors available and custom coupling thickness; create a mixture of coupling media to account for possible defects in the optical coupling; plot precomputed LUTs for visual comparison. Tooltips and errors/warnings facilitate the navigation. The reported computational times were obtained with an Intel Core i7 MacBook Pro.

Results

LUTs can be generated with computational time ranging from a few minutes to several hours depending on the selected surface, sampling, and computational power. A longer time is needed when using rough surfaces and thick coupling media (hundreds of ) due to increased photon tracking.

Conclusions

We developed a user‐friendly standalone application to generate LUTs that can be used inside GATE Monte Carlo simulations. It can be easily downloaded, installed, and used. Future optimizations will expand the database, decrease the computational time through greater parallelization, and include the generation of LUTs to study Cerenkov photons transport.
Whole‐brain amide CEST imaging at 3T with a steady‐state radial MRI acquisition
Authors: Sui Ran , Chen Lin , Li Yuguo , Huang Jianpan , Chan Kannie W. Y. , Xu Xiang , van Zijl Peter C. M. , Xu Jiadi
Published: March 2021

Purpose

To develop a steady‐state saturation with radial readout chemical exchange saturation transfer (starCEST) for acquiring CEST images at 3 Tesla (T). The polynomial Lorentzian line‐shape fitting approach was further developed for extracting amideCEST intensities at this field.

Method

StarCEST MRI using periodically rotated overlapping parallel lines with enhanced reconstruction‐based spatial sampling was implemented to acquire Z‐spectra that are robust to brain motion. Multi‐linear singular value decomposition postprocessing was applied to enhance the CEST SNR. The egg white phantom studies were performed at 3T to reveal the contributions to the 3.5 ppm CEST signal. Based on the phantom validation, the amideCEST peak was quantified using the polynomial Lorentzian line‐shape fitting, which exploits the inverse relationship between Z‐spectral intensity and the longitudinal relaxation rate in the rotating frame. The 3D turbo spin echo CEST was also performed to compare with the starCEST method.

Results

The amideCEST peak showed a negligible peak B1 dependence between 1.2 µT and 2.4 µT. The amideCEST images acquired with starCEST showed much improved image quality, SNR, and motion robustness compared to the conventional 3D turbo spin echo CEST method with the same scan time. The amideCEST contrast extracted by the polynomial Lorentzian line‐shape fitting method trended toward a stronger gray matter signal (1.32% ± 0.30%) than white matter (0.92% ± 0.08%; P = .02, n = 5). When calculating the magnetization transfer contrast and T1‐corrected rotating frame relaxation rate maps, amideCEST again was not significantly different for white matter and gray matter.

Conclusion

Rapid multi‐slice amideCEST mapping can be achieved by the starCEST method (< 5 min) at 3T by combing with the polynomial Lorentzian line‐shape fitting method.
Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]‐pyruvate in a translational oncologic model
Authors: Perkons Nicholas R. , Johnson Omar , Pilla Gabrielle , Gade Terence P. F.
Published: March 2021

This study investigates the in vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of hyperpolarized [1‐13C]‐pyruvate in a translational cancer model in order to inform the application of dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP)‐enhanced magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging (MRSI) as a tool for imaging liver cancer. Intratumoral metabolism within autochthonous hepatocellular carcinomas in male Wistar rats was analyzed by MRSI following hyperpolarized [1‐13C]‐pyruvate injections with 80 mM (low dose [LD]) or 160 mM (high dose [HD]) pyruvate. Rats received (i) LD followed by HD injection, (ii) sequential LD injections with or without an interposed lactate dehydrogenase inhibitor (LDHi) injection, or (iii) a single LD injection. A subset of rats in (ii) were sacrificed immediately after imaging, permitting measurement of active LDH concentrations in tumor extracts. Urine and serum were collected before and after injections for rats in (iii). Comparison of LD and HD injections confirmed concentration‐dependent variation of intratumoral metabolite fractions and intermetabolite ratios. In addition, quantification of the lactate‐to‐pyruvate ratio was sensitive to pharmacologic inhibition with intermetabolite ratios correlating with active LDH concentrations in tumor extracts. Finally, comparison of pre‐ and post‐DNP urine collections revealed that pyruvate and the radical source are renally excreted after injection. These data demonstrate that DNP‐MRSI facilitates real‐time quantification of intratumoral metabolism that is repeatable and reflective of intracellular processes. A translational model system confirmed that interpretation requires consideration of probe dose, administration frequency and excretion.