bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Risk-associated management disparities in acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Eggers Kai M. , Jernberg T. , Lindahl B.
Published: December 2021

Despite improvements in the treatment of myocardial infarction (MI), risk-associated management disparities may exist. We investigated this issue including temporal trends in a large MI cohort (n = 179,291) registered 2005–2017 in SWEDEHEART. Multivariable models were used to study the associations between risk categories according to the GRACE 2.0 score and coronary procedures (timely reperfusion, invasive assessment ≤ 3 days, in-hospital coronary revascularization), pharmacological treatments (P2Y12-blockers, betablockers, renin–angiotensin–aldosterone-system [RAAS]-inhibitors, statins), structured follow-up and secondary prevention (smoking cessation, physical exercise training). High-risk patients (n = 76,295 [42.6%]) experienced less frequent medical interventions compared to low/intermediate-risk patients apart from betablocker treatment. Overall, intervention rates increased over time with more pronounced increases seen in high-risk patients compared to lower-risk patients for in-hospital coronary revascularization (+ 23.6% vs. + 12.5% in patients < 80 years) and medication with P2Y12-blockers (+ 22.2% vs. + 7.8%). However, less pronounced temporal increases were noted in high-risk patients for medication with RAAS-blockers (+ 8.5% vs. + 13.0%) and structured follow-up (+ 31.6% vs. + 36.3%); pinteraction < 0.001 for all. In conclusion, management of high-risk patients with MI is improving. However, the lower rates of follow-up and of RAAS-inhibitor prescription are a concern. Our data emphasize the need of continuous quality improvement initiatives.
Discrepancy of particle passage in 101 mask batches during the first year of the Covid-19 pandemic in Germany
Authors: Hirschwald Lukas T. , Herrmann Stefan , Felder Daniel , Kalde Anna M. , Stockmeier Felix , Wypysek Denis , Alders Michael , Tepper Maik , Rubner Jens , Brand Peter , Kraus Thomas , Wessling Matthias , Linkhorst John
Published: December 2021

During the first wave of Covid-19 infections in Germany in April 2020, clinics reported a shortage of filtering face masks with aerosol retention> 94% (FFP2 & 3, KN95, N95). Companies all over the world increased their production capacities, but quality control of once-certified materials and masks came up short. To help identify falsely labeled masks and ensure safe protection equipment, we tested 101 different batches of masks in 993 measurements with a self-made setup based on DIN standards. An aerosol generator provided a NaCl test aerosol which was applied to the mask. A laser aerosol spectrometer measured the aerosol concentration in a range from 90 to 500 nm to quantify the masks’ retention. Of 101 tested mask batches, only 31 batches kept what their label promised. Especially in the initial phase of the pandemic in Germany, we observed fluctuating mask qualities. Many batches show very high variability in aerosol retention. In addition, by measuring with a laser aerosol spectrometer, we were able to show that not all masks filter small and large particles equally well. In this study we demonstrate how important internal and independent quality controls are, especially in times of need and shortage of personal protection equipment.
Data based model for predicting COVID-19 morbidity and mortality in metropolis
Authors: Barcellos Demian da Silveira , Fernandes Giovane Matheus Kayser , de Souza Fábio Teodoro
Published: December 2021

There is an ongoing need for scientific analysis to help governments and public health authorities make decisions regarding the COVID-19 pandemic. This article presents a methodology based on data mining that can offer support for coping with epidemic diseases. The methodological approach was applied in São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Manaus, the cities in Brazil with the most COVID-19 deaths until the first half of 2021. We aimed to predict the evolution of COVID-19 in metropolises and identify air quality and meteorological variables correlated with confirmed cases and deaths. The statistical analyses indicated the most important explanatory environmental variables, while the cluster analyses showed the potential best input variables for the forecasting models. The forecast models were built by two different algorithms and their results have been compared. The relationship between epidemiological and environmental variables was particular to each of the three cities studied. Low solar radiation periods predicted in Manaus can guide managers to likely increase deaths due to COVID-19. In São Paulo, an increase in the mortality rate can be indicated by drought periods. The developed models can predict new cases and deaths by COVID-19 in studied cities. Furthermore, the methodological approach can be applied in other cities and for other epidemic diseases.
A novel mechanism to generate metallic single crystals
Authors: Pistor J. , Körner C.
Published: December 2021

Generally, the evolution of metallic single crystals is based on crystal growth. The single crystal is either produced by growing a seed single crystal or by sophisticated grain selection processes followed by crystal growth. Here, we describe for the first time a fully new mechanism to generate single crystals based on thermo-mechanically induced texture formation during additive manufacturing. The single crystal develops due to two different mechanisms. The first step is a standard grain selection process due to directional solidification, leading to a pronounced fiber texture. The second and new mechanism bases on successive thermo-mechanically induced plastic deformations and texture formation in FCC crystals under compression. During this second step, the columnar grain structure transforms into a single crystal by rotation of individual grains. Thus, the single crystal forms step by step by merging the originally columnar grain structure. This novel, stress induced mechanism opens up completely new perspectives to fabricate single crystalline components and to accurately adjust the orientation according to the load.
Sputum microbiota profiles of treatment-naïve TB patients in Uganda before and during first-line therapy
Authors: Kateete David Patrick , Mbabazi Monica M. , Nakazzi Faith , Katabazi Fred A. , Kigozi Edgar , Ssengooba Willy , Nakiyingi Lydia , Namiiro Sharon , Okwera Alphonse , Joloba Moses L. , Muwonge Adrian
Published: December 2021

Information on microbiota dynamics in pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in Africa is scarce. Here, we sequenced sputa from 120 treatment-naïve TB patients in Uganda, and investigated changes in microbiota of 30 patients with treatment-response follow-up samples. Overall, HIV-status and anti-TB treatment were associated with microbial structural and abundance changes. The predominant phyla were Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria and Actinobacteria, accounting for nearly 95% of the sputum microbiota composition; the predominant genera across time were Prevotella, Streptococcus, Veillonella, Haemophilus, Neisseria, Alloprevotella, Porphyromonas, Fusobacterium, Gemella, and Rothia. Treatment-response follow-up at month 2 was characterized by a reduction in abundance of Mycobacterium and Fretibacterium, and an increase in Ruminococcus and Peptococcus; month 5 was characterized by a reduction in Tannerella and Fusobacterium, and an increase in members of the family Neisseriaceae. The microbiota core comprised of 44 genera that were stable during treatment. Hierarchical clustering of this core’s abundance distinctly separated baseline (month 0) samples from treatment follow-up samples (months 2/5). We also observed a reduction in microbial diversity with 9.1% (CI 6–14%) of the structural variation attributed to HIV-status and anti-TB treatment. Our findings show discernible microbiota signals associated with treatment with potential to inform anti-TB treatment response monitoring.
Ionic liquids enable the preparation of a copper-loaded gel with transdermal delivery function for wound dressings
Authors: Gao Yi-Ru , Zhang Wen-Xin , Wei Ya-Nan , Li You , Fei Teng , Shu Yang , Wang Jian-Hua
Published: December 2021

Antibacterial hydrogel dressings play an important role in wound healing and infection treatment.
Asymmetric hydroamination with far fewer chiral species than copper centers achieved by tuning the structure of supramolecular helical catalysts
Authors: Aoun Paméla , Hammoud Ahmad , Martínez-Aguirre Mayte A. , Bouteiller Laurent , Raynal Matthieu
Published: December 2021

Mixing a BTA ligand (in black), a “sergeant” (in blue) and an achiral BTA additive (in orange) affords the amination product in 75% e.e. even though only one “sergeant” for ca. 10 copper centers are present in the supramolecular helical catalyst.
Identifying the Fe3Mn3O8 phase as a superior catalyst for low-temperature catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde in air
Authors: Xie Hanjie , Chen Xiaohan , Zhang Chenchen , Lao Ziqing , Liu Xiaojing , Xie Xiaona , Semiat Raphael , Zhong Ziyi
Published: December 2021

Fe3Mn3O8 with controllable oxygen vacancies for superior catalytic oxidation of formaldehyde.
RhIII-Catalyzed heteroarylation of N-2,6-difluorophenyl arylamides with heteroaryl boronate esters
Authors: Wu Jia-Xue , Yao Qing-Xia , Duan Wen-Zeng , Li Da-Cheng , Huang Xian-Qiang , Dou Jian-Min , Wang Huai-Wei
Published: December 2021

An efficient strategy to aryl-heteroaryl formation via RhIII-catalyzed C–H heteroarylation of arenes with N-heterocyclic boronates has been disclosed.
Unified total synthesis of the brevianamide alkaloids enabled by chemical investigations into their biosynthesis
Authors: Godfrey Robert C. , Jones Helen E. , Green Nicholas J. , Lawrence Andrew L.
Published: December 2021

A divergent biomimetic total synthesis of all known bicyclo[2.2.2]diazaoctane brevianamide alkaloids has been achieved. These synthetic studies have also resulted in the anticipation of an as-yet-undiscovered congener, which we name brevianamide Z.
New near-infrared absorbing conjugated electron donor–acceptor molecules with a fused tetrathiafulvalene–naphthalene diimide framework
Authors: Zhou Qi , Yang Junfang , Du Mingxu , Yu Xiaobo , Li Cheng , Zhang Xi-Sha , Peng Qian , Zhang Guanxin , Zhang Deqing
Published: December 2021

New semiconducting D–A molecules with a fused tetrathiafulvalene–naphthalene diimide framework show near-infrared absorptions and emissions with maxima up to 1062 nm and quantum yields up to 1.64%.
Enhanced blue TADF in a D–A–D type naphthyridine derivative with an asymmetric carbazole-donor motif
Authors: Banevičius Dovydas , Kreiza Gediminas , Klioštoraitis Rokas , Juršėnas Saulius , Javorskis Tomas , Vaitkevičius Vytenis , Orentas Edvinas , Kazlauskas Karolis
Published: December 2021

An asymmetric carbazole-donor motif in a D–A–D type naphthyridine-based TADF emitter enables CT/LE state mixing, thus enhancing the RISC rate, shortening the delayed fluorescence lifetime and reducing the OLED efficiency roll-off.
Molecular design to enhance binaphthyl-based chiroptics using organoboron chemistry in isomeric chiral scaffolds
Authors: Zhang Kai , Zhao Jingyi , Zhang Niu , Chen Jin-Fa , Wang Nan , Yin Xiaodong , Zheng Xiaoyan , Chen Pangkuan
Published: December 2021

We have demonstrated a rational design strategy to improve the CPL properties of binaphthyl-based chiral systems with the aid of boron chemistry and structural modulation of the chiral scaffolds.
Todesursachen von Schwerverletzten - Woran stirbt das
Polytrauma heute?
Authors: Wilharm Arne , Pflug Alexander , Loos Franz , Sommerfeld Oliver , Hofmann Gunther O , Sauer Stefanie
Published: December 2021

Hintergrund Trauma ist die häufigste Todesursache bei unter
45-Jährigen und trotzdem gibt es nur wenig Daten zu den genauen
Todesursachen Schwerverletzter nach Klinikeinlieferung in Deutschland aus
den letzten 10 Jahren. Ziel der Arbeit ist 1. eine Auswertung der Daten der
verstorbenen Schwerverletzten eines überregionalen TraumaZentrums aus den
letzten 10 Jahren. Erforscht werden sollen Verlässlichkeit der Daten,
Häufigkeit der Todesursachen und Zusammenhänge mit dem Unfallmechanismus und
2. die Nachvollziehbarkeit der Daten im TraumaRegister DGU.

Patienten und Methoden Es erfolgte die Auswertung der Daten von 203
verstorbenen schwerverletzten Patienten aus dem Universitätsklinikum Jena,
die von 2007 bis 2017 verunfallt sind.

Ergebnisse Eine eindeutige Festlegung der Todesursache ist anhand von
Klinikdaten in ca. 85% der Fälle möglich. Häufigste Todesursache von
Schwerverletzten nach Klinikeinlieferung ist mit 59,6% das
Schädel-Hirn-Trauma, gefolgt von 17% Organversagen, 14% Hämorrhagie und 9,4%
sonstigen Todesursachen. Die Verifizierung anhand von Daten aus dem
TraumaRegister DGU ist möglich. Es besteht ein klarer Zusammenhang zwischen
Unfallmechanismus und Todesursache.

Schlussfolgerungen Welche Todesursache angegeben wird, unterliegt
immer auch einer subjektiven Einschätzung. Insbesondere bestehen
Schwierigkeiten bei Patienten, die vor weiterer Diagnostik im Schockraum
versterben. Häufigste Todesursache ist heute das Schädel-Hirn-Trauma. Es ist
sinnvoll, die Todesursache im TraumaRegister DGU extra zu erfassen, da diese
anhand von anderen Registerdaten nur teilweise abgeleitet werden kann. Die
Zusammenhänge zwischen Unfallmechanismus und Todesursache könnten ggf. für
Präventionsmaßnahmen genutzt werden.
The Impact of Neurocognitive Skills on Recognition of Spectrally Degraded Sentences
Authors: Lewis Jessica H. , Castellanos Irina , Moberly Aaron C.
Published: December 2021

Abstract Background Recent models theorize that neurocognitive resources are deployed differently during speech recognition depending on task demands, such as the severity of degradation of the signal or modality (auditory vs. audiovisual [AV]). This concept
is particularly relevant to the adult cochlear implant (CI) population, considering the large amount of variability among CI users in their spectro-temporal processing abilities. However, disentangling the effects of individual differences in spectro-temporal processing and neurocognitive
skills on speech recognition in clinical populations of adult CI users is challenging. Thus, this study investigated the relationship between neurocognitive functions and recognition of spectrally degraded speech in a group of young adult normal-hearing (NH) listeners. Purpose The
aim of this study was to manipulate the degree of spectral degradation and modality of speech presented to young adult NH listeners to determine whether deployment of neurocognitive skills would be affected. Research Design Correlational study design. Study Sample Twenty-one
NH college students. Data Collection and Analysis Participants listened to sentences in three spectral-degradation conditions: no degradation (clear sentences); moderate degradation (8-channel noise-vocoded); and high degradation (4-channel noise-vocoded). Thirty sentences
were presented in an auditory-only (A-only) modality and an AV fashion. Visual assessments from The National Institute of Health Toolbox Cognitive Battery were completed to evaluate working memory, inhibition-concentration, cognitive flexibility, and processing speed. Analyses of variance
compared speech recognition performance among spectral degradation condition and modality. Bivariate correlation analyses were performed among speech recognition performance and the neurocognitive skills in the various test conditions. Results Main effects on sentence recognition
were found for degree of degradation (p = < 0.001) and modality (p = < 0.001). Inhibition-concentration skills moderately correlated (r = 0.45, p = 0.02) with recognition scores for sentences that were
moderately degraded in the A-only condition. No correlations were found among neurocognitive scores and AV speech recognition scores. Conclusions Inhibition-concentration skills are deployed differentially during sentence recognition, depending on the level of signal degradation.
Additional studies will be required to study these relations in actual clinical populations such as adult CI users.
Live Evaluation of Auditory Preference, a Laboratory Test for Evaluating Auditory Preference
Authors: Smeds Karolina , Larsson Josefina , Dahlquist Martin , Wolters Florian , Herrlin Petra
Published: December 2021

Abstract Background Many laboratory tests are performed under unrealistic conditions. Tasks, such as repeating words or sentences, are performed in simple loudspeaker setups. Currently, many research groups focus on realistic audiovisual laboratory setups. Fewer
groups focus on the tasks performed during testing. Purpose A semicontrolled laboratory test method focusing on the tasks performed, the Live Evaluation of Auditory Preference (LEAP) was evaluated. LEAP is developed to evaluate hearing-instrument performance in test scenarios
that represent everyday listening situations. Research Design LEAP was evaluated in a feasibility study. The method comprises conversations between a test participant and one or two test leaders, enabling evaluation of the test participant's own voice. The method allows for
visual cues (when relevant) and introduce social pressure to participate in the conversation. In addition, other everyday listening tasks, such as watching television (TV) and listening to radio, are included. In this study, LEAP was used to assess preference for two hearing aid settings using
paired comparisons. Study Sample Nineteen experienced hearing aid users (13 females and 6 males; mean age 74 years), participated in the study. Data Collection and Analysis LEAP was performed at three visits to the laboratory. In addition, participants conducted
a field trial where the two hearing aid programs were compared using Ecological Momentary Assessments (EMA). During LEAP testing, six mandatory test cases were used, representing commonly occurring everyday listening situations. Individual test cases were also included, selected from individually
experienced listening situations during the field trial. Within- and between-session reliability of the LEAP test was investigated. Validity was investigated by comparing the LEAP and the EMA results. Results For the current signal-processing evaluation, the test was judged
to have acceptable reliability and validity. The inclusion of individually selected test cases increased the representativeness of the LEAP test, but it did not substantially alter the results in the current study. Conclusion LEAP in its current implementation seems suitable
for investigating signal-processing preference in the laboratory in a way that is indicative of everyday preference. The LEAP method represents one step forward in bringing the real world into the laboratory.
Changing Pattern of Common Cancers in the Last Five Years in Kashmir, India: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Khan Nazir Ahmad , Ahmad Syed Nisar , Dar Nazir Ahmad , Masoodi Shariq Rashid , Lone Mohammad Maqbool
Published: December 2021

Introduction Cancer is emerging as a major health problem worldwide. Profile and pattern of cancers vary as per the geographic, ethnic, and sociocultural background of the population. It is imperative to know the change in the pattern of cancer in the population to formulate an effective strategy for its control and management.

Objective To study the changing trends and epidemiological distribution of common cancer types in an ethnic population of Northern India.

Materials and Methods In this retrospective observational study, we audited records of 22,188 patients with histologically documented cancer registered between January 2014 and December 2018 in the regional cancer center of a tertiary care institute in North India. For all identified patients, medical records were reviewed for demographic information (age of diagnosis, sex, type of cancer, and select risk factors). The data analysis was done using IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows from IBM Corp. Data were expressed as frequencies with percentages. The incidence and trends were depicted through tables, and line diagrams were used to show the changes (if any) over the last 5 years.

Results The most common cancer reported in the last 5 years was lung cancer, overall (10.6%; 95% confidence interval [CI], 10.2–11.0) as well as in men (14.8%; 95% CI, 14.2–15.4) and breast cancer in females (13.5%; 95% CI, 12.8–14.2). The top five cancers reported at our center were lung (10.6%), esophagus (9.1%), stomach (9.0%), breast (6.0%), and colon (3.8%). Compared with that, the top five cancers reported from our center in 2012 were esophagus and gastroesophageal junction (17.2%), lung (11.9%), stomach (9.7%), colorectal (7.1%), and breast (6.5%). Prostate cancer was reported in 3.4% of cases, which was much higher than that reported in 2012 (1.7%). Surprisingly, thyroid cancer (6.4%) was the fourth commonest cancer reported in females, while it did not figure in the top 10 cancers in the 2012 report. Expectantly, cervix cancer did not figure among the top 10 cancers in women.

Conclusion There is a change in the pattern of cancers. Lung and breast have emerged as the most commonly occurring cancers in men and women, respectively, whereas there was a slight downward trend in the incidence of esophageal cancer.
Effectiveness and Safety of Apixaban versus Warfarin in Venous Thromboembolism Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Cohen Alexander T. , Sah Janvi , Dhamane Amol D. , Lee Theodore , Rosenblatt Lisa , Hlavacek Patrick , Emir Birol , Delinger Rachel , Yuce Huseyin , Luo Xuemei
Published: December 2021

There has been limited evidence reported about the outcomes of oral anticoagulants among patients with venous thromboembolism (VTE) and chronic kidney disease (CKD), especially those with stage V/end-stage renal disease (ESRD). This retrospective cohort analysis of five U.S. claims databases evaluated the risk of recurrent VTE, major bleeding (MB), and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB) for apixaban versus warfarin among VTE patients diagnosed with CKD, including ESRD. Inverse probability treatment weighting (IPTW) was used to balance patient characteristics between treatment cohorts. Hazard ratios (HRs) were calculated for recurrent VTE, MB, and CRNMB among patients with CKD who experienced an index VTE. An interaction analysis was conducted to evaluate treatment effects across different stages of CKD. A total of 29,790 VTE patients with CKD were selected for analyses, of whom 10,669 (35.8%) initiated apixaban and 19,121 (64.2%) initiated warfarin. Among IPTW-balanced patient cohorts, the apixaban group had significantly lower risk of recurrent VTE (HR: 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.66–0.92), MB (HR: 0.76; 95% CI: 0.65–0.88), and CRNMB (HR: 0.86; 95% CI: 0.80–0.93) than the warfarin group. When stratified by CKD stage (stage I/II: 8.2%; stage III: 49.4%; stage IV: 12.8%; stage V/ESRD: 12.0%; stage unspecified: 17.6%), no significant interaction was observed for effects of apixaban versus warfarin on recurrent VTE or MB. In summary, apixaban was associated with a significantly lower risk of recurrent VTE and MB than warfarin among VTE patients with CKD. CKD stages did not have significant impact on treatment effects for recurrent VTE and MB.
An Experimental Study on Timing in Tracheal Stenosis Surgery
Authors: Aydogmus Umit , Ozturk Gokhan , Kis Argun , Karakaya Yeliz Arman , Aybek Hulya , Bir Ferda
Published: December 2021

Background TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-β are important bio mediators of the inflammatory process. This experimental study has investigated inflammatory biomarkers' efficacy to determine the appropriate period for anastomosis surgery in tracheal stenosis cases.

Methods First, a pilot study was performed to determine the mean stenosis ratio (SR) after the surgical anastomosis. The trial was planned on 44 rats in four groups based on the pilot study's data. Tracheal inflammation and stenosis were created in each rat by using micro scissors. In rats of groups I, II, III, and IV, respectively, tracheal resection and anastomosis surgery were applied on the 2nd, 4th, 6th, 8th weeks after the damage. The animals were euthanized 8 weeks later, followed by histopathological assessment and analysis of TNF-α, IL-6, and TGF-β as biochemical markers.

Results Mean SR of the trachea were measured as 21.9 ± 6.0%, 24.1 ± 10.4%, 25.8 ± 9.1%, and 19.6 ± 9.2% for Groups I to IV, respectively. While Group III had the worst SR, Group IV had the best ratio (p = 0.03). Group II had the highest values for the biochemical markers tested. We observed a statistically significant correlation between only histopathological changes and TNF-α from among the biochemical markers tested (p = 0.02). It was found that high TNF-α levels were in a relationship with higher SR (p = 0.01).

Conclusion Tracheal anastomosis for post-traumatic stenosis is likely to be less successful during the 4th and 6th weeks after injury. High TNF-α levels are potentially predictive of lower surgical success. These results need to be confirmed by human studies.
Continuous Remote Patient Monitoring: Evaluation of the Heart Failure Cascade Soft Launch
Authors: Chi Wei Ning , Reamer Courtney , Gordon Robert , Sarswat Nitasha , Gupta Charu , White VanGompel Emily , Dayiantis Julie , Morton-Jost Melissa , Ravichandran Urmila , Larimer Karen , Victorson David , Erwin John , Halasyamani Lakshmi , Solomonides Anthony , Padman Rema , Shah Nirav S.
Published: December 2021

Objective We report on our experience of deploying a continuous remote patient monitoring (CRPM) study soft launch with structured cascading and escalation pathways on heart failure (HF) patients post-discharge. The lessons learned from the soft launch are used to modify and fine-tune the workflow process and study protocol.

Methods This soft launch was conducted at NorthShore University HealthSystem's Evanston Hospital from December 2020 to March 2021. Patients were provided with non-invasive wearable biosensors that continuously collect ambulatory physiological data, and a study phone that collects patient-reported outcomes. The physiological data are analyzed by machine learning algorithms, potentially identifying physiological perturbation in HF patients. Alerts from this algorithm may be cascaded with other patient status data to inform home health nurses' (HHNs') management via a structured protocol. HHNs review the monitoring platform daily. If the patient's status meets specific criteria, HHNs perform assessments and escalate patient cases to the HF team for further guidance on early intervention.

Results We enrolled five patients into the soft launch. Four participants adhered to study activities. Two out of five patients were readmitted, one due to HF, one due to infection. Observed miscommunication and protocol gaps were noted for protocol amendment. The study team adopted an organizational development method from change management theory to reconfigure the study protocol.

Conclusion We sought to automate the monitoring aspects of post-discharge care by aligning a new technology that generates streaming data from a wearable device with a complex, multi-provider workflow into a novel protocol using iterative design, implementation, and evaluation methods to monitor post-discharge HF patients. CRPM with structured escalation and telemonitoring protocol shows potential to maintain patients in their home environment and reduce HF-related readmissions. Our results suggest that further education to engage and empower frontline workers using advanced technology is essential to scale up the approach.
Endovascular Treatment of Acute Ischemic Stroke in Patients Younger than 18 Years
Authors: Dalai Sibasankar , Limaye Uday , Kolli Satyarao , Maturu Mohan V. Sumedha , Narayana Randhi Venkata , Pati Rajesh , Korada Suresh Kumar , Vankineni Kuchelababu , Sameera Anantamakula , Datla Aravind Varma
Published: December 2021

Purpose Rapid and effective revascularization is very important in the treatment of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Endovascular treatment is a promising modality in the management of AIS in young patients.

Methods We evaluated the clinical and imaging records in 14 patients younger than 18 years presenting within 6 hours of AIS. They received endovascular therapy (ET) either by mechanical thrombectomy, thromboaspiration, or both (Solumbra) between July 2017 and June 2021. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score was calculated on admission and before the discharge of all patients. The 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score on disability-free outcome was also evaluated.

Results The mean preprocedure NIHSS score was 10.78 ± 2.11 that improved to 4.5 ± 1.88 after the procedure. Thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (TICI) grade 2b and 3 blood flow could be established in 12 (85.72%) patients. One patient had TICI 2a flow and one patient had recurrent occlusion despite repeated recanalization (TICI grade 0). The disability-free outcome, mRS score at 90 days was 0 to 1 in 12 (85.72%) patients, mRS score 2 in one (7.14%) patient, and mRS score 3 in one patient (7.14%). We did not have any major complication related to the procedure.

Conclusion ET provides high rates of arterial recanalization and favorable disability-free outcomes in young patients with AIS.
Do Orbital Implants Differ in Complication Rates: A Retrospective Study of 88 Patients, and an Argument for Cost-Effective Practices in the Face of Rising Health Care Costs
Authors: Ramji Husayn F. , Blessing Nathan W. , Tan Jeremy F. , Moreau Annie
Published: December 2021

Operative repair of orbital fractures utilizes implants constructed of a plethora of materials that vary in cost. Surgeon preference as well as fracture complexity may dictate the implant chosen. In this study, we retrospectively compared the complication rates of the four most common types of implants utilized at our institution. We found no significant difference in complication rates in our sample of 88 patients. Additionally, the least expensive implant was as effective as the most expensive implant in addressing isolated orbital blowout fractures. This situation is not unique to the field of oculoplastics. As evidenced from published literature in other areas of surgery, from orthopaedics to orthodontics, cheaper alternatives often afford similar outcomes as more expensive options. We herein argue that a cost-effective approach should be considered while still allowing for high quality of care, in the face of rising health care costs and health disparities in America.
Social Perception of Self-Enhanced Photographs
Authors: Parsa Keon M. , Charipova Karina , Chu Eugenia , Reilly Michael J.
Published: December 2021

The use of appearance manipulating applications on our smartphones has increased in popularity. As the aim of this study is to determine the impact of self-directed appearance manipulation on perceptions of personality and examine the influence of respondent age and gender on the various personality domains. This cross-sectional cohort study included 20 subjects between the ages of 18 to 34 who had headshots taken and were provided an introduction on the use of the Facetune2 app. After 1 week of engaging in digital appearance manipulation, subjects submitted their self-determined most attractive edited photograph. Four surveys were constructed with 10 sets of photographs each. Each of these surveys were then sent to lay people via a web-based survey tool. Anonymous blinded respondents used a 7-point Likert scale to rate their perception of each patient's aggressiveness, likeability, sociability, trustworthiness, attractiveness, authenticity, and masculinity or femininity. A multivariate linear mixed effect model was applied to analyze the overall patient trait data as well as to assess the impact of rater age and gender. A total of 288 respondents (mean age range, 25–34 years [43%]; 202 [70%] female) completed a survey. Overall, digitally enhanced photographs were perceived as more attractive (0.22; 95% CI, 0.06–0.38). Analysis based on gender of the study subjects revealed increased attractiveness scores for men (0.19; 95% CI, 0.07–0.33). Females were also perceived as being more attractive (0.16; 95% CI, 0.03–0.40), but less authentic (−0.24; 95% CI, −0.36 to −0.12). Females rated enhanced photographs of men as less masculine (−0.23; 95% CI, −0.46 to −0.04). Raters aged 35 to 64 rated altered photos as less attractive (0.31; 95% CI, 0.09–0.52), authentic (0.20; 95% CI, 0.01–0.38), and gender enhancing (0.42; 95% CI, 0.24–0.61) compared with individuals aged 18 to 34. Patients and surgeons should be aware of the ways in which self-enhanced photographs may affect social perception.
Impact of Race, Ethnicity, and Socioeconomic Status on Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Disease-Specific and Conditional Survival
Authors: London Ashley O. , Gallagher Liam W. , Sharma Rahul K. , Spielman Daniel , Golub Justin S. , Overdevest Jonathan B. , Yan Carol H. , DeConde Adam , Gudis David A.
Published: December 2021

Introduction Race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status (SES) are complex, interconnected social determinants of health outcomes. This study uses multivariable analysis on a combination of large national datasets to examine the effects of these factors on 5-year disease-specific survival (DSS) and conditional DSS (CDSS) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Methods A retrospective study of adults with NPC between 2000 and 2017 from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, End Results (SEER) registry was performed, using the National Cancer Institute Yost Index, a census tract–level composite score of SES to categorize patients. Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox's regression for DSS and CDSS were stratified by SES. Logistic regression was conducted to identify risk factors for advanced cancer stage at time of diagnosis and receiving multimodal therapy.

Results Our analysis included 5,632 patients. DSS was significantly associated with race and SES (p < 0.01). Asian/Pacific Islander patients exhibited increased survival when controlling for other variables (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.73, p < 0.01). Although Black patients were more likely to be diagnosed with advanced disease (Black odds ratio [OR] = 1.47, p < 0.01), Black patients were also less likely to receive multimodal therapy; however, this relationship lost statistical significance once SES was incorporated into the multivariable analysis. DSS was decreased among the lowest (first) and middle (second) tertiles of SES (first HR = 1.34, p < 0.01; second HR = 1.20, p < 0.01) compared with the highest (third).

Conclusion Our results indicate that race, ethnicity, and SES significantly affect survival, stage at diagnosis, and treatment of NPC. An interplay of tumor biology and inequalities in access to care likely drives these disparities.
Nanowire-based bolometer circumvents diffraction limit
Authors: Piccone Ashley
Published: December 2021

Bolometer exploiting light modulation from nanowire oscillations improves spatial resolution by an order of magnitude.
Framework maps continuous-space inverse design problems for compression
Authors: Liebendorfer Adam
Published: December 2021

The approach compresses optimization problems into surrogates to be optimized by a quantum annealer.
Developing smaller, versatile bioelectronics for cell sensing and stimulation
Authors: Piccone Ashley
Published: December 2021

Graphene nanostructures’ unique properties enhance input/output bioelectronics.
Using a layered approach to increase magnetoresistance in MRAM junctions
Authors: Thompson Avery
Published: December 2021

A multi-interface free layer comprised of alternating magnetic and nonmagnetic materials leads to dramatic increases in magnetoresistance.
Enabling large ferroelectricity and excellent reliability for ultra-thin hafnia-based ferroelectrics with a W bottom electrode by inserting a metal-nitride diffusion barrier
Authors: Kim Minki , Goh Youngin , Hwang Junghyeon , Jeon Sanghun
Published: December 2021

Metal-nitride layers were used as tungsten (W)-diffusion barriers for ultra-thin (<5 nm) Hf0.5Zr0.5O2 (HZO)-based ferroelectric capacitors with W as the bottom electrode. The influence of various metal nitrides (e.g., TiN, HfN, and ZrN) on the leakage properties, ferroelectricity, and reliability of the HZO capacitors was systematically investigated to identify appropriate materials for use as diffusion barriers in TiN/HZO/W stack capacitors. All the metal-nitrides were observed to significantly suppress W diffusion, resulting in a reduced leakage current. A comparative study between diffusion barriers revealed that the TiN/HZO/W stack capacitor with a ZrN layer exhibited the largest remanent polarization (2Pr) of 23 μC/cm2, as well as the highest reliability. This was attributed to the ZrN forming a ZrO2 interfacial layer, which could contribute to polarization switching and improve reliability. We quantitatively calculated the interfacial capacitance by performing the pulse switching measurement. In addition, crystal structures and diffusion properties with various metal nitrides are evaluated by analyzing grazing-angle incidence x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. These results provide a guideline for the fabrication of ultrathin HZO-based capacitors with stable ferroelectricity, reduced leakage, and excellent reliability.
p-GaN field plate for low leakage current in lateral GaN Schottky barrier diodes
Authors: Nela Luca , Erine Catherine , Matioli Elison
Published: December 2021

High-voltage gallium nitride Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) suffer from large off-state leakage current, which further degrades during operation at high temperatures and limits the device blocking capabilities. The key to achieving low off-state leakage is to protect the Schottky barrier from the high electric field, which is challenging by employing conventional field plate structures due to their large pinch-off voltage. In this work, we propose a simple AlGaN/GaN SBD architecture based on a p-GaN cap layer to achieve excellent off-state performance with a very low leakage current. By properly designing the AlGaN barrier and p-GaN cap, the pinch off-voltage of the p-GaN field plate is carefully controlled and the voltage drop over the Schottky junction is effectively reduced. In addition, a large carrier concentration in the access region is achieved, leading to a reduced sheet resistance. This results in good on-state performance along with a very low leakage current of ∼1 nA/mm at 400 V, which is maintained well below 100 nA/mm up to elevated temperatures of 150 °C. Moreover, the proposed architecture shares the well-established fabrication process of commercial p-GaN HEMTs and, thus, represents a promising and viable solution for future GaN diodes.
Spin dependent charge transfer in MoSe2/hBN/Ni hybrid structures
Authors: Tornatzky H. , Robert C. , Renucci P. , Han B. , Blon T. , Lassagne B. , Ballon G. , Lu Y. , Watanabe K. , Taniguchi T. , Urbaszek B. , Lopes J. M. J. , Marie X.
Published: December 2021

We present magneto-photoluminescence measurements in a hybrid two-dimensional semiconductor/ferromagnetic structure consisting of MoSe2/hBN/Ni. When the nickel layer is magnetized, we observe circularly polarized photoluminescence of the trion peak in the MoSe2 monolayer under linearly polarized excitation. This build-up of circular polarization can reach a measured value of about 4% when the magnetization of Ni is saturated perpendicularly to the sample plane and changes its sign when the magnetization is reversed. The circular polarization decreases when the hBN barrier thickness increases. These results are interpreted in terms of a spin-dependent charge transfer between the MoSe2 monolayer and the nickel film. The build-up of circular polarization is observed up to 120 K, mainly limited by the trion emission that vanishes with temperature.
Constitutive relations for slip and twinning in high rate deformations: A review and update
Authors: Armstrong Ronald W.
Published: December 2021

Constitutive relations for slip and deformation twinning behaviors of a number of metals, including α-titanium, copper, α-iron, and tantalum materials, are described over a very large range in imposed strain rates. The focus is on application to higher-rate Taylor (solid cylinder) impact tests, split-Hopkinson pressure bar measurements, and shock as compared with ramp-type isentropic compression tests and including simulations of the corresponding dislocation-based deformation behaviors.
Effect of aging heat treatment on microstructure of Ni-based single crystal superalloys
Authors: Feng Zhengxing , Wen Zhixun , Li Meng , Zhao Yanchao , Yue Zhufeng
Published: December 2021

The precipitation and evolution of γ′ precipitates for various aging heat treatment regimes are studied experimentally in Ni-based single crystal superalloys for both standard heat treatment and long-term aging samples. The focus of this paper is to explore the influence of aging heat treatment on the evolution of the morphology and the distribution of γ′ precipitates. It is demonstrated that the splitting and shrinkage phenomena appear at low aging heat treatment temperatures, and the passivation phenomenon occurs at a high aging temperature of 1200°C. The uniform cubic γ′ particles can be obtained at 1100°C/4 h for the standard heat treatment samples and 1150°C/8 h for the long-term aging ones. This research is beneficial for the study of the rejuvenation aging heat treatment in re-service nickel-based superalloys.
Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Hepburn Matt S. , Foo Ken Y. , Chin Lixin , Leitgeb Rainer , Kennedy Brendan F.
Published: December 2021

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) is an imaging technique that uses low-coherence interferometry to construct 3D images with micrometer-scale resolution. It is the imaging modality used in optical coherence elastography (OCE) to measure sample deformation; as such, a detailed analysis of OCT is required to gain a clear understanding of OCE. This chapter provides an overview of the physical principles of OCT, including wave optics, coherence, and interferometry. This theory is then used to describe the main variants of OCT: time-domain OCT and Fourier-domain OCT; the latter of which can be further subdivided into swept-source OCT and spectral-domain OCT. The relationship between system parameters (such as resolution, field of view, and signal-to-noise ratio), and the specification of OCT system components (such as the light source, objectives lens, and scanning mirrors) is also discussed. The chapter concludes with a brief description of OCT variants, including optical coherence microscopy, full-field OCT, and line-field OCT.
Optical Coherence Elastography Applications
Authors: Gong Peijun , Hepburn Matt S. , Foo Ken Y. , Boppart Stephen A. , Kennedy Brendan F.
Published: December 2021

In this chapter, we describe the applications proposed for optical coherence elastography (OCE), paying particular attention to applications in oncology, ophthalmology, and tissue engineering. In addition, we briefly describe proposed applications in areas such as cardiology, dermatology, and pulmonology. As well as describing the potential for OCE in each of these areas, and studies performed to date, we describe the challenges, and opportunities that may lie ahead in each area. We also describe some important considerations when commencing collaborations that are focused on applying OCE in new areas.
Infinite bound states and 1/n energy spectrum induced by a Coulomb-like potential of type III in a flat band system
Authors: Zhang Yi-Cai
Published: December 2021

In this work, we investigate the bound states in a one-dimensional spin-1 flat band system with a Coulomb-like potential of type III, which has a unique non-vanishing matrix element in basis ∣1〉. It is found that, for such a kind of potential, there exists infinite bound states. Near the threshold of continuous spectrum, the bound state energy is consistent with the ordinary hydrogen-like atom energy level with Rydberg correction. In addition, the flat band has significant effects on the bound states. For example, there are infinite bound states which are generated from the flat band. Furthermore, when the potential is weak, the bound state energy is proportional to the potential strength α. When the bound state energies are very near the flat band, they are inversely proportional to the natural number n (e.g., E

n
∝ 1/n, n = 1, 2, 3, …). Further we find that the energy spectrum can be well described by quasi-classical approximation (WKB method). Finally, we give a critical potential strength α

c
at which the bound state energy reaches the threshold of continuous spectrum. After crossing the threshold, the bound states in the continuum (BIC) would exist in such a flat band system.
Comparison of Modeling SPARC spiral galaxies’ rotation curves: halo models vs. MOND
Authors: Wang Lin , Chen Da-Ming
Published: December 2021

The tension between luminous matter and dynamical matter has long been an interesting and controversial topic in the investigation of galaxies. This is particularly true when we study spiral galaxies for which we have high quality observations of rotation curves. The solutions to the tension are proposed in two different approaches, one is the dark matter hypothesis and the other is MOdified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND) theory. When we test the solutions by using observational data of rotation curves, the controversy arises when we apply them to both low surface brightness (LSB) galaxies and high surface brightness (HSB) galaxies. Usually one likes to use the rotation curves of LSB galaxies, since dark matter is needed or the Newtonian acceleration falls below the characteristic acceleration a
0 in most regions of such galaxies, even near their centers. But for HSB galaxies, dark matter is needed or Newtonian acceleration falls below the characteristic acceleration a
0 only in their outer regions so it is helpful to single out HSB galaxies from some large sample to test the solutions. To this end, we employ a sub-sample of the rotation curves consisting of 45 non-bulgy HSB galaxies selected from the Spitzer Photometry and Accurate Rotation Curves (SPARC) database to test two dark halo models (NFW and Burkert) and MOND. We find that, among the three models, the core-dominated Burkert halo model (

χ

ν

2

=
1.00

) provides a better description of the observed data than the NFW model (

χ

ν

2

=
1.44

) or MOND model (

χ

ν

2

=
1.87

). This is not consistent with the most recent numerical simulations, which tend to favor some cuspy density profiles for HSB galaxies. For MOND, when we take a
0 as a free parameter, there is no obvious correlation between a
0 and disk central surface brightness at 3.6 μm of these HSB spiral galaxies, which is in line with the basic assumption of MOND that a
0 should be a universal constant, but is surprisingly not consistent with the results when LSB galaxies are included. Furthermore, our fittings give a
0 an average value of (0.74 ±0.45) ×10−8 cm s−2, which only marginally supports the standard value of a
0 (1.21 ×10−8 cm s−2). Since the standard value of a
0 is strongly supported when both HSB and LSB galaxies are included in the large SPARC sample, we conclude that our slightly smaller value of a
0 cannot be explained by the so called external field effect in MOND theory.
PhotoNs-GPU: A GPU accelerated cosmological simulation code
Authors: Wang Qiao , Meng Chen
Published: December 2021

We present a GPU-accelerated cosmological simulation code, PhotoNs-GPU, based on an algorithm of Particle Mesh Fast Multipole Method (PM-FMM), and focus on the GPU utilization and optimization. A proper interpolated method for truncated gravity is introduced to speed up the special functions in kernels. We verify the GPU code in mixed precision and different levels of theinterpolated method on GPU. A run with single precision is roughly two times faster than double precision for current practical cosmological simulations. But it could induce an unbiased small noise in power spectrum. Compared with the CPU version of PhotoNs and Gadget-2, the efficiency of the new code is significantly improved. Activated all the optimizations on the memory access, kernel functions and concurrency management, the peak performance of our test runs achieves 48% of the theoretical speed and the average performance approaches to ∼35% on GPU.