bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An efficient cloud‐based healthcare services paradigm for chronic kidney disease prediction application using boosted support vector machine
Authors: Aswini J. , Yamini B. , Jatothu Rajaram , Nayaki K. Sankara , Nalini M.
Published: December 2021

Cloud computing is the on‐demand access to computer resources such as applications, servers, data storage, development tools, networking capabilities, and other resources that are held in a remote data center maintained by a cloud services provider(CSP) and accessible over the internet. The limited resources and higher time consumption are the major issues faced by cloud users. The appropriate selection of virtual machines (VMs) is used to maximize cloud resource usage and reduce task execution time for the clients (patients, physicians, etc.). In this article, we have introduced an efficient cloud‐based healthcare services paradigm (HCS). The opposition‐based Laplacian equilibrium optimizer (O‐LEO) algorithm is used to select optimal VMs in which the maximization of resource utilization and minimization of task execution time is performed. Additionally, the boosted support vector machine (SVM) effectively predicts chronic kidney disease (CKD) thereby ensuring better prediction results. The CloudSim platform is used as the implementation platform of the proposed method. The overall time taken by the O‐LEO‐based CloudSim is less than the standard Cloud Sim model to create three cloudlets which improve the system efficiency by 6%. When compared with the existing techniques, both the O‐LEO and boosted SVM classifier outperforms superior performances.
Effect of CYP3A5 and CYP3A4 Genetic Variants on Fentanyl Pharmacokinetics in a Pediatric Population
Authors: Williams Michael L. , Kannankeril Prince J. , Breeyear Joseph H. , Edwards Todd L. , Van Driest Sara L. , Choi Leena
Published: December 2021

Fentanyl is an anesthetic/analgesic commonly used in surgical and recovery settings. CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 encode enzymes, which metabolize fentanyl; genetic variants in these genes impact fentanyl pharmacokinetics in adults. Pharmacokinetic (PK) studies are difficult to replicate in children due to the burden of additional blood taken solely for research purposes. The aim of this study is to test the effect of CYP3A5 and CYP3A4 genetic variants on fentanyl PKs in children using opportunistically collected samples. Fentanyl concentrations were measured from remnant blood specimens and dosing data were extracted from electronic health records. Variant data defining CYP3A4*1G and CYP3A5*3 and *6 alleles were available from prior genotyping; alleles with no variant were defined as *1. The study cohort included 434 individuals (median age 9 months, 52% male subjects) and 1,937 fentanyl concentrations were available. A two‐compartment model was selected as the base model, and the final covariate model included age, weight, and surgical severity score. Clearance was significantly associated with either CYP3A5*3 or CYP3A5*6 alleles, but not the CYP3A4*1G allele. A genotype of CYP3A5*1/*3 or CYP3A5*1/*6 (i.e., intermediate metabolizer status) was associated with a 0.84‐fold (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.71–1.00) reduction in clearance vs. CYP3A5*1/*1 (i.e., normal metabolizer status). CYP3A5*3/*3, CYP3A5*3/*6, or CYP3A5*6/*6 (i.e., poor metabolizer status) was associated with a 0.76‐fold (95% CI: 0.58–0.99) reduction in clearance. In the final model, expected clearance was 8.9 and 6.8 L/hour for a normal and poor metabolizer, respectively, with median population covariates (9 months old, 7.7 kg, low surgical severity).
Chemical Synthesis of the Anti‐COVID‐19 Drug Remdesivir
Authors: Wang Mo , Zhang Lu , Huo Xiaohong , Zhang Zhenfeng , Zhang Wanbin
Published: December 2021

Remdesivir has become an important compound for the treatment of COVID‐19. Here, we describe the catalytic asymmetric synthesis of this anti‐COVID‐19 drug. First, the P‐racemic phosphoryl chloride is synthesized in a facile procedure. Then, it is possible to obtain the protected remdesivir via the organocatalytic asymmetric phosphorylation of protected nucleoside GS441524 with P‐racemic phosphoryl chloride catalyzed by chiral bicyclic imidazole. Finally, remdesivir is easily prepared by deprotection. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Synthesis of 2‐ethylbutyl (chloro(phenoxy)phosphoryl)‐L‐alaninate rac‐4

Basic Protocol 2: Synthesis of chiral bicyclic imidazole Ad‐DPI

Basic Protocol 3: Synthesis of remdesivir
Decellularized Extracellular Matrix for Cell Biology
Authors: Hoshiba Takashi
Published: December 2021

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an architecture that supports the cells in our bodies and regulates various cell functions. The ECM is composed of many proteins and carbohydrates, and these molecules activate various intracellular signaling pathways orchestrated to decide cell fates. Therefore, it is not enough to study the role of single ECM molecules to understand the roles of the ECM in the regulation of cell functions; it is necessary to understand how the ECM, as an assembly of various molecules, regulates cell functions as a whole. For this purpose, in vitro ECM models mimicking native ECM are required. Here, a decellularization technique is presented to reconstitute native ECM in vitro. In this article, methods for preparing decellularized ECM (dECM) are described for use in tumor and stem cell biology. Additionally, a method for confirmation of decellularization and a dECM modification method are described. These dECM types will be useful for comprehensive studies of ECM roles. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.

Basic Protocol 1: Preparation of in vitro extracellular matrix (ECM) models mimicking native ECM in different malignant tumor tissues

Basic Protocol 2: Preparation of in vitro ECM models mimicking native ECM surrounding myoblasts differentiating into myotubes at each myogenic stage

Support Protocol 1: Confirmation of myogenic stages by myogenic stages by myogenic gene expression analysis

Basic Protocol 3: Confirmation of cell removal

Basic Protocol 4: Reduction of chondroitin sulfate chains in cultured cell–derived decellularized ECM

Support Protocol 2: Quantification of chondroitin sulfate chain amounts in the decellularized ECM
Sucking of human blood byPlacobdella costata(O. F. Müller, 1846) (Hirudinida: Glossiphoniidae): Case study with notes on body form
Authors: Cichocka Joanna M. , Bielecki Aleksander , Jabłońska‐Barna Izabela , Krajewski Łukasz , Topolska Katarzyna , Hildebrand Joanna , Dmitryjuk Małgorzata , Biedunkiewicz Anna , Abramchuk Andrei
Published: December 2021

Four events ofPlacobdella costatasucking human blood are described.

Human blood was sucked by both adult and juvenile specimens ofP.costata.

The feeding strategies of juveniles under parental care are presented.

New data on juvenile specimens' body form are presented.

Information on the potential role of mammals in dispersion and habitat preferences of leechesP.costatais considered.
Whole genome sequencing of marine organisms by Oxford Nanopore Technologies: Assessment and optimization of HMW‐DNA extraction protocols
Authors: Boughattas Sonia , Albatesh Dana , Al‐Khater Albandari , Giraldes Bruno W. , Althani Asma A. , Benslimane Fatiha M.
Published: December 2021

Marine habitats are Earth's largest aquatic ecosystems, yet little is known about marine organism's genomes. Molecular studies can unravel their genetics print, thus shedding light on specie's adaptation and speciation with precise authentication. However, extracting high molecular weight DNA from marine organisms and subsequent DNA library preparation for whole genome sequencing is challenging. The challenges can be explained by excessive metabolites secretion that co‐precipitates with DNA and barricades their sequencing. In this work, we sought to resolve this issue by describing an optimized isolation method and comparing its performance with the most commonly reported protocols or commercial kits: SDS/phenol–chloroform method, Qiagen Genomic Tips kit, Qiagen DNeasy Plant mini kit, a modified protocol of Qiagen DNeasy Plant kit, Qiagen DNeasy Blood and Tissue kit, and Qiagen Qiamp DNA Stool mini kit. Our method proved to work significantly better for different marine species regardless of their shape, consistency, and sample preservation, improving Oxford Nanopore Technologies sequencing yield by 39 folds for Spirobranchus sp. and enabling generation of almost 10 GB data per flow cell/run for Chrysaora sp. and Palaemon sp. samples.
Diagnosing Battery Degradation via Gas Analysis
Authors: Metzger Michael , Gasteiger Hubert A.
Published: December 2021

Interfacial reactions in lithium‐ion batteries often involve gaseous reaction products. Mechanistic investigation of material degradation processes requires a technique to identify and quantify these gases in battery cells. On‐line electrochemical mass spectrometry (OEMS) is an operando gas analysis method that continuously samples the headspace of a custom battery cell. Real‐time gas analysis by quantitative OEMS was used to create mechanistic understanding of battery degradation reactions, some of which will be highlight in this article.
Identifying Hidden Li–Si–O Phases for Lithium‐Ion Batteries via First‐Principle Thermodynamic Calculations
Authors: Qu Jiale , Ning Chao , Feng Xiang , Yao Bonan , Liu Bo , Lu Ziheng , Wang Tianshuai , Seh Zhi Wei , Shi Siqi , Zhang Qianfan
Published: December 2021

SiO–based materials are promising alloys and conversion‐type anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries and are recently found to be excellent dendrite‐proof layers for lithium‐metal batteries. However, only a small fraction of the Li–Si–O compositional space has been reported, significantly impeding the understanding of the phase transition mechanisms and the rational design of these materials both as anodes and as protection layers for lithium‐metal anodes. Herein, we identify three new thermodynamically stable phases within the Li–Si–O ternary system (Li2SiO5, Li4SiO6, and Li4SiO8) in addition to the existing records via first‐principle calculations. The electronic structure simulation shows that Li2SiO5 and Li4SiO8 phases are metallic in nature, ensuring high electronic conductivity required as electrodes. Moduli calculations demonstrate that the mechanical strength of Li–Si–O phases is much higher than that of lithium metal. The diffusion barriers of interstitial Li range from 0.1 to 0.6 eV and the interstitial Li hopping serves as the dominating diffusion mechanism in the Li–Si–O ternary systems compared with vacancy diffusion. These findings provide a new strategy for future discovery of improved alloying anodes for lithium‐ion batteries and offer important insight towards the understanding of the phase transformation mechanism of alloy‐type protection layers on lithium‐metal anodes.
Sn(IV) Inserted Lead‐Free Perovskite Materials (MA3(Bi1−xSnx)2I9) as Light Absorbers: Bandgap Engineering and Enhanced Photovoltaic Performance
Authors: Ahmad Khursheed , Kumar Praveen , Shrivastava Priya , Mobin Shaikh M.
Published: December 2021

Recently, methyl ammonium bismuth iodide (MA3Bi2I9) and methyl ammonium antimony iodide (MA3Sb2I9) perovskite structures have received enormous attention because of their good aerobic stability. In particular, MA3Bi2I9 perovskite‐like material is widely explored as a visible light absorber in the construction of lead‐free perovskite solar cells (LFPSCs) because of its nontoxic nature and optoelectronic properties. However, the wide bandgap (2.2 eV) of the MA3Bi2I9 perovskite‐like material is the major drawback, which may be responsible for poor light absorption and lower performance of the developed LFPSC devices. Thus, it is believed that the optical features of the MA3Bi2I9 perovskite may be tuned using bandgap engineering approach.
Hybrid Halide Perovskite‐Based Electrochemical Supercapacitors: Recent Progress and Perspective
Authors: Kumar Ramesh , Bag Monojit
Published: December 2021

Hybrid halide perovskites have become highly popular mixed electronic−ionic material over the past decade due to a wide range of applications in flexible optoelectronics especially for energy conversion and light‐emitting devices. While ion migration in these materials is the main cause of device instability under heat and light, this property can make them ideal for energy storage applications such as Li‐ion batteries, photorechargeable batteries, and supercapacitors. Herein, progress so far in the field of perovskite material‐based electrochemical supercapacitors is summarized, unraveling charge storage mechanisms in these types of devices, as well as important perspectives for future development of the field. In these types of materials, the total charge/energy storage can be modulated by the induced field due to ion migration inside the bulk perovskite film. The electronic−ionic coupling in metal halide perovskite materials is crucial for the charge storage mechanism in perovskite‐based energy storage devices. A general strategy is proposed to prepare the porous perovskite electrode from the powder of perovskite single crystals for high‐performance perovskite supercapacitors. The modified power law equation for perovskite‐based energy storage devices is proposed. In the end, the possibility of photorechargeable perovskite‐based energy storage devices is also discussed.
Annual performance assessment of an off‐grid and self‐sufficient sustainable climate refuge for hot arid climates
Authors: Niaz Fariha , Bicer Yusuf
Published: December 2021

To overcome the problem of walking in the scorching heat and to encourage people to use more public transport (ie, trams and metros), the idea of sustainable climate refuge shelter is highly needed. In this study, the proposed shelter includes semi‐transparent photovoltaic cells located on the roof integrated with batteries to keep the system running at nighttime and in unfavorable irradiation conditions. An atmospheric water generator for freshwater production is employed for drinking and water misting in addition to a vapor compression cooling system with a fan. Freshwater is collected by extracting water from humid air through cooling with dehumidification. The system is analyzed thermodynamically through energy and exergy efficiencies. The overall energy and exergy efficiencies of the system are 19.45% and 9.58%, respectively. The electrical efficiency of the photovoltaic cells decreases from 16.87% to 15.24% with an increase in cell temperature from 309 K to 315 K. Hourly analysis of the proposed system for the whole year is performed to evaluate the energy profile. The proposed system generates electricity in winters that is sufficient to keep the system operational for 2 days (only for drinking water requirement), but in the summers, only 24 h due to extensive cooling load. The effects of several parameters such as irradiance, ambient temperature, relative humidity, transmittance, and occupancy rate are studied.
Microencapsulation of roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) anthocyanins: Effects of drying conditions on some physicochemical properties and antioxidant activities of spray‐dried powder
Authors: Nguyen Quoc‐Duy , Dang Thanh‐Thuy , Nguyen Thi‐Van‐Linh , Nguyen Thi‐Thuy‐Dung , Nguyen Nhu‐Ngoc
Published: December 2021

Anthocyanins are important phytochemical compounds in nature that are of interest not only for their health benefits such as antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anti‐carcinogenic properties, but also for their role in imparting attractive and characteristic color to food products. In this study, anthocyanins from hibiscus (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) calyces were microencapsulated by spray‐drying technique using maltodextrin as the carrier. The experiment was carried out in the full factorial design with two factors, namely inlet temperature (150, 160, and 170°C) and anthocyanin to maltodextrin mass ratio (1:50, 1:60, 1:70, 1:80, 1:90, and 1:100) with the aim of investigating the effect of spray drying conditions on phenolic content, anthocyanin, antioxidant activity, and color of spray‐dried hibiscus powder. The results showed that increasing the carrier ratio significantly reduced the antioxidant content and their activities in the powder. However, the high level of carriers exhibited a protective effect in encapsulating anthocyanin compounds into the maltodextrin matrix, which was demonstrated by high encapsulation efficiency (>85%) observed in the samples prepared at a ratio of 1:100. It should be highlighted that although high temperature (170°C) reduced total anthocyanin concentration, it actually enhanced total phenolic content. In addition, the moisture content of the powder declined with increasing carrier ratio and inlet temperature, and it was found to be in the range of 5.57%–10.19% in the powder. With solubility greater than 93.71%, the total phenolic and total anthocyanin content of spray‐dried hibiscus powder were 31.5–41.9 (mg gallic acid equivalent/g of dry powder) and 6.08–10.47 (mg cyanidin‐3‐glucoside/g of dry powder), respectively.
A trend factor in commodity futures markets: Any economic gains from using information over investment horizons?
Authors: Han Yufeng , Kong Lingfei
Published: December 2021

This paper identifies a trend factor that exploits the short‐, intermediate‐, and long‐run moving averages of settlement prices in commodity futures markets. The trend factor generates statistically and economically large returns during the post‐financialization period 2004–2020. It outperforms the well‐known momentum factor by more than nine times the Sharpe ratio and has less downside risk. The trend factor cannot be explained by the existing factor models and is priced cross‐sectionally. Finally, we find that the trend factor is correlated with funding liquidity measured by the TED spread. Overall, the results indicate that there are significant economic gains from using the information on historical prices in commodity futures markets.
Multiproxy geochemical characterization of Kommugudem Formation, Krishna Godavari Basin, India: Implication on hydrocarbon potential and shale brittleness
Authors: Kala Shubhangi , Devaraju Javaregowda , De Sanjukta , Rasheed Mohammed Abdul
Published: December 2021

The unconventional reserves are vital future energy resources and globally augmented interest endeavours the discovery of gas and oil‐rich shales. The Kommugudem Formation, Krishna Godavari Basin was evaluated based on sample laboratory and well log studies from six wells deciphering mineralogical and organic geochemical parameters to provide an understanding of hydrocarbon potential and brittleness. Kommugudem Formation constitutes Type III kerogen dominantly with high total organic carbon (TOC) and Tmax indicating the presence of high organic matter. The mean vitrinite reflectance indicates mature to post‐mature shale majorly in the gas generation window. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy functional group investigation revealed the presence of aromatics and aliphatics with a higher degree of abundance owing to higher TOC content. The basic well logs recorded in the studied region are used to estimate the continuous TOC and porosity of the formation and corroborate with laboratory core data. Petrographic, X‐ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy studies revealed the presence of dominantly siliceous mineral matter with relatively lower clay and carbonates. Organic mudstone classification indicates formation is dominantly silica‐dominated lithotype and clay‐rich siliceous mudstone. Microfractures and micropores are observed in mineral and organic matter that may act as storage sites for hydrocarbons. Kommugudem Formation on the basis of mineralogy indicates compositional analogy with brittle zones of Barnett Shale Formation. The high mineralogical brittleness index of the Kommugudem Formation indicates good conditions for hydraulic fracturing. The present investigation demonstrates excellent hydrocarbon generation potential and good brittleness in wells A and B while C, D, E, and F have relatively lower potential and may have low gas and oil sources.
Groupitizing modifies neural coding of numerosity
Authors: Maldonado Moscoso Paula A. , Greenlee Mark W. , Anobile Giovanni , Arrighi Roberto , Burr David C. , Castaldi Elisa
Published: December 2021

Numerical estimation of arrays of objects is faster and more accurate when items can be clustered into groups, a phenomenon termed “groupitizing.” Grouping can facilitate segregation into subitizable “chunks,” each easily estimated, then summed. The current study investigates whether spatial grouping of arrays drives specific neural responses during numerical estimation, reflecting strategies such as exact calculation and fact retrieval. Fourteen adults were scanned with fMRI while estimating either the numerosity or shape of arrays of items, either randomly distributed or spatially grouped. Numerosity estimation of both classes of stimuli elicited common activation of a right lateralized frontoparietal network. Grouped stimuli additionally recruited regions in the left hemisphere and bilaterally in the angular gyrus. Multivariate pattern analysis showed that classifiers trained with the pattern of neural activations read out from parietal regions, but not from the primary visual areas, can decode different numerosities both within and across spatial arrangements. The behavioral numerical acuity correlated with the decoding performance of the parietal but not with occipital regions. Overall, this experiment suggests that the estimation of grouped stimuli relies on the approximate number system for numerosity estimation, but additionally recruits regions involved in calculation.
The role of climate change and human interventions in affecting watershed runoff responses
Authors: Senbeta Tesfaye Belay , Romanowicz Renata Julita
Published: December 2021

Identifying the role of the two main driving factors—climate change and human interventions—in influencing runoff processes is essential for sustainable water resources management. For this purpose, runoff regime change detection methods were used to divide the available hydroclimatic variables into a baseline and a disturbed period. We applied hydrological modelling and the climate elasticity of runoff method to determine the contribution of climate change and human interventions to changes in runoff. The hydrological model, SWAT, was calibrated during the baseline period and used to simulate the naturalized runoff pattern for the disturbed period. Significant changes in runoff in the study watershed were detected from 1982, suggesting that human interventions play a dominant role in influencing runoff. The combined effects of climate change and human interventions resulted in a 41.3 mm (23.9%) decrease in runoff during the disturbed period, contributing about 40% and 60% to the total runoff change, respectively. Furthermore, analysis of changes in land cover dynamics in the watershed over the past four decades supported these changes in runoff. Contrary to other decades, the discrepancy between naturalized and observed runoff was small in the 2010s, likely due to increased baseflow as a result of storage and/or release of excess water during the dry season. This study contributes to our understanding of how climate change and human interventions affect hydrological responses of watersheds, which is important for future sustainable water management and drought adaptation.
What do we want to estimate from observational datasets? Choosing appropriate statistical analysis methods based on the chemical management phase
Authors: Takeshita Kazutaka M. , Hayashi Takehiko I. , Yokomizo Hiroyuki
Published: December 2021

The goals of observational dataset analysis vary with the management phase of environments threatened by anthropogenic chemicals. For example, identifying severely compromised sites is necessary to determine candidate sites in which to implement measures during early management phases. Among the most effective approaches is developing regression models with high predictive power for dependent variable values using the Akaike information criterion. However, this analytical approach may be theoretically inappropriate to obtain the necessary information in various chemical management phases, such as the intervention effect size of a chemical required in the late chemical management phase to evaluate the necessity of an effluent standard and its specific value. However, choosing appropriate statistical methods based on the data analysis objective in each chemical management phase has rarely been performed. This study provides an overview of the primary data analysis objectives in the early and late chemical management phases. For each objective, several suitable statistical analysis methods for observational datasets are detailed. In addition, the study presents examples of linear regression analysis procedures using an available dataset derived from field surveys conducted in Japanese rivers. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:1414–1422. © 2021 The Authors. Integrated Environmental Assessment and Management published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of Society of Environmental Toxicology & Chemistry (SETAC).

KEY POINTS

This article presents an overview of several proper statistical analysis methods for observational datasets in accordance with data analysis objectives within the different management phases of riverine environments threatened by anthropogenic chemicals. Examples of linear regression analysis procedures using an available dataset derived from field surveys conducted in Japanese rivers are also presented.
Managing threats: A grounded theory of counseling engagement in clients with experiential avoidance
Authors: Tursi Michael M. , Sellers Craig R. , Marquis Andre
Published: December 2021

Constructivist grounded theory methods were used to explore counseling engagement in clients with strong tendencies to avoid aversive emotion. Participants initially viewed counseling as a potentially adversarial and harmful relationship. An expectation and fear of judgment, as well as shame and self‐judgment, contributed to this view. Participants also reported anxiety about addressing specific issues. Their perceptions led to withholding of personal information and minimal engagement. The participants were initially susceptible to negative or fruitless counseling episodes. However, if a trusting therapeutic relationship developed, engagement increased. Trust developed if the participants perceived their counselors as non‐judgmental and genuine. Recognizing possible benefits—in addition to risks—of counseling also contributed to their decisions to engage. The participants reported that counseling helped change their perspectives. They eventually perceived and appreciated the benefits of emotional engagement. Implications for counselors are provided.
Novel splicing‐site mutation in DCAF17 gene causing Woodhouse‐Sakati syndrome in a large consanguineous family
Authors: Fozia Fozia , Shah Khadim , Nazli Rubina , Khan Sher Alam , Ahmad Ijaz , Mohammad Noor , Khan Saadullah , Alotaibi Amal
Published: December 2021

Background

Woodhouse‐Sakati syndrome is a rare autosomal recessive disease with endocrine and neuroectodermal aberrations with heterogeneous phenotypes and disease course. The most common phenotypes of the disease are progressive sensorineural hearing loss and alopecia, mild‐to‐moderate mental retardation and hypogonadism. The disease results from mutations in the DCAF17 gene.

Method

Here, we reported a large consanguineous pedigree with multiple affected individuals with Woodhouse‐Sakati syndrome phenotypes. Laboratory tests confirmed the endocrine perturbance in affected individuals. To find out the underlying genetic change, whole‐exome sequencing was carried out.

Result

Analysis of the exome data identified a splicing‐site deletion NM_025000.3:c.1423‐1_1425delGACA in DCAF17 gene. Sanger sequencing confirmed the co‐segregation of the variant with the disease phenotypes in the family.

Conclusion

The variant is predicted to cause aberrant splicing, i.e., exon skipping, resulting in the translation of a truncated functionless protein which results in appearance of typical phenotypic features and clinical laboratory findings of Woodhouse‐Sakati syndrome in affected members of the family.
A validation study of after direct‐acting antivirals recommendation for surveillance score for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma in patients with hepatitis C virus infection who had received direct‐acting antiviral therapy and achieved sustained virological response
Authors: Tada Toshifumi , Kurosaki Masayuki , Tamaki Nobuharu , Yasui Yutaka , Mori Nami , Tsuji Keiji , Hasebe Chitomi , Joko Koji , Akahane Takehiro , Furuta Koichiro , Kobashi Haruhiko , Kimura Hiroyuki , Yagisawa Hitoshi , Marusawa Hiroyuki , Kondo Masahiko , Kojima Yuji , Yoshida Hideo , Uchida Yasushi , Nakamura Shinichiro , Izumi Namiki
Published: December 2021

Background and Aim

The pathogenic process underlying the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is not yet clear in patients with hepatitis C virus (HCV) who have received direct‐acting antiviral (DAA) therapy and achieved sustained virological response (SVR). This study validated a composite predictive model for HCC in these patients.

Methods

This study included 3058 patients in whom HCV was eradicated with DAA therapy. After DAAs recommendation for surveillance (ADRES) score, which is based on sex, FIB‐4 index, and α‐fetoprotein, was used as a composite predictive model for HCC development.

Results

The 1‐, 3‐, and 5‐year cumulative incidence rates of HCC were 0.9, 4.5, and 15.2%, respectively. Multivariate analysis with Cox proportional hazards models showed that male sex (hazard ratio [HR], 2.646; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.790–3.911), FIB‐4 index >3.25 (HR, 2.891; 95% CI, 1.947–4.293), and α‐fetoprotein >5 ng/mL (HR, 2.835; 95% CI, 1.914–4.200) are independently associated with HCC development. The incidence of HCC differed significantly by ADRES score (P < 0.001). Cox proportional hazards models showed that compared to the ADRES score 0 group, the HR for HCC development was 2.947 (95% CI, 1.367–6.354) in the ADRES score 1 group, 9.171 (95% CI, 4.339–19.380) in the ADRES score 2 group, and 20.630 (95% CI, 8.641–49.230) in the ADRES score 3 group. ADRES score had superior predictive power for HCC development compared with the FIB‐4 index and α‐fetoprotein according to time‐dependent receiver operating characteristic analysis.

Conclusion

The ADRES score is useful for predicting HCC development after SVR.
Duality theorems for stars and combs III: Undominated combs
Authors: Bürger Carl , Kurkofka Jan
Published: December 2021

In a series of four papers we determine structures whose existence is dual, in the sense of complementary, to the existence of stars or combs. Here, in the third paper of the series, we present duality theorems for a combination of stars and combs: undominated combs. We describe their complementary structures in terms of rayless trees and of tree‐decompositions. Applications include a complete characterisation, in terms of normal spanning trees, of the graphs whose rays are dominated but which have no rayless spanning tree. Only two such graphs had so far been constructed, by Seymour and Thomas and by Thomassen. As a corollary, we show that graphs with a normal spanning tree have a rayless spanning tree if and only if all their rays are dominated.
Performance of diagnostic tools for acute cholangitis in patients with suspected biliary obstruction
Authors: Sperna Weiland Christina J. , Busch Celine B. E. , Bhalla Abha , Bruno Marco J. , Fockens Paul , van Hooft Jeanin E. , Poen Alexander C. , Timmerhuis Hester C. , Umans Devica S. , Venneman Niels G. , Verdonk Robert C. , Drenth Joost P. H. , de Wijkerslooth Thomas R. , van Geenen Erwin J. M. ,   the Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group
Published: December 2021

Background

Acute cholangitis is an infection requiring endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and antibiotics. Several diagnostic tools help to diagnose cholangitis. Because diagnostic performance of these tools has not been studied and might therefore impose unnecessary ERCPs, we aimed to evaluate this.

Methods

We established a nationwide prospective cohort of patients with suspected biliary obstruction who underwent an ERCP. We assessed the diagnostic performance of Tokyo Guidelines (TG18), Dutch Pancreatitis Study Group (DPSG) criteria, and Charcot triad relative to real‐world cholangitis as the reference standard.

Results

127 (16%) of 794 patients were diagnosed with real‐world cholangitis. Using the TG18, DPSG, and Charcot triad, 345 (44%), 55 (7%), and 66 (8%) patients were defined as having cholangitis, respectively. Sensitivity for TG18 was 82% (95% CI 74‐88) and specificity 60% (95% CI 56‐63). The sensitivity for DPSG and Charcot was 42% (95% CI 33‐51) and 46% (95% CI 38‐56), specificity was 99.7% (95% CI 99‐100) and 99% (95% CI 98‐100), respectively.

Conclusions

TG18 criteria incorrectly diagnoses four out of ten patients with real‐world cholangitis, while DPSG and Charcot criteria failed to diagnose more than half of patients. As the cholangitis diagnosis has many consequences for treatment, there is a need for more accurate diagnostic tools or work‐up towards ERCP.
Robust clinical detection of SARS‐CoV‐2 variants by RT‐PCR/MALDI‐TOF multitarget approach
Authors: Hernandez Matthew M. , Banu Radhika , Gonzalez‐Reiche Ana S. , van de Guchte Adriana , Khan Zenab , Shrestha Paras , Cao Liyong , Chen Feng , Shi Huanzhi , Hanna Ayman , Alshammary Hala , Fabre Shelcie , Amoako Angela , Obla Ajay , Alburquerque Bremy , Patiño Luz Helena , Ramírez Juan David , Sebra Robert , Gitman Melissa R. , Nowak Michael D. , Cordon‐Cardo Carlos , Schutzbank Ted E. , Simon Viviana , van Bakel Harm , Sordillo Emilia Mia , Paniz‐Mondolfi Alberto E.
Published: December 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has sparked the rapid development of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) diagnostics. However, emerging variants pose the risk for target dropout and false‐negative results secondary to primer/probe binding site (PBS) mismatches. The Agena MassARRAY® SARS‐CoV‐2 Panel combines reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction and matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass‐spectrometry to probe for five targets across N and ORF1ab genes, which provides a robust platform to accommodate PBS mismatches in divergent viruses. Herein, we utilize a deidentified data set of 1262 SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive specimens from Mount Sinai Health System (New York City) from December 2020 to April 2021 to evaluate target results and corresponding sequencing data. Overall, the level of PBS mismatches was greater in specimens with target dropout. Of specimens with N3 target dropout, 57% harbored an A28095T substitution that is highly specific for the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant of concern. These data highlight the benefit of redundancy in target design and the potential for target performance to illuminate the dynamics of circulating SARS‐CoV‐2 variants.
Viral infection among children under the age of 5 with diarrhea in Shenyang from 2018 to 2020: A hospital‐based study
Authors: Dong Xinxin , Qi Ying , Chai Ruiyu , Xu Han , Wang Jin , Wang Yingshuang , Chen Ye , Zhang Linlin , Lu Ying , Chen Huijie , Yao Yan
Published: December 2021

Diarrhea is one of the leading causes of death among children, especially in the age under 5, but few studies are available on viral diarrhea in Shenyang. To understand the infection status and the relevant epidemiological characteristics of viral diarrhea and to fill gaps of the distribution of viruses across Shenyang in children under the age of 5 with diarrhea, from 2018 to 2020, stool specimens of children with diarrhea aged 0–59 months and surveillance data were collected in Sentinel Hospital of Shenyang. Specimens were then tested to determine the type of viruses, the seasonal and spatial patterns for major viruses were determined. Viruses were identified in 47.9% of the 897 samples from children with diarrhea. The main viruses of stool samples were rotavirus (16.9%, predominant type G9P[8]), calicivirus (14.7%), adenovirus (11.8%), and astrovirus (4.5%). Viral infections were mainly detected in the age of 0–12 months. In the area of Shenyang, Huanggu had the most cases (198, 22.1%), followed by Dadong (137, 15.3%) and Hunnan (135, 15.1%). The positive rate of viruses varied among patients of different ages, seasons, and regions. Public health entities and the government should develop corresponding measures for different age groups, seasons, and regions.
Comparative study of corrosion inhibition by three anionic surfactants in an acidic environment
Authors: Earnden Laura , Van Der Zalm Joshua , Chen Aicheng , Marangoni Alejandro G. , van Lier Roy , Pensini Erica
Published: December 2021

Corrosion in carbon steel units of chemical, petrochemical and oil and gas plants poses safety and economic concerns. The goal of our study is to investigate the corrosion inhibition effectiveness of an environmentally benign surfactant, namely sodium lauroyl lactylate (SLL), in comparison to sodium cocoyl glutamate (SCG) and sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). The corrosion of carbon steel in 1 M HCl was markedly inhibited by 0.05 and 0.1 M of the anionic surfactant SLL, as determined from weight loss over 96 h, at ambient conditions. X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed that SLL adsorbed at the carbon steel surface, forming a protective film that decreased corrosion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that carbon steel surfaces immersed in 1 M HCl for 96 h had an etched appearance without SLL, whereas they retained their smoothness with 0.1 M SLL. Electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) measurements confirmed that SLL passivated carbon steel surfaces, markedly increasing the polarization resistance Rp from ≈95 to ≈20,694 Ω cm2 over a 12 h period. In contrast, without SLL, Rp decreased from ≈92 to ≈12 Ω cm2. These results demonstrate for the first time that the environmentally friendly surfactant SLL is an efficient corrosion inhibitor in extreme environments such as 1 M HCl solutions. Dissimilar to SLL, SCG and SDS were not effective in inhibiting corrosion.
Determining the nonlinearity in an acoustic wave equation
Authors: Kaltenbacher Barbara , Rundell William
Published: December 2021

We consider an undetermined coefficient inverse problem for a nonlinear partial differential equation describing high‐intensity ultrasound propagation as widely used in medical imaging and therapy. The usual nonlinear term in the standard model using the Westervelt equation in pressure formulation is of the form ppt. However, this should be considered as a low‐order approximation to a more complex physical model where higher order terms will be required. Here we assume a more general case where the form taken is f(p) pt and f is unknown and must be recovered from data measurements. Corresponding to the typical measurement setup, the overposed data consist of time trace observations of the acoustic pressure at a single point or on a one‐dimensional set Σ representing the receiving transducer array at a fixed time. Additionally to an analysis of well‐posedness of the resulting pde, we show injectivity of the linearized forward map from f to the overposed data and use this as motivation for several iterative schemes to recover f. Numerical simulations will also be shown to illustrate the efficiency of the methods.
Ultrathin narrowband frequency selective surface with high angular and polarization stability at X‐band frequencies
Authors: Chou Hsi‐Hsir , Ke Guan‐Jhou
Published: December 2021

An experimental investigation of an ultrathin and narrowband frequency selective surface (FSS) with polarization‐insensitive and high angular stability at X‐band is reported. A roll‐off and narrow‐passband behavior of the FSS spatial filter is designed by coupling two layers of periodic square slot loops of resonance, which are etched on the top and bottom metal surfaces of a two‐substrate‐stacked printed circuit board (PCB). The sandwiched interface between these two PCB substrates is also a metal surface with periodic square slots for proper coupling. The bandpass nature is numerically simulated by high‐frequency structure simulator and is further validated by experimental measurements on an FSS prototype. The prototype comprises 50 × 33 unit cells in an area of 40 cm × 26.4 cm, and the total thickness is 0.025 λ. The experimental results show a resonant frequency at 12.23 GHz with a 3 dB relative bandwidth of 6.1%. The maximum frequency deviation of bandwidth is less than 0.4% for the incident angles from 0° to 60°, exhibiting good frequency stability.
Linking overhead expenses and nonprofit effectiveness: Evidence from Habitat for Humanity
Authors: Berrett Jessica L.
Published: December 2021

Public scrutiny of the nonprofit sector often focuses on excessive overhead spending, seeing it as an obstacle to mission fulfillment. Yet, there have been few prior studies on the impact of overhead expenditures on the effectiveness of nonprofit organizations. Building and utilizing a unique dataset of Habitat for Humanity affiliates across the United States between 2010 and 2016, this paper analyses the relationship between overhead spending and effectiveness using fixed effects and mediation models. Results indicate that an increase in the overhead ratio leads to greater nonprofit effectiveness in terms of more houses built and revenue raised. However, findings suggest that overhead ratios of more than 15% yield positive but diminishing returns. Findings also show that organizational capacity indicators such as investments into salaries, professional fees, marketing, information technology, and fundraising mediate a positive relationship between the overhead ratio and nonprofit effectiveness. Implications for both scholars and practitioners are discussed.
Thermomechanical properties of epoxy resin/basalt fiber/hydrotalcite composites and influence of hydrotalcite particle size on their properties
Authors: Li Jidong , Bi Ying , Zhao Binhui , Zu Liwu , Yang Qing , Cong Shanshan
Published: December 2021

Natural fibers (NFs) and inorganic particles have been successfully grown in the polymer to enhance its properties. The basalt fiber (BF) and modified hydrotalcite (LDHs) reinforced epoxy resin matrix composites were prepared, and the effects of fiber and modified hydrotalcite (G‐LDHs) on the microstructural characteristics of composites were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray diffraction were respectively used to analyze the structure of modified BF and G‐LDHs, and thermogravimetric analysis was performed to study thermal stability. The mechanical properties of composites, including dynamic thermomechanical and tensile and flexural properties, were respectively studied by dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) and universal testing machine. Experimental results show the successful synthesis of high‐performance epoxy copolymers. The impact strength, tensile strength, and elastic modulus of EP/BF/G‐LDHs respectively reached 7.07 kJ/m2, 20.52 MPa, and 2595 MPa when the content ratio of BF to hydrotalcite in the additive was 3:3. The DMA test showed that the glass transition temperature (Tg) value increased by 18.3°C, and the thermal stability of composite materials was improved. The storage modulus E′ value increased by 268.04 MPa, and the stiffness of the epoxy material and the mechanical properties were also elevated. The TGA and DTG curves indicate that the cured composites also exhibit excellent thermal stability. The effect of g‐LDHS particle size on the properties of composites was also discussed. Overall, the synergistic and complementary enhancement effect of the two materials is the best when the diameter of hydrotalcite is similar to that of BF, and the performance of the composite material is considerably improved.
Influence of material contamination on polypropylene melt filtration using assembled and fused screens
Authors: Koller Kerstin , Paulik Christian , Burgstaller Christoph
Published: December 2021

The large range of polymers produced leads to their use in such diverse areas as packaging, the automotive industry, electrical applications, electronics, household appliances, building, and construction. For these applications, materials should be clean and free from contaminants, such as unintentionally cross‐linked material (gels), unconverted polymers, agglomerated additives, dirt, and dust. Since 2000, the amount of plastic produced globally has increased by 5% per year. In 2019, Europe consumed 50.7 million tonnes of plastics, and demand is increasing. As production rises, so does waste, making it essential to reduce plastic waste via recycling. To be recycled, materials must be clean and free from contaminants. While numerous preparation processes in recycling can reduce contamination, the final remaining contaminants can be separated from the polymer by melt filtration. The aim of this work was thus to gain insights into the mechanisms underlying melt filtration in an extruder to determine how effective the process is depending on the type of contamination (PET particles and glass beads served as model contaminants). Additionally, behavior and filtration efficiency of two different screen‐pack types were investigated. We found that rigid contaminants (i.e., glass beads) can be filtered from the melt by using screens that are finer than the particle size, but removing soft contaminants, (i.e., PET particles) requires even finer.
Reactive diluent strategy for general benzoxazine to achieve high performance thermoset via a combination of styrene and glycidyl methacrylate
Authors: Li Qing , Qu Jie Hao , Qian Zi Zhao , Sun Hao Ran , Wang Lu Jie , Fu Fei Ya , Liu Xiang Dong
Published: December 2021

Most of polybenzoxazines suffer from intrinsic processability problems, while application of the conceptual strategy of reactive diluent remains challenge in benzoxazine field. Here, we reported a new methodology employing a mixture of styrene (St) and glycidyl methacrylate (GMA) as a reactive diluent to dissolve benzoxazine. A commercially available benzoxazine, bis(4‐(3,4‐dihydro‐2H‐1,3‐benzoxazine‐3‐yl))phenylmethane (PH‐ddm), was used as a model benzoxazine monomer for a variety of evaluation tests. GMA and St are capable of passing a robust radical polymerization to form linear copolymers, while offer epoxy groups to crosslink the PH‐ddm polymer resulting from the ring opening polymerization. Moreover, the benzoxazine mixture solutions show advantages in preparing composites with glass fibers. By comparing to bulk benzoxazine, the mixture solutions allow significant improvement in terms of tensile strength and elongation of the composites. The main contributor for the enhanced properties is their low‐viscosity nature and the capability to increase crosslinking density of the cured resin. The methodology presented here shows great potential for improving processability of benzoxazines, particularly in large‐scale manufacturing of composite.