bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Soft‐Chemistry‐Assisted On‐Chip Integration of Nanostructured α‐Quartz Microelectromechanical System
Authors: Jolly Claire , Gomez Andres , Sánchez‐Fuentes David , Cakiroglu Dilek , Rathar Raïssa , Maurin Nicolas , Garcia‐Bermejo Ricardo , Charlot Benoit , Gich Martí , Bahriz Michael , Picas Laura , Carretero‐Genevrier Adrian
Published: January 2021

The development of advanced piezoelectric α‐quartz microelectromechanical system (MEMS) for sensing and precise frequency control applications requires the nanostructuration and on‐chip integration of this material on silicon material. However, the current quartz manufacturing methods are based on bonding bulk micromachined crystals on silicon, which limits the size, the performance, the integration cost, and the scalability of quartz microdevices. Here, chemical solution deposition, soft‐nanoimprint lithography, and top‐down microfabrication processes are combined to develop the first nanostructured epitaxial (100)α‐quartz/(100)Si piezoelectric cantilevers. The coherent Si/quartz interface and film thinness combined with a controlled nanostructuration on silicon–insulator–silicon technology substrates provide high force and mass sensitivity while preserving the mechanical quality factor of the microelectromechanical systems. This work proves that biocompatible nanostructured epitaxial piezoelectric α‐quartz‐based MEMS on silicon can be engineered at low cost by combining soft‐chemistry and top‐down lithographic techniques.
Turn‐On Circularly Polarized Luminescence in Metal–Organic Frameworks
Authors: Wang Xue‐Zhi , Sun Meng‐Ying , Huang Zhijin , Xie Mo , Huang Ruishan , Lu Huihui , Zhao Zujin , Zhou Xiao‐Ping , Li Dan
Published: January 2021

The fabrication of circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) active materials by self‐assembly is still in its challenge. In this work, a family of homochiral metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and metal–organic cages (MOCs) are constructed by solvothermal subcomponent self‐assembly. These MOFs feature an eta topology with trifold helical chains, while the MOCs adopt a cubic cage structure. The chiral ligands show two distinct types of conformations: “opened” and “closed” in MOFs and MOCs, respectively. Although homochiral MOFs and MOCs show similar spectra of circular dichroism and photoluminescence with similar quantum yields and lifetimes, the MOFs yield clear CPL signals and the CPL of MOCs are silent. The turn‐on CPL in MOFs achieved by tuning the conformation of ligands and controlling self‐assembly provides a new approach for development of CPL‐active MOF materials.
Efficient Parallel Multi‐Bit Logic‐in‐Memory Based on a Ultrafast Ferroelectric Tunnel Junction Memristor
Authors: Ma Chao , Tao Linfeng , Luo Zhen , Sun Haoyang , Liu Chuanchuan , Wang Zijian , Zhou Xiang , Jin Xi , Yin Yuewei , Li Xiaoguang
Published: January 2021

Memristive logic‐in‐memory (LIM) is an attractive candidate for in‐memory computing and thus would overcome some of the issues concerning the von Neumann bottleneck, which has been intensively investigated. Here, a multi‐bit and functionally complete LIM strategy is designed to efficiently perform multi logical functions in parallel. This strategy is experimentally demonstrated by a multi‐bit ferroelectric tunnel junction (FTJ) memristor with a sub‐nanosecond operation speed which is nearly two orders of magnitude faster than the previous memristive LIM. Using the four resistance states (2‐bit) of only a single FTJ memristor cell, two logical computations are successfully performed in parallel, and the 16 complete Boolean logic functions are implemented within only two steps. In addition, the multi‐encoding schemes are proposed to further improve the efficiency and flexibility of parallel logical computations. Accordingly, the 1‐bit binary full adder can be implemented using as less as three parallel memristors by only performing five steps, and on this basis the N‐bit full adder can also be realized. These results provide a highly efficient LIM approach, which could be a promising candidate for future computing architecture.
Liquid‐Phase Exfoliated Gallium Selenide for Light‐Driven Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Curreli Nicola , Serri Michele , Zappia Marilena Isabella , Spirito Davide , Bianca Gabriele , Buha Joka , Najafi Leyla , Sofer Zdeněk , Krahne Roman , Pellegrini Vittorio , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: January 2021

Gallium selenide (GaSe), a layered semiconductor of Group‐III monochalcogenides, has been recognized by the scientific community in recent years as an appealing material in the fields of photonics and (opto)electronics. Thanks to its pseudodirect bandgap and its thickness‐dependent (opto)electronic properties, GaSe has emerged as a promising candidate for the implementation of thin‐film transistors (TFTs) and photodetectors with fast response and high sensitivity. Solution processing of 2D materials provides low‐cost inks that allow the design and realization of printed electronic devices, enabling this technology to move from the laboratory to the industry. In this work, a solution‐processed GaSe‐based light‐driven transistor is presented. Liquid phase exfoliation (LPE) is used to exfoliate bulk GaSe in isopropanol, formulating a functional ink that is subsequently deposited by spray coating onto Si/SiO2 substrates. The GaSe phototransistor exhibits a p‐channel behavior with a high on/off ratio (≈103) that is gate‐voltage dependent. Moreover, the device response also depends on the illumination with a maximum responsivity of 13 A W–1 to UV–visible light and a fast response time of 35 ms. This study demonstrates that liquid phase exfoliated GaSe is a promising candidate for the design and realization of next‐generation (opto)electronic devices.
Emulation of Synaptic Scaling Based on MoS2 Neuristor for Self‐Adaptative Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Wu Lindong , Bao Lin , Wang Zongwei , Yu Zhizhen , Wang Bowen , Chen Qingyu , Ling Yaotian , Qin Yabo , Tang Kechao , Cai Yimao , Huang Ru
Published: January 2021

Recent studies indicate that synaptic scaling is a vital mechanism to solve instability risks brought by the positive feedback of synaptic weight change related with standalone Hebbian plasticity. There are two kinds of synaptic scaling in the neural network, including local scaling and global scaling, both important for stabilizing the neural function. In this paper, for the first time, local synaptic scaling is emulated based on the MoS2 neuristor. The first‐principle calculation reveals that synaptic scaling achieved by the neuristor is associated with an internal residual Li+‐related weak dynamical process. Experimental results show the potential of achieving global synaptic scaling by the same device. Moreover, inspired by the synaptic scaling in the human brain, a new method of weight mapping called weight scaling mapping (WSM) is proposed to improve the stability of an artificial neural network (ANN). The simulation results indicate that WSM can improve the accuracy and anti‐noise ability of the network compared with the traditional mapping method. These findings provide new insight into bionic research and help advance the construction of stable neuromorphic systems.
Local Multimodal Electro‐Chemical‐Structural Characterization of Solid‐Electrolyte Grain Boundaries
Authors: Xu Xin , Carr Connor , Chen Xinqi , Myers Benjamin D. , Huang Ruiyun , Yuan Weizi , Choi Sihyuk , Yi Dezhi , Phatak Charudatta , Haile Sossina M.
Published: January 2021

Typical models of polycrystalline ionic materials treat the grain boundary properties as single valued, without consideration of the full range of values that define the macroscopically measured average. Here a unique experimental platform suitable for local multimodal characterization of individual grain boundaries in bicrystal fibers is reported. A variation of three orders of magnitude in the grain boundary conductivity of ceria is observed, as measured across six individual bicrystals by both alternating current impedance spectroscopy and direct current (D.C.) linear sweep voltammetry. Nonlinear behavior of the D.C. measurements is consistent with resistance due to a space charge effect. Time‐of‐flight secondary ion beam spectroscopy reveals a correlation between grain boundary resistance and the concentration of impurities Si, Al, and Ca segregated at the grain boundaries, although the bulk concentrations of these impurities are negligible. Electron backscatter diffraction analysis of the crystal orientations suggests a correlation between the misorientation across the grain boundaries and grain boundary resistance. These correlations point towards a grain boundary resistance that arises from impurity‐generated space charge effects and variations in impurity concentration and hence resistivity driven by the energetics of impurity segregation to grain boundaries of differing surface energies.
Impact of postoperative complications after primary tumor resection on survival in patients with incurable stage IV colorectal cancer: A multicenter retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fujita Yusuke , Hida Koya , Hoshino Nobuaki , Sakai Yoshiharu , Konishi Tsuyoshi , Kanazawa Akiyoshi , Goto Michitoshi , Saito Shuji , Suda Tadashi , Watanabe Masahiko ,   Japan Society of Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery
Published: January 2021

Aims

Primary tumor resection for patients with incurable stage IV colorectal cancer can prevent tumor‐related complications but may cause postoperative complications. Postoperative complications delay the administration of chemotherapy and can lead to the spread of malignancy. However, the impact of postoperative complications after primary tumor resection on survival in patients with incurable stage IV colorectal cancer remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate how postoperative complications after primary tumor resection affect survival in this patient group.

Methods

We reviewed data on 966 patients with stage IV colorectal cancer who underwent palliative primary tumor resection between January 2006 and December 2007. We examined the association between major complications (National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events v3.0 grade 3 or more) and overall survival using Cox proportional hazard model and explored risk factors associated with major complications using multivariable logistic regression analysis.

Results

Ninety‐three patients (9.6%) had major complications. The 2‐year overall survival rate was 32.7% in the group with major complications and 50.3% in the group with no major complications. Patients with major complications had a significantly poorer prognosis than those without major complications (hazard ratio: 1.62; 95% confidence interval: 1.21‐2.18; P < .01). Male, rectal tumor, and open surgery were identified to be risk factors for major complications.

Conclusions

Postoperative complications after primary tumor resection was associated with decreased long‐term survival in patients with incurable stage IV colorectal cancer.
Changes in DNA methylation persist over time in males with severe alcohol use disorder—A longitudinal follow‐up study
Authors: Soundararajan Soundarya , Agrawal Arpana , Purushottam Meera , Anand Shravanthi Daphne , Shankarappa Bhagyalakshmi , Sharma Priyamvada , Jain Sanjeev , Murthy Pratima
Published: January 2021

Treatment strategies for alcohol use disorder (AUD) aim for abstinence or harm reduction. While deranged biochemical parameters reverse with alcohol abstinence, whether molecular changes at the epigenetic level reverse is not clearly understood. We investigated whether the reduction from high alcohol use reflects DNA methylation at the gene‐specific and global level. In subjects seeking treatment for severe AUD, we assessed gene‐specific (aldehyde dehydrogenase [ALDH2]/methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase [MTHFR]) and global (long interspersed elements [LINE‐1]) methylation across three‐time points (baseline, after detoxification and at an early remission period of 3 months), in peripheral blood leukocytes. We observed that both gene‐specific and global DNA methylation did not change over time, irrespective of the drinking status at 3 months (52% abstained from alcohol). Further, we also compared DNA methylation in AUD subjects with healthy controls. At baseline, there was a significantly higher gene‐specific DNA methylation (ALDH2: p < .001 and MTHFR: p = .001) and a significant lower global methylation (LINE‐1: p = .014) in AUD as compared to controls. Our results suggest that epigenetic changes at the DNA methylation level associated with severe AUD persist for at least 3 months of treatment.
Nitrogen‐rich Compounds with Multiple Azole Rings: Gas Generant, Enthalpy Enhancer and Applicable Cationic Component
Authors: Mathpati Ramling S. , Ghule Vikas D. , Dharavath Srinivas
Published: January 2021

Nitrogen‐rich polyazole derivatives were designed and synthesized from the commercially available 4,5‐dicyano‐2‐aminoimidazole. The relatively simple synthesis of multiple azole rings in desired compounds with good yields allows for an efficient scale‐up. All synthesized compounds were characterized by NMR and vibrational spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and DSC studies. The impact and friction sensitivities were measured by the BAM apparatus. The energy content of the target compounds was predicted by using density functional methods. Performing cautious characterization point out that these compounds offer a good combination of high nitrogen‐ and energy‐content with insensitivity towards friction and impact stimuli. These results indicate the superior potential of these nitrogen‐rich polyazole derivatives for enthalpy enhancement, gas generant, and cationic components in energetic salts.
Regional brain iron associated with deterioration in Alzheimer's disease: A large cohort study and theoretical significance
Authors: Ayton Scott , Portbury Stuart , Kalinowski Pawel , Agarwal Puja , Diouf Ibrahima , Schneider Julie A. , Morris Martha Clare , Bush Ashley I.
Published: January 2021

Objective

This paper is a proposal for an update of the iron hypothesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), based on large‐scale emerging evidence.

Background

Iron featured historically early in AD research efforts for its involvement in the amyloid and tau proteinopathies, APP processing, genetics, and one clinical trial, yet iron neurochemistry remains peripheral in mainstream AD research. Much of the effort investigating iron in AD has focused on the potential for iron to provoke the onset of disease, by promoting proteinopathy though increased protein expression, phosphorylation, and aggregation.

New/updated hypothesis

We provide new evidence from a large post mortem cohort that brain iron levels within the normal range were associated with accelerated ante mortem disease progression in cases with underlying proteinopathic neuropathology. These results corroborate recent findings that argue for an additional downstream role for iron as an effector of neurodegeneration, acting independently of tau or amyloid pathologies. We hypothesize that the level of tissue iron is a trait that dictates the probability of neurodegeneration in AD by ferroptosis, a regulated cell death pathway that is initiated by signals such as glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation.

Major challenges for the hypothesis

While clinical biomarkers of ferroptosis are still in discovery, the demonstration of additional ferroptotic correlates (genetic or biomarker derived) of disease progression is required to test this hypothesis. The genes implicated in familial AD are not known to influence ferroptosis, although recent reports on APP mutations and apolipoprotein E allele (APOE) have shown impact on cellular iron retention. Familial AD mutations will need to be tested for their impact on ferroptotic vulnerability. Ultimately, this hypothesis will be substantiated, or otherwise, by a clinical trial of an anti‐ferroptotic/iron compound in AD patients.

Linkage to other major theories

Iron has historically been linked to the amyloid and tau proteinopathies of AD. Tau, APP, and apoE have been implicated in physiological iron homeostasis in the brain. Iron is biochemically the origin of most chemical radicals generated in biochemistry and thus closely associated with the oxidative stress theory of AD. Iron accumulation is also a well‐established consequence of aging and inflammation, which are major theories of disease pathogenesis.
Conjoint analysis of researchers' hidden preferences for bibliometrics, altmetrics, and usage metrics
Authors: Lemke Steffen , Mazarakis Athanasios , Peters Isabella
Published: January 2021

The amount of annually published scholarly articles is growing steadily, as is the number of indicators through which impact of publications is measured. Little is known about how the increasing variety of available metrics affects researchers' processes of selecting literature to read. We conducted ranking experiments embedded into an online survey with 247 participating researchers, most from social sciences. Participants completed series of tasks in which they were asked to rank fictitious publications regarding their expected relevance, based on their scores regarding six prototypical metrics. Through applying logistic regression, cluster analysis, and manual coding of survey answers, we obtained detailed data on how prominent metrics for research impact influence our participants in decisions about which scientific articles to read. Survey answers revealed a combination of qualitative and quantitative characteristics that researchers consult when selecting literature, while regression analysis showed that among quantitative metrics, citation counts tend to be of highest concern, followed by Journal Impact Factors. Our results suggest a comparatively favorable view of many researchers on bibliometrics and widespread skepticism toward altmetrics. The findings underline the importance of equipping researchers with solid knowledge about specific metrics' limitations, as they seem to play significant roles in researchers' everyday relevance assessments.
Multiphysics simulation of a compression–perfusion combined bioreactor to predict the mechanical microenvironment during bone metastatic breast cancer loading experiments
Authors: Liu Boyuan , Han Suyue , Modarres‐Sadeghi Yahya , Lynch Maureen E.
Published: January 2021

Incurable breast cancer bone metastasis causes widespread bone loss, resulting in fragility, pain, increased fracture risk, and ultimately increased patient mortality. Increased mechanical signals in the skeleton are anabolic and protect against bone loss, and they may also do so during osteolytic bone metastasis. Skeletal mechanical signals include interdependent tissue deformations and interstitial fluid flow, but how metastatic tumor cells respond to each of these individual signals remains underinvestigated, a barrier to translation to the clinic. To delineate their respective roles, we report computed estimates of the internal mechanical field of a bone mimetic scaffold undergoing combinations of high and low compression and perfusion using multiphysics simulations. Simulations were conducted in advance of multimodal loading bioreactor experiments with bone metastatic breast cancer cells to ensure that mechanical stimuli occurring internally were physiological and anabolic. Our results show that mechanical stimuli throughout the scaffold were within the anabolic range of bone cells in all loading configurations, were homogenously distributed throughout, and that combined high magnitude compression and perfusion synergized to produce the largest wall shear stresses within the scaffold. These simulations, when combined with experiments, will shed light on how increased mechanical loading in the skeleton may confer anti‐tumorigenic effects during metastasis.
On the contribution of eco‐innovation features to a circular economy: A microlevel quantitative approach
Authors: Kiefer Christoph P. , del Río Pablo , Carrillo‐Hermosilla Javier
Published: January 2021

The circular economy (CE) and eco‐innovation (EI) are two concepts deemed instrumental in achieving a sustainable transition. They have been proposed in the academic literature and by practitioners and have acquired very high public policy relevance, being endorsed by policymakers and ultimately leading to regulations supporting them. It has been argued that both concepts are compatible and interrelated and that EI is instrumental in achieving the CE. However, little is known about how different EI features contribute to the CE at the microlevel. This article tries to cover this gap. Its aim is to assess and quantify the causal relationship between different EI features and the CE with the help of a unique dataset of small‐ and medium‐sized firms in Spain and an econometric analysis. Our results show that only systemic EIs contribute to a global CE, whereas other EI types such as component additions or small changes in existing production processes could even be barriers to high levels of circularity. It is found out that technological novelty is not relevant for reaching the CE. The results support the understanding of how EIs enable a transition to the CE. Care should be taken not to promote incremental EIs that do not only achieve low (or no) circularity but that effectively lock‐in the economic system in solutions that entail a barrier to the achievement of high‐level circularity.
Effect of particle size distribution on filtration performance of cell culture medium
Authors: Chan Karen , Tomioka Yusuke , Mok Yanglin , ITO Takao
Published: January 2021

Cell culture media used in CHO‐based biologic processes are typically sterile filtered to prevent microbial contamination prior to inoculation. In this study, the impact of common sterile filter throughput on a different, commercially available cell culture media was evaluated from the intermediate‐adsorption fouling model of the filtration model. The key particle size range for optimum filter performance was discussed and identified by measuring the submicron order particle size distribution. It may be possible to predict the performance of filter capacity with size‐exclusive separation by understanding the media particle counts and size distribution.
Improved outcome of children with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia by addition of cladribine to re‐induction chemotherapy
Authors: Ruan Min , Liu Li‐Peng , Zhang Ao‐Li , Quan Qi Ben , Liu Fang , Liu Tian‐Feng , Liu Xiao‐Ming , Chen Xiao‐Juan , Yang Wen‐Yu , Guo Ye , Zhang Li , Zou Yao , Chen Yu‐Mei , Zhu Xiao‐Fan
Published: January 2021

Background

The preferred salvage treatment for children with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (R/R‐AML) remains unclear. The combination of cladribine/Ara‐C/granulocyte‐colony stimulating factor and mitoxantrone (CLAG‐M) shown promising results in adult R/R‐AML. We aim to investigate the efficacy and safety of CLAG‐M versus mitoxantrone/etoposide/cytarabine (MEC) or idarubicin/etoposide/cytarabine (IEC) in R/R‐AML children.

Methods

Fifty‐five R/R‐AML children were analyzed. The overall response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and progression‐free survival (PFS) at 3‐year were documented. Karyotype or mutations status were summarized as different risk groups.

Results

The ORR was achieved in 80% (16/20) and 51% (18/35) of patients after one‐cycle of CLAG‐M and MEC/IEC treatment (p < 0.001). The CLAG‐M group's OS (66.8% ± 16.2% vs. 40.4% ± 10.9%, p = 0.019) and PFS (52.6% ± 13.7% vs. 34.9% ± 9.1%, p = 0.036) at 3‐year was significantly higher than the MEC/IEC group. In high‐risk patients, 33.3% experienced progression of disease (PD) and 22.2% dead in CLAG‐M group, while 50% experienced PD and 43.8% dead in MEC/IEC. When it comes to low‐risk group, none of them in CLAG‐M experienced PD or death, while up to 50% of patients received MEC/IEC suffered PD, and all of them died eventually. Similar results were also found in the intermediate‐risk group. Surprisingly, the presence of FLT3‐ITD was associated with poor outcome in both groups. The most common adverse events were hematologic toxicities, and the incidence was similar in both group.

Conclusions

CLAG‐M group demonstrated effective palliation along with acceptable toxicity in R/R‐AML patients. However, patients with FLT3‐ITD may benefit less from CLAG‐M, owing to higher PD rate and all‐cause mortality than other patients.
Investigating the Effect of Packed Structures on Filter Cake Compressibility
Authors: Bandelt Riess Peter Michael , Kuhn Michael , Först Petra , Briesen Heiko
Published: January 2021

Packed beds used in absorption columns have shown to increase filter cake permeability during specific filtration processes. Their effect on filter cake compressibility is evaluated. Different model systems are characterized using dead‐end filtration equipment and a modified universal testing machine. Compression experiments are conducted with different packings to assess the systems' response to compressive stress. The structural support of the packings reduces filter cake compressibility for the tested configurations. The extent of this effect depends on packing type, applied pressure, and material compressibility. These results help to understand the advantages of using packed beds as aids for filtration processes and represent a step further in designing tailored packings.
Uncorrelated discriminant graph embedding for fault classification
Authors: Hu Zhengwei , Peng Jingchao , Zhao Haitao
Published: January 2021

Recently, graph embedding methods have been successfully used in process monitoring. To improve the discriminant power, a novel supervised graph embedding method, called uncorrelated discriminant graph embedding (UDGE), is proposed. Different from the unsupervised design of locality preserving projection (LPP), UDGE utilizes both the local geometrical structure and label information to construct the similarity between different data points. The “local geometrical structure” means that each data point can be represented as a combination of its neighbours. Due to add the uncorrelated constraint, the extracted features of UDGE are statistically uncorrelated. Uncorrelated attributes are essential for dimension reduction since they contain minimum redundancy. The application of UDGE is evaluated on the Tennessee Eastman process (TEP) benchmark. Experimental results show UDGE can better separate different types of faults and provide more promising fault diagnosis performance. The code of UDGE is released in https://github.com/htz-ecust/Uncorrelated-Discriminant-Graph-Embedding-for-Fault-Classification.
Estimation and hypothesis testing with error‐contaminated survival data under possibly misspecified measurement error models
Authors: Yi Grace Y. , Yan Ying
Published: January 2021

In the presence of covariate measurement error, there has been extensive interest in developing estimation methods for parameters associated with various survival models, where the classical additive measurement error model is commonly used to describe the measurement error process. On the contrary, hypothesis testing has been less explored for survival data with error‐contaminated covariates. Furthermore, it is important to study the impact of misspecification of the measurement error process. In this article, we propose a “corrected” score test and a “corrected” Wald test and establish their theoretical properties. Moreover, we exploit the impact of misspecification of measurement error models on parameter estimation and hypothesis testing. Simulation studies are reported to demonstrate the finite‐sample performance of the proposed methods, and a real data example is presented to illustrate the usage of our methods.
Risk of induced abortions in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Melin Johanna M. , Seppänen Viivi I. , Ylöstalo Tiina M. , Malila Nea K. , Pitkäniemi Janne M. , Gissler Mika , Madanat‐Harjuoja Laura‐Maria S.
Published: January 2021

Background

The relative probability of pregnancy and parenthood in cancer survivors is reduced. Studies have shown that cancer survivors are concerned about the health of their offspring and the recurrence of their own cancer. This could lead to an increased risk of induced abortion. The aim of this study was to examine whether pregnancies of childhood cancer survivors (CCSs) who were 0 to 14 years old at diagnosis in 1971‐2012 were more likely to result in induced abortions in comparison with population controls.

Methods

Data from Finnish registries for cancer, births, and induced abortions were merged to identify 420 first pregnancies of CCSs and 2508 first pregnancies of age‐matched population controls in 1987‐2013. Poisson regression and logistic regression modeling were used to estimate incidence rates and relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of first pregnancies and induced abortions in CCSs in comparison with population controls.

Results

The risk of first pregnancy was reduced in CCSs in comparison with population controls (RR, 0.72; 95% CI, 0.64‐0.80), whereas the risk of a first pregnancy resulting in an induced abortion was similar in CCSs and population controls (RR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.77‐1.33). In subanalyses stratifying by decade of diagnosis and cancer treatment, the risk of induced abortion was similar in CCSs and population controls.

Conclusions

Female CCSs do not have an overall increased risk of induced abortions. The reduced probability of pregnancy among CCSs highlights the continued need for interventions to preserve fertility at the time of a cancer diagnosis.
Cytologic and histological features of rare nonepithelial and nonlymphoid tumors of the thyroid
Authors: Rossi Esther Diana , Pantanowitz Liron , Hornick Jason L.
Published: January 2021

Thyroid tumors can be classified into epithelial, nonepithelial, and nonprimary lesions. Nonepithelial thyroid tumors are rare. They can be of primary origin within the thyroid gland, arise secondary to contiguous growth from adjacent tissues, or represent metastatic disease. The incidence of nonepithelial tumors of the thyroid is only 1% to 2%, most of which are lymphomas; the remainder includes mesenchymal and histiocytic tumors. This review examines the cytohistological features of various nonepithelial and nonlymphoid tumors of the thyroid, including vascular lesions, neural tumors (including granular cell tumor and paraganglioma), smooth muscle tumors, solitary fibrous tumor, histiocytic neoplasms (eg, Langerhans cell histiocytosis and Rosai‐Dorfman disease), and follicular dendritic cell sarcoma. Their differential diagnosis is discussed, including recommendations to prevent the pitfall of mistaking these rare tumors for more common epithelial thyroid neoplasms.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization detection of chromosome 22 monosomy in pleural effusion cytology for the diagnosis of mesothelioma
Authors: Kinoshita Yoshiaki , Hamasaki Makoto , Matsumoto Shinji , Yoshimura Masayo , Sato Ayuko , Tsujimura Tohru , Kamei Toshiaki , Kawahara Kunimitsu , Iwasaki Akinori , Nabeshima Kazuki
Published: January 2021

Background

Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is characterized by mutations in several genes, including cyclin‐dependent kinase‐inhibitor 2A/p16 in the 9p21 locus, BRCA1‐associated protein 1 (BAP1), and neurofibromatosis type 2 (NF2) in the 22q12 locus. Recent studies indicate that fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) detects hemizygous loss of NF2 in tissue specimens of MPM. The authors investigated whether NF2 FISH, either alone or in combination with other diagnostic assays (9p21 FISH, methylthioadenosine phosphorylase [MTAP] immunohistochemistry [IHC], and BAP1 IHC), effectively distinguishes MPM cells from reactive mesothelial cells (RMCs) in cell blocks prepared from pleural effusions.

Methods

FISH assays were used to examine the deletion status of NF2 and 9p21, and IHC was used to determine the expression of MTAP and BAP1 in cell blocks from 54 cases with MPM and 18 cases with RMCs.

Results

Hemizygous NF2 loss (chromosome 22 monosomy or hemizygous deletion) showed 51.9% sensitivity (48.1% for chromosome 22 monosomy and 3.7% for hemizygous deletion) and 100% specificity in differentiating MPM cells from RMCs. Combinations of NF2 FISH, 9p21 FISH, and BAP1 IHC assays yielded greater sensitivity (98.1%) than any assay alone (9p21 FISH, 61.1%; MTAP IHC, 52.8%; or BAP1 IHC, 60.4%). The level of hemizygous NF2 loss in cell blocks positively correlated with that in corresponding tissues. Furthermore, to overcome cytologic specimen‐specific challenges, FISH combined with cytokeratin AE1/AE3 immunofluorescence was necessary in 25.9% of MPM cases for FISH assessment of predominantly scattered MPM cells.

Conclusions

NF2 FISH alone or in combination with other diagnostic assays effectively differentiates MPM cells from RMCs in cell blocks prepared from pleural effusions.
Acceptability of a structured diet and exercise weight loss intervention in breast cancer survivors living with an overweight condition or obesity: A qualitative analysis
Authors: Beckenstein Hailee , Slim May , Kim Helene , Plourde Hugues , Kilgour Robert , Cohen Tamara R.
Published: January 2021

Background

Weight loss increases survivorship following breast cancer diagnosis. However, most breast cancer survivors (BCS) do not meet diet and exercise recommendations.

Aim

The purpose of this study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of BCS who had lymphedema and who participated in a 22‐week weight loss lifestyle intervention.

Methods and results

Participants completed semi‐structured interviews about barriers and facilitators to intervention adherence. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and a thematic analysis was conducted. Participants (n = 17) were 62 ± 8.0 years of age with a mean body mass index of 34.0 ± 7.1 kg/m2. Four themes emerged: (1) facilitators of intervention adherence, (2) barriers of intervention adherence, (3) continuation of healthy habits post intervention, and (4) recommendations for intervention improvements. Facilitators of intervention adherence were education, social support, routine, motivation, goal‐setting, meal‐provisioning, self‐awareness, and supervised exercise. Barriers to intervention adherence were personal life, health, meal dissatisfaction, seasonality, unchallenging exercises, and exercising alone. All women planned to continue the acquired healthy habits post intervention. Recommendations to improve the study included addressing the exercise regime, meal‐provisioning, and dietary intake monitoring methods.

Conclusion

Future strategies to engage BCS in weight loss interventions should promote group exercise, offer individualized meal‐provisioning and exercise regimes, provide transition tools, and allow participants to choose their self‐monitoring method.
An object perception and positioning method via deep perception learning object detection
Authors: Xiao Limei , Zhang Yachao , Gao Weizhe , Xu Dayou , Li Ce
Published: January 2021

One of the fundamental problems when building perception systems for robot is to be able to provide semantic information as well as positioning in three‐dimensional (3D) space. However, two‐dimensional (2D) object detectors only can provide the semantic information and pixel coordinate in 2D space. While, the depth image can reflect the relative distance, and the semantic description of the object is poor. In this article, a novel object perception and positioning method via deep perception learning object detection is proposed. First, the RGB image and depth image are collected through the Kinect, and the depth image is processed to ensure the robustness of the model. Then, the RGB image can obtain the object semantic and pixel location information through an object detector based on deep learning. Finally, the object size measurement and 3D positioning are realized by combining the pixel location and the depth information. As a result, the advantages of very accurate 2D detector and the accurate depth information can be effectively captured in our model. Experimental results demonstrate that our method achieves a high accuracy of size measurement and spatial positioning.
A New Era in Pharmacovigilance: Toward Real‐World Data and Digital Monitoring
Authors: Lavertu Adam , Vora Bianca , Giacomini Kathleen M. , Altman Russ , Rensi Stefano
Published: January 2021

Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) are a major concern for patients, clinicians, and regulatory agencies. The discovery of serious ADRs leading to substantial morbidity and mortality has resulted in mandatory phase IV clinical trials, black box warnings, and withdrawal of drugs from the market. Real‐world data, data collected during routine clinical care, is being adopted by innovators, regulators, payors, and providers to inform decision making throughout the product life cycle. We outline several different approaches to modern pharmacovigilance, including spontaneous reporting databases, electronic health record monitoring and research frameworks, social media surveillance, and the use of digital devices. Some of these platforms are well‐established while others are still emerging or experimental. We highlight both the potential opportunity, as well as the existing challenges within these pharmacovigilance systems that have already begun to impact the drug development process, as well as the landscape of postmarket drug safety monitoring. Further research and investment into different and complementary pharmacovigilance systems is needed to ensure the continued safety of pharmacotherapy.
Ensure accessibility when moving to online formats
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: January 2021

Online classes can be presented in a way that benefits everyone and meets the needs of students with disabilities, and it's not as hard as it seems, according to Tom Thibodeau, Assistant Provost at the New England Institute of Technology and co‐author of UDL in the Cloud! How to Design and Deliver Online Education Using Universal Design for Learning. He provided the following tips for incorporating Universal Design principles into online teaching in a webinar hosted by the Online Learning Consortium:
Paeonol protects melanocytes against hydrogen peroxide‐induced oxidative stress through activation of Nrf2 signaling pathway
Authors: Guo Shanshan , Zhang Qiang
Published: January 2021

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of vitiligo. Paeonol, a phenolic compound found in the root bark of Cortex Moutan, has been suggested to have therapeutic effects on various diseases through nuclear factor Nrf2 mediated antioxidant pathways. However, the therapeutic effects of paeonol on vitiligo have not been investigated. In this study, we investigated whether paeonol could protect melanocytes against oxidative stress through Nrf2 activation. Hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) was used to mimic the oxidative stress. PIG1 cells were pretreated with paeonol for 24 h, and then were treated with H2O2 for 24 h. To detect the role of Nrf2, siRNA method was used to knockdown the Nrf2 expression. After that, cell viability, melanin content, tyrosinase activity, intracellular reactive oxygen species, antioxidant enzymes activities, nuclear translocation of Nrf2, and mRNA expression of Nrf2 downstream antioxidant genes were detected. Paeonol improved cell viability and melanogenesis in PIG1 cells treated with H2O2. Paeonol also alleviated oxidative stress by restoring the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. Paeonol promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation and the expression of its downstream‐regulated antioxidative genes under oxidative stress. Furthermore, Nrf2 knockdown by siRNA abolished the protective effects of paeonol on PIG1 cells against oxidative damage. Paeonol protected melanocytes against H2O2‐induced oxidative stress by Nrf2 mediated antioxidant pathways. Paeonol is a potential therapeutic drug for vitiligo.
Droughty times in mesic places: factors associated with forest mortality vary by scale in a temperate subalpine region
Authors: Harvey Brian J. , Andrus Robert A. , Battaglia Mike A. , Negrón José F. , Orrego Alexandra , Veblen Thomas T.
Published: January 2021

Understanding how drivers of ecological disturbance operate across scales is important in an era of increasing disturbance activity. Severe and extensive Dendroctonus bark beetle outbreaks across western North America have left in their wake dominance by shade‐tolerant and commonly late‐seral trees such as subalpine fir (Abies lasiocarpa), which can foster resilience of forest cover. However, subalpine fir decline (SFD) is a poorly understood phenomenon that has killed trees across millions of hectares in western North America with unknown consequences for future forest resilience. How different factors (e.g., climate, topography, host‐tree characteristics, and abundance) govern SFD presence and severity across spatial scales from individual trees to a subcontinental scale has not been explored in a single framework. Here, we combine broad‐scale geospatial data on SFD occurrence, stand‐scale field data on SFD severity, and fine‐scale individual tree data on mortality to test the relative importance of factors related to SFD across spatial scales spanning >10 orders of magnitude (<1 m to >10 M hectares). At the broadest scale (subcontinental, ~25 M ha), annual areal extent of SFD over time increased sharply with antecedent drought. At regional‐ (~6 M ha) and stand‐ (0.1–0.25 ha) scales, the occurrence and severity of SFD were spatially associated with more mesic topographic positions and greater host‐tree abundance. Finally, at the individual tree‐ and tree‐neighborhood‐ (<1 m) scale, the probability of mortality increased for larger trees and trees closer to dead conspecific neighbors. The positive temporal association of SFD with drought at broad scales versus the positive spatial association of SFD with mesic sites at fine scales suggests strong importance of local biotic processes in mediating drought‐driven forest decline and highlights the need for understanding multi‐scale drivers of ecological disturbance.
Pyrolysis of Methane and Ethane in a Compression–Expansion Process as a New Concept for Chemical Energy Storage: A Kinetic and Exergetic Investigation
Authors: Rudolph Charlotte , Atakan Burak
Published: January 2021

The production of chemical energy carriers utilizing electrical energy from renewable sources is essential for the future energy system. A motored piston engine may be used as a reactor to convert mechanical to chemical energy by the pyrolysis of methane and ethane; this is analyzed here. The piston engine is modeled as a compression–expansion cycle with detailed chemical kinetics. The main products are hydrogen and high‐energy hydrocarbons such as acetylene, ethylene, and benzene. To reach the required high temperatures for conversion after compression, the educt is diluted with argon. The influence of the operating conditions (temperature, pressure, dilution) on the product gas composition, the stored exergy, and the ratio of exergy gain to work input (efficiency) is investigated. A conversion of >80% is predicted for an argon dilution of 93 mol% at inlet temperatures of 573 K (methane) and 473 K (ethane), respectively. A storage power of 7.5 kW (methane) and 6 kW (ethane) for a 400 ccm four‐stroke single‐cylinder is predicted with an efficiency of 75% (methane) and 70% (ethane), respectively. Conditions are identified, where high yields of the target species are achieved, and soot formation can be avoided.
Passive Sampler Exchange Kinetics in Large and Small Water Volumes Under Mixed Rate Control by Sorbent and Water Boundary Layer
Authors: Booij Kees
Published: January 2021

Exchange kinetics of organic compounds between passive samplers and water can be partly or completely controlled by transport in the sorbent. In such cases diffusion models are needed. A model is discussed that is based on a series of cosines (space) and exponentials (time). The model applies to mixed rate control by sorbent and water boundary layer under conditions of fixed aqueous concentrations (open systems, infinite water volumes, in situ sampling) and fixed amounts (closed systems, finite water volumes, ex situ sampling). Details on the implementation of the model in computational software and spreadsheet programs are discussed, including numerical accuracy. Key parameters are Biot number (ratio of internal/external transfer resistance) and sorbent/water phase ratio. Small Biot numbers are always indicative of rate control by the water boundary layer, but for large Biot numbers this may still be the case over short time scales. Application to environmental monitoring of nonpolar compounds showed that diffusion models are rarely needed for sampling with commonly used single-phase polymers. For determining sorption coefficients in batch incubations, the model demonstrated a profound effect of sorbent/water phase ratio on time to equilibrium. Application of the model to sampling of polar organic compounds by extraction disks with or without a membrane showed that moderate to major sorbent-controlled kinetics is likely to occur. This implies that the use of sampling rate models for such samplers needs to be reconsidered. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1241–1254. © 2021 SETAC
Power, Privilege, and Competence: Using the 2018 AEA Evaluator Competencies to Shape Socially Just Evaluation Practice
Authors: Symonette Hazel , Miller Robin Lin , Barela Eric
Published: January 2021

Twenty‐first century evaluators face an imperative to recognize their privileged role in navigating socially complex terrain in ways that are ethical, demonstrate sensitivity to local and global social inequities, and reflect awareness of contested views of reality. Social justice and equity are increasingly viewed as a foundation of practice, necessitating that evaluators learn how to address potential power imbalances occurring within evaluations, the larger contexts in which those evaluations occur, and the emerging profession itself. This chapter addresses how the 2018 American Evaluation Association (AEA) Evaluator Competencies may help evaluators direct explicit attention to issues of power, privilege, and equity. We discuss how these competencies can aid evaluators in honing their practice to support evaluation's role in attaining social justice. We also spotlight some programmatic exemplars that offer insights and resources for this work.
Using the 2018 AEA Evaluator Competencies for Evaluator Education and Professional Development
Authors: LaVelle John M. , Galport Nicole
Published: January 2021

This chapter addresses using the 2018 American Evaluation Association (AEA) Evaluator Competencies to structure evaluator education and training, the benefits of doing so, and the negative consequences when the competencies are not used. It discusses what educator use of competencies might look like in the design of educational experiences and the eventual potential for the accreditation of university‐based and nonuniversity training programs. The chapter concludes by calling on evaluator education programs to take an evaluative look at their own offerings.