bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Shielding effect of a lead apron on the peripheral radiation dose outside the applicator of electron beams from an Elekta linear accelerator
Authors: He Huifang , Zhang Yingdong , Wang Jidong , Chen Xingyu , Yang Yuyan , Wang Junjie
Published: December 2020

Purpose

To evaluate the shielding effect of lead aprons (LAs) on peripheral radiation doses outside the applicator of electron beams from a linear accelerator.

Methods

Out‐of‐field radiation doses of 4‐, 6‐, 8‐, 10‐, 12‐, and 15‐MeV electron beams from an Elekta Synergy linear accelerator (linac) were measured by thermoluminescence dosimeters (TLD) at different depths (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 cm) and distances from the applicator edge (0–58 cm) in a water‐equivalent slab phantom with a different number of layers of LA shielding (0–5 layers). Measurements were performed by 6 × 6, 10 × 10, 14 × 14, and 20 × 20‐cm2 applicators at a gantry and collimator angle of 0°. The out‐of‐field radiation dose profiles were normalized to the maximum dose of every energy and measuring depth.

Results

The out‐of‐field radiation doses (beyond 3 cm away from the field edge) decreased with an increase in the number of LA layers and distance away from the central beam axis (CAX). After shielding with the LA, the out‐of‐field doses decreased by up to approximately 99% compared with the no shielding group. For 4‐MeV electron beams, there was a peak at 24.5 cm from the CAX, which weakened with an increasing number of LA layers.

Conclusion

The shielding effect of the LA varied for a different number of LA layers as well as different depths and distances away from the CAX. Four LA layers were sufficient for shielding out‐of‐field doses of 4–15‐MeV electron beams.
High Efficiency Perovskite Solar Cells Exceeding 22% via a Photo‐Assisted Two‐Step Sequential Deposition
Authors: Lee Dong Geon , Kim Dong Hoe , Lee Jae Myeong , Kim Byeong Jo , Kim Jun Young , Shin Seong Sik , Jung Hyun Suk
Published: December 2020

One of the most effective methods to achieve high‐performance perovskite solar cells (PSCs) is to employ additives as crystallization agents or to passivate defects. Tri‐iodide ion has been known as an efficient additive to improve the crystallinity, grain size, and morphology of perovskite films. However, the generation and control of this tri‐iodide ion are challenging. Herein, an efficient method to produce tri‐iodide ion in a precursor solution using a photoassisted process for application in PSCs is developed. Results suggest that the tri‐iodide ion can be synthesized rapidly when formamidinium iodide (FAI) dissolved isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution is exposed to LED light. Specifically, the photoassisted FAI–IPA solution facilitates the formation of fine perovskite films with high crystallinity, large grain size, and low trap density, thereby improving the device performance up to 22%. This study demonstrates that the photoassisted process in FAI dissolved IPA solution can be an alternative strategy to fabricate highly efficient PSCs with significantly reduced processing times.
The Broad Chromatic Range of Two‐Dimensional Transition Metal Carbides
Authors: Maleski Kathleen , Shuck Christopher E. , Fafarman Aaron T. , Gogotsi Yury
Published: December 2020

Transition metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes) are a relatively new class of 2D materials, which include metallic and semiconducting examples. The chemical compositions of the vast MXene family span a broad range of the periodic table, yet the optical spectra of only a handful of MXene compositions have been reported, and in only one example are the spectroscopic features assigned. The optical properties of nine carbide MXenes, representing a systematic variation of chemical composition and atomic structure are presented here. The observed optical phenomena span the UV to IR and include interband transitions and plasma excitations. The spectral features involving excitation of the plasma provide an optical readout of the composition‐dependent carrier concentration, revealing even subtle changes due to modification of the surface chemistry. The high carrier concentration found in many MXenes differentiates them from other known 2D materials and the authors present evidence in favor of the hypothesis that MXenes host optically active plasmon resonances that naturally span the UV to near‐IR, as a function of composition. This study introduces optical properties of novel MXenes, benefits the interpretation of 2D materials spectroscopy, and suggests the tremendous potential for this class of optoelectronic building blocks.
Kilogram‐Scale Crystallogenesis of Halide Perovskites for Gamma‐Rays Dose Rate Measurements
Authors: Andričević Pavao , Frajtag Pavel , Lamirand Vincent Pierre , Pautz Andreas , Kollár Márton , Náfrádi Bálint , Sienkiewicz Andrzej , Garma Tonko , Forró László , Horváth Endre
Published: December 2020

Gamma‐rays (γ‐rays), wherever present, e.g., in medicine, nuclear environment, or homeland security, due to their strong impact on biological matter, should be closely monitored. There is a need for simple, sensitive γ‐ray detectors at affordable prices. Here, it is shown that γ‐ray detectors based on crystals of methylammonium lead tribromide (MAPbBr3) ideally meet these requirements. Specifically, the γ‐rays incident on a MAPbBr3 crystal generates photocarriers with a high mobility‐lifetime product, allowing radiation detection by photocurrent measurements at room temperatures. Moreover, the MAPbBr3 crystal‐based detectors, equipped with improved carbon electrodes, can operate at low bias (≈1.0 V), hence being suitable for applications in energy‐sparse environments, including space. The γ‐ray detectors reported herein are exposed to radiation from a 60Co source at dose rates up to 2.3 Gy h−1 under ambient conditions for over 100 h, without any sign of degradation. The excellent radiation tolerance stems from the intrinsic structural plasticity of the organic–inorganic halide perovskites, which can be attributed to a defect‐healing process by fast ion migration at the nanoscale level. The sensitivity of the γ‐ray detection upon volume is tested for MAPbBr3 crystals reaching up to 1000 cm3 (3.3 kg in weight) grown by a unique crystal growth technique.
Estimating cover crop biomass nitrogen credits with Sentinel‐2 imagery and sites covariates
Authors: Xia Yushu , Guan Kaiyu , Copenhaver Ken , Wander Michelle
Published: December 2020

Cover crops can positively impact productivity and the environment. While improved estimates of cover crop N benefits could help promote their adoption, little information is currently available at the broad scale. We conducted a multi‐site study to determine whether use of satellite images and site factors could fill this gap. Six spectral indices were extracted from Sentinel‐2 satellite imagery and used with modeling covariates to estimate cover crop properties and biomass N credits (biomass × N contents). The partial least squares regression (PLSR) models were calibrated and validated with samples from 42 cover crop fields located in the midwestern and northeastern United States collected in 2017–2018. Remote sensing (RS)‐derived spectral indices strongly correlated (r > .7) with red clover (Trifolium pratense L.) but not with rye (Secale cereale L.) biomass. Growing degree days (GDDs), cover height, ground cover percentage, and temperature often had high importance (variable importance in projection >1) in PLSR models. Model predictive power was limited for estimates of biomass N credits when data from all validation sites and cover types were used (adjusted [adj] R2 = .52). However, models for both biomass (adj R2 = .81) and biomass N credits (adj R2 = .89) were successful for red clover fields. This suggests N benefits could be more effectively modeled for specific cover crop types. We also found RS‐based estimation of C/N ratios performed moderately well when applied to the complete dataset (adj R2 = .54), suggesting a way to differentiate grass and legume cover crops that can potentially inform biogeochemical models.
Leaching and surface runoff after fall application of fungicides on putting greens
Authors: Aamlid Trygve S. , Almvik Marit , Pettersen Trond , Bolli Randi
Published: December 2020

Many greenkeepers and authorities are concerned about the environmental risks resulting from pesticide use on golf courses. We studied leaching and surface runoff of fungicides and metabolites for two winter seasons after fall application of boscalid, pyraclostrobin, prothioconazole, trifloxystrobin, and fludioxonil in field lysimeters at NIBIO Landvik, Norway. The applications were made on creeping bentgrass greens (5% slope) that had been established from seed or sod (26‐mm mat) on USGA‐specification. root zones amended with Sphagnum peat or garden compost, both with 0.3–0.4% organic carbon in the root zone. The proportions of the winter precipitation recovered as surface and drainage water varied from 3 and 91% in 2016–2017 to 33 and 55% in 2017–2018 due to differences in soil freezing, rainfall intensity, and snow and ice cover. Detections of fungicides and their metabolites in drainage water were mostly within the environmental risk limits (ERLs) for aquatic organisms. In contrast, concentrations in surface runoff exceeded ERLs by up to 1,000 times. Greens established from sod usually had higher fungicide losses in surface runoff but lower losses in drainage water than greens established from seed. Presumably because of higher microbial activity and a higher pH that made prothioconazole‐desthio more polar, fungicide and metabolite losses in drainage water were usually higher from greens containing compost that from greens containing peat. Leaching of fungicides and metabolites occurred even from frozen greens. The results are discussed in a practical context aiming for reduced environmental risks from spraying fungicides against turfgrass winter diseases.
Robotic surgery for colorectal cancer
Authors: Gómez Ruiz Marcos , Lainez Escribano Mario , Cagigas Fernández Carmen , Cristobal Poch Lidia , Santarrufina Martínez Sandra
Published: December 2020

Minimally invasive surgery has demonstrated many benefits in general surgery, particularly in colon and rectal procedures. On the other hand, it has some limitations that must be taken into account, especially technical drawback. Robotic surgery has incorporated many improvements to overcome this disadvantage, such as 3D visualization, articulating instruments assisting complex and precise movements. As a result, robotic colorectal surgery shows less intraoperative blood loss, shorter time to oral tolerance and initial flatus (particularly associated with “Enhanced Recovery After Surgery” protocol), less conversion rate to open surgery, shortened hospital stay, and longer distal margins compared to laparoscopic and open surgery. This approach also shows a shorter learning curve. Some studies suggest that it could decrease perioperatively or 30 days after the intervention's mortality, raise overall survival, reduce wound infection, and improve functional results, while others show no significant difference. However, it lengthens surgical time. Otherwise, the studies included do not show statistically significant changes in the number of resected lymph nodes and anastomotic leaks. Economic costs remain one of the major concerns, although to date there are no large‐scale studies that have evaluated this aspect from a global point of view. Robotic surgery represents a qualitative leap in surgical instruments and, although there is no strong evidence in favor of the use of robotic surgery over laparoscopic or open surgery, there is enough evidence to support its use in colorectal surgery, with potential advantages for patients.
Myeloproliferative neoplasms and pregnancy: Overview and practice recommendations
Authors: Gangat Naseema , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: December 2020

Pregnancy in the context of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPN) poses unique fetal and maternal challenges. Current literature in this regard mostly involves essential thrombocythemia (ET) and less so polycythemia vera (PV) or myelofibrosis. In ET, live birth rate is estimated at 70% with first trimester fetal loss (˜ 30%) as the major complication. Risk of pregnancy‐associated complications is higher in PV, thus mandating a more aggressive treatment approach. Herein, we appraise the relevant literature, share our own experience and propose management recommendations. Aspirin therapy may offer protection against fetal loss; however the additive benefit of systemic anticoagulation or cytoreductive therapy, in the absence of high risk disease, is unclear. We recommend cytoreductive therapy in the form of interferon alpha in all high risk and select low‐risk ET and PV patients with history of recurrent fetal loss, prominent splenomegaly or suboptimal hematocrit control with phlebotomy. In addition, all women with PV should maintain strict hematocrit control <45% with the aid of phlebotomy. Systemic anticoagulation with low molecular weight heparin is advised in patients with history of venous thrombosis. Further clarification awaits prospective clinical trials that implement risk adapted therapeutic interventions.
Child protection services for children with special healthcare needs: A population record linkage study
Authors: Hindmarsh Gabrielle , Laurens Kristin R. , Katz Ilan , Butler Merran , Harris Felicity , Carr Vaughan J. , Green Melissa J.
Published: December 2020

Children with disabilities are known to have high rates of contact with child protection services. However, little is known about child protection contacts for a broader group of children with special healthcare needs (SHCN; i.e., special needs or other impairments of concern that affect learning). This study examined the characteristics of contact with child protection services (prior to the age of 6 years) for children with SHCN identified at school entry using the 2009 Australian Early Development Census, using administrative data from more than 65,000 children in the New South Wales Child Development Study. Child protection contacts prior to age 6 years were more prevalent among children with SHCN compared with those without; in particular, children with SHCN had higher odds of a history of exposure to neglect and physical abuse, and higher odds of being placed in out‐of‐home care, compared with their typically developing peers. Understanding the characteristics of child protection contacts among children with SHCN, with consideration of factors that may influence their patterns of contact with these and other human services agencies, will inform the development of appropriate social policy initiatives to fulfil Australia’s obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.
Association between inflammation in acute phase and early onset pneumonia in patients with out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation
Authors: Shiba Daiki , Hifumi Toru , Watanabe Yu , Shimizu Masato , Isokawa Shutaro , Toya Nozomi , Iwasaki Tsutomu , Otani Norio , Ishimatsu Shinichi
Published: December 2020

Background

Early onset pneumonia (EOP) in patients with cardiac arrest treated with targeted temperature management is a recently debated issue. We assessed the association between C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and development of EOP in patients treated with extracorporeal cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR).

Methods and Results

We reviewed the data of all patients admitted to our hospital after out‐of‐hospital cardiac arrest treated with ECPR between April 2006 and April 2019 who survived for at least 48 h. We collected demographic data, cardiac arrest characteristics, prophylactic antibiotic use, and neurologic outcomes. Diagnosis of EOP was made based on clinical, radiological, and microbiological criteria. The primary endpoint was the association between the incidence of EOP and CRP levels from day 1 to day 4. A total of 55 patients were included, of which 20 developed EOP. CRP levels on days 3 and 4 were significantly elevated in patients who developed EOP (13.1 [11.8–21.1] mg/dL versus 11.6 [7.4–15.2] mg/dL, P = 0.005; and 19.0 [16.9–27.1] mg/dL versus 14.7 [7.4–21.2] mg/dL, P = 0.019, respectively). In the multivariable logistic regression model, the CRP level on day 3 was significantly associated with the development of EOP (odds ratio 1.22; 95% confidence interval 1.06–1.41; P = 0.001).

Conclusions

Increased inflammation in acute phase was associated with development of EOP in patients treated with ECPR.
Predicting consumers’ choices in the age of the internet, AI, and almost perfect tracking: Some things change, the key challenges do not
Authors: Gal David , Simonson Itamar
Published: December 2020

Recent technology advances (e.g., tracking and “AI”) have led to claims and concerns regarding the ability of marketers to anticipate and predict consumer preferences with great accuracy. Here, we consider the capabilities of both traditional techniques (e.g., conjoint analysis) and more recent tools (e.g., advanced machine learning methods) for predicting consumer choices. Our main conclusion is that for most of the more interesting consumer decisions, those that are “new” and non‐habitual, prediction remains hard. In fact, in many cases, prediction has become harder due to the increasing influence of just‐in‐time information (user reviews, online recommendations, new options, etc.) at the point of decision that can neither be measured nor anticipated ex ante. Sophisticated methods and “big data” can in certain contexts improve predictions, but usually only slightly, and prediction remains very imprecise—so much so that it is often a waste of effort. We suggest marketers focus less on trying to predict consumer choices with great accuracy and more on how the information environment affects the choice of their products. We also discuss implications for consumers and policymakers.
A decentralized Nesterov gradient method for stochastic optimization over unbalanced directed networks
Authors: Hu Jinhui , Xia Dawen , Cheng Huqiang , Feng Liping , Ji Lianghao , Guo Jing , Li Huaqing
Published: December 2020

Decentralized stochastic gradient methods play significant roles in large‐scale optimization that finds many practical applications in machine learning and coordinated control. This paper studies optimization problems over unbalanced directed networks, where the mutual goal of agents in the network is to optimize a global objective function expressed as a sum of local objective functions. Each agent using only local computation and communication in the networks is assumed to get access to a stochastic first‐order oracle. In order to devise a noise‐tolerant decentralized algorithm with accelerated linear convergence, a decentralized Nesterov gradient algorithm with the constant step‐size and parameter using stochastic gradients is proposed in this paper. The proposed algorithm employing a gradient‐tracking technique is proved to converge linearly to an error ball around the optimal solution via the analysis on a linear system when the positive constant step‐size and parameter are sufficiently small. We further recover the exact linear convergence for the proposed algorithm with exact gradients under the same selection conditions of the constant step‐size and parameter. Some real‐world data sets are used in simulations to validate the correctness of the theoretical findings and practicability of the proposed algorithm.
Interactive effects of power and donation target on charitable giving
Authors: Wang Yan , Feng Haojia , Qiu Shuang , Cui Lijuan
Published: December 2020

Is a powerful person more or less generous than a powerless person in terms of charitable giving request? In this work, we argue that power's effect on charitable giving depends on donation target. Across two studies, having high power decreased donation to a specific person, whereas having high power increased donation to a charitable organization. Moreover, the effect of power on donation across donation targets was mediated by the felt social distance toward the population in need. We discuss the theoretical implications for contemporary debates about power's effects and practical implications of power for designing effective donation appeals.
Altered brain network centrality in middle‐aged patients with retinitis pigmentosa: A resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging study
Authors: Lin Qi , Zhu Fei‐Ying , Shu Yong‐Qiang , Zhu Pei‐Wen , Ye Lei , Shi Wen‐Qing , Min You‐Lan , Li Biao , Yuan Qing , Shao Yi
Published: December 2020

Objective

The purpose of this study is to explore the underlying functional network brain activity changes of patients in middle‐aged with retinitis pigmentosa (RP) and the relationships with clinical features such as depression scale and visual functioning using voxel‐wise degree centrality (DC) method.

Methods

We included 16 patients with RP (11 men, 5 women) and 16 healthy controls (HCs; 11 men, 5 women). Participants were matched in terms of age, weight, gender and handedness (age and weight between the two groups were compared using independent sample t‐tests, gender and handedness were compared using chi‐square test). We use the voxel‐wise DC method to assess spontaneous brain activity. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was performed to distinguish between RP patients and HCs. Correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between mean DC values in various brain regions and clinical features (such as depression scale and visual functioning) in RP patients.

Results

Compared with HCs, the DC values of patients with RP were reduced in the right medial frontal gyrus, bilateral cuneus, bilateral precuneus, and bilateral superior frontal gyrus, and increased in the right cerebellum posterior lobe, left inferior temporal gyrus, and right fusiform gyrus. The mean DC values in the bilateral cuneus negatively correlated with the depression scale, and those in the bilateral precuneus positively correlated with the Visual Functioning Questionnaire‐25.

Conclusions

Middle‐aged patients with RP exhibit abnormal brain network activity in various brain regions, and this may underlie the pathological mechanism of RP.
Characteristics and prognosis of synchronous multiple primary lung cancer after surgical treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of current evidence
Authors: Tie Hongtao , Luo Jun , Shi Rui , Li Zhenhan , Chen Dan , Wu Qingchen
Published: December 2020

Background

This study aims to quantitatively summary the characteristics of synchronous multiple primary lung cancer (sMPLC), postoperative mortality, long‐term prognosis, and prognostic effects of potential clinical parameters in patients with sMPLC after surgery.

Methods

PubMed and Embase databases were systematically searched to identify studies that explored the prognosis of patients with sMPLC after surgery.

Results

Fifty‐two studies with 3486 participants were included, and clinical characteristics were quantitatively summarized. The pooled proportion of sMPLC in lung cancer was 2.0% (95%CI, 1.6%–2.5%) with an increasing trend over time, and postoperative mortality was 1.4% (95%CI, 0.5%–2.7%) with a decreasing trend over time. The 5‐year survival rate was 44.9% (95%CI, 37.4%–52.6%) and all long‐term survival rates showed increasing trends over time. Poor long‐term prognosis was observed in both limited resection (HR = 1.357, 95%CI, 1.047–1.759, p = 0.0210) and pneumonectomy (HR = 2.643, 95%CI, 1.539–4.541, p = 0.0004) by comparison of anatomical resection. Other clinical parameters of age, gender, smoking status, FEV1, and lymph node metastasis significantly impacted the long‐term prognosis (all p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The proportion of sMPLC in lung cancer and 5‐year survival rate are increasing, while postoperative mortality is decreasing trend over time. Lobectomy should be preferred, while pneumonectomy should be avoided for sMPLC. Age, gender, FEV1, smoking, tumor size, surgical methods, and lymph node status are prognostic factors for sMPLC. Considering the heterogeneity and publication bias, these findings should be treated with caution.
Systematic Pragmatic Phenomenological Analysis: Step‐wise guidance for mixed methods research
Authors: Vos Joel
Published: December 2020

Background

Structural Pragmatic Phenomenological Analysis (SPPA) is a pragmatic‐phenomenological methodology integrating qualitative and quantitative research, offering a systematic, sensitive and specific guidance to developing a reflexive understanding of individual experiences and meanings. Applications of SPPA have previously been published, but no systematic overview and guidance.

Aim and method

This article offers an overview and a step‐by‐step guidance of SPPA.

Result

SPPA is based on pragmatic‐ontology and critical‐realist epistemology. The overall aim of an SPPA study is to systematically examine the lived experience and meaning of a phenomenon for one or more individuals. This overall aim could be specified in specific research objectives (e.g., ontological status of the phenomenon, type of meaning, approach to meaning, relationship to individual/society, development over time, individual history, sense of freedom, existential and daily life experience). The first part of interview schedules consists of: mindfulness exercises, open introductory questions, questions about time and space, influence of the participant and the context on the experience and meaning. The second part includes specific questions about each research objective, broadening of the perspective, exploring paradoxes and inconsistencies, narrowing the perspective, interpretations, participant decisions and conclusions, and systematic reflexivity. Questionnaires help in understanding individual differences, representativity, reflexivity and hypothesis creation. Analytic steps include macro‐level and micro‐level phenomenological analysis, systematic analysis of research objectives, questionnaire analysis, systematic reflexivity, synthesis per participant, synthesis for all participants and reflection on trustworthiness.

Discussion

SPPA offers step‐wise guidance, which can be helpful for trainees and beginning researchers. More applications and research into the experiences of SPPA are needed.
Roller milling performance of dry yellow split peas: Mill stream composition and functional characteristics
Authors: Price Chelsea , Kiszonas Alecia M. , Smith Brennan , Morris Craig F.
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

Yellow split pea flour is a growing trend in the food sector as a functional ingredient. The aim here was to analyze the milling performance and composition of dry yellow split peas on a pilot roller mill and determine whether there were differences in pea cotyledon fractionation.

Findings

Dry yellow split peas were efficiently roller milled with complete recovery in nine mill streams; over half of the flour was produced on two. All streams except 4th Midds had a high proportion of particles <125 μm, starch damage levels similar to wheat flour, and similar protein, pasting, and solvent retention capacities. The 4th Midds represented only 1% of the total flour.

Conclusion

This study shows that dry yellow split peas can be efficiently milled on a wheat roller mill to a small particle size. In contrast to wheat, split peas are fairly uniform in composition with modest differences among mill streams. Flour recovery was essentially 99%.

Significance and novelty

To serve as a food ingredient, dry split peas must first be reduced to small particles. Roller milling, though not a traditional method, was shown to be highly efficient. Unlike wheat, pea flour streams were rather similar in composition and functionality.
Gluten‐free bread applications: Thermo‐mechanical and techno‐functional characterization of Kañiwa flour
Authors: Luna‐Mercado Genny I. , Repo‐Carrasco‐Valencia Ritva
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

Kañiwa is a little‐known Andean native grain with excellent nutritional value. It contains no gluten and, therefore, has potential as a raw material for gluten‐free products. The aim of this study was to evaluate techno‐functional, thermo‐mechanical, and physicochemical properties of two kañiwa varieties (Cupi and Illpa Inia), in order to assess their potential as ingredients in gluten‐free bakery products.

Findings

The Illpa Inia variety presented superior thermo‐mechanical properties, such as greater mechanical resistance and stability, as well as less protein weakening and starch retrogradation, which were related to the quantity of its proteins, fiber content, and strong associations between lipid and starch.

Conclusion

Similarities in starch characteristics and differences in fiber, fat, and protein quality and quantity between kañiwa varieties were found. This resulted in higher resistance to withstand mechanical and thermal stress for the Illpa Inia variety. The small size of the starch granules in kañiwa contributed to further improvement in its resistance against mechanical and thermal stress. This variety of kañiwa represents a promising ingredient for the food industry.

Significance and Novelty

The physicochemical, techno‐functional, and thermo‐mechanical characterization of flours of two Peruvian kañiwa varieties provided new information on the suitability of kañiwa for use in gluten‐free baking. Kañiwa is an interesting and novel ingredient to be used in gluten‐free products, enhancing the nutritional value of these products.
Ultra‐small superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) magnetic resonance imaging in benign mixed tumor of the parotid gland
Authors: Johnson Jason M. , Mohamed Abdallah S. R. , Ding Yao , Wang Jihong , Lai Stephen Y. , Fuller Clifton D. , Shah Rutvij , Butler Randall T. , Weber Randal S.
Published: December 2020

Historically USPIO has been used to help with nodal staging but not in primary tumors. The ability to concentrate USPIO may help to differentiate BMT from other types of parotid tumors.
In Situ Integrated Co3W−WN Hybrid Nanostructure as an Efficient Bifunctional Electrocatalyst by Accelerating Water Dissociation and Enhancing Oxygen Evolution
Authors: Zheng Jianping , Chen Jianpo , Xiao Liping , Cheng Xiaoning , Cui Hao
Published: December 2020

Due to the difference of catalytic mechanisms, the design of an efficient alkaline bifunctional catalyst not only needs to organically integrate different active sites, but also has to simultaneously optimize the catalytic activity of both hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER). Here, we propose a strategy of killing two birds with one stone to construct the efficient bifunctional electrocatalyst by simultaneously accelerating water dissociation and enhancing oxygen evolution. The self‐supported tungsten nitride nanowires decorated with tungsten cobalt alloy nanoparticles (Co3W/WN/CC) were synthesized on the flexible carbon cloth. Co3W can act as both a water dissociation promoter to enhance HER activity and OER active species to facilitate water oxidation via in situ transformation, thus effectively improving the overall water splitting performance. As expected, compared with pure tungsten nitride catalysts, the hybrid electrocatalyst not only shows enhanced HER activity with an overpotential decrease from 255 to 43 mV, but also achieves an excellent OER performance with overpotential of 273 mV in 1 M KOH aqueous solution. Furthermore, by employing Co3W/WN/CC as cathode and anode, the overall water splitting process needs 1.582 V to drive a current density of 10 mA cm−2 and maintains without decay for 80 hours. This work expands the effective strategy for building efficient, stable and low‐cost alkaline bifunctional electrocatalysts.
Overactivation of the IGF signalling pathway in osteosarcoma: a potential therapeutic target?
Authors: Ameline Baptiste , Kovac Michal , Nathrath Michaela , Barenboim Maxim , Witt Olaf , Krieg Andreas H , Baumhoer Daniel
Published: December 2020

Osteosarcoma is the most common primary malignant bone tumour in children and adolescents. More than a third of patients do not respond to standard therapy and urgently require alternative treatment options. Due to a high degree of inter‐ and intra‐tumoural genomic heterogeneity and complexity, recurrent molecular alterations that could serve as prognostic predictors or therapeutic targets are still lacking in osteosarcoma. Copy number (CN) gains involving the IGF1R gene, however, have been suggested as a potential surrogate marker for treating a subset of patients with IGF1R inhibitors. In this study, we screened a large set of osteosarcomas and found specific CN gains of the IGF1R gene in 18 of 253 (7.1%) cases with corresponding IGF1R overexpression. Despite the discouraging results observed in clinical trials in other tumours so far, focusing only on selected patients with osteosarcoma that show evidence of IGF pathway activation might represent a promising new and innovative treatment approach.
Scanning Protein Surfaces with DNA‐Encoded Libraries
Authors: Kunig Verena B. K. , Potowski Marco , Klika Škopić Mateja , Brunschweiger Andreas
Published: December 2020

Understanding the ligandability of a target protein, defined as the capability of a protein to bind drug‐like compounds on any site, can give important stimuli to drug‐development projects. For instance, inhibition of protein–protein interactions usually depends on the identification of protein surface binders. DNA‐encoded chemical libraries (DELs) allow scanning of protein surfaces with large chemical space. Encoded library selection screens uncovered several protein–protein interaction inhibitors and compounds binding to the surface of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs) and kinases. The protein surface‐binding chemotypes from DELs are predominantly chemically modified and cyclized peptides, and functional small‐molecule peptidomimetics. Peptoid libraries and structural peptidomimetics have been less studied in the DEL field, hinting at hitherto less populated chemical space and suggesting alternative library designs. Roughly a third of bioactive molecules evolved from smaller, target‐focused libraries. They showcase the potential of encoded libraries to identify more potent molecules from weak, for example, fragment‐like, starting points.
Joint optimization of energy saving and load balancing for data center networks based on software defined networks
Authors: He Yihao , Lu Zebin , Lei Junru , Deng Shuhua , Gao Xieping
Published: December 2020

To meet the surging demand for artificial intelligence and cloud service, data centers have been expanding rapidly on recent years. Therefore, data center networks have received great attention recently and more challenges gradually emerged. The exiting technology of data center networks (DCNs) has presented two problems: high energy consumption and network load imbalance. Traditionally, the middle‐box hardware is dedicated and complexly merged, such as network load balancer and network energy optimizer. As an emerging architecture, software defined networks (SDNs) brings an opportunity to accomplish load balancing and energy optimization simultaneously with its characteristics. In this article, we propose a traffic flow management strategy which jointly considers energy optimization and load balancing. The strategy forwards traffic flows with maximum available bandwidth multipath routing to balance network load. We minimize activated links and switches to save energy by scheduling traffic flows. We jointly formulate these as an integer linear programming (ILP) problem. We propose a heuristic algorithm to handle the problem. The full simulation results reveal the high efficiency of our algorithm and the coexistence of network energy optimization and load balancing.
Prediabetes/diabetes screening strategy at the periodontal clinic
Authors: Grigoriadis Andreas , Räisänen Ismo T. , Pärnänen Pirjo , Tervahartiala Taina , Sorsa Timo , Sakellari Dimitra
Published: December 2020

Objective

The aim of the study was to propose an efficient chairside clinical strategy for the identification of undiagnosed hyperglycaemia in periodontal clinics.

Material and methods

Α chairside system was used for assessment of glycated hemoglobin 1c (HbA1c) and active Matrix Metalloproteinase‐8 levels (aMMP‐8) were analyzed by immunotest in patients (n = 150) who fulfilled the criteria for screening of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Full‐mouth periodontal parameters were assessed and various data such as Body Mass Index (BMI), smoking and education were recorded.

Results

Thirty‐one patients out of 150 tested were found with unknown hyperglycaemia (20.7%). Regarding sex, education, parent with diabetes, normal BMI, smoking, age ≥45 years and prior testing for diabetes, no differences were observed between subjects displaying HbA1c < 5.7 and ≥5.7% (Pearson's Chi‐square test, p > .05). Subgroups differed regarding BMI (kg/m2), tooth count, percentages of 4 and 5 mm pockets (Mann–Whitney and z‐test, p < .05). The diagnostic performance for HbA1c ≥5.7 was tested by Receiving Operator Characteristic curves and Areas Under the Curve (AUC) for the following: age ≥ 45 years and BMI (AUC 0.651, p = .010), the above and aMMP‐8 (AUC 0.660, p = .006), age ≥ 45 years, BMI and Stage of Periodontitis (AUC 0.711, p < .001) and age ≥ 45 years, BMI, aMMP‐8 and stage of periodontitis (AUC 0.713, p < .001).

Conclusions

Findings of the study suggest that the combination of stage of periodontitis, increasing age, BMI and aMMP‐8, without chairside HbA1c assessment appears to be a viable screening strategy for referring dental patients for testing for prediabetes/diabetes.
The effect of proanthocyanidin and casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate on the bond strength durability to caries‐affected dentin
Authors: Jowkar Zahra , Firouzmandi Maryam , Tabibi Sara
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of proanthocyanidin (PA) and casein phosphopeptide‐amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP‐ACP) paste on the micro‐shear bond strength (μSBS) durability of an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive to caries‐affected dentin (CAD).

Materials and methods

The occlusal surfaces of 80 human molars with occlusal caries were ground to expose flat dentin surfaces with CAD. Then, they were randomly divided into four groups (n = 20) according to the CAD pretreatment. The study groups included no pretreatment, pretreatment with CPP‐ACP for 3 min, pretreatment with PA for 1 min, and pretreatment with PA for 1 min followed by CPP‐ACP for 3 min before adhesive application. After restoring the specimens with composite resin, μSBS testing was performed for half of the bonded surfaces in each group after 24 h and the other half was tested after 6 months of water storage and failure mode analysis was performed.

Results

The PA group was associated with a higher μSBS than the control and CPP‐ACP groups after 24 hours (p < 0.05). No significant difference was observed regarding the μSBS of the control and the other groups after 24 h (p > 0.05). No significant difference was observed regarding the μSBS of the PA and PA + CPP‐ACP groups (p > 0.05). The μSBS of the 6‐month specimens was significantly lower than those of the 24‐h specimens for all the groups (p < 0.05) except for the PA group which did not exhibit a significant difference between the two times (p > 0.05). The most common type of failure was mixed failure.

Conclusion

PA pretreatment could stabilize the CAD‐resin interface and protect degradation over time. The same effect was not observed for CPP‐ACP or PA + CPP‐ACP.
Evaluating the substantivity of silver diamine fluoride in a dentin model
Authors: Minavi Brian , Youssefi Adam , Quock Ryan , Letra Ariadne , Silva Renato , Kirkpatrick Timothy C. , Tribble Gena , van der Hoeven Ransome
Published: December 2020

Objectives

The goal of endodontic therapy is to prevent apical periodontitis. This is achieved by biomechanical preparation, microbial control using endodontic irrigants, and complete obturation of the canal space. In order to prevent possible post‐obturation complications and for an added antimicrobial effect, substantivity is a desired characteristic of endodontic irrigants. Currently the most commonly used endodontic irrigant that produces an antibacterial substantivity effect is chlorohexidine (CHX). Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topically applied agent for managing dental caries and has shown to stop caries lesion progression. The objective of this study was to compare the antimicrobial substantivity effect of 3.8% SDF against other commonly used endodontic irrigants such as 2% CHX and 6.25% Sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl).

Material and methods

Using a diffusion disc assay we determined the antimicrobial activities of 38%, 3.8%, 0.38%, and 0.038% of SDF against the bacterium Enterococcus faecalis OG1RF. Subsequently, we compared the levels of colonization of E. faecalis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) at 1.5‐ and 3‐week time intervals on dentin pretreated with 3.8% SDF, 6.25% NaOCl, 2% CHX or sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS).

Results

The diffusion disc assay demonstrated that 38% and 3.8% of SDF inhibited the growth of E. faecalis. Moreover, the substantivity of 3.8% SDF (p < 0.01) was comparable to 2% CHX (p < 0.01) and it is significantly greater than 6.25% of NaOCl compared to the PBS treated samples after 1.5 and 3 weeks of incubation.

Conclusions

In this study, we demonstrate that SDF possesses antimicrobial properties against the opportunistic pathogen E. faecalis. Moreover, using a dentin model we show the substantivity of 3.8% SDF is significantly greater than 6.25% NaOCl, but is comparable to 2% CHX.
Hepatitis B virus exploits C‐type lectin receptors to hijack cDC1s, cDC2s and pDCs
Authors: Ouaguia Laurissa , Dufeu‐Duchesne Tania , Leroy Vincent , Decaens Thomas , Reiser Jean‐Baptiste , Sosa Cuevas Eleonora , Durantel David , Valladeau‐Guilemond Jenny , Bendriss‐Vermare Nathalie , Chaperot Laurence , Aspord Caroline
Published: December 2020

Objectives

C‐type lectin receptors (CLRs) are key receptors used by DCs to orchestrate responses to pathogens. During infections, the glycan–lectin interactions shape the virus–host interplay and viruses can subvert the function of CLRs to escape antiviral immunity. Recognition of virus/viral components and uptake by CLRs together with subsequent signalling cascades are crucial in initiating and shaping antiviral immunity, and decisive in the outcome of infection. Yet, the interaction of hepatitis B virus (HBV) with CLRs remains largely unknown. As HBV hijacks DC subsets and viral antigens harbour glycan motifs, we hypothesised that HBV may subvert DCs through CLR binding.

Methods

We investigated here the pattern of CLR expression on BDCA1+ cDC2s, BDCA2+ pDCs and BDCA3+ cDC1s from both blood and liver of HBV‐infected patients and explored the ability of HBsAg to bind DC subsets through specific CLRs.

Results

We highlighted for the first time that the CLR repertoire of circulating and intrahepatic cDC2s, cDC1s and pDCs was perturbed in patients with chronic HBV infection and that some CLR expression levels correlated with plasma HBsAg and HBV DNA levels. We also identified candidate CLR responsible for HBsAg binding to cDCs (CD367/DCIR/CLEC4A, CD32/FcɣRIIA) and pDCs (CD369/DECTIN1/CLEC7A, CD336/NKp44) and demonstrated that HBsAg inhibited DC functions in a CLR‐ and glycosylation‐dependent manner.

Conclusion

HBV may exploit CLR pathways to hijack DC subsets and escape from immune control. Such advances bring insights into the mechanisms by which HBV subverts immunity and pave the way for developing innovative therapeutic strategies to restore an efficient immune control of the infection by manipulating the viral glycan–lectin axis.
Self‐reported eating disorder psychopathology prevalence in community‐based female and male Albertans: Gender and age group comparisons
Authors: Smith Alyssa J. , Farstad Sarah M. , von Ranson Kristin M.
Published: December 2020

Objective

We describe and compare eating disorder (ED) psychopathology prevalence in Canadian females and males across five age groups.

Method

This secondary data analysis study used the Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (EDE‐Q) to assess ED psychopathology in 1,316 Alberta community‐based female and male participants, aged 15 to 71.

Results

Overall, 15.3% of female and 8.2% of male participants reported clinically‐significant ED disturbances. Female participants reported greater global ED psychopathology than male participants, except older men and women aged 65–71, who reported similar, relatively low levels of global ED psychopathology. Women aged 65–71 endorsed less global ED psychopathology than younger females. More females than males reported regular binge eating and self‐induced vomiting, whereas other ED behaviors were endorsed at similar rates.

Discussion

This large‐scale study, the first involving a Canadian sample, contributes to a small literature on ED psychopathology in community‐based samples. The finding that 15% of female and 8% of male Albertans aged 15 to 71 endorsed clinically‐significant ED disturbances is concerning; however, women aged 65–71 reported lower ED psychopathology than younger females. Gender and age differences were observed in global ED psychopathology. Routine ED screening of non‐clinical adolescents and adults is warranted to permit prevention and early intervention.
Innate preference hierarchies coupled with adult experience, rather than larval imprinting or transgenerational acclimation, determine host plant use in Pieris rapae
Authors: Petrén Hampus , Gloder Gabriele , Posledovich Diana , Wiklund Christer , Friberg Magne
Published: December 2020

The evolution of host range drives diversification in phytophagous insects, and understanding the female oviposition choices is pivotal for understanding host specialization. One controversial mechanism for female host choice is Hopkins’ host selection principle, where females are predicted to increase their preference for the host species they were feeding upon as larvae. A recent hypothesis posits that such larval imprinting is especially adaptive in combination with anticipatory transgenerational acclimation, so that females both allocate and adapt their offspring to their future host. We study the butterfly Pieris rapae, for which previous evidence suggests that females prefer to oviposit on host individuals of similar nitrogen content as the plant they were feeding upon as larvae, and where the offspring show higher performance on the mother's host type. We test the hypothesis that larval experience and anticipatory transgenerational effects influence female host plant acceptance (no‐choice) and preference (choice) of two host plant species (Barbarea vulgaris and Berteroa incana) of varying nitrogen content. We then test the offspring performance on these hosts. We found no evidence of larval imprinting affecting female decision‐making during oviposition, but that an adult female experience of egg laying in no‐choice trials on the less‐preferred host Be. incana slightly increased the P. rapae propensity to oviposit on Be. incana in subsequent choice trials. We found no transgenerational effects on female host acceptance or preference, but negative transgenerational effects on larval performance, because the offspring of P. rapae females that had developed on Be. incana as larvae grew slower on both hosts, and especially on Be. incana. Our results suggest that among host species, preferences are guided by hard‐wired preference hierarchies linked to species‐specific host traits and less affected by larval experience or transgenerational effects, which may be more important for females evaluating different host individuals of the same species.