bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evolution of interfacial structure of the joints between a tungsten-copper composite and austenitic stainless steel
Authors: Huang Youting , Zha Yuanfei , Zhou Xiaolong , Li Xiaowei , Li Wei , Guo Qiaohang , Chen Wenzhe , Peng Dongliang 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Joining of CuW70 composite and 0Cr18Ni9 stainless steel was successfully achieved at temperatures 1150 °C with durations from 15 to 90 min after adding a pure copper intermediate layer. Microstructure, phase composition and elemental distribution at the interfacial region were studied. The optimum joining interface with a dense microstructure was obtained at a joining temperature of 1150 °C with a duration of 60 min. Interdiffusion of atoms occurred at the interface between the tungsten-copper composite and stainless steel, resulting in formation of various compounds such as W0.6Cu0.4, Cu3.8Ni and Fe0.946Ni0.054. An iron chromium-rich layer was formed at the interface near the tungsten-copper composite side, and an island structure containing Cr, Cu, and Ni was formed near the stainless steel side.
A three-dimensional viscoelastic analysis of thermoplastic resin matrix composite laminates during hot stamping
Authors: Mao Huajie , Yan Hongxu , Guo Wei , Meng Zhenghua , Deng Jingwen 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
In this paper, a three-dimensional thermo-viscoelastic constitutive equation is used to simulate and analyze the hot stamping process of thermoplastic resin matrix composites. Dynamic mechanical analyzer (DMA) was used to measure the relaxation behavior of resin matrix at different temperatures. Then, the relaxation times and the weight factors of the resin matrix were obtained by regression analysis of the data of the resin matrix relaxation behavior using genetic intelligent algorithm. According to the classical Maxwell model with N Maxwell elements and representative volume element (RVE), the integral constitutive model was established, and the corresponding integral finite element program was incorporated into commercial software ABAQUS with an UMAT subroutine.Thermal expansion was also taken into account in the present model. The constitutive model and its finite element program in this paper were verified by experiments with a self-designed hot stamping die for thermoplastic composites.In addition, the simulation results were compared with the actual failure areas to further verify the applicability of the constitutive model adopted in this paper. The results indicate that the ball edge of the hemispherical part is easy to be damaged.
Challenges in the deposition of (Ag,Cu)(In,Ga)Se2 absorber layers for thin-film solar cells
Authors: Essig Stephanie , Paetel Stefan , Friedlmeier Theresa Magorian , Powalla Michael 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
The partial replacement of Cu by Ag in Cu(In,Ga)Se2 thin-film solar cells is strategically interesting to achieve smooth devices with high conversion efficiencies. Yet, the industrial exploitation requires further understanding of the deposition process and control of the absorber layer properties. In this study, three-stage co-evaporation of (Ag,Cu)(Ga,In)Se2 films with [Ag]/([Ag] + [Cu]) contents up to 0.2 was investigated. Deep crevices and voids, sometimes extending down to the rear contact, were found. They mainly occur for high Ag contents and excessive group-I richness during the second stage of the deposition. The formation of cavities is attributed to the segregation of Ag–Se phases and slow Ag diffusion into the chalcopyrite during the deposition. Another identified challenge is the flattening of the desired bandgap grading which is correlated with the Ag content. Optimized process conditions allow fabrication of smooth (Ag,Cu)(Ga,In)Se2 films in a manufacturing-like inline deposition with cell efficiencies up to 20.5%.
‘Real world’ effectiveness of the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) programme: an implementation study
Authors: Orton Elizabeth , Audsley Sarah , Coupland Carol , Gladman John R F , Iliffe Steve , Lafond Natasher , Logan Philippa , Masud Tahir , Skelton Dawn A , Timblin Clare , Timmons Stephen , Ward Derek , Kendrick Denise 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Falls incidence increases with age alongside declines in strength and balance. Clinical trials show that the Falls Management Exercise (FaME) programme improves strength and balance, which can reduce falls and improve physical functioning.

Objective
To determine if the clinical trial efficacy of FaME translates into effectiveness in non-research settings.

Design and setting
An implementation study of FaME in 10 local authorities across the East Midlands region of England.

Subjects
Adults aged 65 and over enrolled on a FaME programme.

Method
Anonymised outcome data collected by the FaME providers were compared at baseline, end of programme and 6 months follow-up using univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results
For 348 adults enrolled in programmes and analysed, the mean age was 76.8, 73% were female and 143 (41%) completed ≥75% of classes. Overall confidence in balance, fear of falling, functional reach and timed-up-and-go (all P &lt; 0.001), and turn 180° (P = 0.008) improved significantly at programme completion versus baseline, but improvements were not maintained 6 months later. Falls risk (FRAT score) and total minutes of physical activity did not change significantly though minutes of strength and balance activity increased by 55% at programme completion and was maintained at 6 months. The falls incidence rate ratio (IRR) was non-significantly lower at programme completion (IRR 0.76, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.48,1.21) and follow-up (IRR 0.82 95% CI 0.48,1.39) versus baseline.

Conclusions
There is modest translation of FaME efficacy into effectiveness, but not all effects persist after completion. Strategies to aid adherence and exercise maintenance are important to maximise benefits.
Maternal and personal information mediates the use of social cues about predation risk
Authors: Winandy Laurane , Di Gesu Lucie , Lemoine Marion , Jacob Staffan , Martin José , Ducamp Christine , Huet Michèle , Legrand Delphine , Cote Julien 
Published: December 2020

AbstractOrganisms can gain information about predation risks from their parents, their own personal experience, and their conspecifics and adjust their behavior to alleviate these risks. These different sources of information can, however, provide conflicting information due to spatial and temporal variation of the environment. This raises the question of how these cues are integrated to produce adaptive antipredator behavior. We investigated how common lizards (Zootoca vivipara) adjust the use of conspecific cues about predation risk depending on whether the information is maternally or personally acquired. We experimentally manipulated the presence of predator scent in gestating mothers and their offspring in a full-crossed design. We then tested the consequences for social information use by monitoring offspring social response to conspecifics previously exposed to predator cues or not. Lizards were more attracted to the scent of conspecifics having experienced predation cues when they had themselves no personal information about predation risk. In contrast, they were more repulsed by conspecific scent when they had personally obtained information about predation risk. However, the addition of maternal information about predation risk canceled out this interactive effect between personal and social information: lizards were slightly more attracted to conspecific scent when these two sources of information about predation risk were in agreement. A chemical analysis of lizard scent revealed that exposure to predator cues modified the chemical composition of lizard scents, a change that might underlie lizards’ use of social information. Our results highlight the importance of considering multiple sources of information while studying antipredator defenses.
Heterogenous effects of father and mother age on offspring development
Authors: Noguera José Carlos 
Published: December 2020

Abstract
Maternal age has long been described to influence a broad range of offspring life-history traits, including longevity. However, relatively few studies have tested experimentally for the effects of paternal age and even fewer the potential interactive effects of father and mother age on offspring life-history traits from conception to death. To tackle these questions, I performed a factorial experimental design where I manipulated the age of both male and female field crickets (Gryllus bimaculatus) and subsequently assessed their effects over the offspring’s entire lifetime. I found that, despite coming from larger eggs, the embryos of old females grew up at a slower rate, took more time to develop, and showed lower hatching success than those of young females. Offspring postnatal viability was unaffected by female age but, at adulthood, the offspring of old females were bigger and lived shorter than those of young females. Male age effects were mostly present during offspring postnatal development as nymphs sired by old males having increased early mortality. Moreover, father age strongly influenced the development of offspring adult personality as revealed by the shyer personality of crickets sired by an old male. My results indicate that father and mother age at reproduction have different effects that affect offspring traits at different stages of their development. The results further suggest that father and mother age effects could be mediated by independent mechanisms and may separately influence the evolution of aging.
CellTracker: an automated toolbox for single-cell segmentation and tracking of time-lapse microscopy images
Authors: Hu Tao , Xu Shixiong , Wei Lei , Zhang Xuegong , Wang Xiaowo 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Summary
Recent advances of long-term time-lapse microscopy have made it easy for researchers to quantify cell behavior and molecular dynamics at single-cell resolution. However, the lack of easy-to-use software tools optimized for customized research is still a major challenge for quantitatively understanding biological processes through microscopy images. Here, we present CellTracker, a highly integrated graphical user interface software, for automated cell segmentation and tracking of time-lapse microscopy images. It covers essential steps in image analysis including project management, image pre-processing, cell segmentation, cell tracking, manually correction and statistical analysis such as the quantification of cell size and fluorescence intensity, etc. Furthermore, CellTracker provides an annotation tool and supports model training from scratch, thus proposing a flexible and scalable solution for customized dataset analysis.

Availability and implementation
CellTracker is an open-source software under the GPL-3.0 license. It is implemented in Python and provides an easy-to-use graphical user interface. The source code, instruction manual and demos can be found at https://github.com/WangLabTHU/CellTracker.

Supplementary information
Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A Reliability Study: Strong Inter-Observer Agreement of an Expert Panel for Intestinal Ultrasound in Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: De Voogd Floris , Wilkens Rune , Gecse Krisztina , Allocca Mariangela , Novak Kerri , Lu Cathy , D’Haens Geert , Maaser Christian 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Intestinal ultrasound [IUS] is a promising and non-invasive cross-sectional imaging modality in the diagnosis and monitoring of ulcerative colitis [UC]. Unlike endoscopy, where standardized scoring for evaluation of disease activity is widely used, scoring for UC with IUS is currently unavailable. Therefore, we conducted a study to assess the reliability of IUS in UC among expert sonographists in order to identify robust parameters.

Methods
Thirty patients with both clinically active [25] and quiescent [five] UC were included. Six expert sonographers first agreed upon key IUS parameters and grading, including bowel wall thickness [BWT], colour Doppler signal [CDS], inflammatory fat [i-fat], loss of bowel wall stratification [BWS], loss of haustrations and presence of lymph nodes. Thirty video-recorded cases were blindly reviewed.

Results
Inter-observer agreement was almost perfect for BWT (intra-class correlation coefficient [ICC]: 0.96) and substantial for CDS [κ = 0.63]. Agreement was moderate for presence of lymph nodes [κ = 0.41] and fair for presence of i-fat [κ = 0.36], BWS [κ = 0.24] and loss of haustrations [κ = 0.26]. Furthermore, there was substantial agreement for presence of disease activity on IUS [κ = 0.77] and almost perfect agreement for disease severity [ICC: 0.93]. Most individual parameters showed a strong association with IUS disease activity as measured by the six readers.

Conclusion
IUS is a reliable imaging modality to assess disease activity and severity in UC. Important individual parameters such as BWT and CDS are reliable and could be incorporated in a future UC scoring index. Standardized acquisition and assessment of UC utilizing IUS with established reliability is important to expand the use of IUS globally.
Squat-to-stand provocation of dynamic left ventricular outflow tract obstruction in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Peng Lillian T , Newman D Brian , Geske Jeffrey B 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction is an important determinant of the management of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). With a nationwide shortage of amyl nitrite in 2019, we implemented a ‘repetitive squat-to-stand’ manoeuvre to provoke LVOT obstruction during echocardiography.

Case summary
A 64-year-old female was referred with symptomatic HCM refractory to pharmacologic therapy. Transthoracic echocardiography showed minor LVOT obstruction with conventional imaging at rest and during Valsalva manoeuvre, but severe obstruction was confirmed with the repetitive squat-to-stand manoeuvre. Alcohol septal ablation via the first septal perforator was performed with subsequent resolution of symptoms.

Discussion
Due to the dynamic nature of LVOT obstruction, a series of provocative manoeuvres including Valsalva manoeuvre, inhalation of amyl nitrite, and exercise are often necessary to maximally augment ventricular obstruction. The recent unavailability of amyl nitrite during a nationwide shortage prompted the implementation of a protocol of repetitive squat-to-stand manoeuvre in our echocardiography laboratory. Rising from the squatting position decreases preload and afterload, both of which augment dynamic LVOT obstruction. Repetition of squatting and standing appears to enhance the sensitivity of the manoeuvre, particularly when exertional symptoms are reproduced. In this case, repetitive squat-to-stand manoeuvre led to the identification of severe LVOT obstruction which may not have been diagnosed otherwise, alteration of treatment to septal reduction therapy, and subsequent resolution of symptoms.
Unusual intracardiac thrombosis in two patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): case series
Authors: Calvi Emiliano , Bernardi Nicola , Cimino Giuliana , Pascariello Greta , Faggiano Pompilio , Gavazzi Emanuele , Vizzardi Enrico , Metra Marco 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
COVID-19 may induce a coagulation dysregulation resulting in a prothrombotic state with a higher risk of arterial and venous thrombosis. This abnormal thrombotic diathesis can lead to pulmonary embolism, stroke, and intracardiac thrombosis.

Case summary
We present two cases of unusual intracardiac thrombosis in patients hospitalized for COVID-19. In both cases, imaging tests (such as transthoracic echocardiography (TTE), computed tomography scan of the chest, and cardiac magnetic resonance imaging) showed evidence of unusual intracardiac thrombosis with thrombi adherent to regularly contracting walls.

Discussion
This evidence confirms that COVID-19 induces a hypercoagulable state which can result in intracardiac thrombosis. Therefore, TTE is indicated in all COVID-19 patients for early diagnosis, and prompt anticoagulant therapy is to be considered as a thromboprophylaxis strategy.
A case report on transient cardiomyopathy with cytokine storm in SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Tarun Tushar , Kumar Senthil , Johnson Jeremy , Chockalingam Anand 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Cardiac manifestations during Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic have included acute coronary syndrome, arrhythmias, myocarditis, and stress cardiomyopathy. However, the combination of cardiomyopathy and negative cardiac biomarkers has not yet been reported.

Case summary
A 49-year-old man admitted for respiratory failure secondary to SARS-CoV-2 developed new-onset cardiomyopathy with negative cardiac biomarkers. Left ventricular ejection fraction and strain improved 7 days after the initial echocardiogram, after administration of Tocilizumab, coinciding with clinical recovery, and improvement in inflammatory markers.

Discussion
As experience of cardiovascular manifestations of SARS-CoV-2 increases, more patients will likely present with cardiovascular manifestations; the recognition and proper management of these may improve patient outcomes.
The power of optimal medical therapy using angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor in acute decompensated heart failure, sparing a critical patient open-heart surgery with a device therapy: a case report
Authors: Gerges Fady , Komaranchath Austin , Al Bakshy Faiz , Almaghraby Abdallah 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
Timely use of Sacubitril/Valsartan has the potential to significantly improve cardiac function and dramatically reduce secondary mitral regurgitation (MR) severity even in patients presenting with acute decompensated heart failure (HF), not only in compensated chronic HF patients. The outstanding impact of echocardiography is obvious in monitoring improvement of cardiac function and MR severity in patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF).

Case summary
We report a relevant case of an elderly patient who presented with acute decompensated HF and severe MR. He was symptomatic despite being on maximally tolerated doses of ACEI, beta-blockers, and diuretics. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) improved from 15% to 35% 2 weeks following initiation of Sacubitril/Valsartan during second HF hospitalization. There was a dramatic improvement of patient’s symptoms from New York Heart Association (NYHA) Class IV to NYHA I. N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide reduced from 9000 pg/mL to 800 pg/mL. Coronary angiography depicted three-vessel coronary artery disease. The patient was advised to undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery with mitral valve repair, then followed by implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy-defibrillator device (CRT-D) if no LV function improvement is observed after revascularization. The electrocardiogram showed Q waves in inferior leads with QRSd ≥ 125 ms, hence a good candidate for CRT. Following an elective percutaneous coronary intervention, LVEF further improved to 50%. The patient became asymptomatic with preserved LVEF on follow-up for 18 months later.

Discussion
This case report documents the swift echocardiographic and symptom improvement in a decompensated end-stage HF patient when Sacubitril/Valsartan initiated during acute setting.
C-reactive protein and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Smilowitz Nathaniel R , Kunichoff Dennis , Garshick Michael , Shah Binita , Pillinger Michael , Hochman Judith S , Berger Jeffrey S 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Background
A systemic inflammatory response is observed in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Elevated serum levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, are associated with severe disease in bacterial or viral infections. We aimed to explore associations between CRP concentration at initial hospital presentation and clinical outcomes in patients with COVID-19.

Methods and results
Consecutive adults aged ≥18 years with COVID-19 admitted to a large New York healthcare system between 1 March and 8 April 2020 were identified. Patients with measurement of CRP were included. Venous thrombo-embolism (VTE), acute kidney injury (AKI), critical illness, and in-hospital mortality were determined for all patients. Among 2782 patients hospitalized with COVID-19, 2601 (93.5%) had a CRP measurement [median 108 mg/L, interquartile range (IQR) 53–169]. CRP concentrations above the median value were associated with VTE [8.3% vs. 3.4%; adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.33, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.61–3.36], AKI (43.0% vs. 28.4%; aOR 2.11, 95% CI 1.76–2.52), critical illness (47.6% vs. 25.9%; aOR 2.83, 95% CI 2.37–3.37), and mortality (32.2% vs. 17.8%; aOR 2.59, 95% CI 2.11–3.18), compared with CRP below the median. A dose response was observed between CRP concentration and adverse outcomes. While the associations between CRP and adverse outcomes were consistent among patients with low and high D-dimer levels, patients with high D-dimer and high CRP have the greatest risk of adverse outcomes.

Conclusions
Systemic inflammation, as measured by CRP, is strongly associated with VTE, AKI, critical illness, and mortality in COVID-19. CRP-based approaches to risk stratification and treatment should be tested.
Catheter ablation for non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation accompanied by heart failure with preserved ejection fraction: feasibility and benefits in functions and B-type natriuretic peptide
Authors: Yamauchi Ryota , Morishima Itsuro , Okumura Kenji , Kanzaki Yasunori , Morita Yasuhiro , Takagi Kensuke , Nagai Hiroaki , Watanabe Naoki , Furui Koichi , Yoshioka Naoki , Miyazawa Hiroyuki , Shimojo Kazuki , Imaoka Takuro , Sakamoto Gaku , Murohara Toyoaki 
Published: December 2020

Abstract

Aims
We aimed to examine the benefits of catheter ablation in patients with non-paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (AF) accompanied by heart failure (HF) with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF), in comparison with the benefits in patients with AF accompanied by HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) or patients with no HF.

Methods and results
From 1173 consecutive patients undergoing catheter ablation, 502 with non-paroxysmal AF were divided into three groups: no history of HF [plasma B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) &lt;100 pg/mL and no HF hospitalization; n = 125], HFpEF [left ventricular (LV) EF ≥50%; n = 293], and HF with midrange EF (HFmrEF) + HFrEF (LVEF &lt;50%; n = 84) groups. The endpoints were AF recurrence at 1 year, changes in symptomatic and image-based functional status, and changes in BNP levels from baseline to 1 year. In the HFpEF group, AF recurred in 48 patients (16.4%) and 278 patients (94.8%) had sinus rhythm at 1 year; these values were comparable with those in the other groups. Significant improvement was observed in the left atrial diameter, LVEF, and New York Heart Association functional class in the HFpEF and HFmrEF + HFrEF groups. The BNP level significantly decreased irrespective of the index rate control status, and freedom from AF recurrence was an independent predictor of HF remission, defined as BNP &lt;100 pg/mL at 1 year, in the HFpEF group.

Conclusion
Catheter ablation is highly feasible for restoring sinus rhythm in non-paroxysmal AF with coexisting HFpEF, thereby improving cardiac function and BNP levels. Catheter ablation for AF may be an optional management strategy.