bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of Polymer Modified Electrochemical Sensor for the Determination of Alizarin Carmine in the Presence of Tartrazine
Authors: Pushpanjali Pemmatte A. , Manjunatha Jamballi G.
Published: September 2020

The textile dye Alizarin Carmine (AC) was electrochemically investigated at poly(Glycine) modified carbon nanotube paste electrode (PGMCNTPE) using cyclic voltammetry technique. AC was electrochemically oxidized at 0.782 V with peak height 26.96 μA and it was simultaneously detected with Tartrazine at PGMCNTPE. The surface characteristics of the bare carbon nanotube paste electrode and the PGMCNTPE were studied using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy and Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy images. The limit of detection, and limit of quantification were evaluated to be 9.81×10−7 M and 3.2×10−6 M, respectively. This proposed sensor was successfully applied for the determination of AC in sewage water.
Sustainability of Ageratum conyzoides (billy goat weed) for bioethanol and recycling of residues for gaseous fuel production
Authors: Pandey Shivam , Kumar Vinod , Vlaskin Mikhail S. , Nanda Manisha
Published: September 2020

Ageratum conyzoides, an herb found throughout the year, is generally considered as a weed: it causes reduction in soil productivity and leads to health hazards for cattle and humans. However, its biomass can easily represent a cost‐effective source, which can be used for lignocellulosic biofuel production. The conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol has drawn much attention in recent times due to abundance of biomass. In the present study, the cellulose and hemicellulose biomass of the leaf and stem of A. conyzoides was converted to sugars using acid hydrolysis.146.01 ± 02 mg/g of fermentable sugar was obtained from A. conyzoides. The maximum ethanol concentration 11.89 g/L was obtained after 7 days. Scanning electron microscopy was used to characterize the surface morphology after acid hydrolysis of biomass. In the current study, the residues of acid hydrolysis and fermented wastewater was used for biogas production through anaerobic digestion. The yield of biogas from the residues of acid hydrolysis and fermented wastewater was 204 L kg−1VS. The results obtained indicate that A. conyzoides may be considered as a promising feedstock for bioethanol and biogas production.
Combining yield potential and drought resilience in a spring wheat diversity panel
Authors: Griffiths Cara A. , Reynolds Matthew P. , Paul Matthew J.
Published: September 2020

Pressures of population growth and climate change require the development of resilient higher yielding crops, particularly to drought. A spring wheat diversity panel was developed to combine high‐yield potential with resilience. To assess performance under drought, which in many environments is intermittent and dependent on plant development, 150 lines were grown with drought imposed for 10 days either at jointing or at anthesis stages in Obregon, Mexico. Both drought treatments strongly reduced grain numbers compared with the fully irrigated check. Best performers under drought at jointing had more grain than poor performers, while best performers under drought at anthesis had larger grain than poor performers. Most high‐yielding lines were high yielding in one drought environment only. However, some of the best‐performing lines displayed yield potential and resilience across two environments (28 lines), particularly for yield under well‐watered and drought at jointing, where yield was most related to grain numbers. Strikingly, only three lines were high yielding across all three environments, and interestingly, these lines had high grain numbers. Among parameters measured in leaves and grain, leaf relative water content did not correlate with yield, and proline was negatively correlated with yield; there were small but significant relationships between leaf sugars and yield. This study provides a valuable resource for further crosses and for elucidating genes and mechanisms that may contribute to grain number and grain filling conservation to combine yield potential and drought resilience.
An exact Riemann solver for one‐dimensional multimaterial elastic‐plastic flows with Mie‐Grüneisen equation of state without vacuum
Authors: Liu Li , Cheng Jun‐Bo , Shen Yongxing
Published: September 2020

In this article, we present exact Riemann solvers for the Riemann problem and the half Riemann problem, respectively, for one‐dimensional multimaterial elastic‐plastic flows with the Mie‐Grüneisen equation of state (EOS), hypoelastic constitutive model, and the von Mises' yielding condition. We first analyze the Jacobian matrices in the elastic and plastic states, and then build the relations of different variables across different type of waves. Based on these formulations, an exact Riemann solver is constructed with totally 36 possible cases of wave structures. A large number of tests prove the rightness of the new exact Riemann solver. Moreover, an exact Riemann solver is also deduced for the half Riemann problem and its validity is tested by two examples.
Review of novel human β‐coronavirus (2019‐nCoV or SARS‐CoV‐2) from the food industry perspective—Appropriate approaches to food production technology
Authors: Goli Mohammad
Published: September 2020

Coronaviruses, enveloped nonsegmented positive‐sense RNA viruses, can affect the respiratory and digestive systems of humans and a variety of birds and mammals. The primary target cells of coronaviruses compromise the respiratory and gastrointestinal region epithelial cells due to their cell features and delivery through fomites, airborne, or fecal–oral routes. Some functional food sources due to having crucial chemical compounds may help individuals to overcome this infection by modulating the body's immune system, generating antiviral activity against the infection, and reducing other respiratory problems. The purpose of this study was to review these coronaviruses, especially SARS (because of its very similar gene sequence to the 2019‐nCoV or SARS‐CoV‐2), from the perspective of appropriate approaches to food production technology, including following good food safety practices in food production lines; avoidance of underheating in the processing of swine and the other meat products; uncertainty about the safety of frozen or refrigerated meat products; providing unfavorable environmental conditions for coronavirus survival (minimum heat treatment, e.g., low‐temperature long time and greater for liquid food products, pH ≤ 3, minimum storage relative humidity); production of industrial foods fortified and enriched with vitamin D, C, B3, K, amino acid L‐tryptophan, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+), and tannins; and preventing the production of industrial foods fortified or enriched with mineral supplements that participate in the Fenton reaction in the human body. Considering these aspects during times and places of coronavirus, prevalence will be essential for preventing further outbreaks at the community level.
Positive and negative experiences of caregiving in dementia: The role of sense of coherence
Authors: Gonçalves‐Pereira Manuel , Zarit Steven H. , Papoila Ana L. , Mateos Raimundo
Published: September 2020

Objectives

Sense of coherence (SOC) is increasingly recognized as an important health determinant, particularly for mental health. Part of the evidence comes from informal caregivers in diverse clinical conditions. The extent to which SOC influences caregiving outcomes, however, is relatively under‐researched in dementia, particularly regarding positive experiences. We analysed the association of SOC with dementia caregivers' subjective burden, psychological distress and positive aspects of care.

Methods/Design

This is a secondary analysis of cross‐sectional data from the Lisbon study of Families of Persons with Dementia, involving a convenience sample of 99 primary caregivers of community‐dwelling patients of neurology and psychiatry services. SOC was assessed with the Orientation for Life Scale. Measures of caregivers' outcomes were: the Zarit Burden Interview, the General Health Questionnaire for psychological distress and the Positive Aspects of Caregiving scale. Analyses controlled for demographics, caregiving arrangements, objective burden, social support, patients' neuropsychiatric symptoms and dementia stage.

Results

Lower SOC was associated with higher psychological distress (p = 0.001). No significant associations were found for subjective burden (p = 0.081) or positive aspects of caregiving (p = 0.688). Additional analyses showed that lower SOC was associated with less emotional support (p < 0.001) and past psychiatric illness (p = 0.044).

Conclusions

These findings support previous research suggesting that SOC is protective for psychological distress, and extend evidence to the positive aspects of care in dementia. The cross‐sectional design and small‐scale convenience sampling preclude both causality presumptions and generalizability. SOC assessments may be useful to define subgroups of dementia caregivers at risk for anxiety and depression.
Chronic activation of fear engrams induces extinction‐like behavior in ethanol‐exposed mice
Authors: Cincotta Christine , Murawski Nathen J. , Grella Stephanie L. , McKissick Olivia , Doucette Emily , Ramirez Steve
Published: September 2020

Alcohol withdrawal directly impacts the brain's stress and memory systems, which may underlie individual susceptibility to persistent drug and alcohol‐seeking behaviors. Numerous studies demonstrate that forced alcohol abstinence, which may lead to withdrawal, can impair fear‐related memory processes in rodents such as extinction learning; however, the underlying neural circuits mediating these impairments remain elusive. Here, we tested an optogenetic strategy aimed at mitigating fear extinction retrieval impairments in male c57BL/6 mice following exposure to alcohol (i.e., ethanol) and forced abstinence. In the first experiment, extensive behavioral extinction training in a fear‐conditioned context was impaired in ethanol‐exposed mice compared to controls. In the second experiment, neuronal ensembles processing a contextual fear memory in the dorsal hippocampus were tagged and optogenetically reactivated repeatedly in a distinct context in ethanol‐exposed and control mice. Chronic activation of these cells resulted in a context‐specific, extinction‐like reduction in fear responses in both control and ethanol‐exposed mice. These findings suggest that while ethanol can impair the retrieval an extinction memory, optogenetic manipulation of a fear engram is sufficient to induce an extinction‐like reduction in fear responses.
Clinical use of a machine learning histopathological image signature in diagnosis and survival prediction of clear cell renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Chen Siteng , Zhang Ning , Jiang Liren , Gao Feng , Shao Jialiang , Wang Tao , Zhang Encheng , Yu Hong , Wang Xiang , Zheng Junhua
Published: September 2020

Due to the complicated histopathological characteristics of renal neoplasms, traditional distinguishing of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) by naked eyes of experienced pathologist remains labor intensive and time consuming. Here, we extracted quantitative features of hematoxylin‐eosin‐stained images using CellProfiler and performed machine learning method to develop and verify a novel computational recognition of digital pathology for diagnosis and prognosis of ccRCC patients in the training, test and external validation cohort. The diagnostic model based on digital pathology could accurately distinguish ccRCC from normal renal tissues, with area under the curve (AUC) of 96.0%, 94.5% and 87.6% in the training, test and external validation cohorts, respectively. It could also accurately distinguish ccRCC from other pathological types of renal cancer, with AUC values of 97.0% and 81.4% in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort and General cohort. We next developed and verified a computational recognition prognosis model with risk score. There was a significant difference in disease‐free survival comparing patients with high vs low risk score in training cohort (hazard ratio = 2.72, P < .0001) and validation cohort (hazard ratio = 9.50, P = .0091). The integrated nomogram based on our computational recognition risk score and clinicopathologic factors demonstrated excellent survival prediction for ccRCC patients, with increased accuracy by 6.6% in patients from Shanghai General Hospital and by 2.5% in patients from TCGA cohort when compared to current tumor stages/grade systems. These results indicate the potential clinical use of our machine learning histopathological image signature in diagnosis and survival prediction of ccRCC.
Asymmetric relationship between interest rates and exchange rates: Evidence from Turkey
Authors: Karamelikli Huseyin , Karimi Mohammad Sharif
Published: September 2020

This paper deals with the dynamic relationship between the interest rate and exchange rate using the data from the Turkish economy. Macroeconomic variables possess both asymmetric and non‐linear features; however, most of the empirical research relating to the dynamics of the exchange rate has been conducted only within a linear framework. Therefore, in this paper, a non‐linear autoregressive distributed lag (NARDL) model is used to explore asymmetrical relations in the long‐run. The pieces of evidence provided in this article show that an increase in the domestic interest rate has a more robust effect on the exchange rate compared to a decrease of the interest rate. The results further indicate that the impact of the domestic interest rate in the short‐run is different from their long‐run effects. The linear models which neglect asymmetric relation can yield misleading results by showing no relationship between the two variables in the long‐run. This paper shows that there is a robust and stable but asymmetric relationship between the interest rate and exchange rate in the long‐run.
Fabrication and evaluation of nanocontainers for lipophilic anticancer drug delivery in 3D in vitro model
Authors: Borodina Tatiana , Gileva Anastasia , Akasov Roman , Trushina Daria , Burov Sergey , Klyachko Natalia , González‐Alfaro Yorexis , Bukreeva Tatiana , Markvicheva Elena
Published: September 2020

Presently, most of anticancer drugs are high toxic for normal cells and, and as a result, they have severe side effects. Moreover, most of the formulations are lipophilic and have poor selectivity. To overcome these limitations, various drug delivery systems could be proposed. The aim of the current study was to fabricate novel polysaccharide nanocontainers (NC) by one‐step ultrasonication technique and to evaluate their accumulation efficacy and cytotoxicity in 2D (monolayer culture) and 3D (tumor spheroids) in vitro models. NC with mean sizes in a range of 340–420 nm with the core‐shell structure are synthetized and characterized. The NC shell is composed from diethylaminoethyl dextran/xanthan gum polyelectrolyte complex, while the hydrophobic core was loaded with the lipophilic anticancer drug thymoquinone. To enhance NC accumulation in human breast adenocarcinoma MCF‐7 cells, the NC surface was modified with poly‐L‐lysine (PLL) or polyethylene glycol. Cell uptake of the NC loaded with Nile Red into the tumor cells was investigated by laser scanning confocal microscopy, fluorescent flow cytometry and fluorimetry. Modification of the NC with PLL allowed to obtain the optimal drug delivery system with maximal cytotoxicity, which was tested by MTT‐test. The developed NC are promising for lipophilic anticancer drug delivery.
Sputtered ruthenium oxide coatings for neural stimulation and recording electrodes
Authors: Chakraborty Bitan , Joshi‐Imre Alexandra , Maeng Jimin , Cogan Stuart F.
Published: September 2020

We have investigated the deposition and electrochemical properties of sputtered ruthenium oxide coatings for neural stimulation and recording electrodes. A combination of oxygen and water vapor was used as a reactive gas mixture during DC magnetron sputtering from a ruthenium metal target. The sputtering plasma was monitored by optical emission spectroscopy to determine the reactive species present and confirm the control of plasma chemistry by reactive gas flow rates into the deposition chamber. The effect of the O2:H2O gas ratio on the microstructure and electrochemical properties of the ruthenium oxide were studied in detail. We employed a combination of surface characterization techniques, including scanning electron microscopy, x‐ray diffraction, and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy, to understand the relationship between plasma chemistry and the microstructure of the films produced under different gas flow conditions. Electrochemical characterization included cyclic voltammetry, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, and voltage transient measurements, performed on planar ruthenium oxide electrodes with a geometric surface area of 1960 μm2. At an O2:H2O gas flow rate ratio of 1:3, a cathodal charge‐storage capacity per unit film thickness of 228.7 mC cm−2 μm−1 (median, Q1 = 134.5, Q3 = 236.6, n = 15) and a charge‐injection capacity (0.6 V anodal interpulse bias) of 7.4 mC cm−2 (median, Q1 = 6.9, Q3 = 8.3, n = 15) were obtained in phosphate buffered saline. The charge‐injection capacity of ruthenium oxide sputtered with water vapor in the reactive plasma is comparable with sputtered iridium oxide (SIROF) and higher than reported values for porous TiN, a commonly employed high‐surface area stimulation electrode coating.
Botryoid neutrophils in sepsis caused by influenzae virus A
Authors: Serrando Maite , Marull Anna , Jiménez Orlando
Published: September 2020

A 13‐year‐old patient was admitted to our hospital with severe respiratory distress, fever, and signs of meningeal infection. A positive result of swine flu was obtained by RT‐PCR. All bacterial cultures were negative. Due to a worsening progression, the patient required mechanical ventilation. Leucocytosis with neutrophilia was observed with an absence of immature granulocytes and thrombocytopenia. A blood film was therefore examined, observing 85% of botryoid neutrophils, hypersegmented, and radially distributed nuclear lobs, and a large number of apoptotic cells. There was an elevated nucleus‐cytoplasm ratio and neutrophils presented as slightly degranulated. The detection of botryoid nuclei in the neutrophils is a very infrequent finding and are usually found in cases of severe burns, hyperthermia, abuse of cocaine and methamphetamine, and encephalitis. Current studies also suggest that some morphometric measurements (cell population data [CPD]) can be altered in the case of sepsis and serious infection. In this particular case, [NE‐SSC] = 159.9, [NE‐FSC] = 94.6, and [NE‐SFL] = 65.5, which correspond to measures of cellular complexity, size, and fluorescence and were above normal threshold values (performed by Sysmex XN20). Current studies directly relate the increase of NE‐SSC > 149 in patients presenting with sepsis. The CPD and abnormal neutrophil morphology improved as the patient recovered. Results normalized by day 30 postdischarge.
Clinical Implication of Diagnostic and Histopathologic Discrepancies in Sinonasal Malignancies
Authors: Choi Karen Y. , Amit Moran , Tam Samantha , Bell Diana , Phan Jack , Garden Adam S. , Williams Michelle D. , Ferrarotto Renata , El‐Naggar Adel K. , Raza Shaan M. , DeMonte Franco , Kupferman Michael E. , Hanna Ehab Y. , Su Shirley Y.
Published: September 2020

Objectives

To evaluate the incidence of histopathologic diagnostic discrepancy for patients referred to our institution, identify pathologies susceptible to diagnostic error, and assess the impact on survival of histopathologic diagnostic discrepancies.

Methods

Three hundred ninety‐seven patients with sinonasal cancers were identified, and discordance between the outside pathologic report and MD Anderson Cancer Center pathologic report was assessed. Overall survival and disease‐specific survival were analyzed using Kaplan–Meier and log rank methods.

Results

Discordance of major histopathologic diagnoses was present in 24% (97 of 397) of reports, with sinonasal undifferentiated carcinoma, sarcoma, neuroendocrine carcinoma, and poorly differentiated carcinoma pathologies having the highest change in diagnosis (P < .01). A further 61% (244 of 397) had minor changes such as histologic grade, subtype, or stage, with sarcoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma pathologies being most susceptible to change (P < .02). Overall, the 5‐year overall survival (OS) and disease‐specific survival (DSS) was reduced in patients with a major change in histopathologic diagnosis (59.2% vs. 70.2% (P = .02) and 72.9% vs. 81.2% (P = .02), respectively). Furthermore, patients with a major change in diagnosis and prior treatment experienced a significant reduction in 5‐year OS (61.9% vs. 70.4%, P = .03 < .01) and DSS (72.4% vs. 81.5%, P = .04).

Conclusion

Histopathological diagnosis of sinonasal tumors is complex and challenging given the rarity of the disease. Obtaining the correct diagnosis is important for treatment selection and survival. In histologies prone to misdiagnoses, obtaining a second opinion from experienced head and neck pathologists at a high‐volume institution may potentially lead to a change in treatment recommendations that could result in improved survival in patients with sinonasal malignancies.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E1468–E1475, 2021
The impact of concentrated flow and slope on unpaved loess‐road erosion on the Chinese Loess Plateau
Authors: Guo Wenzhao , Bai Yun , Cui Zhiqiang , Wang Wenlong , Li Jianming , Su Zhengan
Published: September 2020

Loess‐roads (LR) still experience severe soil erosion due to concentrated flow during rainstorms in watersheds on the Chinese Loess Plateau, where soil erosion in sloping farmland, abandoned land, and grassland has been controlled. However, road erosion is commonly overlooked because unpaved roads represent a small part of the catchment area. In situ scouring‐erosion experiments were performed on LR surfaces in the Liuaogou watershed on the Loess Plateau. The erosion rate of the LR was 14.1–234.6 g m−2 min−1, which is 10.8–57.5‐times higher than that on an adjacent grassy hillslope. In most experiments, the LR erosion rate generally increased linearly with increasing concentrated flow and slope gradient (R2 > .85; significance p < .05). Concentrated flow had a greater impact on road erosion than the road surface slope. Rill erosion occurred in our road plots, with rill area densities of 0.03–0.38 m2 m−2. The total amount of road erosion was significantly correlated linearly with the rill area density (R2 = .61, p < .01), indicating that high rill density led to high total erosion on the LR. A road erosion equation based on concentrated flow and slope gradient was established and validated. The R2, p, and NSE results were .91, <.01 and 0.93, respectively, implying that the fitted equation can be considered acceptable. Our findings can provide references for the prevention of road erosion and the establishment of road erosion models.
Functional Piezoresistive Polymer‐Composites Based on Polycarbonate and Polylactic Acid for Deformation Sensing Applications
Authors: Dios Jose R. , Gonzalo Beatriz , Tubio Carmen R. , Cardoso João , Gonçalves Sérgio , Miranda Daniel , Correia Vitor , Viana Júlio C. , Costa Pedro , Lanceros‐Méndez Senentxu
Published: September 2020

Multifunctional composites for deformation sensing applications have been developed by solvent casting based on polycarbonate (PC) and polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with carbon nanotubes (CNT). Composites shows homogeneous filler dispersion and low percolation threshold at 0.1 and 0.06 wt% CNT content for PLA and PC, respectively. The maximum electrical conductivity obtained for the larger filler contents is two order of magnitude higher for PLA composites than for PC ones, showing that the matrix influences the electrical properties of the composites. With respect to the mechanical characteristics, the samples show a maximum strain near 40% and 2.75% for composites with 0.25 and 1 wt% CNT content for PC and PLA, respectively, decreasing for larger filler contents. Concerning the piezoresistive response, 4‐point‐bending experiments from 0.1 to 5 mm, lead to a Gauge Factor (GF) of ≈1 for PC, showing that the piezoresistive response if determined by the geometrical response. On the other hand, PLA composites show GF of ≈3, revealing also intrinsic contributions, due to the variation of the filler network upon material deformation. The resistance variation upon mechanical bending deformation shows linear response for the composites near the percolation threshold and above, for both composites. A proof‐of‐concept of the functional sensing response for applications is achieved by measuring the bending deformation of an endoscope, showing that the developed sensors can determine the bending orientation and intensity, as predicted by the simulation model applied to the endoscope.
An investigation on the precipitated phases and mechanical properties of cerium modified 2024 aluminum alloy
Authors: Xia Y. , Wang D. , Jia J. , Wu J. , Wang Z. , Li X. , Yuan W. , Huang J.
Published: September 2020

The effects of the addition of rare earth cerium on the cast microstructure and mechanical properties of 2024‐T6 aluminum alloy were investigated in this work. The specimens for room‐temperature tensile tests were prepared with a T6 heat treatment. Experimental results indicated that the cerium modified alloys showed refined grains, higher hardness, and strength values at room temperature. The hardness and the strength of the cerium modified alloys initially increased and then decreased as the cerium content increased. The maximum tensile strength was obtained at the 0.6 wt.% cerium modified 2024 aluminum alloy. This was improved from 464 MPa to 612 MPa. Simultaneous increases in the tensile strength and hardness were proposed to result from the refined α‐aluminum dendrites, the formation of aluminum‐rare earth intermetallic compounds at the grain boundaries and the grains, the more homogeneously distributed nano‐scale S precipitates, and the smaller T diffusion phase.
Rapid solidification of ternary Nb‐Y‐Ni immiscible alloys
Authors: Zheng W. , Yu J. , Xin L. , Su M. , Fu D. , Zhang F.
Published: September 2020

The rapid solidification experiments have been carried out for the Nb(45‐x)YxNi55 (x = 9, 19, and 27) alloys. The microstructure characterization shows the occurrence of the liquid‐liquid phase separation into the Niobium‐rich and Yttrium‐rich liquids. The Niobium‐rich spherical particles were embedded in the glassy Yttrium‐rich matrix for the alloy Nb36Y9Ni55, while glassy Yttrium‐rich ones were located in the glassy Niobium‐rich matrix for the alloy Nb18Y27Ni55. A structure of hierarchical separation was detected in the as‐quenched alloy Nb26Y19Ni55. The size distribution of the spherical particles in the as‐quenched Nb(45‐x)YxNi55 (x = 9 and 27) alloys ranges from several nanometers to sub micrometer and is close to the Gaussian distribution. The average diameters of the Niobium‐rich particles in the as‐quenched Nb36Y9Ni55 alloy and the Yttrium‐rich particles in the Nb18Y27Ni55 alloy are 0.23 μm and 0.15 μm, respectively. A dual‐glass structure in the as‐quenched Nb18Y27Ni55 alloy ribbon was determined by X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy.
The analysis for morphological evolution and crystallography of degenerate pearlite in 100Mn13 steel
Authors: Xu Z. , Ding Z. , Liang B. , Li H.
Published: September 2020

During approximate 773 K aging treatment of 100Mn13 steel, degenerate pearlite will occur and evolve into lamellar pearlite during growth process. The microstructures of degenerate pearlite and its evolutionary lamellar pearlite are observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results show that after 748 K, 773 K and 798 K aging, degenerate pearlites occur at grain boundary. At growth front of degenerate pearlite forming at 773 K and 798 K, pearlite presents a morphology of short lamellae of carbide and ferrite, indicating a trend of developing into lamellar pearlite. The higher the temperature is, the more obvious the trend is, and even a conventional lamellar pearlite has developed. However, there is no morphological evolution for degenerate pearlite forming at 748 K aging. Besides, the constituents of degenerate pearlite is identified as M23C6 and ferrite, and Kurdjumov‐Sachs orientation relationship exists between them, (01
)α//(
1
)M23C6, [111]α//[110]M23C6. This orientation relationship maintains in morphological evolution from degenerate pearlite to lamellar pearlite.
Optimization of crystal growth of hierarchical porosity ZSM‐5 zeolite based on coal fly ash “waste utilization”
Authors: Qian Y. , Zhang H. , Li L. , Duan Y.
Published: September 2020

In this study, ZSM‐5 zeolite with hierarchical porosity structure was synthesized by hydrothermal method using Al(OH)3, SiO2 extracted from coal fly ash as aluminum source and silicon source. The optimal synthesis parameters of ZSM‐5 zeolite were determined via an orthogonal analysis table. The optimum synthesis conditions were: SiO2/Al2O3/Na2O/hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide/tetrapropyl ammonium bromide/H2O = 1/0.08/0.25/0.05/0.17/50, and the optimum crystallization temperature and crystallization time were 160 °C and 48 h, respectively. Scanning electron microscopy showed that the synthesized ZSM‐5 zeolite exhibited a spherical shape. Nitrogen adsorption‐desorption and Brunauer‐Emmett‐Teller measurement analysis displayed that the best sample ZSM‐5 molecular sieve showed a typical type IV isotherm, and the micropores and mesopores coexisted in the sample, indicating the successful preparation of ZSM‐5 zeolite with hierarchical porosity structure. The crystal growth of ZSM‐5 under different hydrothermal conditions follows the “S” adjustment.
Technical Note: Patient dose from kilovoltage radiographs during motion‐synchronized treatments on Radixact®
Authors: Ferris William S. , Culberson Wesley S.
Published: September 2020

Purpose

Synchrony is a motion management system available on the Radixact linear accelerator that utilizes kilovoltage (kV) radiographs to track target motion and synchronize the delivery of radiation with the motion. Proper management of this imaging dose requires accurate quantification. The purpose of this work was to use Monte Carlo (MC) simulations to quantify organ‐specific patient doses from these images for various patient anatomies.

Methods

Point doses in water were measured per TG‐61 for three beam qualities commonly used on the Radixact. The point doses were used to benchmark a model of the imaging system built using the Monte Carlo N‐Particle (MCNP) transport code. Patient computed tomography (CT) datasets were obtained for 5 patients and 100 planar images were simulated for each patient. Patient dose was calculated using energy deposition mesh tallies.

Results

The MCNP model was able to accurately reproduce the measured point doses, with a median dose difference of less than 1%. The median dose (D50%) to soft tissue from 100 radiographs among the 5 patient cases ranged from 2.0 to 4.6 mGy. The max dose (D1%) to soft tissue ranged from 6.2 to 31.0 mGy and the max dose to bony structures ranged from 20.2 to 71.7 mGy. These doses can be scaled to estimate total patient dose throughout many fractions.

Conclusions

Patient dose is largely dependent on imaging protocol, patient size, and treatment parameters such as fractionation and gantry period. Organ doses from 100 radiographs (an approximate number for one fraction) on the Radixact are slightly less than the doses from Tomo MVCT setup images. Careful selection of clinical protocols and planning parameters can be used to minimize risk from these images.
Remission from nicotine dependence among people with severe mental illness who received help/services for tobacco/nicotine use
Authors: Alghzawi Hamzah , Trinkoff Alison , Zhu Shijun , Storr Carla
Published: September 2020

Objectives

A growing body of evidence supports pharmacological interventions to assist smoking cessation in people with severe mental illness (SMI); that is, lifetime major depressive disorder, bipolar disorders, or schizophrenia. Little is known about whether behavioral services are also associated with high probability of remission from nicotine dependence as compared to other types of help/services received (pharmacological, behavioral, or both).

Methods

A sample of 726 American lifetime adult smokers with SMI and a history of nicotine dependence, who received help/services for tobacco/nicotine use, were identified. These data came from a limited public use dataset, the 2012–2013 NESARC‐III. Survival analysis was used to compare the probability of remission from nicotine dependence and the time needed for full remission from nicotine dependence by type of help/services received for tobacco/nicotine use.

Results

Remission was more frequent among those who received behavioral services. In addition, the average time from onset of nicotine dependence until full remission from nicotine dependence was shorter among those who received behavioral services.

Conclusions

The current study suggests a clinical need for behavioral interventions to promote the probability of remission from nicotine dependence among smokers with SMI. Health care providers could play a role in educating and encouraging smokers with SMI to seek and utilize behavioral services.
Spectral editing in 1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy: Experts' consensus recommendations
Authors: Choi In‐Young , Andronesi Ovidiu C. , Barker Peter , Bogner Wolfgang , Edden Richard A. E. , Kaiser Lana G. , Lee Phil , Marjańska Małgorzata , Terpstra Melissa , de Graaf Robin A.
Published: September 2020

Spectral editing in in vivo 1H‐MRS provides an effective means to measure low‐concentration metabolite signals that cannot be reliably measured by conventional MRS techniques due to signal overlap, for example, γ‐aminobutyric acid, glutathione and D‐2‐hydroxyglutarate. Spectral editing strategies utilize known J‐coupling relationships within the metabolite of interest to discriminate their resonances from overlying signals. This consensus recommendation paper provides a brief overview of commonly used homonuclear editing techniques and considerations for data acquisition, processing and quantification. Also, we have listed the experts' recommendations for minimum requirements to achieve adequate spectral editing and reliable quantification. These include selecting the right editing sequence, dealing with frequency drift, handling unwanted coedited resonances, spectral fitting of edited spectra, setting up multicenter clinical trials and recommending sequence parameters to be reported in publications.
Regarding “The Activity of Chemotherapy in Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumors”
Authors: Schöffski Patrick
Published: September 2020

This letter to the editor comments on the recent article by Baldi et al. on chemotherapy in inflammatory myofibroblastic tumors and differences in results of a similar study.
A smooth muscle‐derived, Braf‐driven mouse model of gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST): evidence for an alternative GIST cell‐of‐origin
Authors: Kondo Jumpei , Huh Won Jae , Franklin Jeffrey L , Heinrich Michael C , Rubin Brian P , Coffey Robert J
Published: September 2020

Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) are the most common mesenchymal tumor of the gut. GISTs are thought to arise solely from interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC), a KIT‐positive population that controls gut motility. Activating gain‐of‐function mutations in KIT and PDGFRA are the most frequent driver events, and most of these tumors are responsive to the tyrosine kinase inhibitor imatinib. Less common drivers include mutant BRAFV600E and these tumors are resistant to imatinib. A mouse model of GIST was recently reported using Etv1, the master transcriptional regulator of ICC‐intramuscular (IM) and ICC‐myenteric (MY), to induce mutant Braf expression. ICC hyperplasia was observed in Etv1CreERT2;BrafLSL‐V600E/+ mice but loss of Trp53 was required for development of GIST. We identified previously expression of the pan‐ErbB negative regulator, LRIG1, in two distinct subclasses of ICC [ICC‐deep muscular plexus (DMP) in small intestine and ICC‐submucosal plexus (SMP) in colon] and that LRIG1 regulated their development from smooth muscle cell progenitors. Using Lrig1CreERT2 to induce BrafV600E, we observed ICC hyperplasia beyond the confines of ICC‐DMP and ICC‐SMP expression, suggesting smooth muscle cells as the cell‐of‐origin. To examine this possibility, we selectively activated BrafV600E in smooth muscle cells. Myh11CreERT2;BrafLSL‐V600E/+ mice developed not only ICC hyperplasia but also GIST and in the absence of Trp53 disruption. In addition to providing a simpler model for mutant Braf GIST, these results provide conclusive evidence for smooth muscle cells as an alternative cell‐of‐origin for GIST. © 2020 The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polymethacrylamide—An underrated and easily accessible upper critical solution temperature polymer: Green synthesis via photoiniferter reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer polymerization and analysis of solution behavior in water/ethanol mixtures
Authors: Eckert Tilman , Abetz Volker
Published: September 2020

Within the group of stimuli‐responsive, “smart” materials, upper critical solution temperature (UCST) polymers remain sparsely investigated. Thus, this work focusses on a vastly ignored UCST polymer: polymethacrylamide (PMAAm). A cost‐efficient photoiniferter reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization yielding narrowly dispersed (Đ < 1.1) PMAAm is presented. This PMAAm exhibits highly thermoreversible UCST‐type phase transitions (PT) in water/ethanol mixtures (ethanol content: 17–35 wt%) which are investigated via temperature dependent dynamic light scattering (DLS). Apart from the ethanol content, the PT temperature is affected by polymer mass fraction and chain length and varies between 10–80 °C depending on the three mentioned parameters. Lastly, PMAAm's propensity towards amide hydrolysis and concomitant PT‐suppression is investigated. Below temperatures of 40 °C, PMAAm solutions show no sign of amide hydrolysis for at least three days, however, if heated to 70 °C, the thermoresponsiveness gradually degrades within hours.
Development of a Pharmacokinetic Model Describing Neonatal Fc Receptor‐Mediated Recycling of HL2351, a Novel Hybrid Fc‐Fused Interleukin‐1 Receptor Antagonist, to Optimize Dosage Regimen
Authors: Ngo Lien , Oh Jaeseong , Kim Anhye , Back Hyun‐moon , Kang Won‐ho , Chae Jung‐woo , Yun Hwi‐yeol , Lee Howard
Published: September 2020

HL2351 (hIL‐1Ra‐hyFc) is a novel recombinant protein formed by the fusion of two human interleukin‐1 receptor antagonist components into one antibody‐derived fragment crystallizable portion. Although HL2351 has a pharmacological mechanism of action similar to that of anakinra as a commercialized biopharmaceutical drug, HL2351 has been desired to reduce the dose frequency and improve therapeutic efficacy due to its long circulation half‐life. In this study, we aimed to develop a population pharmacokinetic (PK) model for HL2351 using a neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn)–mediated recycling model based on a quasi‐steady‐state approximation of target‐mediated drug disposition (TMDD) for the description of interactions between the drug and FcRn. FcRn recycling was expected in the case of HL2351 because of PK related to the antibody portion. A TMDD model was also applied to describe interactions of IL1R with HL2351 or anakinra. PK data were collected from a phase I study conducted in six groups (1, 2, 4, 8, 12 mg/kg HL2351 and 100 mg anakinra single subcutaneous administration; n = 8 per group). In consequence, the PK of anakinra and HL2351 following administration of multiple doses at different dosages were simulated. Optimized doses were considered based on average concentrations of IL1R bound to anakinra and HL2351. HL2351 at doses of 326 mg or 4.267, 4.982, 5.288, 5.458, or 5.748 mg/kg once weekly or HL2351 at 1726 mg or 21.92, 26.86, 29.10, 30.36, or 32.53 mg/kg once biweekly would have similar therapeutic effects with anakinra at a dose of 100 mg or 1, 2, 3, 4, or 8 mg/kg administered once daily, respectively.
Influence of pressure on piezoelectric, polarizing, and magnetic nature of SmFeO3: A DFT study
Authors: Mubarak Ahmad A. , Tariq Saad
Published: September 2020

In this article, we have presented structural, electronic, magnetic, mechanical, and optical attributes of SmFeO3 under pressure up to 80 GPa. These aforesaid properties are investigated by using state‐of‐the‐art density functional theory. The structural stability of the compound has been tested using the tolerance factor, enthalpy of formation, and elastic stability criteria of the elastic constants. Electronic band structure, the density of states, high magnetic moment, and Fermi surface analysis affirms the ferromagnetic nature of the studied compound throughout the pressure. We expect piezoelectric phenomena of the compound to be between 20 and 40 GPa pressure due to the increasing internal strain parameter with pressure. Moreover, the polarizing nature of the material is pressure‐dependent, which seems to decrease with an increase in pressure, while the minimum thermal conductivity of the compound is observed to be maximum along (110) direction, which increases with an increase in pressure. Our results suggested that the studied compound could be useful in the spintronic industry, in pressure‐dependent fast memory storage devices, and in piezoelectric sensors.
Determination of C0–C9 alkyl phenols in produced‐water‐exposed fish eggs using gas chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Oppegård Martin , Hansen Bjørn Henrik , Sørensen Lisbet
Published: September 2020

Rationale

Produced water (PW) discharge from the oil and gas industry represents the largest intentional marine waste volume. Alkyl phenols (APs) are one of the main toxic component groups found in PW, with concentration of APs in discharged PW from the Norwegian Sector of the North Sea up to >16 mg/L. Several species of fish spawn in direct proximity to offshore production platforms and may be at risk of AP exposure. Therefore, a sensitive method to determine the potential for bioaccumulation of APs in fish eggs is needed.

Methods

Fish eggs were extracted using liquid–solid extraction followed by gel permeation chromatography cleanup. Analysis was performed by gas chromatography coupled to triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Extraction and analytical conditions were optimized for analysis of phenol and 30 APs (C1–C9) with different degrees of branching in the alkyl chain. The method was verified and applied to analyze the body residue of APs in PW‐exposed marine fish (Atlantic cod, Gadus morhua) eggs.

Results

A comprehensive and sensitive method for the determination of C0–C9 APs was developed. Detection limits were in the range 0.03–8 ng. Apart from a few compounds with poor recovery, the method generally provided reliable results with good precision (<15%).

Conclusions

We demonstrate the successful application of an optimized extraction method for APs in fish eggs and show first results of AP accumulation in cod embryos exposed to PW in the laboratory.
Regulatory considerations for developing a phase I investigational new drug application for autologous induced pluripotent stem cells-based therapy product
Authors: Jha Balendu Shekhar , Farnoodian Mitra , Bharti Kapil
Published: September 2020

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC)-based therapies have been hailed as the future of regenerative medicine because of their potential to provide treatment options for most degenerative diseases. A key promise of iPSC-based therapies is the possibility of an autologous transplant that may engraft better in the longer-term due to its compatibility with the patient's immune system. Despite over a decade of research, clinical translation of autologous iPSC-based therapies has been slow—partly due to a lacking pre-defined regulatory path. Here, we outline regulatory considerations for developing an autologous iPSC-based product and challenges associated with the clinical manufacturing of autologous iPSCs and their derivatives. These challenges include donor tissue source, reprogramming methods, heterogeneity of differentiated cells, controls for the manufacturing process, and preclinical considerations. A robust manufacturing process with appropriate quality controls and well-informed, prospectively designed preclinical studies provide a path toward successful approval of autologous iPSC-based therapies.
The (not so) dark side of entrepreneurship: A meta‐analysis of the well‐being and performance consequences of entrepreneurial stress
Authors: Lerman Michael P. , Munyon Timothy P. , Williams David W.
Published: September 2020

Research summary

Although the study of entrepreneurs' stress has encompassed nearly 40 years, the literature to date is marked by ambiguity, conflicting results, and the absence of a cohesive theoretical framework with which to describe stress phenomena. In response, the current investigation extends the challenge hindrance stressor framework to the context of entrepreneurship, testing how challenge and hindrance stressors impact entrepreneurs' well‐being and performance. Our meta‐analytic results show that challenge stressors enhance entrepreneurs' performance, but hindrance stressors harm entrepreneurs' well‐being. Additionally, comparison of our meta‐analytic results with findings on nonentrepreneurs suggests that entrepreneurs experience better outcomes from challenge and hindrance stressors than do nonentrepreneurs. Our findings have important implications for the utility of measuring and categorizing specific stressors and the value of individual‐level characteristics in coping with stressors.

Managerial summary

Entrepreneurs face many stressors as they start and run their ventures. However, prior research provides conflicting evidence regarding the impact of stressors on entrepreneurs and on the performance of their ventures. To address this conflicting evidence, we theorize that entrepreneurs' stressors can be categorized as either challenges (i.e., those that promote growth or mastery) or hindrances (i.e., those that promote loss or prevent mastery) and that each category of stressor differentially influences entrepreneurs' well‐being and venture performance. Using meta‐analysis, we found that challenge stressors increase performance whereas hindrance stressors had no significant effects on performance. Further, challenge stressors had no significant effects on well‐being, whereas hindrance stressors negatively affected well‐being. Finally, we identify important differences in these relationships between entrepreneurs and nonentrepreneurs.
The moderating effect of core self‐evaluations between the relationships of work–family conflict and voluntary turnover, job promotions and physical health
Authors: Peltokorpi Vesa , Michel Jesse
Published: September 2020

Despite strong evidence that individuals process stressor‐strain relationships differently, little attention in work–family conflict research has been given to moderating effects of core self‐evaluations (CSE). Integrating conservation of resources theory with work–family conflict and CSE research, we predicted that CSE has moderating effects between the relationships of work‐to‐family conflict (WFC) and voluntary turnover, job promotions, and physical health. We tested our predictions at two time points over a 14‐month period with a sample of 731 working mothers in Japan. Results confirmed that CSE moderated the relationships between WFC and voluntary turnover, job promotions, and physical health, such that respondents with higher CSE had lower degrees of voluntary turnover, higher degrees of job promotions, and lower degrees of health problems. This study helps clarify the inconsistent effects of WFC on voluntary turnover in previous research, expands on the limited research examining WFC and job promotion, and provides consistent evidence that CSE act as a moderator between WFC and outcomes.