bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimization of the shale gas reservoir fracture parameters based on the fully coupled gas flow and effective stress model
Authors: Li Diquan , Wang Yuhua , Zeng Bo , Lyu Qiao , Zhou Xiaojin , Zhang Nanqiao
Published: March 2021

Fracture parameters are important for oil and gas production. In this paper, we establish a fully coupled gas flow and effective stress model for the single well multi‐stage hydraulic fracturing shale gas reservoir and analyze the optimal fracture parameters of this model. Firstly, the reservoir consists of single‐porosity medium zone, dual‐porosity medium zone, and hydraulic fracture zone. Then, on the basis of the effective stress mechanism, the theory of porous elastic medium, evolution of fractal dimensions, and the mechanism of fluid transportation, we establish an apparent permeability model of matrix and fracture system to couple the deformation of reservoir and gas flow in matrix. After that, the partial differential equation is solved by COMSOL and verified using the field shale gas production data of Barnett and Marcellus. Finally, the model is used to optimize the fracture parameters. The results show that by increasing the half‐length of hydraulic fracture, the gas production gets the maximum growth, followed by increasing the fracture diversion capacity and width of hydraulic fractures. For the shale gas reservoir with large‐fractured and relatively high permeability, increasing the length of hydraulic fractures can bring higher production, while for the micro‐fractured and low‐permeability, hydraulic fractures with complex shapes can contribute to production increase.
Sinkhole subsidence monitoring combining terrestrial laser scanner and high‐precision levelling
Authors: Sevil Jorge , Benito‐Calvo Alfonso , Gutiérrez Francisco
Published: March 2021

Sinkhole subsidence damage on transportation infrastructure is a particularly problematic hazard that has rapidly increased in numerous karst regions worldwide. The quantitative characterization of the deformation is fundamental for the design of effective mitigation measures and to prevent potential accidents. Nonetheless, there are a limited number of investigations addressing the monitoring of specific active sinkholes through the application of high‐precision and high‐resolution methods. Here, we present a sinkhole monitoring approach including the synergistic combination of high‐precision levelling and high‐resolution terrestrial laser scanner (TLS). The method has been satisfactorily tested in an active sinkhole affecting a railway corridor, which includes conventional and high‐speed railway lines. The main outcome is the first example of low‐error (±3 mm) 3D displacement models of an active sinkhole generated with TLS data without the use of ground control points. The methodological advance related to the 3D geometric alignment of successive point clouds without ground control points simplifies the logistics of TLS data collection and expands the potential sites where this technique can be applied, including non‐accessible areas. The combination of geomorphological mapping and ground‐penetrating radar provided critical data for sinkhole site characterization and design of the monitoring surveys. Subsequently, the integration of high‐precision levelling and TLS data provided accurate information on spatio‐temporal subsidence patterns (rates, kinematic style) and the precise location of the boundaries of the area affected by ground deformation in accessible and non‐accessible zones.
The effects of pH and NaCl concentration on the structure of β‐casein from buffalo milk
Authors: Wu Kong Yang , Yang Tong Xiang , Li Quan Yang
Published: March 2021

In the present study, we aimed to investigate the effects of pH and sodium chloride (NaCl) concentration on the structure of β‐casein (β‐CN) purified from buffalo milk using circular dichroism (CD), intrinsic tryptophan, and anilino‐8‐naphthalene sulfonate (ANS) fluorescence spectroscopy. We found that NaCl concentration played a critical role in the stability of the secondary structure of β‐CN. The CD negative peak had a redshift as the NaCl concentration was increased and accompanied by a decrease of β‐sheet content and an increase of α‐helix content. ANS fluorescence spectroscopy also indicated that higher NaCl concentration and lower pH significantly affected the tertiary structure of β‐CN. Dynamic light scattering (DLS) results showed that the particle size of buffalo β‐CN had a blueshift, and then a redshift within the pH range of 5.0–7.5, and it showed a redshift when the NaCl concentration was increased.
World Health Organization building blocks in rural community health services: An integrative review
Authors: Stockton Deborah A. , Fowler Cathrine , Debono Deborah , Travaglia Joanne
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Developing and adapting health service models to effectively meet the needs of rural and remote communities is an international priority given inequities in health outcomes compared with metropolitan counterparts. This integrative review aims to inform rural and remote health service delivery systems by drawing on the WHO Framework building blocks to identify lessons learned from the literature describing experiences of rural and remote community health service planning and implementation; and inform recommendations to strengthen often disadvantaged rural and remote health systems for policy makers, health service managers, and those implementing international healthcare initiatives within these contexts.

Methods

The integrative review examined the literature reporting rural and remote community health service delivery published from 2007 to 2017 (the decade following the release of the WHO Framework). Using an analytic frame, a structured template was developed to extract data and categorized against the WHO building blocks, followed by a synthesis of the key findings.

Results

This integrative review identified that WHO Framework building blocks such as “Service Delivery” and “Health Workforce” are commonly reflected in rural and remote community health service delivery literature in the decade since the Framework's release. However, others such as “Sustainable Funding and Social Protection” are less commonly reported in the literature despite these elements being identified by the WHO as being integral to successful, sustainable health service delivery systems.

Conclusions

We found that collaboration across the health system governance continuum from local to policy level is an essential enabler for rural and remote health service delivery. Community‐based participatory action research provides an opportunity to learn from one another, build capacity, optimize service model suitability, and promotes cultural safety by demonstrating respect and inclusivity in decision‐making. Policy makers and funders need to acknowledge the time and resources required to build trust and community coalitions to inform effective planning and implementation.
Comparison of three biopsy forceps for hysteroscopic endometrial biopsy in postmenopausal patients (HYGREB‐1): A multicenter, single‐blind randomized clinical trial
Authors: Vitale Salvatore Giovanni , Laganà Antonio Simone , Caruso Salvatore , Garzon Simone , Vecchio Giada Maria , La Rosa Valentina Lucia , Casarin Jvan , Ghezzi Fabio
Published: March 2021

Objective

To compare three types of biopsy forceps for hysteroscopic endometrial biopsy in postmenopausal women.

Methods

Postmenopausal women undergoing operative hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy for abnormal uterine bleeding or endometrial thickness (≥5 mm) were included. Operative hysteroscopy with endometrial biopsy was performed by hysteroscopic forceps. Women were randomized (1:1:1 ratio) in three groups and allocated to undergo endometrial biopsy by hysteroscopy using spoon, alligator, or snake forceps.

Results

Seventy‐five women were included in the study, 25 in each group. The duration of the biopsy was comparable between the three groups (P = 0.334) with a median of 180 seconds (range 20–480 seconds). No differences were observed about the number of attempts (P = 0.602), the use of another instrument (P = 0.276), and the biopsy appropriateness (P = 0.592). The spoon forceps group reported higher levels of pain compared to the alligator and snake forceps groups (P < 0.001). The spoon forceps received significantly lower scores by the operator compared to the alligator and snake forceps (P < 0.001). The alligator and snake forceps reported wider biopsy than the spoon forceps (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Snake and alligator hysteroscopic forceps may be considered the first choice to perform an endometrial biopsy in postmenopausal women.

ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT03427957.
T‐cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain, as a potential immune checkpoint target for immunotherapy of colorectal cancer
Authors: Fathi Mehrdad , Pustokhina Inna , Kuznetsov Sergey V. , Khayrullin Mars , Hojjat‐Farsangi Mohammad , Karpisheh Vahid , Jalili Ali , Jadidi‐Niaragh Farhad
Published: March 2021

The importance of the tumor microenvironment in cancer progression has been well studied for many years. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are regarded as potential strategies in enhancing the immune responses in patients with cancer, particularly colorectal cancer (CRC). Notably, CRCs are extraordinarily heterogeneous and mostly are microsatellite‐stable (MSS) or cold tumors, which means that the immune response is not usually as strong as that of foreign cells. T‐cell immunoglobulin and ITIM domain (TIGIT) is a new immune checkpoint receptor overexpressed inside the CRC tumor‐immune microenvironments. Moreover, several studies have shown that TIGIT in combination with other ICIs and/or conventional treatments, can lead to a robust anti‐tumor response in CRC. This review looks deep inside TIGIT expression patterns, their various functions, and possible immunotherapy strategies to increase survival rates and decrease immune‐related adverse events.
Advancing the Counseling Profession Through Contemporary Quantitative Approaches
Authors: Wood Andrew W. , Dorais Stephanie , Gutierrez Daniel , Moore C. Missy , Schmit Michael K.
Published: March 2021

To advance the counseling profession, researchers must look to contemporary research designs that provide more thorough, consistent, or reliable results. In this article, we describe four unique quantitative methods: single‐case research design, dyadic data analysis, profile analysis, and nonlinear analysis. We detail the utility, application, and recommendations for use associated with each approach, including advances in the methods reviewed for future consideration in counseling research.
Promoting Rigorous Research by Examining Lived Experiences: A Review of Four Qualitative Traditions
Authors: Prosek Elizabeth A. , Gibson Donna M.
Published: March 2021

Counseling researchers often use qualitative research methods to explore phenomena. In particular, lived experience designs seek to answer how, what, and why questions to develop meaning or theory from the context and the people who lived the phenomenon. We review four lived experience traditions: phenomenology, consensual qualitative research, narrative inquiry, and case study. The appropriateness of these methods for counseling research and guidelines for design are presented. Recommendations for reporting coherence among the essential elements of a qualitative design are discussed to strengthen counseling researchers' adherence to exemplary practices.
Promoting Rigorous Research Using Innovative Qualitative Approaches
Authors: Wester Kelly L. , Morris Carrie A. Wachter , Trustey Caroline E. , Cory Jaimie S. , Grossman Lindsey M.
Published: March 2021

An increased understanding of research methodologies that can examine the outcomes or processes in counseling—as well as be inclusive of marginalized voices—is important in the counseling field. Understanding the components and interventions that are effective in counseling can help counseling professionals provide services that are more efficacious. Additionally, marginalized client voices are needed in scholarship, particularly in counseling process‐ and outcome‐based research; thus, it is imperative to utilize a variety of research methods, including emergent, qualitative methodologies. We review Q methodology, participatory action research, and photovoice, including each method's utility and application to counseling, procedural aspects, and critiques and recommendations. Compared with other research methods, these methods cater more toward the inclusion of marginalized voices by incorporating action steps toward change based on the findings.
Contemporary Issues in Reporting Statistical, Practical, and Clinical Significance in Counseling Research
Authors: Balkin Richard S. , Lenz A. Stephen
Published: March 2021

Null hypothesis statistical testing (NHST) represents a primary method of addressing quantitative results in counseling research. The use of NHST and the expression of results are often limited to the populations of interest, and many studies may not be replicable. Furthermore, the communication of results in terms of practical and clinical significance is not simply an extension of NHST but rather a necessary endeavor to communicate accurate and useful results. Communication and elucidation of effect size and confidence intervals, presentation of visual depictions of data, and alternative measures to express clinical significance are highlighted. Limitations of NHST, the necessary results to illuminate findings related to NHST, and heuristic examples for counseling researchers when reporting the results of their studies are provided. Further emphasis on the aforementioned areas will enhance understanding of results to stakeholders and increase the functionality and scholarly utility of counseling research.
Surfactant‐aided mycoremediation of soil contaminated with polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAHs): progress, limitation, and countermeasures
Authors: Rathankumar Abiram Karanam , Saikia Kongkona , Kumar Ponnusamy Senthil , Varjani Sunita , Kalita Shravani , Bharadwaj Nikhil , George Jenet , Vaidyanathan Vinoth Kumar
Published: March 2021

Soil contaminated with hydrophobic organic hydrocarbons, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), pose a serious threat to the ecosystem and human health. Moreover, the sorption and desorption of the PAHs, due to the interaction with the soil organic matter (SOM) and other contaminants, greatly affect the fate and mycoremediation efficiency of the contaminated soil. On the other hand, the application of surfactants with or without additives for the mobilization of PAHs from contaminated soil has garnered increasing attention for soil remediation. In this context, several commercial surfactants and biosurfactants were reported either as soil flushing agents or soil additives, followed by either in situ or ex situ mycoremediation of the PAHs from contaminated soil. Hence, for a successful implementation of surfactants for mycoremediation of contaminated soil, a comprehensive introspection on its chemistry and mechanism is necessary. Thus, this review focuses primarily on understanding the effect of surfactants and the mechanism of desorption of PAHs from the soil. This work also emphasizes the effect of surfactants on the efficiency of mycoremediation of contaminated soil. Further, the review summarizes various surfactant‐assisted mycoremediation strategies of contaminated soil. Finally, the limitations of surfactant‐assisted mycoremediation, precipitative, and partitioning loss, along with toxicity of the surfactants, were reviewed. Thus, this review will aid in understanding the underlying mechanism and efficiency of surfactant‐assisted mycoremediation and it also proposes current research trends to improve the efficiency and enhance the bioremediation of PAHs‐contaminated soil. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
An image‐based approach for quantitative assessment of uniformity in particle distribution of noise reduction material
Authors: Tan Hua , Huang Zhang‐Can , Zhu Si‐Rong , He Lang , Fang Xi
Published: March 2021

Under the background of noise pollution caused by railway development, noise reduction material is worthy of in‐depth study. A uniform distribution of particles in the material has an important influence on sound absorption property. In this article, the relevant image processing technology is applied to get structure information to quantify the uniformity. The main contributions of this study are: (a) In the preprocessing stage, SEM cross‐sectional image of material is processed by mean filter and histogram equalization. Therefore, the grayscale and the contrast between target and background are enhanced, and a low‐quality image is transformed into a high‐quality one. (b) In the locating stage, local details of the image are considered to discriminate each particle from the whole image. When a global threshold is combined with the local iteration threshold, an improved Otsu algorithm is designed to binarize the image. Through morphology transforming, area filtering, and hole filling, the connected domain of target can be found and particles are located. (c) In the assessing stage, area index, number index and local distance index are established for assessing the uniformity of pore distribution. The experimental results indicate that statistical analysis is consistent with human visual observation. The smaller the porosity is, the better the uniformity is. Compared with some important methods, the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach could be illustrated.
State of the art of bacterial chemotaxis
Authors: Karmakar Richa
Published: March 2021

Bacterial chemotaxis is a biased movement of bacteria toward the beneficial chemical gradient or away from a toxic chemical gradient. This movement is achieved by sensing a chemical gradient by chemoreceptors. In most of the chemotaxis studies, Escherichia coli has been used as a model organism. E. coli have about 4–6 flagella on their surfaces, and the motility is achieved by rotating the flagella. Each flagellum has reversible flagellar motors at its base, which rotate the flagella in counterclockwise and clockwise directions to achieve “run” and “tumble.” The chemotaxis of bacteria is regulated by a network of interacting proteins. The sensory signal is processed and transmitted to the flagellar motor by cytoplasmic proteins. Bacterial chemotaxis plays an important role in many biological processes such as biofilm formation, quorum sensing, bacterial pathogenesis, and host infection. Bacterial chemotaxis can be applied for bioremediation, horizontal gene transfer, drug delivery, or maybe some other industry in near future. This review contains an overview of bacterial chemotaxis, recent findings of the physiological importance of bacterial chemotaxis in other biological processes, and the application of bacterial chemotaxis.
Post–Liver Transplant Early Allograft Dysfunction Modifies the Effect of Pre–Liver Transplant Renal Dysfunction on Post–Liver Transplant Survival
Authors: Wadei Hani M. , Keaveny Andrew P. , Taner C. Burcin , Yang Liu , Mai Martin L. , Hodge David O. , White Launia J. , Mao Shennen A. , Jarmi Tambi , Croome Kristopher P.
Published: March 2021

Pre–liver transplantation (LT) renal dysfunction is associated with poor post‐LT survival. We studied whether early allograft dysfunction (EAD) modifies this association. Data on 2,856 primary LT recipients who received a transplant between 1998 and 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients who died within the first post‐LT week or received multiorgan transplants and previous LT recipients were excluded. EAD was defined as (1) total bilirubin ≥ 10 mg/dL on postoperative day (POD) 7, (2) international normalized ratio ≥1.6 on POD 7, and/or (3) alanine aminotransferase or aspartate aminotransferase ≥2000 IU/mL in the first postoperative week. Pre‐LT renal dysfunction was defined as serum creatinine >1.5 mg/dL or on renal replacement therapy at LT. Patients were divided into 4 groups according to pre‐LT renal dysfunction and post‐LT EAD development. Recipients who had both pre‐LT renal dysfunction and post‐LT EAD had the worst unadjusted 1‐year, 3‐year, and 5‐year post‐LT patient and graft survival, whereas patients who had neither renal dysfunction nor EAD had the best survival (P < 0.001). After adjusting for multiple factors, the risk of death was significantly higher only in those with both pre‐LT renal dysfunction and post‐LT EAD (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 2.19; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.58‐3.03; P < 0.001), whereas those with renal dysfunction and no EAD had a comparable risk of death to those with normal kidney function at LT (aHR, 1.12; 95% CI, 0.86‐1.45; P = 0.41). Results remained unchanged when pre‐LT renal dysfunction was redefined using different glomerular filtration rate cutoffs. Pre‐LT renal dysfunction negatively impacts post‐LT survival only in patients who develop EAD. Livers at higher risk of post‐LT EAD should be used with caution in recipients with pre‐LT renal dysfunction.
Total number of reads affects the accuracy of fetal fraction estimates in NIPT
Authors: Miceikaitė Ieva , Brasch‐Andersen Charlotte , Fagerberg Christina , Larsen Martin Jakob
Published: March 2021

Background

Sufficient fetal fraction (FF) is crucial for quality control of NIPT (Non‐Invasive Prenatal Test) results. Different factors influencing bioinformatic estimation of FF should be considered when implementing NIPT. To what extent the total number of sequencing reads influences FF estimate has been unexplored. In this study, to test the robustness of SeqFF FF estimation and provide additional recommendations for NIPT analysis quality control, we compared the SeqFF FF estimates with two other methods and investigated how the number of sequencing reads and FF level affects the accuracy and precision of FF estimates.

Methods

WGS data of 516 NIPT samples from a prenatal screening program was obtained. Sample data were randomly downsampled by the read count, and FF was calculated by SeqFF software. Then, the outcome was compared with FF estimates from SNP‐ and chrY‐based methods. FF estimated with different read counts and FF levels were compared with FF at 30 M reads as a reference.

Results

SeqFF FF highly correlates with SNP‐ and chrY‐based FF estimates. Raising read count from 2 M to 10 M drastically increased the accuracy of FF estimates. After adding more reads, we saw a further improvement in FF accuracy, reaching a plateau at 20 M reads. Precision of SeqFF FF estimate is independent of FF level in the sample.

Conclusion

SeqFF is a robust method for FF estimation for both genders and for any FF level in range 2–13%. Accuracy of FF estimates highly depends on the read count. We recommend using no less than 10 M reads to achieve accurate FF estimates for NIPT analysis in clinical settings.
Traveling wavefronts for density‐dependent diffusion reaction convection equation with time delay
Authors: Zhao Zhihong , Li Liting , Feng Zhaosheng
Published: March 2021

We are concerned with the existence of traveling waves for density‐dependent diffusion reaction nonlinear convection equations with small time delay. We first study the existence and uniqueness of smooth and sharp‐type traveling wavefront solution of the wave speed c ≥ c∗ for equation without time delay, where c∗ is the minimal wave speed. Meanwhile, we construct a variational principle for c∗ from which the upper bound of c∗ is determined, while the lower bound of c∗ is attained by using the phase plane analysis. Then, we obtain the existence of smooth traveling wavefront solution for equation with small time delay for c > c∗ by applying the perturbation method and implicit function theorem.
A fast spectral divide‐and‐conquer method for banded matrices
Authors: Šušnjara Ana , Kressner Daniel
Published: March 2021

Based on the spectral divide‐and‐conquer algorithm by Nakatsukasa and Higham [SIAM J. Sci. Comput., 35(3):A1325–A1349, 2013], we propose a new algorithm for computing all the eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a symmetric banded matrix with small bandwidth, with the eigenvectors given implicitly as a product of orthonormal matrices stored in the so‐called hierarchically off‐diagonal low‐rank (HODLR) format. For this purpose, we combine our previous work on the fast computation of spectral projectors in the HODLR format, with a novel technique for extracting a basis for the range of such a HODLR matrix. Preliminary numerical experiments demonstrate that our algorithm exhibits quasi‐linear complexity for matrices that can be efficiently represented in the HODLR format throughout the divide‐and‐conquer algorithm, and allows for conveniently dealing with such large‐scale matrices.
Similarity of subjective symptoms between autism spectrum disorder and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder in adults: Preliminary findings
Authors: Nakagawa Akari , Hayashi Wakaho , Nishio Takashi , Hanawa Yoichi , Aoyagi Keisuke , Okajima Yuka , Iwanami Akira
Published: March 2021

Aim

The purpose of this study was to examine the symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in the adult clinical population using the Autism‐Spectrum Quotient (AQ) and the Adult ADHD Rating Scales self‐report screening version (CAARS‐S:SV).

Methods

We included 50 adults with ASD and 52 with ADHD diagnosed using the DSM‐5 criteria. Clinical symptoms were evaluated using the AQ and CAARS‐S:SV.

Results

The AQ score was elevated in the ADHD group and the CAARS scores were increased in the ASD group. Specifically, the total AQ score in adults with ADHD was lower than that in the ASD group, but was higher than that in controls. Similarly, the CAARS scores in adults with ASD were lower than in those with ADHD, but were higher than those in controls. No significant correlations were found between AQ, CAARS Inattention/Memory Problems, and CAARS Hyperactivity/Restlessness scores in both the ASD and ADHD groups.

Conclusion

While adults with ASD and ADHD exhibited similar clinical symptoms, the absence of AQ‐CAARS correlations suggests the need for examining factors other than the apparent similarity of clinical symptoms of the two disorders.
Plasminogen Activator Urokinase Receptor Implies Immunosuppressive Features and Acts as an Unfavorable Prognostic Biomarker in Glioma
Authors: Zeng Fan , Li Guanzhang , Liu Xiu , Zhang Kenan , Huang Hua , Jiang Tao , Zhang Ying
Published: March 2021

Background

Clinical outcomes of patients with glioma are still poor, even after standard treatments, including surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. New therapeutic strategies and targets for glioma are urgently needed. Plasminogen activator urokinase receptor (PLAUR), a highly glycosylated integral membrane protein, is reported to modulate plasminogen activation and extracellular matrix degradation in many malignant cancers, but its role in gliomas remains unclear.

Methods

Glioma samples with mRNA sequencing data and clinical information from the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (n = 310) data set and The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 611) data set were collected for this study. Analyses using Kaplan-Meier plots, time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curves, Cox regression, and nomograms were conducted to evaluate the prognostic performance of PLAUR expression. Analyses using Metascape, ESTIMATE, EPIC, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to reveal the potential biological mechanism. The statistical analysis and graphical work were completed using SPSS, R language, and GraphPad Prism.

Results

PLAUR was highly expressed in phenotypes associated with glioma malignancy and could serve as an independent prognostic indicator. Functional analysis revealed the correlation between PLAUR and immune response. Further studies found that samples with higher PLAUR expression were infiltrated with fewer CD8 T cells and many more M2 macrophages. Strong positive correlation was demonstrated between PLAUR expression and some immunosuppressive markers, including immune checkpoints and cytokines. These findings were also confirmed in patient samples.

Conclusion

Our results elucidated the clinical significance and immunosuppressive effect of PLAUR in gliomas, which might provide some clues in glioma immunotherapy.

Implications for Practice

Although the efficacy of immunotherapy has been verified in other tumors, its application in glioma is impeded because of the unique microenvironment. Tumor-associated macrophages, which are particularly abundant in a glioma mass, contribute much to the immunosuppressive microenvironment and offer new opportunities in glioma immunotherapy. The results of this study identified plasminogen activator urokinase receptor (PLAUR) expression as a potential marker to predict the infiltration of macrophages and the status of immune microenvironment in patients with glioma, suggesting that treatment decisions could be based on PLAUR level when administering immunotherapeutics. The soluble PLAUR in blood and other body fluids would make this approach easy to implement in the clinic.
Symptom Burden and Palliative Care Needs of Patients with Incurable Cancer at Diagnosis and During the Disease Course
Authors: Vogt Jeannette , Beyer Franziska , Sistermanns Jochen , Kuon Jonas , Kahl Christoph , Alt-Epping Bernd , Stevens Susanne , Ahlborn Miriam , George Christian , Heider Andrea , Tienken Maria , Loquai Carmen , Stahlhut Kerstin , Ruellan Anne , Kubin Thomas , Dietz Andreas , Oechsle Karin , Mehnert-Theuerkauf Anja , Oorschot Birgitt , Thomas Michael , Ortmann Olaf , Engel Christoph , Lordick Florian
Published: March 2021

Background

Although current guidelines advocate early integration of palliative care, symptom burden and palliative care needs of patients at diagnosis of incurable cancer and along the disease trajectory are understudied.

Material and Methods

We assessed distress, symptom burden, quality of life, and supportive care needs in patients with newly diagnosed incurable cancer in a prospective longitudinal observational multicenter study. Patients were evaluated using validated self-report measures (National Comprehensive Cancer Network Distress Thermometer [DT], Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy [FACT], Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life [SEIQoL-Q], Patients Health Questionnaire-4 [PHQ-4], modified Supportive Care Needs Survey [SCNS-SF-34]) at baseline (T0) and at 3 (T1), 6 (T2), and 12 months (T3) follow-up.

Results

From October 2014 to October 2016, 500 patients (219 women, 281 men; mean age 64.2 years) were recruited at 20 study sites in Germany following diagnosis of incurable metastatic, locally advanced, or recurrent lung (217), gastrointestinal (156), head and neck (55), gynecological (57), and skin (15) cancer. Patients reported significant distress (DT score ≥ 5) after diagnosis, which significantly decreased over time (T0: 67.2%, T1: 51.7%, T2: 47.9%, T3: 48.7%). The spectrum of reported symptoms was broad, with considerable variety between and within the cancer groups. Anxiety and depressiveness were most prevalent early in the disease course (T0: 30.8%, T1: 20.1%, T2: 14.7%, T3: 16.9%). The number of patients reporting unmet supportive care needs decreased over time (T0: 71.8 %, T1: 61.6%, T2: 58.1%, T3: 55.3%).

Conclusion

Our study confirms a variable and mostly high symptom burden at the time of diagnosis of incurable cancer, suggesting early screening by using standardized tools and underlining the usefulness of early palliative care.

Implications for Practice

A better understanding of symptom burden and palliative care needs of patients with newly diagnosed incurable cancer may guide clinical practice and help to improve the quality of palliative care services. The results of this study provide important information for establishing palliative care programs and related guidelines. Distress, symptom burden, and the need for support vary and are often high at the time of diagnosis. These findings underscore the need for implementation of symptom screening as well as early palliative care services, starting at the time of diagnosis of incurable cancer and tailored according to patients’ needs.
An investigation of the push–pull factors influencing student selection of higher education: The case of Arabian Gulf students in theUK
Authors: Hailat Khaled Qassem , Alsmadi Sami , Nassar Mona , Chung Sean B.
Published: March 2021

The internationalization of students in tertiary education has increased worldwide for the past 20 years. International students (IS) are considered consumers of Higher Education (HE) in host countries and are often a significant contributor to many countries' economies. This paper explores the push and pull factors that influence international Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) students to select Higher Education in the UK as a preferred destination of choice and the potential implications this may have for the wider international student body. The authors utilized face‐to‐face interviews and purposive sampling of 40 undergraduate students from a university in the UK North West. The sample was nationals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. NVivo11 software was utilized by the researchers to facilitate data management and analysis. Analysis revealed six main push factors that led those sampled to depart their home country and pursue their university education in the UK. Alternatively, there were 10 pull factors that encouraged GCC students to pursue their university education in the UK. It is imperative that UK Higher Education institutions/universities are cognizant of the push/pull factors that boost GCC international students' intake at their institutions since there is an observable decline in international student numbers in recent years that can negatively impact the said universities and the wider UK economy.
Wide spectral coverage (0.7–2.2 eV) lattice‐matched multijunction solar cells based on AlGaInP, AlGaAs and GaInNAsSb materials
Authors: Aho Arto , Isoaho Riku , Raappana Marianna , Aho Timo , Anttola Elina , Lyytikäinen Jari , Hietalahti Arttu , Polojärvi Ville , Tukiainen Antti , Reuna Jarno , Peltomaa Leo , Guina Mircea
Published: March 2021

We report on the progress in developing lattice‐matched GaAs‐based solar cells with focus on developing AlGaInP, AlGaAs, and GaInNAsSb materials, aiming at achieving a wide spectral coverage, that is, 0.7–2.2 eV. To this end, we first benchmark the performance of an upright four‐junction GaInP/GaAs/GaInNAsSb/GaInNAsSb solar cells grown by molecular beam epitaxy on p‐GaAs substrates with bandgaps of 1.88, 1.42, 1.17, and 0.93 eV, respectively. The four‐junction cell exhibited an efficiency of ~39% at 560‐sun illumination while showing good electrical performance even up to 1000 suns. As a first step to further improve the efficiency toward 50% level, we demonstrate AlGaInP (>2 eV) and GaInNAsSb (<0.8 eV) subcells. We prove that AlGaInP cells with 0.1 Al composition would exhibit current‐matching condition when being incorporated in a five‐junction architecture together with two GaInNAsSb bottom and AlGaAs top junctions. Furthermore, current matching required for a six‐junction tandem architecture is achieved for an Al composition of 0.26. Overall, the results open a practical path toward fabrication of lattice‐matched solar cells with more than four junctions.
Thermocouple Temperature Measurements in Metalized Explosive Fireballs
Authors: Frost David L. , Clemenson John‐Mark , Goroshin Samuel , Zhang Fan , Soo Michael
Published: March 2021

The detonation of a metalized explosive generates a fireball that has a spatially non‐uniform distribution of particle concentration and gas temperature. The transient gas temperature field must be probed with ruggedized spatially‐ and temporally‐resolved diagnostics. The use of in‐situ thermocouples for temperature measurements within multiphase fireballs is demonstrated. Although the thermocouple temperature lags behind the local gas temperature, the transient gas temperature is assessed by modeling the sensor assuming first‐order response and using two analysis methods: (1) when the thermocouple temperature trace reaches a local extrema, the thermocouple temperature is instantaneously equal to the local gas temperature, and (2) reconstructing the gas temperature trace using multiple co‐located thermocouples of different lag responses. The temperature history within the fireball at various distances is presented for charges consisting of packed beds of particles saturated with liquid nitromethane. The results for reactive particles (Al, Ti, Zr) are compared with non‐reactive particles (Fe), as well as homogeneous NM charges. For NM charges, a maximum gas temperature of about 1100 K occurs at times on the order of 100’s of milliseconds, less than the temperature of the burning soot in the fireball (∼1900 K). With Al particles, the gas temperature is spatially non‐uniform due to particle jetting and non‐uniform particle combustion, but gas temperatures up to about 1800 K are recorded for times up to 0.5 s, less than the temperature of the burning particles (∼2700 K). Inert particles act as a heat sink and the thermocouple temperatures recorded did not exceed 400 K.
An odorant‐binding protein of Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri, participates in the response of host plant volatiles
Authors: Liu Xiao‐Qiang , Jiang Hong‐Bo , Fan Jia‐Yao , Liu Tian‐Yuan , Meng Li‐Wei , Liu Yi , Yu Hai‐Zhong , Dou Wei , Wang Jin‐Jun
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Odorant‐binding proteins (OBPs) in insects contribute to the sensitivity of the olfactory system and connect external odorants to olfactory receptor neurons. Determination of the chemosensory functions in Diaphorina citri, a vector of the citrus Huanglongbing pathogen, may help in developing a potential target for pest management.

RESULTS

Diaphorina citri showed dose‐dependent electroantennogram recording (EAG) responses to 12 host plant volatiles. A two‐choice behavioral trap experiment showed that four compounds (methyl salicylate, linalool, citral and R‐(+)‐limonene) that elicited high EAG responses also had significant attraction to adults. The expression profiles induced by these compounds were detected in nine OBP genes, DcitOBP1–9. DcitOBP3, DcitOBP6 and DcitOBP7 commonly showed significant upregulation or downregulation compared with the control. Microscale thermophoresis (MST) showed that the recombinant protein DcitOBP7 had high in vitro binding affinities (Kd < 10 μm) to methyl salicylate, linalool and R‐(+)‐limonene, and moderate binding affinity to citral with a Kd value of 15.95 μm. Furthermore, RNA interference (RNAi)‐suppressed messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of DcitOBP7 resulted in a significant reduction in EAG activity and in adult D. citri behavioral responses to tested volatiles and the preferred host, Murraya paniculata. The hydrophilic residue Arg107 of DcitOBP7 may have a key role in binding odorants via formation of hydrogen bonds.

CONCLUSION

These results show that DcitOBP7 plays an important role in the olfactory response. This finding may provide new insight into the functions of OBP families in D. citri and aid in the development of safe strategies for managing D. citri populations. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Comprehensive PBPK model to predict drug interaction potential of Zanubrutinib as a victim or perpetrator
Authors: Wang Kun , Yao Xueting , Zhang Miao , Liu Dongyang , Gao Yuying , Sahasranaman Srikumar , Ou Ying C.
Published: March 2021

A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) model was developed to evaluate and predict (1) the effect of concomitant cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) inhibitors or inducers on the exposures of zanubrutinib, (2) the effect of zanubrutinib on the exposures of CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and CYP2B6 substrates, and (3) the impact of gastric pH changes on the pharmacokinetics of zanubrutinib. The model was developed based on physicochemical and in vitro parameters, as well as clinical data, including pharmacokinetic data in patients with B‐cell malignancies and in healthy volunteers from two clinical drug‐drug interaction (DDI) studies of zanubrutinib as a victim of CYP modulators (itraconazole, rifampicin) or a perpetrator (midazolam). This PBPK model was successfully validated to describe the observed plasma concentrations and clinical DDIs of zanubrutinib. Model predictions were generally within 1.5‐fold of the observed clinical data. The PBPK model was used to predict untested clinical scenarios; these simulations indicated that strong, moderate, and mild CYP3A inhibitors may increase zanubrutinib exposures by approximately four‐fold, two‐ to three‐fold, and <1.5‐fold, respectively. Strong and moderate CYP3A inducers may decrease zanubrutinib exposures by two‐ to three‐fold or greater. The PBPK simulations showed that clinically relevant concentrations of zanubrutinib, as a DDI perpetrator, would have no or limited impact on the enzyme activity of CYP2B6 and CYP2C8. Simulations indicated that zanubrutinib exposures are not impacted by acid‐reducing agents. Development of a PBPK model for zanubrutinib as a DDI victim and perpetrator in parallel can increase confidence in PBPK models supporting zanubrutinib label dose recommendations.
Improved performance of identification and adaptive control schemes using fractional operators
Authors: Gallegos Javier A. , Duarte‐Mermoud Manuel A.
Published: March 2021

In this article, we address the problem of designing high‐performance adaptive schemes for control and identification applications. Specifically, we propose an estimator with two extra degrees of freedom (DOF) and prove that the choice of them enhances the transient and robust performance while keeping the asymptotic convergence. These two DOF appear when one allows a fractional‐order for derivatives and integrals in the formal expression of a gradient‐like estimator with memory. It is shown that the resulting enhancement in the performance is enlarged when noninteger values are assigned to these DOF. The estimator is used to robustly solve a tracking control problem for uncertain (integer‐order) nonlinear dynamical systems in strict‐feedback form. A numerical example illustrates that the performance features of the proposed estimator are inherited in the closed‐loop behavior.
Exact computation of maximal allowable delay for general second‐order multi‐agents consensus
Authors: Ma Dan , Chen Jie , Chai Tianyou
Published: March 2021

The delay consensus margin (DCM) defines the largest delay range within which a distributed feedback control protocol can achieve and maintain the consensus robustly against uncertain time delays. This article investigates the exact computation of the DCM for general second‐order multi‐agent systems (MASs) under distributed proportional‐derivative (PD) feedback, or alternatively known as position and velocity feedback protocols over undirected graphs. We consider MASs with uncertain constant delays, and derive the DCM expression for second‐order agents and show that it can be determined by solving a non‐smooth quasi‐concave optimization problem. The DCM as such, can be computed via convex optimization methods.
Optimal and ethical designs for hypothesis testing in multi‐arm exponential trials
Authors: Frieri Rosamarie , Zagoraiou Maroussa
Published: March 2021

Multi‐arm clinical trials are complex experiments which involve several objectives. The demand for unequal allocations in a multi‐treatment context is growing and adaptive designs are being increasingly used in several areas of medical research. For uncensored and censored exponential responses, we propose a constrained optimization approach in order to derive the design maximizing the power of the multivariate test of homogeneity, under a suitable ethical constraint. In the absence of censoring, we obtain a very simple closed‐form solution that dominates the balanced design in terms of power and ethics. Our suggestion can also accommodate delayed responses and staggered entries, and can be implemented via response adaptive rules. While other targets proposed in the literature could present an unethical behavior, the suggested optimal allocation is frequently unbalanced by assigning more patients to the best treatment, both in the absence and presence of censoring. We evaluate the operating characteristics of our proposal theoretically and by simulations, also redesigning a real lung cancer trial, showing that the constrained optimal target guarantees very good performances in terms of ethical demands, power and estimation precision. Therefore, it is a valid and useful tool in designing clinical trials, especially oncological trials and clinical experiments for grave and novel infectious diseases, where the ethical concern is of primary importance.
Appreciating the First Line of the Human Innate Immune Defense: A Strategy to Model and Alleviate the Neutrophil Elastase‐Mediated Attack toward Bioactivated Biomaterials
Authors: Blum Carina , Taskin Mehmet Berat , Shan Junwen , Schilling Tatjana , Schlegelmilch Katrin , Teßmar Jörg , Groll Jürgen
Published: March 2021

Biointerface engineering is a wide‐spread strategy to improve the healing process and subsequent tissue integration of biomaterials. Especially the integration of specific peptides is one promising strategy to promote the regenerative capacity of implants and 3D scaffolds. In vivo, these tailored interfaces are, however, first confronted with the innate immune response. Neutrophils are cells with pronounced proteolytic potential and the first recruited immune cells at the implant site; nonetheless, they have so far been underappreciated in the design of biomaterial interfaces. Herein, an in vitro approach is introduced to model and analyze the neutrophil interaction with bioactivated materials at the example of nano‐bioinspired electrospun surfaces that reveals the vulnerability of a given biointerface design to the contact with neutrophils. A sacrificial, transient hydrogel coating that demonstrates optimal protection for peptide‐modified surfaces and thus alleviates the immediate cleavage by neutrophil elastase is further introduced.
RUE: A caching method for identifying and managing hot data by leveraging resource utilization efficiency
Authors: Ai Liang , Deng Yuhui , Zhou Yi , Feng Hao
Published: March 2021

In this study, we propose a caching method called RUE for dynamic large‐scale data streams. We define a data model to facilitate hot data identification and management. At the heart of RUE model is hot degree that takes into account two factors data resource utilization efficiency and reuse distance, aiming to quantitatively reflect data popularity in a dynamic data stream. Based on data's hot degree, RUE classifies data into four types, each of which is assigned with an associated cache residence time. Guided by RUE model, we develop HM algorithm to identify and manage hot data in a dynamic data stream. HM algorithm is implemented by four stacks, namely, new stack, short stack, long stack, and temp stack. Moreover, an eviction and a migration algorithms are integrated into HM to facilitate block replacement and migration. To evaluate the performance of HM algorithm, we quantitatively compare the performance of RUE with three state‐of‐art algorithms, namely, LRU, LIRS, and ARC under various replacement policies, operations, and workloads. Experimental results show that RUE outperforms these three existing algorithms in terms of both read and write hit rates. Furthermore, we show that with the four stacks in place, the computing overhead of HM is negligible.
Factorization identities and algebraic Bethe ansatz for $$ {D}_2^{(2)} $$ models
Authors: Nepomechie Rafael I. , Retore Ana L.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We express $$ {D}_2^{(2)} $$

D
2

2

transfer matrices as products of $$ {A}_1^{(1)} $$

A
1

1

transfer matrices, for both closed and open spin chains. We use these relations, which we call factorization identities, to solve the models by algebraic Bethe ansatz. We also formulate and solve a new integrable XXZ-like open spin chain with an even number of sites that depends on a continuous parameter, which we interpret as the rapidity of the boundary.