bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fracture Risk Assessment in Atypical Parkinsonian Syndromes
Authors: Kobylecki Christopher , Glasse Hannah , Amin Jigisha , Gregson Celia L. , Lyell Veronica , Henderson Emily J.
Published: January 2021

Background

Bone health and fracture risk reduction are increasingly recognized as important issues in Parkinson's disease (PD). However, the evidence for fracture risk management in atypical parkinsonism (AP) is less clear. Guidance on management of bone health in PD has recently been published.

Objectives

To evaluate the outcome of fracture risk assessment in a cohort of patients with AP, compared to a population with idiopathic PD.

Methods

We did a cross‐sectional study of patients with PD or AP who had fracture risk assessed at two tertiary movement disorder centres. Data on fracture risk as assessed using QFracture and FRAX were collected. To assess for the effect of age on fracture risk we compared the risks of PD and AP patients aged ≤70 and >70 years.

Results

We assessed 71 patients with AP and 267 with PD. Age, sex and body mass index were similar between groups; patients with AP were more likely to have fallen in the previous year. Major osteoporotic fracture risk was greater in patients with AP aged ≤70 compared to PD; no differences between groups were seen in those aged >70 years. 76% of those with AP, and 63% with PD, had an estimated fracture risk indicating bone‐sparing treatment, but only 33% of patients with AP were receiving this where it was indicated.

Conclusion

There is scope for considerable improvement in fracture risk assessment and treatment in atypical parkinsonism, taking into account the worse prognosis of this patient group.
A multigrid method with reduced phase error for 2D damped Helmholtz equations
Authors: Ahmed Mostak , Zhang Chengjian
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with a new multigrid method with reduced phase error for solving 2D damped Helmholtz equations. The method is obtained by taking the high‐effective, reduced phase error 5‐point finite difference (FD) scheme as a coarse grid operator and the regular 5‐point FD scheme as a fine grid operator. It is found that the proposed method gives a faster convergent rate than the regular multigrid method. A local mode Fourier analysis confirms the validity of our proposed method. Finally, some numerical results demonstrate the efficiency of the method.
Global regularity problem of two‐dimensional magnetic Bénard fluid equations
Authors: Ma Liangliang
Published: January 2021

In the paper, we devote to broadening the current global regularity results for the two‐dimensional magnetic Bénard fluid equations. We study three cases: (i) fractional Laplacian dissipation (‐ Δ)αu, partial magnetic diffusion
, and Laplacian thermal diffusivity Δθ; (ii) partial fractional dissipation
, partial magnetic diffusion
, and Laplacian thermal diffusivity Δθ; (iii) partial fractional magnetic diffusion
, Laplacian thermal diffusivity Δθ, and without Laplacian dissipation Δu (i.e.,
), and establish the global regularity for each cases.
Steady solutions to a model of compressible chemically reacting fluid with high density
Authors: Axmann Šimon , Pokorný Milan
Published: January 2021

We consider a model describing the steady flow of compressible heat‐conducting chemically reacting multicomponent mixture. We show the existence of strong solutions under the additional assumption that the mixture is sufficiently dense. We work in the Lp‐setting combining the methods for the weak solutions with the method of decomposition. The result is a generalization of previous results of the authors, where the case of single‐constituted fluid was studied.
Meta‐grounded bandpass filter with broad upper‐stopband
Authors: Xu Mingming , Qiao Haidong , Yu Weihua , He Changshan
Published: January 2021

In this paper, a novel meta‐grounded planar bandpass filter is presented, facilitating much broader upper stopband. The proposed filter is comprised of a strip layer on the top, a dielectric laminate in the middle and a meta‐grounding layer on the bottom. The strip on the top consists of three cross‐shaped resonators in cascade. Instead of perfect conducting ground, a meta‐ground, composed by a group of metallic mushroom lattices with different characteristic dimensions, is proposed for broadening the upper stopband. In order to validate the proposed concept, we design and fabricate a prototype filter with a center frequency of 11.6 GHz, which exhibits an extremely broad upper stopband from 17.6 GHz to 72.2 GHz with a rejection level greater than 20 dB.
Five‐dimensional quantitative low‐dose Multitasking dynamic contrast‐ enhanced MRI: Preliminary study on breast cancer
Authors: Wang Nan , Xie Yibin , Fan Zhaoyang , Ma Sen , Saouaf Rola , Guo Yu , Shiao Stephen L. , Christodoulou Anthony G. , Li Debiao
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To develop a low‐dose Multitasking DCE technique (LD‐MT‐DCE) for breast imaging, enabling dynamic T1 mapping–based quantitative characterization of tumor blood flow and vascular properties with whole‐breast coverage, a spatial resolution of 0.9 × 0.9 × 1.1 mm3, and a temporal resolution of 1.4 seconds using a 20% gadolinium dose (0.02 mmol/kg).

Methods

Magnetic resonance Multitasking was used to reconstruct 5D images with three spatial dimensions, one T1 recovery dimension for dynamic T1 quantification, and one DCE dimension for contrast kinetics. Kinetic parameters , , , and were estimated from dynamic T1 maps using the two‐compartment exchange model. The LD‐MT‐DCE repeatability and agreement against standard‐dose MT‐DCE were evaluated in 20 healthy subjects. In 7 patients with triple‐negative breast cancer, LD‐MT‐DCE image quality and diagnostic results were compared with that of standard‐dose clinical DCE in the same imaging session. One‐way unbalanced analysis of variance with Tukey test was performed to evaluate the statistical significance of the kinetic parameters between control and patient groups.

Results

The LD‐MT‐DCE technique was repeatable, agreed with standard‐dose MT‐DCE, and showed excellent image quality. The diagnosis using LD‐MT‐DCE matched well with clinical results. The values of , , and were significantly different between malignant tumors and normal breast tissue (P < .001, < .001, and < .001, respectively), and between malignant and benign tumors (P = .020, .003, and < .001, respectively).

Conclusion

The LD‐MT‐DCE technique was repeatable and showed excellent image quality and equivalent diagnosis compared with standard‐dose clinical DCE. The estimated kinetic parameters were capable of differentiating between normal breast tissue and benign and malignant tumors.
Chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy: Electrophysiological progression and human leukocyte antigen associations
Authors: Zis Panagiotis , Sarrigiannis Ptolemaios G. , Artemiadis Artemios , Skarlatou Vasiliki , Hadjivassiliou Marios
Published: January 2021

Background

We aimed to describe the electrophysiological progression rate of chronic idiopathic axonal polyneuropathy (CIAP) and look into the potential role of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genetic susceptibility in its development.

Methods

We recruited 57 patients with CIAP (mean age at diagnosis 67, mean follow‐up 7 years). The assessments included clinical and electrophysiological data and HLA‐DQ genotyping.

Results

The DQA1*05 allele was found more frequently in patients than in healthy controls (odds ratio, 1.96, P = .011).

In patients with length‐dependent CIAP, a linear effect of time on the electrophysiological findings was found in the superficial radial (3.2% mean annual decrement, P < .001), sural (4.7% mean annual decrement, P = .002) and tibial nerve (6.1% mean annual decrement, P = .007) amplitudes, independently from age or gender.

Conclusions

Patients with length‐dependent CIAP, show a linear progression over time. Interesting associations of HLA‐DQA1*05 allele with length‐dependent CIAP and non‐DQ2/DQ8 with idiopathic sensory ganglionopathy were found. These merit further investigation in larger cohorts and may suggest a role of the immune system in the pathogenesis of CIAP.
Numerical analysis of Crank–Nicolson method for simplified magnetohydrodynamics with linear time relaxation
Authors: Yuksel Gamze , K. Eroglu Simge
Published: January 2021

The Crank–Nicolson (CN) finite element method is examined with a linear time relaxation term in this study. The linear differential filter term is added to simplified magnetohydrodynamics (SMHD) equations for numerical regularization and it introduced SMHD linear time relaxation model (SMHDLTRM). The SMHDLTRM model is discretized by CN method in time and the finite element method in space. The stability and convergency of the method are also conducted. The method is unconditionally stable and convergent under the small time step condition. Additionally, this study summarizes the effectiveness of four methods for SMHD and SMHDLTRM. In previous works SMHD is solved with CN and BE methods and SMHDLTRM is solved with BE method. In this study, the CN solutions of the SMHDLTRM are obtained and compared with the other solutions. All computations are conducted by using FreeFem++.
Effects of radiative heat flux and heat generation on magnetohydodynamics natural convection flow of nanofluid inside a porous triangular cavity with thermal boundary conditions
Authors: Nazir M. Waqas , Javed Tariq , Ali Nasir , Nazeer Mubbashar
Published: January 2021

When the nanoparticles are incorporated into the base fluid, the resultant fluid is known as nanofluid. Nanofluids have higher thermal efficiency as compared to base fluid. Some fluids have poor thermal conductivity like, water, air and ethylene glycol and oil. Thus, the thermal efficiency of the work can be increased by inserting the nanoparticles into base fluid. Furthermore, the nanoparticles can be used to enhanced the cooling rate of the system due to higher thermal conductivity. In this investigation, the magnetohydodynamics convective flow phenomenon under the consideration of different nanofluids inside a triangular porous conduit will investigated. For the better understanding of heat transfer characteristics, the thermal radiation and heat generation (or absorption) will also incorporated. We will impose constant and variable temperature on the left inclined wall to analyze the heat transfer mechanism. Furthermore, the heat transfer rate will also be analyzed by considering different nanoparticles. The robust numerical scheme namely the finite element method has been selected to simulate the nonlinear complex flow equations based on iterative scheme. In this technique, at the first stage the penalty method is employed for the purpose of the elimination of pressure from the equations of motion. After that the developed the system in the absence of pressure term is solved. To simulate the problem the value of penalty parameter is chosen 10−7. The contours of stream function and temperature distribution are displayed for several values of physical parameters. Furthermore, the variations of important quantity known as an average heat transfer rate are displayed through bar charts. For constant heating case the aluminum nano particles are the best choice to enhance the heat transfer rate in the system. Moreover, the magnitude of the stream function rises against the radiation and Rayleigh number. Furthermore, the conduction mode of heat transfer is achieved via thermal radiation parameter. The applications of the given study can be found in various industrial processes like, cooling of electronic devices, cooling of house and commercial buildings, cooling of microelectronics, cancer therapy, vehicle thermal management, and heat exchangers.
Judging a reindeer by its teeth: A user‐friendly tooth wear and eruption pattern recording scheme to estimate age‐at‐death in reindeer (Rangifer tarandus)
Authors: van den Berg Mathilde , Loonen Maarten J. J. E. , Çakırlar Canan
Published: January 2021

Reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) have shaped the cultures and provided livelihood to peoples of the Northern Hemisphere for thousands of years. They are still the socio‐economic cornerstone of many northern cultures. Insight into reindeer mortality patterns is important for understanding past human–reindeer interactions and reindeer population fluctuations in relation to climatic and environmental change. Beyond archaeology, assessing the age structures of modern reindeer populations is important for developing wildlife management strategies. This paper presents a quick, non‐destructive and cheap method to estimate age in reindeer in both modern and ancient populations based on tooth wear and eruption patterns of mandibular teeth. We devised the method using a large sample of Svalbard reindeer (Rangifer tarandus platyrhynchus) of known age. We blind‐tested the method and tested its applicability on another known‐age Svalbard reindeer mandible assemblage. The tests demonstrate our methods' user‐friendliness and reliability to generate reproducible, reusable datasets and accuracy in estimating reindeer age‐at‐death.
Sarcopenia is a prognostic outcome marker in children with high‐risk hepatoblastoma
Authors: Ritz Annika , Kolorz Julian , Hubertus Jochen , Ley‐Zaporozhan Julia , von Schweinitz Dietrich , Koletzko Sibylle , Häberle Beate , Schmid Irene , Kappler Roland , Berger Michael , Lurz Eberhard
Published: January 2021

Background

Children with hepatoblastoma (HB) are at risk of sarcopenia due to immobility, chemotherapy, and malnutrition. We hypothesized that children with HB have a low preoperative total psoas muscle area (tPMA), reflecting sarcopenia, which negatively impacts outcome.

Procedure

Retrospective study of children (1‐10 years) with hepatoblastoma treated at a large university children's hospital from 2009 to 2018. tPMA was measured as the sum of the right and left psoas muscle area (PMA) at intervertebral disc levels L3‐4 and L4‐5. z‐Scores were calculated using age‐ and gender‐specific reference values and were compared to anthropometric measurements, clinical variables, and outcomes. Sarcopenia was defined as a tPMA z‐score below −2.

Results

Thirty‐three children were included. Mean tPMA z‐score was −2.18 ± 1.08, and 52% were sarcopenic. A poor correlation between tPMA and weight was seen (r = 0.35; confidence interval [CI] 0.01, 0.62; P = .045), and most children had weights within the normal range (mean z‐score −0.55 ± 1.39). All children categorized as high risk with relapse (n = 5/12) were sarcopenic before surgery. Relapse was significantly higher in the high‐risk sarcopenic group compared to the nonsarcopenic group (P = .008). The change in tPMA z‐score 1‐4 months after surgery did not improve in patients with relapse, but did improve in 75% of children without relapse.

Conclusions

The majority of children with HB were sarcopenic prior to surgery. Especially in children with high‐risk hepatoblastoma, sarcopenia is an additional risk factor for relapse. Large multicenter studies are needed to confirm these preliminary results.
A comparative study on surfactant cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide modified clay‐based poly(p‐anisidine) nanocomposites: Synthesis, characterization, optical and electrochemical properties
Authors: Boutaleb Nadia , Chouli Faiza , Benyoucef Abdelghani , Zeggai Fatima Z. , Bachari Khaldoun
Published: January 2021

The preparation of hybrid materials, namely poly(p‐anisidine)@Clay (poly(pAnis)@Clay) and poly(p‐anisidine)@cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide‐Clay (poly(pAnis)@CTAB‐Clay), prepared by oxidative polymerization process is presented. The formation of nanomaterials has been confirmed by XRF, XPS, FT‐IR, and UV–Vis spectroscopy. Interestingly, the study of the optical band gap energy (Eg) evince lowest value of 3.22 eV for poly(pAnis)@CTAB‐Clay compared to poly(pAnis)@Clay with 3.26 eV. XRD results demonstrate that the intercalation of the poly(pAnis) into the Clay was confirmed by the increased interlayer spacing, the exfoliation and intercalation forms were affirmed in the TEM images. In addition, the electrochemical behavior indicates that the prepared nanocomposites are electroactive. These results are heartening in respect with the objective to utilize them in the field of technology and research related to the photovoltaics application.
Enrichment of circulating trophoblasts from maternal blood using laminar microscale vortices
Authors: Vander Plaetsen Ann‐Sophie , Weymaere Jana , Tytgat Olivier , Buyle Magaly , Deforce Dieter , Van Nieuwerburgh Filip
Published: January 2021

Objective

Enrichment of circulating trophoblasts (CTs) from maternal blood at week 11–13 of gestation, using laminar microscale vortices, and evaluation of the performance of the VTX‐1 Liquid Biopsy System in terms of CT recovery and purity.

Method

Eight mililiter of blood was collected from 15 pregnant women and processed with the VTX‐1 Liquid Biopsy System. Y‐chromosome specific quantitative PCR was performed to estimate the number of enriched male CTs. To evaluate the VTX‐1 performance, the target cell recovery was characterized by spiking experiments with a trophoblast cell line. Furthermore, the total quantity of DNA after enrichment was used to calculate the number of retained maternal cells.

Results

Successful recovery of male CTs was established in 7 out of 10 first trimester samples from pregnant women carrying a male fetus. The number of CTs, recovered from 8 ml of blood, was estimated between two and six. Spiking experiments resulted in a CT recovery of ±35 % with ±1524 retained maternal blood cells.

Conclusion

CTs can be enriched from maternal blood with high purity, using laminar microscale vortices, starting from 8 ml of blood.
Chronic prescription opioid use in pregnancy in the United States
Authors: Straub Loreen , Huybrechts Krista F. , Hernandez‐Diaz Sonia , Zhu Yanmin , Vine Seanna , Desai Rishi J. , Gray Kathryn J. , Bateman Brian T.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

To evaluate chronic opioid utilization patterns during pregnancy using nationwide data from publicly and commercially insured women.

Methods

Pregnancy cohorts were identified using data from the Medicaid Analytic eXtract 2008–2014 and the IBM Health MarketScan Research Database 2008–2015.

Opioid dispensing was evaluated using claims from filled prescriptions. Two different definitions of chronic opioid use were employed: ≥90 days' supply and ≥180 days' supply of prescription opioids during pregnancy. Patient characteristics were assessed and variations in the prevalence of chronic opioid therapy were described by geographic region and over time.

Results

1.50% of 975 169 Medicaid‐insured and 0.32% of 1 037 599 commercially insured beneficiaries filled opioid prescriptions for ≥90 days' supply; 0.78% (Medicaid) and 0.17% (commercially insured) filled prescriptions for ≥180 days' supply. Prevalence approximately doubled in Medicaid beneficiaries during the study period, while it remained relatively stable for commercial insurance beneficiaries. The most commonly prescribed opioid for chronic therapy was hydrocodone, followed by oxycodone and tramadol. Indications commonly associated with chronic use were back/neck pain, abdominal/pelvic pain, musculoskeletal pain and migraine/headache. Substantial regional variation was observed, with several states reporting a frequency of ≥90 days' supply in excess of 3% in Medicaid‐insured patients.

Conclusions

Despite growing awareness of the risks associated with chronic opioid use and emphasis on improving opioid prescription patterns, prevalence of chronic use in pregnancy among publicly insured women nearly doubled from 2008–2014 and was 5‐fold more common when compared to commercially insured women. Findings call for the development of guidelines on chronic pain management during pregnancy.
Performance enhancement of gel polymer electrolytes using sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) for supercapacitors
Authors: Li Guoqiang , Yang He , Zuo Danying , Zhang Hongwei
Published: January 2021

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) with reasonable mechanical properties are highly favorable for flexible/stretchable solid‐state supercapacitors. However, the widely explored poly(acrylic acid) (PAA)‐based GPEs provide unsatisfactory mechanical performance. Herein, a useful strategy is adopted to improve the performance of PAA‐based GPEs by incorporating sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) chains. The optimum SPEEK‐enhanced PAA GPE shows an ionic conductivity of 100 ± 1.57 mS cm−1, ultimate tensile strength of 4.2 ± 0.24 kPa and elongation at break of 858%, which are larger than those of the plain PAA GPE. A supercapacitor developed using such a SPEEK‐enhanced GPE also delivers higher specific capacitance, larger energy density and comparable cycling stability compared to a supercapacitor using a PAA GPE. This work suggests that rigid ionic polymers are suitable for improving the performance of GPEs with inferior mechanical properties. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Advanced hybrid membranes for efficient nickel retention from simulated wastewater
Authors: Sandu Teodor , Chiriac Anita Laura , Tsyntsarski Boyko , Stoycheva Ivanka , Căprărescu Simona , Damian Celina Maria , Iordache Tanța Verona , Pătroi Delia , Marinescu Virgil , Sârbu Andrei
Published: January 2021

This paper describes the preparation of a new type of hybrid material suitable to be used for the amendment of wastewaters laden with Ni ions relying on two purification principles, mechanical and adsorption. The membranes were prepared using as first component copolymers of acrylonitrile with vinyl acetate, acrylic acid or methacrylic acid. The second component of the developed membranes consisted of powdered activated carbon (PAC), of natural or synthetic origin, used in a content of either 4% or 8%. In this way, separation based on porosity is combined with the adsorptive properties of PAC. Hybrid membranes, prepared by phase inversion, were fully characterized by Fourier transform IR (FTIR) spectroscopy, pure water flux analysis, TGA, SEM, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller analysis and XRD. Moreover, water amendment was also investigated using synthetic water bearing heavy metals, in our case nickel, a laboratory electrodialysis set‐up being used for this purpose. FTIR revealed that the use of PAC led to several peaks at low wavelength (900–650 cm−1). Pure water flux values vary in a fairly wide range, from 0.02 to almost 1.00, depending on the preparation conditions. It can be concluded that the final properties of the developed membranes may be adjusted by changing either the copolymer or the PAC. An additional control is provided by the amount of PAC. The developed membranes were found to achieve an enhanced release of Ni ions, as the percentage of extraction was at least 51%. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
An efficient reusable perylene hydrogel for removing some toxic dyes from contaminated water
Authors: Abdulwahid Ali A , Alwattar Aula A , Haddad Athir , Alshareef Mubark , Moore Joshua , Yeates Stephen G , Quayle Peter
Published: January 2021

The synthesis of adsorbents that meet the need for large‐scale production at relatively low cost and are capable of removing anionic and cationic toxic dyes from aqueous solutions, with high sorption capacity and reusability, is urgently needed from an environmental and industrial viewpoint. In this context the identification of hydrogels that remove dyes efficiently under ambient conditions and at near‐neutral pH without the necessity of pre‐treatment is an imperative. In this study we report the preparation of two hydrogels using the redox polymerisation of acrylamide, hydroxyethylmethacrylate (HEMA) and N‐isopropylacrylamide (H1) and acrylamide, HEMA, N‐isopropylacrylamide and perylene‐5‐ylpent‐3‐yne‐2‐methylprop‐2‐enoate‐co‐2‐methyl‐2‐(prop‐2‐enoylamino)propane‐1‐sulfonic acid (PePnUMA‐co‐AMPS) (H2). These hydrogels proved to be effective for the removal of methylene blue (MB), fuchsin acid (FA) and Congo Red (CR) from aqueous solution at near‐neutral pH where their adsorption behaviour was in keeping with the Langmuir model having qmax values of 769.2 mg g−1 (MB), 1666.7 mg g−1 (FA) and 2358.2 mg g−1 (CR). The adsorption of MB and FA by these hydrogels follows pseudo‐first‐order kinetics, whilst the adsorption of CR follows pseudo‐second‐order kinetics. Detailed thermodynamic analysis indicated that the dye–adsorbent interaction is primarily one of physisorption in nature. Finally, desorption studies carried out in 1.0 mol L–1 NaClO4 indicated that these adsorbents could be recycled at least four times using a variety of dyes while maintaining their mechanical properties. © 2021 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Impact of gamma‐irradiation on space charge and charge trap characteristics of Al/epoxy nanocomposites
Authors: Chillu Naresh , Sarathi Ramanujam , Jayaganthan Rengaswamy
Published: January 2021

Epoxy nano Al composites were prepared using epoxyresin, hardener, and Al nanoparticles with required proportions and irradiated with gamma rays of required dosage. Surface potential measurements and space charge studies were employed to investigate the charge trapping properties of gamma‐irradiated specimens. The surface potential decay with DC voltage was sluggish for the gamma‐aged specimens irrespective of the polarity of the applied voltage. Trap distribution characteristics showed that trapped charge carriers occupy the energy range from 0.7 to 0.9 eV and revealed the existence of deep traps for the gamma‐irradiated samples. The mean lifetime and trap depth have followed the direct correlation. Space charge accumulation increased with the dosage of gamma irradiation but did not vary when space charge accumulation reached saturation. Space charge decay rate as well as saturated space charge density is higher for gamma‐aged specimens vs. unaged counterparts. Deep traps inhibited the space charge decay process. Permittivity and loss tangent measurements indicate that dielectric properties were altered with nanofiller inclusions and gamma irradiation.
Investigation analysis of optoelectronic and structural properties of cis‐ and trans‐structures of azo dyes: density functional theory study
Authors: Bibi Shamsa , Khan Mehwish , ur‐Rehman Shafiq , Yaseen Muhammad , Muhammad Shabbir , Nadeem Raziya , Jahan Nazish , Noreen Saima , Misbah
Published: January 2021

As azo dyes act as photoisomers, upon the UV–visible light fall the cis configuration azo dye transforms into trans. In this work, a series of four cis–trans isomers of aminoazobenzene based derivatives consist of dipropylamine as electron‐donating and different electron‐withdrawing groups (–OH, –NH2, –CN, and –NO2) have been investigated theoretically for solar cells applications. Optoelectronic and structural properties of the designed molecules are studied at PBE1PBE/6‐31+G** level of theory using density functional theory (DFT) and time‐dependent density functional theory (TD‐DFT). The use of different electron‐withdrawing groups has significantly affected the structural properties of all 1‐4 trans and cis molecules. Among all investigated molecules, 4‐trans and 4‐cis molecules have shown smaller energy gap (Eg) of 2.91 and 2.69 eV, respectively. Absorption spectra of 4‐trans and 4‐cis dyes have shown a prominent redshift of λmax at 542 and 528 nm, respectively with π–π* transitions. The reorganization energy analysis has indicated that 1‐trans, 2‐trans, and 4‐trans molecules would act as good hole transfer materials. Hence, it is concluded that different electron‐withdrawing groups influence the structural and optoelectronic properties. Thus, it is proved that these designed azo‐based derivatives can act as high‐performance and potential candidates for organic dye‐sensitized solar cells.
Effectiveness of communication skill training on cancer truth‐telling for advanced practice nurses in Taiwan: A pilot study
Authors: Chen Shih‐Hsiang , Chen Shih‐Ying , Yang Shu‐Chun , Chien Rong‐Nan , Chen Sue‐Hsien , Chu Tsuei‐Ping , Fujimori Maiko , Tang Woung‐Ru
Published: January 2021

Objective

Advanced practice nurses (APNs) can best support physicians in improving the quality of truth‐telling. However, the effectiveness of communication skill training (CST), based on the Japanese SHARE model exclusive to APNs, has not been tested from APNs' and recipients' viewpoints, motivating the author to conduct the present study.

Methods

A two‐group before–after model design was adopted, and 61 APNs from two hospitals were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (EG; N = 28) or an control group (CG; N = 33). APNs in the EG received 6 h of CST under the guidance of qualified facilitators and simulated patients. This study used APNs' subjective assessment (N = 61) (self‐confidence and perceptions on truth‐telling) and recipients' opinions (N = 480) (cancer patients' and their caregivers' satisfaction with truth‐telling and emotional status) to assess the effectiveness of the SHARE CST. Data were collected before CST (baseline, T0), immediately after (T1), and 2 weeks after (T2).

Results

APNs in the EG had more confidence (p < 0.05) and better perceptions of cancer truth‐telling (p < 0.01) than APNs in the CG at both T1 and T2. No group differences were found in patients' or their caregivers' satisfaction with truth‐telling, emotional distress, and anxiety (p > 0.05). In addition, patients in the EG had higher depression than patients in the CG (β = 1.65, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

SHARE CST can improve APNs' confidence and perceptions of cancer truth‐telling. However, more rigorous studies are required to test the effectiveness of CST from recipients' viewpoint.
Development of a process safety‐based, process design RAGAGEP for gas processing midstream facilities
Authors: Aigen Sam , Peters Allison
Published: January 2021

The fracking boom in the US led to an enormous task—the safe handling and processing of massive amounts of gas extracted as a byproduct of oil production. Process safety is often an afterthought in midstream operations since many midstream facilities are constructed and operated by the drilling companies which are excluded from PSM coverage by the oil and gas well drilling and servicing exemption, 29 C.F.R. §1910.119(a)(2)(ii). Nonetheless, many midstream companies have begun to apply the best practice of conducting process hazard analyses (PHAs) and layer of protection analyses (LOPA) on PSM and non‐PSM covered facilities alike, to improve company process safety and operational integrity. However, if company internal standards are not applied, the application of extensive process safety practices that were originally intended for larger operations such as refineries could impede the adoption of process safety, and may lead to inefficient use of time and resources. This paper will look at actual examples of how one major midstream company developed an internal design standard that could be used toward the development of a midstream gas processing‐specific process design RAGAGEP. The objective of this RAGAGEP would be to streamline design, simplify risk assessments/hazard analyses and improve efficiency and consistency of process safety implementation.
A salivary calcium‐binding protein from Laodelphax striatellus acts as an effector that suppresses defense in rice
Authors: Tian Tian , Ji Rui , Fu Jianmei , Li Jing , Wang Lu , Zhang Hao , Yang Shiying , Ye Wenfeng , Fang Jichao , Zhu‐Salzman Keyan
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Calcium (Ca2+)‐binding proteins in the saliva of herbivorous insects function as effectors to attenuate host plant defenses and thus improve insect feeding performance. Silencing these genes via transgenic plant‐mediated RNAi is thus a promising pest control strategy. However, their sequences and functions in the small brown planthopper Laodelphax striatellus (SBPH) remain to be investigated.

RESULTS

We identified a putative EF‐hand Ca2+‐binding protein (LsECP1) in SBPH watery saliva. LsECP1 was expressed extremely high in the salivary glands but at a low level during the egg stage. Transient LsECP1 expression in rice cells indicated its cytoplasm and nucleus localization. The bacterially expressed recombinant LsECP1 protein exhibited Ca2+‐binding activity. Rice plants fed by SBPH nymphs with knocked down LsECP1 exhibited higher levels of cytosolic Ca2+, jasmonic acid (JA), jasmonoyl‐isoleucine (JA‐Ile) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Consistently, application of heterogeneously expressed LsECP1 protein suppressed wound‐induced JA, JA‐Ile and H2O2 accumulation in rice. Thus, LsECP1 knockdown by dsRNA injection resulted in reduced feeding, fecundity and survival rates of SBPH reared on rice plants. Transgenic rice plants constitutively expressing LsECP1 dsRNA were produced, and plant‐mediated LsECP1 knockdown enhanced rice resistance to SBPH.

CONCLUSION

SBPH LsECP1 acts as an effector to impair host rice defense responses and promotes SBPH performance. This discovery provides a potential gene target for plant‐mediated RNAi‐based pest management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Insecticide resistance in California populations of the glassy‐winged sharpshooter Homalodisca vitripennis
Authors: Byrne Frank J , Redak Rick A
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

The glassy‐winged sharpshooter, Homalodisca vitripennis (Germar), is a primary vector of Pierce's disease of grapes in California. Systemic imidacloprid treatments have been the mainstay of area‐wide treatment programs that were established in the Central Valley (Kern and Tulare Counties) and Southern California (Riverside County) during the 1990s to combat the pest. The programs helped to suppress populations on citrus, a major sharpshooter host, to levels that significantly reduced migration into adjacent vineyards. However, beginning in 2012, there has been a resurgence of glassy‐winged sharpshooter populations in Kern and Tulare counties, and hitherto successful treatment strategies have not been as effective. This study investigated the possibility that insecticide resistance was a contributing factor to the population resurgence.

RESULTS

Topical application bioassays detected high levels of resistance to imidacloprid in Kern and Tulare populations, and lower levels of resistance (perhaps due to cross‐resistance) to the foliar neonicotinoid acetamiprid (20‐fold), the pyrethroid fenpropathrin (7.4‐fold), and the butenolide flupyradifurone (4‐fold). Samples of glassy‐winged sharpshooters from citrus groves under organic management also exhibited high levels of imidacloprid resistance.

CONCLUSION

The long‐term use of imidacloprid has selected for resistance in glassy‐winged sharpshooters. The most resistant populations also exhibited resistance to the foliar neonicotinoid acetamiprid, the pyrethroid fenpropathrin, and the butenolide flupyradifurone. High levels of imidacloprid resistance in insects sampled from organic groves indicate that resistant insects are migrating from nearby conventional groves, which could compromise the control of sharpshooters in organic systems with insecticides affected by cross‐resistance. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
The Ile‐2041‐Val mutation in the ACCase gene confers resistance to clodinafop‐propargyl in American sloughgrass (Beckmannia syzigachne Steud)
Authors: Wang Junzhi , Peng Yajun , Chen Wen , Yu Qin , Bai Lianyang , Pan Lang
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Exploring the mechanisms of herbicide resistance in weeds is an important part of designing resistance management strategies and rationalizing herbicide use. Beckmannia syzigachne is one of the most important agricultural weeds in China. Long‐term use of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACCase)‐inhibiting herbicides has led to the evolution of herbicide resistance in B. syzigachne. ACCase‐inhibiting herbicides comprise three chemical families: aryloxyphenoxypropionates (APPs), cyclohexanediones (CHDs) and phenylpyraxoline (DENs).

RESULTS

Based on whole‐plant dose–response experiments, a B. syzigachne population (BS‐R) was confirmed to be 12‐ and 20‐fold resistant to the APP herbicides quizalofop‐P‐ethyl and clodinafop‐propargyl, and 2.2‐, 2.8‐ and 2.8‐fold resistant to fenoxaprop‐P‐ethyl, the CHD herbicide sethoxydim and the PPZ herbicide pinoxaden, respectively, compared with its susceptible counterpart (BS‐S). Resistance to clodinafop‐propargyl in the BS‐R population could not be reversed by the known cytochrome P450 (CYP450) inhibitor malathion and the glutathione S‐transferase (GST) inhibitor 4‐chloro‐7‐nitrobenzoxadiazole. In addition, no difference in CYP450 and GST activity was confirmed between the BS‐R and BS‐S populations. ACCase gene sequencing revealed an Ile‐2041‐Val mutation in the BS‐R population. A derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence marker was developed for rapid detection of the specific Ile‐2041‐Val mutation. Correlation quantification of resistance in homo‐ and hetero‐resistant versus wild‐type plants showed that resistance to clodinafop‐propargyl in this population is conferred by the Ile‐2041‐Val mutation.

CONCLUSION

Unlike previous reports on the unique cross‐resistance pattern conferred by the 2041 mutation, this study demonstrates that the Ile‐2041‐Val mutation in BS‐R population confers resistance to certain ACCase‐inhibiting APP, CHD and PPZ herbicides in B. syzigachne. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Strategies for enhancing the efficiency of RNA interference in insects
Authors: Silver Kristopher , Cooper Anastasia MW , Zhu Kun Yan
Published: January 2021

Low RNA interference (RNAi) efficiency in many insect pests has significantly prevented its widespread application for insect pest management. This article provides a comprehensive review of recent research in developing various strategies for enhancing RNAi efficiency. Our review focuses on the strategies in target gene selection and double‐stranded RNA (dsRNA) delivery technologies. For target gene selection, genome‐wide or large‐scale screening strategies have been used to identify most susceptible target genes for RNAi. Other strategies include the design of dsRNA constructs and manipulate the structure of dsRNA to maximize the RNA efficiency for a target gene. For dsRNA delivery strategies, much recent research has focused on the applications of complexed or encapsulated dsRNA using various reagents, polymers, or peptides to enhance dsRNA stability and cellular uptake. Other dsRNA delivery strategies include genetic engineering of microbes (e.g. fungi, bacteria, and viruses) and plants to produce insect‐specific dsRNA. The ingestion of the dsRNA‐producing organisms or tissues will have lethal or detrimental effects on the target insect pests. This article also identifies obstacles to further developing RNAi for insect pest management and suggests future avenues of research that will maximize the potential for using RNAi for insect pest management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Impact of the equilibrium relationship between deposition and wettability behavior on the high‐efficiency utilization of pesticides
Authors: He Lifei , Ding Lei , Zhang Peng , Li Beixing , Mu Wei , Liu Feng
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Often, due to the occurrence of powdery mildew, cucumber leaf surfaces is changed into a more hydrophobic surface, which affects wetting and spreading of liquid pesticides, reducing their efficiency. The wetting and deposition behavior of liquid pesticides can be improved by adding surfactants to pesticides. Added surfactants affect the spray volume of the pesticide, which can lead to waste and a low utilization rate of the pesticide. It is important to further balance the relationship between deposition and wettability of pesticide liquid on the surfaces of healthy leaves and powdery mildew leaves of cucumber.

RESULTS

This study evaluated the deposition and wettability of hexaconazole (Hexa) with surfactants on the surfaces of healthy leaves and powdery mildew leaves of cucumber. The deposition rates of Hexa with surfactants were lower than that of Hexa due to the loss of solution in conventional spray volume (750 L ha−1). The deposition rate of Hexa did not necessarily increase with increasing spray volume, and the deposition rate did not increase again after the spray volume increased to a certain level. Under the condition that the prevention and control effect were not reduced, we found that the volume of solution spray with added Silwet618 or AEO‐5 should be adjusted to half of the normal volume, while the volume of solution spray with added 1227 or rosin‐based quarternary ammonium should be adjusted to two‐thirds of the normal volume to increase the deposition rate by approximately 30%. Regarding the wetting parameters, the results showed that the wettability of Hexa with Silwet618 was the best, but their combination was not ideal according to the composite index and deposition. By analyzing all the parameters, it was found that the spray volume reduction of Hexa with surfactant was approximately equal to the solution surface tension reduction, compared with the parameters of Hexa.

CONCLUSION

The equilibrium relationship between deposition rate and wetting parameters was determined to provide guidance for the application of surfactants and to lower the dosage of pesticides to increase their efficiency and reduce their application. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
HfO2‐Based Ferroelectrics Applications in Nanoelectronics
Authors: Dragoman Mircea , Aldrigo Martino , Dragoman Daniela , Iordanescu Sergiu , Dinescu Adrian , Modreanu Mircea
Published: January 2021

This article is dedicated to HfO2‐based ferroelectrics applications in nanoelectronics, especially to topics not well developed up to now, such as microwaves, energy harvesting, and neuromorphic devices working as artificial neurons and synapses. Other well‐covered topics in the literature, such as memories or negative‐capacitance ferroelectric field‐effect transistors, will be only briefly mentioned. The main impact of HfO2‐based ferroelectrics is the possibility of using them for fabricating at the wafer‐level complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) compatible high‐frequency devices, such as phase‐shifters, antenna arrays, or filters with a high degree of tunability and miniaturization, as well as energy harvesting devices and neuromorphic key components. In addition, the recent transfer of 2D materials on HfO2 ferroelectrics has demonstrated new physical effects, such as opening a 0.2 eV bandgap in graphene monolayers, and allows the manufacture of very high‐mobility field‐effect transistors (FETs) based on graphene/HfZrO.
Numerical analyses of exponential time‐differencing schemes for the solution of atmospheric models
Authors: Calandrini Sara , Pieper Konstantin , Gunzburger Max
Published: January 2021

In high‐resolution numerical weather prediction models, fast‐moving acoustic waves must be treated in a stable manner. Among the implicit–explicit (IMEX) schemes used for the solution of these models, horizontally explicit, vertically implicit (HEVI) methods show good stability and scalability on massively parallel machines. In this work, we present two classes of exponential time‐differencing (ETD) methods for atmospheric models that use a HEVI splitting strategy, one being a three‐stage method with the addition of artificial diffusion, the second based on a Strang splitting approach. The stability properties of the methods are analyzed and numerical examples are provided, which compare time‐step restrictions and cost‐to‐accuracy ratios of the new methods with those for existing approaches.
Krylov solvers in a vertical‐slice version of the semi‐implicit semi‐Lagrangian AROME model
Authors: Burgot T. , Auger L. , Bénard P.
Published: January 2021

To circumvent the scalability problem due to global communication involved in spectral transforms, a vertical‐slice version of the dynamical core where all calculations are performed in grid‐point space has been built for AROME, Météo‐France's operational limited‐area model. It is shown in an idealized but nevertheless physically relevant framework that, despite this major change, it is possible to keep the other main characteristics of the model (constant‐coefficient semi‐implicit scheme, semi‐Lagrangian transport scheme, A‐grid, mass‐based coordinate, etc.). A Krylov solver is used to solve the implicit problem. Using the solution given by the spectral model as a reference in terms of quality and required accuracy in an operational context, the chosen parameters of the Krylov solver are carefully tuned to maximize its convergence speed. The Krylov solver consists of several applications of a sparse operator, whose stencil is similar to that of the operator applied during the small time step of split‐explicit schemes traditionally used in HEVI (Horizontally Explicit/Vertically Implicit) models. HEVI models are considered particularly scalable in the current parallelization paradigm and are used as a reference for scalability in this study. Results show that a fast convergence can be reached, such that only a few applications of the sparse operator are required. This suggests an improvement in scalability compared to the spectral version. Experiments have been formulated regardless of the future strategy considered for temporal and spatial resolutions, i.e., increasing spatial resolution while either maintaining a high Courant number or reducing it.
Angular distributions and critical minima in the elastic scattering of electrons by atomic copper
Authors: Shorifuddoza M. , Das Pretam K. , Kabir Raihan , Haque A. K. Fazlul , Uddin M. Alfaz
Published: January 2021

Dirac relativistic partial wave analysis has been employed to analyze the angular distributions and critical minima, along with maximum spin polarization, for the elastic scattering of electrons from copper atoms over the energy range of 1 to 2000 eV. Integrated elastic, inelastic, total, and momentum transfer cross sections have also been calculated. This work uses a complex electron‐atom optical potential that includes static, exchange, correlation‐polarization, and absorption potentials. Comparison of our calculations with the available experimental data and other theoretical calculations shows satisfactory agreement. As far as we are concerned, critical minima and corresponding maximum spin polarization points have not yet been reported in the literature.
Lipid‐based therapies against SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Alketbi Eman Humaid , Hamdy Rania , El‐Kabalawy Abdalla , Juric Viktorija , Pignitter Marc , A. Mosa Kareem , Almehdi Ahmed M. , El‐Keblawy Ali A. , Soliman Sameh S. M.
Published: January 2021

Viruses have evolved to manipulate host lipid metabolism to benefit their replication cycle. Enveloped viruses, including coronaviruses, use host lipids in various stages of the viral life cycle, particularly in the formation of replication compartments and envelopes. Host lipids are utilised by the virus in receptor binding, viral fusion and entry, as well as viral replication. Association of dyslipidaemia with the pathological development of Covid‐19 raises the possibility that exploitation of host lipid metabolism might have therapeutic benefit against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). In this review, promising host lipid targets are discussed along with potential inhibitors. In addition, specific host lipids are involved in the inflammatory responses due to viral infection, so lipid supplementation represents another potential strategy to counteract the severity of viral infection. Furthermore, switching the lipid metabolism through a ketogenic diet is another potential way of limiting the effects of viral infection. Taken together, restricting the access of host lipids to the virus, either by using lipid inhibitors or supplementation with exogenous lipids, might significantly limit SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and/or severity.
Robust intersample crossing of target sets with mixed‐integer linear programming
Authors: Afonso Rubens J. M. , Galvão Roberto K. H.
Published: January 2021

This note is concerned with the problem of crossing a target set between sample instants under the influence of bounded unknown disturbances. The proposed solution employs mixed‐integer linear programming and is less conservative compared with the standard approach of imposing pointwise‐in‐time constraints at the sample instants.