bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐Replication of Deeply Buried Doped Silicon Structures, which Remotely Control the Etching Process: A New Method for Forming a Silicon Pattern from the Bottom Up
Authors: Schutzeichel Christopher , Kiriy Nataliya , Kiriy Anton , Voit Brigitte
Published: May 2021

A typical microstructuring process utilizes photolithographic masks to create arbitrary patterns on silicon substrates in a top‐down approach. Herein, a new, bottom‐up microstructuring method is reported, which enables the patterning of n‐doped silicon substrates to be performed without the need for application of etch‐masks or stencils during the etching process. Instead, the structuring process developed herein involves a simple alkaline etching performed under illumination and is remotely controlled by the p‐doped micro‐sized implants, buried beneath a homogeneous n‐doped layer at depths of 0.25 to 1 µm. The microstructuring is realized because the buried implants act upon illumination as micro‐sized photovoltaic cells, which generate a flux of electrons and increase the negative surface charge in areas above the implants. The locally increased surface charge causes a local protection of the native silicon oxide layer from alkaline etching, which ultimately leads to the microstructuring of the substrate. In this way, substrates having at their top a thick layer of homogeneously n‐doped silicon can be structured, reducing the need for costly, time‐consuming photolithography steps.
Assessing the Impact of Defects on Lead‐Free Perovskite‐Inspired Photovoltaics via Photoinduced Current Transient Spectroscopy
Authors: Pecunia Vincenzo , Zhao Jing , Kim Chaewon , Tuttle Blair R. , Mei Jianjun , Li Fengzhu , Peng Yueheng , Huq Tahmida N. , Hoye Robert L. Z. , Kelly Nicola D. , Dutton Siân E. , Xia Kai , MacManus‐Driscoll Judith L. , Sirringhaus Henning
Published: May 2021

The formidable rise of lead‐halide perovskite photovoltaics has energized the search for lead‐free perovskite‐inspired materials (PIMs) with related optoelectronic properties but free from toxicity limitations. The photovoltaic performance of PIMs closely depends on their defect tolerance. However, a comprehensive experimental characterization of their defect‐level parameters—concentration, energy depth, and capture cross‐section—has not been pursued to date, hindering the rational development of defect‐tolerant PIMs. While mainstream, capacitance‐based techniques for defect‐level characterization have sparked controversy in lead‐halide perovskite research, their use on PIMs is also problematic due to their typical near‐intrinsic character. This study demonstrates on four representative PIMs (Cs3Sb2I9, Rb3Sb2I9, BiOI, and AgBiI4) for which Photoinduced Current Transient Spectroscopy (PICTS) offers a facile, widely applicable route to the defect‐level characterization of PIMs embedded within solar cells. Going beyond the ambiguities of the current discussion of defect tolerance, a methodology is also presented to quantitatively assess the defect tolerance of PIMs in photovoltaics based on their experimental defect‐level parameters. Finally, PICTS applied to PIM photovoltaics is revealed to be ultimately sensitive to defect‐level concentrations <1 ppb. Therefore, this study provides a versatile platform for the defect‐level characterization of PIMs and related absorbers, which can catalyze the development of green, high‐performance photovoltaics.
The Substance and Circumstances of Race and Immigration Talk in High School Gender and Sexuality Alliances
Authors: Calzo Jerel P. , Yoshikawa Hirokazu , Paul Poteat V. , Kieu Talia , Pham Amanda
Published: May 2021

Gender & Sexuality Alliances (GSAs) are school‐based clubs that support youth of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities. As identity‐centered spaces, GSAs could also foster discussions related to race and immigration (i.e., race and immigration talk). We conducted semi‐structured interviews from 2016 to 2018 with 38 GSA members (ages 13–20 years old) of diverse racial/ethnic, immigrant‐origin (first and second generations in the United States born of immigrant parents), sexual orientation, and gender identities. Race and immigration talk often occurred when discussing current events (e.g., the 2016 US Presidential Election). Students reported that race and immigration talk depended on representation (i.e., GSA demographics), if it was deemed personally relevant to members, and whether students perceived issues of race and immigration as part of the agenda of the GSA. Some students indicated motivation to discuss racism and nativism yet refrained from doing so due to discomfort or fear of misspeaking. Overall, youth primarily viewed the GSA as a space for LGBTQIA+‐oriented discussions and support yet expressed potential for fostering productive race and immigration talk in GSAs given the ongoing US sociopolitical climate. Discussions facilitated by advisors focusing on inter‐connected oppression (e.g., intersections of racism and heterosexism) and that leverage brave space discussion dynamics may help students develop competencies to engage in race and immigration talk.
The role of organizational supports in mitigating mental ill health in firefighters: A cohort study in Alberta, Canada
Authors: Cherry Nicola , Galarneau Jean‐Michel , Haynes Whitney , Sluggett Bryan
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Little is known about the effectiveness of ongoing mental health support in reducing the mental health impacts of a traumatic deployment.

Methods

A cohort of firefighters was established among those deployed to a devastating wildfire in Alberta, Canada in May 2016. Firefighters completed three questionnaires: at recruitment giving details of exposures, a first follow‐up reporting mental health supports before, during, and after the fire and a second follow‐up, at least 30 months after the fire, with screening questionnaires for anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Fire chiefs were interviewed about mental health provisions. The impact of supports on mental ill health was estimated, adjusting for clustering within fire service and potential confounders.

Results

Of 1234 firefighters in the cohort, 840 completed the questionnaire on mental health supports. In total, 78 of 82 fire chiefs were interviewed. Analysis of the impact of supports on mental ill health included 745 firefighters from 67 fire services. Only 45.8% of reports of peer support were concordant between firefighters and fire chiefs. After adjusting for confounding, the odds ratios (OR) for peer support reported by both fire chief and firefighter were depressive disorder: OR = 0.22, 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.08–0.61; anxiety disorder: OR = 0.45, 95% CI, 0.24–0.82; PTSD: OR = 0.62, 95% CI, 0.37–1.02. Symptoms of anxiety and depression but not PTSD were reduced by resiliency training before the fire and by support offered within 48 h of return from deployment.

Conclusion

The results suggest peer support in firefighters is protective but its availability is poorly recognized. PTSD was somewhat less responsive, perhaps reflecting the cumulative effects of previous exposures.
Low dose CT detected interstitial lung abnormalities in a population with low asbestos exposure
Authors: Harris Edward J. A. , Lim Kuan P. , Moodley Yuben , Adler Brendan , Sodhi‐Berry Nita , Reid Alison , Murray Conor P. , Franklin Peter J. , Musk AW (Bill) , de Klerk Nicholas H. , Brims Fraser J. H.
Published: May 2021

Background

The use of low dose CT (LDCT) chest is becoming more widespread in occupationally exposed populations. There is a knowledge gap as to heterogeneity in severity and the natural course of asbestosis after low levels of exposure. This study reports the characteristics of LDCT‐detected interstitial lung abnormalities (ILA).

Methods

The Asbestos Review Program offers annual LDCT, health assessments, and pulmonary function tests to an asbestos‐exposed cohort. Asbestosis was defined using the Helsinki Consensus statement and the presence of ILA defined using a protocol for occupational CT reports. At least two of three pulmonary function tests: forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1);​ forced vital capacity (FVC); and diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLco) were required for analysis of physiological decline.

Results

From 1513 cases, radiological ILA was present in 485 (32%). The cohort was 83.5% male with a median age of 68.3 years and a median (IQR) asbestos exposure of 0.7 (0.09–2.32) fiber/ml‐year. A mixed occupation, mixed asbestos fiber cohort comprised the majority of the cohort (65.8%). Of those with ILA, 40 (8.2%) had an FVC decline of ≥10% and 30 (6.2%) had a DLco decline of ≥15% per year. Time since first exposure, increasing tobacco exposure and reported dyspnea were independently associated with the presence of ILA.

Conclusions

In this population with relatively low asbestos exposure, LDCT‐detected ILA that fits criteria for asbestosis is common, but physiological decline is not. This mild chronic stable phenotype of asbestos‐associated ILA contrasts with the traditionally accepted views that asbestosis requires high exposures.
Field Dynamics Inference for Local and Causal Interactions
Authors: Frank Philipp , Leike Reimar , Enßlin Torsten A.
Published: May 2021

Inference of fields defined in space and time from observational data is a core discipline in many scientific areas. This work approaches the problem in a Bayesian framework. The proposed method is based on statistically homogeneous random fields defined in space and time and demonstrates how to reconstruct the field together with its prior correlation structure from data. The prior model of the correlation structure is described in a non‐parametric fashion and solely builds on fundamental physical assumptions such as space‐time homogeneity, locality, and causality. These assumptions are sufficient to successfully infer the field and its prior correlation structure from noisy and incomplete data of a single realization of the process as demonstrated via multiple numerical examples.
Rational Design of a Highly Selective Near‐Infrared Two‐Photon Fluorogenic Probe for Imaging Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma Chemotherapy
Authors: Wu Xiaofeng , Wang Rui , Qi Sujie , Kwon Nahyun , Han Jingjing , Kim Heejeong , Li Haidong , Yu Fabiao , Yoon Juyoung
Published: May 2021

Selective fluorescence imaging of biomarkers in vivo and in situ for evaluating orthotopic hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) chemotherapy remains a great challenge due to current imaging agents suffering from the potential interferences of other hydrolases. Herein, we observed that carbamate unit showed a high selectivity toward the HCC‐related biomarker carboxylesterase (CE) for evaluation of treatment. A near‐infrared two‐photon fluorescent probe was developed to not only specially image CE activity in vivo and in situ but also target orthotopic liver tumor after systemic administration. The in vivo signals of the probe correlate well with tumor apoptosis, making it possible to evaluate the status of treatment. The probe enables the imaging of CE activity in situ with a high‐resolution three‐dimensional view for the first time. This study may promote advances in optical imaging approaches for precise imaging‐guided diagnosis of HCC in situ and its evaluation of treatment.
The sesamoid bone in the long abductor muscle tendon of the first digit in the dog
Authors: Van den Broeck Martine , Stock Emmelie , Duchateau Luc , Cornillie Pieter
Published: May 2021

The sesamoid bone in the tendon of the m. abductor digiti primi longus is considered present in most dog breeds and is described to be radiologically detectable at the level of the carpus from the age of 4 months. However, an extensive investigation of this sesamoid bone has not been conducted before. The aim of this study was therefore to determine its prevalence in different dog breeds, to describe its histological development, and to determine the age at which it becomes radiologically visible. The prevalence of the sesamoid bone was assessed on radiographic images of the carpus or by dissection of the carpal region in 743 adult dogs of 115 breeds. Its development was studied by dissection and histological analysis in 45 puppies and its timing of radiological appearance was evaluated in 209 puppies. At least one sesamoid bone was present in all adult dogs, except for 14 dogs of six breeds of predominantly the small breed category. The lowest prevalence rate of 38.46% was exhibited in the French bulldog. The histological development could be divided into five stages. The first radiographic appearance corresponded to the coalescence of smaller ossification centers into one big nucleus (stage 4). The mean time of radiographic appearance was 108.4 days. This study provides extensive data on the prevalence and timing of the radiographic appearance of a sesamoid at the carpus of the dog. The data on radiographic appearance may be helpful in the age estimation of puppies.
The impact of emotional signals on credibility assessment
Authors: Giachanou Anastasia , Rosso Paolo , Crestani Fabio
Published: May 2021

Fake news is considered one of the main threats of our society. The aim of fake news is usually to confuse readers and trigger intense emotions to them in an attempt to be spread through social networks. Even though recent studies have explored the effectiveness of different linguistic patterns for fake news detection, the role of emotional signals has not yet been explored. In this paper, we focus on extracting emotional signals from claims and evaluating their effectiveness on credibility assessment. First, we explore different methodologies for extracting the emotional signals that can be triggered to the users when they read a claim. Then, we present emoCred, a model that is based on a long‐short term memory model that incorporates emotional signals extracted from the text of the claims to differentiate between credible and non‐credible ones. In addition, we perform an analysis to understand which emotional signals and which terms are the most useful for the different credibility classes. We conduct extensive experiments and a thorough analysis on real‐world datasets. Our results indicate the importance of incorporating emotional signals in the credibility assessment problem.
Highly Emissive Metal‐Organic Frameworks for Sensitive and Selective Detection of Nitrofuran and Quinolone Antibiotics
Authors: Cong Zhenzhong , Song Zhenfeng , Ma Yunxiao , Zhu Mingchang , Zhang Ying , Wu Shuangyan , Gao Enjun
Published: May 2021

The overuse of antibiotics makes its detection very significant for human health. New facile methods and high‐performance sensory materials will be urgently needed for detection of antibiotics. Unfortunately, there are few reports on fluorescence enhancement of antibiotics detection. Herein, based on the modulability of the coordination mode, we proposed two MOFs with different coordination modes based on different metal ions: Zn‐MOF (1) and Cd‐MOF (2). The fluorescence of 1 and 2 can be efficiently and selectively quenched by nitrofuran antibiotics (nitrofurazone, NFZ and furazolidone, FZD) and chloramphenicol (CAP), respectively. Particularly, the matched energy levels between 2 and enrofloxacin (ENR) enables 2 with turn‐on sensing for ENR. Moreover, apart from the sensitivity and selectivity, 1 and 2 also have strong recyclable ability, fast response time and anti‐interference ability, which make them great potential sensory materials to detect antibiotics.
Immersion and invariance control for Euler angles of a fixed‐wing unmanned aerial vehicle
Authors: Aslan Fırat , Yalçın Yaprak
Published: May 2021

In this paper, an asymptotically stabilizing, nonlinear flight controller design via immersion and invariance (I&I) approach for a fixed‐wing unmanned aerial vehicle is presented. The objective is to adjust pitch, roll, and yaw angles with the control inputs aileron, elevator, and rudder deflections. The important issues in designing a controller for fixed‐wing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) are to cope with its nonlinear dynamics and to obtain a controller that can deal with various disturbances. Existing linear controllers cannot deal well with the nonlinear dynamics of the UAVs and that can not guarantee stability outside of the considered operating point. On the other hand, widely used nonlinear controllers have some weaknesses. Such as sliding mode controllers are robust to disturbances but suffer from the chattering phenomenon, and the backstepping controllers are not very robust to disturbances. The proposed controller ensures global stability with smooth and precise reference tracking and also yields significant disturbance attenuation without the chattering phenomenon. I&I approach also enables us to directly assign closed‐loop dynamics. Thus, tuning of the proposed controller is straightforward. Most of the other nonlinear methods do not have straightforward tuning of control parameters to assign desired dynamics to a closed‐loop system. The superior performance of the proposed controller is shown via simulations for various disturbances in comparison with the sliding mode controllers; the one with standard control law and the one with modified control law that eliminate the chattering phenomenon.
Does a screening digital rectal exam provide actionable clinical utility in patients with an elevated PSA and positive MRI?
Authors: Chang Courtney M. , McIntosh Andrew G. , Shapiro Daniel D. , Davis John W. , Ward John F. , Gregg Justin R.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To define the value of a digital rectal exam (DRE) in the prostate‐magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) era. Prostate MRI is increasingly used in men with elevated prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) prior to biopsy.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed in men with elevated PSA undergoing MRI followed by MRI fusion with systematic biopsy and men with elevated PSA/active surveillance with negative MRI followed by biopsy. Baseline clinicopathologic characteristics and DRE findings were collected. We examined performance of a positive DRE on sensitivity and specificity of diagnosing clinically significant prostate cancer (CSPC).

Results

A total of 339 patients had elevated PSA and positive MRI followed by MRI fusion guided with systematic biopsy. Pre‐biopsy DRE was documented in 286/339 patients, who were included in further analysis. About 81.6% positive, 78.7% questionable, and 55.8% negative DRE patients had CSPC. Positive DRE had 21.8% sensitivity and 91.3% specificity for CSPC. Positive or questionable DRE had 42.1% sensitivity and 81.5% specificity. Among 148 men with non‐CSPC (GG1)‐targeted biopsy, 28 had systematic biopsy with CSPC. About 5/28 had positive DRE and 8/28 had positive or questionable DRE. Twenty‐seven patients were included who had elevated PSA/on active surveillance with negative MRI and biopsy done within 2 years. About 77.8% had negative, 7.4% had questionable, and 14.8% men had positive DRE. About 7.4% had CSPC and all had a negative DRE.

Conclusions

Our study provides limited evidence for the value of a DRE. However, it does show occasional benefit in detecting GG2 or higher disease and given the lack of cost and side effects, should still be considered.
HiCommunication as a novel speech and communication treatment for Parkinson's disease: A feasibility study
Authors: Schalling Ellika , Winkler Helena , Franzén Erika
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Speech and communication problems are common in Parkinson's disease (PD) and can result in social withdrawal and reduced quality of life. Intervention may improve symptoms but transfer and maintenance remain challenging for many. Access to treatment may also be limited. Group intervention incorporating principles for experience‐dependent plasticity may address these challenges. The aim of this study was to develop and study feasibility aspects of a new intervention program for group training of speech and communication in people with PD.

Materials & Methods

Development and content of the program called HiCommunication is described. Core target areas are voice, articulation, word‐finding and memory. Five participants with mild‐moderate PD completed this feasibility trial. Attendance rate and possible adverse events as well as the participants' experiences were documented. A speech recording and dysarthria testing were completed to study feasibility of the assessment procedure and evaluate possible changes in voice sound level and intelligibility.

Results

Attendance rate was 89%. No adverse events occurred. Participants reported a positive experience and limited fatigue. Assessment was completed in approximately 30 min and was well tolerated. Four of five participants had an increased voice sound level during text‐reading postintervention and mean intelligibility improved.

Conclusions

Results indicate that HiCommunication is feasible for people with mild‐moderate PD. The program was appreciated and well tolerated. Positive outcomes regarding voice sound level and intelligibility were observed; however, the number of participants was very limited. The results motivate that effects of HiCommunication are further studied in a randomized controlled trial, which is ongoing.
Red cell index: A novel biomarker for 3‐month mortality in acute ischemic stroke patients treated with intravenous thrombolysis
Authors: Qian Meizi , Zhou Xinbo , Gao Beibei , Huang Honghao , Yang Chenguang , Zeng Tian , Shen Jiamin , Hu Jingyu , Sun Fangyue , Li Shengqi , Huang Xuerong , Chen Guangyong
Published: May 2021

Background

The red cell index (RCI) was described as a biomarker for evaluating respiratory function in previous studies, but the relationship between RCI and stroke, remained a mystery. The present study aimed to probe the association between RCI at 24‐hr and 3‐month mortality and functional outcomes among acute ischemic stroke (AIS) patients treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (r‐tPA).

Methods

A total of 217 AIS patients between January 2016 and January 2019 were recruited in this retrospective study. AIS patients were grouped in terms of RCI tertiles. Predictive factors were confirmed via multivariate logistic regression analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to assess the ability of RCI in predicting mortality. In addition, the risk of 3‐month all‐cause mortality was evaluated by Cox proportional hazard model.

Results

We grouped AIS patients into tertiles with the purpose of comparing clinical factors and RCI levels. Multivariate logistic regression analysis presented that RCI (odds ratio [OR] = 1.443, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.167–1.786], p = 0.001) was an independent biomarker for 3‐month all‐cause mortality. The best cutoff value of RCI was 2.41 (area under the curve [AUC] = 0.639, 95% CI [0.501–0.778], p = .032), with a sensitivity of 40.9% and a specificity of 89.7%. Cox survival analysis demonstrated a positive significant correlation between RCI (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.332, 95% CI [1.148–1.545], p < .001) and mortality risk.

Conclusion

RCI, a potential predictor, was significantly associated with 3‐month mortality in AIS patients with r‐tPA.
Hospital‐level compliance with the commission on cancer’s quality of care measures and the association with patient survival
Authors: Nussbaum Daniel P. , Rushing Christel N. , Sun Zhifei , Yerokun Babatunde A. , Worni Mathias , Saunders Robert S. , McClellan Mark B. , Niedzwiecki Donna , Greenup Rachel A. , Blazer Dan G.
Published: May 2021

Background

Quality measurement has become a priority for national healthcare reform, and valid measures are necessary to discriminate hospital performance and support value‐based healthcare delivery. The Commission on Cancer (CoC) is the largest cancer‐specific accreditor of hospital quality in the United States and has implemented Quality of Care Measures to evaluate cancer care delivery. However, none has been formally tested as a valid metric for assessing hospital performance based on actual patient outcomes.

Methods

Eligibility and compliance with the Quality of Care Measures are reported within the National Cancer Database, which also captures data for robust patient‐level risk adjustment. Hospital‐level compliance was calculated for the core measures, and the association with patient survival was tested using Cox regression.

Results

Seven hundred sixty‐eight thousand nine hundred sixty‐nine unique cancer cases were included from 1323 facilities. Increasing hospital‐level compliance was associated with improved survival for only two measures, including a 35% reduced risk of mortality for the gastric cancer measure G15RLN (HR 0.65, 95% CI 0.58–0.72) and a 19% reduced risk of mortality for the colon cancer measure 12RLN (HR 0.81, 95% CI 0.77–0.85). For the lung cancer measure LNoSurg, increasing compliance was paradoxically associated with an increased risk of mortality (HR 1.14, 95% CI 1.08–1.20). For the remaining measures, hospital‐level compliance demonstrated no consistent association with patient survival.

Conclusion

Hospital‐level compliance with the CoC’s Quality of Care Measures is not uniformly aligned with patient survival. In their current form, these measures do not reliably discriminate hospital performance and are limited as a tool for value‐based healthcare delivery.
COVID‐19‐related coagulopathy: A review of pathophysiology and pharmaceutical management
Authors: Kohansal Vajari Mahdi , Shirin Mahsa , Pourbagheri‐Sigaroodi Atieh , Akbari Mohammad Esmaeil , Abolghasemi Hassan , Bashash Davood
Published: May 2021

December 2019 will never be forgotten in the history of medicine when an outbreak of pneumonia of unknown etiology in Wuhan, China sooner or later prompted the World Health Organization to issue a public health warning emergency. This is not the first nor will it be the last time that a member of β‐coronaviruses (CoVs) is waging a full‐scale war against human health. Notwithstanding the fact that pneumonia is the primary symptom of the novel coronavirus (2019nCoV; designated as SARS‐CoV‐2), the emergence of severe disease mainly due to the injury of nonpulmonary organs at the shadow of coagulopathy leaves no choice, in some cases, rather than a dreadful death. Multiple casual factors such as inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet and complement activation, renin‐angiotensin‐aldosterone system derangement, and hypoxemia play a major role in the pathogenesis of coagulopathy in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) patients. Due to the undeniable role of coagulation dysfunction in the initiation of several complications, assessment of coagulation parameters and the platelet count would be beneficial in early diagnosis and also timely prediction of disease severity. Although low‐molecular‐weight heparin is considered as the first‐line of treatment in COVID‐19‐associated coagulopathy, several possible therapeutic options have also been proposed for better management of the disease. In conclusion, this review would help us to gain insight into the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and laboratory findings associated with COVID‐19 coagulopathy and would summarize management strategies to alleviate coagulopathy‐related complications.
Transcatheter mitral valve repair in a high‐surgical risk patient with severe degenerative mitral regurgitation using the novel DragonFly™ Transcatheter Repair device—First in man implantation in China
Authors: Liu Xianbao , Pu Zhaoxia , Lim David Scott , Wang Jian'an
Published: May 2021

Transcatheter repair of mitral regurgitation (MR) by edge‐to‐edge therapy has become increasingly accepted for patients with severe MR at high or prohibitive surgical risk in primary or degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR). The technological approach has evolved from the initial transcatheter edge‐to‐edge device to improve on its acute reduction in MR and durability of results, particularly in complex primary pathology. In this study, we reported the first case of DragonFly™ Transcatheter Valve Repair device in a patient with severe DMR.
Outcomes following PCI in CABG candidates during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The prospective multicentre UK‐ReVasc registry
Authors: Kite Thomas A. , Ladwiniec Andrew , Owens Colum G. , Chase Alexander , Shaukat Aadil , Mozid Abdul M. , O'Kane Peter , Routledge Helen , Perera Divaka , Jain Ajay K. , Palmer Nick , Hoole Stephen P. , Egred Mohaned , Sinha Manas K. , Cahill Thomas J. , Candilio Luciano , Anantharam Brijesh , Byrne Jonathan , Walsh Simon J , McEntegart Margaret , Kean Sharon , Siddique Laraib , Budgeon Charley , Curzen Nick , Berry Colin , Ludman Peter , Gershlick Anthony H. ,   UK‐ReVasc Registry Investigators
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To describe outcomes following percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) in patients who would usually have undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

Background

In the United Kingdom, cardiac surgery for coronary artery disease (CAD) was dramatically reduced during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Many patients with “surgical disease” instead underwent PCI.

Methods

Between 1 March 2020 and 31 July 2020, 215 patients with recognized “surgical” CAD who underwent PCI were enrolled in the prospective UK‐ReVasc Registry (ReVR). 30‐day major cardiovascular event outcomes were collected. Findings in ReVR patients were directly compared to reference PCI and isolated CABG pre‐COVID‐19 data from British Cardiovascular Intervention Society (BCIS) and National Cardiac Audit Programme (NCAP) databases.

Results

ReVR patients had higher incidence of diabetes (34.4% vs 26.4%, P = .008), multi‐vessel disease with left main stem disease (51.4% vs 3.0%, P < .001) and left anterior descending artery involvement (94.8% vs 67.2%, P < .001) compared to BCIS data. SYNTAX Score in ReVR was high (mean 28.0). Increased use of transradial access (93.3% vs 88.6%, P = .03), intracoronary imaging (43.6% vs 14.4%, P < .001) and calcium modification (23.6% vs 3.5%, P < .001) was observed. No difference in in‐hospital mortality was demonstrated compared to PCI and CABG data (ReVR 1.4% vs BCIS 0.7%, P = .19; vs NCAP 1.0%, P = .48). Inpatient stay was half compared to CABG (3.0 vs 6.0 days). Low‐event rates in ReVR were maintained to 30‐day follow‐up.

Conclusions

PCI undertaken using contemporary techniques produces excellent short‐term results in patients who would be otherwise CABG candidates. Longer‐term follow‐up is essential to determine whether these outcomes are maintained over time.
Huffing and twist: Fatal Torsade de pointes associated with Tetrafluoroethane Inhalation and amphetamine use
Authors: Burke Joseph , Haigney Mark C. P. , Farasat Morteza , Mehler Philip S. , Krantz Mori J.
Published: May 2021

Many volatile chemicals inhaled for a recreational high have a chemical structure similar to chloroform and may lead to Ikr blockade and subsequent torsades de pointes. This is one potential mechanism of action for huffing‐associated sudden death.
A 63‐kg giant neurofibroma in the right lower extremity and gluteal region of a 22‐year‐old woman: A case report
Authors: Sharma Samit , Pokhrel Biraj , Khadka Namrata , Rayamajhi Sangam , Man Shrestha Jayan , Lohani Ishwar
Published: May 2021

Excessive intraoperative hemorrhage in the management of a giant neurofibroma can be reduced with ancillary procedures such as ligation of the feeding/nutrient artery, adopting proper intraoperative hemostatic methods, and by staging the surgery.
Spontaneous retroperitoneal bleeding secondary to celiac artery compression syndrome
Authors: Nagasaki Kazuya , Ariga Hiroyuki , Irie Toshiyuki , Kashimura Junya , Kobayashi Hiroyuki
Published: May 2021

Clinicians should consider celiac artery compression syndrome as the cause of ruptured visceral aneurysm and dissection and ask patients for unexplained chronic abdominal symptoms. Endovascular embolization with metallic coil placement is the first‐line treatment, and surgery can be avoided in some cases.
Metal‐Catalyzed Hydrogen Evolution Reactions Involving Strong C−H Bonds Activation via Hydrogen Atom Transfer
Authors: Zhang Dan , Hui Xin , Wu Chunying , Zhu Yunbo
Published: May 2021

Hydrogen evolution reactions have been proved to be a powerful and green strategy in organic synthesis. Differing from hydrogen evolution reactions catalyzed by noble metal pincer complex with some limitations, the reactions facilitated by merging hydrogen atom transfer (HAT) and metal‐catalyzed hydrogen evolution (MCHE) represents a more attractive and promising alternative for direct formation of chemical bonds from available feedstocks in synthetic chemistry. Given the significance, this review summarizes the state of the art with highlighting the mechanism, synthetic applications and meanwhile enlightens the future development of this area.
Method for the Manual Analysis of Moiré Structures in STM images
Authors: Günther Sebastian , Zeller Patrick , Böller Bernhard , Wintterlin Joost
Published: May 2021

A method is presented to manually determine the lattice parameters of commensurate hexagonal moiré structures resolved by STM. It solves the problem that lattice parameters of moiré structures usually cannot be determined by inspection of an STM image, so that computer‐based analyses are required. The lattice vector of a commensurate moiré structure is a sum of integer multiples both of the two basis vectors of the substrate and of the adsorbed layer. The method extracts the two factors with respect to the adsorbed layer from an analysis of the Fourier transform of an STM image. These two factors are related to the two factors with respect to the substrate layer. Using the cell augmentation method, six possible moiré structures are identified by algebra. When the orientation and lattice constant of the substrate are roughly known, this information is usually sufficient to determine a unique moiré structure and its lattice parameters.
Direct and Indirect Electrooxidation of Glycerol to Value‐Added Products
Authors: Guschakowski Michael , Schröder Uwe
Published: May 2021

In this work, different approaches for the direct and indirect electrooxidation of glycerol, a by‐product of oleochemistry and biodiesel production, for the synthesis of value‐added products and of intermediates for biofuel/electrofuel production, were investigated and compared. For the direct electrooxidation, metallic catalysts were used, whose surfaces were modified by promoters or second catalysts. Bi‐modified Pt electrodes (PtxBiy/C) served as model systems for promoter‐supported electrocatalysis, whereas IrO2‐modified RuO2 electrodes were studied as catalyst combinations, which were compared under acidic conditions with the respective monometallic catalysts (Pt/C, RuO2/Ti, IrO2/Ti). Furthermore, inorganic halide mediators (chloride, bromide, iodide) and organic nitroxyl mediators (4‐oxo‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidin‐1‐oxyl and 4‐acetamido‐2,2,6,6‐tetramethyl‐piperidin‐1‐oxyl) were evaluated for indirect electrooxidation. These different approaches were discussed regarding selectivity, conversion, and coulombic efficiency of the electrochemical glycerol oxidation.
Tandem Character of Liquid Hot Water and Deep Eutectic Solvent to Enhance Lignocellulose Deconstruction
Authors: Xu Jikun , Zhou Pengfei , Liu Xinyan , Yuan Lan , Zhang Chuntao , Dai Lin
Published: May 2021

Pretreatment with efficient fractionation, eco‐friendliness, and low‐cost brings high security to future biorefinery systems. Synergistic pretreatment is a compelling blueprint to tackle the compact structure of lignocellulose towards a high‐level valorization. Here, a stepwise approach was designed using hydrothermal and deep eutectic solvent (DES) pretreatments to hierarchically extract hemicelluloses and lignin from poplar, while delivering a cellulose‐rich substrate that could easily undergo enzymatic hydrolysis to obtain fermentable glucose and residual lignin. The lifetime of recyclable DES showed that the pretreatment efficiency was still largely maintained after the fourth recycling. An enhancement of enzymatic digestibility from 13.9 to 90.4 % was initiated by the deconstruction of amorphous portions and robust cell wall. 23.7 % Xylooligosaccharides (degree of polymerization 2–6), 47.5 % DES‐isolated lignin, and 19.2 % cellulose enzymatic lignin were harvested via this coupled process. This study could promote the precise design of sustainable tandem pretreatment that can boost the frontier of highly available biorefinery.
Lookup table‐based negative‐bias temperature instability effect and leakage power co‐optimization using genetic algorithm approach
Authors: Bhattacharjee Abhishek , Sahu Dheeraj Kumar , Pradhan Sambhu Nath
Published: May 2021

As a result of continuous scaling of transistors, negative bias temperature instability (NBTI) has become a serious reliability concern which causes the device to degrade over its lifetime. Similarly, leakage power also remains a key issue in deep submicron technologies. Both NBTI‐related delay degradation and standby time leakage power depend strongly on the circuit's input patterns. The input vector control (IVC) technique can be used for mitigating both NBTI‐related delay degradation and leakage power. However, the input vectors with the least NBTI‐induced degradation may not be the same ones with the least leakage power in any circuit; therefore, co‐optimization is needed to minimize leakage and NBTI‐induced degradation. In this paper, a genetic algorithm (GA)‐based approach is presented to co‐optimize both NBTI‐related performance degradation and also leakage power. We are also presenting a trade‐off analysis by giving different weightage to the NBTI effect and leakage power. Simulation results applied on ISCAS'85 benchmark circuits illustrate that on average our proposed technique saves up to 21.85% and 17.68% circuit performance degradation and the leakage power, respectively.
Lightweight 8‐bit S‐box and combined S‐box/S‐box−1 for cryptographic applications
Authors: Rashidi Bahram
Published: May 2021

In this paper, a lightweight 8‐bit S‐box and combined S‐box/S‐box−1 with a security level equal to the AES S‐box is presented. From the viewpoint of hardware implementation, the S‐box has better hardware and timing complexities. The structure is based on an efficient field inversion and a low‐cost affine transformation. The field multiplications over
in the inversion circuit are implemented by resource sharing to reduces logic gates. The original equations of the inversion over
are optimally rewritten. In addition, a part of the S‐box called Part1 is optimized for reducing area and delay. This part consists of two addition operations, one multiplication, field squaring, and multiplication by constant λ, which all operations are over
. The subblocks of Part1 are combined to generate a unified structure. Security analysis of the proposed S‐box showed that the structure has a security level equal to the Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) S‐box. The implementation results in 180‐ and 65‐nm Complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) technologies show the proposed S‐box and combined S‐box/S‐box−1 are comparable in terms of area, delay, and area × delay than most of the famous S‐boxes. The proposed S‐box is a high‐secure and area‐efficient S‐box as a good candidate for block ciphers.
Autism spectrum disorder and new perspectives on the reliability of second to fourth digit ratio
Authors: Kyselicová Klaudia , Belica Ivan , Vidošovičová Mária , Janšáková Katarína , Neščáková Eva , Špajdel Marián , Navarová Simona , Ostatníková Daniela
Published: May 2021

The second to fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) is according to previous studies a likely biomarker for prenatal testosterone exposure and its effect on the human brain. It was found to be linked to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Recently, 2D:4D raised a lot of questions with regard to its stability and autism‐related behaviors. Here, we present a cross‐sectional study of 2D:4D in boys (N = 91, mean age 7.63) and adults (N = 36 mean age 22.8) with ASD as well as neurotypical students, 506 participants in total. Digit ratio was assessed by taking measurements from digital scans, compared between groups and correlated with the autism quotient. Significant differences were found in the digit ratio of children and adults. Both girls and boys had 2D:4D ratio lower than women and men, both on the right (p = 0.000 in females, p = 0.000 in males) and left hand (p = 0.018 in females, p = 0.011 in males). No significant differences were found in digit ratios between neurotypical subjects and those with ASD nor was there a relationship with the reported autistic traits, which leads us to question the reliability of 2D:4D and its relation to ASD.
The association between bullying and eating disorders: A case–control study
Authors: Lie Selma Ø. , Bulik Cynthia M. , Andreassen Ole A. , Rø Øyvind , Bang Lasse
Published: May 2021

Objective

Childhood bullying is associated with a range of adverse mental health outcomes, and here we investigated the association between bullying exposure and eating disorders (EDs).

Method

In this case–control study, we compared bullying history in individuals with EDs with community controls. Participants (n = 890, mean age = 29.50 ± 10.60) completed an online self‐report battery assessing bullying history and lifetime history of bulimia nervosa (BN), binge‐eating disorder (BED), and anorexia nervosa (binge‐eating/purging (AN‐BP) or restrictive (AN‐R) subtype). Logistic regressions were performed to estimate odds ratios (ORs).

Results

In the combined ED sample, individuals with a history of any ED were significantly more likely than controls to have experienced bullying victimization during childhood or adolescence (ORs = 1.99–3.30), particularly verbal, indirect, and digital bullying. Bullying prior to ED onset was also significantly more common than bullying within the same time frame for controls (ORs = 1.75–2.16). Further analysis showed that these effects were due to individuals with BN or BED reporting significantly more lifetime (p < .001) and premorbid bullying (p = .002) than controls, while individuals in the other diagnostic subgroups did not differ significantly from controls.

Discussion

Our results confirm an association between bullying and binge‐eating/purging ED subtypes. Prospective studies are needed to establish bullying as a risk factor for EDs.
Tuning the Gold(I)‐Carbon σ Bond in Gold‐Alkynyl Complexes through Structural Modifications of the NHC Ancillary Ligand: Effect on Spectroscopic Observables and Reactivity
Authors: Sorbelli Diego , Belanzoni Paola , Belpassi Leonardo
Published: May 2021

Understanding the features of the gold(I)‐carbon σ bond and its modulation induced by an ancillary ligand has become fundamental for the purposes of ligand design, due to the increasing interest towards gold(I)‐alkynyl complexes and their wide range of applications. We carry out a systematic computational analysis of 16 gold(I)‐acetylide complexes bearing different N‐Heterocyclic Carbenes (NHCs) as ancillary ligands [NHC−Au(I)−CCH]. The results show that the strength and features of the Au−C bond can be efficiently tuned by performing specific structural modifications on the NHC, enabling a more efficient π communication between the alkynyl and the ancillary ligand. We also demonstrate that the effect of the bond modulation can be revealed via NMR spectroscopy, as highlighted by the tight correlation between the computed nuclear shielding constants and the bonding parameters. Finally, we show that, for the dual‐gold‐catalyzed Bergman cyclization as case study, suitable structural modifications on the NHC ligand, which modulate the π‐acidity of the metal fragment σ‐coordinated to an enediyne substrate, could affect the reaction barrier and the thermodynamic stability of the product. All the reported results can be well rationalized in the framework of distortion/interaction analysis, which has been recently extended to the dual (σ,π‐type) Au catalytic systems by Alabugin et al (J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2017, 137, 3406‐3416).
Asymmetric Organocatalysis in Deep Eutectic Solvents
Authors: Alonso Diego A. , Burlingham Sarah‐Jayne , Chinchilla Rafael , Guillena Gabriela , Ramón Diego J. , Tiecco Matteo
Published: May 2021

The recent advances in asymmetric organocatalysis using eutectic mixtures as a reaction medium are revised in this mini‐review. In addition, the first enantioselective transformations using chiral eutectic solvents, which play the role of a green medium and organocatalyst, are described. In this minireview we intend to deepen not only in the synthetic aspects of asymmetric organocatalysis in eutectic mixtures, but also in the fundamental issues that seem to be essential for a successful development of this promising, and at the same time challenging, methodology.
Why the microkinetic modeling of experimental tafel plots requires knowledge of the reaction intermediate's binding energy
Authors: Exner Kai S.
Published: May 2021

Knowledge of the relation between electrocatalytic activity and the rate‐determining step or the surface coverage of reaction intermediates is crucial to design next‐generation electrocatalysts that may contribute to the sustainability of our society. Commonly, microkinetic models making use of the quasi‐equilibrium or steady‐state assumptions are applied to correlate potential mechanistic descriptions to experimental data, which are usually depicted in the form of a Tafel plot. Yet, there is a discrepancy in the literature on the utility of the quasi‐equilibrium and steady‐state conditions, both of which are approximations per se. This inconsistency is the starting point of the present work, which compares the quasi‐equilibrium and steady‐state approaches for the analysis of a Tafel plot by the concept of free‐energy diagram for a two‐electron process. A correlation between the two frameworks is deduced and important guidelines for the application of the quasi‐equilibrium and steady‐state assumptions are obtained. While the quasi‐equilibrium approach is a suitable approximation for the analysis of a linear Tafel line without change in the Tafel slope, it may fail in the evaluation of a Tafel plot with two linear Tafel regimes. There, the binding energy of the reaction intermediate governs whether the quasi‐equilibrium model is justified, or the steady‐state approach is needed. This implies that density functional theory calculations are indispensably required as a supplement to analyze a Tafel plot with two different Tafel slopes, a situation that is particularly observed for highly active electrocatalysts.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Dry Reforming of Methane for Valorization of Landfill Gas and Natural Gas
Authors: Jensen Christopher , Duyar Melis S.
Published: May 2021

Dry reforming of methane (DRM) is a promising technology to convert carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4), two major greenhouse gases into syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen (H2)). A thermodynamic equilibrium analysis for DRM with a focus on carbon formation is carried out in Aspen Plus using the Gibbs free energy minimization method. The effects of feed CO2/CH4 ratio (0.5–3), reaction temperature (773–1373 K), and system pressure (0.1–10 atm) on the equilibrium conversion, product distribution, and solid carbon formation are investigated. From the analysis, it was found that the optimal operating conditions of 1 atm, 1123 K, and a feed ratio (CO2:CH4) of 1:1, minimized carbon formation, produced syngas at a H2/CO ratio of 1 (sufficient for downstream Fischer–Tropsch synthesis), while minimizing energy requirements. It is found that adding small amounts of oxygen or water significantly reduced carbon formation, minimized loss in syngas production, and reduced energy requirements. Three application scenarios were simulated to reflect the valorization of vented and flared natural gas and landfill gas (LFG). It was found that using captured CO2 with natural gas and LFG produced favorable results and therefore may be an opportunity for commercial DRM.