bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the functional goal‐setting and self‐management tool for osteoarthritis, a patient‐centred tool to improve osteoarthritis care
Authors: Sathe Nila A. , Polacek Cate , Christopher Roni , Simonson Julie K. , Udall Margarita , Anderson Misty
Published: September 2021

Objective

Recent American College of Rheumatology guidelines emphasise functional improvement as part of osteoarthritis (OA) management. We developed and evaluated a tool to promote provider and patient engagement in functional goal setting in OA care.

Methods

We developed the Functional Goal‐setting And Self‐management Tool (FAST‐OA) with clinician input and pilot tested it in two US outpatient clinics. Baseline and end‐of‐project surveys addressed attitudes toward incorporating function into care and tool evaluation. We analysed survey data descriptively.

Results

Nineteen providers and 49 patients completed surveys. At baseline, both groups endorsed the importance of functional assessment and goal setting. Providers perceived challenges to patients' ability to communicate about function. Both patients and providers highly valued the FAST‐OA to promote collaborative discussion and prioritising function. More than half of both groups agreed that they would recommend it to others. End‐of‐project results suggested changes in provider attitudes toward patients' ability to communicate functional progress. While participants valued the FAST‐OA, streamlining content may foster ongoing use.

Conclusion

This pilot study illustrates the potential of a function‐focused, patient‐facing tool to introduce self‐management goal‐setting strategies into busy clinical workflow, foster the provider‐patient relationship, and encourage alignment with guidelines. These results can inform tailoring of tools for use in practice and to address needs of patients and providers optimally.
High fidelity fiber orientation density functions from fiber ball imaging
Authors: Moss Hunter G. , Jensen Jens H.
Published: September 2021

The fiber orientation density function (fODF) in white matter is a primary physical quantity that can be estimated with diffusion MRI. It has often been employed for fiber tracking and microstructural modeling. Requirements for the construction of high fidelity fODFs, in the sense of having good angular resolution, adequate data to avoid sampling errors, and minimal noise artifacts, are described for fODFs calculated with fiber ball imaging. A criterion is formulated for the number of diffusion encoding directions needed to achieve a given angular resolution. The advantages of using large b‐values (≥6000 s/mm2) are also discussed. For the direct comparison of different fODFs, a method is developed for defining a local frame of reference tied to each voxel's individual axonal structure. The Matusita anisotropy axonal is proposed as a scalar fODF measure for quantifying angular variability. Experimental results, obtained at 3 T from human volunteers, are used as illustrations.
A comprehensive implicit substepping integration scheme for multisurface plasticity
Authors: Abreu Rafael , Mejia Cristian , Roehl Deane
Published: September 2021

A complex elastoplastic model requires a robust integration procedure of the evolution equations. The performance of the finite element solution is directly affected by the convergence characteristics of the state‐update procedure. Thereby, this study proposes a comprehensive numerical integration scheme to deal with generic multisurface plasticity models. This algorithm is based on the backward Euler method aiming at accuracy and stability, and on the Newton–Raphson method to solve the unconstrained optimization problem. In this scenario, a line search strategy is adopted to improve the convergence characteristics of the algorithm. The golden section method, an exact line search, is considered. Also, a substepping scheme is implemented to provide additional robustness to the state‐update procedure. Therefore, this work contributes to computational plasticity presenting an adaptive substep size scheme and a consistent tangent modulus according to the substepping technique. Finally, some numerical problems are evaluated using the proposed algorithm. Single‐surface and novel multisurface plasticity models are employed in these analyses. The results testify how the line search and substepping strategies can improve the robustness of the nonlinear analysis.
A non‐Gaussian Bayesian filter for sequential data assimilation with non‐intrusive polynomial chaos expansion
Authors: Avasarala Srikanth , Subramani Deepak
Published: September 2021

Non‐Gaussian data assimilation is vital for several applications with nonlinear dynamical systems, including geosciences, socio‐economics, infectious disease modeling, and autonomous navigation. Widespread adoption of non‐Gaussian data assimilation requires easy‐to‐implement schemes. We develop, implement, and apply an efficient nonlinear non‐Gaussian data assimilation scheme using non‐intrusive stochastic collocation‐based polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) and Gaussian mixture model (GMM) priors fit to the state's uncertainty. First, we represent the uncertainty in a dynamical system using PCE and propagate it using the stochastic collocation method until an assimilation time. Then, we convert the polynomial basis prior to its equivalent Karhunen–Loeve (KL) form, fit a GMM in the subspace and perform a Bayesian filtering step. Thereafter, the posterior polynomial basis is recovered from the posterior GMM in the KL form, and uncertainty propagation is continued using the stochastic collocation method. The derivation and new equations required for the above conversions are presented. We apply the new scheme to an illustrative population growth dynamics application and a complex fluid flow problem for demonstrating its capabilities. In both cases, our filter accurately captures the non‐Gaussian statistics compared to the polynomial chaos‐ensemble Kalman filter and the polynomial chaos‐error subspace statistical estimation filter.
Physician Interpretation of Data of Uncertain Clinical Utility in Oncology Prescription Drug Promotion
Authors: Boudewyns Vanessa , O'Donoghue Amie C. , Paquin Ryan S. , Aikin Kathryn J. , Ferriola-Bruckenstein Kate , Scott Victoria M.
Published: September 2021

Background

Little is known about how physicians interpret data displays that depict preliminary or exploratory clinical data in physician-targeted sales aids for oncology drugs. Using three factorial experiments, we examined whether disclosures of data limitations and clinical uncertainty adequately communicate the limitations and practical utility of this type of data.

Subjects, Materials, and Methods

The studies used a 2 (disclosure of data limitations: technical, nontechnical) × 2 (disclosure of clinical uncertainty: present, absent) + 1 (control: no disclosure) between-subjects experimental design to examine the impact of disclosures as they relate to presentations of preliminary or exploratory data in promotional communications for oncology products. In each experiment, we randomized oncologists and primary care physicians with oncology experience to view one version of a two-page sales aid. Following this exposure, physicians completed a web-based survey. The design was replicated in three concurrently conducted experiments using sales aids for different fictitious oncology drugs, each featuring one of three common data displays: a forest plot (n = 495), a Kaplan-Meier curve (n = 504), or a bar chart (n = 532).

Results

Results provide initial evidence that in some contexts disclosures can improve understanding of the clinical utility of certain information about a drug and the limitations of results presented in a data display. Disclosures can also temper perceptions of how much evidence is presented that supports a conclusion that the drug is an appropriate treatment. In terms of the language used in the disclosure of data limitations, physicians in all three experiments strongly preferred the nontechnical disclosures.

Conclusion

The findings from the three experiments in this study suggest that disclosures have the potential to increase relevant knowledge, but more research is needed to establish best practice recommendations for using disclosures to convey contextual information relevant for interpreting data displays in promotional communications.

Implications for Practice

This article reports the results from three large, online experimental studies that address a growing concern that drug companies often share favorable clinical trial results with physicians in promotional materials that lack important context for physicians to interpret the data. This series of studies investigates whether strategic use of two types of disclosures (disclosure of data limitations and a disclosure of clinical uncertainty) improves understanding and reduces misinterpretations among physicians. The results from these studies help identify communication factors that impact how physicians critically appraise preliminary or exploratory clinical trial data to inform policy and regulatory efforts.
Longitudinal Assessment of Prognostic Understanding in Patients with Advanced Lung Cancer and Its Association with Their Psychological Distress
Authors: Arai Daisuke , Sato Takashi , Nakachi Ichiro , Fujisawa Daisuke , Takeuchi Mari , Sato Yasunori , Kawada Ichiro , Yasuda Hiroyuki , Ikemura Shinnosuke , Terai Hideki , Nukaga Shigenari , Inoue Takashi , Nakamura Morio , Oyamada Yoshitaka , Terashima Takeshi , Sayama Koichi , Saito Fumitake , Sakamaki Fumio , Naoki Katsuhiko , Fukunaga Koichi , Soejima Kenzo
Published: September 2021

Background

Accurate prognostic understanding in patients with advanced cancer is essential for shared decision making; however, patients may experience psychological burden through knowing the incurable nature of advanced cancer. It has been unclear how their prognostic understanding fluctuates and whether accurate prognostic understanding is associated with psychological distress from the time of diagnosis over time.

Materials and Methods

We longitudinally investigated prognostic understanding in 225 patients with newly diagnosed advanced lung cancer at 16 hospitals in Japan until 24 months after diagnosis. We examined associated factors with being consistently accurate in prognostic understanding, especially focusing on its association with psychological well-being.

Results

The proportion of patients with an inaccurate prognostic understanding remained approximately 20% over time with the presence of patients with inconsistent understanding. Patients with consistently accurate prognostic understanding showed a significantly lower Emotional Well-Being subscale score at both 3 and 6 months after diagnosis (p = .010 and p = .014, respectively). In multivariate analyses, being consistently accurate in prognostic understanding was significantly associated with female gender and higher lung cancer–specific symptom burden at 3 months (p = .008 and p = .005, respectively) and lower emotional well-being at 6 months (p = .006).

Conclusion

Although substantial proportions of patients with advanced lung cancer had inaccurate prognostic understanding from the time of diagnosis over time, patients with consistently accurate prognostic understanding experienced greater psychological burden. Our findings highlight the importance of continuous psychological care and support for patients who understand their severe prognosis accurately.

Implications for Practice

This study demonstrated that approximately 20% of patients with advanced lung cancer had an inaccurate understanding about their prognosis, not only at the time of diagnosis but also at the later time points. Being consistently accurate in prognostic understanding was significantly associated with elevated levels of psychological distress. Although accurate prognostic understanding is essential for decision making for treatment and advance care planning, health care providers should be aware of psychological burdens in patients that accept their severe prognosis accurately. Appropriate care and support for such patients are warranted from diagnosis over time.
The Relationship Between Frailty and Emotional Health in Older Patients with Advanced Cancer
Authors: Gilmore Nikesha , Kehoe Lee , Bauer Jessica , Xu Huiwen , Hall Bianca , Wells Megan , Lei Lianlian , Culakova Eva , Flannery Marie , Grossman Valerie Aarne , Sardari Ronak Amir , Subramanya Himal , Kadambi Sindhuja , Belcher Elizabeth , Kettinger Jared , O'Rourke Mark A. , Dib Elie G. , Vogelzang Nicholas J. , Dale William , Mohile Supriya
Published: September 2021

Background

Aging-related deficits that eventually manifest as frailty may be associated with poor emotional health in older patients with advanced cancer. This study aimed to examine the relationship between frailty and emotional health in this population.

Methods

This was a secondary analysis of baseline data from a nationwide cluster randomized trial. Patients were aged ≥70 years with incurable stage III/IV solid tumors or lymphomas, had ≥1 geriatric assessment (GA) domain impairment, and had completed the Geriatric Depression Scale, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and Distress Thermometer. Frailty was assessed using a Deficit Accumulation Index (DAI; range 0–1) based on GA, which did not include emotional health variables (depression and anxiety), and participants were stratified into robust, prefrail, and frail categories. Multivariate logistic regression models examined the association of frailty with emotional health outcomes. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported.

Results

Five hundred forty-one patients were included (mean age: 77 years; 70–96). DAI ranged from 0.04 to 0.94; 27% of patients were classified as robust, 42% prefrail, and 31% frail. Compared with robust patients, frail patients had an increased risk of screening positive for depression (aOR = 12.8; 95% CI = 6.1–27.0), anxiety (aOR = 6.6; 95% CI = 2.2–19.7), and emotional distress (aOR = 4.62; 95% CI = 2.9–8.3). Prefrail compared with robust patients also had an increased risk of screening positive for depression (aOR = 2.22; 95% CI = 1.0–4.8) and distress (aOR = 1.71; 95% CI = 1.0–2.8).

Conclusion

In older patients with advanced cancer, frailty is associated with poorer emotional health, which indicates a need for an integrated care approach to treating these patients.

Implications for Practice

A relationship exists between frailty and poor emotional health in older adults with advanced cancer. Identifying areas of frailty can prompt screening for emotional health and guide delivery of appropriate interventions. Alternatively, attention to emotional health may also improve frailty.
Encouraging appropriate gestational weight gain in high‐risk gravida: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Mackeen Awathif Dhanya , Young Amanda J. , Lutcher Shawnee , Hetherington Vonda , Mowery Jacob W. , Savage Jennifer S. , Symons Downs Danielle , Bailey‐Davis Lisa
Published: September 2021

Trial Design

Excessive gestational weight gain (GWG) can increase pregnancy morbidity and is particularly problematic for women with pregestational obesity. A lifestyle modification intervention was introduced to gravida with obesity to decrease excessive GWG as compared to usual care (UC).

Methods

A randomized controlled trial was conducted to improve healthy lifestyle behaviors to manage appropriate GWG. Consenting participants with prepregnancy obesity and singletons ≤17 weeks were randomized to (1) Usual Care (UC): usual written educational materials and counseling by obstetric provider or (2) Enhanced Care (EC): UC plus (a) personalized letter from physician detailing appropriate GWG; (b) access to individualized GWG chart; (c) ongoing counseling with registered dietitian/nutritionist (RDN). The primary outcome was proportion with GWG ≤9.1 kg, as this is upper limit recommended by Institute of Medicine (IOM). Total GWG and GWG as less than/within/greater than IOM recommendations (in aggregate and stratified by obesity class), and pregnancy/neonatal outcomes were evaluated as secondary outcomes.

Results

Analyses included 105 participants in EC and 109 in UC arms. The groups had similar demographics: 46% with class I obesity, 26% class II, and 28% class III. There were no group differences for any GWG, pregnancy, or neonatal outcomes when analyzed in aggregate. As compared to those randomized to the EC arm, participants in UC arm with class I obesity gained 1.4 kg less and those with class II obesity were significantly more likely to gain within IOM guidelines (14.8% vs. 40.0%, adjusted p = 0.04). Participants with class III obesity randomized to EC arm were more likely to gain within IOM guidelines as compared to participants randomized to UC arm (29.0% vs. 6.7%, adjusted p = 0.02).

Conclusion

There were no differences in GWG observed between groups when analyzing participants in aggregate. However, a physician's letter detailing appropriate GWG, patient portal access to a personalized GWG chart, and RDN consultation were helpful for encouraging GWG within IOM guidelines for women with prepregnancy class III obesity. Women with class I or II obesity had better GWG outcomes without these additional interventions.
Biobased poly(glycerol citrate) synthesis optimization via design of experiments
Authors: Gadomska‐Gajadhur Agnieszka , Bandzerewicz Aleksandra , Wrzecionek Michał , Ruśkowski Paweł
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, glycerol polyesters are willingly studied, due to their potential to use in tissue engineering and drug delivery systems. Poly(glycerol citrate) is a quite new material that could have very interesting properties because of the easy formation of three‐dimensional hydrophilic networks. Moreover, both glycerol and citric acid are commonly used chemicals in the food and pharmaceutical industry. They are cheap, well available, and well‐known substances. In this work poly(glycerol citrate) was synthesized in bulk polycondensation with water removal. The polyester structure was widely characterized by FTIR, NMR, GPC, and the end group titration methods. The synthesis procedure was optimized and described via five mathematical models with the use of the design of experiments. The presented method was developed for further industrial use and allows for avoiding gelling phenomena. Based on this work, poly(glycerol citrate) could be obtained with desired properties, moreover, the process is prepared for scaling‐up.
Development of biocompatible electrostatic‐repulsive microparticles for local tumor treatment
Authors: Lee Eunsol , Lee Eun Seong
Published: September 2021

In this study, we reported pH‐responsive microparticles consisting of poly(D,L‐lactide‐co‐glycolide) (PLGA), aminated hyaluronic acid (aHA) conjugated with 2,3‐dimethylmaleic anhydride (DMA, as a pH‐responsive cleavable molecule) (aHA‐DMA), and doxorubicin (DOX, as an antitumor drug) for local tumor treatment. The DOX‐loaded microparticles, denoted as PLGA(aHA‐DMA)/DOX MPs, were fabricated using the W1/O/W2 multi‐emulsification method. These PLGA(aHA‐DMA)/DOX MPs (~10 μm in diameter) accelerated the rate of DOX release at pH 6.8 due to the acidic pH‐responsive cleavage of the DMA moieties followed by electrostatic‐repulsion between aHA and DOX. This event caused the structural destabilization and collapse of the MPs, leading to the rapid release of DOX. Consequently, the PLGA(aHA‐DMA)/DOX MPs resulted in significant inhibition of tumor growth, demonstrating their ability for acidic tumor‐specific treatment.
Thinking ahead: Parents’ worries about late effects of childhood cancer treatment
Authors: Greenzang Katie A. , Kelly Colleen A. , Al‐Sayegh Hasan , Ma Clement , Mack Jennifer W.
Published: September 2021

Background

Many childhood cancersurvivors experience at least one late effect of treatment, and both late effects and persistent cancer‐related worry can negatively impact quality of life in survivorship. Little is known about the prevalence or impact of parental worry about late effects early in treatment. This study evaluated parental perceived likelihood, impact, and worry about late effects of childhood cancer.

Procedure

We surveyed 96 parents of pediatric cancer patients at Dana‐Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center within a year of diagnosis. Parents were asked about their experiences with late effects communication, general worry about late effects, and specific late effect worries.

Results

Most (96%) parents valued information about late effects, and 93% considered late effects in their treatment decision‐making. Yet, 24% could not recall receiving any information about late effects, and only 51% felt well prepared for potential late effects. Though only 20% of parents considered their child at high risk of experiencing late effects, 61% were extremely/very worried about late effects. Those who felt their child was at high risk of experiencing late effects were more likely to worry (OR = 4.7, P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Many parents feel inadequately informed about late effects of cancer treatment, and only one‐fifth of parents consider late effects to be likely for their child. However, a majority of parents worry about late effects, including ones they think their child is unlikely to experience. Although some worry is anticipated, disproportionate worry may be mitigated by addressing both educational shortfalls and emotional concerns.
Vinblastine monotherapy induction prior to radiotherapy for patients with intracranial germinoma during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Murray Matthew J. , Moleron Rafael , Adamski Jennifer , English Martin , Burke G. A. Amos , Cross Justin , Ajithkumar Thankamma , Stoneham Sara , Nicholson James C.
Published: September 2021

Background

Patients with localized intracranial germinoma have excellent survival. Reducing treatment burden and long‐term sequelae is a priority. Intensive inpatient chemotherapy (e.g., carboPEI = carboplatin/etoposide/ifosfamide) has been effectively employed to reduce radiotherapy treatment volume/dose. Outpatient‐based carboplatin monotherapy is associated with excellent outcomes in metastatic testicular seminoma (an identical pathology), and successful vinblastine monotherapy induction (with 77% tumor volume reduction after just two weekly vinblastine doses) has recently been reported in an intracranial germinoma patient.

Methods

Adapted UK guidelines for germ cell tumor management were distributed during the COVID‐19 pandemic, including nonstandard treatment options to reduce hospital visits and/or admissions. This included vinblastine monotherapy for intracranial germinoma (6 mg/m2 intravenously, or 4 mg/m2 for moderate count suppression, delivered weekly). We describe two such patients treated using this approach.

Results

A 30‐year‐old male with a localized pineal tumor received 12‐week vinblastine induction, with >60% volume reduction, prior to definitive radiotherapy. A 12‐year‐old female with a metastatic suprasellar tumor and progression at all sites of disease whilst awaiting proton radiotherapy received two vinblastine doses with good early response, including 36% primary tumor volume reduction. The patients tolerated vinblastine well.

Conclusion

Patients with intracranial germinoma have excellent outcomes, and reduction of late effects remains a priority. The description of vinblastine monotherapy in these intracranial germinoma patients warrants further exploration.
Mechanical and free vibration properties of Phoenix sp. fiber reinforced epoxy composites: Influence of sodium bicarbonate treatment
Authors: Rajeshkumar G.
Published: September 2021

In this research work, the Phoenix sp. fiber‐based epoxy composites were fabricated using compression molding technique and investigated their mechanical and free vibration characteristics by varying the fiber length and content. The test results indicated that the fiber length and content influence the properties of composites significantly. The composites showed higher mechanical and free vibration properties than the neat epoxy due to increased composite stiffness. In particular, the composites reinforced with 20 wt% of 15 mm length fiber offer better overall properties. In addition, an effort was made to improve the properties of the optimized composites by reinforcing the sodium bicarbonate treated Phoenix sp. fibers. The treatments showed a positive impact on the composite properties, especially the 120 h treated fiber reinforced composites offered highest mechanical and free vibration properties than the other composites investigated. This could be attributed to increased fiber‐matrix interfacial bonding and the existence of small protrusions on the fiber surface that act as a mechanical interlocking mechanism, and the same was confirmed through morphological analysis. The experimental results showed that the sodium bicarbonate treatment is efficient in increasing the properties of Phoenix sp. fiber composites, as well as being less harmful to the environment after disposal.
The relationship between basic psychological needs and phubbing: Fear of missing out as the mediator
Authors: Butt Ayesha Khawar , Arshad Tehreem
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to find out the association between basic psychological needs, fear of missing out (FOMO) and phubbing in university students with problematic smartphone use. Through the purposive sampling technique, a sample of 240 participants (men, Mage = 20.93 years, SD = 1.07 years; women, Mage = 20.76 years, SD = 0.89 years) was recruited from two private and two government university sectors of Lahore, Pakistan. Results were generated by using Multiple Hierarchical Regression, and Amos Path Analysis. The study depicted that psychological needs and FOMO emerged as predictors of phubbing. Furthermore, it was supported that fear of missing out acted as a mediator between psychological needs and phubbing. The findings of the study have yielded vital implications as a thorough understanding of problematic smartphone use will help raise awareness and educate the youth about its detrimental effects.
Synthesis of Janus polyaniline–polyelectrolyte complex membrane via in situ confined polymerization
Authors: Luangaramvej Pimchaya , Poungsripong Peeranuch , Dubas Stephan Thierry
Published: September 2021

Polyelectrolyte complex (PEC) membranes prepared from poly(styrene sulfonate) (PSS) and poly(diallyldimethylammonium chloride) (PDADMAC) were modified by crossflow polymerization of aniline (ANI). The PEC membranes were used as separators in a two‐compartment setup where ANI monomer and ammonium persulfate (APS) oxidant diffused through the membranes to form polyaniline (PANI). APS and ANI having different distributions throughout the membranes, the reaction led to the asymmetric polymerization of PANI on one face of each PEC membrane thus producing Janus membranes. Due to the excess PANI content, the membrane displayed distinct asymmetric electrical conductivities on each face. Interestingly, very different ANI polymerizations were obtained when nonstoichiometric PEC membranes having different molar ratio of cationic and anionic polyelectrolytes (P+:P− represents PDADMAC:PSS) were used and transport of APS was fastest through the 2:1 PEC when compared to the 1:2 PEC. In all experiments, the polymerization was most intense on the ANI side of the membranes. Also, the influence of NaCl both during PEC fabrication and during polymerization was studied and found to have some effect on the solute permeability. Results showed that a higher content of PANI was formed on PEC membranes having excess P+ and with no NaCl added during PEC fabrication. Although X‐ray diffraction confirmed the presence of PANI on both sides of each membrane, scanning electron microscopy images demonstrated that both sides of each membrane had different PANI content deposited. Electrical conductivity measurements using a four‐point probe setup also showed that the PEC–PANI exhibits asymmetric electrical property on different sides. © 2021 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Uncharged Lewis bases yield polydimethylsiloxane ionomers with amidinium alkyldithiocarbamate side chains
Authors: Poon Louis , Weiss Richard G.
Published: September 2021

Ionomers exhibiting good thermal stability have been prepared by mixing three uncharged components—a poly(dimethyl)siloxane (PDMS) with randomly substituted amidine side chains, an alkylamine, and carbon disulfide. In essence, the three uncharged components produce charged materials, polyelectrolytes with amidinium dithiocarbamate ion pairs. The preparation, structures, and properties of the ionomers at the microscopic and macroscopic levels are reported as a function of PDMS chain length, degree of amidine substitution, and length of the alky group of the amine component. Whereas ionomers with hexyldithiocarbamate anions are viscous liquids at room temperature, those with octadecyldithiocarbamate groups are semi‐crystalline solids, exhibiting multiple thermal transitions between 0 °C and the temperature at which they become isotropic phases. The structural natures of those transitions have been characterized from analyses of data from differential scanning calorimetry, X‐ray diffraction, and rheology measurements. Among the interesting properties exhibited by the ionomers are strong adhesion to different surfaces, and high ultimate shear stress considering their relatively low amidinium contents.
What contextual factors account for anxiety and depressed mood in hospice family caregivers?
Authors: Tay Djin L. , Iacob Eli , Reblin Maija , Cloyes Kristin G. , Jones Miranda , Hebdon Megan C. Thomas , Mooney Kathleen , Beck Anna C. , Ellington Lee
Published: September 2021

Objective

End‐of‐life caregiving is associated with poorer mental health compared with other caregiving. The objective of this study was to examine the association between contextual characteristics and appraisal factors on family caregivers' mental health and well‐being.

Methods

Family hospice caregivers were recruited across four states using a non‐probabilistic sampling approach. This study analyzed contextual (demographic, caregiving, economic) and appraisal factors (Medical Outcomes Study Social Support Survey, Zarit Burden Interview) on caregivers' anxiety and depression (Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale, and positive affect and well‐being (Positive Affect and Well‐being Scale). Hierarchical linear regression models were generated in SPSS version 24.

Results

Data from 102 family caregivers were analyzed. On average, participants were 58.93 years of age (SD = 14.24), mostly female (72.55%), spouses/partners (51.96%), and non‐Hispanic White (78.43%). Most (75.49%) described their financial situation as comfortable or more than adequate. Younger age (B = −0.11, 95% CI = −0.18 to −0.05) and increased caregiving burden (B = 0.18, 95% CI = 0.09 to 0.27) were associated with increased anxiety, while lower perceived financial adequacy (B = −1.19, 95% CI = −2.07 to −0.32), lower social support (B = −0.04, 95% CI = −0.06 to −0.01), and increased caregiving burden (B = 0.15, 95% CI = 0.08–0.22) were associated with worsened depression. Greater social support (B = 0.10, 95% CI = 0.05–0.14) and lower caregiving burden (B = −0.19, 95% CI = −0.32 to −0.07) were associated with greater positive affect and well‐being.

Conclusions

Findings suggest significant impact of contextual factors on mental health and well‐being, and support the need for holistic assessment of hospice caregivers' wellbeing and programs and policies providing social services and economic support to caregivers.
The effects of a clinic‐based weight loss program on health‐related quality of life and weight maintenance in cancer survivors: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Brown Justin C. , Giobbie‐Hurder Anita , Yung Rachel L. , Mayer Erica L. , Tolaney Sara M. , Partridge Ann H. , Ligibel Jennifer A.
Published: September 2021

Objective

The Healthy Living and Eating After Cancer Trial demonstrated that a clinic‐based weight loss program reduced body weight, as compared with a waitlist control group, over 15 weeks. Here we report the impact of the weight loss intervention on health‐related quality‐of‐life outcomes at week 15, and maintenance of weight loss to week 30.

Methods

This trial randomized cancer survivors of solid tumors and hematologic malignancies (breast cancer: 76.7%) to a 15‐week group‐based weight loss program (n = 30) or a waitlist control group (n = 30). Participants were not blinded to group assignment. Participants completed a variety of health‐related quality‐of‐life outcome measures at baseline and week 15. From week 15 to week 30, participants initially randomized to the weight loss program were followed with no additional intervention, and participants initially randomized to the waitlist control group commenced the weight loss program.

Results

Over the 15 weeks, the weight loss program improved physical functioning (6.2 ± 2.9;p = 0.02;d = 0.31) and reduced insomnia symptoms (−17.1 ± 7.4;p = 0.03;d = −0.30) as measured by the EORTC QLQ‐C30, and sleep disturbance (−4.9 ± 1.6;p = 0.005;d = −0.40) as measured by PROMIS, compared to waitlist control. After a weight loss of 4.6 ± 3.9 kg, from week 15 to week 30, participants who were initially randomized to the weight loss program maintained their prior weight loss (+0.6 ± 3.5 kg) and participants who were initially randomized to the waitlist control group lost weight (−3.4 ± 2.9 kg;p < 0.001).

Conclusions

In cancer survivors with overweight or obesity, a 15‐week clinic‐based weight loss program improved health‐related quality‐of‐life outcomes and produced sustained weight loss to week 30.
Usage of Platinum Nanoparticles for Anticancer Therapy over Last Decade: A Review
Authors: Pawar Aditya Amrut , Sahoo Jyotirmayee , Verma Aakash , Lodh Abhijit , Lakkakula Jaya
Published: September 2021

The quest for new functional nanomaterials is one of the defining purposes of nanoscience and nanotechnology. A large number of metal nanoparticles (NPs) are extensively exploited for biomedical applications. Metal NPs, in particular platinum NPs (PtNPs), possess remarkable properties that make them a potential candidate as a diagnostic or therapeutic agent. Due to potential technological interest over the last decade, PtNPs have attracted much attention in the field of anticancer research. PtNPs, when conjugated with many functionalizing agents such as polymers, ligands, drugs, peptides, and surfactants, exhibit improved targeting and reduced cytotoxic effects in various cancers. The PtNPs conjugated with folic acid, graphene oxide, and iron NPs are gained more attention due to their stability, large surface area, and reduced toxicity. To achieve this goal, PtNPs are co‐loaded with drugs or other modalities that offer an opportunity for multimodal activity in the frame of treating cancer types focusing on breast, blood, lung, ovarian, skin, liver, etc. However, a review of PtNPs’ function in diagnosis and treatment is still lacking. In this review, the effectiveness of PtNPs toward inducing and elevating death of the cancerous cells proving its delivery approaches and antitumor nature, concluding with future perspectives, are summarized.
Phosphoproteomics analysis of diabetic cardiomyopathy in aging‐accelerated mice and effects of D‐pinitol
Authors: Li Xiao‐li , Yu Fei , Fu Chun‐li , Yu Xin , Xu Mei , Cheng Mei
Published: September 2021

Purpose

The molecular mechanisms of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) development and D‐pinitol (DP) in its treatment remain unclear. The present study is to explore the underlying mechanism of DCM in an elderly diabetic mouse model and to seek the protective targets of DP by phosphoproteomics.

Experimental design

We used streptozotocin to induce diabetes in SAMP8 and DP (150 mg/kg/day) intragastrically administrated to diabetic mice for 8 weeks. The heart tissues were harvested for label‐free phosphoproteomic analysis from diabetic mice. Some differentially regulated phosphorylation sites were confirmed by parallel reaction monitoring.

Results

Our results showed that 612 phosphorylation sites on 454 proteins had their phosphorylation levels significantly changed in the heart of untreated diabetic mice (DM). Of these phosphorylation sites, 216 phosphorylation sites on 182 proteins were normalized after DP treatment. We analyzed the functional signaling pathways in the heart of DP treated diabetic mice (DMT), including glucagon signaling pathway, insulin signaling pathway, mitophagy, apoptosis, and longevity regulating pathway. Two consensus motifs identified were targeted by Src and epidermal growth factor receptor between DMT and DM groups.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

Our study might help to better understand the mechanism of DCM, provide novel targets for estimating the protective effects of DP.
Label‐free quantitative proteomics identifies unique proteomes of clinical isolates of the Liverpool Epidemic Strain of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and laboratory strain PAO1
Authors: Goodyear Mara C. , Garnier Nicole , Krieger Jonathan R. , Geddes‐McAlister Jennifer , Khursigara Cezar M.
Published: September 2021

Purpose

Comparative genomics and phenotypic assays have shown that antibiotic resistance profiles differ among clinical isolates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and that genotype‐phenotype associations are difficult to establish for resistance phenotypes based on these comparisons alone.

Experimental Design

Here, we used label‐free quantitative proteomics to compare two isolates of the Liverpool Epidemic Strain (LES) of P. aeruginosa, LESlike1 and LESB58, and the common laboratory strain P. aeruginosa PAO1 to more accurately predict functional differences between strains.

Results

Our results show that the proteomes of the LES isolates are more similar to each other than to PAO1; however, a number of differences were observed in the abundance of proteins involved in quorum sensing, virulence, and antibiotic resistance, including in the comparison of LESlike1 and LESB58. Additionally, the proteomic data revealed a higher abundance of proteins involved in polymyxin and aminoglycoside resistance in LESlike1. Minimum inhibitory concentration assays showed that LESlike1 had up to 128‐fold higher resistance to antibiotics from these classes.

Conclusions

These findings provide an example of the ability of proteomic data to complement genotypic and phenotypic studies to understand resistance in clinical isolates.

Clinical Relevance

P. aeruginosa is a predominant pathogen in chronic lung infections in individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). LES isolates are capable of transferring between CF patients and have been associated with increased hospital visits and antibiotic treatments.
IIB String Theory and Sequestered Inflation
Authors: Kallosh Renata , Linde Andrei , Wrase Timm , Yamada Yusuke
Published: September 2021

We develop sequestered inflation models, where inflation occurs along flat directions in supergravity models derived from type IIB string theory. It is compactified on a orientifold with generalized fluxes and O3/O7‐planes. At Step I, we use flux potentials which 1) satisfy tadpole cancellation conditions and 2) have supersymmetric Minkowski vacua with flat direction(s). The 7 moduli are split into heavy and massless Goldstone multiplets. At Step II we add a nilpotent multiplet and uplift the flat direction(s) of the type IIB string theory to phenomenological inflationary plateau potentials: α‐attractors with 7 discrete values . Their cosmological predictions are determined by the hyperbolic geometry inherited from string theory. The masses of the heavy fields and the volume of the extra dimensions change during inflation, but this does not affect the inflationary dynamics.
Sequestered Inflation
Authors: Kallosh Renata , Linde Andrei , Wrase Timm , Yamada Yusuke
Published: September 2021

We construct supergravity models allowing to sequester the phenomenology of inflation from the Planckian energy scale physics. The procedure consists of two steps: At Step I we study supergravity models, which might be associated with string theory or M‐theory, and have supersymmetric Minkowski vacua with flat directions. At Step II we uplift these flat directions to inflationary plateau potentials. We find certain conditions which ensure that the superheavy fields involved in the stabilization of the Minkowski vacua at Step I are completely decoupled from the inflationary phenomenology.
E‐Beam Evaporation of Silicon: Native Oxidation and Quasicontinuous Tailoring of Optical Properties
Authors: Haque S. Maidul , De Rajnarayan , Prathap C. , Srivastava S. K. , Rao K. Divakar
Published: September 2021

An experimental study of native oxidation of silicon during electron beam evaporation is carried out. A set of SiOx thin films is prepared at varying e‐beam current (50–300 mA) without inflow of oxygen gas from external supply. The O:Si stoichiometry ratio of grown SiOx films, as estimated through X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurement, is found to be mainly governed by the deposition rate. Optical analysis using transmission spectrophotometry and spectroscopic ellipsometry measurements reveal gradual variation of refractive index (1.58–4.09@650 nm) and bandgap (3.65–1.90 eV) of grown films with the increase in e‐beam current. Such high contrast changes in Si‐based optical materials just by variations of e‐beam current are not reported previously. Deposition rate‐dependent oxidation and optical constants are confirmed by investigating two separate films at lower substrate heights. Finally, utilizing the quasicontinuous variation of optical constants of SiOx films, antireflection (AR) coating is designed and experimentally demonstrated on Si wafer and achieved reflectance loss of ≈2.7% in wavelength range of 400–900 nm. The native oxidation under varying e‐beam current is envisaged to be an effective and a facile method for preparing quasicontinuously tunable silicon‐based optical materials.
Efficient Perovskite Nanocrystal‐Based Optoelectronic Devices
Authors: Han Myeonggeun , Noh Yong-Young
Published: September 2021

Halide perovskites are expected to be widely used in light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) due to their excellent optoelectronic properties, such as high luminous efficiency, controllability of luminescence wavelength, and wide color gamut. However, because the exciton binding energy of 3D halide perovskite films is relatively low (≈150 meV), various techniques have been applied to increase the exciton binding energy and thereby improve the performance of devices. Among them, 0D halide perovskite nanocrystals (NCs) are widely used because the low‐dimensional perovskite effectively confines the excitons in NCs. In particular, perovskite NCs facilitate color tuning with quantum confinement by controlling the size. Herein, it is aimed to provide an overview of various approaches for synthesizing perovskite NCs and post‐treatment methods to achieve high‐efficiency LEDs.
Effects of the Annealing Temperature before Cooling under Magnetic Field on Perpendicular Exchange Coupling in (Pt/Co)5/NiO
Authors: Belhi Rachid
Published: September 2021

The effects of the annealing temperature before cooling under a magnetic field on the perpendicular exchange coupling in Pt/Co multilayers directly coupled to a NiO layer are studied in the NiO layer thickness range of 1–4 nm. The obtained results reveal that the exchange bias (EB) field and the magnetization reversal process depend on the NiO layer thickness as well as on the annealing temperature. Positive EB fields are observed, especially for 4 nm‐thick NiO layer. However, the values obtained here are low where the largest value is 2.6 mT. This result is attributed to weak antiferromagnetic (AFM) coupling at the Co/NiO interface. These results agree with a blocking temperature of about 300 K. Due to the low blocking temperature, the AFM interfacial spins direction is tilted with respect to the ferromagnet magnetization easy axis. As a consequence, the NiO AFM layer manifests at the Co/NiO interface a weak magnetization perpendicular component giving rise to a weak interfacial exchange coupling which leads to low values.
Structural, Morphological, and Optical Properties of Ag‐Doped TiO2Thin‐Film over Fiber Optic Substrate for Sensing Applications
Authors: Singh Shailendra Kr. , Samanta Uttam Kr. , Dhar Anirban , Chandra Paul Mukul
Published: September 2021

Ag‐doped TiO2(rAg/Ti,r1−3 = 2, 4, 6 wt%) is synthesized by a hydrothermal technique. Different characterizations, that is, X‐ray powder diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis, photoluminescence (PL) spectra analysis, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM), energy dispersive X‐ray analysis (EDX), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) analysis, are conducted to study the utility of the developed thin‐film material as a sensing medium over the fiber substrate. The as‐prepared material is hydrothermally deposited over the optical fiber to construct a fiber optic sensing probe. The optical properties of TiO2are simulated theoretically by MATLAB simulation that reveals that optical absorption appears at the wavelength of 763 nm. The initial performance of therAg/Ti‐based optical fiber is investigated with the amine group in the range of 500−1500 ppm and a satisfactory response is found toward ethylenediamine (EDA) analytes with average sensitivity (Sav, in %) as 41.81 at 1200 ppm.
Studies of relative contributions of internal gravity waves and 2‐D turbulence to tropospheric and lower‐stratospheric temporal wind spectra measured by a network of VHF windprofiler radars using a decade‐long data set in Canada
Authors: Hocking Wayne K. , Dempsey Sergio , Wright Mel , Taylor Peter , Fabry Frédéric
Published: September 2021

Tropospheric and lower‐stratospheric motions at mesoscales and larger are a mixture of waves and two‐dimensional (2‐D) turbulence. Determining their relative importance is necessary, since waves are capable of coordinated systematic momentum transport accompanying the wave propagation, and associated wind forcing, in ways that 2‐D turbulence is not. This can impact weather forecasting. Using a network of ten windprofiler radars in eastern Ontario and western Quebec in Canada, plus an additional one in the Arctic, the relative roles of internal gravity (buoyancy) waves and two‐dimensional turbulence are examined at temporal scales from about 3–4 hrs to several tens of hours (horizontal spatial scales of typically one or two hundred kilometres to a few thousand kilometres), with the purpose of investigating the respective roles of these two distinct characteristic fluid motions as functions of location, season and year. The emphasis is on studies of spectral slope variability, rather than absolute spectral magnitudes, giving a perspective not previously substantially presented. In particular, we have found a frequency band in which gravity‐wave Doppler shifting produces distinctly different spectral slopes than those predicted for 2‐D turbulence, and these differences are employed to distinguish the flow fields. The network used (excluding the Arctic site) covers an area of ∼106 km2 and includes a variety of different terrains. Radial velocities have been recorded on time scales of minutes for data lengths covering durations of up to 12 years. Altitude coverage is from 1 km to typically 14 km, at 500 m resolution. Results suggest a region from ∼2 to ∼5 km altitude (deeper for some radars) where waves are weaker and 2‐D turbulence appears to be generally more significant, but where occasional bursts of gravity‐wave activity can occur, while above typically 6–8 km, gravity waves increase in significance. There are distinct site‐to‐site variations.