bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electronically controlled optical polarization evolution in carbon nanotubes
Authors: Hernández‐Acosta Marco Antonio , Martínez‐González Claudia Lizbeth , Torres‐SanMiguel Christopher René , Trejo‐Valdez Martin , Martínez‐Gutiérrez Hugo , Torres‐Torres Carlos
Published: February 2021

A standard optical Kerr gate configuration assisted by electronic signals in propagation through a nonlinear optical media was analyzed. The evolution of the polarization of optical pulses induced by a polarization‐resolved two‐wave mixing experiment was modulated by the frequency of an electronic signal in carbon nanotubes. Ellipsometric evaluations revealed a refractive index of 2.4 in the samples in thin film form, while UV–vis spectroscopy measurements indicated an absorption peak close to 300‐nm wavelength. From Raman, studies were estimated 91% of single‐wall carbon nanotubes and 9% of the multiwall carbon nanotubes integrating the samples. The electrical impedance dependent on electrical frequency and optical irradiance in the nanostructures was explored by nanosecond pulses at a 532‐nm wavelength. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy studies pointed out an inductive behavior at low electrical frequencies in contrast to a capacitive behavior for high electrical frequencies present in the nanostructures. An enhancement in magnitude of the third‐order nonlinear optical susceptibility by the assistance of a logic signal of 4 V provided a change from 7 × 10−9 esu to 1.1 × 10−8 esu in the samples studied. Considering the impact of the vectorial nature of light for ruling the amplitude and splitting properties of the beams, immediate applications for developing photonic and optoelectronic systems controlled by nonlinear optical phenomena can be contemplated.
Machine QA for the Elekta Unity system: A Report from the Elekta MR‐linac consortium
Authors: Roberts David A. , Sandin Carlos , Vesanen Panu T. , Lee Hannah , Hanson Ian M. , Nill Simeon , Perik Thijs , Lim Seng Boh , Vedam Sastry , Yang Jinzhong , Woodings Simon W. , Wolthaus Jochem W. H. , Keller Brian , Budgell Geoff , Chen Xinfeng , Li X. Allen
Published: February 2021

Over the last few years, magnetic resonance image‐guided radiotherapy systems have been introduced into the clinic, allowing for daily online plan adaption. While quality assurance (QA) is similar to conventional radiotherapy systems, there is a need to introduce or modify measurement techniques. As yet, there is no consensus guidance on the QA equipment and test requirements for such systems. Therefore, this report provides an overview of QA equipment and techniques for mechanical, dosimetric, and imaging performance of such systems and recommendation of the QA procedures, particularly for a 1.5T MR‐linac device. An overview of the system design and considerations for QA measurements, particularly the effect of the machine geometry and magnetic field on the radiation beam measurements is given. The effect of the magnetic field on measurement equipment and methods is reviewed to provide a foundation for interpreting measurement results and devising appropriate methods. And lastly, a consensus overview of recommended QA, appropriate methods, and tolerances is provided based on conventional QA protocols. The aim of this consensus work was to provide a foundation for QA protocols, comparative studies of system performance, and for future development of QA protocols and measurement methods.
Comparison and validation of automated scoring of SPECT phantom cold rod visibility
Authors: DiFilippo Frank P. , Palestro Christopher J. , Nichols Kenneth J.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Evaluation of phantom image quality is an integral component of the quality assurance of SPECT systems. This evaluation often is done by visual assessment of the resolution of known structures of a specified size, such as arrays of cold rods in a warm background. Although this method is rapid and convenient, it is qualitative and is subject to inter‐ and intraobserver variability. Thus an automated quantitative analysis would be preferable. Several metrics of cold rod visibility have been developed, although their suitability for SPECT quality assurance depends on how well they correspond to visual scoring by experienced observers.

Methods

Various metrics of cold rod visibility, derived from either texture analysis or template‐based analysis, were investigated. The texture analysis methods measured the normalized gray‐level co‐occurrence matrix (GLCM) energy (“Energy%”) and entropy (“Entropy%”) of each region and an associated combination of the two (“EnergyEntropy%”). One template‐based method measured the rods‐to‐background contrast (“Contrast”) and an associated visibility index (Contrast × area = “Contrast Visibility”). Another template‐based method performed binary classification (BC) of the rods and background to compute the area under curve (AUC) of its receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (“BC‐AUC”) and the corresponding signal‐to‐noise ratio (“BC‐SNR”). All these metrics were computed for 90 SPECT acquisitions of the standard American College of Radiology (“Jaszczak”) phantom. Cold rod visibility was scored independently by two experienced nuclear medicine physicists on both dichotomous and 5‐point scales. Scoring was performed twice by each observer to evaluate variability.

Results

Interobserver agreement (Cohen’s kappa statistic) was 0.78, and intraobserver reproducibility was 0.86 and 0.88, respectively, for each observer. Mean and median scores differed significantly between observers. Accuracy of each metric was assessed according to AUC of ROC analysis with respect to mean dichotomous score. The binary classification metrics had the highest accuracy (BC‐AUC = 0.995, BC‐SNR = 0.994), above that of the texture analysis metrics (Entropy% = 0.992, Energy% = 0.988, EnergyEntropy% = 0.992) and conventional template analysis (Contrast = 0.984, Contrast Visibility = 0.989). The metrics were similar in terms of rank correlation to mean visibility score. BC‐AUC correlated linearly with mean visibility score (R2 = 0.95) and consistently performed among the highest of the metrics vs rod diameter and count level.

Conclusions

Automated quantitative analysis of SPECT phantom cold rods correlated well with visual scoring. The metrics based on binary classification performed particularly well for this task, across the range of rod diameters and count levels. The suboptimal interobserver agreement highlights the importance of developing automated algorithms for evaluating scanner performance.
Probing the myelin water compartment with a saturation‐recovery, multi‐echo gradient‐recalled echo sequence
Authors: Kleban Elena , Gowland Penny , Bowtell Richard
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To investigate the effect of varying levels of ‐weighting on the evolution of the complex signal from white matter in a multi‐echo gradient‐recalled echo (mGRE) saturation‐recovery sequence.

Theory and Methods

Analysis of the complex signal evolution in an mGRE sequence allows the contributions from short‐ and long‐ components to be separated, thus providing a measure of the relative strength of signals from the myelin water, and the external and intra‐axonal compartments. Here we evaluated the effect of different levels of ‐weighting on these signals, expecting that the previously reported, short of the myelin water would lead to a relative enhancement of the myelin water signal in the presence of signal saturation. Complex, saturation‐recovery mGRE data from the splenium of the corpus callosum from 5 healthy volunteers were preprocessed using a frequency difference mapping (FDM) approach and analyzed using the 3‐pool model of complex signal evolution in white matter.

Results

An increase in the apparent as a function of echo time was demonstrated, but this increase was an order of magnitude smaller than that expected from previously reported myelin water ‐values. This suggests the presence of magnetization transfer and exchange effects which counteract the ‐weighting.

Conclusion

Variation of the amplitude in a saturation‐recovery mGRE sequence can be used to modulate the relative strength of signals from the different compartments in white matter, but the modulation is less than predicted from previously reported ‐values.
Deuterated water imaging of the rat brain following metabolism of [2H7]glucose
Authors: Mahar Rohit , Zeng Huadong , Giacalone Anthony , Ragavan Mukundan , Mareci Thomas H. , Merritt Matthew E.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To determine whether deuterated water (HDO) generated from the metabolism of [2H7]glucose is a sensitive biomarker of cerebral glycolysis and oxidative flux.

Methods

A bolus of [2H7]glucose was injected through the tail vein at 1.95 g/kg into Sprague‐Dawley rats. A 2H surface coil was placed on top of the head to record 2H spectra of the brain every 1.3 minutes to measure glucose uptake and metabolism to HDO, lactate, and glutamate/glutamine. A two‐point Dixon method based on a gradient‐echo sequence was used to reconstruct deuterated glucose and water (HDO) images selectively.

Results

The background HDO signal could be detected and imaged before glucose injection. The 2H NMR spectra showed arrival of [2H7]glucose and its metabolism in a time‐dependent manner. A ratio of the HDO to glutamate/glutamine resonances demonstrates a pseudo–steady state following injection, in which cerebral metabolism dominates wash‐in of HDO generated by peripheral metabolism. Brain spectroscopy reveals that HDO generation is linear with lactate and glutamate/glutamine appearance in the appropriate pseudo–steady state window. Selective imaging of HDO and glucose is easily accomplished using a gradient‐echo method.

Conclusion

Metabolic imaging of HDO, as a marker of glucose, lactate, and glutamate/glutamine metabolism, has been shown here for the first time. Cerebral glucose metabolism can be assessed efficiently using a standard gradient‐echo sequence that provides superior in‐plane resolution compared with CSI‐based techniques.
Preserved eye movements in adults with spinal muscular atrophy
Authors: Anagnostou Evangelos , Xirou Sophia , Kararizou Evangelia , Stefanis Leonidas , Papadopoulos Constantinos , Papadimas George
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) most prominently affects proximal limb and bulbar muscles. Despite older case descriptions, ocular motor neuron palsies or other oculomotor abnormalities are not considered part of the phenotype.

Methods

We investigated oculomotor function by testing saccadic eye movements of 15 patients with SMA. Their performance was compared with that of age‐matched healthy controls. Horizontal rightward and leftward saccades were recorded by means of video‐oculography, whereas subjects looked at light‐emitting diode targets placed at ±5°, ±10°, and ±15° eccentricities.

Results

No differences in saccade amplitude gains, peak velocities, peak velocity‐to‐amplitude ratios, or durations were observed between controls and patients. More specifically, for 5° target eccentricities, patients had a mean saccadic peak velocity of 153°/s, whereas for 10° and 15° these values were 268°/s and 298°/s, respectively. The corresponding mean peak velocities of the control group were 151°/s, 264°/s, and 291°/s.

Discussion

Our results indicate that patients with SMA perform fast and accurate horizontal saccades without evidence of extraocular muscle weakness. These quantitative oculomotor data corroborate clinical experience that neuro‐ophthalmic symptoms in SMA are not common and, if present, should prompt suspicion for an alternative neuromuscular disorder.
Preconditioners for multiphase poromechanics with strong capillarity
Authors: T. Camargo Julia , White Joshua A. , Castelletto Nicola , Borja Ronaldo I.
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to enhance the performance of Newton–Krylov solvers for coupled poromechanical problems with two‐phase flow. In particular, we investigate the impact of capillary pressure on preconditioning strategies. Capillarity complicates the coupling between the solid deformation and fluid pressure degrees of freedom, as well as increases the nonlinearity of the system. Depending on the capillary pressure relation used in the constitutive formulation, the flow equations may exhibit a spectrum of advection‐dominated to diffusion‐dominated behavior. We propose preconditioning approaches that account for this behavior and lead to robust numerical performance within a broad range of regimes.
Determination of the opening size of granular filters
Authors: Seblany Feda , Vincens Eric , Picault Christophe
Published: February 2021

Granular filters are used in hydraulic earthen structures as a natural barrier to protect base soils from erosion under seepage conditions. Their performance is greatly dependent on the pore space connectivity that provides transport pathways for migrating fine particles. Traditional filter design rules are based on characteristic particle diameters of the involved materials, which do not explicitly reflect the pore structure dimensions. Even though the literature offers some mathematical tools that can be used to characterize the opening size of granular filters, the underlying physical fundamentals are still not sufficiently understood. Therefore, this study aims to provide a plausible physical framework for determining the filter opening size by means of numerical simulations using the discrete element method. From the investigation of particle transport processes in polydisperse packings of spheres, the opening sizes associated to these numerical filters are defined on the basis of their constriction size distribution. A mathematical procedure is then introduced to determine the effective opening size of the filter and subsequently, a revised retention criterion for granular filters is proposed and validated with experimental data from the literature. The study findings can offer a valuable perspective for erosion assessment methods in both new and existing earthen structures.
A randomized clinical trial of a new perioperative practice model on anxiety and health‐related quality of life in arthroplasty patients
Authors: Pulkkinen Maria , Jousela Irma , Sintonen Harri , Engblom Janne , Salanterä Sanna , Junttila Kristiina
Published: February 2021

Aims

To explore the effectiveness of a new perioperative practice model on anxiety and health‐related quality of life in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty and total knee arthroplasty under spinal anaesthesia.

Design

A randomized clinical trial.

Methods

Control group participants (N = 222) received standard perioperative care, meaning they were cared for by various nurses during their perioperative process without postoperative visits. Intervention group participants (N = 231) were assigned one named anaesthesia nurse during their entire perioperative process who visited them postoperatively. Both groups responded to two self‐reported questionnaires: the generic 15D health‐related quality of life instrument and the State‐Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) measuring anxiety two to three weeks pre‐operatively and three months postoperatively.

Results

There were no statistically significant differences between the groups at baseline or at follow‐up in health‐related quality of life or anxiety.
Same‐Sex Couples and the Gains to Marriage: The Importance of the Legal Environment
Authors: Delhommer Scott M. , Hamermesh Daniel S.
Published: February 2021

Same‐sex couples’ marital surplus, their excess total income over that predicted by their work times and expected wages, increases little as the duration of their relationship lengthens. When/where same‐sex marriage is legal, it rises sharply as duration increases. The availability of legal domestic partnership or civil union has no effect on the surplus. The likelihood of home ownership conditional on demographic characteristics also increases with partnerships’ duration only when/where same‐sex marriage is legal. These results, based on data from the American Community Survey 2013 to 2017, support the notion that greater legal protection enhances partners’ incentives to invest in their relationship, producing gains for society in the form of higher tax revenues, larger inheritances, and more stable communities.
Improve durability and surface quality of additively manufactured molds using carbon fiber prepreg
Authors: Yeole Pritesh , Herring Cliff , Hassen Ahmed , Kunc Vlastimil , Stratton Robert , Vaidya Uday
Published: February 2021

Hybrid tooling is an emerging concept introduced in the aerospace industries to reduce weight and cost of traditional tools. A hybrid tool features a skin, which provides desired surface quality, durability, and a low‐density substrate to reduce the weight of the mold. The big area additive manufacturing (BAAM) technology permits rapid production of thermoplastic polymer intensive large‐scale structures. The present study features a carbon fiber reinforced polyphenylene sulfide (CF‐PPS) substrate fabricated using Oak Ridge National Laboratory's BAAM system. Carbon fiber‐bismaleimide (CF‐BMI) prepreg skin was then bonded to the BAAM tool through high‐pressure autoclave molding. Process optimization was conducted to improve the bonding between CF‐PPS and CF‐BMI (transverse tensile strength increased from 0.54 to 4.8 MPa). Durability of the mold was demonstrated from fabricating seven (7) carbon fiber‐Huntsman epoxy hand lay‐up parts utilizing the mold.
C30‐45 long‐chain alkyls modified silsesquioxane: A promising additive for polyethylene
Authors: Zhang Yi , Zhang Yongjie , Yu Fan , Yang Wei , Li Xiaopei , Wang Zhichao , Wang Shuai
Published: February 2021

A novel commercial available and inexpensive long‐chain alkyl (C30‐45) modified silsesquioxane, namely (C30‐45 alkyl)dimethylsilyl polypropylsilsesquioxane (C30PSS), was applied as a functional filler for linear low density polyethylene (LLDPE). For comparison, LLDPE/octaisobutyl polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (BuPOSS) nanocomposites were also prepared via melt blending. The chemical and crystalline structures of C30PSS and BuPOSS were first identified by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, solid 29Si NMR, and X‐ray diffraction. The dispersion of two fillers in the polymer matrix was analyzed via scanning electron microscopy and X‐ray energy dispersive spectroscopy. The rheological, tensile, and thermal properties of pristine LLDPE, LLDPE/C30PSS, and LLDPE/BuPOSS composites were systematically studied. Our results showed that C30PSS can serve as a promising and low‐priced filler for LLDPE with respect to its fine dispersion in LLDPE and its abilities to improve the rheological and mechanical properties of LLDPE.
Rheological behavior, electrical conductivity, and morphology of multi‐walled carbon nanotube filled poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate)/poly(methyl methacrylate) nanocomposites: Effect of nanofiller content
Authors: Razavi‐Nouri Mohammad , Saeedi Fatemeh , Ziaee Farshid
Published: February 2021

Nanocomposites derived from poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) and poly(ethylene‐co‐vinyl acetate) (EVA) with 30 wt% EVA and 0–10 wt% multi‐walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) content were prepared. Scanning electron microscope images showed a two‐phase morphology for the unfilled blend in which the EVA droplets were dispersed within the PMMA domain. However, the size of EVA droplets was considerably smaller in the nanocomposites than that of the unfilled blend. The tensile results revealed that the maximum elastic modulus, tensile strength, yield stress, and strain at break were achieved for the nanocomposite containing 5 wt% MWCNT. The electrical conductivity sharply increased for the nanocomposite containing 2.5 wt% MWCNT, in comparison with that of the unfilled blend, beyond which the conductivity was less dependent on the MWCNT content. The rheological characterization showed that the normalized relaxation time increased up to 5 wt% nanofiller and remained reasonably constant for higher amounts of MWCNT.
Preparation and properties of starch‐based polyurethane/montmorillonite composite coatings for controlled‐release fertilizer
Authors: Liao Yun , Liu Li , Wang Meng , Li Li‐Xia , Cao Bing , Wang Hai , Huang Wei‐Qiang
Published: February 2021

In order to enhance the controlled‐release property of starch‐based polyurethane (SPU) coating, polyurethane/montmorillonite (SPU/MMT) composite coatings for controlled‐release urea were prepared by in‐situ polymerization with a rotating drum. The effect of MMT on morphology, structure, physico‐chemical properties, especially controlled‐release property of the as‐prepared composite coatings were studied in detail. The results showed that MMT particles dispersed well in SPU matrix, and the obtained SPU/MMT composite coatings possessed more tough and compact morphology with less‐visible holes compared with SPU coating. With the content of MMT rising to 3%, the time needed for 75% nitrogen release increased to 49 days, much longer than 14 days of SPU coating. Further, the nitrogen release mechanism underlying the structure and properties of SPU/MMT composite coatings were discussed and elucidated. According to the analysis, the superior controlled‐release property of SPU/MMT coatings originated from the impermeablity to water molecules of layered MMT acting as mechanical barriers to increase the diffusion path and resistance, the enhanced crosslinking density and hydrophobicity of composite system due to the introduction of MMT, as well as the improved mechanical properties hindering the formation of cracks and enlargement of the holes on the surface of composite coatings.
Formation of uniform polymer assembly with silica nano‐sol‐supported metallocene catalysts in a stirred‐tank reactor
Authors: Li Kuo‐Tseng , Yang Cheng‐Ni
Published: February 2021

Silica nano‐sol is the precursor (before gelation and drying) of silica gel and has much greater surface area than gel. In this study, a spherical commercial silica nano‐sol in toluene with a dimension of less than 50 nm was successfully used to support two bridged metallocenes (dicholo ‐ dimethyl silybis(indenyl) zirconium (IV) and dichloro – ethylenebis(indenyl) zirconium (IV),denoted by ZrSi and ZrEt, respectively). These sol‐supported catalysts showed significantly better propylene polymerization activities than gel‐supported catalyst reported earlier. The influences of solution co‐catalyst ([Al4O3Me6]n, n = 5–7, abbreviated as MAO) content and reaction time on polymerization were investigated. The increase of co‐catalyst concentration increased activity, polymer length, and melting temperature. Polymer assemblies produced with ZrSi/Sol changed from diamond‐shape to rod‐like shape as time proceeded. Uniform dumbbell – shaped micro‐sized polypropylene assemblies were obtained with catalyst ZrEt/Sol. The results were explained in terms of the penetration theory proposed before for multiphase mass transfer.
Polystyrene and poly(methyl methacrylate) interfaces reinforced with diblock carbon nanotubes
Authors: Seyni Fatoumata Ide , Barrett Lawrence , Crossley Steven , Grady Brian P.
Published: February 2021

An asymmetric double cantilever beam test was used to determine the ability of carbon nanotubes with varying chemistry along their lengths, that is, diblock nanotubes, to compatibilize the polystyrene/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PS/PMMA) interface. PS molecules were grafted primarily to one of the blocks to cause that block to migrate to the PS phase since otherwise both blocks would prefer to reside in PMMA. Fracture toughnesses increased monotonically with increasing diblock carbon nanotube concentration and maximum values were like those for block copolymer‐reinforced interfaces while single‐chemistry nanotubes showed no reinforcing effect. However, the abrupt increase in fracture toughness with added compatibilizer indicative of a transition to crazing was not found consistent with nanotubes suppressing crazing in homopolymers. Scanning electron microscopy images of the fractured surfaces show agglomerates of carbon nanotubes present which are likely limiting the efficacy of carbon nanotubes at toughening the interface.
Food effects on the formulation, dosing, and administration of cannabidiol (CBD) in humans: A systematic review of clinical studies
Authors: Silmore Lucy H. , Willmer Andrew R. , Capparelli Edmund V. , Rosania Gus R.
Published: February 2021

Cannabidiol (CBD), a non‐psychotropic phytocannabinoid from the Cannabis plant, is increasingly being pursued as a treatment for differing ailments. The bioavailability and pharmacokinetics of CBD are not well understood, and proper dosing schemes have not been adequately developed for its clinical use. CBD is a lipophilic molecule and exhibits low water solubility, so its formulation expectedly impacts its gastrointestinal absorption and subsequent blood plasma concentrations. In this review article, the food effects on CBD pharmacokinetics were analyzed. Clinical trials focusing on the performance of Epidiolex, the FDA‐approved CBD formulation, were found in several databases and systematically analyzed in terms of administration method, dosing schedules, and patient characteristics. 44 data sets from clinical trials were found to be useful in the quantitative analysis. Following the normalization of all the pharmacokinetic data sets by dose and patient weight, CBD exhibited a much greater bioavailability in fed patients. For Epidiolex, administration in the fed state led to lower interindividual variability and more predictable pharmacokinetics. Considering all the different oral formulations of CBD, further analysis points to the main excipient of oral CBD formulations (refined sesame seed oil) as a major contributor to the dose‐dependent variations in CBD pharmacokinetics, especially affecting the fasted state. We discuss the implications of these results on the downstream pharmacodynamics of endocannabinoid receptor modulation and its broad physiological implications.
Psychometric properties of the Albanian version of Olweus Bullying Questionnaire‐Revised
Authors: Danuza Teuta , Masten Robert
Published: February 2021

The study examined the validity of the scores produced by the Albanian version of the Olweus Bullying Questionnaire‐Revised (OBQ‐R), a self‐reported measure for assessing the phenomena of bullying among school students. A sample of third to ninth grade students (N = 3262) completed the OBQ‐R and the data were analyzed using an exploratory factor analysis, a confirmatory factor analysis, and a measurement invariance across gender and grade levels. The results demonstrated that the OBQ‐R had a clear two‐factor structure (bullying and victimization) that demonstrated a reasonable fit to the OBQ‐R items. Results of the measurement invariance tests indicated configural, metric, and scalar invariance across gender and grade level groups. Findings from this study suggest that the Albanian version of the OBQ‐R can be used to elicit responses from Kosovar primary and lower secondary students.
Soft red winter wheat ‘GA 051207‐14E53’: Adapted cultivar to Georgia and the U.S. Southeast region
Authors: Mergoum Mohamed , Johnson Jerry W. , Buck James W. , Sutton Steve , Lopez Benjamin , Bland Daniel , Chen Z. , Buntin G.D. , Mailhot Daniel J. , Babar Md A. , Mason Richard E. , Harrison Stephen A. , Murphy J. Paul , Ibrahim Amir M. H. , Sutton Russell L. , Brown‐Guedira Gina L. , Simoneaux Bryan E. , Bockelman Harold E. , Baik Byung‐Kee , Marshall David , Cowger Christina , Kolmer James A. , Jin Yue , Chen X. , Cambron Sue E. , Boyles Richard
Published: February 2021

Soft red winter wheat (SRWW) (Triticum aestivum L.) is a major crop in Georgia and the U.S. Southeast (SE) region. Hence, new cultivars with high yield potential, high resistance levels to predominant pests, and adequate quality parameters are required to capture and maximize regional market values. Therefore, the University of Georgia SRWW breeding program in collaboration with the SUNGRAINS breeding programs, aims to develop and release SRWW cultivars adapted to Georgia and the SE wheat region with high yield, quality, and pest resistance. ‘GA 051207‐14E53’ SRWW (Reg. no. CV‐1168, PI 689518) was developed and released by the University of Georgia and licensed to AGSouth Genetics Company in 2017 under the name AGS 3040. GA 051207‐14E53 is well adapted to Georgia and the SE region. It has high yield and high resistance to leaf rust, stripe rust, and Soil‐borne wheat mosaic virus. It has medium resistance to powdery mildew and to biotypes C and O of Hessian fly and is resistant to biotypes B and L. GA 051207‐14E53 has good Fusarium head blight resistance. GA 051207‐14E53 possesses H9, Sbm1, and the 2NS:2AS alien introgression from Aegilops ventricosa Tausch, having the Yr17/Lr37/Sr38 genes that protect it against these pests. Grain volume weight and milling and baking qualities of GA 051207‐14E53 are good and meet the SRWW grade standards.
The prevalence of severe personality disorder in perpetrators of homicide
Authors: Swinson Nicola , Webb Roger , Shaw Jenny
Published: February 2021

Background

Current UK evidence on the prevalence of personality disorder in homicide is lacking. The aims were to estimate the prevalence of personality disorder in homicide perpetrators from court reports and carry out a dimensional assessment in keeping with the new ICD‐11 classification of the prevalence of severe personality disorder. Associations between severe personality disorder and sociodemographic, historical and offence‐related characteristics were then explored.

Methods

Six hundred court reports from a national case series of homicide perpetrators in England and Wales were analysed using a document‐derived version of the Personality Assessment Schedule (PAS‐DOC), providing categorical and dimensional personality assessments. The prevalence of personality disorder and severe personality disorder was estimated. Factors associated with the diagnosis of severe personality disorder were examined.

Results

The prevalence of personality disorder using the PAS‐DOC was 56.3% (95% confidence interval 52.3%, 60.3%), compared with 16% as diagnosed in reports. Severe personality disorder was present in 62% (n = 338) of all those with a personality disorder and was significantly associated with homicides of strangers and previous violence.

Conclusions

Severe personality disorder is highly prevalent among perpetrators of homicide, and the finding that it is more prevalent when strangers are the victims stresses both the need for early identification of those at risk of developing severe personality disorder and the development of appropriate early preventive interventions. There is also a need for the development of effective treatment and interventions for those with established severe personality disorder and better identification of this level of disorder by psychiatrists. The forthcoming ICD‐11 classification should help in this endeavour. © 2021 The Authors Personality and Mental Health Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Cognitive assessment of patients with epilepsy in the COVID‐19 era
Authors: Aji Baba M , Larner Andrew J
Published: February 2021

Remote systems of care have become necessary in the COVID‐19 pandemic. This study examined the feasibility of telephone screening of cognitive function in patients with epilepsy to assess the frequency of, and factors associated with, cognitive impairment in these patients. Administration of the Six‐item Cognitive Impairment Test, a brief cognitive screening instrument that eschews visuospatial or visuoperceptual tests, proved acceptable to patients with epilepsy.
Antipsychotic use in dementia – local quality improvement initiative
Authors: Waykar Vijayendra , Wourms Katherine , Bhat Ganapathy , Farrow Alison
Published: February 2021

There is a concern that antipsychotic drugs might be viewed as an easier option to be used as a chemical restraint to contain behavioural difficulties without addressing underlying causes of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Here, Dr Waykar et al. describe their audit of prescribing antipsychotic drugs for dementia patients and how subsequent education of health care professionals improved clinical practice.
Need for specialist clinician‐directed triage for TIA: NICE recommendations against resources: a review of service delivery
Authors: Okereke Ihuoma R , Das Saugata
Published: February 2021

Current 2019 NICE guidelines recognise the need to urgently confirm or refute the diagnosis of a suspected transient ischaemic attack (TIA) with specialist opinion, especially as an alternative diagnosis (that is a TIA‐mimic) will be found in 41% to 50% of cases. In this service evaluation project article, the authors evaluate current TIA service delivery in New Cross Hospital to ascertain the proportion of patients referred to the TIA clinic with a final diagnosis of TIA or stroke, prevalence of stroke mimics and suggest recommendations to enhance effective use of NHS resources.
Assessment and management of post‐COVID fatigue
Authors: Gaber Tarek
Published: February 2021

Post‐viral fatigue is the most common long‐term health issue facing survivors of COVID‐19, according to initial reports. Here, Dr Gaber discusses the risk, diagnosis and principles of management of post‐viral fatigue and its chronic variant – myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) –within the context of the pandemic and highlights that further research is urgently needed to guide clinical practice.
Aggregation‐induced multicolor luminescent nanoparticles with adaptive and fixed cores derived from brominated tetraphenylethene‐containing block copolymer
Authors: Furukawa Masaki , Nakabayashi Kazuhiro , Mori Hideharu
Published: February 2021

Aggregation‐induced emission (AIE)‐active nanoparticles (NPs) exhibiting multicolor fluorescence and high‐quantum yields independent of the environment are important for the further development of next‐generation smart fluorescent materials. In this work, AIE‐active amphiphilic block copolymers were designed and synthesized by RAFT polymerization of a brominated tetraphenylethene (TPE)‐containing acrylate (A‐TPE‐Br). The block copolymer exhibited typical AIE effects in selective solvents, which can be explained by hydrophobic TPE aggregated in the core during micelle formation. Luminescent core–shell NPs with a crosslinked AIE core (fixed structure) were synthesized by the Suzuki coupling reaction of the bromine groups of the assembled block copolymer and boronic acid compounds. The NPs composed of TPE/thiophene crosslinked core showed green emission in both diluted state and solid state, implying the ability to fluoresce regardless of environmental changes and molecular dispersion. Multicolor luminescent NPs capable of changing color from blue to red were synthesized by changing the coupling compounds, such as anthracene for electron‐rich units and benzothiadiazole for electron‐deficient units. The effects of the nature of the donor and acceptor, as well as their combination (TPE/donor/acceptor sequence), on the color and fluorescent intensity of the core crosslinked NPs in the nonpolar and polar solvents, and solid state, were investigated.
Preparation and characterization of PCL‐grafted zein film via atmospheric‐pressure cold plasma pretreatment
Authors: Dong Shuang , Li Xiao‐yu , Guo Peng , Chen Ye , Li Hong‐jun
Published: February 2021

To improve the water resistance property of zein film, polycaprolactone (PCL) was grafted on the zein film after atmospheric‐pressure cold plasma (ACP) pretreatment. The grafting yields of PCL ranging from 15.91% ± 0.67% to 28.95% ± 0.79% were remarkably enhanced than the untreated one (12.15% ± 0.57%; p < . 05), which indicated that ACP modification could effectively improve the grafting ability of the zein film. Fourier‐transform infrared spectrum and X‐ray diffraction patterns revealed that PCL layer had been successfully grafted and the lateral α‐helix packing was susceptible to plasma treatment. Findings from this study indicated that ACP pretreatment was an effective modification approach in zein‐based polymers for packaging application.
Effect of 2,4,6‐Triamino‐3,5‐Dinitropyridine‐1‐Oxide on the Properties of 1,3,5‐Trinitro‐1,3,5‐Triazinane‐based PBX Explosives
Authors: He Zhiwei , Meng Tao , Wang Yang , Guo Ziru , Liu Feng , Liu Zuliang
Published: February 2021

In the design and preparation of polymer‐bonded explosives (PBX), the energetic systems possessing the characteristics of high energy output and low sensitivity are always preferred for researchers. The integration of high explosives and an energetic passivator is considered to be the most useful method in achieving this object. Herein, to explore the effect of 2,4,6‐triamino‐3,5‐dinitropyridine‐1‐oxide (TANPyO) on the detonation properties and mechanical safety of 1,3,5‐trinitro‐1,3,5‐triazinane (RDX)‐based PBX, two methods including direct mixing and crystallization coating were utilized to prepare main explosives, followed by the solvent suspension distillation method to obtain relevant composites. The morphology, mechanical sensitivity, and detonation velocity of as‐prepared samples were tested and characterized, as well as armor‐piercing ability. Results show that TANPyO plays a positive role in increasing the mechanical safety of RDX‐based PBX and is reflected by the 4 %‐56 % reduction in explosion probability than that of pure RDX. Moreover, the prepared samples using the crystallization coating method exhibit better performances in detonation velocity and perforation ability than the direct mixing method. These differences reach the peak when the mass ratio of RDX and TANPyO is 1 : 1. In that situation, the reduced values of explosion probability are 20 % (impact sensitivity) and 8 % (friction sensitivity) and the increasing detonation velocity is 309 m ⋅ s−1. These results demonstrate that the integration of TANPyO and the crystallization coating method is a promising way of adjusting the properties of RDX‐based PBX.
Quantifying the taxonomic bias in enzymology
Authors: Vickers Chelsea J. , Fraga Dean , Patrick Wayne M.
Published: February 2021

The ongoing biotechnological revolution is rooted in our knowledge of enzymes. However, metagenomics is showing how little we know about Earth's enzyme repertoire. Deep sequencing has revolutionized our view of the tree of life. The genomes of newly‐discovered organisms are replete with novel sequences, emphasizing the trove of enzyme structures and functions waiting to be explored by biochemists. Here, we sought to draw attention to the vastness of the “enzymatic dark matter” within the tree of life by placing enzymological knowledge in the context of phylogeny. We used kinetic parameters from the BRaunschweig ENzyme DAtabase (BRENDA) as our proxy for enzymological knowledge. Mapping 12,677 BRENDA entries onto the phylogenetic tree revealed that 55% of these data were from eukaryotes, even though they are the least diverse part of the tree. At the next taxonomic level, only four of 18 archaeal phyla and 24 of 111 bacterial phyla are represented in the BRENDA dataset. One phylum, the Proteobacteria, accounts for over half of all bacterial entries. Similarly, the supergroup Amorphea, which includes animals and fungi, contains over half the data on eukaryotes. Many major taxonomic groups are notable for their complete absence from BRENDA, including the ultra‐diverse bacterial Candidate Phyla Radiation. At the species level, five mammals (including human) contribute 15% of BRENDA entries. The taxonomic bias in enzymology is strong, but in the era of gene synthesis we now have the tools to address it. Doing so promises to enrich our biochemical understanding of life and uncover powerful new biocatalysts.
Mass balance and pharmacokinetics of an oral dose of 14C‐napabucasin in healthy adult male subjects
Authors: Dai Xiaoshu , Karol Michael D. , Hitron Matthew , Hard Marjie L. , Blanchard John Evan , Eraut Nicola C. J. E. , Rich Natalie , Gufford Brandon T.
Published: February 2021

This phase 1, open‐label study assessed14C‐napabucasin absorption, metabolism, and excretion, napabucasin pharmacokinetics, and napabucasin metabolites (primary objectives); safety/tolerability were also evaluated. Eight healthy males (18–45 years) received a single oral 240‐mg napabucasin dose containing ~100 μCi14C‐napabucasin. Napabucasin was absorbed and metabolized to dihydro‐napabucasin (M1; an active metabolite [12.57‐fold less activity than napabucasin]), the sole major circulating metabolite (median time to peak concentration: 2.75 and 2.25 h, respectively). M1 plasma concentration versus time profiles generally mirrored napabucasin; similar arithmetic mean half‐lives (7.14 and 7.92 h, respectively) suggest M1 formation was rate limiting. Napabucasin systemic exposure (per Cmax and AUC) was higher than M1. The total radioactivity (TRA) whole blood:plasma ratio (AUClast: 0.376; Cmax: 0.525) indicated circulating drug‐related compounds were essentially confined to plasma. Mean TRA recovery was 81.1% (feces, 57.2%; urine, 23.8%; expired air, negligible). Unlabeled napabucasin and M1 recovered in urine accounted for 13.9% and 11.0% of the dose (sum similar to urine TRA recovered); apparent renal clearance was 8.24 and 7.98 L/h. No uniquely human or disproportionate metabolite was quantified. Secondary glucuronide and sulfate conjugates were common urinary metabolites, suggesting napabucasin was mainly cleared by reductive metabolism. All subjects experienced mild treatment‐emergent adverse events (TEAEs), the majority related to napabucasin. The most commonly reported TEAEs were gastrointestinal disorders. There were no clinically significant laboratory, vital sign, electrocardiogram, or physical examination changes. Napabucasin was absorbed, metabolized to M1 as the sole major circulating metabolite, and primarily excreted via feces. A single oral 240‐mg dose was generally well tolerated.
University engagement to improve safety education
Authors: Lim Kok Hwa , Teng Chong Seng
Published: February 2021

With major hazards installations regulatory framework implemented in Singapore, taking effect from September 2017, the chemical and pharmaceutical industry needed to build up its capabilities to demonstrate to regulators how risks from major accident hazards in the premises can be reduced to as low as reasonably practicable. Specialist Certificate in Process Safety was initiated after discussion between Singapore Institute of Technology and Pfizer. It was established that there was a need to harmonize process safety training across the industry and a need to train process safety practitioners to build up in‐house capability to meet the new standard. After the discussion with Pfizer on their needs, a program outline was drafted and subsequently sent to Pfizer's process safety subject matter experts for comments. Upon receiving their feedback, the Process Safety Workshop Series for Pharmaceutical Industry was developed. The training pedagogy for this workshop integrated hands‐on learning at the workplace by collaborating with the company for plant walk‐throughs of relevant areas during the workshops. In addition, the fundamental topics from the workshops were integrated into the BE Pharmaceutical Engineering's Process Safety Module to ensure new engineering graduates entering the pharmaceutical industry have basic process safety skills needed by the industry.
Abscisic acid suppresses the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and oxidative stress in murine allergic airway inflammation
Authors: Zhao Cui‐Cui , Xu Juan , Xie Qiu‐Meng , Zhang Hai‐Yun , Fei Guang‐He , Wu Hui‐Mei
Published: February 2021

Abscisic acid (ABA), a well‐known natural phytohormone reportedly exerts anti‐inflammatory and anti‐oxidative properties in diabetes and colitis. However, the efficacy of ABA against allergic airway inflammation and the underlying mechanism remain unknown. Herein, an OVA‐induced murine allergic airway inflammation model was established and treated with ABA in the presence or absence of PPAR‐γ antagonist GW9662. The results showed that ABA effectively stunted the development of airway inflammation, and concordantly downregulated OVA‐induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, suppressed oxidative stress and decreased the expression of mitochondrial fusion/fission markers including Optic Atrophy 1 (OPA1), Mitofusion 2 (Mfn2), dynamin‐related protein 1 (DRP1) and Fission 1 (Fis1). Moreover, ABA treatment further increased OVA‐induced expression of PPAR‐γ, while GW9662 abrogated the inhibitory effect of ABA on allergic airway inflammation as well as on the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome and oxidative stress. Consistently, ABA inhibited the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, suppressed oxidative stress and mitochondrial fusion/fission in LPS‐stimulated Raw264.7 cells via PPAR‐γ. Collectively, ABA ameliorates OVA‐induced allergic airway inflammation in a PPAR‐γ dependent manner, and such effect of ABA may be associated with its inhibitory effect on NLRP3 inflammasome and oxidative stress. Our results suggest the potential of ABA or ABA‐rich food in protecting against asthma.
Predefined‐time backstepping control for a nonlinear strict‐feedback system
Authors: Liu Bojun , Hou Mingshan , Wu Cihang , Wang Wencong , Wu Zhonghua , Huang Bing
Published: February 2021

Two novel predefined‐time control algorithms for a nonlinear strict‐feedback system are proposed in this short communication. It is required that the upper bound of system convergence time is exactly a positive constant parameter in each algorithm, and it can be selected arbitrarily by users. Composite state tracking errors are introduced to the backstepping design process by using some novel smooth time‐varying tuning functions. In order to address the problem of explosion of complexity in the first algorithm, the second algorithm extends the predefined‐time control strategy to a dynamic surface control (DSC) case. Furthermore, the proposed predefined‐time DSC algorithm can guarantee global stability rather than semi‐global stability for the closed‐loop system compared with traditional DSC algorithms. Simulation results show the effectiveness of the two control schemes.
Adaptive observer design for a class of Lipschitz nonlinear systems with multirate outputs and uncertainties: Application to attitude estimation with gyro bias
Authors: Bonargent Tristan , Ménard Tomas , Gehan Olivier , Pigeon Eric
Published: February 2021

The design of an adaptive observer for a class of multi‐input multi‐output Lipschitz nonlinear systems with uncertainties and multirated outputs is proposed in this paper. The sampling instants of the different outputs can be asynchronous and irregular. The exponential convergence of the proposed observer is proved with the help of a Lyapunov approach. The stability is ensured, provided that some conditions, including a persistent excitation condition and a maximum value condition on the sample rate of each output, are verified. The performances of the observer are illustrated through simulations of the attitude estimation problem using sensors from an inertial measurement unit and considering gyro bias.
Spontaneous redox route for gold‐aryl film development of latent fingerprints on nickel coins
Authors: Almheiri Saeed , Ahmad Ahmad A.L. , Le Droumaguet Benjamin , Pires Rémy , Chehimi Mohamed M. , Mohamed Ahmed A.
Published: February 2021

Surface modifiers through redox routes emerged as the most preferred in forensic science. Aryldiazonium salts stabilized with tetrachloroaurate (III) are excellent redox modifiers in the development of latent fingerprints on nickel surfaces. Nickel coins were fingerprinted and developed with a stable diazonium salt [O2N‐4‐C6H4N≡N]AuCl4. The developed surfaces were studied using XPS that showed the presence of the characteristic gold and organic modifier peaks. Also, imaging analysis using SEM showed clusters of gold. EDS quantitative analysis estimated a good amount of gold presence on the fingerprinted compared with the non‐fingerprinted area. Our results are important in the analysis of nickel coins using a spontaneous route by simply depositing diazonium salt solution drops on the nickel surface without any additional reducing agent. This work brings strong supporting evidence for the efficient combination of diazonium surface chemistry and high‐performance surface analytical tools (XPS, SEM‐EDS) in the fast, spontaneous development of fingerprints and their morphological and chemical composition assessments.