bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engaging critical methodologies in qualitative research methods with undergraduate psychology students
Authors: Fox Rachael , Nic Giolla Easpaig Bróna
Published: November 2020

This article describes the experiences of teaching undergraduate psychology students in an Australian context. The degree course the students take has no community or critical units, but it is one of very few in Australia that has a compulsory standalone unit in qualitative methods. While qualitative methods are by no means necessarily inherently critical or community focused, it has presented an opportunity to the teachers of the unit (the authors of this paper). The authors of this paper, who employ community critical methodologies in their research, aim to design teaching which is also grounded in such theory, wherever possible and despite significant limitations. Such teaching is informed by: challenging taken for granted assumptions; deconstruction and problem posing; making things uncomfortable; and relating differently. The paper describes a design of teaching where all the students undertake research projects exploring the research question: “what does psychology offer community?” Following a description of the methodologies and teaching practices, the authors reflect subjectively on their experiences working with the students, on opportunities which arose and on structural boundaries which appear to make community critical methodologies in university teaching very difficult.
Study of resilience and loneliness in youth (18–25 years old) during the COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown measures
Authors: Marchini Simone , Zaurino Elena , Bouziotis Jason , Brondino Natascia , Delvenne Véronique , Delhaye Marie
Published: November 2020

This study evaluated the risks and protective factors in mental health in 825 emerging adults aged from 18 to 25 years old in Belgium and in Italy. Resilience, loneliness and social, and family context were explored to determine their specific role in coping with the emotional distress that spread worldwide during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic. We conducted an online survey on the secured platform Research Electronic Data Capture©. Data were collected between April 7th and May 4th, 2020. The primary outcomes were the resilience scale for adults (RSA) and the University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale. The secondary outcomes included mental health status in terms of professional help seeking, use of psychotropic drugs, admission to a psychiatric department before and during lockdown measures. Responders were divided into three groups following the mental healthcare needs (MHCN) before and after the lockdown measures. The group who experienced an increase in MHCN represented almost 5% of the assessed youth. Statistically significant differences were found in means of RSA total score and RSA perception of self. This study enlightens the possibly traumatic impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic on at‐risk youth's mental health. Early detection and intervention should be structured in large‐scale disasters.
Cytoskeleton induced the changes of microvilli and mechanical properties in living cells by atomic force microscopy
Authors: Liu Xueyan , Wei Yuhui , Li Wei , Li Bin , Liu Lin
Published: November 2020

The cytoskeleton acts as a scaffold for membrane protrusion, such as microvilli. However, the relationship between the characteristics of microvilli and cytoskeleton remains poorly understood under the physiological state. To investigate the role of the cytoskeleton in regulating microvilli and cellular mechanical properties, atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to detect the dynamic characteristics of microvillus morphology and elastic modulus of living HeLa cells. First, HeLa and MCF‐7 cell lines were stained with Fluor‐488‐phalloidin and microtubules antibody. Then, the microvilli morphology was analyzed by high‐resolution images of AFM in situ. Furthermore, changes in elastic modulus were investigated by the force curve of AFM. Fluorescence microscopy and AFM results revealed that destroyed microfilaments led to a smaller microvilli size, whereas the increase in the aggregation and number of microfilaments led to a larger microvilli size. The destruction and aggregation of microfilaments remarkably affected the mechanical properties of HeLa cells. Microtubule‐related drugs induced the change of microtubule, but we failed to note significant differences in microvilli morphology and mechanical properties of cells. In summary, our results unraveled the relationship between microfilaments and the structure of microvilli and Young's modulus in living HeLa cells, which would contribute to the further understanding of the physiological function of the cytoskeleton in vivo.
Selinexor, daratumumab, and dexamethasone in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma
Authors: Gasparetto Cristina , Lentzsch Suzanne , Schiller Gary , Callander Natalie , Tuchman Sascha , Chen Christine , White Darrell , Kotb Rami , Sutherland Heather , Sebag Michael , Baljevic Muhamed , Bensinger William , LeBlanc Richard , Venner Chris , Bahlis Nizar , Rossi Adriana , Biran Noa , Sheehan Heidi , Saint‐Martin Jean‐Richard , Van Domelen Dane , Kai Kazuharu , Shah Jatin , Shacham Sharon , Kauffman Michael , Lipe Brea
Published: November 2020

We assessed the safety, efficacy, maximum tolerated dose (MTD), and the recommended phase 2 dose (RP2D) of selinexor, a first in class oral selective inhibitor of nuclear export (100 mg once weekly [QW] or 60 mg twice weekly), in combination with daratumumab (16 mg/kg per label) and dexamethasone (40 mg QW) (SDd) in patients with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM). Thirty‐four patients (median prior therapies, 3 [range, 2‐10]) were enrolled; MM was refractory to proteasome inhibitor (PI) in 85%, immunomodulatory agent (IMiD) in 76%, both in 74%, and daratumumab in 6% of patients. Two dose‐limiting toxicities (DLTs) were reported in the selinexor 60 mg twice‐weekly cohort with no DLTs in the 100 mg QW cohort, making 100 mg QW the MTD and RP2D. Common treatment‐related adverse events included thrombocytopenia (70.6%), nausea (70.6%), fatigue (61.8%), anemia (61.8%), and neutropenia (50.0%). Overall response rate was 73% and median progression‐free survival 12.5 months in daratumumab‐naïve patients. SDd was well tolerated and its promising efficacy suggests that further study of this PI‐ and IMiD‐free regimen in RRMM patients who had at least one prior line of therapy including a PI and an IMiD but whose disease is naïve to daratumumab is warranted.
Decrease of disease‐related metabolites upon fasting in a hemizygous knock‐in mouse model (Mut‐ko/ki) of methylmalonic aciduria
Authors: Lucienne Marie , Mathis Déborah , Perkins Nathan , Fingerhut Ralph , Baumgartner Matthias R. , Froese D. Sean
Published: November 2020

Methylmalonyl‐CoA mutase (MMUT) is part of the propionyl‐CoA catabolic pathway, responsible for the breakdown of branched‐chain amino acids, odd‐chain fatty acids and the side‐chain of cholesterol. Patients with deficient activity of MMUT suffer from isolated methylmalonic aciduria (MMAuria), frequently presenting in the newborn period with failure to thrive and metabolic crisis. Even well managed patients remain at risk for metabolic crises, of which one known trigger is acute illness, which may lead to poor feeding and vomiting, putting the patient in a catabolic state. This situation is believed to result in increased breakdown of propionyl‐CoA catabolic pathway precursors, producing massively elevated levels of disease related metabolites, including methylmalonic acid and propionylcarnitine. Here, we used fasting of a hemizygous mouse model (Mut‐ko/ki) of MMUT deficiency to study the role of induced catabolism on metabolite production. Although mice lost weight and displayed markers consistent with a catabolic state, contrary to expectation, we found strongly reduced levels of methylmalonic acid and propionylcarnitine in fasted conditions. Switching Mut‐ko/ki mice from a high‐protein diet to fasted conditions, or from a standard diet to a no‐protein diet, resulted in similar reductions of methylmalonic acid and propionylcarnitine levels. These results suggest, in our mouse model at least, induction of a catabolic state on its own may not be sufficient to trigger elevated metabolite levels.
Simultaneous Multislice Readout‐Segmented Echo Planar Imaging for Diffusion‐Weighted MRI in Patients With Invasive Breast Cancers
Authors: Song Sung Eun , Woo Ok Hee , Cho Kyu Ran , Seo Bo Kyoung , Son Yo Han , Grimm Robert , Liu Wei , Moon Woo Kyung
Published: November 2020

Background

In diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) of breast MRI, simultaneous multislice acceleration techniques can be used for readout‐segmented echo planar imaging (rs‐EPI) to shorten the scan time.

Purpose

To compare the image quality, apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) value, and scan time of rs‐EPI and simultaneous multislice rs‐EPI (SMS rs‐EPI) sequences.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Subjects

In all, 134 consecutive women (mean age: 55.3 years) with invasive breast cancer who underwent preoperative MRI.

Field Strength/ Sequences

3.0T; rs‐EPI sequence, prototypic SMS rs‐EPI sequence and dynamic contrast‐enhanced MRI (DCE‐MRI) sequence

Assessment

For quantitative comparison, two radiologists independently measured the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR), contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), lesion contrast, and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC). For qualitative comparison, image quality, lesion conspicuity, and reader preference were assessed with a reference of DCE‐MRI.

Statistical Tests

Paired t‐tests and Mann–Whitney tests were used.

Results

For SNR and CNR, there were no differences between the sequences (P = 0.342 and 0.665 for reader 1; P = 0.606 and P = 0.116 for reader 2). Lesion contrast of SMS rs‐EPI was higher than that of rs‐EPI (P < 0.05 for both reader 1 and reader 2). Mean tumor ADC was similar in rs‐EPI and SMS rs‐EPI sequences (0.98 ± 0.22 vs. 1.00 ± 0.22; P = 0.291 for reader 1, 0.98 ± 0.21 vs. 1.00 ± 0.22; P = 0.418 for reader 2). Regarding qualitative comparison, image quality and lesion conspicuity were higher in SMS rs‐EPI than in rs‐EPI (both P < 0.05 for both readers). The two readers regarded SMS rs‐EPI as superior or equal to rs‐EPI in over 90% of cases. The acquisition time was 4:30 minutes for rs‐EPI and 2:31 minutes for SMS rs‐EPI.

Data Conclusion

The SMS rs‐EPI sequence resulted in a similar ADC value and better image quality than the rs‐EPI sequence in a 44.1% reduced scan time.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

3
National trends in the presentation of surgically resected appendiceal adenocarcinoma over a decade
Authors: Shannon Adrienne B. , Song Yun , Roses Robert E. , Fraker Douglas L. , Miura John T. , Karakousis Giorgos C.
Published: November 2020

Background

Rates of nonoperative management of acute appendicitis and appendiceal adenocarcinoma have increased over a decade, but the presentation and outcomes of appendiceal adenocarcinoma over this period is not well‐characterized.

Methods

Patients with surgically resected Stage I–III appendiceal adenocarcinoma were identified from the 2006 to 2015 National Cancer Data Base and classified into two cohorts, 2006–2010 and 2011–2015, based on year of diagnosis. Three‐year overall survival (OS) was analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression and Kaplan–Meier survival estimates.

Results

Of 4233 patients, 1369 (32.3%) and 2864 (67.7%) were diagnosed in 2006–2010 and 2011–2015, respectively. Following multivariable analysis, patients in 2011–2015 were more likely to be <40 years of age (6.4% vs. 4.7%, odds ratio [OR] 1.53, p .015), present with pT4 tumors (40.2% vs. 34.4%, OR 1.46, p .004), and undergo hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (4.4% vs. 2.4%, OR 1.97, p .001). Comparing patients diagnosed in 2011–2015 to 2006–2010, adjusted 3‐year OS was no different among all patients (81.1% vs. 79%, p .778).

Conclusions

There has been an increase in the proportion of patients with pT4 appendix tumors over time, primarily among older (≥60 years) patients. Even so, these shifts in presentation have not resulted in differences in survival outcomes.
Modeling Hearing Loss Progression and Asymmetry in the Older Old: A National Population‐Based Study
Authors: Sharma Rahul K. , Lalwani Anil K. , Golub Justin S.
Published: November 2020

Objective

The progression and asymmetry of age‐related hearing loss has not been well characterized in those 80 years of age and older because public datasets mask upper extremes of age to protect anonymity. We aim to characterize the progression, severity, and asymmetry of hearing loss in those 80 years of age and older using a representative, national database.

Methods

Cross‐sectional, multicentered U.S. epidemiologic analysis using the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005 to 2006, 2009 to 2010, and 2011 to 2012 cycles. Subjects included noninstitutionalized, civilian adults aged 80 years and older (n = 621). Federal security clearance was granted to access publicly restricted age data. Outcome measures included pure‐tone average (PTA) air conduction thresholds and the 4‐frequency PTA.

Results

Six hundred and twenty‐one subjects were 80 years old or older (mean = 84.2 years, range = 80–104 years), representing 10,600,197 Americans. The average PTA was 38.9 dB (95% confidence interval [CI] = 37.8, 40.0). Hearing loss exhibited constant acceleration across the adult lifespan at a rate of 0.0052 dB/year2 (95% CI = 0.0049, 0.0055). This model predicted mean PTA within 2 dB of accuracy for most ages between 20 and 100 years. From age 80 years to approximately 100 years, the average PTA difference between the better and worse ear was 6.75 dB (95% CI = 5.8, 7.1). This asymmetry was relatively constant (i.e., nonsignificant linear regression coefficient of asymmetry over age = 0.07 [95% CI = −0.01, 0.2]).

Conclusion

Hearing loss steadily and predictably accelerates across the adult lifespan to at least age 100 years, becoming near universal. These population‐level statistics will guide treatment and policy recommendations for hearing health in the older old.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:879–884, 2021
Nitrogen and phosphorus additions accelerate decomposition of slow carbon pool and lower total soil organic carbon pool in alpine meadows
Authors: Li Jin Hua , Cheng Bing Heng , Zhang Rui , Li Wen Jin , Shi Xiao Ming , Han Yong Wei , Ye Lu Feng , Ostle Nicholas J. , Bardgett Richard D.
Published: November 2020

Nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) additions reduced soil organic carbon (SOC) contents and stocks in alpine meadows on the Tibetan Plateau. However, little is known about microbial mechanisms behind SOC decline. This study investigated the effects of long‐term N and P additions on microbial community composition and SOC decomposition (C mineralization (Cm), mean resistant times for active C pool (MRTa), and slow C pool (MRTs) in alpine meadows. Results showed that the total SOC pool was reduced by 2–9% under N and P additions, of which slow C pool decreased by 3–10%, while active C pool increased by 4–75% compared to the Control. N and P additions shortened MRTs by 34–40% but prolonged MRTa by 30–62%. The relative abundance of four bacterial families was related to Cm or MRTa, while that of most of the fungal families affected SOC decomposition (including Cm, MRTa, and MRTs). N and P additions increased fungal diversity, differentially affected microbial community composition and structure through modifying microbial preference, and increasing the abundance of microbes which are capable of decomposing complex carbohydrate. Soil pH, available N, and total P were main factors determining microbial abundances. Microbial changes due to N and P additions accelerated decomposition of recalcitrant SOC, thus led to declines in slow C pool and total SOC pool but increases in active C pool. Therefore, long‐term N and P additions weaken soil functioning as C pool in alpine meadows.
Improved Desalination Performance of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Hollow Fiber Membranes by the Intermediate Role of Surfactants
Authors: Kong Xiao , Lu Xiaolong , Liu Juanjuan , Wu Chunrui , Zhang Shaozhe
Published: November 2020

Polymer hollow fiber membranes (HFMs) are the core or base membranes of various membrane processes (e.g., ultrafiltration and membrane distillation). Preparing polymer HFMs with higher water flux helps improve the efficiency of the membrane processes. Using pore‐forming additives is the commonly used and efficient method to improve the water flux. The current dilemma is that the conventional methods that increase the amounts or the molecular weight of the additives to improve the water flux usually lead to the decrease in membrane mechanical strength. Herein, different from the conventional research strategy, increasing the surfactant surface activity (SA) is first found to deeply promote the core of nonsolvent‐induced phase separation (NIPS) that of the mutual diffusion between water and dopes. As a result, this method distinctly improves the surface porosity (from 0.8% to 9.7%) and optimizes the pore size distribution of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) HFMs. Benefit from these, the water flux of ultrafiltration (3.1‐fold increase, maximally) and direct contact membrane distillation (2.3‐fold increase, maximally) are increased greatly. Moreover, the mechanical strength is not negatively affected due to the additive amount of small molecule surfactants is constant and small (2.0 wt%).
Coping with multiple identities related to meat consumption
Authors: Randers Louise , Grønhøj Alice , Thøgersen John
Published: November 2020

Global meat consumption poses a threat to environmental sustainability and human health. Therefore, moral and health‐related norms connected to eating meat are changing and consumers experience conflicts when choosing between meat and nonmeat options in various situations. To achieve a better understanding of the nature of these conflicts and how consumers cope with them, we study identities related to meat consumption and how they are organized. Identity theories are used as the lens to address the self‐relevance of meat to consumers. Thirteen Danish consumers shared how and why they ate, reduced, or avoided meat in a food‐based photo‐diary and in‐depth interviews, supported by a visualization approach, developed from self‐brand connection methods. Three higher‐order identities (pragmatic idealist, ethical foodie, and healthy hedonist) emerged, governing the consumption, reduction, or avoidance of different meat categories. Identity conflicts between health, moral (e.g., animal welfare), and hedonic concerns were present, but also identity stigma. Coping mechanisms include change of salience and changing patterns of meat consumption. Campaigners promoting a reduction in meat consumption and developers of alternative protein foods can use these insights to target identities and facilitate conflict resolutions. However, more research is needed on how generalizable results are.
Formulation, tribological performance, and characterization of base oil with ZnO, graphene, and ZnO/graphene nanoparticles additives
Authors: Alghani W. , Karim M.S.A. , Bagheri S. , Zaharinie T. , Gulzar M.
Published: November 2020

This research article investigates carefully the effect of different nanoparticles zinc oxide (ZnO), graphene, and combinations thereof in API base oil group ΙΙ (PBO−GΙΙ). The morphology of zinc oxide and graphene nanomaterials are depicted by transmission electron microscopy. Sonication treatment and dispersion stability investigations are carried out after the preparation of nanoparticles with surfactant (oleic acid) and pure base oil group ΙΙ for certain concentrations. Oil formulations tested by using a four‐ball machine to find out the coefficient of friction (COF), wear scar diameter (WSD), and specific wear rate (SWR) for each sample. Additionally, scarred balls are characterized by using field emission scanning electron microscopes (FE‐SEM), energy‐dispersive x‐ray spectroscopy (EDX/EDS), elements mapping, Raman spectroscopy, and a three‐dimensional surface texture analyzer to study the morphology of sliding balls after the tribological experiments and to confirm the presence of (zinc oxide+graphene) on the machined balls. Surface roughness measurements implemented for identifying surface finish of scarred balls. The experimental results and surface analyses showed that (0.4 wt.% ZnO+0.2 wt.% graphene) nanolubricant has outperformed behavior compared to base oil group ΙΙ due to the formation of tribofilm on the contacting surfaces during sliding motion.
Different reinforcement strategies of hybrid surface composite AA6061/(B4C+MoS2) produced by friction stir processing
Authors: Sharma D.K. , Patel V. , Badheka V. , Mehta K. , Upadhyay G.
Published: November 2020

Aluminum surface composites have gained huge importance in material processing due to their noble tribological characteristics. The reinforcement of solid lubricant particles with hard ceramics further enriches the tribological characteristics of surface composites. In the current study, friction stir processing was chosen to synthesize hybrid surface composites of aluminum containing B4C and MoS2 particles with anticipated improved tribological behavior. B4C and MoS2 powder particles in 87.5: 12.5 ratio were reinforced into the AA6061 by hole and groove method. Microstructural observations indicated that reinforcement particles are well distributed in the matrix. The hardness and wear resistance of hybrid surface composites improved as compared to the base material, due to well distributed abrasive B4C and solid lubricant MoS2 particles in AA6061. The hybrid surface composites achieved ∼32 % increased average hardness as compared to the base material. Hole method revealed ∼13 % better wear resistance compared to the groove method for friction stir processed hybrid surface composite, attributing to an improved homogeneity of particle distribution shown by zigzag hole pattern. Moreover, friction stir processed AA6061 without reinforcement particles exhibited reduced hardness and wear resistance due to loss of strengthening precipitates during multi‐pass friction stir processing.
Exact elasticity solutions to rotating pressurized axisymmetric vessels made of functionally graded materials (FGM)
Authors: Kacar İ.
Published: November 2020

In this study the plane elasticity equations of pressurized and rotating structures, generalized analytical closed‐form solutions are presented for hollow cylinders, spheres and thin disks. Three well known material pairs are graded in radial direction by using the power rule for various boundary and load conditions. Stress and displacement solutions are obtained. The effect of a constant rotational velocity is also investigated separately in absence of the internal and external pressures. Crucial results are also presented in tabular form.
Connectivity Correlates of Anxiety Symptoms in Drug‐Naive Parkinson's Disease Patients
Authors: De Micco Rosa , Satolli Sara , Siciliano Mattia , Di Nardo Federica , Caiazzo Giuseppina , Russo Antonio , Giordano Alfonso , Esposito Fabrizio , Tedeschi Gioacchino , Tessitore Alessandro
Published: November 2020

Background

Anxiety symptoms are common in Parkinson's disease (PD). A link between anxiety and cognitive impairment in PD has been demonstrated.

Objectives

Using resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging, we investigated intrinsic brain network connectivity correlates of anxiety symptoms in a cohort of drug‐naive, cognitively unimpaired patients with PD.

Methods

The intrinsic functional brain connectivity of 25 drug‐naive, cognitively unimpaired PD patients with anxiety, 25 without anxiety, and 20 matched healthy controls was compared. All patients underwent a detailed behavioral and neuropsychological evaluation. Anxiety presence and severity were assessed using the Parkinson's Disease Anxiety Scale. Single‐subject and group‐level independent component analyses were used to investigate functional connectivity differences within and between the major resting‐state networks.

Results

Decreased connectivity within the default‐mode and sensorimotor networks (SMN), increased connectivity within the executive‐control network (ECN), and divergent connectivity measures within salience and frontoparietal networks (SN and FPN) were detected in PD patients with anxiety compared with those without anxiety. Moreover, patients with anxiety showed a disrupted inter‐network connectivity between SN and SMN, ECN, and FPN. Anxiety severity was correlated with functional abnormalities within these networks.

Conclusions

Our findings demonstrated that an abnormal intrinsic connectivity within and between the most reported large‐scale networks may represent a potential neural correlate of anxiety symptoms in drug‐naive PD patients even in the absence of clinically relevant cognitive impairment. We hypothesize that these specific cognitive and limbic network architecture changes may represent a potential biomarker of treatment response in clinical trials. © 2020 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society

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Reconstruction of lower lip defects with free super‐thin anterolateral thigh flap
Authors: Bali Zulfukar Ulas , Ozkan Burak , Parspancı Aziz , Kececi Yavuz , Yoleri Levent
Published: November 2020

Background

Lower lip is a vital organ with important functions as well as aesthetic importance. It is critical to provide an aesthetically appealing lower facial subunit with maintenance of understandable speech and oral competence. Achieving these targets is very difficult especially in total lower lip defects. This report presents a technique using super‐thin anterolateral thigh (ALT) flaps with fascia graft for reconstruction of large, complex oral sphincter defects.

Patients and methods

Six patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and one patient with a gunshot injury were presented in this report. All of them had full‐thickness defects including skin, orbicularis muscle and oral mucosa. The mean age was 58 (range, 32–85) years. Defects of the lower lip were reconstructed with a super‐thin ALT flap. Super‐thin flaps were obtained by planning as close to the knee as possible and elevating at the level of superficial fascia. The fascia graft was used for achieving lip suspension.

Results

Overall flap survival was 100%. The flap size ranged from 8 × 6 cm to 14 × 10 cm. The follow‐up periods ranged from 6 to 14 months. All the patients achieved acceptable oral competence, both in the resting condition and during speaking and eating, except for one patient who had a drooping lower lip developed in the post‐operative 3rd month and underwent a secondary tightening procedure. Another patient needed liposuction due to bulky appearance.

Conclusion

Super‐thin ALT flaps seem to be a useful option for functional and aesthetic reconstruction of extensive lip defects.
Numerical investigation of tunable multistacked metamaterial‐based graphene grating
Authors: Parmar Juveriya , Patel Shobhit K. , Ahmed Kawsar , Dhasarathan Vigneswaran
Published: November 2020

We present a tunable multistacked metamaterial‐based graphene grating structure for the lower THz frequency range. Circular gold wire is placed between graphene layers to obtain wideband response. Reflectance, transmittance, absorption, and refractive index parameters are analyzed for metamaterial‐based graphene grating structure. The results show wideband reflectance response ranging from 1 to 2.5 THz frequency. Reflectance in grating can be controlled by different chemical potentials of the graphene sheet. The design results are also analyzed for different incident angles ranging from 0° to 80°. The proposed grating structure has the wideband tunable reflectance response and is envisioned to become basic building blocks of several THz systems which is going to be applicable in circulator, sensor, and imaging applications.
Nonablative transurethral Erbium:YAG laser treatment for chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome: A prospective comparative study
Authors: Gaspar Adrián , Silva Joaquín , Silva Gustavo , Anchelerguez Raúl , Prats Jorge , Sagaz Alejandro , Rovere Eduardo , Alastra Mauricio , Pino Juan , Jauregui Alejandro , Farrugia Marcos , Villaroel Fabricio , Guareschi Jonathan , Vega Maximiliano , Biasiori Emanuel , Moyano Emanuel , La Rosa Antonio , Hreljac Irena , Vižintin Zdenko
Published: November 2020

Aims

This prospective study aimed to compare the clinical outcomes between the use of Erbium:YAG (Er:YAG) laser in a nonablative mode, to the use of the pharmacological treatment of oral tadalafil for the treatment of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

Methods

The laser group received two sessions of Erbium:YAG laser, administered intraurethrally in a long, nonablative train of long pulses (SMOOTH™ mode), applied at the level of the male prostatic urethra. Tadalafil group received oral tadalafil at a dose of 5 mg/day, consecutively for 2 months. Effectiveness was assessed using the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire, VAS (visual analogue scale) pain score, and maximum urethral flow at follow‐up visits up to 12 months after initiating treatment. Adverse effects were recorded after each treatment and follow‐up sessions.

Results

The results show a significant decrease in the IPSS score in both groups up to the 12‐month follow‐up. The increase in Q‐max was evident up to 3‐months follow‐up in the tadalafil group and up to 6 months in the laser group. The decrease in the VAS pain score was also significant in both treatment groups, lasting up to 3 months in the tadalafil group and up to 6 months in the laser group.

Conclusions

The nonablative Er:YAG SMOOTH™ laser seems to be a promising treatment for this widely occurring condition. More studies are needed to confirm its safety and efficacy.
Same‐day deliveries in omnichannel retail: Integrated order picking and vehicle routing with vehicle‐site dependencies
Authors: Schubert Daniel , Kuhn Heinrich , Holzapfel Andreas
Published: November 2020

Currently, the most common delivery mode offered in online retailing is next‐day delivery. Retailers, however, are investigating whether same‐day deliveries can be offered to online and store customers in order to meet increasing customer requirements. The present paper considers an integrated order picking and vehicle routing problem assuming same‐day delivery in the field of omnichannel retailing. Within this context the paper focuses on the picking and delivery process for large durable consumer goods, for example, consumer electronics and home appliances with the option of associated installation services at the customer's home as well as store deliveries for click‐and‐collect customers and the short‐term replenishment of store inventory. We develop a decision support model and a general variable neighborhood search‐based algorithm that tackle the problem described by considering the tradeoff between picking and delivery costs while ensuring customers' delivery time windows. The results show the benefits of an integrated solution approach amounting to approx. 13% total cost savings on average, compared to a sequential approach typically applied in retail practice. A case study from an internationally operating omnichannel retailer demonstrates the advantages and applicability of the modeling and solution approach suggested.
Algebraic multigrid for the nonlinear powerflow equations
Authors: Lee Barry , Pereira Batista Enrique
Published: November 2020

In a recent article, one of the authors developed a multigrid technique for coarse‐graining dynamic powergrid models. A key component in this technique is a relaxation‐based coarsening of the graph Laplacian given by the powergrid network and its weighted graph, which is represented by the admittance matrix. In this article, we use this coarsening strategy to develop a multigrid method for solving a static system of nonlinear equations that arises through Ohm's law, the so‐called powerflow equations. These static equations are tightly knitted to the dynamic model in that the full powergrid model is an algebraic‐differential system with the powerflow equations describing the algebraic constraints. We assume that the dynamic model corresponds to a stable operating powergrid, and thus, the powerflow equations are associated with a physically stable system. This stability permits the coarsening of the powerflow equations to be based on an approximate graph Laplacian, which is embedded in the powerflow system. By algebraically constructing a hierarchy of approximate weighted graph Laplacians, a hierarchy of nonlinear powerflow equations immediately becomes apparent. This latter hierarchy can then be used in a full approximation scheme (FAS) framework that leads to a nonlinear solver with generally a larger basin of attraction than Newton's method. Given the algebraic multigrid (AMG) coarsening of the approximate Laplacians, the solver is an AMG‐FAS scheme. Alternatively, using the coarse‐grid nodes and interpolation operators generated for the hierarchy of approximate graph Laplacians, a multiplicative‐correction scheme can be derived. The derivation of both schemes will be presented and analyzed, and numerical examples to demonstrate the performance of these schemes will be given.
Rapid classification and identification of chemical constituents in Epimedium koreanum Nakai by UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS combined with data post‐processing techniques
Authors: Li Ning , Xie Lijuan , Yang Na , Sun Guijiang , Liu Hui , Bi Chenghao , Duan Jingyi , Yuan Yu , Yu Hongxin , Xu Yanyan , Li Yubo
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Epimedium koreanum Nakai (EKN), is a well‐known Chinese herbal medicine for the treatment of osteoporosis, immunosuppression, tumours and cardiovascular diseases. Comprehensive component identification is essential for elucidation of its pharmacological mechanism and quality control. However, its complex chemical composition has caused certain difficulties in the analysis of this traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Therefore, there is an urgent need to establish a method for rapid classification and identification of EKN chemical components.

Objective

To establish a method for rapid classification and identification of the main components of flavonoids, organic acids and alkaloids in EKN.

Methods

The samples were analysed by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS) and data post‐processing techniques. The UPLC system used a BEH C18 column to separate the total extract of EKN. The mobile phase consisted of 0.1% formic acid in water and acetonitrile, and the EKN extract was analysed by gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.4 mL/min. In both the positive and negative ion modes, the fragment information was obtained and compared with those of the characteristic fragmentations and neutral losses described in the literature to quickly identify the target compounds.

Results

Finally, we successfully screened out 51 chemical components, including 40 flavonoids, nine organic acids, and two alkaloids.

Conclusion

The established method not only comprehensively analysed the chemical compositions of EKN, solved the difficult problems of analysis and identification of the complex chemical compositions of the TCM, but also further promoted the development of the application of chemical compositions of TCM.
Immunoprotective potential of Ayurvedic herb Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata) against respiratory viral infections – LC–MS/MS and network pharmacology analysis
Authors: Banerjee Subhadip , Kar Amit , Mukherjee Pulok K. , Haldar Pallab K. , Sharma Nanaocha , Katiyar Chandra Kant
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Immunity boosting has emerged as a global strategy to fight the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic situation. In India, AYUSH systems of medicine have been promoted as an immune‐protection strategy. Andrographis paniculata (Burm. F) Nees (AP) mentioned in Ayurveda has been widely used for treating sore throat, flu, and upper respiratory tract infections which may provide possible novel therapeutic approaches, exclusively targeting SARS‐CoV‐2 and its pathways.

Objectives

The present work uses liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) metabolomics and combination synergy analysis based on network pharmacology to mine multimode evidence to understand the possible mechanism of action, diseases association, protein–protein interaction and major pathways involved therein.

Material and methods

Metabolite profiling was performed by Agilent QTOF LC–MS/MS system. Network pharmacology analysis was performed by using functional annotation analysis based on databases like Binding DB, STRING, DAVID and KEGG for further data mining. Further combination synergy was evaluated using “neighbourhood approach” and networks were constructed through Cytoscape 3.2.1.

Results

The molecules from kalmegh provides immune‐protection and anti‐viral response via involving different pathways, like toll‐like receptor pathway, PI3/AKT pathway and MAP kinase pathways against COVID‐19 infection. The KEGG analysis showed that in a vast majority of the most enriched pathways, AP were associated with viral infections and upper respiratory tract infections.

Conclusions

The results suggest a synergy between andrographolide and other molecules identified as safe and efficacious anti‐inflammatory agent having effects on upper respiratory tract infections and can significantly decrease the production of cytokines and pro‐inflammatory factors in viral infections.
Socioeconomic barriers to prenatal diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease
Authors: Campbell Matthew J. , Lorch Scott , Rychik Jack , Quartermain Michael D. , Passarella Molly , Groeneveld Peter W.
Published: November 2020

Objective

The study was designed to assess the impact of socioeconomic barriers on the rate of prenatal diagnosis of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD).

Methods

This was a retrospective review of the Medicaid analytic extract (MAX) dataset, a national Medicaid administrative claims database with linked maternal‐infant claims, from 2007 to 2012. Infants with CCHD were identified by searching for International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 9 codes and Procedural Coding System (PCS) codes for CCHD within the first 6 months after the delivery date. Multivariate logistic regression was used to evaluate the effect of maternal and socioeconomic factors on the prenatal diagnosis rate.

Results

There were 4702 mother‐infant dyads included in the analysis. The prenatal diagnosis rate of CCHD was 27.9%. Factors independently associated with odds of prenatal diagnosis of CCHD were presence of maternal diabetes (OR, 2.055; P < .001), ZIP code level median household income (OR, 1.005; P = .015), sonographer labor quotient (OR, 1.804; P = .047), the year of the delivery (OR, 1.155; P < .001), and needing a view other than a 4 chamber or outflow tract view to obtain the diagnosis (OR, 0.383; P < .001).

Conclusion

Maternal health, diabetes, socioeconomic factors, and access to sonographers impacts prenatal diagnosis of CCHD.
Thermal degradation kinetics study of molten polylactide based on Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Lin Zenan , Guo Xuemei , He Zhangping , Liang Xianrong , Wang Mengmeng , Jin Gang
Published: November 2020

The thermal degradation of polylactide (PLA) during melt processing may lead to poor product properties. In this study, a unique Raman system was applied to explore the thermal degradation kinetics of molten PLA under five different temperatures and three atmospheres. It was found that the intensity of specific Raman bands correlated with the concentration of functional groups in the PLA during the degradation process. Kinetic models for thermal degradation were established based on the intensity of the characteristic band of C‐COO. Kinetic parameters determined by kinetic models quantitatively revealed the effect of temperature and atmosphere on thermal degradation. Furthermore, time sweep rheological tests using the same degradation conditions were performed for verification, and the results corroborated the spectral analyses. This investigation demonstrates the feasibility of Raman spectroscopy for thermal degradation kinetic analysis.
Interfacial characteristics of poly(ε‐caprolactone)‐grafted‐halloysites nanotubes bionanocomposites
Authors: Ghorbel Nouha , Raihane Mustapha , Lahcini Mohammed , Kallel Ali
Published: November 2020

Dielectric and thermal characterization of nanohybrid films based on poly(ε‐caprolactone) biopolymer were investigated. Nano‐composites samples with distinct loadings of halloysite nanotubes (HNT) were prepared by in situ Ring Opening Polymerisation of ε‐caprolactone. The effect of the incorporated HNT on the molecular relaxation process and interfacial polarization of PCL was studied via broadband dielectric spectroscopy (BDS) on a frequency domain starting from 1E‐1 to 1E6 Hz and at temperatures ranging from −70°C to 50°C. The BDS measurements revealed four significant dielectric processes α‐primary relaxation attributed to glass transition,β‐secondary relaxation and two interfacial polarizations due to the semi‐crystalline character of PCL and the added HNT fillers. According to our results, the weight ratio of HNT ranging between 3% and 5% is recommended for achieving the highest performing nanocomposite that can be used in several applications.
Interface analysis of ultrathin SiO2 layers between c‐Si substrates and phosphorus‐doped poly‐Si by theoretical surface potential analysis using the injection‐dependent lifetime
Authors: Choi Sungjin , Baek Jimin , Kim Taejun , Min Kwan Hong , Jeong Myeong Sang , Song Hee‐eun , Kang Min Gu , Kim Donghwan , Kang Yoonmook , Lee Hae‐Seok , Myoung Jae‐Min , Park Sungeun
Published: November 2020

Passivated contact structures are often representative of tunnel oxide passivated contact (TOPCon) and polycrystalline silicon on oxide (POLO) solar cells. These passivated contact technologies in silicon solar cells have experienced great strides in efficiency. However, characteristics analysis of poly‐Si/SiO2 applied to TOPCon and POLO solar cells as a carrier‐selective and passivated contact is still challenging because the silicon oxide film is very thin (<1.5 nm), poly‐Si and silicon oxide properties change during thermal treatment for passivation effects, and dopant diffusion from poly‐Si layer to the silicon wafer occurs. In this study, the interfacial analysis was performed by applying an algorithm based on the extended Shockley–Read–Hall (SRH) theory to the P‐doped poly‐Si/SiO2/c‐Si structure. Quantitative parameters of the P‐doped poly‐Si/SiO2/c‐Si interface were extracted by fitting the measured and simulated lifetime curves with algorithms, such as Dit (interface trap density) and Qf (fixed charge), from which we were able to elucidate the passivation effect of the interface. The interface analysis method using this algorithm is meaningful in that it can quantify the passivation characteristics of TOPCon with very thin silicon oxide film. The interface characteristics were also analyzed using the injection‐dependent lifetime after thermal treatment of P‐doped poly‐Si/SiO2/c‐Si samples for passivation effect. After the 850°C thermal treatment, the following best passivation effects were verified, namely, ψs = 0.248 eV, Dit = 1.0 × 1011 cm−2·eV−1, Qf = 2.4 × 1012 cm−2, and J02 = 370 pA·cm−2. Through the analysis model using carrier lifetime theory, we investigated quantitatively the passivation properties of P‐doped poly‐Si/SiO2/c‐Si.
Assessment of bronchial obstruction and its reversibility by shape indexes of the flow‐volume loop in asthmatic children
Authors: Berrier Amaury , Tiotiu Angelica , Bonabel Claude , Richard David , Nguyen‐Thi Phi Linh , Demoulin‐Alexikova Silvia , Schweitzer Cyril , Ioan Iulia
Published: November 2020

Asthma assessment by spirometry is challenging in children as forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) is frequently normal at baseline. Bronchodilator (BD) reversibility testing may reinforce asthma diagnosis but FEV1 sensitivity in children is controversial. Ventilation inhomogeneity, an early sign of airway obstruction, is described by the upward concavity of the descending limb of the forced expiratory flow‐volume loop (FVL), not detected by FEV1. The aim was to test the sensitivity and specificity of FVL shape indexes as β‐angle and forced expiratory flow at 50% of the forced vital capacity (FEF50)/peak expiratory flow (PEF) ratio, to identify asthmatics from healthy children in comparison to “usual” spirometric parameters. Seventy‐two school‐aged asthmatic children and 29 controls were prospectively included. Children performed forced spirometry at baseline and after BD inhalation. Parameters were expressed at baseline as z‐scores and BD reversibility as percentage of change reported to baseline value (Δ%). Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated and sensitivity and specificity at respective thresholds reported. Asthmatics presented significantly smaller zβ‐angle, zFEF50/PEF and zFEV1 (p ≤ .04) and higher BD reversibility, significant for Δ%FEF50/PEF (p = .02) with no difference for Δ%FEV1. zβ‐angle and zFEF50/PEF exhibited better sensitivity (0.58, respectively 0.60) than zFEV1 (0.50), and similar specificity (0.72). Δ%β‐angle showed higher sensitivity compared to Δ%FEV1 (0.72 vs. 0.42), but low specificity (0.52 vs. 0.86). Quantitative and qualitative assessment of FVL by adding shape indexes to spirometry interpretation may improve the ability to detect an airway obstruction, FEV1 reflecting more proximal while shape indexes peripheral bronchial obstruction.
Fabrication and Characterization of Type‐II Heterostructure n:In2O3/p:in‐TiO2 for Enhanced Photocatalytic Activity
Authors: Nair Sinitha B. , John K. Aijo , Joseph Julie Ann , Babu Shinto , Shinoj V. K. , Remillard Stephen K. , Shaji Sadasivan , Philip Rachel Reena
Published: November 2020

The photodegradation rate of anatase TiO2 is enhanced by about 11 times (from 0.0015 to 0.016 min−1) by construction of a type‐II p–n heterostructure of configuration n:In2O3/p:In‐doped TiO2. A simple and cost‐effective two‐stage electrochemical anodization is used for the fabrication of this comparatively stable and recyclable photocatalyst of vertically aligned indium‐doped TiO2 nanotubes with an overlayer of n‐type In2O3 nanoparticles. The modified structural, morphological, compositional, optical, and electrical properties of the TiO2 nanotubes are studied in detail by X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Rutherford backscattering, field‐emission scanning electron microscopy, reflectance measurements, and electrical conductivity measurements. The enhancement in device performance by the heterostructure is attributable to the tuning of optical bandgap to the visible energy region of solar spectrum, the effective electron–hole pair separation at the potential barrier, and the increase in surface‐to‐volume ratio and effective adsorption area of the photocatalyst by the structural modification with nanoparticles and the nanotube formation.