bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Research progress of gut microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Li Keliu , Liu Jianhua , Qin Xiaosong
Published: June 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer and the fourth leading cause of cancer‐related death in the world. A number of challenges remain for the early detection and effective treatment of HCC. In recent years, microbiota have been proven to be associated with the development of HCC. Many studies have explored the pathogenesis, diagnostic marker, and therapeutic target potential of microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, we aimed to introduce the research methods and achievements of gut microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma and discuss the value of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis, diagnosis, and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Methods

Keywords are used to search relevant articles which were mainly published from 2010 to 2021, and we further selected targeted articles and read the full text.

Results

Gut microbiota involved in promoting the formation and development of hepatocellular carcinoma, and differential gut microbiota and microbial metabolites have the potential to be the biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma. Purposefully regulated gut microbiota can improve the prognosis of patients, which is expected to be used in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Conclusion

The study of gut microbiota in hepatocellular carcinoma is definitely worthy of study. In‐depth and elaborate research design is crucial for the study of the mechanism of gut microbiota involved in hepatocellular carcinoma, which can provide new directions and targets for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma.
Identification of potential gene markers in gestational diabetes mellitus
Authors: Tang Weichun , Wang Xiaoyu , Chen Liping , Lu Yiling , Kang Xinyi
Published: June 2022

This study aims to investigate underlying mechanisms of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM). In this work, the GSE70493 dataset from GDM and control samples was acquired from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Afterward, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened between GDM and control samples. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis and protein–protein interaction (PPI) network analysis of these DEGs were carried out. Furthermore, significant sub‐modules were identified, and the functional analysis was also performed. Finally, we undertook a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (qRT‐PCR) with the purpose of confirming several key genes in GDM development. There were totally 528 up‐regulated and 684 down‐regulated DEGs between GDM and healthy samples. The functional analyses suggested that the above genes were dramatically enriched in type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) process and immune‐related pathways. Moreover, PPI analysis revealed that several members of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) superfamily, including down‐regulated HLA‐DQA1, HLA‐DRB1, HLA‐DPA1, and HLA‐DQB1 served as hub genes. In addition, six significant sub‐clusters were extracted and functional analysis suggested that these four genes in sub‐module 1 were also associated with immune and T1DM‐related pathways. Finally, they were also confirmed by qRT‐PCR array. Besides, the four members of HLA superfamily might be implicated with molecular mechanisms of GDM, contributing to a deeper understanding of GDM development.
How to overcome algorithm aversion: Learning from mistakes
Authors: Reich Taly , Kaju Alex , Maglio Sam J.
Published: June 2022

When consumers avoid taking algorithmic advice, it can prove costly to both marketers (whose algorithmic product offerings go unused) and to themselves (who fail to reap the benefits that algorithmic predictions often provide). In a departure from previous research focusing on when algorithm aversion proves more or less likely, we sought to identify and remedy one reason why it occurs in the first place. In seven pre‐registered studies, we find that consumers tend to avoid algorithmic advice on the often faulty assumption that those algorithms, unlike their human counterparts, cannot learn from mistakes, in turn offering an inroad by which to reduce algorithm aversion: highlighting their ability to learn. Process evidence, through both mediation and moderation, examines why consumers fail to trust algorithms that err across a variety of prediction domains and how different theory‐driven interventions can solve the practical problem of enhancing trust and consequential choice in algorithms.
Multi‐scale attention network for segmentation of electron dense deposits in glomerular microscopic images
Authors: Yang Jinyue , Hu Xiuxiu , Pan Hong , Chen Pingsheng , Xia Siyu
Published: June 2022

Electron dense deposit on the epithelial side of the glomerular capillary basement membrane is one of the pathological changes of membranous nephropathy. Automatic segmentation of deposits can relieve clinicians from the tedious and manual effort of identifying and localizing region of interest (ROI) in medical images and also assist to diagnose membranous nephropathy. Electron dense deposits are characterized by different sizes, irregular shapes, and low contrast to surrounding tissue structures in glomerular electron microscopy images. Considering the characteristics of dense deposits, we propose a multi‐scale attention network for automatic segmentation of electron dense deposits of glomeruli in electron microscope images. Our method is built on the fully convolutional network but also takes advantages of the multi‐scale skip connections and attention mechanism. Specifically, the multi‐scale skip connection combines feature maps of different scales, makes the segmentation field larger, and integrates the shallow features of the image and high‐level semantic information, which is more conducive to distinguishing dense deposits. At the same time, attention mechanism can focus on salient structures that normally produces a distinguishable feature representation. To evaluate the segmentation performance of the proposed method, we also collected a dataset of electron microscope images of membranous nephropathy. To the best of our knowledge, this is the largest image dataset for segmentation of glomerular basement membrane dense deposits. Experimental result shows that our model can accurately segment ordinary‐sized dense deposits. Compared with state‐of‐the‐art methods, our proposed method lower both false positive and false negative segmentation of small‐sized protein sediments.
The effect of a Mentor Mothers program on prevention of vertical transmission of HIV outcomes in Zambézia Province, Mozambique: a retrospective interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Carlucci James G. , Yu Zhihong , González Purificación , Bravo Magdalena , Amorim Gustavo , das Felicidades Cugara Cristina , Guambe Helga , Mucanhenga Jaime , Silva Wilson , Tique José A. , Sardella Alvim Maria Fernanda , Graves Erin , De Schacht Caroline , Wester C. William
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Mentor Mothers (MM) provide peer support to pregnant and postpartum women living with HIV (PPWH) and their infants with perinatal HIV exposure (IPE) throughout the cascade of prevention of vertical transmission (PVT) services. MM were implemented in Zambézia Province, Mozambique starting in August 2017. This evaluation aimed to determine the effect of MM on PVT outcomes.

Methods

A retrospective interrupted time series analysis was done using routinely collected aggregate data from 85 public health facilities providing HIV services in nine districts of Zambézia. All PPWH (and their IPE) who initiated antiretroviral therapy (ART) from August 2016 through April 2019 were included. Outcomes included the proportion per month per district of: PPWH retained in care 12 months after ART initiation, PPWH with viral suppression and IPE with HIV DNA PCR test positivity by 9 months of age. The effect of MM on outcomes was assessed using logistic regression.

Results

The odds of 12‐month retention increased 1.5% per month in the pre‐MM period, compared to a monthly increase of 7.6% with‐MM (35–61% pre‐MM, 56–72% with‐MM; p < 0.001). The odds of being virally suppressed decreased by 0.9% per month in the pre‐MM period, compared to a monthly increase of 3.9% with‐MM (49–85% pre‐MM, 59–80% with‐MM; p < 0.001). The odds of DNA PCR positivity by 9 months of age decreased 8.9% per month in the pre‐MM period, compared to a monthly decrease of 0.4% with‐MM (0–14% pre‐MM, 4–10% with‐MM; p < 0.001). The odds of DNA PCR uptake (the proportion of IPE who received DNA PCR testing) by 9 months of age were significantly higher in the with‐MM period compared to the pre‐MM period (48–100% pre‐MM, 87–100% with‐MM; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

MM services were associated with improved retention in PVT services and higher viral suppression rates among PPWH. While there was ongoing but diminishing improvement in DNA PCR positivity rates among IPE following MM implementation, this might be explained by increased uptake of HIV testing among high‐risk IPE who were previously not getting tested. Additional efforts are needed to further optimize PVT outcomes, and MM should be one part of a comprehensive strategy to address this critical need.
Inversion‐Recovery‐Prepared Oscillating Gradient Sequence Improves Diffusion‐Time Dependency Measurements in the Human Brain
Authors: Li Haotian , Zu Tao , Hsu Yi‐Cheng , Zhao Zhiyong , Liu Ruibin , Zheng Tianshu , Li Qing , Sun Yi , Liu Daihong , Zhang Jiuquan , Zhang Yi , Wu Dan
Published: June 2022

Background

Oscillating gradient diffusion MRI (dMRI) enables measurements at a short diffusion‐time (td), but it is challenging for clinical systems. Particularly, the low b‐value and low resolution may give rise to cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) contamination.

Purpose

To assess the effect of CSF partial volume on td–dMRI measurements and efficacy of inversion‐recovery (IR) prepared oscillating and pulsed gradient dMRI sequence to improve td–dMRI measurements in the human brain.

Study Type

Prospective.

Subjects

Ten normal volunteers and six glioma patients.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 3 T; three‐dimensional (3D) IR‐prepared oscillating gradient‐prepared gradient spin‐echo (GRASE) and two‐dimensional (2D) IR‐prepared oscillating gradient echo‐planar imaging (EPI) sequences.

Assessment

We assessed the td‐dependent patterns of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) in several gray and white matter structures, including the hippocampal subfields (head, body, and tail), cortical gray matter, thalamus, and posterior white matter in normal volunteers. Pulsed gradient (0 Hz) and oscillating gradients at frequencies of 20 Hz, 40 Hz, and 60 Hz dMRI were acquired with GRASE and EPI sequences with or without the IR module. We also tested the td‐dependency patterns in glioma patients using the EPI sequence with or without the IR module.

Statistical Tests

The differences in ADC across the different tds were compared by one‐way ANOVA followed by post hoc pairwise t‐tests with Bonferroni correction.

Results

In the healthy subjects, brain regions that were possibly contaminated by CSF signals, such as the hippocampus (head, body, and tail) and cortical gray matter, td‐dependent ADC changes were only significant with the IR‐prepared 2D and 3D sequences but not with the non‐IR sequences. In brain glioblastomas patients, significantly higher td‐dependence was observed in the tumor region with the IR module than that without IR (slope = 0.0196 μm2/msec2 vs. 0.0034 μm2/msec2).

Conclusion

The IR‐prepared sequence effectively suppressed the CSF partial volume effect and significantly improved the td‐dependent measurements in the human brain.

Evidence Level

1

Technical Efficacy

Stage 1
Representation of moist convective processes in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 and Phase 6 models for the simulation of Indian summer monsoon intraseasonal variability
Authors: Tirkey Snehlata , Mukhopadhyay Parthasarathi , Krishna Ravuri Phani Murali
Published: June 2022

This study assesses the simulation of the Boreal Summer Intraseasonal Oscillation (BSISO), particularly the moist convective processes associated with the BSISO in 10 models from phases 5 and 6 of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project (CMIP5 and CMIP6). Most of the models show a slower northward propagation of the BSISO and cannot simulate the origin of positive rainfall anomalies over the equatorial Indian Ocean. The generation of barotropic vorticity to the north of the convection centre leads to the northward shift of moisture convergence resulting in the northward propagation of convection. This mechanism is also insufficient in the models. The models show a lack of consistent evolution of moisture with increasing rain rates. Some of the CMIP6 models such as MPI‐ESM1‐2‐LR, FGOALS‐f3‐L, and NorESM2‐MM exhibit better northward propagation and the associated moist processes. A random relationship between vertical velocity, specific humidity, and precipitation is seen in the observation. On the other hand, the models show a deterministic relationship among these parameters with a much higher fraction of convective rain than large‐scale rain. Only FGOALS‐f3‐L (from the CMIP6 family), which uses convection resolving precipitation parameterization, where the convective and stratiform precipitation is calculated explicitly, produces the variability seen in the observation to a large extent.
A framework for synthesizing intervention evidence from multiple sources into a single certainty of evidence rating: Methodological developments from a US National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine Committee
Authors: Calonge Ned , Shekelle Paul G. , Owens Douglas K. , Teutsch Steven , Downey Autumn , Brown Lisa , Noyes Jane
Published: June 2022

Despite research investment and a growing body of diverse evidence there has been no comprehensive review and grading of evidence for public health emergency preparedness and response practices comparable to those in medicine and other public health fields. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine convened an ad hoc committee to develop and use methods for grading and synthesizing diverse types of evidence to create a single certainty of intervention‐related evidence to support recommendations for Public Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Research. A 13‐step consensus building method was used. Experts were first canvassed in public meetings, and a comprehensive review of existing methods was undertaken. Although aspects of existing review methodologies and evidence grading systems were relevant, none adequately covered all requirements for this specific context. Starting with a desire to synthesize diverse sources of evidence not usually included in systematic reviews and using GRADE for assessing certainty and confidence in quantitative and qualitative evidence as the foundation, we developed a mixed‐methods synthesis review and grading methodology that drew on (and in some cases adapted) those elements of existing frameworks and methods that were most applicable. Four topics were selected as test cases. The process was operationalized with a suite of method‐specific reviews of diverse evidence types for each topic. Further consensus building was undertaken through stakeholder engagement and feedback The NASEM committee's GRADE adaption for mixed‐methods reviews will further evolve over time and has yet to be endorsed by the GRADE working group.
Nickel superoxide dismutase protects nitrogen fixation in Trichodesmium
Authors: Chen Chih‐Chang , Rodriguez Irene B. , Chen Yuh‐ling Lee , Zehr Jonathan P. , Chen Yun‐Ru , Hsu Shang‐Te Danny , Yang Shun‐Chung , Ho Tung‐Yuan
Published: June 2022

Trichodesmium, a major diazotroph in tropical and subtropical oceans, provides a significant amount of bioavailable nitrogen in oligotrophic oceans. Remarkably, the cyanobacteria carry out nitrogen fixation and photosynthesis simultaneously under high light (HL) conditions. Here, we hypothesize that nickel superoxide dismutase (NiSOD) protects the nitrogen fixation process from oxidative stress generated in photosynthesis under high solar radiation conditions. We found that the variations in nitrogen fixation rates closely corresponded to Ni availability under HL conditions. The expression of NiSOD and two representative photosynthetic proteins also corresponded to variations in both nitrogen fixation rates and Ni availability under HL conditions. Trichodesmium collected in the field had a high Ni quota and elevated SOD activity. The evidence supports the conclusion that NiSOD protects nitrogen fixation in Trichodesmium from oxidative stress. The ability to utilize NiSOD may be a major advantage for Trichodesmium under high solar radiation conditions.
Effects of UV Aging, Water Storage and Recycling on Mechanical Properties of Biogenic Wood‐Plastic Composites from Polyamide 11
Authors: Hirsch Patrick , Theumer Torsten
Published: June 2022

In this study, the weather stability of a biogenic wood‐plastic composite (bio‐WPC) made of bio‐based polyamide 11 (PA11) and 30 wt% of beech wood particles (BP) by twin‐screw compounding is evaluated. It is found that UV aging has no significant effects on the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength of the injection molded bio‐WPC due to the UV stabilization of the PA11. It is also found that the water absorbed by the hydrophilic beech wood particles and by the PA11 matrix during water storage acts as a plasticizer and results in a decrease in stiffness and strength as well as an increase in the elongation at break. The second focus of this study is the evaluation of the mechanical properties after recycling. It is found that recycling leads to a reduction of the modulus of elasticity and tensile strength by 18% respectively 19%, compared to the original bio‐WPC. These effects are attributed to a mechanical and thermo‐oxidative degradation of the beech wood particles but also of the PA11 through recycling by granulation and repeated injection molding. A corresponding drop in stiffness and strength is typical for recycled composite materials. Overall, the recycled bio‐WPC therefore has a good level of mechanical properties after recycling.
Model‐based pulse pileup and charge sharing compensation for photon counting detectors: A simulation study
Authors: Taguchi Katsuyuki , Polster Christoph , Segars W. Paul , Aygun Nafi , Stierstorfer Karl
Published: June 2022

Purpose

We aim at developing a model‐based algorithm that compensates for the effect of both pulse pileup (PP) and charge sharing (CS) and evaluates the performance using computer simulations.

Methods

The proposed PCP algorithm for PP and CS compensation uses cascaded models for CS and PP we previously developed, maximizes Poisson log‐likelihood, and uses an efficient three‐step exhaustive search. For comparison, we also developed an LCP algorithm that combines models for a loss of counts (LCs) and CS. Two types of computer simulations, slab‐ and computed tomography (CT)‐based, were performed to assess the performance of both PCP and LCP with 200 and 800 mA, (300 µm)2 × 1.6‐mm cadmium telluride detector, and a dead‐time of 23 ns. A slab‐based assessment used a pair of adipose and iodine with different thicknesses, attenuated X‐rays, and assessed the bias and noise of the outputs from one detector pixel; a CT‐based assessment simulated a chest/cardiac scan and a head‐and‐neck scan using 3D phantom and noisy cone‐beam projections.

Results

With the slab simulation, the PCP had little or no biases when the expected counts were sufficiently large, even though a probability of count loss (PCL) due to dead‐time loss or PP was as high as 0.8. In contrast, the LCP had significant biases (>±2 cm of adipose) when the PCL was higher than 0.15. Biases were present with both PCP and LCP when the expected counts were less than 10–120 per datum, which was attributed to the fact that the maximum likelihood did not approach the asymptote. The noise of PCP was within 8% from the Cramér–Rao lower bounds for most cases when no significant bias was present. The two CT studies essentially agreed with the slab simulation study. PCP had little or no biases in the estimated basis line integrals, reconstructed basis density maps, and synthesized monoenergetic CT images. But the LCP had significant biases in basis line integrals when X‐ray beams passed through lungs and near the body and neck contours, where the PCLs were above 0.15. As a consequence, basis density maps and monoenergetic CT images obtained by LCP had biases throughout the imaged space.

Conclusion

We have developed the PCP algorithm that uses the PP–CS model. When the expected counts are more than 10–120 per datum, the PCP algorithm is statistically efficient and successfully compensates for the effect of the spectral distortion due to both PP and CS providing little or no biases in basis line integrals, basis density maps, and monoenergetic CT images regardless of count‐rates. In contrast, the LCP algorithm, which models an LC due to pileup, produces severe biases when incident count‐rates are high and the PCL is 0.15 or higher.
The role of occupational therapy for the self‐management of rheumatoid arthritis: A protocol for a mixed methods systematic review
Authors: Gavin James P. , Rossiter Laura , Fenerty Vicky , Leese Jenny , Hammond Alison , Davidson Eileen , Backman Catherine L.
Published: June 2022

Background

Occupational therapists can support people with rheumatoid arthritis to self‐manage their disease symptoms and engage in daily activities. This protocol reports a review to broaden understanding of what is known about the role of occupational therapy in the self‐management of rheumatoid arthritis.

Methods

Studies involving adults with rheumatoid arthritis, having participated in self‐management involving occupational therapy, will be included. Patient involvement will help develop the search strategy by identifying patient‐centred interventions and outcomes to complement those identified by researchers. An electronic search will be performed using several bibliographic databases, including grey literature from subject‐specific, health‐related, and social care databases. Searches will run from the database inception until the date that the search is conducted (December 2021–May 2022). Retrieved studies will be de‐duplicated, and the remaining titles and abstracts will be screened by three reviewers. Full texts of all eligible studies will be independently reviewed by the reviewers to select papers for data extraction and quality assessment. Outcomes are function, pain, fatigue and lived experience. For quantitative studies, data will be synthesised using descriptive statistics in text and tables, whereas for qualitative studies, data will be synthesised using thematic synthesis.

Discussion

This review will synthesise current evidence on how occupational therapy can help the self‐management of rheumatoid arthritis. It will include evidence of best practice, including advice, education and training provided by occupational therapists. These findings can inform future research and the selection of strategies to promote quality of life for people with rheumatoid arthritis.

Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42022302205
A New Genotyping-in-Thousands-by-Sequencing Single Nucleotide Polymorphism Panel for Mixed-Stock Analysis of Chum Salmon from Coastal Western Alaska
Authors: McKinney Garrett J. , Barry Patrick D. , Pascal Carita , Seeb James E. , Seeb Lisa W. , McPhee Megan V.
Published: June 2022

Genetic stock identification is becoming increasingly important in the management of Chum Salmon Oncorhynchus keta from western Alaska due to frequent run failures in recent times. It has been notoriously difficult to distinguish populations of summer-run Chum Salmon among four major regions in coastal western Alaska: Norton Sound, lower Yukon River, Kuskokwim River, and Nushagak River. Here we developed and evaluated a panel of single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers designed to coamplify using the genotyping-in-thousands by sequencing (GT-seq) method, which would greatly enhance the efficiency of genotyping samples from baseline populations and from mixed-stock fisheries or incidental catches. We selected 479 SNPs in 355 amplicons from ~30,000 candidate SNPs for the GT-seq panel. Evaluations using single-stock and realistic fishery mixture simulations indicated that the panel was able to satisfactorily distinguish Norton Sound from the other regions to the south but was unable to distinguish among lower Yukon, Kuskokwim, and Nushagak rivers with accuracy >90%. The low degree of population structure among Chum Salmon in this region, described in previous studies and confirmed with tens of thousands of SNPs here, means that genetic stock identification will be inadequate to guide management decisions at the spatial scale desired by stakeholders and fishery managers in the region.
A nonperiodic Chebyshev spectral method avoiding penalization techniques for a class of nonlinear peridynamic models
Authors: Lopez Luciano , Pellegrino Sabrina Francesca
Published: June 2022

In the framework of elastodynamics, peridynamics is a nonlocal theory able to capture singularities without using partial derivatives. The governing equation is a second order in time partial integro‐differential equation. In this article, we focus on a one‐dimensional nonlinear model of peridynamics and propose a spectral method based on the Chebyshev polynomials to discretize in space. The main capability of the method is that it avoids the assumption of periodic boundary condition in the solution and can benefit of the use of the fast Fourier transform. We show its convergence and find that the method results to be very efficient in terms of accuracy and execution time with respect to spectral methods based on the Fourier trigonometric polynomials associated to a volume penalization technique.
On the computational treatment of fully coupled crystal plasticity slip and martensitic transformation constitutive models at finite strains
Authors: Vieira de Carvalho Miguel , Cardoso Coelho Rui Pedro , Pires Francisco M. Andrade
Published: June 2022

In this article, four numerical techniques are formulated to improve the reliability and numerical efficiency of stress update algorithms of crystal‐plasticity‐like phenomena at finite strains. The resulting algorithmic setting is especially relevant for structural analyses of polycrystals and the multiscale evaluation of anisotropic microstructures in metallic materials. These techniques are exemplified with a constitutive model, which couples crystallographic slip and martensitic transformation deformation mechanisms with a viscous regularization. The model is characterized by a set of highly coupled equations expressed in a single system and solved by a monolithic solution procedure. The first technique employs a sub‐stepping procedure to generate a better initial guess for the Newton–Raphson scheme used in the iterative solution of the equilibrium problem at the Gauss quadrature point. Then, a logarithmic discretization of the exponential parameter of the viscoplastic law is proposed to approximate the target value of the exponential parameter incrementally in the return mapping algorithm. A strategy to remove the strain‐rate dependence and reduce the necessary viscoplastic parameters is also presented to help with the stiff equations that arise in the rate‐independent limit. Finally, an efficient strategy is suggested to complete the transformation process when the full martensitic transformation is approached. These techniques can be easily used in any combination and dramatically improve the model's efficiency by enabling more significant incremental steps to be used within the monolithic solution procedure. A thorough assessment of their impact is shown in a series of ablation studies.
Maximum principle for partially observed stochastic recursive optimal control problems involving impulse controls
Authors: Wu Zhen , Zhang Yan
Published: June 2022

This article focuses on a stochastic recursive optimal control problem involving impulse control under partially observed information and obtains the related maximum principle. Unlike the classical literature, both the regular control (considering the nonconvexity of the domain) and the impulse control (where the domain is convex) are considered in the framework. In virtue of two types of variational methods, spike variation and convex variation, the Pontryagin maximum principle is established. In addition, to demonstrate the validity of the results, this article investigates a differential game problem as an application.
Transport properties of O2, N2, and CO2 through the CMS membranes derived from tris(4‐aminophenyl)amine‐based polyimides
Authors: Liu Xiangyun , Liu Shan , Li Ye , Zong Xueping , Luo Jiangzhou , Zhang Chunxue , Xue Song
Published: June 2022

Two carbon molecular sieve (CMS) membranes (XS22‐600 and XS23‐600) with closely matched pore‐size distribution were prepared via conditional pyrolysis of the hyperbranched tris(4‐aminophenyl)amine (TAPA)‐based polyimide membranes. The differentiation in their nitrogen contents comes from the dianhydride monomers, 3,3′,4,4′‐benzophenonetetracarboxylic dianhydride (BTDA) and pyromellitic (PMDA). These CMS membranes were characterized using Fourier transform infrared, XRD, XPS, and Raman analysis. XS22‐600 with larger ultra‐micropores has a lower selectivity of 3.6 than XS23‐600 (4.1), implying the molecular sieving mechanism domains in O2/N2 separation. XS22‐600 with higher nitrogen content exhibits a higher selectivity of 19.1 than XS23‐600 (13.1) in CO2/N2 separation. The doped nitrogen atoms exhibit a beneficial effect on CO2 surface diffusing through the CMS membranes. This work provides empirical data for understanding the synergistic effect of selective surface diffusing and molecular sieving in CO2/N2 separation.
Effects of core‐shell structured rubber on biobased polyamide 56 with stiffness and toughness balance
Authors: Zhang Yuhui , Guo Weihong
Published: June 2022

There is great social awareness concerning the use of biobased materials of diminishing the rapid resource depletion and suppressing global warming. The inherent drawbacks of biobased polyamide 56 (PA56) such as poor notched impact strength limit its applications. Core‐shell structured impact modifiers consisting of a soft glycidyl methacrylate grafted poly(ethylene–octene) (POE‐g‐GMA) shell and a rigid polypropylene core were synthesized through the differences in interfacial tensions. Core‐shell rubber (CSR) particles were used to toughen biobased PA56 by melt blending. PA56/CSR composites exhibited a 560% increase in the impact strength, while the tensile performance loss was slight. This desirable toughness of biobased PA56 is attributed to the cavitation that occurred in POE‐g‐GMA shell which can induce shear bands and shear yielding, forming the fibrils. Characterizations, including X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), melt rheological tests, and dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) were conducted to study the toughening mechanism. The results indicated the massive shearing yielding, the cavitation of the CSR and interfacial debonding between the POE‐g‐GMA and the PP were the principal toughening mechanisms.
Severity of hearing loss after platinum chemotherapy in childhood cancer survivors
Authors: Strebel Sven , Mader Luzius , Sláma Tomáš , Waespe Nicolas , Weiss Annette , Parfitt Ross , am Zehnhoff‐Dinnesen Antoinette , Kompis Martin , von der Weid Nicolas X. , Ansari Marc , Kuehni Claudia E.
Published: June 2022

Background

Hearing loss is a potential side effect from childhood cancer treatment. We described the severity of hearing loss assessed by audiometry in a representative national cohort of childhood cancer survivors (CCS) and identified clinical risk factors.

Procedure

We included all CCS from the Swiss Childhood Cancer Registry who were diagnosed ≤18 age and treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy between 1990 and 2014. We extracted audiograms, treatment‐related information, and demographic data from medical records. Two reviewers independently assessed the severity of hearing loss at latest follow‐up using the Münster Ototoxicity Scale. We used ordered logistic regression to identify clinical risk factors for severity of hearing loss.

Results

We analyzed data from 270 CCS. Median time from cancer diagnosis to last audiogram was 5 years (interquartile range 2.5–8.1 years). We found 53 (20%) CCS with mild, 78 (29%) with moderate, and 75 (28%) with severe hearing loss. Higher severity grades were associated with (a) younger age at cancer diagnosis (odds ratio [OR] 5.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.5–12.0 for <5 years); (b) treatment in earlier years (OR 4.8, 95% CI: 2.1–11.0 for 1990–1995); (c) higher cumulative cisplatin doses (OR 13.5, 95% CI: 4.7–38.8 for >450 mg/m2); (d) concomitant cranial radiation therapy (CRT) (OR 4.4, 95% CI: 2.5–7.8); and (e) hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) (OR 2.7, 95% CI: 1.0–7.2).

Conclusion

Three of four CCS treated with platinum‐based chemotherapy experienced some degree of hearing loss. We recommend closely monitoring patient's hearing function if treated at a young age with high cumulative cisplatin doses, and concomitant CRT as part of long‐term care.
Co‐management of communication and care in adolescent and young adult oncology
Authors: Sisk Bryan A. , Keenan Megan , Kaye Erica C. , Baker Justin N. , Mack Jennifer W. , DuBois James M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Clinicians have an ethical and practical imperative to engage adolescents and young adults (AYAs) with cancer in communication and care. Many young AYAs have involved parents, but guidelines for co‐management of care with AYAs and their parents are lacking.

Methods

We performed 37 semistructured interviews with AYAs aged 12−24 years at diagnosis, recruiting them from two pediatric cancer centers. We performed thematic analysis, aiming to understand how AYAs and their parents navigate their roles in communication and care.

Results

We identified six roles that AYAs co‐managed with their parents: (1) managing information, (2) managing social and emotional needs, (3) managing health, (4) advocating and empowering, (5) making decisions, and (6) managing logistics. AYAs tended to take more active roles in managing information and more passive roles in managing logistics, managing health, and making decisions. AYAs described how they and their parents had mutual responsibilities to be strong and to protect other's emotions. Additionally, we identified five factors that influenced AYAs’ roles in communication and care: (1) AYA agency, (2) clinician encouragement, (3) emotional and physical well‐being, (4) personality, preferences, and values, and (5) insights and skills.

Conclusions

AYAs have nuanced preferences for how they are involved in communication and care roles. Clinicians can help families to clarify their preferences and values around these roles in a way that meets each family's unique needs. Future studies should aim to develop tools that support the fulfillment of these engagement goals.
Areca/synthetic fibers reinforced based epoxy hybrid composites for semi‐structural applications
Authors: Yashas Gowda T. G. , Vinod A. , Madhu P. , Sanjay M. R. , Siengchin Suchart , Jawaid Mohammad
Published: June 2022

The recent developments and technological advancement in material science focus on the utilization of biodegradable material in various engineering applications. The increase in concern for the damages happening by synthetic materials has made the researchers develop novel materials that can reduce the use of synthetic materials to minimize the environmental problem and societal anxiety. In this work, the four‐layered areca/carbon/kevlar/carbon–kevlar hybrid fiber‐reinforced epoxy laminates were prepared by using hand layup technique for seven different stacking sequence. The prepared laminates were evaluated for mechanical, thermal, and water absorption behavior to study the hybridization effect on the properties of the composites. The result indicated that areca/carbon composites had better mechanical properties than areca/kevlar, areca/carbon–kevlar hybrid laminates. Hybridization of areca fiber with synthetic fibers had significant effect on the mechanical properties of the composites. The water absorption behavior and thermal property of the laminates improved with addition of synthetic fibers to areca fiber. Morphological analysis showed strong bonding with fibers and reinforcements, with fewer voids. Therefore, the developed areca/synthetic fiber hybrid composites can be used for semi‐structural engineering applications.
Mechanochemical modification of crosslinked low‐density polyethylene: Effect of solid‐state shear pulverization on crosslinks, branches, and chain lengths
Authors: Zack Spencer J. , Herrold Nathan T. , Wakabayashi Katsuyuki
Published: June 2022

Crosslinked low‐density polyethylene (XLLDPE) is widely used in several specialty plastics industries. However, the permanent chemical crosslinks cause high‐melt viscosity and poor processability, preventing the material from being reused and recycled effectively. This study investigates solid‐state shear pulverization (SSSP) as a continuous, commercially viable mechanochemical processing technique to initiate the decrosslinking of XLLDPE for mechanical recycling. Post‐industrial XLLDPE scrap material was processed using SSSP with a range of pulverization conditions, which were correlated with universal processing covariants of specific mechanical energy and particle size distribution. The physical properties of SSSP‐processed materials were compared to as‐received XLLDPE and uncrosslinked low‐density polyethylene. While gel content tests confirm a gradual decrease in crosslinking density with a more energy‐intensive SSSP process, melt rheology and dynamic mechanical analysis characterization revealed additional chain architecture modifications such as branching and chain scission. Based on differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis, the SSSP‐processed XLLDPE retained its thermal stability and crystallinity; tensile testing results showed improved stiffness, strength, and toughness. These results indicate that tunable SSSP can transform XLLDPE into a decrosslinked, branched, and melt‐processable recycled polyethylene.
Strain‐hardening and breakdown in poly(vinylidene fluoride) gels in methyl‐ethyl‐ketone and heptanone
Authors: Link Jessica , Tauban Mathieu , Pieri Riccardo , Sanseau Olivier , Sotta Paul
Published: June 2022

Gelation kinetics and rheological properties of poly(vinylidene fluoride‐co‐hexafluoropropylene) [P(VDF‐co‐HFP)] solutions in methyl‐ethyl‐ketone and in 2‐heptanone are investigated. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering measurements indicate that the systems undergo phase separation by a nucleation process. For concentrations between 6 and 10 wt% of copolymer, strain‐hardening appears when gels are sheared in the nonlinear regime, around 50% of deformation. At some critical shear amplitude, the rheological response changes abruptly, but reversibly, from hyperelastic towards viscous liquid. This indicates that the system undergo fracture or shear banding, in bulk or at walls. In other words the continuous network formed by the elastic, polymer‐rich phase is locally broken under high amplitude oscillatory shear, thus breaking down the overall elastic response of the material. More interestingly, when the strain amplitude is progressively decreased back to zero, the initial nonlinear viscoelastic behavior is quantitatively recovered. In addition, when the strain is removed, the solution turns back to gel state very fast as compared with thermal gelation kinetics. These observations indicate that the initial structure can heal within a short time. It is proposed that strain‐hardening depends on the intrinsic hyperelastic behavior of the polymer‐rich phase, which should have a high density of effective crosslinks and/or entanglements.
What the protein data bank tells us about the evolutionary conservation of protein conformational diversity
Authors: Iyer Mallika , Jaroszewski Lukasz , Sedova Mayya , Godzik Adam
Published: June 2022

Proteins sample a multitude of different conformations by undergoing small‐ and large‐scale conformational changes that are often intrinsic to their functions. Information about these changes is often captured in the Protein Data Bank by the apparently redundant deposition of independent structural solutions of identical proteins. Here, we mine these data to examine the conservation of large‐scale conformational changes between homologous proteins. This is important for both practical reasons, such as predicting alternative conformations of a protein by comparative modeling, and conceptual reasons, such as understanding the extent of conservation of different features in evolution. To study this question, we introduce a novel approach to compare conformational changes between proteins by the comparison of their difference distance maps (DDMs). We found that proteins undergoing similar conformational changes have similar DDMs and that this similarity could be quantified by the correlation between the DDMs. By comparing the DDMs of homologous protein pairs, we found that large‐scale conformational changes show a high level of conservation across a broad range of sequence identities. This shows that conformational space is usually conserved between homologs, even relatively distant ones.
MOC 101—Fundamentals for effective change management
Authors: Faulk Nancy , Costa da Fonseca Camila
Published: June 2022

Management of change (MOC) is the cornerstone of a successful risk‐based process safety (RBPS) management program. Safe operation and maintenance of facilities that manufacture or store hazardous chemicals require robust process safety management (PSM) systems. The MOC element of a PSM program establishes a formal, documented, and authorization process for any proposed changes to manage changes that may introduce unexpected new hazards or increase the risk of existing hazards. Furthermore, the MOC process ensures that changes are communicated to potentially affected personnel, as well as ensures that all affected documentation is updated. A poor MOC program has been a root cause of several process safety incidents, including the Flixborough disaster. The temporary modifications did not go through a proper review process; an effective MOC program could have discovered the design flaws before the change was implemented and prevented the explosion. In addition to case studies such as this, this paper will provide an overview of best management practices and essential features for the MOC element, which can be used as a basis to develop or evaluate existing MOC management systems, and as a result, play a role in identifying hazards, managing risk, and sustaining safe operations.
Does the choice of applied physiologically‐based pharmacokinetics platform matter? A case study on simvastatin disposition and drug–drug interaction
Authors: Prieto Garcia Luna , Lundahl Anna , Ahlström Christine , Vildhede Anna , Lennernäs Hans , Sjögren Erik
Published: June 2022

Physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models have an important role in drug discovery/development and decision making in regulatory submissions. This is facilitated by predefined PBPK platforms with user‐friendly graphical interface, such as Simcyp and PK‐Sim. However, evaluations of platform differences and the potential implications for disposition‐related applications are still lacking. The aim of this study was to assess how PBPK model development, input parameters, and model output are affected by the selection of PBPK platform. This is exemplified via the establishment of simvastatin PBPK models (workflow, final models, and output) in PK‐Sim and Simcyp as representatives of established whole‐body PBPK platforms. The major finding was that the choice of PBPK platform influenced the model development strategy and the final model input parameters, however, the predictive performance of the simvastatin models was still comparable between the platforms. The main differences between the structure and implementation of Simcyp and PK‐Sim were found in the absorption and distribution models. Both platforms predicted equally well the observed simvastatin (lactone and acid) pharmacokinetics (20–80 mg), BCRP and OATP1B1 drug–gene interactions (DGIs), and drug–drug interactions (DDIs) when co‐administered with CYP3A4 and OATP1B1 inhibitors/inducers. This study illustrates that in‐depth knowledge of established PBPK platforms is needed to enable an assessment of the consequences of PBPK platform selection. Specifically, this work provides insights on software differences and potential implications when bridging PBPK knowledge between Simcyp and PK‐Sim users. Finally, it provides a simvastatin model implemented in both platforms for risk assessment of metabolism‐ and transporter‐mediated DGIs and DDIs.
A gridded 30‐year days of thunder climatology for the United Kingdom
Authors: Stone Edmund Keith , Horseman Andrew , Odams Paul , Marlton Graeme
Published: June 2022

Lightning and associated weather (e.g., hail, severe wind, tornado, and heavy rain) can cause severe impacts; therefore, it is important to understand how frequently thunderstorms occur and how the frequency might be changing with time. Published studies until now have been limited to relatively short time periods or extrapolated from low‐resolution surface data. This article presents the methods and results to combine long‐range lightning location network data (precise but inconsistent) with surface observations (less precise but more consistent) to generate a more consistent, more precise gridded days of thunder (DoTs) dataset for the United Kingdom. Both a 30‐year average (1990–2019) and rolling 10‐year averages are evaluated. For the 30‐year averages there is a maximum of ∼ DoTs per year within the domain (over France) with a minimum of between 0 and 1 DoT per year (over the sea), with most of the UK land area having ∼ DoTs per year. The summer shows the peak in DoTs relative to the other seasons. The 10‐year moving averages at either end of the 30 years allow for the trend in DoTs to be assessed. There has been a small (∼ day) reduction in the average DoTs. There is a noteworthy north–south divide (at ∼ N) with a small increase in the number of DoTs per year in the north of the UK and a small reduction in the south. The trends in 10‐year averages of DoTs are analysed for different regions of the United Kingdom (north land, south land, sea, land) over the four seasons. North land summer shows a small (∼) increase in DoTs. All the other areas show a decrease.
Comparisons of some memory‐type control chart for monitoring Weibull‐distributed time between events and some new results
Authors: Li Jin , Yu Dan , Song Zhi , Mukherjee Amitava , Chen Rui , Zhang Jiujun
Published: June 2022

Monitoring Weibull time between event (TBE) processes is essential to avoid deterioration of quality characteristics in various reliability analysis problems. Statistical process monitoring (SPM) charts are widely used to monitor the possible decreasing mean shift. For monitoring such data, many control charts have been proposed in the literature, such as the Weibull exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA) chart, the Weibull cumulative sum (CUSUM) chart, and Mixed EWMA–CUSUM (MEC) chart and Mixed Hybrid EWMA–CUSUM (MHEC) chart. The current investigation revisits their efficacy and compares them with a CUSUM chart based on the generally weighted moving average (GWMA) statistic, labelled as the Mixed GWMA–CUSUM (MGC) chart, to monitor the decreasing mean shift in Weibull TBEs processes. We offer some numerical results based on the Monte‐Carlo simulation, such as average run length (ARL), the standard deviation of the run length (SDRL) and the relative mean index (RMI). Our findings show that the MGC chart often outperforms the existing control charts in detecting small downward shifts. Finally, an illustrative example is given to display the application of the MGC chart for Weibulll data.