bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two-Dimension Shape Measurement System for MEMS Using Micro-Fizeau Interferometer and its Applications
Authors: Arai Yasuhiko , Yokozeki Shunsuke , Aoyagi Seiji , Mori Astunobu
Published: November 2021

A new measurement technology for the mems field is proposed using optical measurement method. Furthermore, this measurement and computer simulation technologies are combined together in order to perform a measurement evaluation which has been never done before and which has been desired in mems fields. For example, the thermal deformation by a laser beam in the case of the dynamics measurement of a microstructure using an optical method influences a measurement field. That is, the optical measurement is already not a non-contact measurement in the mems fields. As shown here, there are such practical problems in the measurement of the mems field. Then, these problems have never been discussed before, because any measurernent method did not exist. These problems are going to be discussed in this paper. In order to avoid this problem as much as possible, a novel measurement technology is discussed and proposed in this paper. A new measurement system is constructed under this discussion. Furthermore, using this system, the physical phenomena in the mems field can be observed and discussed at the same time. That is, the shape of an object, the mechanical deformation of the object forced on the external forces, the stress in the object, and viscosity of air around the vibrating object are investigated.
Design and Fabrication of a Silicon-Based MEMS Rotary Engine
Authors: Fu Kelvin , Knobloch Aaron J. , Martinez Fabian C. , Walther David C. , Fernandez-Pello Carlos , Pisano Al P. , Liepmann Dorian
Published: November 2021

Design and fabrication of a Silicon-based MEMS rotary engine are discussed in this paper. This work is part of an effort currently underway to develop a portable, autonomous power generation system potentially capable of having an order of magnitude improvement in energy density over alkaline or lithium-ion batteries. Central to the development of this power generation system are small-scale rotary internal combustion engines fueled by high energy density liquid hydrocarbons capable of delivering power on the order of milli-Watts. The rotary (Wankel-type) engine is well suited for MEMS fabrication due to its planar geometry, high specific power, and self-valving operation with a minimal number of moving parts. The smallest “micro-rotary” engine currently being fabricated has an epitrochoidal-shaped housing under 1 mm3 in size and with a rotor swept volume of 0.08 mm3.

This paper discusses some of the fabrication issues unique to MEMS fabrication of a rotary engine at this small scale. High precision, high aspect ratio structures are necessary to provide adequate sealing for high compression ratios. Effects such as footing and lateral to vertical etch rates must be minimized for proper engine operation. A fabrication process is necessary for the complex, multi-height geometry of the housing and rotor assembly. Finally, a repeatable and simple assembly technique must be developed in order to mass-produce these engines.

Fabrication of a Silicon-based micro-rotary engine is being conducted in U.C. Berkeley’s Microfabrication Laboratory. The engine system is composed of three main components: rotor, housing, and shaft. The engine and rotor housing must be entirely fabricated from Silicon without embedded oxide to prevent thermal mismatch or structural weakness at the Si-oxide interface. In order to meet this requirement, the fabrication processes for the housing consists of a two-mask two-etch process of a solid Silicon wafer. The fabrication of the rotor follows a similar process, utilizing deposited oxide as a release layer. Using Silicon Dioxide and photoresist for masking, housing and rotor structures are etched from solid Silicon using timed Deep Reactive Ion Etching (DRIE). A unique feature of these processes is the self-masking of the spur gear in the housing and the shaft thru hole in the rotor during the second DRIE steps, which give the necessary multi-level, cross-sectional profile.
Boundary Layer Analysis of Acoustic Diffraction by a Half-Plane in a Viscous Fluid Medium
Authors: Nagem Raymond J. , Sandri Guido
Published: November 2021

We investigate the effects of fluid viscosity on the diffraction of a time-harmonic acoustic plane wave by a semi-infinite half-plane. A boundary layer approximation based on a multiple scale expansion and the known inviscid diffraction solution is used to derive the velocity field near the surface of the half-plane. The boundary layer approximation is compared to an independent incompressible viscous flow solution that is derived for a small circular region in the neighborhood of the edge of the half-plane.
Deposit and etchback approach for ultrathin Al2O3 films with low pinhole density using atomic layer deposition and atomic layer etching
Authors: Gertsch Jonas C. , Sortino Emanuele , Bright Victor M. , George Steven M.
Published: November 2021

­Ultrathin Al2O3 atomic layer deposition (ALD) films with low pinhole density were fabricated using a deposit and etchback approach. This strategy was able to avoid the pinholes that originated during nonuniform nucleation of Al2O3 ALD films. In this method, an Al2O3 ALD film was deposited to a thickness greater than the desired thickness to reduce the number of pinholes and form a more continuous Al2O3 ALD film. Subsequently, the Al2O3 ALD film was etched back to a smaller thickness using thermal Al2O3 atomic layer etching (ALE). The number of pinholes in the resulting Al2O3 ALD film was measured by the percentage yield of metal-insulator-metal (MIM) capacitors based on an Ag/Al2O3/Al structure that did not have an electrical short. The device yield was improved using the deposition and etchback approach. For example, using device areas of 0.01 mm2, Al2O3 ALD films that were grown to 5 nm in the MIM capacitor gave a yield of 30%–40%. In contrast, Al2O3 ALD films that were grown to 24 nm and then etched back to 5 nm to form the MIM capacitor provided a yield of 65%–75%. This increase in yield of approximately 100% indicates that the deposit and etchback approach can improve the yield of MIM devices based on ultrathin Al2O3 ALD films. Although this method has been previously suggested to improve the quality of ultrathin films, this report is believed to be the first demonstrated application of using the deposit and etchback approach for device fabrication. Additional experiments revealed that a portion of the yield improvement can be attributed to the fluorination of the Al2O3 ALD films that produced a volume expansion when forming AlF3. This expansion may produce a compressive stress that helps to close the pinholes. The dielectric constant was also measured for Al2O3 ALD films versus Al2O3 film thickness. The dielectric constant was the same for as-deposited Al2O3 ALD films and Al2O3 ALD films that were first grown to 24 nm and then etched back to smaller thicknesses. This agreement indicates that the dielectric constant can be understood in terms of a series capacitor model and that Al2O3 ALE does not affect the electrical properties of the Al2O3 films.
Rhythm and Reaching: The Influence of Rhythmic Auditory Cueing in a Goal-Directed Reaching Task With Adults Diagnosed With Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Ladwig Jacqueline C. , do Prado Tamires C. , Tomy Stephanie J. , Marotta Jonathan J. , Glazebrook Cheryl M.
Published: November 2021

Improvements in functional reaching directly support improvements in independence. The addition of auditory inputs (e.g., music, rhythmic counting) may improve goal-directed reaching for individuals with cerebral palsy (CP). To effectively integrate auditory stimuli into adapted teaching and rehabilitation protocols, it is necessary to understand how auditory stimuli may enhance limb control. This study considered the influence of auditory stimuli during the planning or execution phases of goal-directed reaches. Adults (with CP = 10, without CP = 10) reached from a home switch to two targets. Three conditions were presented—no sound, sound before, and sound during—and three-dimensional movement trajectories were recorded. Reaction times were shorter for both groups in the sound before condition, while the group with CP also reached peak velocity relatively earlier in the sound before condition. The group with CP executed more consistent movements in both sound conditions. Sound presented before movement initiation improved both the planning and execution of reaching movements for adults with CP.
A New Form of Modern Sport: The Beginnings of Lakeland Rock Climbing 1880–1914
Authors: Huggins Mike
Published: November 2021

The English Lake District played a key role in British rock climbing and is arguably the place where rock climbing first separated from mountaineering in the 1880s. This article sets its origins in the wider context of Alpinism. It then explains the attractions of the Lake District to early climbers and the ways and locations in which early rock climbing emerged as key participants exploited the landscape to create the innovative rock climbing challenges that were key to their enjoyment. It provides rich detail on how the sport extended body limits, developed new climbing techniques, and used better equipment. Leading climbers there began to record and measure the standard of climbs—another innovation. Although mountaineering clubs elsewhere were exclusively male, relegating leading women mountaineers to a marginal role, in the Lakes, women rock climbers made a notable contribution. The article concludes by evaluating the wider significance of the Lake District for British climbing.
Protein interaction networks revealed by proteome coevolution
Authors: Cong Qian , Anishchenko Ivan , Ovchinnikov Sergey , Baker David
Published: November 2021

Predicting protein pairs

Biological function is driven by interaction between proteins. High-throughput experimental techniques have provided large datasets of protein interactions in several organisms; however, much combinatorial space remains uncharted. Cong
et al.
predict protein interfaces by identifying coevolving residues in aligned protein sequences (see the Perspective by Vajda and Emili). In comparison with gold-standard and negative control sets, they show that the accuracy is higher than for proteome-wide two-hybrid and mass spectrometry screens. The approach predicts 1618 protein interactions in
Escherichia coli
, 682 of which were unanticipated, and 911 interacting pairs in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, most of which had not been previously described. With an expected false-positive rate of between 10 and 20%, the predicted interactions and networks provide an excellent starting point for further study.

Science
, this issue p.
185
; see also p.
120
Characterization of hydrogen-substituted silylium ions in the condensed phase
Authors: Wu Qian , Irran Elisabeth , Müller Robert , Kaupp Martin , Klare Hendrik F. T. , Oestreich Martin
Published: November 2021

An acidic route to silicon cations

The simplest silicon cation, with a central Si atom bonded to just three hydrogens, has long eluded bulk synthesis. Wu
et al.
now report a straightforward route to this molecule by reacting a carborane acid with phenyl silane, producing benzene and the silylium carborane ion pair. A similar protocol offered efficient syntheses of primary and secondary silyl cations through acidic cleavage of Si–phenyl or Si–H bonds. All three products, characterized crystallographically and in solution, manifested weak coordination to bromine substituents of the carboranes.

Science
, this issue p.
168
Supramolecular cages trap pesky anions
Authors: Bowman-James Kristin
Published: November 2021

Carbon-hydrogen bonds in a cryptand cage boost chloride entrapment to ultrahigh affinity
XIAP restrains TNF-driven intestinal inflammation and dysbiosis by promoting innate immune responses of Paneth and dendritic cells
Authors: Wahida Adam , Müller Madeleine , Hiergeist Andreas , Popper Bastian , Steiger Katja , Branca Caterina , Tschurtschenthaler Markus , Engleitner Thomas , Donakonda Sainitin , De Coninck Jordy , Öllinger Rupert , Pfautsch Marie K. , Müller Nicole , Silva Miguel , Usluer Sinem , Thiele Orberg Erik , Böttcher Jan P. , Pfarr Nicole , Anton Martina , Slotta-Huspenina Julia B. , Nerlich Andreas G. , Madl Tobias , Basic Marijana , Bleich André , Berx Geert , Ruland Jürgen , Knolle Percy A. , Rad Roland , Adolph Timon E. , Vandenabeele Peter , Kanegane Hirokazu , Gessner André , Jost Philipp J. , Yabal Monica
Published: November 2021

In XIAP deficiency, ileitis is driven by TNFR1- and TNFR2-dependent targeting of TLR5-expressing Paneth and dendritic cells.
Supplemental Material: Possible shock-induced crystallization of skeletal quartz from supercritical SiO2-H2O fluid: A case study of impact melt from Kamil impact crater, Egypt
Authors: Fazio Agnese , al. et
Published: November 2021

Description of the analytical methods, and five supplemental figures.
Supplemental Material: Bedrock gorge incision via anthropogenic meander cutoff
Authors: Bender Adrian
Published: November 2021

Expanded methods for discharge and grain size estimation; access information for digital imagery and elevation data; precipitation and discharge data; and field data collected during this study.
Treating nontuberculous mycobacteria in children with cystic fibrosis: a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Saint Gemma L , Thomas Matthew F , Zainal Abidin Noreen , Langley Ross John , Brodlie Malcolm , McNamara Paul
Published: November 2021

Background

Respiratory infection with nontuberculous mycobacteria (NTM) in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) has increased in prevalence. The condition is difficult to diagnose and treatments are complex with limited evidence to guide practice. This study describes the approaches to diagnosis, management and consequences of treatment in a multicentre cohort of children with CF in the UK.

Methods

Retrospective data were collected from 11 CF specialist centres from patients less than 17 years old, treated for NTM infection between 2006 and 2017. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the clinical characteristics of children treated. Treatment regimens, adverse events and success of treatment, with respect to lung function and culture conversion, were evaluated.

Results

Data from 70 patients treated for NTM pulmonary disease were collated (60 Mycobacterium abscessus complex (MABSC); 10 M. avium complex (MAC)). Older age and previous diagnosis of allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis were all significantly associated with NTM. There was a wide variance in drug choice and side effects were reported with all agents. NTM eradication occurred in 80% of patients with MAC and 48% with MABSC, with variable outcomes on lung function.

Conclusions

Diagnosis and treatment of NTM infection in children with CF is challenging. Treatment success is not guaranteed, particularly for MABSC. Large clinical trials are urgently required to evaluate treatment regimes and their suitability and efficacy in children.
Ocular and systemic determinants of perifoveal and macular vessel parameters in healthy African Americans
Authors: Richter Grace M , Lee Jae Chang , Khan Nasir , Vorperian Alexander , Hand Brennan , Burkemper Bruce , Zhou Xiao , Chu Zhongdi , Wang Ruikang , Varma Rohit , Kashani Amir H
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To determine the relationship of various systemic and ocular characteristics with perifoveal and macular vessel density in healthy African American eyes.

Design

A population-based cross-sectional study of prospectively recruited African Americans ≥40 years of age. Participants underwent 3×3 mm and 6×6 mm macula scans using spectral-domain optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA), clinical examinations and clinical questionnaires. Participants with glaucoma, severe non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy and macular oedema were excluded. Custom MATLAB based software quantified vessel area density (VAD) and vessel skeleton density (VSD) in the superficial retinal layer of the macula. Multivariable regression analysis, controlling for inter-eye correlation, was performed to determine systemic and ocular determinants of macular vessel metrics using stepwise selection. Candidate variables included: age, gender, body mass index, history of smoking, history of diabetes, diabetes duration, history of stroke or brain haemorrhage, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure (DBP), pulse pressure, mean arterial pressure, central subfield thickness (CSFT), visual field mean deviation, intraocular pressure, axial length (AL), mean ocular perfusion pressure and signal strength (SS).

Results

A total of 2221 OCTA imaged eyes from 1472 participants were included in this study. Reduced perifoveal and macular VAD and VSD were independently associated with longer AL, reduced SS, reduced CSFT and older age. Male gender and lower DBP were also associated with reduced perifoveal and macular VSD.

Conclusions

When interpreting OCTA images in a clinical setting, it is important to consider the effects ocular and systemic characteristics may have on the macular microcirculation.
Economic impacts of overweight and obesity: current and future estimates for eight countries
Authors: Okunogbe Adeyemi , Nugent Rachel , Spencer Garrison , Ralston Johanna , Wilding John
Published: November 2021

Background

Obesity is a growing public health challenge worldwide with significant health and economic impacts. However, much of what is known about the economic impacts of obesity comes from high-income countries and studies are not readily comparable due to methodological differences. Our objective is to demonstrate a method for estimating current and future national economic impacts of obesity and apply it across a sample of heterogeneous contexts globally.

Methods

We estimated economic impacts of overweight and obesity for eight countries using a cost-of-illness approach. Direct and indirect costs of obesity from 2019 to 2060 were estimated from a societal perspective as well as the effect of two hypothetical scenarios of obesity prevalence projections. Country-specific data were sourced from published studies and global databases.

Results

In per capita terms, costs of obesity in 2019 ranged from US$17 in India to US$940 in Australia. These economic costs are comparable to 1.8% of gross domestic product (GDP) on average across the eight countries, ranging from 0.8% of GDP in India to 2.4% in Saudi Arabia. By 2060, with no significant changes to the status quo, the economic impacts from obesity are projected to grow to 3.6% of GDP on average ranging from 2.4% of GDP in Spain to 4.9% of GDP in Thailand. Reducing obesity prevalence by 5% from projected levels or keeping it at 2019 levels will translate into an average annual reduction of 5.2% and 13.2% in economic costs, respectively, between 2020 and 2060 across the eight countries.

Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that the economic impacts of obesity are substantial across countries, irrespective of economic or geographical context and will increase over time if current trends continue. These findings strongly point to the need for advocacy to increase awareness of the societal impacts of obesity, and for policy actions to address the systemic roots of obesity.
Waves of attention: patterns and themes of international antimicrobial resistance reports, 1945–2020
Authors: Overton Kristen , Fortané Nicolas , Broom Alex , Raymond Stephanie , Gradmann Christoph , Orubu Ebiowei Samuel F , Podolsky Scott H , Rogers Van Katwyk Susan , Zaman Muhammad H , Kirchhelle Claas
Published: November 2021

This article uses quantitative and qualitative approaches to review 75 years of international policy reports on antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Our review of 248 policy reports and expert consultation revealed waves of political attention and repeated reframings of AMR as a policy object. AMR emerged as an object of international policy-making during the 1990s. Until then, AMR was primarily defined as a challenge of human and agricultural domains within the Global North that could be overcome via ‘rational’ drug use and selective restrictions. While a growing number of reports jointly addressed human and agricultural AMR selection, international organisations (IOs) initially focused on whistleblowing and reviewing data. Since 2000, there has been a marked shift in the ecological and geographic focus of AMR risk scenarios. The Global South and One Health (OH) emerged as foci of AMR reports. Using the deterritorialised language of OH to frame AMR as a Southern risk made global stewardship meaningful to donors and legitimised pressure on low-income and middle-income countries to adopt Northern stewardship and surveillance frameworks. It also enabled IOs to move from whistleblowing to managing governance frameworks for antibiotic stewardship. Although the environmental OH domain remains neglected, realisation of the complexity of necessary interventions has increased the range of topics targeted by international action plans. Investment nonetheless continues to focus on biomedical innovation and tends to leave aside broader socioeconomic issues. Better knowledge of how AMR framings have evolved is key to broadening participation in international stewardship going forward.
Association between serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 and the central choroidal thickness during pregnancy: a prospective study
Authors: Suzuki Takafumi , Inoue Tatsuya , Igarashi Nozomi , Agata Chisato , Okubo Atsushi , Nagamatsu Takeshi , Iriyama Takayuki , Maruyama-Inoue Maiko , Yanagi Yasuo , Kadonosono Kazuaki , Asaoka Ryo , Azuma Keiko , Obata Ryo
Published: November 2021

Objective

To investigate the association between serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) and the choroidal structure during the pregnancy.

Methods and analysis

This prospective study enrolled 24 eyes of 12 consecutive healthy pregnant women. Each participant was evaluated during the first, second and third trimester of pregnancy and the postpartum period. The central choroidal thickness (CCT) and Choroidal Vascular Index (CVI) were measured using enhanced depth-imaging optical coherence tomography. Moreover, serum sFlt-1 and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) concentrations were measured manually using ELISA. The association between choroidal structural parameters and serum sFlt-1/VEGF was analysed using a linear mixed model.

Results

The CCT was significantly thicker in the second and third trimester than the postpartum period (p<0.05). In contrast, there was no significant difference in the CVI throughout pregnancy or the postpartum period. Serum sFlt-1 levels were significantly higher during pregnancy than the postpartum period (p<0.05), whereas the serum VEGF levels were significantly lower during pregnancy than the postpartum period (p<0.05). Furthermore, serum sFlt-1 levels were significantly associated with CCT throughout pregnancy (p=0.011, linear mixed model). On the contrary, sFlt-1 levels was not associated with the CVI during the pregnancy.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that serum sFlt-1 might have an influence on the choroidal thickness during the pregnancy.
Differences in the thermal properties and surface temperature of prehospital antihypothermia devices: an in vitro study
Authors: Dvir Erez , Epstein Danny , Berzon Baruch , Raz Aeyal , Lehavi Amit
Published: November 2021

Background

Preventing and treating hypothermia in prehospital settings is crucial. Several products have been developed to prevent heat loss and actively warm patients in prehospital settings. We compared the efficacy and the surface temperature of different antihypothermia products, using a fluid-based model at two ambient temperatures.

Methods

We tested five active (Blizzard Heat with active pads, Ready-Heat, Ready-Heat-II, Hypothermia Prevention and Management Kit (HPMK), Bair Hugger) and five passive (Blizzard Heat, Heat Reflective Shell, sleeping bag, ‘space blanket’, wool blanket) antihypothermia products. A torso model consisting of four 8 L bags of fluid preheated to 36°C±0.5°C (97±0.5°F) was used to compare the devices’ performances at 20°C (68°F) and 8°C (46°F). Inner and surface temperatures were recorded for up to 480 min.

Results

We found significant differences in heat loss in fluid bags among the tested devices at both temperatures (p<0.001). At 20°C, only HPMK and Ready-Heat-II increased the inner temperature for 480 min while Blizzard Heat with active pads prevented heat loss. Ready-Heat prevented heat loss for 90 min. All the other devices did not prevent heat loss beyond 30 min. At 8°C, none of the products heated the model. Bair Hugger, HPMK, Ready-Heat II and sleeping bag prevented heat loss for 30 min. At 60, 90 and 120 min HPMK, Ready-Heat II and Bair Hugger were the most effective. Over 480 min, Bair Hugger was most effective, with a heat loss of 2.3°C±0.4°C. The surface temperature exceeded 44°C (111°F) for all the exothermic warming devices when used for a prolonged period of time.

Conclusion

At 20°C, HPMK and Ready-Heat-II increased fluid temperature in the model, while the other devices decreased heat loss. At 8°C, none of the tested devices increased the temperature. However, active heating devices prevented heat loss slightly better than passive methods. A protective insulation layer should be used with all active heating blankets.
Sexual assault and fatal violence against women during the Irish War of Independence, 1919–1921: Kate Maher’s murder in context
Authors: Breathnach Ciara , O'Halpin Eunan
Published: November 2021

At the height of the Irish War of Independence, 1919–1921, 45-year-old Kate Maher was brutally raped. She subsequently died of terrible wounds, almost certainly inflicted by drunken British soldiers. This article discusses her inadequately investigated case in the wider context of fatal violence against women and girls during years of major political instability. Ordinarily her violent death would have been subject to a coroner’s court inquiry and rigorous police investigation, but in 1920, civil inquests in much of Ireland were replaced by military courts of inquiry. With the exception of medical issues, where doctors adhered to their ethical responsibility to provide clear and concise evidence on injuries, wounds and cause of death, courts of inquiry were cursory affairs in which Crown forces effectively investigated and exonerated themselves. This article adopts a microhistory approach to Maher’s case to compare how civilian and military systems differed in their treatments of female fatalities. Despite the fact that the medical evidence unequivocally showed that the attack was of a very violent sexual nature, the two soldiers directly implicated were not charged with rape or any other sexual offence. In her case, and in those of other women who died violently while in the company of soldiers and policemen, prosecutions of the men involved resulted in acquittal by military court martial. This was so both for women portrayed as of immoral character and for others assumed to be ‘respectable’. It also reflects on the wider question of sexual violence during the Irish War of Independence, concluding that while females experienced a range of gender-determined threats and actions such as armed raids on their homes, the ‘bobbing’ of hair and other means of ‘shaming’, rape, accepted as the most serious act of sexual assault, was regarded by all combatants as beyond the pale.
What predicts poor outcome after successful thrombectomy in early time window?
Authors: Olivot Jean-Marc , Heit Jeremy J , Mazighi Mikael , Raposo Nicolas , Albucher Jean François , Rousseau Vanessa , Guenego Adrien , Thalamas Claire , Mlynash Michael , Drif Amel , Christensen Soren , Sommet Agnes , Viguier Alain , Darcourt Jean , Januel Anne-Christine , Calviere Lionel , Menegon Patrice , Caparros François , Bonneville Fabrice , Tourdias Thomas , Sibon Igor , Albers Gregory W , Cognard Christophe
Published: November 2021

Background

Half of the patients with large vessel occlusion (LVO)-related acute ischemic stroke (AIS) who undergo endovascular reperfusion are dead or dependent at 3 months. We hypothesize that in addition to established prognostic factors, baseline imaging profile predicts outcome among reperfusers.

Methods

Consecutive patients receiving endovascular treatment (EVT) within 6 hours after onset with Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) 2b, 2c and 3 revascularization were included. Poor outcome was defined by a modified Rankin scale (mRS) 3–6 at 90 days. No mismatch (NoMM) profile was defined as a mismatch (MM) ratio ≤1.2 and/or a volume <10 mL on pretreatment imaging.

Results

187 patients were included, and 81 (43%) had a poor outcome. Median delay from stroke onset to the end of EVT was 259 min (IQR 209–340). After multivariable logistic regression analysis, older age (OR 1.26, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.5; p=0.01), higher National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) (OR 1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.25; p<0.0001), internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion (OR 3.02, 95% CI 1.2 to 8.0; p=0.021), and NoMM (OR 4.87, 95% CI 1.09 to 22.8; p=0.004) were associated with poor outcome. In addition, post-EVT hemorrhage (OR 3.64, 95% CI 1.5 to 9.1; p=0.04) was also associated with poor outcome.

Conclusions

The absence of a penumbra defined by a NoMM profile on baseline imaging appears to be an independent predictor of poor outcome after reperfusion. Strategies aiming to preserve the penumbra may be encouraged to improve these patients’ outcomes.
Distribution of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm following subarachnoid hemorrhage assessed using cone-beam CT angiography
Authors: Simonato Davide , Borchert Robin Jacob , Vallee Fabrice , Joachim Jona , Civelli Vittorio , Cancian Luca , Houdart Emmanuel , Labeyrie Marc-Antoine
Published: November 2021

Background and purpose

Cone-beam CT angiography (CB-CTA) provides a three-dimensional spatial resolution which is, so far, unmatched in clinical practice compared with other conventional techniques such as two-dimensional digital subtracted angiography. We aimed to assess the distribution of symptomatic cerebral vasospasm following aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) using CB-CTA.

Methods

30 consecutive patients with aSAH undergoing vasospasm percutaneous balloon angioplasty (PBA) were recruited and underwent CB-CTA in this single-center prospective cohort series. Intracranial arteries were systematically analyzed by two independent observers from the large trunks to the distal cortical branches and perforators using a high-resolution reconstruction protocol. Intermediate and severe cerebral vasospasm was defined as 30–50% and >50% narrowing in the diameter of the vessel, respectively.

Results

35 arterial cervical artery territories were analyzed, of which 80% were associated with clinical or radiological signs of delayed cerebral ischemia. The median spatial resolution was 150 µm (range 100–250 µm). Intermediate or severe vasospasm was observed in the proximal (86%, 95% CI 74% to 97%), middle (89%, 95% CI 78% to 99%), and distal (60%, 95% CI 44% to 76%) segments of the large trunks, as well as the cortical branches (11%, 95% CI 1% to 22%). No vasospasm was observed in basal ganglia or cortical perforators, or in arteries smaller than 900 µm. Vasospasm was more severe in middle or distal segments compared with proximal segments in 43% (95% CI 26% to 59%) of cases.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated that symptomatic cerebral vasospasm following aSAH did not involve arteries smaller than 900 µm, and frequently predominated in middle or distal segments. These results offer new insights into the potential management options for vasospasm using PBA.
Aerosol emission from the respiratory tract: an analysis of aerosol generation from oxygen delivery systems
Authors: Hamilton Fergus W , Gregson Florence K A , Arnold David T , Sheikh Sadiyah , Ward Kirsty , Brown Jules , Moran Ed , White Carrie , Morley Anna J ,   AERATOR Group, Bzdek Bryan R , Reid Jonathan P , Maskell Nicholas A , Dodd James William
Published: November 2021

Introduction

continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) and high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) provide enhanced oxygen delivery and respiratory support for patients with severe COVID-19. CPAP and HFNO are currently designated as aerosol-generating procedures despite limited high-quality experimental data. We aimed to characterise aerosol emission from HFNO and CPAP and compare with breathing, speaking and coughing.

Materials and methods

Healthy volunteers were recruited to breathe, speak and cough in ultra-clean, laminar flow theatres followed by using CPAP and HFNO. Aerosol emission was measured using two discrete methodologies, simultaneously. Hospitalised patients with COVID-19 had cough recorded using the same methodology on the infectious diseases ward.

Results

In healthy volunteers (n=25 subjects; 531 measures), CPAP (with exhalation port filter) produced less aerosol than breathing, speaking and coughing (even with large >50 L/min face mask leaks). Coughing was associated with the highest aerosol emissions of any recorded activity. HFNO was associated with aerosol emission, however, this was from the machine. Generated particles were small (<1 µm), passing from the machine through the patient and to the detector without coalescence with respiratory aerosol, thereby unlikely to carry viral particles. More aerosol was generated in cough from patients with COVID-19 (n=8) than volunteers.

Conclusions

In healthy volunteers, standard non-humidified CPAP is associated with less aerosol emission than breathing, speaking or coughing. Aerosol emission from the respiratory tract does not appear to be increased by HFNO. Although direct comparisons are complex, cough appears to be the main aerosol-generating risk out of all measured activities.
Characterization of a novel FADS2 transcript variant: implications for D6D activity regulation in cells
Authors: Marks Kristin A. , Fernandes Maria F. , Diaguarachchige De Silva Kalsha H. , Tomczewski Michelle V. , Stark Ken D. , Duncan Robin E.
Published: November 2021

Delta-6-desaturase (D6D) activity is deficient in MCF-7 and other cancer cell lines, but it is not explained by FADS2 gene mutations. This deficient activity was not ameliorated by induction of the FADS2 gene; therefore, we hypothesized that some of the induced FADS2 transcript variants (tv) may play a negative regulatory role. FADS2_tv1 is the reference FADS2 tv, coding for full-length D6D isoform 1 (D6D-iso1), and alternative transcriptional start sites result in FADS2_tv2 and FADS2_tv3 variants encoding D6D-iso2 and D6D-iso3 isoforms, respectively, which lack the catalytically critical N-terminal domain. In MCF-7 cells, FADS2_tv2 and FADS2_tv3 were expressed at significantly higher levels than FADS2_tv1. Overexpression of FADS2_tv2 in HEK293 cells confirmed that D6D-iso2 is non-functional, and co-transfection demonstrated a dominant-negative role for D6D-iso2 in D6D-iso1 activity regulation. FADS2_tv2 was expressed at higher levels than FADS2_tv1 in HeLa, MDA-MB-435, MCF-10 A, and HT-29 cells, but at lower levels in A549, MDA-MB-231, and LNCaP cells. Overexpression studies indicated roles for FADS2 variants in proliferation and apoptosis regulation, which were also cell-line specific. Increased FADS2_tv2 expression provides a new mechanism to help explain deficient D6D activity in MCF-7 and other cancer cell lines, but it is not a hallmark of malignant cells.
Evidence of dispersal between the Yenisei and the Lena river basins during the late Pleistocene within the whitefish (Coregonus lavaretus pidschian) complex
Authors: Bochkarev Nickolay A. , Zuykova Elena I. , Katokhin Alexey V. , Andree Karl B. , Solovyev Mikhail M.
Published: November 2021

The Coregonus lavaretus (Linnaeus, 1758) complex is a morphologically and genetically diverse group of whitefish. Its taxonomic structure has been controversial for almost a century. At least 25 forms of C. lavaretus have been described in Siberia, but there is still no consensus on their intraspecific structure and taxonomy. Coregonus lavaretus pidschian (Gmelin, 1789) was described as a subspecies of C. lavaretus. Recently, it was assumed that this subspecies is also a complex. The purpose of this study was to compare the distributions of pidschian-like whitefish haplotypes in two basins of large Siberian rivers, Yenisei and Lena, and to assess the gene flow between basins of these rivers, which were connected after the last glaciation. The sequence of the following mitochondrial DNA genes, 16S rRNA (partial), tRNA-Leu (full), NADH dehydrogenase subunit 1 (full), tRNA-Ile (full), and tRNA-Gln (partial), were used for the inference of intraspecific genetic structure of C. l. pidschian. Whitefish haplotypes were clustered into two groups according to their distribution between two large Siberian river basins; however, there were shared haplotypes indicating events of migration and hybridization, which could occur when Bolshoi Yenisei and Lena river systems were connected after the last glaciation (the Late Pleistocene).
A time resolved study of injection backgrounds during the first commissioning phase of SuperKEKB
Authors: Gabriel Miroslav , Simon Frank , Windel Hendrik , Funakoshi Yoshihiro , Hedges Michael , Iida Naoko , Jaegle Igal , Kiesling Christian , van der Kolk Naomi , Lewis Peter , Nakayama Hiroyuki , Ohnishi Yukiyoshi , de Sangro Riccardo , Suetsugu Yusuke , Szalay Marco , Vahsen Sven
Published: November 2021

We report on measurements of beam backgrounds during the first commissioning phase of the SuperKEKB collider in 2016, performed with the plastic scintillator and silicon photomultiplier-based CLAWS detector system. The sub-nanosecond time resolution and single particle detection capability of the sensors allow bunch-by-bunch measurements, enable CLAWS to perform a novel time resolved analysis of beam backgrounds, and make the system uniquely suited for the study of injection backgrounds. We present measurements of various aspects of regular beam background and injection backgrounds which include time structure and decay behavior of injection backgrounds, hit-energy spectra and overall background rates. These measurements show that the elevated background rates following an injection generally last for several milliseconds, with the majority of the background particles typically observed within the first $${500}~\upmu \hbox {s}$$

500

μ
s

. The injection backgrounds exhibit pronounced patterns in time, connected to betatron and synchrotron oscillations in the accelerator rings. The frequencies of these patterns are determined from detector data.
DEVELOPMENT AND ANALYSIS OF A SEIR MODEL FOR COVID-19 EPIDEMIC WITH VACCINATION AND NONSINGULAR KERNEL
Authors: ALQAHTANI RUBAYYI T. , YUSUF ABDULLAHI
Published: November 2021

We propose a new model to investigate the recent coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic. The fundamental reproductive number is determined using the next-generation matrix, and the model’s soundness is tested using stability theory. The local asymptotic stability conditions for the disease-free equilibrium are determined. The model is extended to the fractional domain, and its properties are investigated using the Caputo–Fabrizio (CFC) robust nonsingular and nonlocal fractional operator. We focused on numerous exciting elements of the expanded model, such as solution positivity. In numerical aspects, different values of numerous parameters are employed to view certain physical behavior of the model.
FABRICATION AND SURFACE MODIFICATION OF BIOMATERIALS FOR ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT: A REVIEW
Authors: IQBAL MD MANZAR , KUMAR AMARESH , SHABADI RAJASHEKHARA , SINGH SUBHASH
Published: November 2021

An upsurge in demand and extensive effort in orthopedic implants directed toward innovative biomaterials for orthopedic applications. Orthopedic implants are significantly used in mature alternatives to retain, restore or modify the defective bone or tissue. However, exhaustive research in the past reveals various health-associated problems that can be effectively overcome by inventing newer kinds of biomaterials. The selection of optimal materials and the fabrication process are crucial challenges enforced by numerous novel materials that could be made for orthopedic applications. This paper intends to systematically assess the processing method employed in manufacturing the biomaterials for orthopedic applications. However, the success of biomedical implants in orthopedic are commonly restricted owing to insufficient bone-implant integration, wear debris induced osteolysis, and implant-associated infections. Nevertheless, the endeavor has also been intended to enhance the biological properties of the biomaterials by surface modification process while retaining their strength and hardness. Furthermore, various surface modifications have been comprehended. This review conferred contemporary advancements in surface coating approaches in orthopedic to enhance their osteointegration, improve corrosion resistance and accomplish antibacterial performance, clinical success and long-term service. The insight review has revealed the current outcomes in the field of engineering biomaterials concerning surface modifications of metallic implants or composite for enhancing their biological properties.
NO SECOND CHANCE FOR A FIRST IMPRESSION: THE ROLE OF AESTHETICS IN EARLY ACCESS VIDEO GAMES
Authors: SCHLÜTER ALEXANDER , WALDKIRCH MATTHIAS , BURMEISTER-LAMP KATRIN , AUERNHAMMER JAN
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the impact of aesthetics in early game development based on a quantitative analysis of 367 early access games. We identified the relationship between aesthetic perception in early video games reflected in the user reviews, comments, and subsequent positive and negative video game recommendations over time. We find that customer co-creation in product innovation is increasingly negative feedback over time when the game’s aesthetic early impression is perceived as negative. The implications for innovation management are that aesthetics design impacts the response to customer-ready prototypes. Managers should take the aesthetic design and user perception in early development into account and not delay the attention to aesthetics to a later product release stage.
Geodesic flows and the mother of all continued fractions
Authors: Merriman Claire
Published: November 2021

We extend the Series [The modular surface and continued fractions, J. London Math. Soc. (2) 31(1) (1985) 69–80] connection between the modular surface [Formula: see text], cutting sequences, and regular continued fractions to the slow converging Lehner and Farey continued fractions with digits [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] in the notation used for the Lehner continued fractions. We also introduce an alternative insertion and singularization algorithm for Farey expansions and other non-semiregular continued fractions, and an alternative dual expansion to the Farey expansions so that [Formula: see text] is invariant under the natural extension map.
Electronic properties of SmxSr1−xMnO3 for solid oxide fuel cell application — a first-principles study
Authors: Vijayalakshmi S. , Mahalakshmi S. , Muthujothi M.
Published: November 2021

Electronic properties of orthorhombic SSM ([Formula: see text] and monoclinic SSM ([Formula: see text] are investigated using the first-principles calculation. The half-metallic behavior that leads to the mixed ionic and electronic conductivity (MIEC) property is identified in orthorhombic SSM. In addition, the strong covalent bonding between [Formula: see text]-p and [Formula: see text]-s orbitals of orthorhombic SSM is identified from the PDOS plot. The strong covalent bonding enhances the [Formula: see text] molecular adsorption on Mn atom. On the other hand, monoclinic SSM shows the pure conducting behavior and there is no covalent bonding between Mn and O atoms. Thus, the results suggest that the half-metal Sm[Formula: see text]Sr[Formula: see text]MnO3 might be a suitable cathode material for intermediate-temperature solid oxide fuel cells.
Design of a Wearable Fingertip Haptic Device: Investigating Materials of Varying Stiffness for Mapping the Variable Compliance Platform
Authors: Morad Samir , Jaffer Zainab , Dogramadzi Sanja
Published: November 2021

Previously, a pneumatic design of a fingertip haptic device (FHD) was developed for virtual reality applications. In this paper, the feasibility of representing tissues of varying stiffness is investigated. Physical properties, stiffness and Young’s modulus of the variable compliance platform (VCP) were compared with a set of bolus materials representing soft tissues. Young’s moduli of the bolus materials were ten times higher than those from the VCP, whereas the stiffness was fairly similar. Hence, stiffness is the common parameter that could be used to map the FHD to the bolus materials.
Spectator View: Enabling Asymmetric Interaction between HMD Wearers and Spectators with a Large Display
Authors: Welsford-Ackroyd Finn , Chalmers Andrew , Kuffner dos Anjos Rafael , Medeiros Daniel , Kim Hyejin , Rhee Taehyun
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we present a system that allows a user with a head-mounted display (HMD) to communicate and collaborate with spectators outside of the headset. We evaluate its impact on task performance, immersion, and collaborative interaction. Our solution targets scenarios like live presentations or multi-user collaborative systems, where it is not convenient to develop a VR multiplayer experience and supply each user (and spectator) with an HMD. The spectator views the virtual world on a large-scale tiled video wall and is given the ability to control the orientation of their own virtual camera. This allows spectators to stay focused on the immersed user's point of view or freely look around the environment. To improve collaboration between users, we implemented a pointing system where a spectator can point at objects on the screen, which maps an indicator directly onto the objects in the virtual world. We conducted a user study to investigate the influence of rotational camera decoupling and pointing gestures in the context of HMD-immersed and non-immersed users utilizing a large-scale display. Our results indicate that camera decoupling and pointing positively impacts collaboration. A decoupled view is preferable in situations where both users need to indicate objects of interest in the scene, such as presentations and joint-task scenarios, as it requires a shared reference space. A coupled view, on the other hand, is preferable in synchronous interactions such as remote-assistant scenarios.
Investigating Human Scale Spatial Experience
Authors: Paananen Ville , Oppenlaender Jonas , Goncalves Jorge , Hettiachchi Danula , Hosio Simo
Published: November 2021

Spatial experience, or how humans experience a given space, has been a pivotal topic especially in urban-scale environments. On the human scale, HCI researchers have mostly investigated personal meanings or aesthetic and embodied experiences. In this paper, we investigate the human scale as an ensemble of individual spatial features. Through large-scale online questionnaires we first collected a rich set of spatial features that people generally use to characterize their surroundings. Second, we conducted a set of field interviews to develop a more nuanced understanding of the feature identified as most important: perceived safety. Our combined quantitative and qualitative analysis contributes to spatial understanding as a form of context information and presents a timely investigation into the perceived safety of human scale spaces. By connecting our results to the broader scientific literature, we contribute to the field of HCI spatial understanding.