bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Goodwin, Charles
Authors: Stanlaw James
Published: November 2020

Charles Goodwin (1943–2018) was one of the early practitioners of conversation analysis. As detailed in one of the most often read articles in the journalAmerican Anthropologist, he conducted important research on how language influenced the professionalization process. In later work, he used his theory of “co‐operative action” to explain how humans organize cognitive and social life.
Kinetically Stable Oxide Overlayers on Mo3P Nanoparticles Enabling Lithium–Air Batteries with Low Overpotentials and Long Cycle Life
Authors: Kondori Alireza , Jiang Zhen , Esmaeilirad Mohammadreza , Tamadoni Saray Mahmoud , Kakekhani Arvin , Kucuk Kamil , Navarro Munoz Delgado Pablo , Maghsoudipour Sadaf , Hayes John , Johnson Christopher S. , Segre Carlo U. , Shahbazian‐Yassar Reza , Rappe Andrew M. , Asadi Mohammad
Published: November 2020

The main drawbacks of today's state‐of‐the‐art lithium–air (Li–air) batteries are their low energy efficiency and limited cycle life due to the lack of earth‐abundant cathode catalysts that can drive both oxygen reduction and evolution reactions (ORR and OER) at high rates at thermodynamic potentials. Here, inexpensive trimolybdenum phosphide (Mo3P) nanoparticles with an exceptional activity—ORR and OER current densities of 7.21 and 6.85 mA cm−2 at 2.0 and 4.2 V versus Li/Li+, respectively—in an oxygen‐saturated non‐aqueous electrolyte are reported. The Tafel plots indicate remarkably low charge transfer resistance—Tafel slopes of 35 and 38 mV dec−1 for ORR and OER, respectively—resulting in the lowest ORR overpotential of 4.0 mV and OER overpotential of 5.1 mV reported to date. Using this catalyst, a Li–air battery cell with low discharge and charge overpotentials of 80 and 270 mV, respectively, and high energy efficiency of 90.2% in the first cycle is demonstrated. A long cycle life of 1200 is also achieved for this cell. Density functional theory calculations of ORR and OER on Mo3P (110) reveal that an oxide overlayer formed on the surface gives rise to the observed high ORR and OER electrocatalytic activity and small discharge/charge overpotentials.
Polymeric Membranes with Selective Solution‐Diffusion for Intercepting Volatile Organic Compounds during Solar‐Driven Water Remediation
Authors: Qi Dianpeng , Liu Yan , Liu Yuanbin , Liu Zhiyuan , Luo Yifei , Xu Hongbo , Zhou Xin , Zhang Jingjing , Yang Hui , Wang Wei , Chen Xiaodong
Published: November 2020

Solar evaporation through a photothermal porous material provides a feasible and sustainable method for water remediation. Several photothermal materials have been developed to enhance solar evaporation efficiency. However, a critical limitation of current photothermal materials is their inability to separate water from the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) present in wastewater. Here, a microstructured ultrathin polymeric membrane that enables freshwater separation from VOC pollutants by solar evaporation with a VOC removal rate of 90%, is reported. The different solution‐diffusion behaviors of water and VOCs with polymeric membranes facilitate their separation. Moreover, owing to increased light absorption, enlarged liquid–air interface, and shortened mass transfer distance, the microstructured and ultrathin configuration of the membrane helps to balance the tradeoff between permeation selectivity and water production capacity. The membrane is not only effective for evaporation of simulated volatile pollutants in a prototype, but can also intercept complex volatile organic contaminants in natural water sources and produce water that meets drinking‐water standards. With practical demonstration and satisfactory purification performance, this work paves the way for practical application of solar evaporation for effective water remediation.
Cotton boll distribution: A review
Authors: Pabuayon Irish Lorraine B. , Kelly Brendan R. , Mitchell‐McCallister Donna , Coldren Cade L. , Ritchie Glen L.
Published: November 2020

Boll distribution provides an important assessment of the response and adaptation of upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) to its environment and is strongly linked to yield and fiber quality and consequently to economic value. Several studies have measured boll distribution through end‐of‐season field or box mapping to study the spatiotemporal characteristics of bolls at both the plant and field levels, to quantify the effects of stress on cotton maturity and fiber quality, and to estimate yield as a function of the relative partitioning of resources to competing sinks. This paper discusses the environmental factors affecting boll production and distribution, reviews methods of measuring and analyzing boll distribution, and discusses the comparative advantages and drawbacks of these methods. With the advent of advanced imaging technologies, this paper also discusses the potential transition from traditional methods to machine‐based boll distribution measurements, the challenges associated with these technologies, and how continuous improvements in the baseline technologies being used in the different methods will translate to improved measurement capacities. Overall, major strides can still be made in the area of boll distribution measurement by combining the positive elements in the different studies described in this review to circumvent each of their respective limitations.
Studies towards Non‐toxic, Water Soluble, Vasoactive Norbornene Organic Carbon Monoxide Releasing Molecules
Authors: Thiang Brian Kueh Jui , Seifert‐Simpson Jasmine M. , Thwaite Stephanie H. , Rodgers Gina D. , Harrison Joanne C. , Sammut Ivan A. , Larsen David S.
Published: November 2020

The optimisation of the aqueous solubility of organic carbon monoxide releasing molecules based on a norborn‐2‐en‐7‐one scaffold is reported. This culminated in the synthesis of oCOm‐54 and oCOm‐56 which contain water solubilising polyethylene oxide groups. Both compounds are highly water soluble and release CO at pH 7.4 with half‐lives of 180 and 320 minutes respectively, to produce a reversible vasodilatory response in isolated, preconstricted tissue. Preliminary analysis indicates these oCOms are capable of forming micellar particles. Both oCOms exhibit significantly less cellular toxicity in AC16 human cardiomyocytes than earlier amine‐containing oCOms.
Polyethylene terephthalate waste‐derived activated carbon for adsorptive desulfurization of dibenzothiophene from model gasoline: Kinetics and isotherms evaluation
Authors: Fadhil Abdelrahman B. , Saeed Hajir N. , Saeed Liqaa I.
Published: November 2020

The present study concentrates on the preparation of activated carbon (AC) from a low‐cost precursor, namely, polyethylene terephthalate waste, as a potential alternative adsorbent to commercially activated carbon for desulfurization of model gasoline at ambient temperature. Polyethylene terephthalate was carbonized at 450°C, and the produced char was steam activated at 750°C for 90 min to prepare the AC. The morphology, crystallinity, and surface functional groups of as‐synthesized adsorbent were examined by scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, respectively. The so‐synthesized AC was employed in the adsorptive desulfurization of dibenzothiophene (DBT) from model gasoline. The effect of the initial concentration of DBT, AC dose, temperature, and contact time on the removal efficiency of DBT was investigated. The maximum desulfurization level (97.10%) was performed at 40°C using 0.30 g of the AC for 60 min. The Langmuir model best demonstrated the adsorption results with an adsorption capacity of 49.56 mg/g. The pseudo‐second‐order model best described the adsorption kinetics of DBT by the so‐synthesized AC. The obtained consequences exhibited that AC with high desulfurization capability could be synthesized from polyethylene terephthalate waste.
Effect of printing temperature on microstructure, thermal behavior and tensile properties of 3D printed nylon using fused deposition modeling
Authors: Guessasma Sofiane , Belhabib Sofiane , Nouri Hedi
Published: November 2020

The present investigation aims at the thermal conditions for the printability of nylon using fused deposition modeling (FDM). Dog‐bone like specimens are manufactured under two printing temperatures to measure the tensile performance of 3D printed nylon with respect to the feedstock material properties. Both Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and X‐ray micro‐tomography analysis are conducted to shed more light on the microstructural arrangement of nylon filaments. Finite element computation based on microstructural implementation is considered to study the main deformation mechanisms associated with the nylon filament arrangement and the process‐induced porosity. The results show a narrow temperature range for printability of nylon, and a significant influence of the printing temperature on the thermal cycling, porosity content and mechanical performance. With the support of both numerical and experimental results, complex deformation mechanisms are revealed involving shearing related to the filament sequencing, compression at the junction points and tension within the raster and the frame. All these mechanisms are associated with the particular and regular arrangement of nylon filaments.
Suppression of Rheumatoid Arthritis by Enhanced Lymph Node Trafficking of Engineered Interleukin‐10 in Murine Models
Authors: Yuba Eiji , Budina Erica , Katsumata Kiyomitsu , Ishihara Ako , Mansurov Aslan , Alpar Aaron T. , Watkins Elyse A. , Hosseinchi Peyman , Reda Joseph W. , Lauterbach Abigail L. , Nguyen Mindy , Solanki Ani , Kageyama Takahiro , Swartz Melody A. , Ishihara Jun , Hubbell Jeffrey A.
Published: November 2020

Objective

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major autoimmune disease that causes synovitis and joint damage. Although clinical trials have been performed using interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), an antiinflammatory cytokine, as a potential treatment of RA, the therapeutic effects of IL‐10 have been limited, potentially due to insufficient residence in lymphoid organs, where antigen recognition primarily occurs. This study was undertaken to engineer an IL‐10–serum albumin (SA) fusion protein and evaluate its effects in 2 murine models of RA.

Methods

SA‐fused IL‐10 (SA–IL‐10) was recombinantly expressed. Mice with collagen antibody–induced arthritis (n = 4–7 per group) or collagen‐induced arthritis (n = 9–15 per group) were injected intravenously with wild‐type IL‐10 or SA–IL‐10, and the retention of SA–IL‐10 in the lymph nodes (LNs), immune cell composition in the paws, and therapeutic effect of SA–IL‐10 on mice with arthritis were assessed.

Results

SA fusion to IL‐10 led to enhanced accumulation in the mouse LNs compared with unmodified IL‐10. Intravenous SA–IL‐10 treatment restored immune cell composition in the paws to a normal status, elevated the frequency of suppressive alternatively activated macrophages, reduced IL‐17A levels in the paw‐draining LN, and protected joint morphology. Intravenous SA–IL‐10 treatment showed similar efficacy as treatment with an anti–tumor necrosis factor antibody. SA–IL‐10 was equally effective when administered intravenously, locally, or subcutaneously, which is a benefit for clinical translation of this molecule.

Conclusion

SA fusion to IL‐10 is a simple but effective engineering strategy for RA therapy and has potential for clinical translation.
Ecologically evaluated and FDA‐validated HPTLC method for assay of pregabalin and tramadol in human biological fluids
Authors: Naguib Ibrahim A. , Ali Nesma A. , Elroby Fadwa A. , El Ghobashy Mohamed R. , Abdallah Fatma F.
Published: November 2020

The introduced research presents a novelin vivoquantitative method for assay of mixtures of pregabalin and tramadol as a common combinations approved for treatment of neuropathic pain. Green analytical chemistry is a recently emerging science concerned with control of the use of chemicals harmful to the environment in various analytical methods. Consequently, a green high‐performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) method was achieved for determination of the mixture in human plasma and urine satisfying both analytical and environmental standards. The separation was achieved on HPTLC sheets using a separating mixture of ethanol–ethyl acetate–acetone–ammonia solution (8:2:1:0.05, by volume) as a mobile phase. The sheets were dried in air then scanned at two wavelengths. For tramadol, 220 nm was chosen; however, pregabalin is an unconjugated drug, so its determination was a challenge. Hence for pregabalin, the plates were sprayed with ethanolic solution of ninhydrin (3%, w/v), to obtain a conjugated complex, which could be assessed at 550 nm. Furthermore, the developed method fulfilled the US Food and Drug Administration validation guidelines, and proved to be useful in therapeutic drug monitoring of this combination. The Eco‐scale assessment protocol was implemented to determine the greenness profile of the applied method.
Analysis of chemical variations between raw and wine‐processed Ligustri Lucidi Fructus by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography–Q‐Exactive Orbitrap/MS combined with multivariate statistical analysis approach
Authors: Zhang Danjie , Sun Linlin , Mao Beibei , Zhao Dongsheng , Cui Yueli , Sun Le , Zhang Yanxue , Zhao Xin , Zhao Pan , Zhang Xuelan
Published: November 2020

Ligustri Lucidi Fructus (LLF) is the dried and mature fruit of Ligubtrum lucidum Ait., which has the effect of nourishing the liver and kidney, brightening the eyes and promoting the growth of black hair. Wine‐processed LLF is commonly used in traditional Chinese medicine; however, the processing mechanisms are still unclear. Herein, a system data acquisition and mining strategy was designed to investigate the chemical profile differences between the raw and wine‐processed LLF, based on high‐performance liquid chromatography–Orbitrap high resolution mass spectrometry coupled with multivariate statistical analysis including principal component analysis and partial least square analysis. Afterwars, a total of 55 components were found to be the main contributors to the significant difference between raw and wine‐processed LLF by comparison with chromatographic behaviors, intact precursor ions, and characteristic MS fragmentation patterns. In addition, 10 main constituents of raw and wine‐processed LLF were simultaneously determined by UHPLC–MS/MS for analyzing the content variations. Some structural transformation mechanisms during wine processing were deduced from the results. The results may provide a scientific foundation for deeply elucidating the wine‐processing mechanism of LLF.
Differentiation of Pt−Fe and Pt−Ni3 Surface Catalytic Mechanisms towards Contrasting Products in Chemoselective Hydrogenation of α,β‐Unsaturated Aldehydes
Authors: Ning Liangmin , Zhang Mingtao , Liao Shengyun , Zhang Yuting , Jia Dandan , Yan Yunfang , Gu Wen , Liu Xin
Published: November 2020

Noble‐metal catalysts serve as an irreplaceable role in pharmaceutical, perfume and fine chemicals fields. However, there still remains a grand challenge in controlling chemoselectivity. Herein, we have synthesized a bimetallic nanostructure supported on porous metal‐organic frameworks (Pt−Fe/UiO‐66, Pt‐Ni3/UiO‐66), in which Pt nanoparticles was modified with non‐noble metal (Fe or Ni) directly. The as‐synthesized catalysts can function as a switch for selective hydrogenation of α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes to afford the potential products on‐demand. In comparison with the conventional Pt‐based catalysts, Pt−Fe/UiO‐66 and Pt‐Ni3/UiO‐66 catalysts exhibit excellently catalytic activity, enhanced selectivity and improved stability for selectivity hydrogenation. The partial charge reconfiguration and electronic coupling effect existing in such distinctive bicomponent nanocatalysts was confirmed by some comprehensive characterization and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The developed method for precisely modification the composition and interaction between the noble metal and non‐noble metal provides a feasible avenue to design the advanced catalysts.
Atrazine biodegradation in soil by Aspergillus niger
Authors: Herrera‐Gallardo Brenda E. , Guzmán‐Gil Raymundo , Colín‐Luna José A. , García‐Martínez Julio C. , León‐Santiesteban Héctor H. , González‐Brambila Oscar M. , González‐Brambila Margarita M.
Published: November 2020

Atrazine is a commonly used herbicide in the Mexican agricultural industry even though it is hazardous for human and animal health. Before reaching its mineralization, this herbicide infiltrates through soil, producing toxic compounds and contaminating groundwater sources. Considering that Aspergillus niger (A. niger) is a filamentous fungus that degrades pectin, cellulose, and other organic polymers, this study analyzes its use to accelerate atrazine mineralization under optimal parameters of temperature, soil humidity, and a co‐substrate for bio‐stimulation. Different atrazine concentrations were used, from 0 ppm to 1000 ppm, in order to measure the growth of its filaments. Glucose and Opuntia ficus indica residues were analyzed as co‐substrates for A. niger biodegradation improvement. A DOE analysis was used to establish optimal treatment conditions. The findings in this study show that a 10 wt% of O. ficus indica as a co‐substrate with 80% humidity achieved atrazine biodegradation in the order of 70% to 75% in 6 days.
Discovery of Natural Co‐occurring Enantiomers of Monoterpenoid Indole Alkaloids
Authors: Yu Yang , Bao Mei‐Fen , Cai Xiang‐Hai
Published: November 2020

Main observation and conclusion

Two new pairs of monoterpenoid indole alkaloids (MIAs) enantiomers as well as their new congeners were isolated from stems of Tabernaemontana bovina Lour. (Apocynaceae). Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and confirmed by X‐ray diffractions and computational calculations. Tabovine A, tabovine B and tabovines C—D possessed unprecedented 6/5/5/6/6, 6/5/5/6/5 and 6/5/6/6/6 ring systems, respectively. It is the first time to report co‐occurring enantiomers of MIAs. Additionally, the explanation concerning biogenesis of MIAs was provided. The findings would open a new window where we could disclose more diverse MIAs.
Associations of baseline patient‐reported outcomes with treatment outcomes in advanced gastrointestinal cancer
Authors: van Seventer Emily E. , Fish Madeleine G. , Fosbenner Kathryn , Kanter Katie , Mojtahed Amirkasra , Allen Jill N. , Blaszkowsky Lawrence , Clark Jeffrey W. , Dubois Jon , Franses Joseph W. , Giantonio Bruce J. , Goyal Lipika , Klempner Samuel J. , Roeland Eric J. , Ryan David P. , Weekes Colin D. , Mulvey Therese , El‐Jawahri Areej , Horick Nora , Corcoran Ryan B. , Parikh Aparna R. , Nipp Ryan D.
Published: November 2020

Background

Patient‐reported outcomes (PROs) assessing quality of life (QOL) and symptom burden correlate with clinical outcomes in patients with cancer. However, to the authors' knowledge, data regarding associations between PROs and treatment response are lacking.

Methods

The authors prospectively approached consecutive patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer who were initiating a new treatment. Prior to treatment, patients reported their QOL (Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy‐General [FACT‐G], 4 subscales: Functional, Physical, Emotional, Social; higher scores indicate better QOL) and symptom burden (Edmonton Symptom Assessment System [ESAS], Patient Health Questionnaire‐4 [PHQ‐4]; higher scores represent greater symptoms). Regression models were used to examine associations of baseline PROs with treatment response (clinical benefit or progressive disease [PD] at time of first scan), healthcare utilization, and survival.

Results

From May 2019 to April 2020, a total of 112 patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer were enrolled. For treatment response, 64.3% had CB and 35.7% had PD. Higher baseline ESAS‐Physical (odds ratio, 1.04; P = .027) and lower FACT‐G Functional (odds ratio, 0.92; P = .038) scores were associated with PD. Higher ESAS‐Physical (hazard ratio [HR], 1.03; P = .044) and lower FACT‐G Total (HR, 0.96; P = .005), FACT‐G Physical (HR, 0.89; P < .001), and FACT‐G Functional (HR, 0.87; P < .001) scores were associated with a greater hospitalization risk. Lower FACT‐G Total (HR, 0.96; P = .009) and FACT‐G Emotional (HR, 0.86; P = .012) scores as well as higher ESAS‐Total (HR, 1.03; P = .014) and ESAS‐Physical (HR, 1.04; P = .032) scores were associated with worse survival.

Conclusions

Baseline PROs are associated with treatment response in patients with advanced gastrointestinal cancer, namely physical symptoms and functional QOL, in addition to health care use and survival. The findings of the current study support the association between PROs and important clinical outcomes, including the novel finding of treatment response.
Metacognitive Training for Depression: Feasibility, safety and acceptability of two new treatment modules to reduce suicidality
Authors: Jelinek Lena , Peth Judith , Runde Anne , Arlt Sönke , Scheunemann Jakob , Gallinat Jürgen
Published: November 2020

Recent evidence favours psychological interventions explicitly targeting suicidality; however, group treatments on suicidality are rare and are assumed to have unfavourable effects. We developed two modules specifically addressing suicidality that replace two existing modules in the Metacognitive Training for Depression (D‐MCT). The aim of the current study was to examine the feasibility, safety, and acceptability of this intervention (D‐MCT/S). Forty‐eight inpatients with depression received eight sessions of D‐MCT/S over 4 weeks in addition to standard treatment. Patients were assessed before the training, 4 and 8 weeks later regarding suicidality (primary outcome: Beck Suicide Scale [BSS]), hopelessness, depression (e.g. Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HDRS]), dysfunctional attitudes, and self‐esteem. Negative effects of the modules and subjective appraisal were assessed. Suicidality, hopelessness, and depression decreased over time. Whereas the effects on the BSS only reached trend level, a large effect was observed when the suicide item of the HDRS was used. Two of the 46 patients (4%) reported a deterioration in their symptoms, but this was not associated with the D‐MCT/S. Negative effects of the general training were rather low, and acceptability was high. In general, patients evaluated the two new modules on suicidality similarly to the established modules. However, both modules were assessed as distressing by 39% of the patients. When we addressed suicidality in the D‐MCT/S, we did not observe any contagious effects. In fact, the pilot versions of the two modules on suicidality are promising in terms of feasibility, safety, and acceptability. The results will be used to improve current shortcomings. The trial was registered with the German Clinical Trials Register (#DRKS‐ID: DRKS00010543) on 23 August 2016.
Hardware‐efficient approximate logarithmic division with improved accuracy
Authors: Subhasri Chitlu , Jammu Bhaskara Rao , Guna Sekhar Sai Harsha L. , Bodasingi Nalini , Samoju Visweswara Rao
Published: November 2020

Among all the arithmeticoperations,division operation takes most of the clock cycles resulting in more path delay and higher power consumption. Many algorithms, including logarithmic division (LD), have been implemented to reduce the critical path delay and power consumption of division operation. However, there is a high possibility to further reduce these vital issues by using the novel approximate LD (ALD) algorithm. In the proposed ALD, a truncation adder is used for mantissa addition. Using this adder, the power delay product (PDP) and normalized mean error distance (NMED) are minimized. From the error analysis and hardware evaluation, it is observed that the proposed ALD using truncation adder (ALD‐TA) with an appropriate number of inexact bits achieve lower power consumption and higher accuracy than existing LDs with exact units. The normalized mean error distance of 8‐, 16‐, and 32‐bit ALD‐TA is compared with LDs of same bits and observed a decrease of up to 21%, 20%, and 21%, and the PDP has a reduction of up to 33%, 51%, and 72%, respectively. Application of ALD‐TA to image processing shows that high performance can be achieved by using ALDs than exact LDs.
Surface receptor‐mediated targeted drug delivery systems for enhanced cancer treatment: A state‐of‐the‐art review
Authors: Kunjiappan Selvaraj , Pavadai Parasuraman , Vellaichamy Sivakumar , Ram Kumar Pandian Sureshbabu , Ravishankar Vigneshwaran , Palanisamy Ponnusamy , Govindaraj Saravanan , Srinivasan Gowshiki , Premanand Adhvitha , Sankaranarayanan Murugesan , Theivendren Panneerselvam
Published: November 2020

Enhanced cancer treatment remains as one of the focused areas for researchers around the world. Hence, the progress in this direction will be a challenge and an opportunity in, inter‐disciplinary field to mitigate the suffering of millions in the upcoming decades. As we see, cancer death rate has also progressively increased despite the current impressive treatment regimens but also due to the non‐availability of vaccines and the re‐occurring of cancer in substantially recovered patients. Currently, numerous treatment strategies like surgical removal of solid tumors followed by radiation with a combination of immunotherapy/chemotherapy by the researchers and clinicians are routinely being followed. However, recurrence and distant metastasis often occur following radiation therapy, commonly due to the generation of radio‐resistance through deregulation of the cell cycle, cell death, and inhibition of DNA damage repair mechanisms. Thus, chemotherapeutic/immunotherapeutic treatment systems have progressed remarkably in the latest years owing to destroying tumors, noninvasive, and affordable charge of therapy. But, traditional chemotherapeutic approaches target the DNA of mutated and normal healthy cells, resulting in a significantly increased risk of toxicity and drug resistance. Thus, many receptors targeted therapies are in the developmental phase of discovery. Cancer cells have a specialized set of surface receptors that provide potential targets for cancer therapeutics. Cell surface receptor‐dependent endocytosis is well a known major mechanism for the internalization of macromolecular drugs. This review emphasizes the recent development of several surface receptors mediated cancer‐targeting approaches for the effective delivery of various therapeutic formulations.
First‐principles based simulation of electron and hole transfer in PET oligmer
Authors: Sato Masahiro , Kumada Akiko , Hidaka Kunihiko
Published: November 2020

Recently, we have developed a first‐principles based multiscale modeling approach for studying carrier transport properties in polymeric dielectric, and have successfully modeled hole transfer in polyethylene (PE). In this study, in order to see if we can model carrier transport in more complex polymers, we have utilized the multiscale modeling method to simulate electron and hole transfer in polyethylene terephthalate (PET). The agreement between computed and experimental electron and hole mobilities in PET demonstrated the robustness of the modeling technique. The multiscale modeling approach enabled us to understand the microscopic origin of the carrier transport properties; unlike carrier transport in PE where the energetic disorder is dominated by the conformational disorder of the polymer chain, that in PET was strongly affected by the electrostatic disorder (disorder of the electrostatic potential due to surrounding environment). It is shown that this difference comes from the fact that (1) the charge localized region in PE chain is determined by the conformational disorder whereas that in PET is determined by the chemical structure of the polymer chain, and (2) PET chain has large local dipole compared to PE chain.
Environmental conditions influence eDNA particle size distribution in aquatic systems
Authors: Barnes Matthew A. , Chadderton W. Lindsay , Jerde Christopher L. , Mahon Andrew R. , Turner Cameron R. , Lodge David M.
Published: November 2020

Knowledge about the size of environmental DNA (eDNA) and eDNA‐bearing particles in aquatic environments is integral to efficient and sensitive analyses. To explore the influence of environmental factors on eDNA particle size distribution (PSD), we manipulated fish communities across nine experimental ponds, which led to differences in a suite of environmental covariates (biochemical oxygen demand, chlorophyll a concentration, conductivity, dissolved oxygen, pH, temperature, and turbidity) over 5 months. At the end of the experiment, we serially filtered water samples from each pond through 5 filter sizes (20, 10, 5, 1, and 0.2 µm) followed by eDNA precipitation. We used quantitative PCR to determine the proportion of Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) or bigheaded carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix and H. nobilis) eDNA captured within each size fraction. Based on eDNA concentrations recorded at each size fraction, we parameterized a Weibull distribution to describe the eDNA PSD of each species in each pond. Likelihood ratio tests suggested that PSD did not differ between species but did differ across ponds. Stepwise multiple regressions indicated that the specific environmental factors with the greatest influence on PSD differed depending on the pore size of the filter used for capture. Notably, positive associations with chlorophyll and turbidity were most important for predicting capture with a 10‐µm filter, suggesting that eDNA is sticky, and the presence of relatively large particles such as algal cells or other suspended sediments can dramatically alter eDNA PSD. Therefore, we advocate that researchers and managers consider analysis of eDNA PSD within their study systems to optimize eDNA capture efficiencies and increase detection probabilities across variable biotic and abiotic conditions. Furthermore, reporting eDNA PSD evaluations across more diverse systems has the potential to reveal broader patterns of eDNA capture efficiency and improve research and natural resource management with eDNA applications.
Risk of stroke in patients with heart failure and sinus rhythm: data from the Swedish Heart Failure Registry
Authors: Hjalmarsson Clara , Fu Michael , Zverkova Sandström Tatiana , Schaufelberger Maria , Ljungman Charlotta , Andersson Björn , Bollano Entela , Dahlström Ulf , Rosengren Annika
Published: November 2020

Aims

We investigated the 2 year rate of ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack (IS) in patients with heart failure (HF) who were in sinus rhythm (HF‐SR) and aimed to develop a score for stratifying risk of IS in this population.

Methods and results

A total of 15 425 patients (mean age 71.5 years, 39% women) with HF‐SR enrolled in the Swedish Heart Failure Register were included; 28 815 age‐matched and sex‐matched controls, without a registered diagnosis of HF, were selected from the Swedish Population Register. The 2 year rate of IS was 3.0% in patients and 1.4% in controls. In the patient group, a risk score including age (1p for 65–74 years; 2p for 75–84 years; 3p for ≥85 years), previous IS (2p), ischaemic heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, kidney dysfunction, and New York Heart Association III/IV class (1p each) was generated. Over a mean follow‐up of 20.1 (SD 7.5) months, the cumulative incidences (per 1000 person‐years) of IS in patients with score 0 to ≥7 were 2.2, 5.3, 8.9, 13.2, 15.7, 20.4, 26.4, and 33.0, with hazard ratios for score 1 to ≥7 (with 0 as reference): 2.4, 4.1, 6.1, 7.2, 9.4, 12.2, and 15.3. The risk score performed modestly (area under the curve 63.7%; P = 0.4711 for lack of fit with a logistic model; P = 0.7062 with Poisson, scaled by deviance).

Conclusions

In terms of absolute risk, only 27.6% of patients had an annual IS incidence of ≤1%. To which extent this would be amenable to anticoagulant treatment remains conjectural. A score compiling age and specific co‐morbidities identified HF‐SR patients with increased risk of IS with modest discriminative ability.
Enriched environment enhances NK cell maturation through hypothalamic BDNF in male mice
Authors: Mansour Anthony G. , Xiao Run , Bergin Stephen M. , Huang Wei , Chrislip Logan A. , Zhang Jianying , Ali Seemaab , Queen Nicholas J. , Caligiuri Michael A. , Cao Lei
Published: November 2020

Macroenvironmental factors, including a patient's physical and social environment, play a role in cancer risk and progression. Our previous preclinical studies have shown that the enriched environment (EE) confers anti‐obesity and anti‐cancer phenotypes that are associated with enhanced adaptive immunity and are mediated by brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Natural killer (NK) cells have anti‐cancer and anti‐viral properties, and their absence or depletion is associated with inferior clinical outcomes. In this study, we investigated the effects of EE on NK cell maturation following their depletion. Mice living in EE displayed a higher proportion of NK cells in the spleen, bone marrow, and blood, compared to those living in the standard environment (SE). EE enhanced NK cell maturation in the spleen and was associated with upregulation of BDNF expression in the hypothalamus. Hypothalamic BDNF overexpression reproduced the EE effects on NK cell maturation in secondary lymphoid tissues. Conversely, hypothalamic BDNF knockdown blocked the EE modulation on NK cell maturation. Our results demonstrate that a bio‐behavior intervention enhanced NK cell maturation and was mediated at least in part by hypothalamic BDNF.
Beyond the Energy System: Modeling Frameworks Depicting Distributional Impacts for Interdisciplinary Policy Analysis
Authors: Montenegro Roland Cunha , Fragkos Panagiotis , Dobbins Audrey Helen , Schmid Dorothea , Pye Steve , Fahl Ulrich
Published: November 2020

Since the signing of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development by the United Nations Member States and the Yellow vest movement, it is clear that emission‐reducing policies should consider their distributional impacts to ensure a sustainable and equitable growth compatible with the Paris Agreement goals. To this end, the design of environmental and energy policies should be accompanied by an interdisciplinary analysis that includes potential effects on distinct groups of society (defined by income, age, or location), regions, and sectors. This work synthesizes common modeling frameworks used to assess technical, socio‐economic, and environmental aspects in policy analysis and the recent progress to portray distributional impacts in each of them. Furthermore, the main indicators produced by each method are highlighted and a critical review pointing to gaps and limitations that could be addressed by future research is presented.
Evaluation of the anticancer activity and fatty acids composition of “Handal” (Citrullus colocynthis L.) seed oil, a desert plant from south Jordan
Authors: Al‐Hwaiti Mohammad S. , Alsbou Eid M. , Abu Sheikha Ghassan , Bakchiche Boulanouar , Pham Thu Huong , Thomas Raymond H. , Bardaweel Sanaa K.
Published: November 2020

Background

The chemical composition of Handal (Citrullus colocynthis L.) seed oil cultivated in Jordan deserts was characterized, and its bioactivity was evaluated.

Methods

The oil was extracted from the grinded seeds in 500 ml Soxhlet extractor for 24 hr using n‐hexane, and the recovered fatty acids were methylated with methanolic‐HCL. The fatty acid methyl esters (FAMEs) composition was analyzed using GC‐MS and GC‐FID. The anticancer activity associated with the oil was assessed against colon cancer cell lines (Caco‐2 and HCT‐116) and compared to its cytotoxicity on the human skin fibroblast. Multivariate analysis was used to determine relationship of the fatty acid composition with that of the anticancer activity.

Results

The results demonstrated that fatty acid composition of Citrullus colocynthis seed oil chiefly contains Linoleic acid, denoted as C18:2n6 (75%), followed by Palmitic acid C16:0 (8%), Stearic acid C18:0 (5%), and Oleic acid C18:1n9 (9%). It is demonstrated as an excellent source of essential fatty acids omega‐6 (e.g., Linoleic acid), whereas omega‐3 (e.g., α‐Linolenic acid) and hydroxy polyunsaturated fatty acids are found at small level. Interestingly, the oil exhibited reasonable anticancer effects against colorectal cancer cell lines with IC50 values varying between 4 and 7 mg/ml. The correlation test revealed a relationship between the fatty acid composition and the effectiveness on treatments.

Conclusions

Handal plant from Jordan appears to have very high level of Linoleic acid compared to other oils measured in different geographic locations and that there appears to be some anticancer activities associated with the fatty acid content of Handal seed oil.
Microstructural alterations in medial forebrain bundle are associated with interindividual pain sensitivity
Authors: Geisler Maria , Rizzoni Elizabeth , Makris Nikolaos , Pasternak Ofer , Rathi Yogesh , Bouix Sylvain , Herbsleb Marco , Bär Karl‐Jürgen , Weiss Thomas , Kikinis Zora
Published: November 2020

The perception of pain to noxious stimuli, also known as pain sensitivity, varies among individuals. The comprised brain structures and their white matter pathways are complex and elusive. Here, we aimed to investigate whether variation of microstructure of the medial forebrain bundle (MFB), a tract connecting the basal forebrain with the brain stem, is associated with interindividual pain sensitivity. We assessed interindividual pain sensitivity as a rating of pain intensity to heat stimuli (45, 47, and 48.9°C) in 38 healthy men (age: 27.05 ± 5.7 years). We also reconstructed the MFB using multitensor tractography from diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) and calculated free‐water corrected dMRI measures of fractional anisotropy (FAt), radial diffusivity (RDt), and axial diffusivity (ADt). Lower ratings of interindividual pain intensity correlated with higher FAt and lower RDt of the MFB. As changes in FAt and RDt may reflect abnormalities in myelination, the results might be interpreted as that a lower pain rating is associated with higher degree of myelination of the MFB and could represent an inhibitory pathway of pain. Our results suggest that alteration of microstructure in the MFB contributes to the interindividual variation of pain perception.
Therapeutic implications of immune‐profiling and EGFR expression in salivary gland carcinoma
Authors: Guazzo Emily , Cooper Caroline , Wilkinson Lisa , Feng Sophie , King Brigid , Simpson Fiona , Porceddu Sandro , Panizza Benedict , Coward Jermaine I. G.
Published: November 2020

Background

Data relating to the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI) for salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) is gradually evolving with responses varying among different histotypes. To address these disparities, this retrospective analysis examined the prevalence of recognized biomarkers of response to ICI; namely programmed death‐1 (PD‐1), programmed death‐ligand 1 (PD‐L1), combined positive score (CPS), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and microsatellite instability (MSI) in patients with SGC with an aim to determine any prognostic or survival benefits and stratify the use of ICI in this disease.

Patients and methods

Of 52 patients with primary SGC eligible for this study, the most common histological types were adenoid cystic carcinoma (n = 17, 33%), salivary duct carcinoma (n = 14, 27%), mucoepidermoid carcinoma (n = 11, 21%), and acinic cell carcinoma (n = 6, 11%). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed using the Ventana Discovery Ultra auto‐staining platform for EGFR, PD‐1, PD‐L1, and mismatch repair (MMR) proteins. CPS ≥1 defined PD‐L1 positive cases and log‐rank testing was performed to examine the relationship between PD‐L1 expression status and disease‐free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

CPS positivity was seen in 9 (17.3%) patients, none of which were adenoid cystic carcinoma. All 52 (100%) cases expressed retained MMR proteins inferring microsatellite stability (MSS) and EGFR expression was identified in 45 of 52 (86.5%) patients. CPS positivity (score ≥1) was significantly associated with advanced pathological T status (P = .021), advanced pathological N status (P = .006), high histological tumor grade (P = .045), and positive histological margin (P = .023). Patients with PD‐L1 positivity in tumor cells did not have an inferior 3‐year OS (P = .93).

Conclusion

The data from this retrospective study highlighting the uniform microsatellite stability alongside the low prevalence of CPS positivity suggests that only a minority of SGC patients may benefit from ICI therapy alone. The high rates of EGFR expression in SGC may be a target to augment immune checkpoint therapy response.
Enhanced dissolution rate of magnesium hydroxide via magnesia/ammonium acetate hydration system: statistical optimization and possible mechanism
Authors: Tang Xiao‐Jia , Du Zhong‐Yuan , Chuang Heng‐chao , Zhu Yi‐Min , Ji Yang‐yuan , Li Xiao‐Yi , Zhao Yu‐Zhe , Kuang Hai‐Bo
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

The dissolubility of magnesium hydroxide is often the main factor limiting its application effect in the environmental field, and the dissolution rate of magnesium hydroxide during its synthesis is also worthy of attention. In this paper, response surface methodology was used to synthesize magnesium hydroxide with different dissolution rates through a magnesium oxide/ammonium acetate hydration system, and the possible formation mechanism as well as dissolution performance is discussed.

RESULTS

Compared with the hydration temperature and time, the concentration of ammonium acetate has a more significant effect on the dissolution rate of hydrated magnesium hydroxide. A maximum dissolution rate of 43.8 ± 0.3 mmol min−1 mol−1 magnesium hydroxide could be obtained when the working factors were ammonium acetate concentration 15 g L–1, hydration temperature 75.5 °C and time 112 min.

CONCLUSION

The correlation study between structural characterization and the dissolution test shows that the complexation and replacement of acetate, in situ generation and release of ammonia appear to have some critical effects on magnesium hydroxide crystallization behaviour and induce the formation of thin, curved and defective structures. Crystals with such structures have been reported to have a higher dissolution activity. The results of this study provide an indication for screening hydration synthetic agents of high‐dissolution‐rate magnesium hydroxide. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI)
Modeling of eccentric nanoneedle in trolling‐mode atomic force microscope
Authors: Chahari Mahmood , Sajjadi Mohammadreza
Published: November 2020

Limitations on installation of a standard TR‐AFM nanoneedle can have unpredictable effects on dynamics of system. Therefore, it is crucial to pay close attention to the position and geometry of mounted nanoneedle when deriving the mathematical model. During TR‐AFM fabrication process, the nanoneedle may not always deposit precisely at the middle of AFM tip, which would result in coupled bending‐torsion modes in the dynamical operation of system. In this paper, we investigate the effect of eccentric nanoneedle in dynamic response of TR‐AFM. To address this issue, a continuous mathematical model is developed. This model accounts for eccentric nanoneedle which can address the couplings in nonlinear vibration. Hamilton's principle is used to derive equations of motion and then assumed mode method (AMM) is utilized. This model is capable of simulating the cantilever dynamics under complicated nanoneedle tip–sample interactions. Displacements of different components of system for various eccentricity are determined. It is found that nanoneedle eccentricity has noticeable effects on microbeam torsion angle and out of plane nanoneedle tip displacement.
A new insight into the vibrational modeling of contact mode for atomic force microscope beams in various immersion ambiances
Authors: Gholizadeh Pasha Ali Hossein , Sadeghi Ali
Published: November 2020

In this article, the vibrations of V‐shaped beam as the most usable atomic force microscope (AFM) beam in contact mode has been modeled using finite element method. This work is a fundamental issue for contact resonance AFM. We have considered carbon tetrachloride (CCL4), methanol, acetone, water, and vacuum the immersion ambiences. For modeling of the beam dynamics, both of the Timoshenko and Euler–Bernoulli beam principles have been used. For presenting the best theoretical model all specifications for AFM beam and sample surface has been assumed. The outcomes show that by raising the interaction force between AFM beam and sample surface, the resonant frequency increases. By diluting the liquid surroundings, the resonant frequency and amplitude of frequency response functions (FRF) of vertical movement increase. The amplitude of FRF increases by raising the beam thickness and rectangular part breadth, but reduces by increasing the rectangular and tapered part lengths. The resonant frequency reduces by boosting the rectangular and tapered parts lengths and rectangular part width, but raises by increasing the beam thickness. Theoretical model in attendance and lack of tip–sample interaction force have been evaluated with experimental works for vacuum and water as the immersion ambiances. Results show good agreement.
Digital Otoscopy Videos Versus Composite Images: A Reader Study to Compare the Accuracy of ENT Physicians
Authors: Binol Hamidullah , Niazi Muhammad Khalid Khan , Essig Garth , Shah Jay , Mattingly Jameson K. , Harris Michael S. , Elmaraghy Charles , Teknos Theodoros , Taj‐Schaal Nazhat , Yu Lianbo , Gurcan Metin N. , Moberly Aaron C.
Published: November 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

With the increasing emphasis on developing effective telemedicine approaches in Otolaryngology, this study explored whether a single composite image stitched from a digital otoscopy video provides acceptable diagnostic information to make an accurate diagnosis, as compared with that provided by the full video.

Study Design

Diagnostic survey analysis.

Methods

Five Ear, Nose, and Throat (ENT) physicians reviewed the same set of 78 digital otoscope eardrum videos from four eardrum conditions: normal, effusion, retraction, and tympanosclerosis, along with the composite images generated by a SelectStitch method that selectively uses video frames with computer‐assisted selection, as well as a Stitch method that incorporates all the video frames. Participants provided a diagnosis for each item along with a rating of diagnostic confidence. Diagnostic accuracy for each pathology of SelectStitch was compared with accuracy when reviewing the entire video clip and when reviewing the Stitch image.

Results

There were no significant differences in diagnostic accuracy for physicians reviewing SelectStitch images and full video clips, but both provided better diagnostic accuracy than Stitch images. The inter‐reader agreement was moderate.

Conclusions

Equal to using full video clips, composite images of eardrums generated by SelectStitch provided sufficient information for ENTs to make the correct diagnoses for most pathologies. These findings suggest that use of a composite eardrum image may be sufficient for telemedicine approaches to ear diagnosis, eliminating the need for storage and transmission of large video files, along with future applications for improved documentation in electronic medical record systems, patient/family counseling, and clinical training.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1668–E1676, 2021