bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID‐19 and children with cancer: Parents’ experiences, anxieties and support needs
Authors: Darlington Anne‐Sophie E. , Morgan Jessica E. , Wagland Richard , Sodergren Samantha C. , Culliford David , Gamble Ashley , Phillips Bob
Published: November 2020

Background

Children with cancer were designated as clinically extremely vulnerable if they were to contract SARS‐CoV‐2 due to immune suppression in the early phase of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Our aim was to explore experiences, information and support needs, and decision making of parents with a child with cancer in response to this phase in the United Kingdom.

Methods

Parents of a child with cancer completed a survey at a time when the UK moved into a period of ‘lockdown’. An online survey was developed by the research team to capture parents’ experiences, information and support needs, and decision making, using closed statements and open text boxes. Descriptive quantitative analyses and qualitative thematic content analysis were undertaken.

Findings

One hundred seventy‐one parents/caregivers completed the survey. Eighty‐five percent were worried about the virus and they were vigilant about the virus (92%) or cancer symptoms (93.4%). For two‐thirds (69.6%), hospital was no longer considered a safe place. Eight overarching themes were identified related to the virus: (a) risk of infection; (b) information, guidance and advice; (c) health care provision; (d) fears and anxieties; or related to lockdown/isolation: (e) psychological and social impact; (f) keeping safe under lockdown; (g) provisions and dependence; and (h) employment and income.

Conclusions

This is the first study, to the best of our knowledge, to report experiences of parents of a child with cancer during the SARS‐CoV‐2/COVID‐19 pandemic. The majority of parents were worried about SARS‐CoV‐2 and transmitting the virus to their child. Hospital was no longer perceived to be a safe place, and parents were worried about suboptimal cancer care. Parents described fear and anxiety and the psychological, social and economic impact of isolation.
Communication and swallowing outcomes of children diagnosed with childhood brain tumor or leukemia: A systematic review
Authors: Hodges Rosemary , Campbell Lani , Chami Sara , Knijnik Stefani Ribeiro , Docking Kimberley
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this systematic review was to appraise and synthesize evidence on communication and swallowing outcomes associated with childhood brain tumor or leukemia (CBTL). A comprehensive database and grey literature search was conducted. Studies included: (a) peer‐reviewed research published between 1998 and 2019, (b) English language, (c) children aged 0‐16 years diagnosed with CBTL, and (d) used outcome measures focused on communication and/or swallowing. Quality assessment was completed and certainty of evidence rated using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). Fifty‐seven studies met inclusion criteria: 46 examined communication, seven examined swallowing, and four considered both. Most studies were descriptive and prospective. Communication difficulties were frequently reported and apparent at one or more points from diagnosis to survivorship. Swallowing difficulties were frequently reported during oncology treatment. Despite quality assessment revealing methodological shortcomings, results have implications for clinical services and future research.
Malignant sacrococcygeal germ cell tumors in childhood: The Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP) experience
Authors: D'Angelo Paolo , De Pasquale Maria Debora , Barretta Francesco , Affinita Maria Carmen , Conte Massimo , Dall'Igna Patrizia , Di Cataldo Andrea , Inserra Alessandro , Provenzi Massimo , Quaglietta Lucia , Riccipetitoni Giovanna , Spreafico Filippo , Trizzino Angela , Terenziani Monica ,   for the AIEOP MGCT Working Group
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To evaluate clinical features at diagnosis, prognostic factors, and outcomes of malignant sacrococcygeal germ cell tumors (SC‐GCTs) in patients enrolled in the Associazione Italiana Ematologia Oncologia Pediatrica (AIEOP) TCG 2004 protocol.

Patients and Methods

A prospective analysis was conducted on all consecutive patients diagnosed with malignant SC‐GCTs between January 2004 and May 2017. Patients with stage I underwent surgery and subsequent surveillance, the others received pediatric cisplatinum‐etoposide‐bleomycin (pPEB) regimen and eventual deferred surgery.

Results

Of 45 patients, 35 were females. Age at diagnosis ranged from 1 day to 3.6 years (median 1.6 years); 26 were stage IV. Of 38 patients who underwent surgery, pathology revealed yolk sac tumor (YST) in 27 and teratoma + YST/embryonal carcinoma in 11, while seven patients were diagnosed based on imaging and elevated levels of alpha‐fetoprotein (AFP). Of six patients approached with surgery, only one relapsed and was rescued with first‐line chemotherapy. Overall, 38 out of 45 achieved complete remission, three a partial remission, and four were resistant. Ten out of 41 patients who entered remission later relapsed and nine were rescued with a second‐line treatment. We observed a global failure percentage of 31% and a 5‐year overall survival (OS) and event‐free survival (EFS) of 95% and 69%, respectively.

Conclusions

Chemotherapyis generally effective in malignant SC‐GCTs, even though almost one‐third of our patients experienced events salvageable with second‐line treatment. Most of the relapses occurred within 1 year from diagnosis. A close follow up with serial AFP level monitoring should be done for at least 2 years after diagnosis.
Inflammatory bowel disease patients provide reliable self‐reported medical information: A multicentre prospective pharmacovigilance monitoring system
Authors: Thomas Pepijn W. A. , West Rachel L. , Russel Maurice G. V. M. , Jansen Jeroen M. , Kosse Leanne J. , Jessurun Naomi T. , Römkens Tessa E. H. , Hoentjen Frank ,   IBDREAM registry
Published: November 2020

Purpose

To assess the agreement between patient‐reported and health care provider‐reported medical information in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

Methods

This multicentre, prospective, event monitoring study enrolled adult Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients treated with a biological in four medical centers in the Netherlands. At two‐monthly intervals, patients completed questionnaires on biological use, combination therapy and indication. The patient‐reported information was compared with their electronic health records (EHRs) and analysed for percentage agreement and Cohen's kappa. A reference population from a prospective IBD registry was used to assess the representativeness of the study population.

Results

In total, 182 patients (female 50.5%, mean age 42.2 years, CD 76.9%) were included in the analysis. At baseline, 51.0% of the patients were prescribed an immunomodulator (43.9% thiopurines, 7.1% methotrexate), and patients were prescribed biologicals as follows: 59.3% infliximab, 30.2% adalimumab, 9.3% vedolizumab, and 1.1% ustekinumab. Agreement on patient‐reported indication and biological use was almost perfect (κ = 0.878 and κ = 1.000, respectively); substantial for combination therapy (κ = 0.672). Gender, age, type of IBD, biological use and combination therapy were comparable with the reference population.

Conclusion

Systematic patient‐reporting by questionnaires was reliable in retrieving indication and treatment specific information from IBD patients. These results indicate that the use of patient‐reporting outcomes in daily IBD practice can ensure reliable information collection.
A real‐time clamping force measurement eigenvalue for prediction, adjustment, and control of injection product quality
Authors: Su Wei‐Jie , Peng Hsin‐Shu
Published: November 2020

Clamping force is a crucial parameter in injection molding. Improper clamping force setting can result in poor product quality and shorter machine lifespan. The objective of this study was to establish an eigenvalue‐injection clamping force peak value by real‐time clamping force measurement with strain gage sensor for prediction, adjustment, and control of injection product quality. In this study, computer‐aided engineering (CAE) structural analysis technique was used to analyze and verify the points of measurement of the sensor. Next, the molded product was conducted using the following injection molding parameters: V/P switchover point, clamping force, injection speed, melt temperature, mold temperature, packing pressure, and packing time. The relationship between injection clamping force peak value and product quality were examined. The results showed that CAE analysis could successfully predict and provide suitable points for sensor measurement. Comparison of analysis and experiment results revealed that injection clamping force peak value and part weight exhibited identical trends. Finally, the injection clamping force peak value not only could it successfully predict product quality, but also it would achieve the purpose of optimizing and stabilizing the clamping force and part weight.
Effect of processing parameters on flexural properties of 3D‐printed polyetherketoneketone using fused deposition modeling
Authors: Xu Chen , Cheng Kangjie , Liu Yunfeng , Wang Russell , Jiang Xianfeng , Dong Xingtao , Xu Xu
Published: November 2020

Polyetherketoneketone (PEKK) is an engineering plastic with ultrahigh mechanical performance and has attracted considerable attention in the medical and technical fields. Printing parameters during fused deposition modeling (FDM) for PEKK have a significant impact on final part quality. In this study, a relationship between the process parameters and flexural properties of PEKK was investigated by conducting three‐point bending tests, and scanning electron microscopy was employed to analyze the microstructure of fracture surfaces. Nozzle temperature, layer thickness, and infill density affected flexural properties by changing the porosity and interlayer bonding strength. Interlayer separation is the main failure mode of the upright orientation samples, while intralayer failure is likely to occur in the on‐edge orientation samples. The flexural properties of FDM‐printed PEKK under optimum parameters are comparable to those of mandibular bones, indicating that PEKK is a potential candidate for repairing mandibular defects. The results highlighted in this study are fundamental to the optimal design of complex ultralight, highly efficient structures.
Considerations for educators in supporting student learning in the midst of COVID‐19
Authors: Minkos Marlena L. , Gelbar Nicholas W.
Published: November 2020

COVID‐19 has presented a period of unprecedented challenge for schools in the United States. Thousands of school buildings across the country were closed in the spring of 2020 through the end of the school year to slow the spread of the global pandemic. Plans to reopen schools in many states remain uncertain as the virus continues to spread across communities. Current and future challenges are complex, with significant impacts on the global economy, health care system, and overall well‐being. When schools reopen, students will present with a wide variety of academic and social‐emotional needs, and schools will need to mindfully adjust systems and practices to meet the needs of their unique student population. This paper provides educators with suggestions on how to adapt existing multitiered systems of support using a trauma‐informed lens to support students during this unusual time.
A Microfluidic Chip for Efficient Circulating Tumor Cells Enrichment, Screening, and Single‐Cell RNA Sequencing
Authors: Shi Fanghao , Jia Fei , Wei Zewen , Ma Yan , Fang Zhiguo , Zhang Weikai , Hu Zhiyuan
Published: November 2020

Single‐cell RNA sequencing on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) proves useful to study mechanisms of tumor heterogeneity, metastasis, and drug resistance. Currently, single‐cell RNA sequencing of CTCs usually takes three prerequisite steps: enrichment of CTCs from whole blood, characterization of captured cells by immunostaining and microscopic imaging, and single‐cell isolation through micromanipulation. However, multiple pipetting and transferring steps can easily cause the loss of rare CTCs. To address this issue, a novel integrated microfluidic chip for sequential enrichment, isolation, and characterization of CTCs at single‐cell level, is developed. And, single CTC lysis is achieved on the same chip. The microfluidic chip includes functions of blood clot filtration, single‐cell isolation, identification, and target single‐cell lysate collection. By spiking tumor cells into whole blood, it is validated that this microfluidic chip can effectively conduct single‐cell CTCs RNA sequencing. The approach lays a solid foundation for the analysis of RNA expression profiling of single‐cell CTCs.
Cystic fibrosis with non‐G551D gating mutations in Italy: Epidemiology and clinical characteristics
Authors: Salvatore Donatello , Carnovale Vincenzo , Majo Fabio , Padoan Rita , Salvatore Marco , Taruscio Domenica , Amato Annalisa , Ferrari Gianluca , Campagna Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Background

Cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gating mutations (GMs) result in CFTR that is present at the cell surface but nonfunctional. Patients with the G551D mutation, the most prevalent worldwide, have been well studied. Italian GM patients have mainly non‐G551D mutations. We studied their epidemiology and clinical characteristics in the period spanning the pre/post ivacaftor introduction to the Italian market.

Methods

Data from the Italian CF Registry were used to describe patients with GMs and compare them with F508del homozygous (F/F) patients.

Results

In total, 186 patients with GMs (median [range] age, 21.96 [0.13–63.38] years) were identified among the 5552 patients included in the study (3.3%). They had lower sweat chloride values at diagnosis than the F/F and a lower ratio of males. In the GM group, examining the data of the years 2012 and 2017 and comparing with F/F, lung infection by Staphylococcus aureus and diabetes became less prevalent, and better FEV1 and nutritional status were observed in 2017. The cross‐sectional evaluation year‐by‐year from 2012 to 2017 of the GM group showed improving trends in lung function and body mass index, and the decreasing prevalence of diabetes compared with F/F. Longitudinal evaluation of GM patients showed improvement in percent predicted (pp)FEV1 and nutrition in the 2012–2017 period. These variations correspond to the introduction of treatment with the CFTR potentiator ivacaftor (2014/2015).

Conclusions

Italian patients with GMs are few and are characterized by milder phenotypes than F/F patients. Improved outcomes are likely influenced by treatment with ivacaftor.
Mechanisms of a Sustained Anti‐inflammatory Drug Response in Alveolar Macrophages Unraveled with Mathematical Modeling
Authors: Nyman Elin , Lindh Maria , Lövfors William , Simonsson Christian , Persson Alexander , Eklund Daniel , Bäckström Erica , Fridén Markus , Cedersund Gunnar
Published: November 2020

Both initiation and suppression of inflammation are hallmarks of the immune response. If not balanced, the inflammation may cause extensive tissue damage, which is associated with common diseases, e.g., asthma and atherosclerosis. Anti‐inflammatory drugs come with side effects that may be aggravated by high and fluctuating drug concentrations. To remedy this, an anti‐inflammatory drug should have an appropriate pharmacokinetic half‐life or better still, a sustained anti‐inflammatory drug response. However, we still lack a quantitative mechanistic understanding of such sustained effects. Here, we study the anti‐inflammatory response to a common glucocorticoid drug, dexamethasone. We find a sustained response 22 hours after drug removal. With hypothesis testing using mathematical modeling, we unravel the underlying mechanism—a slow release of dexamethasone from the receptor–drug complex. The developed model is in agreement with time‐resolved training and testing data and is used to simulate hypothetical treatment schemes. This work opens up for a more knowledge‐driven drug development to find sustained anti‐inflammatory responses and fewer side effects.
Bi2O2Se:Bi2O5Se High‐K Stack as a 2D Analog of Si:SiO2: A First‐Principles Study
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Li Huanglong
Published: November 2020

"The interface is the device," a famous phrase coined by Nobel laureate Herbert Kroemer, has highlighted the importance of materials interfaces for the functionalities and performance of electronic devices. Semiconductor:dielectric interfaces play central roles in transistors: one of the main reasons of the success of silicon technology and the bottlenecks of many proposed alternatives, among which are the 2D transistors. Major 2D semiconductors, such as MoS2, WSe2, HfSe2, and ZrSe2, have not yet given rise to workable devices based on native high‐K stacks by thermal oxidation which is highly technologically desired. Recently, this feasibility has been demonstrated in Bi2O2Se, an emerging layered 2D material, with its native high‐K oxide, Bi2O5Se. Understanding the atomic‐scale properties of the Bi2O2Se:Bi2O5Se interface is crucial for the developmental applications of this emerging 2D analogue of Si:SiO2. Herein, the atomic structures and band alignment properties of various Bi2O2Se:Bi2O5Se interfaces with different configurations of the interfacial anion layers are comprehensively studied. The correlation between band offset and interfacial atom intermixing is observed and rationalized. The interfacial anion vacancies are also investigated and it is found that oxygen vacancies are detrimental.
Metavalent Bonding in Solids: Characteristic Representatives, Their Properties, and Design Options
Authors: Cheng Yudong , Wahl Sophia , Wuttig Matthias
Published: November 2020

Heavier chalcogenides display a surprisingly wide range of applications enabled by their unconventional properties. Herein, recent studies of three groups of chalcogenides from a chemical bonding perspective are reviewed to reveal the underlying reason for their wide range of applications. For IV–VI materials (GeTe, SnTe, PbTe, PbSe, and PbS), the unique property portfolio and bond‐breaking behavior are related to a novel chemical bonding mechanism termed “metavalent bonding” (MVB). The same phenomena are also found for several V2VI3 solids (Bi2Te3, Bi2Se3, Sb2Te3, and β‐As2Te3) and some ternary chalcogenides including crystalline (GeTe)1–x(Sb2Te3)x alloys. This provides evidence for the prevalence of MVB in these compounds. Subsequently, a quantum‐chemistry‐based map is presented. Using the transfer and sharing of electrons between adjacent atoms as its two coordinates, materials using MVB are all found in a well‐defined region of the map, characterized by sharing about one electron between adjacent atoms and only small charge transfer. This also implies that the degree of MVB is tailored either via Peierls distortions (electron sharing) or charge transfer (electron transfer), leading to the transition toward covalent bonding and ionic bonding, respectively. The tailoring of MVB provides a new approach for materials design.
Evaluation of a roughness length parametrization accounting for wind–wave alignment in a coupled atmosphere–wave model
Authors: Porchetta S. , Temel O. , Warner J.C. , Muñoz‐Esparza D. , Monbaliu J. , van Beeck J. , van Lipzig N.
Published: November 2020

The importance of wind energy as an alternative energy source has increased over the latest years with more focus on offshore winds. A good estimation of the offshore winds is thus of major importance for this industry. Up to now the effect of the wind–wave (mis)alignment has not yet been taken into account in coupled atmosphere–wave models to study the vertical wind profile and power production estimations of offshore wind farms. In this study the roughness length parametrization of Drennan et al. in 2003, and its extension addressing the wind–wave (mis)alignment proposed by Porchetta et al. in 2019, are investigated in the Coupled Ocean–Atmosphere–Wave–Sediment Transport (COAWST) model. This study shows that the yearly mean wind estimation at hub height (100 m) is improved by the roughness length parametrization of Porchetta et al. compared to Drennan. This is mainly due to the increased roughness of the former parametrization compare to the latter, even in aligned wind–wave conditions. This difference in roughness is caused by the dataset used to obtain the constants, deep‐water conditions versus mixed offshore conditions. Moreover, the roughness length parametrization of Porchetta et al. performs better in two of three alignment categories. Furthermore, similar model performances are obtained if we exclude the wind directions from the wind shadow zone of the measurement mast or the wind directions from the recently built Alpha Ventus wind farm, which is in close vicinity of the measurement mast. Investigating different wind conditions shows that the new roughness length parametrization of Porchetta et al. performs best for both offshore and onshore winds. Additionally, we show that the coupled model estimations of the vertical wind are only slightly affected by significant wave height estimations. Similar model performances for different accuracies of significant wave height estimations are presented. One exception is the perpendicular alignment category where the new roughness length of Porchetta et al. outperforms the roughness length of Drennan when investigating the wind estimations related to significant wave heights with a higher accuracy. The roughness length parametrization of Porchetta et al. reduced the power production overestimation of the coupled model from 5.7 to 2.8%. We also show that the standalone atmospheric model including the roughness length of Charnock in 1955 has a degraded performance compared to the coupled model including the roughness length parametrization of Porchetta et al. for yearly average wind profiles.
Phase I process monitoring: The case of the balanced one‐way random effects model
Authors: Yao Yuhui , Chakraborti Subhabrata
Published: November 2020

Phase I is crucial for the success of the overall statistical process control (SPC) and monitoring regime. Shewhart‐type charts are recommended in this phase because of their broader shift detection ability. In this paper, a Phase I Shewhart‐type chart is considered for the balanced random effects (also called a variance components) model. The proposed methodology takes proper account of the effects of parameter estimation and uses the false alarm probability (FAP) metric to design the chart. In the sequel, the corrected (adjusted) charting constants are calculated and tabulated. The constant can be found, on demand, from an accompanying R package. Motivations and illustrations with some real data are provided. Performance of the chart is examined in terms of in‐control robustness and detection of nonhomogeneity (out‐of‐control). The proposed chart is shown to be easily adaptable to more general models, with more variance components and nested factors, and can accommodate various estimators of variance. Thus, it enables a broader Phase I process monitoring strategy, under normality, which can be applied within the ANOVA framework applicable for many DOE models. A summary and some recommendations are provided.
Fluoroscopy time analysis of a prospective, multi‐centre study comparing robotic‐ and fluoroscopic‐guided placement of percutaneous pedicle screw instrumentation for short segment minimally invasive lumbar fusion surgery
Authors: Jamshidi Aria M. , Massel Dustin H. , Liounakos Jason I. , Silman Zmira , Good Christopher R. , Schroerlucke Samuel R. , Cannestra Andrew , Hsu Victor , Lim Jae , Zahrawi Faissal , Ramirez Pedro M. , Sweeney Thomas M. , Wang Michael Y.
Published: November 2020

Background

As minimally invasive spine surgery becomes more widespread, concerns regarding radiation exposure to surgeons and patients alike have become a growing concern. Robotic guidance has been developed as a way to increase the accuracy of instrumentation while decreasing radiation burden.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of a large, multi‐centre, prospective study comparing robotic‐guided (RG) to fluoroscopic‐guided (FG) (Multi‐centre, Partially Randomized, Controlled Trial of MIS Robotic vs. Freehand in Short Adult Degenerative Spinal Fusion Surgeries) was performed to evaluate for differences in radiation exposure between study groups.

Results

RG was associated with 78.3% (p < 0.001) and 79.8% (p < 0.001) reduction in total and per screw fluoroscopy times, respectively, as compared to FG. RG was also associated with a 50.8% (p < 0.001) reduction in total operative fluoroscopy time.

Conclusions

RG was associated with significantly lower fluoroscopy times compared to FG. This suggests that utilization of robotic navigation systems may result in decreased operative radiation exposure, which is a growing concern for surgeons performing minimally invasive spine surgery.
2D Material Based Advanced Membranes for Separations in Organic Solvents
Authors: Sui Xiao , Yuan Ziwen , Yu Yanxi , Goh Kunli , Chen Yuan
Published: November 2020

2D materials have shown high potentials for fabricating next‐generation membranes. To date, extensive studies have focused on the applications of 2D material membranes in gas and aqueous media. Recently, compelling opportunities emerge for 2D material membranes in separation applications in organic solvents because of their unique properties, such as ultrathin mono‐ to few‐layers, outstanding chemical resistance toward organic solvents. Hence, this review aims to provide a timely overview of the current state‐of‐the‐art of 2D material membranes focusing on their applications in organic solvent separations. 2D material membranes fabricated using graphene materials and a few representative nongraphene‐based 2D materials, including covalent organic frameworks and MXenes, are summarized. The key membrane design strategies and their effects on separation performances in organic solvents are also examined. Last, several perspectives are provided in terms of the critical challenges for 2D material membranes, including standardization of membrane performance evaluation, improving understandings of separation mechanisms, managing the trade‐off of permeability and selectivity, issues related to application versatility, long‐term stability, and fabrication scalability. This review will provide a useful guide for researchers in creating novel 2D material membranes for advancing new separation techniques in organic solvents.
Time‐Resolved X‐Ray Absorption Spectroscopy: Visualizing the Time Evolution of Photophysics and Photochemistry in Photocatalytic Solar Energy Conversion
Authors: Hu Yangguang , Gao Chao , Xiong Yujie
Published: November 2020

The time‐resolved X‐ray absorption technique with femto–microsecond timescale has had a huge impact on the mechanistic understanding of photochemical reactions due to the powerful ability to probe, in real time, the electronic and geometric structures within homogeneous and heterogeneous photocatalytic systems. The time‐resolved X‐ray absorption technique can “snapshot” the charge transfer and dynamic electronic and geometric structures similarly to a camera, showing the whole process of solar energy conversion clearly in the form of a “molecular movie.” Herein, the aim is to provide a systematic overview of the time‐resolved X‐ray absorption technique and its applications in the study of photocatalytic systems. First, the dynamic charge kinetics and structural changes for the excited state of light‐harvesting units are specifically summarized. Then the charge transfer behavior between light‐harvesting units and catalytic sites is interpreted. After that, the geometric and electronic changes of catalytic units during the photochemical process, as well as the complete reaction path and key information for rate‐limiting steps, are elaborated. Capturing the dynamic electronic and geometric changes in the photophysical and photochemical process on a time scale gives progressive guidance for designing advanced systems for solar energy conversion.
Strain Hardening Dependence on the Structure in Dual‐Phase Steels
Authors: Soliman Mohamed , Palkowski Heinz
Published: November 2020

Herein, an extensive study is presented on the microstructure–tensile properties relationship in dual‐phase (DP) steels. A series of ferrite‐martensite DP steels with varied martensite volume fractions (Vm) from 0.17 to 0.86, microstructure morphologies (globular and elongated) and structure finenesses (ferrite grain sizes from 1.9 to 10.7 μm) are produced applying appropriate heat treatments. The tensile properties are studied, and the strain hardening behavior is analyzed in terms of Holloman, Crussard–Jaoul (C–J) and modified C–J approaches. The tensile curves reveal up to three strain hardening stages with the highest strain hardening exponent at the beginning of straining. Increasing Vm and refining the structure raises the number of strain hardening stages and improves the strain hardening capacity in the first stage (n1). For the DP steels with similar morphologies, the mean free path in ferrite (λf) is proposed to be the most significant microstructure factor affecting n1‐value. The n1 of the elongated morphology shows stronger dependence on λf than the globular one. Finally, the DP steels are subjected to aging treatments, which lead to improved yield strength and total elongation, however, the strain hardening exponent decreases significantly.
Recent Developments in Resistant Starch as a Functional Food
Authors: Bede Dery , Zaixiang Lou
Published: November 2020

Dietary starches are a very important nutrient in food and are also a major source of energy with direct and specific human health contributions. They have gained great attention and been widely explored owing to their functional properties and health benefits. Resistant starch as a functional food is addressed in this study, alongside its newly discovered significance to human health. The potential sources and types of resistant starch are discussed, based on recent developments. The physiological significance of these starches such as their hypoglycemic effect, prebiotic ability, colonic cancer prevention, anti‐hypercholesterolemic effects, fat accumulation reduction, and mineral absorption, as well as the application of resistant starches in the food industry based on current research is further explored.
Melatonin attenuates branch chain fatty acid induced apoptosis mediated neurodegeneration
Authors: Chaudhary Shaista , Sahu Upasana , Parvez Suhel
Published: November 2020

Valproic acid (VPA)—a short branched chain fatty acid (BCFA), is widely recognized as an anticonvulsant and a mood‐stabilizing drug, but various adverse effects of VPA have also been investigated. However, the impact of BCFAs aggregation on brain cells, in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration remains elusive. The objective of this study is to understand the cellular mechanisms underlying VPA‐induced neuronal cell death mediated by oxidative stress, and the neuroprotective role of exogenous melatonin treatment on VPA‐induced cell death. Neurotoxicity of VPA and protective role exerted by melatonin were assessed in vitro in SH‐SY5Y cells and in vivo in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum regions of Wistar rat brain. The results show that melatonin pre‐treatment protects the cells from VPA‐induced toxicity by exerting an anti‐apoptotic and anti‐inflammatory effect by regulating apoptotic proteins and pro‐inflammatory cytokines. The findings of the present study emphasize novel insights of melatonin as a supplement for the prevention and treatment of neuronal dysfunction induced by VPA.
RNA‐based approaches for body fluid identification in forensic science
Authors: Lynch Courtney , Fleming Rachel
Published: November 2020

In forensic science, the identification of body fluids present in a stain can aid in the reconstruction of crime scenes and support activity‐level information in some cases. RNA‐based methods for body fluid identification address some limitations associated with conventional testing, including a lack of specificity and sample destruction. mRNA profiling by endpoint reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) is a confirmatory RNA method currently used by some forensic laboratories in casework due to the availability of capillary electrophoresis instruments. This method is highly specific and reliable when the RNA input is within the optimal range. When RNA input is below the limit of detection or too high, then false negatives and false positives/cross reactivity can occur, respectively. Real‐time quantitative PCR (qPCR) is quantitative, more sensitive, and efficient than endpoint PCR, and does not require post‐PCR processing. A reverse transcription (RT) step may also be included in qPCR (RT‐qPCR), enabling mRNA quantification. However, there are concerns regarding the lack of consistency and standardization of RT‐qPCR methodology and reporting of results. Additionally, the number of currently available fluorophores somewhat reduces multiplexing ability. More recently, approaches involving Piwi‐interacting biomarkers, NanoString barcodes, and RNA sequencing have been developed. This review will cover the current and developing RNA‐based techniques for forensic body fluid identification, focusing on endpoint and quantitative RT‐PCR using mRNA. The advantages and limitations of these along with alternative methods will be discussed, and how they may be further developed to advance forensic body fluid identification.

This article is categorized under:

Forensic Biology > Body Fluid Identification

Forensic Biology > Applications of RNA
Three-body non-leptonic heavy-to-heavy B decays at NNLO in QCD
Authors: Huber Tobias , Virto Javier , Vos K. Keri
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Exclusive non-leptonic two-body decays ofBmesons have been studied extensively in the past two decades within the framework of factorization. However, the exploration of the corresponding three-body case has only started recently, in part motivated by new data. We consider here the simplest non-leptonic three-bodyBdecays from the point of view of factorization, namely heavy-to-heavy transitions. We provide a careful derivation of the SCET/QCDF factorized amplitudes to NNLO inαs, and discuss the numerical impact of NLO and NNLO corrections. We then study the narrow-width limit, showing that the three-body amplitude reproduces analytically the known quasi-two-body decay amplitudes, and compute finite-width corrections. Finally, we discuss certain observables that are sensitive to perturbative NLO and NNLO corrections and to higher Gegenbauer moments of the dimeson LCDAs. This is the first study of non-leptonic three-bodyBdecays to NNLO in QCD.
Master integrals for the mixed QCD-QED corrections to the Drell-Yan production of a massive lepton pair
Authors: Hasan Syed Mehedi , Schubert Ulrich
Published: November 2020

Abstract

We showcase the calculation of the master integrals needed for the two loop mixed QCD-QED virtual corrections to the neutral current Drell-Yan process ($$ q\overline{q} $$qq¯→l+l−). After establishing a basis of 51 master integrals, we cast the latter into canonical form by using the Magnus algorithm. The dependence on the lepton mass is then expanded such that potentially large logarithmic contributions are kept. After determining all boundary constants, we give the coefficients of the Taylor series around four space-time dimensions in terms of generalized polylogarithms up to weight four.
Sites of chromosomal instability in the context of nuclear architecture and function
Authors: Pentzold Constanze , Kokal Miriam , Pentzold Stefan , Weise Anja
Published: November 2020

Chromosomal fragile sites are described as areas within the tightly packed mitotic chromatin that appear as breaks or gaps mostly tracing back to a loosened structure and not a real nicked break within the DNA molecule. Most facts about fragile sites result from studies in mitotic cells, mainly during metaphase and mainly in lymphocytes. Here, we synthesize facts about the genomic regions that are prone to form gaps and breaks on metaphase chromosomes in the context of interphase. We conclude that nuclear architecture shapes the activity profile of the cell, i.e. replication timing and transcriptional activity, thereby influencing genomic integrity during interphase with the potential to cause fragility in mitosis. We further propose fragile sites as examples of regions specifically positioned in the interphase nucleus with putative anchoring points at the nuclear lamina to enable a tightly regulated replication–transcription profile and diverse signalling functions in the cell. Consequently, fragility starts before the actual display as chromosomal breakage in metaphase to balance the initial contradiction of cellular overgrowth or malfunctioning and maintaining diversity in molecular evolution.
Expertenempfehlung: Therapie nichtgehfähiger Patienten mit Muskeldystrophie Duchenne
Authors: Bernert Guenther , Hahn Andreas , Köhler Cornelia , Meyer Sascha , Schara Ulrike , Schlachter Kurt , Trollmann Regina , Walter Maggie C.
Published: November 2020

Hintergrund

Die Muskeldystrophie Duchenne (DMD) ist die häufigste genetische neuromuskuläre Krankheit im Kindesalter, bei der es meist im Alter von 9 bis 11 Jahren zum Verlust der Gehfähigkeit kommt.

Ziel der Arbeit und Material und Methoden

Auf der Grundlage aktueller Leitlinien und Studien erarbeiteten neuropädiatrische und neurologische Experten im Rahmen eines von der Firma PTC Therapeutics GmbH (Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland), die die Substanz Ataluren vertreibt, gesponserten Advisory Boards Empfehlungen zur Behandlung nichtgehfähiger Patienten mit DMD mit Schwerpunkt medikamentöse Therapien von Erwachsenen.

Ergebnisse und Diskussion

Der Verlust der Gehfähigkeit wird in Studien sehr unterschiedlich definiert und bezieht sich u. a. auf die Rollstuhlpflicht, das selbständige Gehen ohne Hilfsmittel oder die maximale Gehstrecke. Grundlage der Therapie von Patienten mit DMD in jedem Krankheitsstadium sind supportive und symptomatische Maßnahmen, die in der Regel auch nach dem Verlust der Gehfähigkeit intensiv weitergeführt werden sollten. Zusätzlich stehen den Patienten medikamentöse Therapien mit dem Ziel der Modifikation des Krankheitsverlaufes zur Verfügung. Glukokortikoide bilden den Stützpfeiler der medikamentösen Therapie auch über den Verlust der Gehfähigkeit hinaus, dann meist in reduzierter Dosis. Für Patienten mit DMD aufgrund einer Nonsense-Mutation (nmDMD), ca. 13 % aller DMD-Patienten, steht Ataluren als potenziell dystrophinwiederherstellende, krankheitsmodifizierende Therapie zur Verfügung; klinische Daten aus dem STRIDE-Register zeigen eine verzögerte Krankheitsprogression auch nach Verlust der Gehfähigkeit. Zum Exon-Skipping liegen für erwachsene Patienten derzeit noch keine belastbaren Daten vor. Das Antioxidans Idebenon kommt bei nichtgehfähigen, jugendlichen Patienten ohne therapeutische Alternative, die nicht mit Glukokortikoiden behandelt werden können, infrage. Ataluren eignet sich zur kombinierten Behandlung mit Glukokortikoiden, eine Kombination von Idebenon und Glukokortikoiden wird derzeit in einer klinischen Studie überprüft. Eine Add-on-Therapie mit Idebenon zusätzlich zu Ataluren ist bei nichtgehfähigen nmDMD-Patienten zu erwägen. Bedingt durch die Tatsache, dass sich einige der diskutierten Therapieoptionen noch in der Phase der klinischen Prüfung befinden oder noch keine oder nur begrenzte Daten für ältere Patienten mit DMD vorliegen, handelt es sich um Expertenempfehlungen entsprechend der Evidenzklasse IV.
Towards a hand-held, fast, and sensitive gas chromatograph-ion mobility spectrometer for detecting volatile compounds
Authors: Ahrens André , Zimmermann Stefan
Published: November 2020

Ion mobility spectrometers can detect gaseous compounds at atmospheric pressure in the range of parts per trillion within a second. Due to their fast response times, high sensitivity, and limited instrumental effort, they are used in a variety of applications, especially as mobile or hand-held devices. However, most real-life samples are gas mixtures, which can pose a challenge for IMS with atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mainly due to competing gas-phase ionization processes. Therefore, we present a miniaturized drift tube IMS coupled to a compact gas chromatograph for pre-separation, built of seven bundled standard GC columns (Rtx-Volatiles, Restek GmbH) with 250 μm ID and 1.07 m in length. Such pre-separation significantly reduces chemical cross sensitivities caused by competing gas-phase ionization processes and adds orthogonality. Our miniaturized GC-IMS system is characterized with alcohols, halocarbons, and ketones as model substances, reaching detection limits down to 70 pptv with IMS averaging times of just 125 ms. It separates test mixtures of ketones and halocarbons within 180 s and 50 s, respectively. The IMS has a short drift length of 40.6 mm and reaches a high resolving power of RP = 68.
Opioid Dependence After Lung Cancer Resection: Institutional Analysis of State Prescription Drug Database
Authors: Levinsky Nick C. , Byrne Matthew M. , Hanseman Dennis J. , Cortez Alexander R. , Guitron Julian , Starnes Sandra L. , Van Haren Robert M.
Published: November 2020

Background

The national opioid epidemic is a public health crisis. Thoracic surgery has also been associated with high incidence of new persistent opioid use. Our purpose was to describe the incidence and predictors of opioid use after lung cancer resection.

Methods

Retrospective review of lung cancer resections from 2015 to 2018 was performed using the Ohio Automated Rx Reporting System. Opioid dosing was recorded as milligram morphine equivalents (MME). Patients were stratified by preoperative opioid use. Chronic preoperative opioid users (opioid dependent) filled > 120 days supply of opioid pain medication in the 12 months prior to surgery; intermittent opioid users filled < 120 days. Chronic postoperative opioid users continued monthly use after 180 days postoperatively.

Results

137 patients underwent resection. 16.1% (n = 22) were opioid dependent preoperatively, 29.2% (n = 40) were intermittent opioid users, and 54.7% (n = 75) were opioid naïve. Opioid dependent patients had higher daily inpatient opioid use compared to intermittent users and opioid naïve (43[30.0–118.1] MME vs 17.9[3.5–48.8] MME vs 8.8[2.1–25.0] MME, p < 0.001). Twenty‐six percent (n = 35) of all patients were opioid users beyond 180 days postoperatively. Variables associated with opioid use > 180 days were: chronic preoperative opioid use (OR 23.8, p < 0.01), daily inpatient opioid requirement (1.02, p < 0.01), and neoadjuvant chemotherapy (28.2, p < 0.01).

Conclusions

A quarter of patients are opioid dependent after lung cancer resection. This is due to both preexisting and new persistent opioid use. Improved strategies are needed to prevent chronic pain and opioid dependence after lung cancer resection.
Crystal-chemistry of micas belonging to the yangzhumingite-fluorophlogopite and phlogopite-fluorophlogopite series from the Apuan Alps (northern Tuscany, Italy)
Authors: Lacalamita Maria , Schingaro Emanuela , Mesto Ernesto , Zaccarini Federica , Biagioni Cristian
Published: November 2020

The present work reports the crystal-chemical characterization of micas from the Monte Arsiccio and Buca della Vena mines (Apuan Alps, Italy) through electron microprobe analysis, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and Raman spectroscopy. The sample from the Monte Arsiccio mine can be classified
as an intermediate member of the yangzhumingite-fluorophlogopite series, with average crystal-chemical formula (K0.85Na0.01Ba0.09)Σ=0.95(Mg2.11Fe2+0.23Fe3+0.11Cr3+0.01Al0.20Ti0.04☐0.30)Σ=3.00(Si3.20Al0.80)Σ=4.00O10.00F1.90Cl0.02(OH)0.08. Unit-cell parameters are a ~ 5.30, b ~ 9.18, c ~ 10.14 Å, β ~ 100.12°, V ~ 486.22 Å3, corresponding to the 1M polytype. Structure refinements, performed in C2/m space group, converged to R1 = 3.54 and 4.46% and provided Mg plus Fe occupancy in the range 86–94% for the octahedral M1 and M2 sites. Raman spectroscopy shows very weak bands in the OH stretching region at ~ 3690 and 3580 cm−1. The sample from the Buca della Vena mine has been identified as an (OH)-rich fluorophlogopite, with average crystal-chemical formula (K0.84Na0.02Ca0.01)Σ=0.87(Mg2.12Fe2+0.55Fe3+0.10Al0.18☐0.05)Σ=3.00(Si2.99Al1.01)Σ=4.00O10.00F1.02Cl0.09(OH)0.89. Its unit-cell parameters are a ~ 5.33, b ~ 9.22, c ~ 10.23 Å, β ~ 100.09°, V ~ 494.39 Å3. Structure refinements gave good R1 values (3.27 and 4.37%) and revealed octahedral occupancy of 82–84% Mg and 16–18% Fe. Strong Raman signals at ~ 3702 cm−1 and 3595 cm−1 were observed in the OH stretching region. The findings allow to better understand not only the mineralogy of the Apuan Alps but, more generally, the crystal chemical details of intermediate dioctahedral-trioctahedral mica belonging to the yanzhumingite-fluorophlogopite series.
Smart chest X-ray worklist prioritization using artificial intelligence: a clinical workflow simulation
Authors: Baltruschat Ivo , Steinmeister Leonhard , Nickisch Hannes , Saalbach Axel , Grass Michael , Adam Gerhard , Knopp Tobias , Ittrich Harald
Published: November 2020

Objective

The aim is to evaluate whether smart worklist prioritization by artificial intelligence (AI) can optimize the radiology workflow and reduce report turnaround times (RTATs) for critical findings in chest radiographs (CXRs). Furthermore, we investigate a method to counteract the effect of false negative predictions by AI—resulting in an extremely and dangerously long RTAT, as CXRs are sorted to the end of the worklist.

Methods

We developed a simulation framework that models the current workflow at a university hospital by incorporating hospital-specific CXR generation rates and reporting rates and pathology distribution. Using this, we simulated the standard worklist processing “first-in, first-out” (FIFO) and compared it with a worklist prioritization based on urgency. Examination prioritization was performed by the AI, classifying eight different pathological findings ranked in descending order of urgency: pneumothorax, pleural effusion, infiltrate, congestion, atelectasis, cardiomegaly, mass, and foreign object. Furthermore, we introduced an upper limit for the maximum waiting time, after which the highest urgency is assigned to the examination.

Results

The average RTAT for all critical findings was significantly reduced in all prioritization simulations compared to the FIFO simulation (e.g., pneumothorax: 35.6 min vs. 80.1 min; p < 0.0001), while the maximum RTAT for most findings increased at the same time (e.g., pneumothorax: 1293 min vs 890 min; p < 0.0001). Our “upper limit” substantially reduced the maximum RTAT in all classes (e.g., pneumothorax: 979 min vs. 1293 min/1178 min; p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Our simulations demonstrate that smart worklist prioritization by AI can reduce the average RTAT for critical findings in CXRs while maintaining a small maximum RTAT as FIFO.

Key Points

• Development of a realistic clinical workflow simulator based on empirical data from a hospital allowed precise assessment of smart worklist prioritization using artificial intelligence.

• Employing a smart worklist prioritization without a threshold for maximum waiting time runs the risk of false negative predictions of the artificial intelligence greatly increasing the report turnaround time.

• Use of a state-of-the-art convolution neural network can reduce the average report turnaround time almost to the upper limit of a perfect classification algorithm (e.g., pneumothorax: 35.6 min vs. 30.4 min).