bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intensification of epoxidation of vegetable oils using a continuous mesoscale oscillatory baffled reactor
Authors: Abdul Rahim Mohamad Akmal , Phan Anh N. , Harvey Adam P.
Published: February 2020

Epoxidized vegetable oils (EVOs) are widely used in the polymer industry as plasticizers, stabilizers, polyols synthesis and elsewhere as precursors for lubricants. Currently, the epoxidation uses peracids (peracetic or performic acid) and is carried out in a semi‐batch or batch reactor. The reaction is highly exothermic, necessitating the gradual addition (typically over 2 hours) of the hydrogen peroxide (HOOH) at a moderate temperature (~60°C), to prevent thermal runaway. In practice, this leads to reaction times of 8 hours or more. In this study, rapeseed oil was epoxidized in a mesoscale oscillatory baffled reactor (“meso‐OBR”), operating in continuous mode, to investigate the feasibility of using this reactor design to convert this batch reaction to continuous. It was found that the continuous meso‐OBR could exceed the product specification of the commercial batch operation. Yields over 75% were achieved, at 10 minutes residence times because a higher molar ratio of acetic acid and HOOH to oil could be used due to the enhanced heat transfer characteristics of the reactor. Based on these findings, an OBR operating at the same production rate as the commercial batch reactor would be approximately 144 times smaller, due to the reduction in residence time, and removal of the various inherent inefficiencies of the batch cycle.
Effect of CO2 Bubbles on Crystallization Behavior of Anhydrous Milk Fat
Authors: Adhikari Bhaskar Mani , Truong Tuyen , Bansal Nidhi , Bhandari Bhesh
Published: February 2020

A study was designed to observe the effect of bubbles created from dissolved CO2 (0–2000 ppm) on crystallization and melting behavior, fat polymorphs, microstructure, and hardness of anhydrous milk fat (AMF) under nonisothermal crystallization conditions. Calculated amounts of dry ice were added to generate 2000 ppm CO2 at low partial pressure, and an ultrasound (205 kHz, 10 s; US) treatment was delivered at 35 °C through a noncontact metal transducer on the molten AMF to generate bubbles (~500 nm) of CO2. The generated CO2 bubbles were found to induce a higher onset of crystallization temperature during cooling from 35 to 5°C at the rate of 0.5°C min−1. The changes in crystallization behavior owing to the generation of a smaller and significant number of TAG crystals also increased the hardness of the AMF at room temperature and refrigerated conditions. The work suggested the potential use of CO2 nanobubbles derived from the dry ice with the emission of low power US to control the crystallization behavior and thereby the physical properties of milk fat‐containing dairy products.
Changes in mean platelet volume and hematologic indices in patients with panic disorder due to oxidative stress
Authors: Naghipour Hamzekolaei Maryam , Jafarisani Moslem , Farajzadeh Asghar , Aghayan Seyed Shahrokh , Atashi Amir , Yarmohammadi Maryam , Sadeghi Iman , Tashakori Mersedeh
Published: February 2020

Objective

Cardiovascular disorders are common in patients with panic disorder (PD), usually mediated by platelets. The present study was conducted to evaluate oxidative stress conditions and complete analysis of blood cells in patients with PD.

Setting and Sample Population

Sixty healthy individuals and 60 patients were included in the study. Whole blood and serum samples were obtained from patients and controls.

Materials & Method

Hematological studies, including blood cells count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit, were carried out on whole blood samples. In addition, oxidative stress indices including total antioxidant capacity, free oxygen species, and malondialdehyde concentration were measured in serum samples.

Results

Results showed that patients with PD had a significant increase in mean platelet volume index (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), red blood cell distribution width (RDW), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) compared with healthy subjects (p < .05). Also, oxidative stress indices were significantly elevated in patients with PD compared with control group (p < .05).

Conclusion

Elevated MPV is a hematologic indicator for patients with PD. This disorder may be caused by impaired serotonin metabolism, resulting in increased oxidative stress, as well as in platelet serotonin transporters. Regarding elevated oxidative stress, the risk of cardiovascular complications is high in patients with PD.
Reflections on Education in a New Era of Work and Learning
Authors: Zanville Holly
Published: February 2020

This chapter summarizes trends, themes, and lessons from this volume and key credentialing initiatives supported by Lumina Foundation.
System Design Rules for Intensifying the Electrochemical Reduction of CO2 to CO on Ag Nanoparticles
Authors: Bhargava Saket S. , Proietto Federica , Azmoodeh Daniel , Cofell Emiliana R. , Henckel Danielle A. , Verma Sumit , Brooks Christopher J. , Gewirth Andrew A. , Kenis Paul J. A.
Published: February 2020

Electroreduction of CO2 (eCO2RR) is a potentially sustainable approach for carbon‐based chemical production. Despite significant progress, performing eCO2RR economically at scale is challenging. Here we report meeting key technoeconomic benchmarks simultaneously through electrolyte engineering and process optimization. A systematic flow electrolysis study ‐ performing eCO2RR to CO on Ag nanoparticles as a function of electrolyte composition (cations, anions), electrolyte concentration, electrolyte flow rate, cathode catalyst loading, and CO2 flow rate ‐ resulted in partial current densities of 417 and 866 mA/cm2 with faradaic efficiencies of 100 and 98 % at cell potentials of −2.5 and −3.0 V with full cell energy efficiencies of 53 and 43 %, and a conversion per pass of 17 and 36 %, respectively, when using a CsOH‐based electrolyte. The cumulative insights of this study led to the formulation of system design rules for high rate, highly selective, and highly energy efficient eCO2RR to CO.
Enhancing Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence on Platinum Electrodes through Surface Modification
Authors: Fiorani Andrea , Eßmann Vera , Santos Carla Santana , Schuhmann Wolfgang
Published: February 2020

Increasing the light emission of electrogenerated chemiluminescence is an important goal for enhancing the sensitivity for potential practical applications. Electrogenerated chemiluminescence is primarily triggered by a heterogeneous electron transfer reaction, for which the electrode material plays a pivotal role. We investigated how a platinum electrode, one of the most used but poorly efficient noble metal electrode materials in electrogenerated chemiluminescence, can be modified to enhance light emission. A polypyrrole layer was deposited on the platinum electrode through electrochemically induced polymerization, and subsequently pyrolyzed with the formation of a carbonaceous film. Electrochemiluminescence of the [Ru(bpy)3]2+/tri‐n‐propylamine system on such carbon film electrodes showed an enhancement of up to a 4 times increase, as compared with the bare platinum electrode.
Distant metastasis of salivary gland cancer: Incidence, management, and outcomes
Authors: Mimica Ximena , McGill Marlena , Hay Ashley , Karassawa Zanoni Daniella , Shah Jatin P. , Wong Richard J. , Ho Alan , Cohen Marc A. , Patel Snehal G. , Ganly Ian
Published: February 2020

Background

Distant metastases (DMs) are the primary cause of treatment failure in patients with salivary gland carcinoma. There is no consensus on the standard treatment.

Methods

Patients with DMs were identified from an institutional database of 884 patients with salivary gland cancer who underwent resection of the primary tumor between 1985 and 2015. Survival outcomes for patients with DMs were determined with the Kaplan‐Meier method. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with DM.

Results

Of the 884 patients identified, 137 (15%) developed DMs during follow‐up. Most of the primary tumors (n = 77 [56%]) were located in a major salivary gland. At clinical presentation, 53% of the tumors were classified as T3 or T4, and 32% had clinical node metastases. The median time to DM was 20.3 months. The factors associated with shorter distant recurrence–free survival were male sex, high‐risk tumor histology, and advanced pathological T and N classifications. Patients with bone metastases had a lower survival rate than patients with lung metastases. The total number of DMs in a patient was inversely associated with survival. Patients who underwent surgical resection of DMs had a significantly higher 5‐year rate of metastatic disease–specific survival than patients who underwent observation or nonsurgical treatment (44%, 29%, and 19%, respectively; P = .003).

Conclusions

In patients with DMs of salivary gland carcinoma, survival is negatively associated with high‐grade histology, bone DMs, and the total number of DMs. Metastasectomy can help to lengthen disease‐free survival.
Aqueous Spray Pyrolysis of Cu2O Films: Influence of Reducing Agent and Acetic Acid Addition
Authors: Plankensteiner Nina , Kautek Wolfgang , Dimopoulos Theodoros
Published: February 2020

Cu2O is attractive as abundant and low‐cost material for energy‐related applications. This study investigated the versatile spray pyrolysis of Cu2O films from aqueous solutions. The appropriate deposition temperature and amount of copper acetate in the sprayed precursor solution was determined in order to eliminate unwanted copper oxide phases. It was shown that the addition of a reducing agent containing primary/secondary OH‐groups with suitable decomposition properties is necessary in order to obtain copper in the +I oxidation state. The influence of the pH value, determined by the addition of acetic acid to solutions containing varying reducing agents, on the structural film properties, was investigated. D‐sorbitol is for the first time proposed as suitable reducing agent to obtain compact and thick (ca. 500 nm) Cu2O films with an optical band gap of 2.3 eV.
Cylindroid‐Like Li4Ti5O12 Mesocrystals for High‐Rate and Long‐Life Lithium‐Ion Battery Anodes
Authors: Wang Dongdong , Shan Zhongqiang , Tian Jianhua
Published: February 2020

A high rate and long life are two crucial factors for next‐generation lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). Here, we report cylindroid‐like Li4Ti5O12 mesocrystals (CL‐LTO‐MC) obtained by a simple solvothermal reaction and following short thermal annealing process. Owing to the single‐crystal nature and mesoporous structures, CL‐LTO‐MC demonstrates a high specific capacity (174.7 mA h g−1 at 1 C), superior rate performance (145 mA h g−1 at 50 C) and excellent cycling stability (95.5% capacity retention after 3000 cycles at 20 C). Besides, the CL‐LTO‐MC/LiNi0.5Mn1.5O4 full cells also display a remarkable cycle performance with 95.7% capacity retention after 500 cycles at 5 C. These results indicate that CL‐LTO‐MC is a promising anode material for high‐rate and long‐cycling LIBs.
Statistical inference for a hybrid system model with incomplete observed data under adaptive progressive hybrid censoring
Authors: Shi Xiaolin , Zhan Pei , Shi Yimin
Published: February 2020

In this article, the statistical inference of a hybrid system with incomplete observed data is studied based on the adaptive type‐II progressive hybrid censored samples. It is assumed that the lifetime of the component in hybrid systems follows an identical Weibull distribution. The maximum likelihood estimates of the unknown parameters and reliability function are obtained by using the fixed‐point iteration method. Under general entropy loss function, the Bayesian estimates and the highest posterior density credible intervals of the unknown parameters and reliability function are derived using Markov Chain Monte Carlo method. In addition, the approximate confidence intervals and Bootstrap confidence intervals are constructed. Finally, Monte Carlo simulation study is carried out to illustrate the performances of two different point estimates and different confidence intervals.
Dynamic theoretic proactive caching placement game for energy saving in H‐CRAN
Authors: Mrad Safa , Hamouda Soumaya
Published: February 2020

Edge caching is an effective feature of the next 5G network to guarantee the availability of the service content and a reduced time response for the user. However, the placement of the cache content remains an issue to fully take advantage of edge caching. In this paper, we address the proactive caching problem in Heterogeneous Cloud Radio Access Network (H‐CRAN) from a game theoretic point of view. The problem is formulated as a bargaining game where the remote radio heads (RRHs) dynamically negotiate and decide which content to cache in which RRH under energy saving and cache capacity constraints. The Pareto optimal equilibrium is proved for the cooperative game by the iterative Nash bargaining algorithm. We compare between cooperative and noncooperative proactive caching games and demonstrate how the selfishness of different players can affect the overall system performance. We also showed that our cooperative proactive caching game improves the energy consumption of 40% as compared with noncooperative game and of 68% to no‐game strategy. Moreover, the number of satisfied requests at the RRHs with the proposed cooperative proactive caching scheme is significantly increased.
Aquatic and riparian ecosystem recovery from debris flows in two western Washington streams, USA
Authors: Foster Alex D. , Claeson Shannon M. , Bisson Peter A. , Heimburg John
Published: February 2020

An exceptionally powerful storm struck southwestern Washington in December 2007 causing large debris flows in two adjacent streams. The two affected streams had been studied prior to the storm, providing a rare opportunity to examine ecosystem recovery. We monitored the streams and their riparian zones for six years after the disturbances to determine whether recovery rates of biota, physical habitat, and water temperature differed, and if so, what factors affected resilience. Along both streams, the debris flows removed wide swaths of soil, rock, and coniferous riparian forests, widening the active channel and increasing solar exposure and summer water temperatures. Initially depauperate of vegetation, after four years red alder trees dominated the riparian plant communities. The warmer water, greater solar radiation, and unstable substrates likely contributed to variable benthic insect and tailed frog tadpole densities over time, although benthic insect communities became more similar after three years. The debris flows also decreased channel slopes and removed channel step barriers such that cutthroat trout were able to rapidly occupy habitats far upstream, but sculpins were slower to recolonize and both fish species exhibited some differences in recovery between the two streams. Crayfish were severely impacted by the debris flows; this may be due to attributes of their life history and the timing of the flows. Overall, we found that recolonizing aquatic species exhibited varying levels of resilience and recovery after the disturbances being related to the influence of physical habitat conditions, species dispersal ability, and the presence of nearby source populations.
Small fibre pathology in chronic whiplash‐associated disorder: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Farrell Scott F. , Sterling Michele , Irving‐Rodgers Helen , Schmid Annina B.
Published: February 2020

Background

Mechanisms underpinning ongoing symptoms in chronic whiplash associated‐disorder (WAD) are not well understood. People with chronic WAD can exhibit sensory dysfunction consistent with small nerve fibre pathology, including thermal hypoaesthesia and hyperalgesia. This study investigated small fibre structure and function in chronic WAD.

Methods

Twenty‐four people with chronic WAD (median [IQR] age 49 [15] years, 16 females) and 24 pain‐free controls (50 [17] years, 16 females) were recruited. Intraepidermal nerve fibre density (IENFD) and dermal innervation were assessed by skin biopsy. This was performed at (a) the lateral index finger on the primary side of pain and (b) superior to the lateral malleolus on the contralateral side. Quantitative sensory testing was performed over the hand.

Results

The WAD group exhibited lower IENFD at the finger (WAD: median [IQR] 4.5 [4.9] fibres/mm; control 7.3 [3.9]; p = .010), but not the ankle (WAD: mean [SD] 7.3 [3.7] fibres/mm; control 9.3 [3.8]; p = .09). Dermal innervation was lower in the WAD group at the finger (WAD: median [IQR] 3.7 [2.8] nerve bundles/mm2; controls: 4.9 [2.1]; p = .017) but not the ankle (WAD: median [IQR] 2.1 [1.9] nerve bundles/mm2; controls: 1.8 [1.8]; p = .70). In the WAD group, hand thermal and light touch detection were impaired, and heat pain thresholds were lowered (p ≤ .037).

Conclusions

Findings suggest small fibre structural and functional deficits in chronic WAD, implicating potential involvement of small fibre pathology.

Significance

Our study found decreased intraepidermal nerve fibre density, reduced dermal innervation, thermal hypoaesthesia and hypersensitivity in people with chronic WAD, suggestive of small fibre pathology. This observation of peripheral nervous system pathology in chronic whiplash provides novel insights on mechanisms underpinning symptoms and challenges commonly held beliefs regarding this condition.
Pain thresholds and intensities of CRPS type I and neuropathic pain in respect to sex
Authors: Meyer‐Frießem Christine H. , Attal Nadine , Baron Ralf , Bouhassira Didier , Finnerup Nanna B. , Freynhagen Rainer , Gierthmühlen Janne , Haanpää Maija , Hansson Per , Jensen Troels S. , Kemp Harriet , Kennedy Donna , Leffler Anne‐Sofie , Rice Andrew S. C. , Segerdahl Märta , Serra Jordi , Sindrup Soeren , Solà Roma , Tölle Thomas , Schuh‐Hofer Sigrid , Treede Rolf‐Detlef , Pogatzki‐Zahn Esther , Maier Christoph , Vollert Jan
Published: February 2020

Background and Aims

Healthy women have generally been found to have increased experimental pain perception and chronic pain has a higher prevalence in female as compared to male patients. However, no study has investigated whether pain intensity and pain perception thresholds are distinct or similar between sexes within various chronic pain entities. We investigated whether average pain intensities and pain thresholds assessed using quantitative sensory testing (QST) differed between women and men suffering from three distinct chronic pain conditions: Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS type I), peripheral nerve injury (PNI) or polyneuropathy (PNP), as compared to paired healthy volunteers.

Methods

QST data of 1,252 patients (669 female, 583 male) with PNI (n = 342), PNP (n = 571) or CRPS (n = 339), and average pain intensity reports from previously published studies were included. Absolute and z‐values (adjusted for age and body region) of cold, heat, pressure (PPT) and pinprick pain thresholds were compared in generalized linear models with aetiology, duration of underlying pain disease and average pain intensity as fixed effects.

Results

Average pain intensity during the past four weeks did not differ between women and men, in both mean and range. In women absolute pain thresholds for cold, heat and pinprick were lower than in males across all diagnoses (p < .05). However, after z‐transformation these differences disappeared except for PPT in CRPS (p = .001).

Discussion

Pain thresholds in patients show only minor sex differences. However, these differences mimic those observed in healthy subjects and do not seem to be linked to specific pathophysiological processes.

Significance

Female healthy participants and female patients with neuropathic pain conditions or CRPS I report lower pain thresholds compared to males, but pain intensity is similar and there is no sex difference in the extent to which the thresholds are altered in neuropathic pain or CRPS. Thus, the sex differences observed in various chronic pain conditions mimic those obtained in healthy participants, indicating that these differences are not linked to specific pathophysiological processes and are of minor clinical relevance.
Two‐phase flow in microfluidic‐chip design of hydrodynamic filtration for cell particle sorting
Authors: Yoon Kyu , Jung Hyun Wook , Chun Myung‐Suk
Published: February 2020

As one of the flow‐based passive sorting, the hydrodynamic filtration using a microfluidic‐chip has shown to effectively separate into different sizes of subpopulations from cell or particle suspensions. Its model framework involving two‐phase Newtonian or generalized Newtonian fluid (GNF) was developed, by performing the complete analysis of laminar flow and complicated networks of main and multiple branch channels. To predict rigorously what occurs in flow fields, we estimated pressure drop, velocity profile, and the ratio of the flow fraction at each branch point, in which the analytical model was validated with numerical flow simulations. As a model fluid of the GNF, polysaccharide solution based on Carreau type was examined. The objective parameters aiming practical channel design include the number of the branches and the length of narrow section of each branch for arbitrary conditions. The flow fraction and the number of branches are distinctly affected by the viscosity ratio between feed and side flows. As the side flow becomes more viscous, the flow fraction increases but the number of branches decreases, which enables a compact chip designed with fewer branches being operated under the same throughput. Hence, our rational design analysis indicates the significance of constitutive properties of each stream.
Spatially Allocating Life Cycle Water Use for US Coal‐Fired Electricity across Producers, Generators, and Consumers
Authors: Meng Measrainsey , Grubert Emily , Peer Rebecca A. M. , Sanders Kelly T.
Published: February 2020

There are water consequences across every life cycle stage of coal‐fired electricity consumption, from production and processing to combustion, which have not been studied with regional specificity. There is often a spatial decoupling between where coal is produced and processed versus where it is combusted for power generation, complicating any analysis to estimate the life cycle water implications of electricity consumption. Furthermore, electricity generated by coal‐fired power plants can be consumed within its own balancing authority or exported to another balancing authority. This analysis spatially resolves the water consumed and water withdrawn for coal mining, coal preparation, and power plant cooling from 1) where the coal is mined to where the coal is burned for power production and 2) where the electricity is generated to where the electricity is consumed. Although the largest portion of coal consumed came from the Northern Great Plains province, coal from this region consumes the least amount of water for mining and preparation compared with other provinces. Water withdrawals for cooling power plants within each balancing authority are driven by cooling technology. Due to the interconnected grid, there can be differences between attributing water footprint at the producer level versus the consumer level.
A Learning Progression for Constructing and Interpreting Data Display
Authors: Kim Eun Mi , Nabors Oláh Leslie , Peters Stephanie
Published: February 2020

K–12 students are expected to acquire competence in data display as part of developing statistical literacy. To support research, assessment design, and instruction, we developed a hypothesized learning progression (LP) using existing empirical literature in the fields of mathematics and statistics education. The data display LP posits a progression of student understanding and learning of data display in terms of two progress variables: constructing data displays and interpreting data displays. An initial data display LP was revised through expert review and then supported the design of a set of data display tasks to elicit evidence of student knowledge and skills in constructing and interpreting data display. The data display LP and tasks presented in this research report can inform assessment development as well as classroom instruction, and they can be used for further studies on potential interactions between the two progress variables in students' development of data display knowledge.
Hall and ion slip effects on MHD free convective rotating flow bounded by the semi‐infinite vertical porous surface
Authors: Veera Krishna M.
Published: February 2020

Thermodiffusion, thermal radiation, Hall and ion slip effects on heat and mass transport of free convective MHD micropolar fluid flow bounded by a semi‐infinite absorbent plate with rotation and suction have been investigated. The plate is assumed to oscillate in time with constant frequency so that the solutions of the boundary layer are the same oscillatory type. The solutions are found analytically with the perturbation technique. With the help of graphic representations, the impacts of many critical parameters on velocity, temperature, and concentration within the boundary layer are discussed. In addition, local skin‐friction, Nusselt number, and Sherwood numbers are determined and computationally analyzed.
Feeling Not Asian Enough: Issues of Heritage‐Language Loss, Development, and Identity
Authors: Hsieh Betina , Kim Jung , Protzel Nate
Published: February 2020

This department explores how teachers can sustain students’ multilingual literacies and reimagine literacy learning across multiple contexts in conversation with researchers, practitioners, and communities.
Association Between Recurrent Fracture Risk and Implementation of Fracture Liaison Services in Four Swedish Hospitals: A Cohort Study
Authors: Axelsson Kristian F , Johansson Helena , Lundh Dan , Möller Michael , Lorentzon Mattias
Published: February 2020

Structured secondary preventions programs, called fracture liaison services (FLSs), increase the rate of evaluation with bone densitometry and use of osteoporosis medication after fracture. However, the evidence regarding the effect on the risk of recurrent fracture is insufficient. The aim of this study was to investigate if implementation of FLS was associated with reduced risk of recurrent fractures. In this retrospective cohort study, electronic health records during 2012 to 2017 were used to identify a total of 21,083 patients from four hospitals in Western Sweden, two with FLS (n = 15,449) and two without (n = 5634). All patients aged 50 years or older (mean age 73.9 [SD 12.4] years, 76% women) with a major osteoporotic index fracture (hip, clinical spine, humerus, radius, and pelvis) were included. The primary outcome was recurrent major osteoporotic fracture. All patients with an index fracture during the FLS period (n = 13,946) were compared with all patients in the period before FLS implementation (n = 7137) in an intention-to-treat analysis. Time periods corresponding to the FLS hospitals were used for the non-FLS hospitals. In the hospitals with FLSs, there were 1247 recurrent fractures during a median follow-up time of 2.2 years (range 0–6 years). In an unadjusted Cox model, the risk of recurrent fracture was 18% lower in the FLS period compared with the control period (hazard ratio = 0.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73–0.92, p = .001), corresponding to a 3-year number needed to screen of 61, and did not change after adjustment for clinical risk factors. In the hospitals without FLSs, no change in recurrent fracture rate was observed. Treatment decisions were made according to the Swedish treatment guidelines. In conclusion, implementation of FLS was associated with a reduced risk of recurrent fracture, indicating that FLSs should be included routinely at hospitals treating fracture patients. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Maximizing Knowledge Extraction From Patient‐Reported Outcome Data Using Exposure‐Outcome Item Response Modeling Approach: Understanding Efavirenz‐Induced Central Nervous System Toxicity
Authors: Bisaso Karungi S. , Bisaso Kuteesa R. , Mukonzo Jackson K. , Ette Ene I.
Published: February 2020

This investigation was undertaken to maximally extract hidden knowledge from an efavirenz‐based trial data set using an item response theory‐based approach to exposure‐outcome analysis. The aim was to understand the influence of efavirenz exposure on the underlying neuropsychiatric impairment in HIV/AIDS patients. Data from 196 individuals with 4136 neuropsychiatric impairment symptom observations at baseline and 2 and 12 weeks of 600‐mg efavirenz‐based therapy was analyzed. The 7 symptoms were categorized as sleep disorders (3), hallucinations (3), and cognitive impairment (1). A longitudinal item response theory model incorporating 3 latent variables based on the symptom categories and a linear disease progression model with a symptomatic drug effect was developed in NONMEM 7.4.1. The model adequately characterized the observed symptoms and revealed the hidden knowledge on the informativeness of symptoms in characterizing the underlying neuropsychiatric impairment. Informativeness, which was affected by underlying impairment severity and efavirenz therapy duration, varied among symptoms. Sleep disorders were the most efavirenz‐sensitive symptom category. Vivid dreams and auditory hallucinations were most informative in their respective symptom categories. Mini‐Mental State Examination score cutoff levels used to classify the severity of cognitive impairment did not distinctively correspond with neuropsychiatric impairment severity. Efavirenz treatment effect on the severity of neuropsychiatric impairment was not more than 15%. Simulation of individual symptoms at the 400‐mg dose only reduced the prevalence of sleep disorder symptoms. Use of the exposure‐item response theory modeling approach maximally extracted hidden knowledge about efavirenz‐induced neuropsychiatric impairment and appropriately characterized the impact of dose reduction on specific neuropsychiatric impairment symptoms.
Creating topsoils and soil conditioners from biosolids and urban residuals
Authors: Batjiaka Ryan , Brown Sally
Published: February 2020

A study was conducted to test the suitability of a range of organic and inorganic residuals mixed with municipal biosolids to create a soil amendment effective for a broad range of end uses. Biosolids suitable for unrestricted use were sourced from San Francisco, CA. Residuals including urban wood and yard waste, nut shells, biochar, and sawdust were sourced from nearby producers. Existing biosolids based soil products, peat, and a yard–food compost were used as controls. Experimental mixtures were tested for a range of soil properties, appearance, odor, germination, and growth response. Several mixtures performed as well as or better than the yard–food compost, and several performed comparably to the biosolids soil controls. Yard waste fines blended with biosolids in a 50:50 ratio by volume or yard waste fines blended with biosolids and 20% sand at 40:40:20 were highly effective across all measured indices. Mixed yard and recycled lumber fines blended with biosolids at these same ratios performed similarly well. Blends with a high percentage of char performed poorly in germination and growth response, likely as a result of elevated electrical conductivity. Certain blends such as gypsum and redwood shavings failed to mix well with biosolids to create a uniform looking material and were less visually appealing. In general, blends that met established quality control parameters for compost performed well on the measured indices. These results suggest that blending Class A biosolids with organic and inorganic feedstocks to meet quality criteria developed for compost will create marketable soil products.
Folate‐conjugated herpes simplex virus for retargeting to tumor cells
Authors: Ye Zhi‐Qiang , Zou Chang‐Lin , Chen Han‐Bin , Lv Qi‐Yuan , Wu Ruo‐Qi , Gu Dian‐Na
Published: February 2020

Background

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV‐1)‐mediated oncolytic therapy is a promising cancer treatment modality. However, viral tropism is considered to be one of the major stumbling blocks to the development of HSV‐1 as an anticancer agent.

Methods

The surface of oncolytic HSV‐1 G207 was covalently modified with folate‐poly (ethylene glycol) conjugate (FA‐PEG). The specificities and tumor targeting efficiencies of modified or unmodified G207 particles were analyzed by a real‐time polymerase chain reaction at the level of cell attachment and entry. Immune responses were assessed by an interleukin‐6 release assay from RAW264.7 macrophages. Biodistribution and in vivo antitumoral activity after intravenous delivery was evaluated in BALB/c nude mice bearing subcutaneous KB xenograft tumors.

Results

FA‐PEG‐HSV exhibited enhanced targeting specificity for folate receptor over‐expressing tumor cells and had lower immunogenicity than the unmodified HSV. In vivo, the FA‐PEG‐HSV group revealed an increased anti‐tumor efficiency and tumor targeting specificity compared to the naked HSV.

Conclusions

These results indicate that folate‐conjugated HSV G207 presents a folate receptor‐targeted oncolytic virus with a potential therapeutic value via retargeting to tumor cells.
Investigation of Interfacial Tension Reduction, Wettability Alteration, and Oil Recovery Using a New Non‐ionic Oil‐Based Surfactant from Gemini Surfactants Family Coupled with Low‐Salinity Water: Experimental Study on Oil‐Wet Carbonate Rock
Authors: Dabiri Abdolreza , Honarvar Bizhan
Published: February 2020

Low‐salinity surfactant (LSS) flooding is a combined enhanced oil recovery (EOR) technique that increases oil recovery (OR) by altering the rock surface wettability and reducing oil–water interfacial tension (IFT). In this study, optimum concentrations of several types of salt in distilled water were obtained on the basis of IFT experiments for the preparation of low‐salinity water (LSW). Then, a new oil‐based natural surfactant (Gemini surfactant, GS) was combined with LSW to investigate their effects on IFT, wettability, and OR. Experimental results showed that LSW is capable of reducing IFT and contact angle, but the synergy of GS and the active ions Mg2+, Ca2+, and SO42− in LSW was more effective on IFT reduction and wettability alteration. The combination of 1000 ppm MgSO4 and 3000 ppm GS led to a decrease in contact angle from 134.82° to 36.98° (oil‐wet to water‐wet). Based on core flooding tests, LSW injection can increase OR up to 71.46% (for LSW with 1000 ppm MgSO4), while the combination of GS and LSW, as LSS flooding, can improve OR up to 84.23% (for LSS with 1000 ppm MgSO4 and 3000 ppm GS). Therefore GS has great potential to be used as a surfactant for EOR.
The Association Between Smoking on Olfactory Dysfunction in 3,900 Patients With Olfactory Loss
Authors: Fjaeldstad Alexander W. , Ovesen Therese , Hummel Thomas
Published: February 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

The association between smoking and olfactory loss remains a conundrum. Prior studies have found negative and positive effects of smoking on olfactory function in the general population. However, smoking cessation seems to improve both rated and measured olfactory function. The purpose of this study was to investigate the olfactory function and smoking habits in patients with olfactory loss caused by different etiologies to unveil underlying patterns related to smoking.

Study Design

Retrospective observational study.

Methods

Patients were included from two specialized taste and smell centers. Patients underwent olfactory testing, clinical examination including rhinoscopy, and the underlying etiology was identified. Patterns of olfactory test scores, demographics, and etiologies were analyzed.

Results

In total, 3,900 patients with olfactory loss were included. Of these, 521 were current smokers, and 316 were former smokers. Patients with a history of smoking did not have significantly lower olfactory function. Current smokers were more often affected by posttraumatic olfactory loss, but not sinonasal, postviral, or idiopathic olfactory loss.

Conclusions

Current smoking, but not former smoking, was associated with posttraumatic olfactory loss. In relation to measured olfactory function, a history of smoking was not associated to lower olfactory scores. Our findings suggest that the general recommendations of smoking cessation for patients with olfactory loss are especially relevant for patients with posttraumatic olfactory loss. The nature of this association between current smoking and posttraumatic olfactory loss has yet to be elucidated.

Level of Evidence

2b Laryngoscope, 131:E8–E13, 2021
Utilization of Computed Tomography in Temporal Bone Fractures at a Large Level I Trauma Center
Authors: Szczupak Mikhaylo , Kravietz Adam , Patel Jaimin , Grobman Ariel , Sidani Charif , Hoffer Michael E.
Published: February 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To identify which patients with temporal bone fractures who have already undergone trauma pan‐scan computed tomography (CT) do not require an additional dedicated temporal bone CT. To determine the added cost of dedicated temporal bone CT in a lower‐risk group of patients.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

A chart review was conducted of adult patients at a large level I trauma center with temporal bone fractures who underwent both trauma pan‐scan CT and dedicated temporal bone CT. Patients were risk stratified into lower‐ and higher‐risk groups based on imaging and physical exam findings. Imaging findings regarding five critical anatomic structures were compared between the two types of CT scans.

Results

There were 180 patients who met inclusion criteria, with 120 patients stratified to the lower‐risk group. The negative predictive values of trauma pan‐scan CT within the lower‐risk group for fracture involvement with the five critical anatomic structures were as follows: otic capsule (1.000), carotid canal (0.960), facial nerve canal (1.000), ossicular chain (0.992), and tegmen (0.856). The annual out‐of‐pocket cost to patients for dedicated temporal bone CT imaging in the lower‐risk group was estimated to be approximately $34,000, for a total of $190,000 during the complete study period.

Conclusions

Trauma pan‐scan CT may be sufficient in lower‐risk patients to identify temporal bone fracture involvement with critical anatomic structures of the temporal bone. Reductions in dedicated temporal bone imaging will decrease both radiation exposure to trauma patients and strain on radiology departments.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E278–E282, 2021
Reconfiguration of Upper Airway Stimulation Devices Utilizing Awake Endoscopy
Authors: Meleca Joseph B. , Kominsky Alan H.
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Determine the rates of, reasons for, and effectiveness of device reprogramming utilizing in‐office awake endoscopy (AE) in subjects who underwent upper airway stimulation (UAS) surgery.

Study Design

Retrospective chart review.

Methods

Retrospective chart review at a tertiary care center on patients implanted with UAS devices from November 2015 to July 2018.

Results

Sixty patients were implanted with UAS devices. Average pre‐ and postsurgical total apnea–hypopnea index (AHI) was 40.6 and 4.2 with a 36.4 total AHI reduction. Treatment success based on Sher criteria was observed in 88% of patients. Postoperative titration polysomnography revealed an average functional threshold (FT) and minimum therapeutic amplitude (MTA) of 1.6 and 2.1 V, respectively. A total of 24 AEs were performed in 19 (32%) patients. The most common complaints and reasons for AE were perceived stimulus discomfort (42%), frequent awakenings (32%), and persistent fatigue or non‐normalized AHI (21%). After first AE, there was a 0.87 (53%) and 0.93 (45%) V reduction in FT and MTA, respectively.

Conclusion

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea continue to succeed with UAS. Fewer than one‐third of patients had postsurgical complaints requiring device reconfiguration utilizing AE to assess the pharyngeal airway and optimize device settings. Reduction in the FT and MTA after AE may improve compliance by reducing discomfort and frequent awakenings. Periodic monitoring of patients with implanted UAS devices is necessary to optimize efficacy and maintain patient compliance.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 130:2494–2498, 2020
Determining the effective hydrogen diffusion coefficient in 100Cr6
Authors: Kürten Dominik , Khader Iyas , Kailer Andreas
Published: February 2020

In the present study, the diffusion constant for hydrogen in hardened 100Cr6 was measured in permeation tests. The tests were conducted on samples of different thicknesses. The diffusivity of hydrogen was also measured in prestrained samples to study the influence of plastic strain on the diffusion rate. A finite element‐based diffusion model was applied to confirm the experimental results by computing the concentrations of diffusible hydrogen and trapped hydrogen due to deformation‐induced defects. The results showed that the concentration of trapped hydrogen remained very low throughout the plastic strain regime under consideration. The average effective diffusion coefficient of hydrogen in 100Cr6 at 30°C was found to be Deff = 4.9 × 10−12 m2/s.
Investigation on the effectiveness of the repair method 8.3 “Corrosion protection by increasing the electrical resistivity” in chloride‐containing concrete Part 3: The influence on corrosion of chloride‐contaminated concretes under protective coatings
Authors: Becker Felix , Dauberschmidt Christoph
Published: February 2020

With the implementation of the repair method “increasing the electrical resistivity by coating” (MR 8.3), no direct repassivation of the reinforcing steel is initially intended. The success of the repair is rather linked to the change of the corrosion‐relevant parameters over time. These include an increase in the concrete resistivity due to dehydration and gradual decrease in corrosion currents and driving voltages on the reinforcing steel. Within the scope of a research project funded by the German Research Foundation (DFG), application limits for the repair principle W‐Cl could be defined. The chloride content present in the concrete at the rebar is the significant limiting factor for the application. While the corrosion activity even with moderately dehydrated specimens under diffusion‐retarding coatings at chloride contents of 1 wt% Cl−/c is in the range of the passive current density, this cannot be generally determined for chloride contents of 2 wt% Cl−/c. The type of coating has a decisive influence on the dehydration of the concrete. For example, less dense concretes under a permeable coating (acrylic dispersion/OS 4) can dry out to such an extent that the passive current density is reached. With semipermeable coatings and the presence of high chloride contents of 2 wt% Cl−/c, the repair principle W‐Cl does not lead to success according to the available test results.
Corrosion behavior of steel in pore solutions extracted from different blended cements
Authors: Hren Miha , Kosec Tadeja , Legat Andraž
Published: February 2020

Mortar specimens made from four different types of cement, CEM I, CEM II, CEM III, and CEM IV, were prepared and pore solutions extracted. Three different types of exposure were studied: noncarbonated without chlorides, noncarbonated with chlorides, and carbonated with chlorides. Various electrochemical methods (linear polarization, potentiodynamic polarization measurements) were implemented to characterize the processes of corrosion on steel in these solutions. The type and extent of corrosion products were evaluated by means of various spectroscopic techniques. Specific differences in the type and extent of corrosion damage were determined and compared for each of the extracted pore solutions from the different blended cements. An attempt was made to classify these differences in comparison with the reference cement (CEM I) and in relation to the different types of exposure.
Steam oxidation and mechanical performance of a ferritic–martensitic steel with slurry aluminide coating
Authors: Hou Xiaodong , Zhang Huixing , Seraffon Maud , Fry Antony T.
Published: February 2020

A key route to advancing power plant efficiency is to enhance current steam operating parameters, namely, increase in steam temperature and pressure from the current levels of 540°C and 180 bar to the proposed 700°C (EU) and 300 bar. Conventional ferritic–martensitic steels, while having good mechanical properties and fatigue resistance, do not possess the high‐temperature corrosion resistance for long‐term use, with a temperature limit of ~620°C. Adding aluminide coatings to the surfaces of the steels can improve the oxidation resistance of this class of material through the growth of an Al2O3 scale. One of the major concerns in using coating is the potential deleterious effects on the mechanical properties of the substrate, either through the precipitation of brittle phases or through cracks in the coating. This study compares the microstructural features of slurry aluminide coatings applied to Grade 91 and the change in mechanical performance. The tensile, thermomechanical fatigue and creep test results showed that while the coated samples entered the tertiary creep zone earlier than the uncoated ones, cracking of the coating remained confined to the surface of the specimen. Nanoindentation mapping showed a hardness increase in the coating and within the aluminium diffusion zone, which is related to the exposure time.
Synthesis and Characterization of Solution Processable Poly(pyrazolines)
Authors: Jayalakshmi Arumugam , Keerthika Nagarajan , Ramkumar Santhanagopal
Published: February 2020

Solution‐processable poly(dibenzalacetone) and poly(dibenzalcyclohexanone) are prepared by the condensation of 1,4‐dialkoxy‐bisbenzaldehyde and acetone/cyclohexanone using classic Claisen–Schmidt condensation. The prepared polymers are readily soluble in common organic solvents due to the presence of alkoxy chains present on the aromatic ring. The availability of α,β‐unsaturated ketone on the backbone is readily functionalized with hydrazine hydrate to obtain poly(pyrazoline acetate), a nonconjugated polymer on the backbone, which shows enhanced emission characteristics on comparison with the pristine polymer and small molecule analogues. The highest occupied molecular orbital–lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (HOMO–LUMO) of levels of poly(pyrazolines) has a band gap of 1.54 eV as calculated from cyclic voltammetry and UV–vis studies. Uniform thin film is obtained by spin casting as 1% solution on chlorobenzene and annealing under vacuum. Atomic force microscopy analysis shows fine morphology of the thin film. I–V characterization of the film shows low turn‐on voltage of 5.3 V. HOMO–LUMO is calculated by density functional theory and the result suggests that these molecules have great potential toward polymer organic light‐emitting diode applications.
Kinetic Studies of Photopolymerization of Monomer‐Containing Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Fazende Kylee F. , Gary Daniel P. , Mota‐Morales Josué D. , Pojman John A.
Published: February 2020

The kinetics of photopolymerization in deep eutectic solvents (DESs) is investigated through real‐time Fourier transform‐infrared spectrometry (RT‐FTIR). The systems of this study are choline chloride (ChCl) DESs made of acrylic acid and methacrylic acid (DES monomers) and a nonreactive analog isobutyric acid (IBA). The DES consisting of the analog also contains the monomer methyl methacrylate (MMA). Analysis of the evolution of conversion indicates dramatic increase in polymerization rate when comparing the polymerization of the DES monomers to pure monomer polymerization. A significant increase in polymerization rate is also seen in the systems that include a methyl ester derivative of the hydrogen bond donor monomer (e.g., MMA) in a nonpolymerizable DES (e.g., IBA−ChCl). It is proposed that the increased solvent viscosity, preorganization due to hydrogen bonding, and the polarity of the DES around the monomers play a role in the enhancement of the polymerization rate.