Design and fabrication of alternative proton exchange membrane (PEM) with high proton conductivity is crucial to the commercial application of PEM fuel cell. Inspired by the bioadhesion principle, dopamine‐modified halloysite nanotubes (DHNTs) bearing –NH2 and –NH– groups are facilely synthesized by directly immersing natural halloysite nanotubes (HNTs) into dopamine aqueous solution under mild conditions. DHNTs are then embedded into sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) matrix to prepare hybrid membranes. HNTs‐filled hybrid membranes are prepared for comparison. The microstructure and physicochemical properties of the membranes are extensively investigated. Fourier transform infrared analysis implies that ordered acid–base pairs (e.g., –S–O–…+H–HN–, –S–O–…+H–N–) are formed at SPEEK–DHNT interface through strong electrostatic interaction. In such a way, continuous surface‐induced ion‐channels emerge along DHNTs. Although the incorporation of DHNTs reduces the channel size, water uptake, and area swelling of the hybrid membranes, which in turn would reduce the vehicle‐type proton transfer, the acid–base pairs create continuous pathways for fast proton transfer with low energy barrier via Grotthuss mechanism. Consequently, DHNT‐filled hybrid membrane with 15% DHNTs achieves a 30% increase in proton conductivity and a 52% increase in peak power density of single cell when compared with SPEEK control membrane, particularly.

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Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) has become a treatment option for patients with unresectable focal hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Correlation between dose-volumetric parameters and late effects on liver function remain unclear. The purpose of this study is to analyze the factors predictive of liver dysfunction as a late effect after dynamic tumor-tracking (DTT) SBRT for HCC. Materials/Methods: Eligibility criteria in this study were as follows: (1) treated with DTT-SBRT for HCC; (2) received no additional treatment within 6 months after SBRT; (3) sustained virologic response (SVR) had been achieved; and (4) no severe comorbidities. Eleven patients treated at our institution between 2013 and 2015 were enrolled in this study. Following dose-volumetric parameters were calculated; percentage of the liver volume receiving a dose excess of arbitrary doses (e.g. V5 [%] for 5 Gy) and the absolute and the percentage of the liver volume spared from receiving a dose greater than the arbitrary doses (e.g. VS5 [cc] and VS5 [%]) for 5 Gy, 10 Gy, 20 Gy and 30 Gy, respectively. The mainly irradiated lobe of liver (MIL) was defined as the lobe of liver with much more V20 than the other lobe of liver. Dose-volumetric parameters were analyzed for the right, the left and the MIL as well as a whole liver. Laboratory and imaging data of 7 to 12 months after completion of SBRT were analyzed in each patient. Change in liver function was assessed using linear predictor of Albumin-Bilirubin (ALBI) scoring model defined by serous albumin and bilirubin values. Volumetric changes of the liver were also assessed between pre-SBRT and post-SBRT. Spearman correlation was used to evaluate the relationship between continuous variables. Results: Median age was 79 years (range, 66e88). The etiology was HCV (73%), HBV (18%) and other (18%). Median delivered SBRT dose was 48 Gy (range, 40e56 Gy). Nine patients received other local treatment before SBRT. Median linear predictor of ALBI model before SBRT was À2.35 (range, À2.94 to À2.19) and median change in linear predictor was 0.018 (range, À0.72 to 0.56). There was strong correlation between change in linear predictor of ALBI and V5, VS5 [cc] and VS5 [%] of MIL (The Spearman correlation coefficients for V5, VS5 [cc] and VS5 [%] were 0.818, À0.809 and À0.818, respectively). Pre-treatment ALBI score was not a significant predictive factor for late liver dysfunction. Decrease in liver volume did not have a significant correlation with late liver dysfunction. Conclusion: The liver volume irradiated by low dose (V5) and the spared liver volume (VS5) of mainly irradiated lobe of liver were associated with late deterioration of liver function based on ALBI model after DTT-SBRT for HCC.