bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interproximal attachment gain: The challenge of periodontal regeneration
Authors: Rasperini Giulio , Tavelli Lorenzo , Barootchi Shayan , McGuire Michael K. , Zucchelli Giovanni , Pagni Giorgio , Stefanini Martina , Wang Hom‐Lay , Giannobile William V.
Published: November 2020

The new classification of periodontal diseases recognizes the key role of the interdental clinical attachment for defining the periodontal status and the extent of disease severity. Regenerating interdental clinical attachment not only improves the prognosis of the tooth, but it also lessens the severity of the disease condition. This manuscript provides a state‐of‐the‐art review on surgical reconstructive approaches for treating papillary deficiency associated with soft and hard tissue interproximal defects. Combination therapy of papilla preservation, connective tissue grafting, and coronally advanced flaps may result in regeneration of the intrabony defect coupled with root coverage. Future research highlighted here may have the potential, especially in combination approaches, to repair challenging interproximal soft and hard tissue deficiencies.
Chitosan coatings reduce fruit fly (Anastrepha obliqua) infestation and development of the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides in Manila mangoes
Authors: Limon Tamara , Birke Andrea , Monribot‐Villanueva Juan Luis , Guerrero‐Analco José Antonio , Altúzar‐Molina Alma , Carrión Gloria , Goycoolea Francisco M , Moerschbacher Bruno M , Aluja Martín
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Mangoes are tropical fruits appreciated worldwide but are extremely perishable, being susceptible to decay, pest infestation and fungal diseases. Using the flavorful and highly valued ‘Manila’ cultivar, we examined the effect of second‐generation chitosan coatings on shelf‐life, phenolic compound variation, phytohormones, pest infestation by fruit flies (Anastrepha obliqua) and anthracnose disease caused by the fungus Colletotrichum gloeosporioides.

RESULTS

We observed almost total elimination of A. obliqua eggs with 10 and 20 g L−1 chitosan in diluted acetic acid and a five‐ to sixfold reduction in anthracnose damage. Treatment with 20 g L−1 chitosan also extended the shelf‐life. External (skin) and internal (pulp) discoloration processes were delayed. Fruit firmness was higher when compared with control and acetic acid treatments, and total soluble solids were lower in chitosan‐treated fruit. Targeted and non‐targeted metabolomics analyses on chitosan‐coated fruit identified some phenolic compounds related to the tannin pathway. In addition, abscisic acid and jasmonic acid in the peel were downregulated in chitosan‐coated mango peels. Both phytohormones and phenolic content may explain the reduced susceptibility of mangoes to anthracnose development and A. obliqua egg eclosion or larval development.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that chitosan coatings represent an effective postharvest treatment that significantly reduces anthracnose disease, inhibits A. obliqua egg eclosion and significantly extends ‘Manila’ mango shelf‐life, a key factor currently inhibiting large‐scale commercialization of this valuable fruit. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A theoretical kinetic study on the reaction of atomic bromine with toluene
Authors: Giri Binod Raj , Roscoe John M. , Szőri Milán , Farooq Aamir
Published: November 2020

The reaction of Br atoms with toluene was investigated by employing various quantum chemical methods and statistical rate theory calculations. Various composite methods such as CBS‐QB3, G3, and G4 were used to obtain the energy profiles of the Br + toluene reaction. Further single‐point calculations of the stationary points were performed at the CCSD(T)/cc‐pV(D,T)Z level of theory using B3LYP/cc‐pVTZ and MP2/aug‐cc‐pVDZ optimized geometries. Our calculations revealed several reaction pathways in the potential energy surface of the Br + toluene reaction. However, the reaction pathway that abstracts hydrogen atoms from the methyl site of toluene was found to be energetically the most favorable. This reaction pathway appears to proceed via a complex forming mechanism, similar to that seen in the reactions of cyclic ethers with Br atoms. Our calculations reveal that the reaction of a Br atom with toluene proceeds exclusively via intermediate complexes in an overall endothermic addition‐elimination mechanism. Based on the ab initio results, the standard enthalpies of formation of the product radicals and the rate coefficients for the relevant reaction pathways are computed. The calculated values of the enthalpy of formation are found to match excellently with the available literature data. Lowering the barrier height of hydrogen abstraction reaction at the methyl site by less than 4 kJ/mol, the calculated rate coefficients, kov(T) = 1.36 × 10–23 T3.687 exp(−4.57 K/T) cm3 molecule–1 s–1, reproduced the experimental data excellently from 200 to 500 K.
Predictors of Stricture and Swallowing Function Following Salvage Laryngectomy
Authors: Schuman Ari D. , Birkeland Andrew C. , Farlow Janice L. , Lyden Teresa , Blakely Anna , Spector Matthew E. , Rosko Andrew J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Long‐term functional outcomes are poorly characterized for salvage laryngectomy. We identified predictors of esophageal stricture and swallowing function after salvage laryngectomy in a large cohort.

Methods

A retrospective study of 233 patients who underwent salvage total laryngectomy for recurrent/persistent squamous cell carcinoma of the larynx or hypopharynx after radiation (XRT) or chemoradiation (CRT) was performed. Primary outcomes were esophageal dilation within 1 year, time to dilation, and gastrostomy tube dependence. Multivariate logistic and Cox regressions were used for statistical analysis.

Results

Dilation was performed in 29.9% of patients. Dilation was twice as likely in patients with post‐operative fistula compared to those without (Hazard Ratio (HR) 2.10, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 1.06–4.13, P = .03). Every year between XRT/CRT and salvage was associated with 10% increase in dilation (HR 1.09, 95% CI 1.03–1.17, P = .01). No factors were associated with dilation by 1 year. About 10% of patients were at least partially gastrostomy tube‐dependent 1 year post‐operatively. At last follow‐up (median 29 months), this rate was 13%. Patients with supraglottic recurrence had an increased risk of gastrostomy tube dependence at 1 year compared to glottic (OR 16.7, 95% CI 1.73–160, P = .02). For every 10 pack years pre‐salvage, the OR of requiring tube feeds at last follow‐up was 1.24 (95% CI 1.04–1.48, P = .02).

Conclusions

Fistula and pre‐salvage smoking were associated with stricture post‐salvage laryngectomy. No factors were associated with dilation by 1 year. Supraglottic recurrence and smoking were associated with gastrostomy tube dependence. These findings are important for pre‐operative counseling prior to salvage laryngectomy.

Level of Evidence

Level 4 Laryngoscope, 131:1229–1234, 2021
Detection of Respiratory Pathogens Does Not Predict Risks After Outpatient Adenotonsillectomy
Authors: Vickers Donald M. , Reddy Arundathi , Akmyradov Chary , Brown Kesley M. , Boyanton Bobby L. , Wright Heather D. , Taylor Jay A. , Childress Sherry H. , Hartzell Larry D. , Johnson Adam B. , Key James M. , Nolder Abby R. , Richter Gresham T. , Wineland Andre’ M. , Strub Graham M.
Published: November 2020

Objectives/Hypothesis

To determine whether the presence of detectable upper respiratory infections (URIs) at the time of adenoidectomy/adenotonsillectomy is associated with increased morbidity, complications, and unexpected admissions.

Study Design

Prospective double‐blinded cohort.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, nasopharyngeal swabs were obtained intraoperatively from 164 pediatric patients undergoing outpatient adenoidectomy/tonsillectomy with or without pressure equalization tubes (PETs) and were analyzed with PCR for the presence of 22 known URIs, including SARS‐CoV‐2. Surgeons and families were blinded to the results. At the conclusion of the study, rates of detectable infection were determined and intraoperative and postoperative events (unexpected admissions, length of PACU stay, rates of laryngospasm/bronchospasm, oxygen desaturation, bradycardia, and postoperative presentation to an emergency department) were compared between infected and uninfected patients.

Results

Of the 164 patients (50% male, 50% female, ages 8 mo‐18 y), 136 patients (82.9%) tested positive for one or more URI at the time of surgery. Forty one patients (25.0%) tested positive for three or more URIs concurrently, and 11 (6.7%) tested positive for five or more URIs concurrently. There were no significant differences in admission rates, length of PACU stay, rates of laryngospasm/bronchospasm, oxygen desaturation, bradycardia, or postoperative presentation to an emergency department between positive and negative patients. No patients tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2.

Conclusions

A recent positive URI test does not confer any additional intraoperative or postoperative risk in the setting of outpatient adenoidectomy/tonsillectomy in healthy patients. There is no utility in preoperative URI testing, and delaying surgery due to a recent positive URI test is not warranted in this population.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E2074–E2079, 2021
Prioritization of critical source areas for soil and water conservation by using a one‐at‐a‐time removal approach in the upper Huaihe River basin
Authors: Yu Dan , Dong Xiaohua , Xie Ping , Wei Chong , Liu Ji , Hu Xiaonong , Wang Kai , Xu Shijin , Wan Hao , Su Zhongbo
Published: November 2020

Appropriate land use planning plays an active role in soil and water conservation. Considering the financial investment and grain security limitations, land use planning practices should be applied focusing on the critical source areas (CSAs) rather than the complete region. In this study, the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) model was used to identify CSAs for sediment control in the upper Huaihe River basin. A novel one‐at‐a‐time removal approach was proposed which involves individually removing the land use planning programme at sub‐basin level, after which the related runoff and sediment results were simulated by the validated SWAT model. Then, two influencing indexes (i.e., runoff yield and sediment yield) were used to evaluate the influences on runoff and sediment responses at the watershed outlet, caused by the removal of that land use planning programme. Finally, critical sub‐basins for land use planning were prioritized based on the weighted average of those influencing indexes. Calibration and validation results showed that the SWAT model well represented the monthly streamflow and sediment at the watershed outlet. The Nash–Sutcliffe efficiency values of monthly streamflow and sediment were generally greater than 0.75. Results of the integrated priorities revealed that the most CSAs affecting land use planning implementation were in sub‐basin 11, which was not the sub‐basin yielding the most sediment. The CSAs prioritization determined by the one‐at‐a‐time removal approach can achieve a better erosion control performance than that identified by the simulated sediment loads, which can be applied widely in targeting CSAs for implementation of watershed conservation practices with limited investment and disturbance.
RNA‐seq reveals novel cancer‐selective and disease subtype‐independent mechanistic targets of withaferin A in human breast cancer cells
Authors: Hahm Eun‐Ryeong , Kim Su‐Hyeong , Singh Krishna B. , Singh Shivendra V.
Published: November 2020

Withaferin A (WA) exhibits cancer chemopreventive efficacy in preclinical models representative of two different subtypes of breast cancer. However, the mechanism(s) underlying breast cancer chemoprevention by WA is not fully elucidated. We performed RNA‐seq analyses using a non‐tumorigenic mammary epithelial cell line (MCF‐10A) and human breast cancer cells (BCC) belonging to the luminal‐type (MCF‐7), HER2‐enriched (SK‐BR‐3), and basal‐like subtype (MDA‐MB‐231) to identify novel cancer‐selective mechanistic targets of WA. The WA‐regulated transcriptome was strikingly different between MCF‐10A versus BCC. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analysis revealed downregulation of genes associated with cellular senescence in WA‐treated BCC. Consequently, the number of senescence‐associated β‐galactosidase positive cells was decreased significantly in WA‐treated BCC but not in the MCF‐10A cells. WA treatment caused upregulation of senescence marker p21 more robustly in BCC than in MCF‐10A. Breast cancer prevention by WA in rats was also associated with upregulation of p21 protein expression. The Reactome pathway analyses indicated upregulation of genes associated with cellular response to stress/external stimuli in WA‐treated BCC but not in MCF‐10A. Two proteins represented in these pathways (HSPA6 and NRF2) were further investigated. While HSPA6 was dispensable for WA‐mediated apoptosis and autophagy or inhibition of cell migration, the NRF2 knockout cells were more resistant to apoptosis resulting from WA treatment than control cells. Finally, expression of some glycolysis‐related proteins was decreased by WA treatment both in vitro and in vivo. In summary, this study provides novel insights into cancer‐selective pathways affected by WA that may contribute to its chemopreventive efficacy in breast cancer.
Threshold effect of gender composition in the top management team on firm innovation: New evidence from China
Authors: Huang Weili
Published: November 2020

Whether there is an optimal threshold interval of gender structure of the top management team (hereafter TMT) was determined from the view of maximizing the innovation capacity of the firm. Drawing upon the social role and cognitive theories, the present study applies the panel threshold regression model to reconcile the mixed findings with regard to the relationship between TMT gender composition and enterprise innovation using the data from 187 listed electronic firms in China during the period of 2012–2016. The results indicate that the significant three‐threshold effect does exist with performing the “N” correlation between TMT gender diversity and innovation. The optimal threshold intervals of TMT gender structure in national, coastal, and inland enterprises are [1/4, 3/10], [1/5, 1/3], and [1/10, 1/6], respectively.
Analytical and semi‐analytical solutions for time‐fractional Cahn–Allen equation
Authors: Khater Mostafa M. A. , Bekir Ahmet , Lu Dianchen , Attia Raghda A. M.
Published: November 2020

This paper investigates the analytical and semi‐analytical solutions of the time‐fractional Cahn–Allen equation, which describes the structure of dynamic for phase separation in Fe‐Cr‐X (X = Mo, Cu) ternary alloys. We apply a modified auxiliary equation method and the Adomian decomposition method to get distinct solutions to our suggested model. These solutions describe the dynamic of the phase separation in iron alloys and use in solidification and nucleation problems. The applications of this method arise in many various fields such as plasma physics, quantum mechanics, mathematical biology, and fluid dynamics. We apply a conformable fractional derivative to this fractional model to convert it into a nonlinear partial differential equation with integer order. We obtain many analytical wave solutions and also apply a semi‐analytical scheme to calculate the absolute value of error. All solutions are verified by using Mathematica software.
A novel 3D model for non‐Newtonian fluid flows in a pipe network
Authors: Baranovskii Evgenii S.
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we propose a novel mathematical model that describes steady‐state 3D flows of a non‐Newtonian fluid with shear‐dependent viscosity in a pipe network. Our approach is based on the rejection of averaging of the velocity field and the application of conjugation conditions that provide the mass balance for interior joints of the network. Using boundary conditions involving the pressure, we formulate the corresponding boundary value problem and introduce the concept of weak solutions by integral indentities. The main result of the work is an existence theorem in the class of weak solutions for large data. The proof of this result is performed with the help of the Galerkin procedure, methods of the topological degree theory, the technique of monotone operators as well as compactness arguments.
Dual parameter in‐line fiber Mach‐Zehnder interferometer based on few‐mode fiber
Authors: Wang Jin , Liu Bo , Wu Yongfeng , Mao Yaya , Zhao Lilong , Sun Tingting , Nan Tong , Han Yang
Published: November 2020

This article proposes and demonstrates an in‐line fiber Mach‐Zehnder interferometer (MZI) based on few‐mode fiber for simultaneous measurement of temperature and refractive index. The Mach‐Zehnder interferometer is fabricated by fusion splicing a section few‐mode fiber (FMF) between hollow fiber (HF) microsphere cavity and single mode fiber (SMF) sphere. Since the different sensitivity responses of the two resonance dips in the transmission spectrum, the proposed sensor can simultaneous measurement of temperature and refractive index by monitoring the wavelength shifts of the two resonance dips. The experimental results show that the temperature sensitivities are 47.7 and 43.4 pm/°C within the temperature range from 30 to 80°C, respectively (red shift). The refractive index sensitivities are −21.41 and −30.11 nm/RIU when the refractive index changes from 1.330 to 1.394 RIU, respectively (blue shift). Furthermore, this sensor has excellent advantages of high extinction ratio, cost‐effective, ease of fabrication and compact structure, which make it competitive in the field of dual‐parameter sensing applications.
Polarization insensitive multilayered broadband absorber for L and S bands of the radar spectrum
Authors: Dhumal Ayushi , Bhardwaj Abhinav , Srivastava Kumar Vaibhav
Published: November 2020

Designing a low frequency broadband absorber is a nontrivial task in terms of establishing a trade‐off between overall absorber thickness, wide absorption bandwidth, and miniaturized unit cell size. To address the issue, we propose a novel broadband absorber design based on multilayered configuration, which covers the lower bands of the radar spectrum. The design is implemented using resistive ink patterns that are printed on an economical FR4 substrate. The reflectivity response of the proposed broadband absorber is less than −10 dB in the frequency range 1.26 to 4.38 GHz, covering the L and S bands of the radar spectrum with a fractional bandwidth of 110.63%. Furthermore, the structure has a miniaturized unit cell of dimension 0.057λL and a notable small thickness of 0.079λL. The implementation of the equivalent circuit model further validates the proposed design. The design is fabricated and experimentally verified. The simulation and measured results are in good congruence with each other.
Influence of gold nanoparticles embedded in water on nanodosimetry for keV photon irradiation
Authors: Poignant Floriane , Monini Caterina , Testa Étienne , Beuve Michaël
Published: November 2020

Purpose

For the past two decades, high‐Z nanoparticles have been of high interest to improve the therapeutic outcomes of radiation therapy, especially for low‐energy x‐rays. Monte Carlo (MC) simulations have been used to evaluate the boost of dose deposition induced by Auger electrons near the nanoparticle surface, by calculating average energy deposition at the nanoscale. In this study, we propose to go beyond average quantities and quantify the stochastic nature of energy deposition at such a scale. We present results of probability density of the specific energy (restricted to ionization, excitation and electron attachment events) in cylindrical nanotargets of height and radius set at 10 nm. This quantity was evaluated for nanotargets located within 200 nm around 5–50 nm gold nanoparticles (GNPs), for 20–90 keV photon irradiation.

Methods

This nanodosimetry study was based on the MC simulation MDM that allows tracking of electrons down to thermalization energy. We introduced a new quantity, namely the probability enhancement ratio (PER), by estimating the probability of imparting to nanotargets a restricted specific energy larger than a threshold (1, 10, and 20 kGy), normalized to the probability for pure water. The PER was calculated as a function of the distance between the nanotarget and the GNP surface. The threshold values were chosen in light of the biophysical model NanOx that predicts cell survival by calculating local lethal events based on the restricted specific energy and an effective local lethal function. then represents a threshold above which the nanotarget damages induce efficiently cell death.

Results

Our calculations showed that the PER varied a lot with the GNP radius, the photon energy, and the distance of the GNP to the nanotarget. The highest PER was 95 when the nanotarget was located at 5 nm from the GNP surface, for a photon energy of 20 keV, a threshold of 20 kGy, and a GNP radius of 50 nm. This enhancement dramatically decreased with increasing GNP‐nanotarget distances as it went below 1.5 for distances larger than 200 nm.

Conclusions

The PER seems better adapted than the mean dose deposition to describe the formation of biological damages. The significant increase of the PER within 200 nm around the GNP suggests that severe damages could occur for biological nanotargets located near the GNP. These calculations will be used as an input of the biophysical model NanOx to convert PER into estimation of radiation‐induced cell death enhanced by GNPs.
Combining chemical exchange saturation transfer and1H magnetic resonance spectroscopy for simultaneous determination of metabolite concentrations and effects of magnetization exchange
Authors: Hoefemann Maike , Döring André , Fichtner Nicole Damara , Kreis Roland
Published: November 2020

Purpose

A new sequence combining chemical‐exchange saturation‐transfer (CEST) with traditional MRS is used to simultaneously determine metabolite content and effects of magnetization exchange.

Methods

A CEST saturation block consisting of a train of RF‐pulses is placed before a metabolite‐cycled semi‐LASER single‐voxel spectroscopy sequence. The saturation parameters are adjustable to allow optimization of the saturation for a specific target. Data were collected in brain from 20 subjects in experiments with different B1‐settings (0.4‐2.0 µT) on a 3T MR scanner. CEST Z‐spectra were calculated from water intensities and fitted with a multi‐pool Lorentzian model. Interrelated metabolite spectra were fitted in fitting tool for arrays of interrelated datasets (FiTAID).

Results

Evaluation of traditional Z‐spectra from water revealed exchange effects from amides, amines, and hydroxyls as well as an upfield nuclear Overhauser effect. The magnetization transfer effect was evaluated on metabolites and macromolecules for the whole spectral range and for the different B1levels. A correction scheme for direct saturation on metabolites is proposed. Both magnetization‐transfer and direct saturation proved to differ for individual metabolites.

Conclusion

Using non‐water‐suppressed spectroscopy offers time‐saving simultaneous recording of the traditional CEST Z‐spectrum from water and the metabolite spectrum under frequency‐selective saturation. In addition, exchange and magnetization‐transfer effects on metabolites and macromolecules can be detected, which might offer additional possibilities for quantification or give further insight into the composition of the traditional CEST Z‐spectrum. Apparent magnetization‐transfer effects on macromolecular signals in the1H‐MR spectrum have been found. Detailed knowledge of magnetization‐transfer effects is also relevant for judging the influence of water‐suppression on the quantification of metabolite signals.
Thermal instability of magnetohydrodynamic couple stress nanofluid in rotating porous medium
Authors: Singh Bhupander , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy
Published: November 2020

A theoretical investigation of thermal instability of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) couple stress nanofluid is analyzed in rotating porous medium. In this paper an infinite horizontal layer of incompressible electrically conducting couple stress nanofluid in porous medium is considered and the layer is confined between two parallel boundaries. This layer is heated from below and is acted upon by uniform vertical magnetic field and the whole system is rotated uniformly about z‐direction. Using normal mode analyses a dispersion relation is obtained and this dispersion relation is examined for stationary and oscillatory convection. For stationary convection the effect of various parameters like Couple‐stress parameter C, Lewis number Le, modified diffusivity ratio NA, nanoparticles Rayleigh number Rn, porosity ∈, rotation parameter Ta and magnetic field parameter Q have been examined and their behavior are displayed through graphs. Oscillatory modes do not exist when and .
America's Water Infrastructure Act: Considerations for Small Systems
Authors: Strother Britta
Published: November 2020

America's Water Infrastructure Act (AWIA) of 2018 serves as a catalyst for utilities to evaluate their resilience to risk and to create emergency plans for responding to any unfortunate situations. AWIA gives utilities significant latitude for how they respond but requires small utilities to create a risk and resilience assessment by June 30, 2021, and an emergency response plan by Dec. 30, 2021.
Impact of mosaicism ratio on positive predictive value of cfDNA screening
Authors: Rafalko Jill M. , Caldwell Samantha , Tynan John , Almasri Eyad , Weinblatt Vivian , McCullough Ron
Published: November 2020

Objective

To examine the relationship between the fraction of cell‐free DNA (cfDNA) affected by aneuploidy compared to the overall fetal fraction of a prenatal screening specimen and its effect on positive predictive value (PPV).

Method

CfDNA specimens positive for trisomy 13, 18, and 21 with diagnostic outcomes were analysed over a 22‐month period in one clinical laboratory. For each positive specimen, a “mosaicism ratio” (MR) was calculated by dividing the fraction of cfDNA affected by aneuploidy by the overall fetal fraction of the specimen. PPVs were calculated and analyzed based on various MR ranges.

Results

Trisomy 13 was the aneuploidy most commonly seen in mosaic form, followed by trisomy 18 and trisomy 21. Significant differences in positive predictive values were noted for all three trisomies between samples with an MR in the “mosaic” versus “non‐mosaic” range, as well as between results classified as “low‐mosaic” versus “high‐mosaic.”

Conclusion

PPVs may be influenced, in part, by the mosaicism ratio associated with a particular result. The data generated from this study may be useful in providing more personalized risk assessments for patients with positive cfDNA screening results.
And… Cut!
Authors: Schäfer Eckhard
Published: November 2020

Along with wind energy, photovoltaics is one of the major building blocks of the energy transition. But it is also regarded as one of the greatest social challenges of our time. Twenty years ago, the production of crystalline silicon solar cells and thin‐film modules was still in its infancy. Much has changed since then as manufacturing in small batches has long since given way to mass production.
Anionic polymerization of dienes in ‘green’ solvents
Authors: Glatzel Julia , Noack Sebastian , Schanzenbach Dirk , Schlaad Helmut
Published: November 2020

Isoprene and β‐myrcene were polymerized by anionic polymerization in bulk and in the ‘green’ ether solvents cyclopentyl methyl ether and 2‐methyltetrahydrofuran and, for comparison, in cyclohexane and tetrahydrofuran. The polydienes produced in bulk and in cyclohexane contained high amounts of 1,4 units (>90%) whereas those produced in ether solvents were rich in 1,2 and 3,4 units (36%–86%). Comparison of the microstructures and glass transition temperatures of the polydienes obtained in the various solvents suggests that conventionally used solvents can be substituted by environmentally more friendly alternatives. © 2020 Society of Industrial Chemistry
Is burnout affecting life satisfaction in oncologists? The moderating role of family concerns in an Italian sample
Authors: Cheli Simone , Zagonel Vittorina , Oliani Cristina , Blasi Livio , Fioretto Luisa
Published: November 2020

Objective

Burnout may represent a significant source of distress in health care professionals. Many studies have reported its negative effect on career satisfaction and personal life. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relation between burnout and life satisfaction in a large sample of Italian oncologists.

Methods

An online survey was conducted of 14.5% of the Italian oncologists' population (n = 533) using Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, Satisfaction with Life Scale and additional questions exploring professional and personal factors. Moderated regression analysis was carried out to explore how burnout may relate to life satisfaction.

Results

One out of 10 (10.5%) oncologists showed significant burnout symptoms, whereas 1 out of 3 (33.8%) reported being at least slightly dissatisfied with their own life. Family concerns significantly moderated the relationship between burnout and life satisfaction. Men and chiefs of cancer units or departments showed lower rates of burnout and life dissatisfaction than women and other oncologists, respectively.

Conclusions

Reported results are in line with existing data about a limited burnout prevalence in Italian oncologists. We discuss the potential role of gender inequality in explaining our findings. The present study suggests that family concerns may be considered a risk factor for both burnout and life dissatisfaction in oncologists.
NT‐proBNP levels and cardiopulmonary function in children with sickle cell disease
Authors: Feld Lance , Fiorino Elizabeth K. , Aygun Banu , Appiah‐Kubi Abena , Mitchell Elizabeth C. , Jackson Stacey , Mehran Roxana , Fishbein Joanna , Santiago Maria T.
Published: November 2020

Patients with sickle cell disease (SCD) are living longer and subsequently more apt to develop cardiopulmonary dysfunction. N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide (NT‐proBNP) levels have been used in adults with SCD to assess for pulmonary hypertension and mortality. While the incidence of PH is low in pediatrics, it is reasonable to presume that NT‐proBNP levels can be used to assess risk for the development of cardiopulmonary morbidity. We hypothesized that NT‐proBNP levels would be increased in patients with SCD compared to age‐adjusted healthy children; additionally, these levels would be associated with labs indicative of hemolysis and would demonstrate evidence of obstructive lung disease and cardiac dysfunction. We retrospectively evaluated patients with SCD, 8–18 years old, at a large, tertiary care children's hospital. NT‐proBNP levels were assessed in correlation with hemolytic lab work, spirometry, and echocardiographic data. The age group 8–14 years old, 75% of our cohort's population, had a median NT‐proBNP of 70 pg/ml, greater than their age‐adjusted counterparts (52 pg/ml). NT‐proBNP levels were associated with an increased degree of hemolysis when compared with hemoglobin (Hb) (r = −0.43, p < .0001), reticulocyte count (r = .25, p = .01) and lactate dehydrogenase levels (r = .47, p < .0001). An inverse trend was found between NT‐proBNP and spirometric data. Finally, a positive correlation was found between NT‐proBNP and diastolic left ventricular size (r = .28, p = .047]. The correlations found suggest that NT‐proBNP may be used prospectively to identify patients with SCD at increased risk for the development of cardiopulmonary dysfunction.
Preparation and Characterization of Metatitanic Acid/Urea‐Formaldehyde Microcapsules as Wear‐Reducing Additives
Authors: Yan Jun , Lin Shaosen , Wang Mingqiu , Zhao Weipu
Published: November 2020

Metatitanic acid/urea‐formaldehyde microcapsules were synthesized to inhibit the erosion of gun barrel resulting from the propellant combustion. The microcapsules were prepared by one‐step in‐situ polymerization method. SEM and EDS were employed to characterize the morphology, core‐shell structure and the chemical composition of the microcapsules. FTIR spectra and XRD patterns confirmed the formation of crystalline urea‐formaldehyde resin on the surface of the metatitanic acid particle. TG results showed that the thermal decomposition residue weight ratio of the microcapsules in air was 12.8 %. Kinetic parameters of thermal decomposition of propellant with and without the microcapsules were calculated based on the DSC results, respectively, which proved the good compatibility between the microcapsules and the double‐base propellant. Erosion tube comparative test showed the wear‐reducing efficiency reached 18.54 % with 1.5 wt.% addition of microcapsules. The combination of metatitanic acid and urea‐formaldehyde resin surprisingly resulted in a synergistic effect, which was attributed to the better dispersibility of TiO2 particles generated by metatitanic acid microcapsules. The metatitanic acid/urea‐formaldehyde microcapsules exhibit a potential application for propellant erosion additive.
TSGIT: An N‐ and C‐terminal tandem tag system for purification of native and intein‐mediated ligation‐ready proteins
Authors: Raducanu Vlad‐Stefan , Raducanu Daniela‐Violeta , Ouyang Yujing , Tehseen Muhammad , Takahashi Masateru , Hamdan Samir M.
Published: November 2020

A large variety of fusion tags have been developed to improve protein expression, solubilization, and purification. Nevertheless, these tags have been combined in a rather limited number of composite tags and usually these composite tags have been dictated by traditional commercially‐available expression vectors. Moreover, most commercially‐available expression vectors include either N‐ or C‐terminal fusion tags but not both. Here, we introduce TSGIT, a fusion‐tag system composed of both N‐ and a C‐terminal composite fusion tags. The system includes two affinity tags, two solubilization tags and two cleavable tags distributed at both termini of the protein of interest. Therefore, the N‐ and the C‐terminal composite fusion tags in TSGIT are fully orthogonal in terms of both affinity selection and cleavage. For using TSGIT, we streamlined the cloning, expression, and purification procedures. Each component tag is selected to maximize its benefits toward the final construct. By expressing and partially purifying the protein of interest between the components of the TSGIT fusion, the full‐length protein is selected over truncated forms, which has been a long‐standing problem in protein purification. Moreover, due to the nature of the cleavable tags in TSGIT, the protein of interest is obtained in its native form without any additional undesired N‐ or C‐terminal amino acids. Finally, the resulting purified protein is ready for efficient ligation with other proteins or peptides for downstream applications. We demonstrate the use of this system by purifying a large amount of native fluorescent mRuby3 protein and bacteriophage T7 gp2.5 ssDNA‐binding protein.
Inefficiency of anthraquinone‐based avian repellents when applied to sunflower: the importance of crop vegetative and floral characteristics in field applications
Authors: Kaiser Brandon A , Johnson Burton L , Ostlie Michael H , Werner Scott J , Klug Page E
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND

Blackbirds (Icteridae) cause significant damage to sunflower (Helianthus annuusL.) prompting the need for effective management tools. Anthraquinone‐based repellents can reduce feeding by > 80% in laboratory settings, but require birds to learn the negative association through repellent ingestion. We evaluated an anthraquinone‐based repellent applied directly to mature sunflower plants for its ability to reduce bird damage. We used captive male red‐winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus) to evaluate efficacy of two anthraquinone‐based formulations in varying concentrations and applied in a manner attainable by sunflower producers. We also assessed field application methods for repellent coverage and anthraquinone residues when using ground‐rigs equipped with drop‐nozzles situated below the crop canopy.

RESULTS

The repellents failed to reduce feeding and birds did not exhibit a preference between untreated and treated sunflowers at concentrations 2.7× the suggested application rate (i.e. 9.35 L ha−1of repellent). In the absence of disk flowers, which obstruct repellent from reaching the achenes, the repellents failed to reduce consumption. Anthraquinone concentrations in field applications were considerably less than those in the laboratory experiments and did not reduce bird damage.

CONCLUSION

Efficacy is difficult to achieve in the field due to application issues where growth patterns and floral components of sunflower limit residues on achenes, thus contact with foraging birds. Although field residues could be improved by increasing anthraquinone concentrations in tank mixtures and decreasing droplet size, repellents optimized for loose achenes are inefficient in reducing avian consumption of sunflower when applied to intact plants in a manner representative of commercial agriculture. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Theoretical studies on how to tune the π‐hole pnicogen bonds by substitution and cooperative effects
Authors: Zhang Lijuan , Li Dazhi
Published: November 2020

A systemic investigation of the substitution and cooperative effects on the P…N π‐hole pnicogen bond were performed via theoretical calculations. The structural and energetic properties of the binary complexes between a series of substituted benzonitrile and PO2F have been examined to study the substitution effect. The stability of the binary complexes increases in the order of CN < Br ≈ Cl < F < H < CH3 < NH2, in which all halogen atoms serve as the electron‐withdrawing substituents. The cooperativity between halogen/triel bond with pnicogen bond were also studied in X…NC‐Ph‐CN…PO2F and Y…Br‐Ph‐CN…PO2F complexes with X = F2, Cl2, Br2, FCl, FBr, BrCl, FCN, ClCN, BrCN, BH3, BF3, and Y = NH3, NH2CH3, NHCH2, HCN. It is found that the mutual effect of the interactions is weakened through the phenyl ring relative to the heterocyclic ring. The molecular electrostatic potential, atoms in molecules and natural bond orbital analysis were carried out to unveil the nature of these interactions. Several linear relationships have been established between the geometric parameters and the interaction energies or some electronic properties of the complexes. The distinct differences for the complexes involving BH3 and their BF3 analogs may be attributed to the greater π electron density on the BF3 moiety, and the underlying reasons are discussed in detail.
Diagnostic accuracy of serological tests and kinetics of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 antibody: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mekonnen Daniel , Mengist Hylemariam Mihiretie , Derbie Awoke , Nibret Endalkachew , Munshea Abaineh , He Hongliang , Li Bofeng , Jin Tengchuan
Published: November 2020

This study aimed to assess the diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐COV‐2) serological test methods and the kinetics of antibody positivity. Systematic review and meta‐analysis were conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guideline. We included articles evaluating the diagnostic accuracy of serological tests and the kinetics of antibody positivity. MEDLINE through PubMed, Scopus, medRxiv and bioRxiv were sources of articles. Methodological qualities of included articles were appraised using QUADAS‐2 while Metandi performs bivariate meta‐analysis of DTA using a generalized linear mixed‐model approach. Stata 14 and Review Manager 5.3 were used for data analysis. The summary sensitivity/specificity of chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA), enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) were 92% (95% CI: 86%–95%)/99% (CI: 97%–99%), 86% (CI: 82%–89%)/99% (CI: 98%–100%) and 78% (CI: 71%–83%)/98% (95% CI: 96%–99%), respectively. Moreover, CLIA‐based assays produced nearly 100% sensitivity within 11–15 days post‐symptom onset (DPSO). Based on antibody type, the sensitivity of ELISA‐total antibody, CLIA‐IgM/G and CLIA‐IgG gauged at 94%, 92% and 92%, respectively. The sensitivity of CLIA–RBD assay reached 96%, while LFIA‐S demonstrated the lowest sensitivity, 71% (95% CI: 58%–80%). CLIA assays targeting antibodies against RBD considered the best DTA. The antibody positivity rate increased corresponding with DPSO, but there was some decrement when moving from acute phase to convalescent phase of infection. As immunoglobulin isotope‐related DTA was heterogeneous, our data have insufficient evidence to recommend CLIA/ELISA for clinical decision‐making, but likely to have comparative advantage over RT‐qPCR in certain circumstances and geographic regions.
The potential contribution of small coastal streams to the conservation of declining and threatened diadromous fishes, especially the European eel
Authors: Copp Gordon H. , Daverat Françoise , Bašić Tea
Published: November 2020

Human‐generated pressures are continuing to have a detrimental effect on diadromous fishes, resulting in legislative initiatives to conserve and manage these species. Field studies to inform these initiatives focus almost exclusively on larger marine, estuarine, and inland waters, neglecting the role of small coastal streams and tributaries in population recovery. As an example of the potential contribution of very small coastal streams to diadromous fish recruitment, we report here on the densities and distribution of European eel Anguilla anguilla L. and flounder Platichthys flesus (L.) in one such stream, “La Warenne,” in northeast France in October 1998 and 1999. Both species were found mainly in downstream sites in both years—flounder were captured in low numbers only, but mean CPUE values for eel were similar to the highest densities reported in the ICES WGEEL database for larger rivers of Great Britain, France and Spain in the Interreg Atlantic and North Sea areas. This small dataset illustrates that small coastal streams may represent an important, but overlooked, role in conservation strategies for European eel, and possibly flounder, indicating the need for further field studies and investigations of existing data sources to evaluate the contributions to diadromous fish recruitment of these poorly studied water courses.
Investigation of Room Temperature Formation of the Ultra‐Hard Nanocarbons Diamond and Lonsdaleite
Authors: McCulloch Dougal G. , Wong Sherman , Shiell Thomas B. , Haberl Bianca , Cook Brenton A. , Huang Xingshuo , Boehler Reinhard , McKenzie David R. , Bradby Jodie E.
Published: November 2020

Diamond is an attractive material due to its extreme hardness, high thermal conductivity, quantum optical, and biomedical applications. There is still much that is not understood about how diamonds form, particularly at room temperature and without catalysts. In this work, a new route for the formation of nanocrystalline diamond and the diamond‐like phase lonsdaleite is presented. Both diamond phases are found to form together within bands with a core‐shell structure following the high pressure treatment of a glassy carbon precursor at room temperature. The crystallographic arrangements of the diamond phases revealed that shear is the driving force for their formation and growth. This study gives new understanding of how shear can lead to crystallization in materials and helps elucidate how diamonds can form on Earth, in meteorite impacts and on other planets. Finally, the new shear induced formation mechanism works at room temperature, a key finding that may enable diamond and other technically important nanomaterials to be synthesized more readily.
Effect of Ce Addition on Inclusions and Grain Structure in Gear Steel 20CrNiMo
Authors: Luo Sen , Shen Zongshuai , Yu Zongming , Wang Weiling , Zhu Miaoyong
Published: November 2020

Through laboratory experiments and thermodynamic calculation, the chemical composition and morphology of inclusion and grain size in the cast melt are comprehensively characterized herein. The results show the evolution of Al2O3 inclusion formed by Al deoxidation in the gear steel 20CrNiMo follows the route of Al2O3 → CeAlO3 → Ce2O2S → Ce2O2S + CeS, and thus the nucleation core of complex CemnS sulfides changes from CeAlO inclusion to CeOS inclusion with the increase in Ce addition. Moreover, grain size of gear steel 20CrNiMo treated by Ce addition decreases from 491.4 to 164.0 μm, because both the Ce2O2S and CeS form with Ce addition and have potential to be effective heterogeneous nucleation agents for the primary δ‐ferrite during the solidification process of gear steel 20CrNiMo. And statistical results show that the percentage of small inclusion with a diameter less than 3 μm are, respectively, 64.4%, 86.5%, 96.4%, 93.6%, and 75.6% in the steel samples with Ce content of 0, 13, 31, 77, and 203 ppm. Thus, the recommended Ce content to achieve fine inclusions and solidification structure of gear steel 20CrNiMo is 31 ppm.
Microstructure, Mechanical Properties, and Strain‐Hardening Behavior of V–N Microalloyed Pipeline Steels Consisted of Polygonal Ferrite and Acicular Ferrite
Authors: Wang Mingming , Gao Xiuhua , Zhu Chenglin , Song Liying , Du Linxiu , Misra Raja Devesh Kumar , Zhao Xin
Published: November 2020

A novel V–N microalloying method is adopted to produce pipeline steels using a two‐stage thermomechanical controlled processing involving relaxation process and accelerated cooling. The main objective of the current work is to study the novel practice in terms of microstructure, mechanical properties, and strain‐hardening behavior. The microstructure of the experimental steels consists of polygonal ferrite (PF), quasi‐polygonal ferrite (QF), acicular ferrite (AF), and granular bainite (GB). Mechanical properties including strength, ductility, and low‐temperature toughness of V–N microalloyed steels meet the requirements of X80 pipeline steels. Yield strength, tensile strength, total elongation, and −20 °C impact energy are 639 MPa, 761 MPa, 21.0%, and 283 J when the volume fraction of PF is 9.1%, and 603 MPa, 724 MPa, 24.1%, and 214 J when the volume fraction of PF increases to 30.4%. The V–N microalloyed steels exhibit high strain‐hardening ability, and the values of strain‐hardening exponent are 0.12 and 0.11 based on Hollomon analysis.
Formation of Nitride and Oxide Inclusions in Liquid Fe‐Cr‐Ti‐Al Alloys
Authors: Paek Min-Kyu , Kim Kyung-Ho , Lindberg Daniel , Pak Jong-Jin
Published: November 2020

Thermodynamics of nitride and oxide inclusion formations in liquid Fe–Cr alloys containing Ti and Al is studied to provide accurate information for the refining process of ferritic stainless steel. The compatible set of the interaction parameters for the multicomponent Fe–Cr–Ti–Al–N–O system is tabulated based on Wagner's formalism. The selected parameters are valid to reproduce the thermodynamic behavior of N and O in both Fe–Cr–Ti–Al–N and Fe–Cr–Ti–Al–O systems. The verification experiments of the N solubilities and nitride solubility products in Fe–Cr–Ti–N, Fe–Cr–Al–N, and Fe–Cr–Ti–Al–N melts are in good agreement with the present calculations over the wide range of melt composition and temperature. The various types of Ti nitride inclusions are observed in Fe–Cr–Ti–Al–N melt during cooling. The inclusion evolution experiment is also carried out to confirm the morphology and composition change of oxide inclusions by the Al–Ti complex deoxidation in liquid Fe–Cr alloy. The relation between the melt composition and the stability of oxide inclusion is thermodynamically described by constructing of the equilibrium predominance diagram in the Fe–Cr–Ti–Al–O system.