bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimization of magnesia sintering parameters fabricated by spark plasma sintering method for infrared transparency
Authors: Pournajaf Reza , Hassanzadeh-Tabrizi S A , Ebrahimi-Kahrizsangi Reza , Alhaji Amir , Nourbakhsh Amir Abbas 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In this study, sintering of magnesia nanopowder was investigated using spark plasma sintering (SPS), and the effects of time and pressure on microstructure, physical properties, density, and infrared transparency were studied. Densification of magnesia nanopowder was examined at 1100 °C and the pressure of 40, 60, and 80 MPa, and at different times. Findings indicated that MgO ceramics’ density rapidly increased with increasing the sintering time up to 5 min, while it increased with a slow speed after 5 min. Analysis of grain growth rate at different times indicated that, in the initial stages of sintering, the process was done through a non-diffusional process and, in the final 15 min of the process, it was done through lattice diffusion. In addition, examining the yield stress of the sintered sample at 1100 °C and considering its conformity with the results of theoretical density showed that it underwent plastic deformation up to 15 min. In general, the results revealed that the main mechanism of magnesia sintering was plastic deformation. The highest infrared transmittance of 65% was obtained for the sample sintered at 1100 °C for 20 min at 80 MPa.
Feasibility of using a single MRI acquisition for fiducial marker localization and synthetic CT generation towards MRI-only prostate radiation therapy treatment planning
Authors: Nosrati R , Lam W W , Paudel M , Pejović-Milić A , Morton G , Stanisz G J 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the feasibility of using a single MRI acquisition for fiducial marker identification and synthetic CT (sCT) generation towards MRI-only treatment planning for prostate external beam radiation therapy (EBRT). Methods. Seven prostate cancer patients undergoing EBRT, each with three implanted gold fiducial markers, participated in this study. In addition to the planning CT scan, all patients were scanned on a 3 T MR scanner with a 3D double-echo gradient echo (GRE) sequence. Quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM) was performed for marker localization. QSM-derived marker positions were compared to those from CT. The bulk density assignment technique for sCT generation was adopted. The magnitude GRE images were segmented into muscle, bone, fat, and air using a combination of unsupervised intensity-based classification of soft tissue and convolutional neural networks (CNN) for bone segmentation. Results. All implanted markers were visualized and accurately identified (average error: 0.7 ± 0.5 mm). QSM generated distinctive contrast for hemorrhage, calcifications, and gold fiducial markers. The estimated susceptibility/HU values on QSM/CT for gold and calcifications were 31.5 ± 2.9 ppm/1220 ± 100 HU and 14.6 ± 0.9 ppm/440 ± 100 HU, respectively. The intensity-based soft tissue classification resulted in an average Dice score of 0.97 ± 0.02; bone segmentation using CNN resulted in an average Dice score of 0.93 ± 0.03. Conclusion. This work indicates the feasibility of simultaneous fiducial marker identification and sCT generation using a single MRI acquisition. Future works includes evaluation of the proposed method in a large cohort of patients with optimized acquisition parameters as well as dosimetric evaluations.
Unraveling the optical contrast in Sb2Te and AgInSbTe phase-change materials
Authors: Ahmed Shehzad , Wang Xu-Dong , Zhou Yu-Xing , Sun Liang , Mazzarello Riccardo , Zhang Wei 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Chalcogenide phase-change materials (PCMs) show a significant contrast in optical reflectivity and electrical resistivity upon crystallization from the amorphous phase and are leading candidates for non-volatile photonic and electronic applications. In addition to the flagship Ge2Sb2Te5 phase-change alloy, doped Sb2Te alloys, in particular AgInSbTe used in rewritable optical discs, have been widely investigated for decades, and nevertheless the theoretical insights on the optical properties of this important family of PCMs are scarce. Here, we carry out thorough ab initio simulations to gain an atomistic understanding of the optical properties of Sb2Te and AgInSbTe. We show that the large optical contrast between the amorphous and crystalline phase stems from the change in bond type in the parent compound Sb2Te. Ag and In impurities serve mostly the purpose of stabilization of the amorphous phase, and have marginal impact on the large variation in the dielectric function upon the phase transitions.
Additive manufactured thermal metamaterial devices for manipulating heat flow: geometric configuration design and SLM-assisted fabrication
Authors: Deng Tianxiang , Li Bo , Xuan Fuzhen 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Thermal metamaterials, benefitting from ingenious design and construction of artificial structures, commonly exhibit amazing heat conduction characteristics beyond naturally occurring materials in conventional scenarios. Based on the transformation thermodynamics theory and the effective medium theory, two types of metamaterial structure devices aiming to manipulate heat flow were artificially designed and fabricated with the aid of selective laser melting additive manufacturing technology in this work. The well-designed thermal metamaterial structures respectively achieved the thermal self-focus and thermal torsion functions. The relation of the configuration geometric parameters and the heat flux changes of the thermal metamaterial devices was carefully dissected. Following the geometric optimization design, the heat transfer directions achieved to be precisely manipulated as the design wishes. The changes in both heat flux and temperature distribution on the thermal self-focus and thermal torsion devices were traced through the numerical simulation and experimental measurement methods. The thermal simulation results were highly consistent with the experimental findings of the design-intended manipulation effects on the heat flow. The research work verified the applicability of the thermal metamaterial structures fabricated with the assist of selective laser melting in the thermal engineering fields.
Frequent and severe hypoglycaemia detected with continuous glucose monitoring in older institutionalised patients with diabetes
Authors: Bouillet Benjamin , Tscherter Pauline , Vaillard Laurence , Nonciaux Christine , Hourdain Philippe , Ravier Anne , Rouland Alexia , Petit Jean Michel , Vergès Bruno , Quilot Emilienne 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundLittle is known about the prevalence of hypoglycaemia in older people with diabetes. However, the HbA1c goal is ≥8% for institutionalised patients with treatments that can cause hypoglycaemia.PurposeWe aimed to assess the prevalence of hypoglycaemia with continuous glucose monitoring and to evaluate the link with HbA1C in older institutionalised patients with diabetes taking potentially hypoglycaemia-inducing drugs.DesignProspective, multicentre study carried out in six geriatric care centres in the Côte d’Or region of France between January 2019 and July 2020.Settings, subjects and methodsA FreeStyle Libre Pro® (FSLP) was worn for up to 14 days in blinded mode in 42 patients taking at least one potentially hypoglycaemia-inducing antidiabetic drug.ResultsTwo hundred and forty-two hypoglycaemic events were detected in 79% (n = 33) of patients wearing the FSLP. One or more hypoglycaemic event was detected in 100% of patients with HbA1C &lt; 7% and in 79% of patients with HbA1C ≥ 8% (P = 0.02). The time spent in hypoglycaemia was higher in patients with HbA1C &lt; 7% than those with HbA1C ≥ 8% (P = 0.015). Time spent &lt;54 mg/dl was detected in 45% of patients.ConclusionsWe report a very high prevalence of hypoglycaemia, with a significant proportion of severe hypoglycaemia, in older institutionalised patients with diabetes taking potentially hypoglycaemia-inducing drugs. Having HbA1C &lt; 7% exposes patients to a higher risk of hypoglycaemia, but this risk remains also high in patients with HbA1C ≥ 8%. In this population, continuous glucose monitoring could be considered an effective tool to detect hypoglycemia, which is associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, falling, fractures, cognitive impairment and mortality.
Spatioregional assessment of the gut microbiota in experimental necrotizing pancreatitis
Authors: van den Berg F F , Hugenholtz F , Boermeester M A , Zaborina O , Alverdy J C 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Infectious complications following experimental pancreatitis involve major disruptions in the gut microbiota. The aim of this study was to characterize this disruption by examining the spatioregional distribution in microbial community structure and function following experimental pancreatitis associated with pancreatic infection.

Methods
Mice were subjected to infusion of the pancreatic duct with either taurocholate to induce necrotizing pancreatitis or normal saline (control group). The spatial (lumen versus mucosa) and regional composition and function of the microbiota from the duodenum, ileum, caecum, colon, pancreas and blood were evaluated using 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing.

Results
Mice that developed necrotizing pancreatitis demonstrated a decrease in microbial richness and significantly altered microbiota in distal parts of the gastrointestinal tract, compared with controls. Among the most differentially increased taxa were the mucus-degrading Akkermansia muciniphila, and there was a decrease of butyrate-producing bacteria following pancreatitis. Application of the SourceTracker tool to the generated metadata indicated that the duodenum was the most probable source of bacteria that subsequently infected pancreatic tissue in this model. The functional prediction annotation using pathway analyses indicated a diminished capacity of the caecal microbiota to metabolize carbohydrate, and fatty and amino acids.

Discussion
The distal gut microbiota was significantly impacted in this model of experimental necrotizing pancreatitis. Data suggest that the duodenal microbiota might also play a role in bacterial translation and secondary infections.
An Ex-Ante Assessment of the AGI: Firm-Level Evidence from Belgian Tax Return Data
Authors: Buyl Pieter , Roggeman Annelies , Verleyen Isabelle 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Using confidential tax return data, we provide a unique research setting in which the Belgian notional interest deduction (NID) is replaced by the Allowance for Growth and Investment (AGI) as it is proposed by the European Commission. Our results show that the AGI would be a more viable option from a budgetary view. From a company view, however, introducing an AGI system would increase the probability of a higher effective tax rate (ETR). Especially large companies would be harmed as they would face a 7.6 percentage point higher probability of an ETR increase compared with SMEs. Furthermore, we find that there is a positive relationship between the equity ratio and the increased ETR, which is stronger for large firms compared to SMEs. This is in line with previous studies stating that large firms adjusted more aggressively to the NID by increasing their equity ratio more heavily than SMEs. However, large firms still face an ETR that is on average 10.4 percentage points lower compared with SMEs, indicating that the AGI is insufficient to undo the unequal level playing field between large and small companies. (JEL codes: H21, G32, H25, K34).
Medical treatment of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction: the dawn of a new era of personalized treatment?
Authors: Ameri Pietro , Bertero Edoardo , Maack Christoph , Teerlink John R , Rosano Giuseppe , Metra Marco 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Recent trials have shown the efficacy of new drugs for the medical therapy of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF). Sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2is) reduced hospitalizations for heart failure (HF), HF events, and cardiovascular death in patients with HFrEF or hospitalized for HF. Iron repletion with ferric carboxymaltose (FCM) improved symptoms, functional capacity, and quality of life in chronic HFrEF patients, and decreased the risk of subsequent HF hospitalizations in subjects with acutely decompensated HF. New-generation potassium binders may allow initiation and up-titration of renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system inhibitors (RASis). Lastly, the guanylate cyclase stimulator vericiguat and the myosin activator omecamtiv mecarbil reduced the primary endpoint in two major controlled trials. These results open novel pathways for the treatment of HFrEF. This review discusses new opportunities of an individualized approach to HFrEF pharmacotherapy, where new compounds expand a spectrum of drugs that target primarily neuroendocrine activation. SGLT2i can be safely applied once daily at a fixed dose to the vast majority of patients with HFrEF, including those with moderate renal dysfunction and/or systolic blood pressure as low as 95–100 mmHg. Additional medications are suitable for more specific phenotypes, with ivabradine providing benefit in patients with sinus rhythm and heart rates ≥70 b.p.m., FCM in the presence of iron deficiency, and potassium-lowering agents to implement RASi when hyperkalaemia occurs. Vericiguat and omecamtiv mecarbil also have potential for tailored approaches towards the haemodynamic status. Thus, a new era is starting for a more personalized medical treatment of HFrEF.
Outcomes after delayed primary percutaneous coronary intervention vs. pharmaco-invasive strategy in ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction in Norway
Authors: Jortveit Jarle , Pripp Are Hugo , Halvorsen Sigrun 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Aims
Primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) is the preferred reperfusion strategy in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) provided it can be performed within 120 min from diagnosis. However, it is unclear whether pPCI or a pharmaco-invasive (P-I) strategy is the best choice in patients who cannot receive timely pPCI. The aim of the present study was to compare outcomes after delayed and late pPCI vs. a P-I strategy in STEMI patients who did not receive timely pPCI.

Methods and results
All patients with STEMI registered in the Norwegian Myocardial Infarction Registry (NORMI) between 2013 and 2019, with ≤12 h from symptom onset to first medical contact and available timelines were included in the study. The primary outcome was all-cause mortality, and follow-up was through 2019. A total of 21 121 (27% of 78 368) STEMI patients were registered in the NORMI. Among patients who met the inclusion criteria, 7238 (54%) patients underwent timely pPCI, 1537 (11%) delayed pPCI (121–180 min), 1012 (7%) late pPCI (&gt;180 min), and 2338 (17%) patients were treated with a P-I strategy. After a median follow-up time of 2.5 years, mortality was higher in the delayed pPCI [adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.3, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.0–1.5] and in the late pPCI group (adjusted HR 1.4, 95% CI 1.1–1.7) compared to the P-I strategy group, but bleeding complications were more frequent after P-I strategy.

Conclusions
In STEMI patients who did not receive timely percutaneous coronary intervention, a P-I strategy seemed to be associated with better long-term survival compared to delayed/late pPCI.
Everything in Modulation: Neuromodulators as Keys to Understanding Communication Dynamics
Authors: Barkan Charlotte L , Leininger Elizabeth C , Zornik Erik 
Published: May 2021

Synopsis
Across the animal kingdom, the ability to produce communication signals appropriate to social encounters is essential, but how these behaviors are selected and adjusted in a context-dependent manner are poorly understood. This question can be addressed on many levels, including sensory processing by peripheral organs and the central nervous system, sensorimotor integration in decision-making brain regions, and motor circuit activation and modulation. Because neuromodulator systems act at each of these levels, they are a useful lens through which to explore the mechanisms underlying complex patterns of communication. It has been clear for decades that understanding the logic of input–output decision making by the nervous system requires far more than simply identifying the connections linking sensory organs to motor circuits; this is due in part to the fact that neuromodulators can promote distinct and temporally dynamic responses to similar signals. We focus on the vocal circuit dynamics of Xenopus frogs, and describe complementary examples from diverse vertebrate communication systems. While much remains to be discovered about how neuromodulators direct flexibility in communication behaviors, these examples illustrate that several neuromodulators can act upon the same circuit at multiple levels of control, and that the functional consequence of neuromodulation can depend on species-specific factors as well as dynamic organismal characteristics like internal state.
Neonatal and postneonatal tetanus at a referral hospital in Kamsar, Guinea: a retrospective audit of paediatric records (2014–2018)
Authors: Condé Ibrahima , Cherif Mahamoud Sama , Dahal Prabin , Hyjazi Marie Elisabeth , Camara Facely , Diaby Macka , Diallo Abdoul Salam , Aderoba Adeniyi Kolade , Conde Foumba , Diallo Mohamed Lamine , Diallo Fatoumate Binta , Dia Hasmiou , Diallo Mamadou Pathé , Delamou Alexandre , Sy Telly 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
Tetanus is a vaccine-preventable disease caused by the bacterium Clostridium tetani. In 2018, all of Guinea was considered to be at risk of the disease and the country is currently in the elimination phase.

Methods
A 5-y audit (1 January 2014–31 December 2018) of all admissions to the neonatal and general paediatric units of Kamsar Hospital (Western Guinea) was undertaken to identify cases of neonatal tetanus (NNT) and postneonatal tetanus (PNNT).

Results
There were 5670 admissions during the study period, of which 39 (0.7%) were due to tetanus (22 NNT and 17 PNNT). Among NNT patients, the bacterial entry site was the umbilical cord (n=20) or wound following circumcision (n=2). For PNNT, the entry site was surface wound (n=12), limb fracture (n=1) or could not be established (n=4). A majority of the patients (36/39, 92.3%) were born to unvaccinated mothers or those who received suboptimal vaccination during pregnancy. Overall, 21 (53.8%) children died within 7 d of admission with a higher mortality observed among neonates (16/22, 72.7%) compared with postneonates (5/17, 29.4%).

Conclusions
Tetanus was a rare cause of admission at Kamsar Hospital with a very high case fatality rate. The disease primarily occurred among children born to mothers who were unvaccinated/inadequately vaccinated during pregnancy.
The Experience of a Gluten-free Diet in Children with Type 1 Diabetes and Celiac Disease
Authors: Kakkar Rohan , Fung Alex , Barker Collin , Foster Alice , Hursh Brenden E 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Objective
This study examined overall self-reported adherence to gluten-free diet (GFD) in children with type 1 diabetes and celiac disease (T1DCD) compared to children with celiac disease (CD). Secondary objectives included gaining insight into self-reported symptoms, barriers to adherence, and experience of a GFD between groups.

Methods
Children &lt;18 years old who had been seen at BC Children’s Hospital for T1DCD or CD were invited to participate in a web-based questionnaire and medical record review.

Results
A total of 26 children with T1DCD and 46 children with CD participated in the study. The groups’ demographics and symptoms of CD were similar; however, a greater proportion of those with T1DCD were asymptomatic at diagnosis (T1DCD 27%; CD 7%; P = 0.016). Overall adherence to a GFD was high in both groups (T1DCD 92%; CD 100%; P = 0.38) but those with T1DCD reported a significantly less positive effect on their health (P = 0.006) and a significantly greater negative effect on activities from a GFD (P = 0.03). Children with T1DCD reported more significant barriers to eating gluten-free at home and at restaurants, specifically with social pressure, cost and taste compared to those with CD only.

Conclusion
Children with T1DCD face specific barriers in adherence that are more impactful compared with children living with CD. These children are more often asymptomatic at diagnosis, and they go on to experience different impacts of a GFD spanning across home and social settings. Given the complexity of having a dual diagnosis, CD care should be tailored specifically to children living with T1DCD.
Curative intent treatment of late presented extragastrointestinal stromal tumor: two identical case reports with literature review
Authors: Kadel Dhruba , Bhuju Shashinda , Thapa Bikash Raj , Chalise Sanat , Kumar Sah Sandeep 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) occurring outside the gastrointestinal tract are known as extragastrointestinal stromal tumors (EGIST). They share some common histopathologic and molecular characteristics. This report describes two female patients who were suspected of having a mesenteric GIST, but opted for surveillance rather than definitive treatment. Upon reassessment, both patients demonstrated increased tumor mass with no evidence of distant metastasis. The intraoperative findings confirmed the conclusion of clinical and imaging studies performed preoperatively and radical excisions were performed. Histopathological examination (spindle cell neoplasm) and immunohistochemistry (CD117) confirmed EGIST. Both patients underwent Imatinib therapy following surgery with no evidence of disease recurrence or metastasis upon follow up. Although sharing histologic features with GIST, EGIST frequently demonstrates distinct characteristics that facilitate the proper diagnosis and management of EGIST. Since it is a rare and aggressive disease with a poor outcome, early detection and curative surgical resection remains the mainstay of treatment.
To vote or not to vote? Migrant electoral (dis)engagement in an enlarged Europe
Authors: Szulecki Kacper , Bertelli Davide , Erdal Marta Bivand , Coșciug Anatolie , Kussy Angelina , Mikiewicz Gabriella , Tulbure Corina 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
External voting by nonresident citizens has become an important feature of contemporary democratic politics. However, compared to the average voter in domestic elections, we still know significantly less about migrants’ motivations to vote or not. Whereas analyses of external voting patterns offer insights into the results of external voting compared to origin populations, there is a lacuna of knowledge about why migrants choose to vote, or not, when they have the right to do so. This article seeks to address this gap by building a framework rooted in both the electoral studies literature and on the growing body of knowledge on external voting within migration studies. We consider migrant voters’ desire, mobilization, and ability to vote, and map the locus of all factors—either in the country of residence, country of origin, or within transnational political space. We explore evidence from 80 in-depth interviews, collected January–May 2020, with four groups of intra-European migrants—Romanian and Polish residing in Norway and Spain—to map the determinants of external voting. Our research generates three insights which challenge or nuance extant research on external voting. We show how migrants’ motivations to vote depend not only on residence and origin contexts but also on subjective factors and perceptions of the legitimacy of external voting. This article complements existing macrolevel studies of voting determinants with an in-depth qualitative microperspective and generates hypotheses that can be further tested in large-n as well as cross-regional comparisons.