bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of color stability using a chelating agent in model soft beverages subjected to Fenton reaction
Authors: Gérard Violaine , Ay Emel , Launay Valentin , Galopin Christophe , Morlet‐Savary Fabrice , Lalevée Jacques
Published: July 2022

The colorants found in beverages are sensitive to degradation resulting in a loss of color, which can affect the perception of the product quality by the consumer. The Fenton reaction is one of the possible degradation pathways. The Fenton oxidation process is a catalytic reaction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with ferrous ions (Fe2+) that generates hydroxyl radicals able to degrade the organic molecules present in the solution. In this work, the effect of the Fenton reaction in colored model soft beverages was studied using UV–visible spectrometry. The naphtol blue black was selected as a benchmark dye because it can be easily followed to probe the Fenton process. The percent degradation of this synthetic dye in an aqueous solution at pH = 3.4, simulating conditions in beverages, was monitored in the presence of FeSO4 and H2O2. Other pHs (pH = 2.7, 6.1, and 10) were also tested to obtain a full picture of the phenomenon. In an attempt to prevent the dye degradation by the Fenton reaction occurring in beverages, the effect of the addition of EDTA, a chelating metal agent able to form complexes with iron ions, was evaluated, as a model. The effect of the EDTA concentration and the influence of the pH were also explored.
Value of DNA testing in the diagnosis of sickle‐cell anemia in childhood in an environment with a high prevalence of other causes of anemia
Authors: Mbayabo Gloire , Lumbala Kabuyi Paul , Ngole Mamy , Lumaka Aimé , Race Valerie , Maisin Diane , Gruson Damien , Matthijs Gert , Minga Tite Mikobi , Devriendt Koenraad , Van Geet Chris , Tshilobo Prosper Lukusa
Published: July 2022

Background

Sickle‐cell anemia (SCA) is the most common genetic disease worldwide caused by a single mutation in the gene HBB. DNA testing can help to clarify the diagnosis when Hb electrophoresis is inconclusive. We evaluated the usefulness and feasibility of DNA‐based diagnosis of SCA in rural Central Africa.

Methods

This is a cross‐sectional study conducted from November 2016 to end October 2017 in the Hôpital Saint Luc de Kisantu, located 120 km from Kinshasa. This hospital offers the management of SCA patients, mainly identified using the Sickling test (Emmel test) combined with clinical features. We included patients aged 6 months to 18 years locally diagnosed as SCA, and we collected clinical and hematological data. All patients were offered Hb electrophoresis and DNA testing at the Center for Human Genetics of the University of Kinshasa.

Results

This study included 160 patients. Hemoglobin capillary electrophoresis suggested that 136 (85%) were homozygote SS, 13 (8.1%) were heterozygote (AS), and 11 (6.9%) were homozygote normal (AA). DNA testing confirmed these electrophoresis findings, with the exception of four patients, two AS in electrophoresis were found SS due to recent transfusion, and two SS in electrophoresis were found AS because they have compound heterozygous form S/β°‐thalassemia. The diagnosis of SCA was therefore wrongly ascertained with Emmel test in 15% of patients.

Conclusion

This study reveals a high proportion of false‐positive SCA diagnoses in a rural environment in Central Africa. This underlines the importance of DNA testing in conjunction with Hb electrophoresis.
Commentaries on “Scale use and abuse: Toward best practices in the deployment of scales”
Authors: Katsikeas Constantine S. , Madan Shilpa , Brendl C. Miguel , Calder Bobby J. , Lehmann Donald R. , Baumgartner Hans , Weijters Bert , Wang Mo , Huang Chengquan , Huber Joel
Published: July 2022

Five comments below provide strong and interesting perspectives on multi‐item scale use. They define contexts and research areas where developed scales are valuable and where they are vulnerable. Katsikeas and Madan begin by taking a global perspective on scale use, demonstrating how the use and transferability of scales become even more problematic as researchers move across languages and cultures. They provide guidance for scale use that is particularly relevant to international marketing and marketing strategy research. Brendl and Calder acknowledge the use of well‐formed scales as measured variables in psychological experiments, both as independent and dependent variables, but critique the use of multi‐item scales to directly reveal latent unobservable constructs. As with any observed variable, scales should be used to test empirical predictions based on theoretical hypotheses about causal connections between theoretical constructs. Lehmann applauds the variability of multi‐item scales and urges the exploration of the impact of various items within a scale. He advocates for flexibility and variation in multi‐item scales related to psychological theories, simple three‐item scales for manipulation checks, and one‐item scales when measuring objective actions or beliefs. Baumgartner and Weijters focus on how to validate multi‐item scales, particularly when used as mediators or moderators where a unique interpretation of the scale is so central. They recommend meta‐analyses of scales that test relationships among measured scales. Like Lehmann, they worry about the impact of exhaustive scales on respondents and the impact of exhausted respondents on the scales themselves. In the final comment, Wang and Huang update our thinking on emerging ways to define and refine scales. They discuss ways to identify focal and orbital constructs and suggest item response theory as a way to adapt scales to subsets of items that best contribute to identifying individual differences between respondents. They support confirmatory factor analysis across different studies to assess scale equivalence across different contexts, cultures, and languages.
Influence of oestrogen on satellite cells and myonuclear domain size in skeletal muscles following resistance exercise
Authors: Hung Yung‐Li , Sato Ayami , Takino Yuka , Ishigami Akihito , Machida Shuichi
Published: July 2022

Background

Oestrogen deficiency reduces skeletal muscle mass and force generation in postmenopausal women. Muscle mass is maintained by satellite cells, which are regulated by oestrogen. Although oestrogen therapy enhances muscle hypertrophy induced by resistance training in postmenopausal women, the molecular mechanism is unclear.

Methods

Adult female rats (10 weeks old) were divided into six groups: sham sedentary (Sham‐Sed), sham climbing training (Sham‐CT), ovariectomy sedentary (OVX‐Sed), ovariectomy climbing training (OVX‐CT), ovariectomy plus oestrogen treatment sedentary (OVX+E‐Sed), and ovariectomy plus oestrogen treatment climbing training (OVX+E‐CT). At 8 weeks after ovariectomy, rats in the training group were trained (one session every 3 days for 8 weeks) to climb a ladder while bearing a load. Oestrogen treatment involved subcutaneous insertion of a 17β‐oestradiol pellet. After 8 weeks, the flexor hallucis longus muscle was collected and analysed.

Results

Following climbing training, the flexor hallucis longus muscle mass and muscle‐to‐body weight ratios were dramatically increased by training (main effect of training, P < 0.01); the OVX+E‐CT group showed the highest values (main effect of group, P < 0.01). The cross‐sectional area of all muscle fibre types was increased by training (main effect of training, P < 0.01). Particularly, the cross‐sectional area of MHC IIa in the OVX+E‐CT group was significantly larger than that in the Sham‐CT and OVX‐CT groups. Satellite cell numbers were increased in all training groups (main effect of training, P < 0.05), and the myonuclear number was increased by training (main effect of training, P < 0.01), but there was no main group effect. The myonuclear domain size of all muscle fibre types and MHC IIa was increased in all training groups (main effect of training, P < 0.01) and showed a main group effect (P < 0.01). The myonuclear domain sizes of all muscle fibre types and MHC IIa in the OVX+E‐CT group were significantly larger than those in the Sham‐CT and OVX‐CT groups. The total RNA contents revealed main effects of training and the group (P < 0.01); the OVX+E‐CT group showed the highest contents (main effect of group, P < 0.01). The mRNA and protein levels of rpS6 were increased in the OVX+E‐Sed and CT groups (main effects of group, P < 0.05). Particularly, the 28S ribosomal RNA content in OVX+E‐Sed group was significantly higher than that in the OVX‐Sed group.

Conclusions

Oestrogen enhanced the resistance training‐induced increase in myonuclear domain size but did not affect satellite cells and ribosome biogenesis.
The ethical imperative to reduce HIV stigma through community‐engaged, status‐neutral interventions designed with and for transgender women of colour in the United States
Authors: Gamarel Kristi E. , Rebchook Greg , McCree Breonna M. , Jadwin‐Cakmak Laura , Connolly Maureen , Reyes Lilianna A. , Sevelius Jae M.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

In the era of biomedical HIV prevention and treatment technologies, such as treatment as prevention (TasP) and pre‐exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), there is momentum to develop and rigorously evaluate interventions focused on PrEP among those at risk for HIV acquisition and antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence among people living with HIV. While HIV status‐specific interventions focused on PrEP or ART provide valuable information, status‐segregated interventions can create, perpetuate, and even increase HIV stigma among transgender women of colour and other marginalized communities in the United States (US).

Discussion

Due largely to community advocacy, discourses that support status‐neutral approaches have emerged in the scientific literature. Although US‐based funding mechanisms have typically designated awards focused on a specific HIV status, intervention developers and implementing agencies find creative ways to design and implement status‐neutral programmes despite such restrictions. We present our experience with intervention research in New York, Detroit, New Orleans, Puerto Rico and the San Francisco Bay Area, all Ending the HIV Epidemic (EHE) priority jurisdictions. Kickin it with the Gurlz’ was developed to be status‐neutral through two grants due to community demands for a unifying approach. The Transgender Women Engagement and Entry to (TWEET) Care Project was designed to improve HIV care engagement for transgender women living with HIV, but developers realized the importance of including participants of any HIV status. Healthy Divas was designed for transgender women living with HIV but subsequent implementing agencies prioritized adapting it to be status‐neutral. These examples support the urgency of designing, implementing and evaluating status‐neutral interventions.

Conclusions

Community‐based organizations strive for inclusivity in their programming and are rightly often reluctant to segregate services based on the HIV status of their clients. As researchers, we have an ethical imperative to work to reduce HIV stigma and respond to the needs of those most impacted by HIV, including transgender women of colour. As such, we call upon funders to develop mechanisms that support the development and testing of HIV status‐neutral interventions to reduce HIV stigma and support community building, thereby increasing the possibility of fully realizing the benefits of biomedical HIV prevention and treatment technologies for all.
Does resource insecurity drive HIV‐related stigma? Associations between food and housing insecurity with HIV‐related stigma in cohort of women living with HIV in Canada
Authors: Logie Carmen H. , Sokolovic Nina , Kazemi Mina , Islam Shaz , Frank Peggy , Gormley Rebecca , Kaida Angela , de Pokomandy Alexandra , Loutfy Mona ,   the CHIWOS Research Team
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Women living with HIV across global contexts are disproportionately impacted by food insecurity and housing insecurity. Food and housing insecurity are resource insecurities associated with poorer health outcomes among people living with HIV. Poverty, a deeply stigmatized phenomenon, is a contributing factor towards food and housing insecurity. HIV‐related stigma—the devaluation, mistreatment and constrained access to power and opportunities experienced by people living with HIV—intersects with structural inequities. Few studies, however, have examined food and housing insecurity as drivers of HIV‐related stigma. This study aimed to estimate the associations between food and housing insecurity with HIV‐related stigma among women living with HIV in Canada.

Methods

This prospective cohort study of women living with HIV (≥16 years old) in three provinces in Canada involved three waves of surveys collected at 18‐month intervals between 2013 and 2018. To understand associations between food and housing security and HIV‐related stigma, we conducted linear mixed effects regression models. We adjusted for socio‐demographic characteristics associated with HIV‐related stigma.

Results and discussion

Among participants (n = 1422), more than one‐third (n = 509; 36%) reported baseline food insecurity and approximately one‐tenth (n = 152, 11%) housing insecurity. Mean HIV‐related stigma scores were consistent across waves 1 (mean [M] = 57.2, standard deviation [SD] = 20.0, N = 1401) and 2 (M = 57.4, SD = 19.0, N = 1227) but lower at wave 3 (M = 52.8, SD = 18.7, N = 918). On average, across time, food insecure participants reported HIV‐related stigma scores that were 8.6 points higher (95% confidence interval [CI]: 6.4, 10.8) compared with food secure individuals. Similarly, participants reporting insecure housing at wave 1 tended to experience greater HIV‐related stigma (6.2 points, 95% CI: 2.7, 9.6) over time compared to stably housed participants. There was an interaction between time and housing insecurity, whereby baseline housing insecurity was no longer associated with higher HIV‐related stigma at the third wave.

Conclusions

Among women living with HIV in Canada, experiencing food and housing insecurity was associated with consistently higher levels of HIV‐related stigma. In addition to the urgent need to tackle food and housing insecurity among people living with HIV to optimize wellbeing, getting to the heart of HIV‐related stigma requires identifying and dismantling resource insecurity‐related stigma drivers.
Baseline interleukin‐10, CD163, and tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK) gingival tissue levels in relation to clinical periodontal treatment outcomes: A 12‐week follow‐up study
Authors: Yilmaz Mustafa , Demir Esra , Gürsoy Mervi , Firatli Erhan , Gürsoy Ulvi Kahraman
Published: July 2022

Background

The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between healing response after non‐surgical periodontal treatment and baseline gingival tissue levels of M2 macrophage activation‐related proteins CD163, interleukin (IL)‐10, interferon (IFN)‐γ, and tumor necrosis factor‐like weak inducer of apoptosis (TWEAK), and the CD163/TWEAK ratio.

Methods

Eighty‐eight gingival tissue samples from 44 Stage III/IV, Grade C periodontitis patients (18 smokers) and 41 tissue samples from 41 periodontally healthy participants (18 smokers) were evaluated. Clinical parameters were recorded in periodontally healthy individuals at baseline and in periodontitis patients at pre‐treatment and 2, 6, and 12 weeks following therapy. IL‐10, IFN‐γ, CD163, and TWEAK levels were analyzed with Luminex technique.

Results

Tissue levels (median, 1st–3rd quartile) of IL‐10 (pg/ng protein), CD163 (pg/μg protein) and TWEAK (pg/μg protein) were as follows: IL‐10 periodontitis: 2.08, 0.86–5.32 and periodontally healthy: 5.22, 3.20–10.25; CD163 periodontitis: 8.85, 4.92–14.06 and periodontally healthy: 18.36, 12.51‐34.02; TWEAK periodontitis: 0.08, 0.05–0.11 and periodontally healthy: 0.16, 0.12–0.21. IL‐10, CD163, and TWEAK levels were higher (P < 0.001) in periodontally healthy tissues than in periodontitis tissues. Pocket closure at 12 weeks was associated with elevated baseline gingival CD163 levels (P = 0.047) and CD163/TWEAK ratio (P = 0.001). Elevated baseline gingival CD163/TWEAK ratio was associated with pocket reduction at 6 (P = 0.022) and 12 weeks (P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Associations of pocket closure with pre‐treatment gingival tissue CD163 levels and CD163/TWEAK ratio indicate that baseline M2 macrophage activation profile may play a role in periodontal wound healing.
Predicting recurrence and recurrence‐free survival in high‐grade endometrial cancer using machine learning
Authors: Piedimonte Sabrina , Feigenberg Tomer , Drysdale Erik , Kwon Janice , Gotlieb Walter H. , Cormier Beatrice , Plante Marie , Lau Susie , Helpman Limor , Renaud Marie‐Claude , May Taymaa , Vicus Danielle
Published: July 2022

Objective

To develop machine‐learning models to predict recurrence and time‐to‐recurrence in high‐grade endometrial cancer (HGEC) following surgery and tailored adjuvant treatment.

Methods

Data were retrospectively collected across eight Canadian centers including 1237 patients. Four models were trained to predict recurrence: random forests, boosted trees, and two neural networks. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to select the best model based on the highest area under the curve (AUC). For time to recurrence, we compared random forests and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) model to Cox proportional hazards.

Results

The random forest was the best model to predict recurrence in HGEC; the AUCs were 85.2%, 74.1%, and 71.8% in the training, validation, and test sets, respectively. The top five predictors were: stage, uterus height, specimen weight, adjuvant chemotherapy, and preoperative histology. Performance increased to 77% and 80% when stratified by Stage III and IV, respectively. For time to recurrence, there was no difference between the LASSO and Cox proportional hazards models (c‐index 71%). The random forest had a c‐index of 60.5%.

Conclusions

A bootstrap random forest model may be a more accurate technique to predict recurrence in HGEC using multiple clinicopathologic factors. For time to recurrence, machine‐learning methods performed similarly to the Cox proportional hazards model
Rat tail models for the assessment of injectable nucleus pulposus regeneration strategies
Authors: Barcellona Marcos N. , McDonnell Emily E. , Samuel Shani , Buckley Conor T.
Published: July 2022

Back pain is a global epidemiological and socioeconomic problem often associated with intervertebral disc degeneration; a condition believed to initiate in the nucleus pulposus (NP). There is considerable interest in developing early therapeutic interventions to target the NP and halt degeneration. Rat caudal models of disc degeneration have demonstrated significant utility in the study of disease progression and its impact on tissue structure, composition, and mechanical performance. One significant advantage of the caudal model is the ease of access and high throughput nature. However, considerable variability exists across the literature in terms of experimental setup and parameters. The objective of this article is to aid researchers in the design and development of caudal puncture models by providing details and insight into the most reported experimental parameters. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were employed to screen the existing literature and 80 manuscripts met the inclusion criteria. Disc geometry, surgical approaches, effect of needle gauge size to induce degeneration, therapeutic volume, outcome measures, and associated limitations are considered and discussed, and a range of recommendations based on different research questions are presented.
Screening of acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and antioxidant active compounds from Terminalia chebula fruits by spectrum‐effect relationship and liquid chromatography‒mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Zhao Huan‐Huan , Li Yan‐Jun , Guo Zhao‐Hui , Chen Juan
Published: July 2022

Screening and identification of active components from traditional Chinese medicines is rather challenging due to the diversity and complexity of chemical components. Herein, a comprehensive strategy based on a spectrum‐effect relationship model and LC‒MS analysis was developed to screen active components from Terminalia chebula fruits. The water extract of T. chebula fruits was subjected to macroporous resin column and then eluted successively with water and 30%, 50%, 70%, and 95% ethanol. The 30% ethanol eluate fractions of eighteen batches from T. chebula fruits were used for the spectrum‐effect relationship study. The IC50 values for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory and 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging activities were measured, LC fingerprints were established, and 15 common peaks were specified. The spectrum‐effect relationship between common peaks and IC50 values was investigated by principal component analysis, gray relational analysis, partial least square and multiple linear regression. The 30% ethanol eluate fraction was further characterized by LC‒MS analysis. The chromatographic peaks (Peaks 1, 2, 3, 5, 12, 14, 15) making great contributions to the efficacy were screened through a spectrum‐effect relationship model, and sixteen components were further identified. The results suggested that the proposed strategy is simple and effective for acquiring active components from a complex matrix.
Military sexual trauma in context: Ethnoracial differences in ecological resources among treatment‐seeking veterans
Authors: Grau Peter P. , Valentine Lisa M. , Vuper Tessa C. , Rogers Travis A. , Wong Jennifer D. , Sexton Minden B.
Published: July 2022

Veterans who have experienced military sexual trauma (MST) are at increased risk for a host of negative outcomes, including posttraumatic stress disorder, depressive disorders, and substance use disorders. Previous studies have shown racial differences in MST exposure, namely that Black veterans experience MST more frequently than White veterans. One way to help clinicians and researchers understand the impact of these ethnoracial differences in MST exposure is through an applied theory of ecological resources, which has demonstrated ecological factors (e.g., aspects of identity, beliefs, and environmental stressors) contribute to veteran well‐being in the aftermath of MST. The present study aimed to examine ethnoracial differences in ecological resources (i.e., available social support, spiritual coping, past‐year interpersonal violence, financial sufficiency, and stable living environment). Participants (N = 505) were U.S. veterans who sought care at a Veterans Healthcare Administration clinic in the midwestern United States for mental health issues related to MST. Results demonstrated Black veterans were more likely than White veterans to report being financially insecure, U = 18,091.50, z = –2.04, p = .042, r = .10. Black veterans were also more likely to report spiritual beliefs that assisted with coping, Cramer's V = .19, but less likely to report having a social support system, Cramer's V = .16. These findings highlight the importance of assessing and addressing disparities illuminated by ethnoracial differences in ecological resources and barriers in veterans seeking care for MST.
ALS patients in otorhinolaryngology: A retrospective study
Authors: Rautiola Jesper , Laaksovirta Hannu , Geneid Ahmed , Ilmarinen Taru , Pietarinen Petra , Kinnari Teemu J.
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Given its rarity and the lack of clear clinical markers, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains a diagnostic challenge. Because bulbar‐onset ALS (buALS) presents with impaired speech or swallowing, patients are often primarily referred to an otolaryngologist (ORL) or phoniatrician. The objectives of this retrospective cohort study were to analyze the role of ORLs and phoniatricians in ALS diagnostics and treatment and the potential diagnostic delay related to initial visit to aforementioned specialists.

Methods

We reviewed data for all 327 patients treated for ALS through the Hospital District of Helsinki and Uusimaa (HUS) between 2010 and 2014, focusing specifically on 110 (34%) patients presenting with bulbar nerve onset (buALS). Their presenting symptoms, referral to specialized care, and delay in referral to a neurology clinic were assessed. Indications and findings from swallowing studies were reviewed as well as the incidence of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) and tracheostomy.

Results

Among the 110 patients with buALS, 64 (58%) were primarily referred to a neurologist, 28 (25%) to an ORL, and five (5%) to a phoniatrician. The most common presenting symptom was dysarthria in 89 patients, (81%), followed by dysphagia in 26 (24%). In most cases, an ORL or phoniatrician suspected a neuromuscular disease; however, in eight (24%) cases, the neurological etiology of symptoms was missed. Overall, 49 (45%) patients underwent a swallowing study and 86 (78%) patients underwent PEG placement.

Conclusions

Among buALS patients, 30% initially consulted an ORL or phoniatrician and 45% underwent a swallowing study. Based on our results, swallowing studies rarely lead to immediate PEG placement. An initial visit to other specialists had no impact on diagnostic delays or survival.
Quantification of very late xerostomia in head and neck cancer patients after irradiation
Authors: Blitzer Grace C. , Rogus‐Pulia Nicole M. , Paz Cristina , Nickel Kwangok P. , Cannaday Vanessa L. , Kelm‐Nelson Cynthia A. , Sudakaran Sailendharan , Chappell Richard J. , Glazer Tiffany , Kimple Randall J.
Published: July 2022

Objective

Radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancer (HNC) can result in severe xerostomia, or the subjective feeling of dry mouth. Characterizing xerostomia is critical to designing future clinical trials investigating how to improve HNC patients' quality of life (QoL). Few studies have investigated the very late (>5 years post‐RT) effects of RT for HNC. We undertook preliminary studies quantifying very late xerostomia.

Methods

Six adults who underwent RT for HNC at least 5 years prior and reported xerostomia were enrolled. Five healthy adults without a self‐reported history of HNC or xerostomia were enrolled as controls. All participants completed three validated surveys to measure xerostomia‐related QoL. Salivary production rates were measured and compositional analysis of the saliva and oral microbiome was completed.

Results

The QoL survey scores for the HNC participants were significantly worse as compared to the control participants. The HNC participants produced less unstimulated saliva (p = .02) but not less stimulated saliva. The median salivary mucin significantly higher in HNC participants than in control participants (p = .02). There was no significant difference between the pH, amylase, or total protein. Microbiome analysis revealed alpha diversity to be significantly lower in the HNC participants.

Conclusion

In the survivors of HNC who suffer from late toxicities, multiple means of measuring toxicity may be useful. We found that in patients with radiation‐induced xerostomia over 5 years after therapy, not only were the QoL surveys significantly worse, as expected, but other measurements such as mucin and oral microbiome diversity were also significantly different.

Level of evidence

3.
Corrosion evaluation of welded nickel aluminum bronze and manganese aluminum bronze in synthetic sea water
Authors: Cobo Ignacio , Biezma‐Moraleda Maria V. , Linhardt Paul
Published: July 2022

Nickel aluminum bronze (NAB) and manganese aluminum bronze (MAB) are highly alloyed bronzes that are increasingly employed in several industrial sectors mainly related to the hostile environment due to their excellent resistance against corrosion, cavitation, erosion, and improved mechanical properties in comparison with other copper‐based alloys. These materials are sensitive to thermal treatments, such as welding, due to a multiphase microstructure in cast conditions. To contribute to the knowledge of the behavior of both alloys, the effect of welding processes on the corrosion behavior of NAB (CuAl10Fe5Ni5) and MAB (CuMn12Al8Fe4Ni2) is studied. As the microstructures of the parent zone (PZ), heat‐affected zone (HAZ), and weld seam (WS) may be quite different, the consequences with respect to corrosion behavior must be considered. In this study, the influence on corrosion behavior in synthetic sea water (SSW) was investigated using different welded test coupons representing identical (symmetrical) and hybrid joints of NAB and MAB. The microstructures of the welded samples were characterized by metallography using two chemical agents and examined by optical and scanning electron microscopy. By electrochemical corrosion testing, the major effect of welding processes on the corrosion behavior was found in influencing the amount and distribution of β‐phase which is prone to selective corrosion.
Comparative Investigation of the Hydrolysis of Charge‐Shifting Polymers Derived from an Azlactone‐Based Polymer
Authors: Fortenberry Alex , Mohammad Sk Arif , Werfel Thomas A. , Smith Adam E.
Published: July 2022

Poly 2‐vinyl‐4,4‐dimethylazlactone (PVDMA) has received much attention as a “reactive platform” to prepare charge‐shifting polycations via post‐polymerization modification with tertiary amines that possess primary amine or hydroxyl reactive handles. Upon hydrolysis of the resulting amide or ester linkages, the polymers can undergo a gradual transition in net charge from cationic to anionic. Herein, a systematic investigation of the hydrolysis rate of PVDMA‐derived charge‐shifting polymers is described. PVDMA is modified with tertiary amines bearing either primary amine, hydroxyl, or thiol reactive handles. The resulting polymers possess tertiary amine side chains connected to the backbone via amide, ester, or thioester linkages. The hydrolysis rates of each PVDMA derivative are monitored at 25 and 50 °C at pH values of 5.5, 7.5, and 8.5, respectively. While the hydrolysis rate of the amide‐functionalized PVDMA is negligible over the period investigated, the hydrolysis rates of the ester‐ and thioester‐functionalized PVDMA increase with increasing temperature and pH. Interestingly, the hydrolysis rate of the thioester‐functionalized PVDMA appears to be more rapid than the ester‐functionalized PVDMA at all pH values and temperatures investigated. It is believed that these results can be utilized to inform the future preparation of PVDMA‐based charge‐shifting polymers for biomedical applications.
New contracts and dismissal threats from highly drafted rookies: What motivates NFL quarterbacks?
Authors: Pitts Joshua D. , Evans Brent A.
Published: July 2022

The authors examined whether incumbent starting quarterbacks in the National Football League (NFL) performed better after their teams drafted another quarterback in the first round of the preceding draft. There was some evidence that quarterbacks exhibited slightly improved performance under these conditions. However, the impact on performance was small. There was little evidence of opportunistic behavior by quarterbacks, but quarterbacks may perform slightly better in the first year of a new contract. The authors conclude that quarterbacks are already exerting at or near their maximum effort level and thus their performances are unlikely to be greatly impacted by dismissal threats or contract details.
Longitudinal Positron Emission Tomography Imaging of Presynaptic Terminals in Early Parkinson's Disease
Authors: Delva Aline , Van Laere Koen , Vandenberghe Wim
Published: July 2022

Background

Imaging tools that allow quantification of Parkinson's disease (PD) progression could facilitate the development of disease‐modifying therapies. Cross‐sectional studies have shown presynaptic terminal damage in PD patients, but longitudinal data are limited.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to longitudinally assess loss of presynaptic terminals in general and dopaminergic presynaptic terminals in particular as measures of disease progression in early PD.

Methods

A total of 27 patients with early PD and 18 age‐ and sex‐matched healthy controls underwent positron emission tomography (PET) with 11C‐UCB‐J, a ligand for the brain‐wide presynaptic terminal marker SV2A, and with 18F‐FE‐PE2I, a highly selective dopamine transporter ligand, in combination with a comprehensive motor and non‐motor clinical assessment at baseline (BL) and after 26.5 ± 2.1 months (Y2). SUVR‐1 images were calculated and volumes of interest were delineated based on individual 3D T1 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Results

PD patients showed significant 2‐year worsening of Movement Disorder Society‐sponsored revision of the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale Part III (MDS‐UPDRS‐III) (off medication) scores, but not of non‐motor scores. Motor and non‐motor scores in controls did not change significantly over 2 years. 18F‐FE‐PE2I binding in caudate and putamen showed significant 2‐year decline in the PD group and remained unchanged in controls. Longitudinal decline of striatal 18F‐FE‐PE2I binding in PD did not correlate with longitudinal changes in MDS‐UPDRS‐III scores. 11C‐UCB‐J PET did not show any region with significant 2‐year change in PD or controls.

Conclusions

18F‐FE‐PE2I PET showed robust 2‐year decline in early PD, but 11C‐UCB‐J PET did not. Longitudinal changes in 18F‐FE‐PE2I binding did not correlate with clinical motor progression. © 2022 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.
On a nonlocal elliptic system of Hardy‐Kirchhoff type with critical exponents
Authors: Costa Augusto C. R. , Miyagaki Olimpio H. , Pereira Fabio R.
Published: July 2022

In this work, we consider a class of critical variational systems in
of the Hardy‐Kirchhoff type involving the fractional Laplacian operator. By imposing some conditions on the nonlinearity as well as in the potencial, we recover the compactness combining arguments used in Alves and Souto and in Brezis and Nirenberg. Only monotonicity conditions are employed, without imposing any coercivity condition on the potential, which can tend to zero at infinity. Our result is closely related to that obtained by Fiscella, Pucci and Zhang.
Efficient space‐time adaptivity for parabolic evolution equations using wavelets in time and finite elements in space
Authors: van Venetië Raymond , Westerdiep Jan
Published: July 2022

Considering the space‐time adaptive method for parabolic evolution equations we introduced in Stevenson et al., this work discusses an implementation of the method in which every step is of linear complexity. Exploiting the tensor‐product structure of the space‐time cylinder, the method allows for a family of trial spaces given as spans of wavelets‐in‐time tensorized with finite element spaces‐in‐space. On spaces whose bases are indexed by double‐trees, we derive an algorithm that applies the resulting bilinear forms in linear complexity. We provide extensive numerical experiments to demonstrate the linear runtime of the resulting adaptive loop.
Topological monopole's gauge field‐induced anomalous Hall effect in artificial honeycomb lattice
Authors: Guo Jiasen , Dugaev Vitalii , Ernst Arthur , Yumnam George , Ghosh Pousali , Singh Deepak Kumar
Published: July 2022

Vortex magnetic structure in artificial honeycomb lattice provides a unique platform to explore emergent properties due to the additional Berry phase curvature imparted by chiral magnetization to circulating electrons via direct interaction. We argue that while the perpendicularly aligned magnetic component leads to the quantized flux of monopole at the center of the Berry sphere, the in‐plane vortex circulation of magnetization gives rise to unexpected nontrivial topological Berry phase due to the gauge field transformation. The unprecedented effect signifies the importance of vector potential in multiply connected geometrical systems. Experimental confirmations to proposed hypotheses are obtained from Hall resistance measurements on permalloy honeycomb lattice. Investigation of the topological gauge transformation due to the in‐plane chirality reveals anomalous quasi‐oscillatory behavior in Hall resistance as a function of perpendicular field. The oscillatory nature of is owed to the fluctuation in equilibrium current as a function of Fermi wave‐vector , envisaged under the proposed new formulation in this article. Our synergistic approach suggests that artificially tunable nanostructured material provides new vista to the exploration of topological phenomena of strong fundamental importance.

Key Points

Demonstration of gauge field flux due to vortex magnetism.

Anomalous Hall effect in magnetic honeycomb lattice.

Topological monopole‐induced magnetic flux.
Block preconditioners for energy stable schemes of magnetohydrodynamics equations
Authors: Zhang Guo‐Dong , Yang Min , He Yinnian
Published: July 2022

In this article, we develop the first and second order unconditionally energy stable schemes for magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) equations and design robust preconditioners for these schemes. Inspired by operator preconditioning ideas, appropriate parameter‐dependent norms on function spaces are subtly defined to uniformly bound the bilinear and trilinear terms, which implies the uniform well‐posedness of the schemes under the newly defined norms. Then robust block preconditioners are constructed using the Riesz operators. We prove that, if time step size , the proposed preconditioners are uniformly robust with respect to physical parameters and discrete parameters. Various numerical experiments, including energy stability tests, Kelvin–Helmholtz instability and magnetic driven cavity physical benchmark problems, are presented to manifest unconditional energy stability of the schemes and robustness of our preconditioners.
Cyclotriphosphazene hyperbranched P/N/Si prepared flame retardants improve mechanical properties and flame retardancy of epoxy resins
Authors: Yu Hailong , Tian Li , Li Ting , Zhu Yingxue , Zhu Anjun , Guo Xiaoqian , Liu Kangli , Yang Baoping , Guo Junhong , Mu Bo , Cui Jinfeng
Published: July 2022

In this study, a cyclotriphosphazene hyperbranched P/N/Si prepared flame retardant (HBPPSi) was synthesized, and the effects of different loadings of HBPPSi on the mechanical properties, thermal stability and flame retardancy of epoxy resin were investigated. The mechanical property studies showed that the addition of HBPPSi could effectively improve the strength and toughness of epoxy resin, in which the strength and toughness of 5% HBPPSi/EP composites were improved by 43% and 59%, respectively. Meanwhile, thermogravimetric analysis and combustion performance test analysis indicated that the loading of HBPPSi could significantly improve the carbon formation rate, flame retardancy, and smoke suppression performance of EP composites. 5% HBPPSi/EP composites achieved a V‐1 grade in the UL‐94 test, and the LOI value increased to 28.3%. Compared with the pure EP material, the maximum heat release rate (PHRR) and total smoke release (TSP) of the 5% HBPPSi/EP composite were reduced by 47% and 32%, respectively. In addition, the release of toxic smoke CO was also significantly reduced. More importantly, the mode of action of the effect of HBPPSi on the mechanical properties, flame retardant properties, and smoke suppression properties of EP materials was investigated.
Hybridization effect on the mechanical properties of basalt fiber reinforced ZnO modified epoxy composites
Authors: Joshi Siddharth , Hiremath Anupama , Nayak Suhas Yeshwant , Jaideep Jeppu Pramod , Thipperudrappa Sridhar
Published: July 2022

This paper discusses the fabrication of nano ZnO filled epoxy/basalt fiber composites and investigates the effect of such hybridization on the mechanical properties of the composites. The epoxy resin is modified by the addition of ZnO nanofiller in different wt.% (1–5 wt%). The dispersion of the nanofiller within the epoxy resin is brought about by sonication technique. The composites are fabricated through wet layup followed by curing under compression molding. To ascertain the effect of resin modification, flexural and tensile strengths are evaluated. The inter‐laminar shear strength (ILSS) is determined to identify the compatibility of the ZnO nanofiller with the epoxy and the basalt fibers. The improvement in the ILSS indicates thorough wettability being achieved between all the composite components. The addition of ZnO nanofiller improved the flexural strength, while there was no remarkable improvement in the tensile strength of the ZnO modified epoxy/baslat (BEZ) composite. Maximum improvement in the strengths is observed for BEZ2 composite with 2 wt% of ZnO nanofiller. For BEZ2 composite, the flexural and tensile strength increased by about 22% and 9.78% respectively in comparison to unfilled BEZ0 composite. The ILSS for BEZ2 composite improved by 21.74% in comparison to BEZ0 composite. In addition, more than 2 wt% addition of the ZnO nanofiller resulted in the reduction of flexural, tensile and ILSS of the composite due to agglomeration. Such agglomeration resulted in the failure of the composite due to delamination, matrix cracking and fiber fracture as observed through scanning electron microscopy images of the fractured composites.
Novel thermally insulated ultra‐lightweight fireproof and high impact resistance advanced hybrid composite
Authors: Vinodhini Jennifer , K Sudheendra , Bhowmik Shantanu , AR Srikrishnan , D. Trivedi Prakash , C. Zaveri Jaimin , Kundu Amit
Published: July 2022

This work investigates the development of ultra‐lightweight, hybrid fireproof composite material. The composite panels are made of 2,5‐polybenizimidazole (ABPBI) a thermally stable high‐performance fiber and poly ether ketone (PEK) a high‐performance film. The surface of ABPBI fiber and PEK film were treated by nitrogen plasma to increase the adhesion characteristics. The composite was fabricated through the stacking method. The hybrid composite was developed by sandwiching silicone rubber foam between surface‐treated ABPBI/PEK composite. The entire sample was covered with surface‐treated ABPBI fiber using silicone adhesive. The hybrid composite was tested in exposure to dry ice, fire and compression tests. After exposure to fire for 10 min, negligible loss of material was noticed. The Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis at the interface indicated strong interfacial adhesion between the PEK matrix and the ABPBI fiber. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) of ABPBI fiber and PEK film appear to be promising in terms of fire resistivity and hence the hybrid composite of PEK/ABPBI sandwiched by silicone foam results one of the best fireproof composite. This composite also shows significant improvement of impact and compressive strength. Analysis under Ansys Fluent software also shows similar results.
High‐Entropy Cs(Pb1/3Mn1/3Ni1/3)Br3 Perovskite Nanocrystals Prepared by High Energy Ball Milling and their Luminescence Properties
Authors: Mao Hengbin , Wang Lei , Li Junhui , Jiang Xin , Xue Shiwei , Li Mingliang , Zhu Jinpeng , Fan Bingbing , Xu Tingting , Shao Gang , Xu Hongliang , Wang Hailong , Zhang Rui , Lu Hongxia
Published: July 2022

All‐inorganic perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) have been widely used in many fields due to their excellent photoelectric properties. However, the instability of their structure and the high lead content need to be solved. Herein, the concept of “High‐entropy” is introduced into NCs to prepare High‐entropy perovskite Cs(Pb1/3Mn1/3Ni1/3)Br3 NCs by high‐energy ball milling method. The effects of milling time and doping ratio of B‐site elements on the structure and performance of perovskite NCs are studied. It is found that Mn2+ and Ni2+ successfully enter the lattice of Pb2+ to form “High‐entropy” perovskite NCs. In addition, compared with Cs(Pb0.72Mn0.14Ni0.14)Br3 NCs, Cs(Pb1/3Mn1/3Ni1/3)Br3 NCs have greater luminous intensity and stability, which because of the enhancement of band gap and valence bonds. Furthermore, photoluminescence intensity at 515 nm increase obviously when Cs(Pb1/3Mn1/3Ni1/3)Br3 NCs are heated at 120 °C. This is due to the lattice distortion effect brought about by ion doping. This study is expected to provide an effective way for synthesis and stability of all‐inorganic perovskite NCs doped with more kinds of different ions. Moreover, it also lays the foundation for the introduction of “High‐entropy” into perovskite functional ceramics.
Tumor growth inhibition modeling to support the starting dose for dacomitinib
Authors: Fostvedt Luke K. , Nickens Dana J. , Tan Weiwei , Parivar Kourosh
Published: July 2022

Dacomitinib is a second‐generation, irreversible EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor for first‐line treatment of patients with metastatic non‐small cell lung cancer and EGFR‐activating mutations. A high rate of dose reductions in the pivotal trial led to an observed inverse exposure‐response (ER) relationship with the primary end points. Three ER models were developed to determine if the starting dose from the pivotal trial, 45 mg once daily (q.d.) dose, is appropriate: a longitudinal logistic regression model for adverse event‐related dose changes, a Claret tumor growth inhibition (TGI) model, and a Cox model for progression‐free survival (PFS) based on the TGI model predictions. This analysis included 266 patients taking dacomitinib with a starting dose of 45 mg (N = 250) or 30 mg (N = 16) q.d. The ER relationships with the time‐varying exposure metrics, most recent maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) and average concentration (Cavg) from the first dose, were established for the dose reduction and TGI models, respectively. The TGI model characterized the tumor inhibition over time with constant growth rate (kL = 0.0012 years−1) and highly variable kill rate (kD = 1.002 years−1/[μg/L]θcavg, coefficient of variation [CV] = 89%) and drug resistance (λ = 14.47 years−1, CV = 96%) leading to prolonged tumor shrinkage. The ER relationship was characterized using an exposure parameter with a power parameterization (θcavg = 0.454, p < 0.0001). The Cox model found that baseline tumor size (p = 0.0166) and week 8 tumor shrinkage rate (p = 0.0726) were the best predictors of PFS. Simulations of dose reductions and drug interruptions on tumor shrinkage over time showed greater and more prolonged tumor shrinkage with a starting dose of 45 mg q.d.
Reflecting on Andy Grieve's influence and innovation: A personal perspective
Authors: Smith Mike K.
Published: July 2022

Throughout his career, Andy Grieve has developed and implemented many novel methods and has been involved in trial design and analysis for many trials that have broken new ground in the statistics field. His record of innovation is clear, but it is the way that he also applies these innovations in practice, reaches pragmatic solutions to problems and then shares and disseminates those findings that mark him out as a true leader in the statistical field. In this short article, I will discuss my own views of Andy's innovation, pragmatism and influence and how it has left its mark in my own career.