bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Detection of Gasoline Adulteration Using Modified Distillation Curves and Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Foroughi Babak , Shahrouzi Javad Rahbar , Nemati Ramin
Published: January 2021

To detect adulteration in gasoline, an automatic distillation apparatus was set up to measure the recovered volume and temperature simultaneously. The level metering was performed by online image processing instead of the conventional visual operator‐based measurement. To investigate the effect of additives in super gasoline, regular gasoline and diesel were added and the distillation curves were analyzed. The principal component analysis model was employed to reduce the obtained data. Finally, an artificial neural network was applied to predict the volume percentage of adulterants in super gasoline. Statistical analysis showed that the proposed model has a mean relative error and correlation coefficient of 4.6 % and 0.995, respectively.
Evaluation of the flocculation and dewatering performance of dual polymers for treating oil sands tailings
Authors: Li Xiaoxiao , Shen Yang , Farinato Raymond S. , Somasundaran Ponisseril , Zhang Yuejun
Published: January 2021

Mature fine tailings produced in the processing of oil sands create serious water‐recovery problems; thus, it is important to characterize them and to improve the applicable dewatering technologies. Existing methods to dewater the tailings are found to be insufficient. Previous research has demonstrated that the addition of dual polymers is more efficient than using a single polymer to flocculate the fine tailings particles. Different from studies that took sophisticated procedures to assess the flocculation and dewatering efficiency of dual polymers, readily available and simple but effective experiments were conducted in this work. Evaluations were conducted with dual polymers comprised of low molecular weight poly(diallydimethylammonium chloride) (polyDADMAC) and high molecular weight cationic or anionic polyacrylamide (PAM). Turbidity and residual solids measurements for dewatered tailings treated with these polymers confirmed that the dual‐polymer approach yield superior performance compared to either polymer functioning alone. Zeta potential and microscopic observations indicated that the dosages of polyDADMAC and PAM that lead to near charge neutralization of the system result in maximal performance. We hypothesize that when dual polymers are added to the tailings, polyDADMAC acts to neutralize the charge and destabilize the fine particles, while high molecular weight PAM, either cationic or anionic, acts to aggregate the destabilized fines by the bridging mechanism. PolyDADMAC forms weak and tiny flocs when mixed with tailings particles. Cationic PAM transforms these small flocs into much larger ones, while anionic PAM connects them into aggregates. Therefore, synergism exists between polyDADMAC and PAM but this synergism is different, based on the charge of the PAM.
Synthesis and Cell Growth Inhibitory Activity of Six Non‐glycosaminoglycan‐Type Heparin‐Analogue Trisaccharides
Authors: Lisztes Erika , Mező Erika , Demeter Fruzsina , Horváth Lilla , Bősze Szilvia , István Tóth Balázs , Borbás Anikó , Herczeg Mihály
Published: January 2021

The design and synthesis of heparin mimetics with high anticancer activity but no anticoagulant activity is an important task in medicinal chemistry. Herein, we present the efficient synthesis of five Glc‐GlcA‐Glc‐sequenced and one Glc‐IdoA‐Glc‐sequenced non‐glycosaminoglycan, heparin‐related trisaccharides with various sulfation/sulfonylation and methylation patterns. The cell growth inhibitory effects of the compounds were tested against four cancerous human cell lines and two non‐cancerous cell lines. Two d‐glucuronate‐containing tetra‐O‐sulfated, partially methylated trisaccharides displayed remarkable and selective inhibitory effects on the growth of ovary carcinoma (A2780) and melanoma (WM35) cells. Methyl substituents on the glucuronide unit proved to be detrimental, whereas acetyl substituents were beneficial to the cytostatic activity of the sulfated derivatives.
Strategies To Design Selective Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors
Authors: Melesina Jelena , Simoben Conrad V. , Praetorius Lucas , Bülbül Emre F. , Robaa Dina , Sippl Wolfgang
Published: January 2021

This review classifies drug‐design strategies successfully implemented in the development of histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors, which have many applications including cancer treatment. Our focus is on especially demanded selective HDAC inhibitors and their structure‐activity relationships in relation to corresponding protein structures. The main part of the paper is divided into six subsections each narrating how optimization of one of six structural features can influence inhibitor selectivity. It starts with the impact of the zinc binding group on selectivity, continues with the optimization of the linker placed in the substrate binding tunnel as well as the adjustment of the cap group interacting with the surface of the protein, and ends with the addition of groups targeting class‐specific sub‐pockets: the side‐pocket‐, lower‐pocket‐ and foot‐pocket‐targeting groups. The review is rounded off with a conclusion and an outlook on the future of HDAC inhibitor design.
A Novel Mesoporous Superparamagnetic Hybrid Silica/Hydroxyapatite Nanocomposite as MRI Contrast Agent
Authors: Kermanian Mehraneh , Sadighian Somayeh , Ramazani Ali , Naghibi Mehran , Hosseini Seyed Hojjat
Published: January 2021

This paper introduces a novel magnetic hybrid silica/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite with a mesoporous structure, MSFeHA. The usefulness of the nanocomposite as an MRI T2 contrast agent was studied. The structure and morphology of the nanocomposite were characterized by FT‐IR, XRD, N2 adsorption‐desorption isotherms, VSM, TEM, SEM, and EDS‐MAP. Then, the biocompatibility of the synthesized nanocomposite was studied by Brine shrimp Artemia lethality assay, red blood cell hemolysis assay, and MTT assay on MCF‐7 breast cancer cell line and HFF‐2 normal cell line. ICP‐OES results indicate that the highest bioaccumulation of MSFeHA nanocomposite has occurred within the liver and, between 4 to 24 hours after administration of MSFeHA. The amount of bioaccumulation within the studied organs decreased over time, which suggests that the nanocomposite biodegradation and excretion process became started. Furthermore, in vitro MRI studies reveal that MSFeHA nanocomposite has the potential to be an MRI T2 contrast agent (r2=106.6 ms).
Color appearance of small stimuli presented in central and near peripheral visual fields
Authors: Mogi Shuichi , Sakurai Masato , Ishikawa Tomoharu , Ayama Miyoshi
Published: January 2021

This study investigates the change in the color appearance of a small stimulus with a diameter of 0.5° presented at various locations along the vertical and horizontal meridians in the visual field. To determine the color appearance, the hue and saturation judgment method and the categorical color naming method were used. The results obtained using these two methods at 0° exhibit the same quality of color appearance as that of a stimulus with a diameter of about 2° reported in previous studies. A more rapid decrease in perceived saturation and hue shift toward yellow in reddish and greenish stimuli are indicated in the hue and saturation judgment, whereas early distinction of “red” and persistence of “yellow” and “blue” responses are observed in the categorical color naming method. Despite the evident change in color appearance for each stimulus, the relationship between the responses obtained by the two methods for all stimuli was approximately the same across the visual field examined here. The unique hue component needed to elicit the color name of “yellow,” “green,” or “blue” is nearly constant along the eccentricity. However, the hue component of “red” is significantly higher than that of the other primary colors, especially at 0°, which suggests the specificity of that color.
Solvent‐free Reactions for the Synthesis of Indolenine‐based Squaraines and Croconaines: Comparison of Thermal Heating, Mechanochemical Milling, and IR Irradiation
Authors: Zappimbulso Nicola , Capozzi Maria Annunziata M. , Porcheddu Andrea , Farinola Gianluca M. , Punzi Angela
Published: January 2021

Squaraines and croconaines are organic dyes characterized by intense absorption in the visible or near‐infrared spectral regions with applications ranging from biology to material sciences. They are commonly synthesized by condensation reactions of oxocarbonic acids (squaric or croconic acid, respectively) with electron‐rich aromatic compounds in high‐boiling organic solvents. Here, a simple, cost‐effective, and environmentally benign process was developed for the synthesis of indolenine‐based squaraines and croconaines under solvent‐free conditions. Protocols based on conventional thermal heating, mechanochemical milling, and IR‐light activation were compared.
A p‐p+ Homojunction‐Enhanced Hole Transfer in Inverted Planar Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Song Jian , Zhao Liang , Huang Sheng , Yan Xinfeng , Qiu Qinyuan , Zhao Yulong , Zhu Lei , Qiang Yinghuai , Li Hongshi , Li Guoran
Published: January 2021

Perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have triggered a research trend in solar energy devices in view of their high power conversion efficiency and ease of fabrication. However, more delicate strategies are still required to suppress carrier recombination at charge transfer interfaces, which is the necessary path to high‐efficiency solar cells. Here, a p–p+ homojunction was constructed on basis of NiO film to enhance hole transfer in an inverted planar perovskite solar cell. The homojunction was generated by fabricating a NiO/Cu:NiO bilayer film. The density functional theory calculation demonstrated the charge density difference in the two layers, which could generate a space charge region and a band bending at the junction, and the result was further proved by energy level structure analysis of NiO and Cu:NiO films. The designed homojunction could accelerate the hole transfer and inhibit carrier recombination at the interface between hole transfer layer and perovskite layer. Finally, the inverted planar perovskite solar cell with p–p+ homojunction showed an efficiency of 18.30 % and a high fill factor of 0.81, which were much higher than the counterpart of the PSCs individually using NiO or Cu:NiO as hole transfer layer. This work developed a new structure of hole transport layer to enhance the performance of PSCs, and also provided new ideas for design of charge transfer films.
Externalizing behavior and stress system functioning in infants exposed to early adversity: A multi‐system exploration
Authors: Frost Allison , Rodriguez Melanie , Imrisek Steven , Dash Allison , Bernard Kristin
Published: January 2021

Children who experience early adversity often show alterations across multiple stress response systems, including the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and autonomic nervous system (ANS). Changes in the diurnal rhythm of salivary cortisol (a marker of HPA axis functioning) and alpha‐amylase (a marker of ANS functioning) may increase their probability of developing behavior problems. The goal of this study is to examine how these analytes may interact to predict externalizing behavior in infants exposed to early stress. Participants included 179 parents and their 6‐ to 20‐month old infants recruited from a low‐income neighborhood. Parents reported on their infants’ externalizing behaviors and collected saliva samples from their children at wake‐up and bedtime over three days. Diurnal cortisol and alpha‐amylase were modeled using latent difference scores. Four models were tested examining the effects of cortisol and alpha‐amylase morning values and slopes, as well as their interactions, on externalizing behavior. Results showed a significant interaction effect of cortisol and alpha‐amylase morning values, such that low morning cortisol was associated with decreased externalizing behavior when morning alpha‐amylase was high but not low. These findings highlight the importance of examining multiple systems when characterizing the physiological correlates of externalizing behavior among infants experiencing adversity.
Changing the approach to type 2 diabetes treatment: A comparison of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists and sulphonylureas across the continuum of care
Authors: Orsini Federici Marco , Gentilella Raffaella , Corcos Antonella , Torre Enrico , Genovese Stefano
Published: January 2021

Despite the importance of individualised strategies for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the availability of alternative treatments, including glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists (GLP‐1 RAs), sulphonylureas are still widely used in practice. Clinical evidence shows that GLP‐1 RAs may provide better and more durable glycaemic control than sulphonylureas, with lower risk of hypoglycaemia. Other reported benefits of GLP‐1 RAs include weight loss rather than weight gain (as observed with sulphonylureas), blood pressure reduction and improvement in lipid profiles. In general, the main adverse events with GLP‐1 RAs are gastrointestinal in nature. The respective modes of action of GLP‐1 RAs and sulphonylureas contribute to differences in the durability of glycaemic control (related to effects on beta‐cells) and effects on body weight. Moreover, the glucose‐dependent mode of action of GLP‐1 RAs, which favours a low incidence of hypoglycaemia, contrasts with the glucose‐independent mode of action of sulphonylureas. Evidence from cardiovascular outcomes trials indicates a consistent finding of cardiovascular safety across the GLP‐1 RAs and suggests a class benefit for the long‐acting GLP‐1 RAs in reducing three‐point major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiovascular mortality and all‐cause mortality. In contrast, potential concerns relating to an increased incidence of adverse cardiovascular events with sulphonylureas have yet to be fully resolved. Recent updates to management guidelines recommend that treatment selection for patients with T2DM should consider clinical trial evidence of cardiovascular safety. Available evidence suggests that this selection should give preference to GLP‐1 RAs over sulphonylureas, especially for patients at high cardiovascular risk.
Seedling diversity in actively and passively restored tropical forest understories
Authors: Wills Jarrah , Herbohn John , Wells Jessie , Maranguit Moreno Maria Opelia , Ferraren Angela , Firn Jennifer
Published: January 2021

Alternative methods for restoring tropical forests influence the ecological processes that shape recruitment of understory species. In turn, the traits of species recruited will influence the ecological processes the forests provide now and over the long term. We assess the phylogenetic and functional structure of seedlings beneath monoculture plantations, mixed‐species plantations (both active restoration) and regenerating selectively logged native forests (passive restoration), considering traits of specific leaf area (SLA, including within‐species variation), leaf nitrogen and phosphorus content, life‐form, potential plant height, and dispersal type. Monoculture plantations comprised seedlings that were more closely related then would be expected by chance (i.e., phylogenetically clustered), and regenerating forest contained species more distantly related then would be expected by chance (i.e., phylogenetically overdispersed). This suggests that seedlings beneath monocultures assemble through environmental filtering and through the dispersal limitation of predictable functional guilds. However, dispersal limitation is frequently overcome by human‐assisted dispersal, increasing trait diversity. Comparing SLA values revealed that regenerating forests recruit seedlings with both high and low mean and variation of SLA, leading to higher overall diversity. Regenerating forest seedlings showed signs of environmental filtering, only based on within‐species variation of SLA. Regenerating forest understories appear to favor species that show a high intraspecific variation in SLA values (e.g., Pterocarpus indicus Willd.) and at the same time provided habitat for later successional seedlings that show a lower intraspecific variation in SLA (e.g., Canarium luzonicum (Blume) A.Gray). This trait diversity suggests limiting similarity or competitive exclusion may be reduced because of niche differences, allowing species with different traits to coexist. Phylogenetic and functionally distinct species are restricted in their regeneration capacity, many of which are of conservation significance (under the IUCN Red List). Reforestation projects should maximize desired ecological services (including conservation value) by actively managing for the recruitment of species that are phylogenetically and functionally (including intraspecifically) distinct. This management aim will increase the probability of fulfilling a wider array of niche spaces and potentially increase the diversity of ecosystem services provided.
Chemical diversity rather than cultivar diversity predicts natural enemy control of herbivore pests
Authors: Hauri Kayleigh C. , Glassmire Andrea E. , Wetzel William C.
Published: January 2021

Cultivar mixtures have been studied for decades as a means for pest suppression. The literature, however, shows a large variability in outcomes, suggesting that we are unable to create mixtures that consistently suppress insect pests and attract natural enemies. A key gap in our understanding of how cultivar mixtures influence pest control is that few studies have examined the plant traits or mechanisms by which cultivar diversity affects pests and their interactions with natural enemies. The diversity of plant chemistry in a cultivar mixture is one trait dimension that is likely influential for insect ecology because chemical traits alter how predators and herbivores forage and interact. To understand how plant chemical diversity influences herbivores and their interactions with predators, we fully crossed predator presence or absence with monocultures, bicultures, and tricultures of three chemotypes of tomato that differed in odor diversity (terpenes) or surface chemistry (acyl sugars) in a caged field experiment. We found that the direct effects of plant chemotype diversity on herbivore performance were strongest in bicultures and depended on herbivore sex, and these effects typically acted through growth rather than survival. The effects of chemotype diversity on top‐down pest suppression by natural enemies differed between classes of chemical diversity. Odor diversity (terpenes) interfered with the ability of predators to hunt effectively, whereas diversity in surface chemistry (acyl sugars) did not. Our results suggest that phytochemical diversity can contribute to pest suppression in agroecosystems, but that implementing it will require engineering cultivar mixtures using trait‐based approaches that account for the biology of the pests and natural enemies in the system.
Metabolic and inflammatory reprogramming of macrophages by ONC201 translates in a pro‐inflammatory environment even in presence of glioblastoma cells
Authors: Geiß Carsten , Witzler Claudius , Poschet Gernot , Ruf Wolfram , Régnier‐Vigouroux Anne
Published: January 2021

Tumor‐associated macrophages facilitate tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Their capacity for metabolic and inflammatory reprogramming represents an attractive therapeutic target. ONC201/TIC10 is an anticancer molecule that antagonizes the dopamine receptor D2 and affects mitochondria integrity in tumor cells. We examined whether ONC201 induces a metabolic and pro‐inflammatory switch in primary human monocyte‐derived macrophages that reactivates their antitumor activities, thus enhancing the onco‐toxicity of ONC201. Contrary to glioblastoma cells, macrophages exhibited a low ratio of dopamine receptors D2/D5 gene expression and were resistant to ONC201 cytotoxicity. Macrophages responded to ONC201 with a severe loss of mitochondria integrity, a switch to glycolytic ATP production, alterations in glutamate transport, and a shift towards a pro‐inflammatory profile. Treatment of macrophages–glioblastoma cells co‐cultures with ONC201 induced similar alterations in glutamatergic and inflammatory gene expression profiles of macrophages. It induced as well metabolic changes and a pro‐inflammatory switch of the co‐culture milieu. However, these changes did not translate into increased onco‐toxicity. This study provides the first evidence that ONC201 affects macrophage immunometabolism and leads to a pro‐inflammatory tumor environment. This speaks in favor of implementing ONC201 in combinatorial therapies and warrants further investigation of the mechanisms of action of ONC201 in macrophages and other immune cells.
The use of benchmark dose uncertainty measurements for robust comparative potency analyses
Authors: Wheeldon Ryan P. , Dertinger Stephen D. , Bryce Steven M. , Bemis Jeffrey C. , Johnson George E.
Published: January 2021

The Benchmark Dose (BMD) method is the favored approach for quantitative dose–response analysis where uncertainty measurements are delineated between the upper (BMDU) and lower (BMDL) confidence bounds, or confidence intervals (CIs). Little has been published on the accurate interpretation of uncertainty measurements for potency comparative analyses between different test conditions. We highlight this by revisiting a previously published comparative in vitro genotoxicity dataset for human lymphoblastoid TK6 cells that were exposed to each of 10 clastogens in the presence and absence (+/−) of low concentration (0.25%) S9, and scored for p53, γH2AX and Relative Nuclei Count (RNC) responses at two timepoints (Tian et al., 2020). The researchers utilized BMD point estimates in potency comparative analysis between S9 treatment conditions. Here we highlight a shortcoming that the use of BMD point estimates can mischaracterize potency differences between systems. We reanalyzed the dose responses by BMD modeling using PROAST v69.1. We used the resulting BMDL and BMDU metrics to calculate “S9 potency ratio confidence intervals” that compare the relative potency of compounds +/− S9 as more statistically robust metrics for comparative potency measurements compared to BMD point estimate ratios. We performed unsupervised hierarchical clustering that identified four S9‐dependent groupings: high and low‐level potentiation, no effect, and diminution. This work demonstrates the importance of using BMD uncertainty measurements in potency comparative analyses between test conditions. Irrespective of the source of the data, we propose a stepwise approach when performing BMD modeling in comparative potency analyses between test conditions.
Multidisciplinary optimal design of prismatic lithium‐ion battery with an improved thermal management system for electric vehicles
Authors: Li Adriel Chi Tak , Li Wei , Chin Christina M. M. , Garg Akhil , Gao Liang
Published: January 2021

The reliability and performance of lithium‐ion battery implemented in electric vehicles is greatly influenced by temperature. However, there is yet to have a systematic battery thermal strategy due to the poor understanding of battery thermal behavior. Although several heat management systems have been proven to be functional in regulating the operating temperature effectively, its capability would be overtaken by the escalating internal resistance due to ageing after a certain period. Hence, an integration of finite element method (FEM) with particle swarm optimization (PSO) approach is proposed, more specifically for phase change material‐based cooling system, by performing multiobjective optimization of battery pack volume and temperature effects. As such, the multidisciplinary design optimization is considered level by level for the battery pack in order to prevent premature ageing. After justifying the lithium‐ion composition, the prismatic battery pack is modeled parametrically and its thermal responses assessed using FEM. The dimension and arrangement of battery cells are assigned as design variables and constrained in a fixed range, which will then be iterated through online optimization whereby the temperature difference, SD and volume are objectives and minimized by using PSO algorithm. The optimization results are summarized: maximum temperature difference is 0.8208383 K, SD is 0.17239 K, and area is 53 082 cm3. The results also imply that the numbers and columns for cells have a significant impact on the effectiveness of heat transfer which may be correlated to its cell dimension.
Performance analysis of long‐reach 40/40 Gbps mode division multiplexing‐based hybrid time and wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network/free‐space optics using Gamma‐Gamma fading model with pointing error under different weather conditions
Authors: Kumari Meet , Sharma Reecha , Sheetal Anu
Published: January 2021

Time and wavelength division multiplexing passive optical network (TWDM‐PON) is adopted across the globe and is considered as the most remarkable trend of the next‐generation solution to serve exponential traffic growth for fifth‐generation (5G) network. In the interest of achieving 5G network requirements, we propose a mode division multiplexing (MDM) based bidirectional 40/40 Gbps hybrid TWDM‐PON and free‐space optics (FSO) system. The system performance is analyzed for bidirectional hybrid fiber/FSO channels incorporating four distinct Laguerre‐Gaussian (LG00, LG01, LG11, and LG21) spatial modes for variable fiber (10‐155 km)/FSO (10‐1000 m) link ranges and different receiver aperture diameters (20 μm‐60 cm). Based on Gamma‐Gamma (GG) modeled FSO channels using Laguerre Gaussian modes, bit error rate (BER) performance of the system is numerically investigated under the impact of dynamic atmospheric weather conditions, weak‐to‐strong turbulence conditions, pointing errors, and geometric loss (GL) at an acceptable BER of 10−9. In addition, to support the numerical analysis, the simulation results exhibit that the hybrid fiber/FSO LG00 signals over 1000 m FSO and 155 km fiber link ranges are successfully transmitted in the system with 40 μm spatial and 60 cm FSO receiver aperture diameters under the impact of strong turbulence, atmospheric attenuation of 0.2 dB/km and noise. Moreover, the performance comparison of the MDM‐based hybrid TWDM‐PON/FSO with the previous latest literature works reveals a superior system performance under practical environment conditions. The proposed work can be utilized to realize long‐reach, bandwidth‐efficient, high‐capacity, and high‐speed data transmission links.
Analysis of aroma‐active volatiles in an SDE extract of white tea
Authors: Lin Qi , Ni Hui , Wu Ling , Weng Shu Yi , Li Lijun , Chen Feng
Published: January 2021

White tea is a famous Chinese tea that is cooked at boiling point before drinking. The simultaneous distillation‐extraction (SDE) was used to collect volatile compounds during tea cooking. The SDE extract was dominated with green, floral, roasted and woody notes, and weak sweet note. There were 32 volatile compounds identified via gas chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis, and 19 of them had strong fragrance based on the gas chromatography‐olfactometry analyzed results. Hexanal, 2‐hexenal, cis‐3‐hexen‐1‐ol, and camphene were the main contributors to the green note. The floral note was mainly contributed by 2‐hexanone, benzeneacetaldehyde, trans‐linalool oxide, and linalool, and the sweet note was induced by trans‐β‐damascenone. The roasted note was mainly contributed by 2‐pentyl‐furan. The woody note was mainly contributed by trans‐α‐ionone and trans‐β‐ionone. Four putative reaction pathways, including amino acid degradation, carotene degradation, Maillard reaction, and glycosides hydrolysis, were figured out to explain the generation of aromatic‐active volatiles at high temperatures. This study added our knowledge on tea aroma under cooking as well as other thermal treatments.
The importance of smoking status at diagnosis in human papillomavirus‐associated oropharyngeal cancer
Authors: Liu Howard Yu‐hao , Daniels Christopher P. , Trada Yuvnik , Bernard Anne , You Kyung Ha , Brown Elizabeth , Foote Matthew , McGrath Margaret , Ladwa Rahul , Panizza Benedict James , Porceddu Sandro Virgilio
Published: January 2021

Background

Smoking status at point of diagnosis is not used in defining risk groups for human papillomavirus (HPV)‐associated oropharyngeal cancer (OPC) despite its prognostic value in head and neck cancer.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of consecutive patients treated with chemoradiotherapy between January 2005 and July 2017 was performed with multivariable analysis to explore the impact of smoking status at diagnosis (current/former/never) on overall survival (OS), cancer‐specific survival (CSS) and progression‐free survival (PFS).

Results

Median follow‐up was 61 months. Four hundred and four patients were included. Current smokers had inferior OS versus never and former smokers [adjusted HR 2.37 (95% CI 1.26–4.45, p < 0.01) and 2.58 (95% CI 1.40–4.73, p < 0.01), respectively] and inferior PFS versus never smokers [adjusted HR 1.83 (95% CI 1.00–3.35, p = 0.04)]. Smoking status did not predict for CSS.

Conclusion

Detailed smoking behavior should be considered in refining risk groups in HPV‐associated OPC treated with radiotherapy and in future trial design eligibility and stratification.
Do the determinants of institutional delivery among childbearing women differ by health insurance enrolment? Findings from a population‐based study in Nigeria
Authors: Solanke Bola Lukman
Published: January 2021

Studies in Nigeria have identified several individual and contextual determinants of institutional delivery among childbearing women. However, it is not clear in literature whether these determinants are peculiar to women who enrolled or do not enrolled in health insurance schemes. This study compares the determinants of institutional delivery among childbearing women who either enrolled or do not enrolled in health insurance schemes in Nigeria. The study was based on women's data from the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. A weighted sample size of 17,465 women was analysed. Stata 14 was used to perform data analysis. Three binary logistic regression models were estimated. Results show higher prevalence of institutional delivery among women who enrolled in health insurance (39.3% vs. 70.5%). Result further reveal differences in the determinants of institutional delivery among the women with sex of head of household (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 1.340, p < 0.05; 95% CI: 1.121–1.602), type of marriage (AOR = 0.817, p < 0.05; 95% CI: 0.727–0.918) and status of most recent delivery (AOR = 0.703, p < 0.001; 95% 95% CI: 0.631–0.781) showing significance among women not enrolled in health insurance but insignificant among women enrolled in health insurance. Differences in determinants of institutional delivery among the women may be attributed to differences in their socio‐demographic condition.
The Baker Creek Research Watershed: Streamflow data highlighting the behaviour of an intermittent Canadian Shield stream through a wet–dry–wet cycle
Authors: Spence Christopher , Hedstrom Newell
Published: January 2021

Baker Creek drains water from subarctic Canadian Shield terrain comprised of a mix of exposed Precambrian bedrock, lakes, open black spruce forest and peat filled depressions. Research in the catchment has focused on hydrological processes at the hillslope and catchment scales. Streamflow is gauged from several diverse sub‐catchments ranging in size from 9 to 155 km2. The period of record (2003–2019) of streamflow from these sub‐catchments extends from 12 to 17 years, and these data are the focus of this note. Such data are unique in this remote region. 2003–2019 was a period that included both historic wet and dry conditions. Observations during such a diversity of conditions are helping to improve understanding of how stream networks that drain this landscape expand and contract in response to short and long hydroclimatic cycles. These data from a distinctly cold and dry region of low relief, thin soils, exposed bedrock and permafrost are a valuable contribution to the global diversity of research catchment data.
Stage at diagnosis and survival by stage for the leading childhood cancers in three populations of sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Parkin Donald Maxwell , Youlden Danny R. , Chitsike Inam , Chokunonga Eric , Couitchéré Line , Gnahatin Franck , Nambooze Sarah , Wabinga Henry , Aitken Joanne F.
Published: January 2021

The lack of accurate population‐based information on childhood cancer stage and survival in low‐income countries is a barrier to improving childhood cancer outcomes. In our study, data from three population‐based registries in sub‐Saharan Africa (Abidjan, Harare and Kampala) were examined for children aged under 15. We assessed the feasibility of assigning stage at diagnosis according to Tier 1 of the Toronto Childhood Cancer Stage Guidelines for patients with non‐Hodgkin lymphoma [including Burkitt lymphoma (BL)], retinoblastoma and Wilms' tumour. Patients were actively followed‐up, allowing calculation of 3‐year relative survival by cancer type and registry. Stage‐specific observed survival was estimated. The cohort comprised 381 children, of whom half (n = 192, 50%) died from any cause within 3 years of diagnosis. Three‐year relative survival varied by malignancy and location and ranged from 17% [95% confidence interval (CI) = 6%‐33%] for BL in Harare to 57% (95% CI = 31%‐76%) for retinoblastoma in Kampala. Stage was assigned for 83% of patients (n = 317 of 381), with over half having metastatic or advanced disease at diagnosis (n = 166, 52%). Stage was a strong predictor of survival for each malignancy; for example, 3‐year observed survival was 88% (95% CI = 68%‐96%) and 13% (4%‐29%) for localised and advanced BL, respectively (P < .001). These are the first data on stage distribution and stage‐specific survival for childhood cancers in Africa. They demonstrate the feasibility of the Toronto Stage Guidelines in a low‐resource setting and highlight the value of population‐based cancer registries in aiding our understanding of the poor outcomes experienced by this population.
Blended Positive Electrodes for Li‐Ion Batteries: From Empiricism to Rational Design
Authors: Casas‐Cabanas Montse , Ponrouch Alexandre , Palacín M. Rosa
Published: January 2021

Physical mixtures (i. e. blends) of two or more active materials are often used in commercial batteries to achieve better performance than what can be attained with a single component. This approach has been empirically driven and found to result in relevant synergistic improvements that are unfortunately poorly understood at a fundamental level. Indeed, internal redox processes (which induce structural changes in the components) can take place in blended electrodes that are severely influenced by electrode kinetics. These are in turn affected by temperature and also electrode formulation. Despite difficulties ahead, efforts to understand such issues are needed to pave the way for a rational electrode design enabling optimized performance which ideally could be tuned to match specific application requirements.
Benzalkonium chloride induced corrosive balanoposthitis in a man requiring clean intermittent catheterization
Authors: Satoji Yo , Tobu Shohei , Matsushita Kyohei , Udo Kazuma , Noguchi Mitsuru
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Men who require intermittent catheterization may be susceptible to balanoposthitis. Benzalkonium chloride is commonly used to disinfect reusable catheters, but the concentration of this solution is critical.

Case presentation

A 40‐year‐old man presented with fever, pus around the glans and foreskin, and difficult catheterization. On physical examination, his urethral meatus was too narrow to insert a catheter. Suprapubic catheterization and 2 weeks of intravenous and topical treatment cured the ulcer of the glans. However, after restarting catheterization, the ulcer of the glans relapsed, and the patient’s urethral meatus was completely closed. Circumcision and incision of the meatus were performed, and antibiotics were administered. Unexpectedly, restarting catheterization caused recurrent balanoposthitis. Close inquiry revealed that the patient was using a 10% benzalkonium chloride soaking solution for a reusable catheter, which was a toxic concentration.

Conclusion

The disinfectant concentration should be confirmed when refractory balanoposthitis is encountered in patients who require catheterization.
Anatomical multiatlas segmentation using local texture statistical properties for matching descriptor with machine learning
Authors: Ould Kradda Ali , Ghomari Abdelghani , Ben Hmed Abdennacer , Binczak Stephane
Published: January 2021

The use of anatomical multiatlas methods has proven to be one of the most competitive techniques for brain images segmentation. The majority of these methods are based on visual criteria of similarity between groups of an atlas to select a representative patient image to be segmented. However, this criterion is not necessarily linked to the performance of the segmentation. To overcome this dilemma, we present in this article, a new concept of preselection of an anatomical atlas group, which is based on machine learning and using an adapted descriptor that can give an efficient and more precise segmentation of the patient image. The new descriptor, local texture statistical properties for matching descriptor with only affine registration, is adapted from the local texture of matching (LTEMA) descriptor. The proposed method is tested on real MRI brain images (LONI database provided by USC Neurological Imaging Laboratory), and show the capability and the effectiveness of the proposed local descriptor, it has been compared to three local descriptors: scale‐invariant feature transform, speed up robust feature, and LTEMA, as well as the comparison with the registration method. The obtained results show a significant improvement that makes this descriptor recommended for segmentation techniques.
Role of LDSE for a Hypothetical Manned Space Rescue Vehicle
Authors: Cureton Kenneth L.
Published: January 2021

This article examines Loss‐Driven Systems Engineering (LDSE) utility via a thought experiment regarding harmonizing desirable characteristics for resilience, safety, reliability, security, and other loss‐driven specialty areas. Various design reference missions explore and assess required loss‐driven capabilities in automated flight operations for a hypothetical Manned Space Rescue Vehicle. Identifying key adversities to achieving mission success, and evaluating potential methods to avoid, withstand, and recover from loss caused by such adversities are central to this assessment. Such methods apply classical technical disciplines such as resilience, safety, reliability, survivability, and security in an integrated fashion, recognizing and respecting each discipline's expertise and proven methods, tools, and techniques. This article also examines the concurrent need to consider loss‐driven solution unintended consequences: the “First Do No Harm” medical concept ensuring adversity's “cure cannot be worse than the disease.” Finally, this article examines the potential to leverage flexibility and creativity in crew actions and adaptive systems to overcome unexpected adversity.
Preparation of PEG‐modified wool keratin/sodium alginate porous scaffolds with elasticity recovery and good biocompatibility
Authors: Ji Ji , Chen Guang , Liu Zitong , Li Lili , Yuan Jiugang , Wang Ping , Xu Bo , Fan Xuerong
Published: January 2021

To improve mechanical properties of keratin (KR) porous scaffolds, we prepared a PEGylated keratin through thiol‐ene click reaction. Several porous scaffolds were prepared by blending PEGylated keratin with sodium alginate (SA). The surface morphology, mechanical properties, and porosity of scaffolds were detailed studied at different KR/SA proportions. The results showed the content of SA had an effect on pore formation and mechanical properties. When the mass ratio of KR to SA was 2:1, the stress of yield point of the keratin porous scaffold reached 1.24 MPa, and also showed good deformation recovery ability. The PEGylated keratin porous scaffold had a high porosity and great cytocompatibility. Its' porosity is up to 81.7% and the cell viability is about 117.78%. This allows it to absorb the simulated plasma quickly (9.20 ± 0.37 g/g). In addition, the structural stability and acid–base stability of the keratin porous scaffold were also improved after PEGylation. Overall, the PEGylated keratin porous scaffold will be promising in tissue materials due to its great physical, chemical, and biological properties.
A novel energy‐efficient extraction‐assisted distillation design for isopropanol–butanol–ethanol purification for use of gasoline additive
Authors: Xu Yinggui , Li Jinlong , Ye Qing , Li Yudong , Chen Lijuan , Zhang Haoxiang , Wang Naigen
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Biobutanol is considered to be a promising alternative biofuel in terms of sustainability and environmental friendliness because of its desirable properties. High purity isopropanol–butanol–ethanol (IBE) mixture can be directly used as gasoline additive. However, the purification process of IBE is hindered because of its low concentration and high energy consumption. In order to reduce energy consumption and improve the efficiency of the IBE purification process, two novel processes combining liquid–liquid extraction with extractive distillation or azeotropic distillation are proposed. Moreover, the heat integration designs of the processes are carried out to further reduce energy. These processes are compared with regard to energy, economic, environmental and exergy impact.

RESULTS

The results show that the energy consumption of these enhanced processes are effectively reduced compared with the original process in the literature. Among them, the thermal integrated process of liquid–liquid extraction combined with extractive distillation is the best design, which has a total annual cost of $32.656 × 105 and an energy consumption of 5936.94 kW.

CONCLUSION

Compared with the original process, this process can save 71.33% of energy consumption. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
A case of TSC2‐PKD1 contiguous deletion syndrome: Clinical features and effective treatment for epilepsy
Authors: Pan Xiaoyu , Yang Chengqing , Ma Shaochun , Wang Weihong , Liu Peipei , Guo Ya , Liu Yedan , Song Jie , Wu Sifei , Yi Liping , Wei Wei , Chen Zongbo
Published: January 2021

Polycystic kidney disease with Tuberous sclerosis is a disease caused by the deletions of the TSC2‐PKD1 gene. The disease is rarely reported and the characterized manifestation is severe polycystic kidney growth. The diagnosis can be made by molecular analysis. We report the first case of PKDTS discovered in infancy in China with typical neurological and renal manifestations. The patient has infantile spasm, polycystic kidney, skin damage, hypertension, and hematuria after infection. After effective treatment of Rapamycin, the seizures were completely controlled. There was not been any renal function damage in the patient. At the same time, we review the related literature and further elaborate on the variety of clinical manifestations, treatment, and prognosis.
Light microscopic iris classification using ensemble multi‐class support vector machine
Authors: Rehman Amjad
Published: January 2021

Similar to other biometric systems such as fingerprint, face, DNA, iris classification could assist law enforcement agencies in identifying humans. Iris classification technology helps law‐enforcement agencies to recognize humans by matching their iris with iris data sets. However, iris classification is challenging in the real environment due to its invertible and complex texture variations in the human iris. Accordingly, this article presents an improved Oriented FAST and Rotated BRIEF with Bag‐of‐Words model to extract distinct and robust features from the iris image, followed by ensemble multi‐class‐SVM to classify iris. The proposed methodology consists of four main steps; first, iris image normalization and enhancement; second, localizing iris region; third, iris feature extraction; finally, iris classification using ensemble multi‐class support vector machine. For preprocessing of input images, histogram equalization, Gaussian mask and median filters are applied. The proposed technique is tested on two benchmark databases, that is, CASIA‐v1 and iris image database, and achieved higher accuracy than other existing techniques reported in state of the art.
In totum deparaffinization of biological samples and re‐embedded in historesin for better diagnostic
Authors: Mazzoni Talita Sarah , Quagio‐Grassiotto Irani
Published: January 2021

Paraffin has been the most traditional embedding medium used in histological techniques, however it can cause several technical artifacts. On the other hand, the use of plastic resins gives a more consistent and precise support to the tissues, allowing a better perfection of the histological sections. Thus, in an attempt to retrieve samples previously embedded in paraffin, we have described this new protocol which allows the material to be deparaffinized and re‐embedded into historesin (glycol methacrylate). Paraffin embedded biological materials (en bloc) were deparaffinized and re‐embedded with historesin. The histological sections of the samples (in paraffin and historesin) were analyzed under light microscope and the quality of the material was compared. As expected, samples embedded in historesin showed a better quality in their morphology, even if they were previously embedded in paraffin. Therefore, this new technique proposed here allows the recovery of old materials, through reprocessing to historesin, ensuring that materials already collected that cannot be obtained again are analyzed with greater clarity and great detail.
An implanted device enables in vivo monitoring of extracellular vesicle‐mediated spread of pro‐inflammatory mast cell response in mice
Authors: Vukman Krisztina V. , Ferencz Andrea , Fehér Daniella , Juhos Krisztina , Lőrincz Péter , Visnovitz Tamás , Koncz Anna , Pálóczi Krisztina , Seregélyes Gábor , Försönits András , Khamari Delaram , Galinsoga Alicia , Drahos László , Buzás Edit I.
Published: January 2021

Mast cells have been shown to release extracellular vesicles (EVs) in vitro. However, EV‐mediated mast cell communication in vivo remains unexplored. Primary mast cells from GFP‐transgenic and wild type mice, were grown in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and the secreted EVs were separated from the conditioned media. Mast cell‐derived EVs were next cultured with LPS‐naïve mast cells, and the induction of TNF‐α expression was monitored. In addition, primary mast cells were seeded in diffusion chambers that were implanted into the peritoneal cavities of mice. Diffusion chambers enabled the release of GFP+ mast cell‐derived EVs in vivo into the peritoneal cavity. Peritoneal lavage cells were assessed for the uptake of GFP+ EVs and for TNF‐α production. In vitro, LPS‐stimulated mast cell‐derived EVs were efficiently taken up by non‐stimulated mast cells, and induced TNF‐α expression in a TLR4, JNK and P38 MAPK dependent manner. In vivo, using implanted diffusion chambers, we confirmed the release and transmission of mast cell‐derived EVs to other mast cells with subsequent induction of TNF‐α expression. These data show an EV‐mediated spreading of pro‐inflammatory response between mast cells, and provide the first in vivo evidence for the biological role of mast cell‐derived EVs.
A straightforward route to alkyl 5‐arylthiophene‐2‐thiocarboxylates from alkyl 2‐aroyl‐1‐chlorocyclopropanecarboxylates
Authors: Huang Long , Liu Xuehui , Zhang Duntie , Luo Chenghao , Zhang Jing , Chen Yikun , Gong Yuefa
Published: January 2021

In this article, a direct synthetic method for alkyl 5‐arylthiophene‐2‐thiocarboxylates was reported. Treatment of alkyl 2‐aroyl‐1‐chlorocyclopropanecarboxylates with excess amount of Lawesson's reagent readily afforded alkyl 5‐arylthiophene‐2‐thiocarboxylates in good to excellent yields under mild conditions. This cycloisomerization reaction process would be initiated by a ring‐opening of the strained cyclopropane.