bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dual-Layer Spectral CTA for TAVI Planning Using a Split-Phase Protocol and Low-keV Virtual Monoenergetic Images: Improved Image Quality in Comparison with Single-Phase Conventional CTA
Authors: Mangold David , Salatzki Janek , Riffel Johannes , Kauczor Hans-Ulrich , Weber Tim Frederik 
Published: December 2021

Purpose Adaptation of computed tomography protocols for transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) planning is required when a first-generation dual-layer spectral CT scanner (DLCT) is used. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the objective image quality of aortic CT angiography (CTA) for TAVI planning using a split-phase technique with reconstruction of 40 keV virtual monoenergetic images (40 keV-VMI) obtained with a DLCT scanner. CT angiography obtained with a single-phase protocol of a conventional single-detector CT (SLCT) was used for comparison.
Materials and Methods 75 CTA scans from DLCT were retrospectively compared to 75 CTA scans from SLCT. For DLCT, spiral CTA without ECG-synchronization was performed immediately after a retrospectively ECG-gated acquisition covering the heart and aortic arch. For SLCT, spiral CTA with retrospective ECG-gating was performed to capture the heart and the access route simultaneously in one scan. Objective image quality was compared at different levels of the arterial access route.
Results 40 keV virtual monoenergetic images of DLCT showed a significantly higher mean vessel attenuation, SNR, and CNR at all levels of the arterial access route. With 40 keV-VMI of DLCT, the overall mean aortic attenuation of all six measured regions was 589.6 ± 243 HU compared to 492.7 ± 209 HU of SLCT (p < 0.01). A similar trend could be observed for SNR (23.6 ± 18 vs. 18.6 ± 9; p < 0.01) and CNR (21.1 ± 18 vs. 16.4 ± 8; p < 0.01). No deterioration was observed for vascular noise (27.8 ± 9 HU vs. 28.1 ± 8 HU; p = 0.599).
Conclusion Using a DLCT scanner with a split-phase protocol and 40 keV-VMI for TAVI planning, higher objective image quality can be obtained compared to a single-phase protocol of a conventional CT scanner.
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Beneficial effects of endoscopic screening on gastric cancer and optimal screening interval: a population-based study
Authors: Li Wen-Qing , Qin Xiang-Xiang , Li Zhe-Xuan , Wang Le-Hua , Liu Zong-Chao , Fan Xiao-Han , Zhang Li-Hui , Li Yi , Wu Xiu-Zhen , Ma Jun-Ling , Zhang Yang , Zhang Lan-Fu , Li Ming , Zhou Tong , Zhang Jing-Ying , Wang Jian-Xi , Liu Wei-Dong , You Wei-Cheng , Pan Kai-Feng 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background The effectiveness of endoscopic screening on gastric cancer has not been widely investigated in China and the screening interval of repeated screening has not been determined.
Methods In a population-based prospective study, we included 375,800 individuals, 14,670 of whom underwent endoscopic screening (2012–2018). We assessed the associations between endoscopic screening and risk of incident gastric cancer and gastric cancer-specific mortality, and examined changes in overall survival and disease-specific survival following screening. The optimal screening interval for repeated endoscopy for early detection of gastric cancer was explored.
Results Ever receiving endoscopic screening significantly decreased the risk of invasive gastric cancer (age- and sex-adjusted relative risk [RR] 0.69, 95 % confidence interval [CI] 0.52–0.92) and gastric cancer-specific mortality (RR 0.33, 95 %CI 0.20–0.56), particularly for noncardia gastric cancer. Repeated screening strengthened the beneficial effect on invasive gastric cancer-specific mortality of one-time screening. Among invasive gastric cancers, screening-detected individuals had significantly better overall survival (RR 0.18, 95 %CI 0.13–0.25) and disease-specific survival (RR 0.18, 95 %CI 0.13–0.25) than unscreened individuals, particularly for those receiving repeated endoscopy. For individuals with intestinal metaplasia or low grade intraepithelial neoplasia, repeated endoscopy at an interval of < 2 years, particularly within 1 year, significantly enhanced the detection of early gastric cancer, compared with repeated screening after 2 years (P-trend = 0.02).
Conclusion Endoscopic screening prevented gastric cancer occurrence and death, and improved its prognosis in a population-based study. Repeated endoscopy enhanced the effectiveness. Screening interval should be based on gastric lesion severity.
Do Patients with a Family or Personal History of Venous Thromboembolism have an Increased Risk of Recurrence?
Authors: Florin Jonas , Stalder Odile , Baumgartner Christine , Méan Marie , Rodondi Nicolas , Aujesky Drahomir 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Background A family (FH) and personal history (PH) of venous thromboembolism (VTE) are commonly evaluated risk factors for recurrence. We examined the association between FH/PH of VTE and the risk of recurrence and whether a stronger history status (i.e., both FH/PH vs. no FH/PH) carries an increased recurrence risk.
Methods We prospectively followed 813 patients aged ≥ 65 years with acute VTE from 9 Swiss hospitals. We classified patients into four groups: no FH/PH, FH only, PH only, and both FH/PH. The primary outcome was recurrent VTE during the full observation period. We examined the association between FH/PH status and the time to VTE recurrence using competing risk regression, adjusting for confounders and periods of anticoagulation.
Results Of 813 patients with VTE, 59% had no FH/PH, 11% a FH only, 24% a PH only, and 7% had both a FH and PH of VTE. Overall, 105 patients had recurrent VTE during the full observation period. After adjustment, patients with a FH only (subhazard ratio [SHR] 0.8, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.4–1.7), PH only (SHR 1.5, 95% CI 0.9–2.5), and both FH/PH (SHR 1.4, 95% CI 0.6–3.1) did not have an increased risk of recurrent VTE compared with those without FH/PH. When we considered the period after the completion of initial anticoagulation only, the results were similar.
Conclusion Our findings indicate that in patients with acute VTE, a FH and/or PH of VTE does not convey an increased risk of recurrent VTE. In particular, we did not find a “dose–effect” relationship between FH/PH status and VTE recurrence.
Parental Height and Weight Influence Offspring Adiposity at 2 Years; Findings from the ROLO Kids Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Donnelly Jean M. , Walsh Jennifer M. , Horan Mary K. , Mehegan John , Molloy Eleanor J. , Byrne David F. , McAuliffe Fionnuala M. 
Published: December 2021

Objective The perinatal period and in utero environment are important for fetal growth, development, and fetal programming. This study aimed to determine the effect of parental anthropometry and the maternal metabolic milieu on offspring adiposity at 2 years of age.
Study Design This longitudinal birth cohort includes analysis of maternal (n = 337) and paternal (n = 219) anthropometry and maternal and fetal metabolic markers (n = 337), including glucose, homeostatic model of assessment (HOMA), C-peptide, and leptin from participants of the ROLO (the Randomized Control Trial of Low) pregnancy study, and their partners, to determine an association with offspring anthropometry at two years of age.
Results Linear regression, when adjusted for confounders, indicated maternal and paternal anthropometry and was associated with offspring weight and length at 2 years of age. Maternal height was negatively associated with general adiposity in the total cohort of children (p = 0.002) and in female children (p = 0.006) and central adiposity in the total child cohort (p < 0.001). Paternal height was also negatively associated with general adiposity in all children (p = 0.002) and central adiposity in total (p = 0.023) and female children (p = 0.008). Maternal glucose, insulin resistance, and fetal C-peptide positively correlated with anthropometry in total, male, and female children.
Conclusion Parental anthropometry in the perinatal period has a long-lasting effect on offspring anthropometry beyond the neonatal period. Maternal and fetal metabolic factors influence adiposity, and this extends beyond the perinatal period. Parental adiposity may play a significant role in early childhood adiposity and may be a target for interventions to decrease the risk of early childhood obesity.
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Surgical Diseases Management during COVID-19 Crisis at a Tertiary Care Hospital of India: Our Institutional Strategy
Authors: Singh Sudhir Kumar , Gupta Amit , Sandhu Harindra , Mani Rishit , Sharma Jyoti , Kumar Praveen , Rajput Deepak , Kumar Navin , Huda Farhanul , Basu Som Prakas , Ravi Bina , Kant Ravi 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Introduction In response to the national coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, all hospitals and medical institutes gave priority to COVID-19 screening and to the management of patients who required hospitalization for COVID-19 infection. Surgical departments postponed all elective operative procedures and provided only essential surgical care to patients who presented with acute surgical conditions or suspected malignancy. Ample literature has emerged during this pandemic regarding the guidelines for safe surgical care. We report our experience during the lockdown period including the surgical procedures performed, the perioperative care provided, and the specific precautions implemented in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
Materials and Methods We extracted patient clinical data from the medical records of all surgical patients admitted to our tertiary care hospital between the March 24th, 2020 and May 31st, 2020. Data collected included: patient demographics, surgical diagnoses, surgical procedures, nonoperative management, and patient outcomes.
Results Seventy-seven patients were included in this report: 23 patients were managed medically, 28 patients underwent a radiologic intervention, and 23 patients required an operative procedure. In total eight of the 77 patients died due to ongoing sepsis, multiorgan failure, or advanced malignancy.
Conclusion During the COVID-19 lockdown period, our surgical team performed many lifesaving surgical procedures and appropriately selected cancer operations. We implemented and standardized essential perioperative measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infection. When the lockdown measures were phased out a large number of patients remained in need of delayed elective and semi-elective operative treatment. Hospitals, medical institutes, and surgical leadership must adjust their priorities, foster stewardship of limited surgical care resources, and rapidly implement effective strategies to assure perioperative safety for both patients and operating room staff during periods of crisis.
Role of Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Monitoring the Clinical Course of Asphyxiated Neonates Treated with Hypothermia
Authors: Farag Marwa Mohamed , Khedr Ahmed Abd El-Halim Abd El-Raziq , Attia MennattAllah Hassan , Ghazal Hesham Abd EL-Rahim 
Published: December 2021

Objective Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) affects millions of newborns annually, especially in low-resource settings. Real-time monitoring of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage is urgently needed for assessment of severity and management of neonates with birth asphyxia. Aim of the work is monitoring of near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS)-measured cerebral regional oxygen saturation (cRSO2) and cerebral fractional tissue oxygen extraction (FTOE) in neonates after birth asphyxia in relation to their clinical course.
Study Design Forty asphyxiated-term and near-term neonates with mild to severe HIE admitted at neonatal intensive care unit of Alexandria University Maternity Hospital from March to October 2019, received therapeutic hypothermia (TH) and had continuous NIRS monitoring of cRSO2 for 72 hours. Infants were categorized into HIE with seizing and nonseizing groups, and abnormal and normal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) groups.
Results Clinical seizures (CS) occurred in 15 (37.5%) of HIE neonates and 13.3% of them died (n = 2). In the current study, significantly higher cRSO2 and lower FTOE values were found in the seizing infants as compared with nonseizing group (p < 0.001). NIRS-measured day 2-cRSO2 and day 1-FTOE were associated with CS in newborns with HIE and day 1-cRSO2 and FTOE were associated with abnormal MRI at 1 month of age. cRSO2 values were found to correlate positively with initial Thompson score especially in days 1 and 2. Further, neonates with CS were more likely to have MRI abnormalities at follow-up.
Conclusion NIRS measures may highlight differences between asphyxiated neonates who develop CS or later MRI abnormalities and those who do not.
Key Points
Nanotwin orientation on history-dependent stress decay in Cu nanopillar under constant strain
Authors: Shen Yu-An , Chang Li , Chang Shou-Yi , Chou Y-C , Tu K N , Chen Chih 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Cu with nanotwin (NT) possesses great electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties and has potential for electronic applications. Various studies have reported the effect of NT orientation on Cu mechanical properties. However, its effect on Cu stress-relaxation behavior has not been clarified, particularly in nano-scale. In this study, Cu nanopillars with various orientations were examined by a picoindenter under constant strain and observed by in situ TEM. The angles between the twin plane and the loading direction in the examined nanopillars were 0°, 60°, to 90°, and a benchmark pillar of single-crystal Cu without NT was examined. The stress drops were respectively 10%, 80%, 4%, and 50%. Owing to the interaction by NT, the dislocation behavior in nanopillars was different from that in bulk or in thin film samples. Especially, the rapid slip path of dislocations to go to the free surface of the nanopillar induced a dislocation-free zone in the 0° nanopillar, which led to work-softening. On the contrary, a high dislocation density was observed in the 90° nanopillar, which was generated by dislocation interaction and obstruction of dislocation slip by twin planes, and it led to work-hardening. The findings reveal the NT orientation in Cu nanopillars affected stress relaxation significantly.
Physics experiments using arduino: determination of the air quality index
Authors: Singh Rohit , Singh Amit Kumar , Singhal Sonal 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Air pollution is one of our day’s significant reasons for human health problems and affects every community throughout the world. Monitoring air pollution is a key aspect of raising awareness and pollution mitigation approaches followed by different nations. This paper targets to develop a low-cost Internet of things-based embedded system to measure and maintain air quality index (AQI) indicators at any locality. The system implemented here is minimal and can be deployed quickly and easily. The AQI measurement system was developed and tested for several periods, and recorded values of AQI were found to be in close agreement with actual values obtained from standard databases. In addition, several starting physics and electronics laboratory courses train students on measuring physical parameters over time. In this context, along with the introduction to the current pollution scenario and the challenges, this experiment will give a first-hand exposure of setting up a simple experiment and measuring a physical parameter to time. Students also learn to write simple programs and interface the experiment with a computer to record the results. The current work also demonstrates how to publish/subscribe the data using the message queue telemetry transport protocol.
Piloting a full-year, optics-based high school course on quantum computing
Authors: Walsh Joel A , Fenech Mic , Tucker Derrick L , Riegle-Crumb Catherine , La Cour Brian R 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Quantum computing was once regarded as a mere theoretical possibility, but recent advances in engineering and materials science have brought practical quantum computers closer to reality. Currently, representatives from industry, academia, and governments across the world are working to build the educational structures needed to produce the quantum workforce of the future. Less attention has been paid to growing quantum computing capacity at the high school level. This article details work at The University of Texas at Austin to develop and pilot the first full-year high school quantum computing class. Over the course of two years, researchers and practitioners involved with the project learned several pedagogical and practical lessons that can be helpful for quantum computing course design and implementation at the secondary level. In particular, we find that the use of classical optics provides a clear and accessible avenue for representing quantum states and gate operators and facilitates both learning and the transfer of knowledge to other Science, Technology, and Engineering (STEM) skills. Furthermore, students found that exploring quantum optical phenomena prior to the introduction of mathematical models helped in the understanding and mastery of the material.
Online versus face-to-face learning in introductory university physics following COVID-19
Authors: Fouad Emadelden , Austin Robert , Kryger R A , Holton Doug , Srinivasan Sesha , Ngwa Wilfred 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
The use of technology in higher education science classrooms rose significantly in the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic. In many universities, academic programs including introductory physics classes were taken online. Some institutions adopted online learning but also maintained face-to-face (F2F) laboratories when COVID-19 restrictions began to ease. Here, the effectiveness of the online learning approach in comparison with F2F learning is explored. The percentage difference in performance for students who took the online introductory physics course, Physics for Scientists and Engineers, versus that of students simultaneously taking the same course F2F is reported. This is done both across different sections taught by different instructors, and for the same course taught online versus F2F by the same professor. Furthermore, a short survey was conducted to assess the student learning experience and opinion about online and F2F learning. The results show equal or better overall performance for online learning with 4.2% higher performance when comparing results across different sections taught by different instructors. A similar 6.1% performance improvement was seen when comparing results across different sections taught by the same instructor. In contrast with the performance outcomes, the survey results indicate that about 72% of students prefer F2F compared to online learning. The findings provide a useful reference as many institutions and programs transition back to more standard F2F or hybrid learning modes. The benefits and drawbacks of each mode are discussed in the specific context of student preferences and challenges faced in online learning during COVID-19.
Generation of quantification maps and weighted images from synthetic magnetic resonance imaging using deep learning network
Authors: Liu Yawen , Niu Haijun , Ren Pengling , Ren Jialiang , Wei Xuan , Liu Wenjuan , Ding Heyu , Li Jing , Xia Jingjing , Zhang Tingting , Lv Han , Yin Hongxia , Wang Zhenchang 
Published: December 2021

Abstract

Objective. The generation of quantification maps and weighted images in synthetic MRI techniques is based on complex fitting equations. This process requires longer image generation times. The objective of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of deep learning method for fast reconstruction of synthetic MRI. Approach. A total of 44 healthy subjects were recruited and random divided into a training set (30 subjects) and a testing set (14 subjects). A multiple-dynamic, multiple-echo (MDME) sequence was used to acquire synthetic MRI images. Quantification maps (T1, T2, and proton density (PD) maps) and weighted (T1W, T2W, and T2W FLAIR) images were created with MAGiC software and then used as the ground truth images in the deep learning (DL) model. An improved multichannel U-Net structure network was trained to generate quantification maps and weighted images from raw synthetic MRI imaging data (8 module images). Quantitative evaluation was performed on quantification maps. Quantitative evaluation metrics, as well as qualitative evaluation were used in weighted image evaluation. Nonparametric Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were performed in this study. Main results. The results of quantitative evaluation show that the error between the generated quantification images and the reference images is small. For weighted images, no significant difference in overall image quality or signal-to-noise ratio was identified between DL images and synthetic images. Notably, the DL images achieved improved image contrast with T2W images, and fewer artifacts were present on DL images than synthetic images acquired by T2W FLAIR. Significance. The DL algorithm provides a promising method for image generation in synthetic MRI techniques, in which every step of the calculation can be optimized and faster, thereby simplifying the workflow of synthetic MRI techniques.
Mixed magnetic behavior in gadolinium and ruthenium co-doped nickel oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Abdallah A M , Awad R 
Published: December 2021

Abstract
Pure and different concentrations from (Gd, Ru) co-doped NiO nanoparticles, capped with Polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), were fabricated by the co-precipitation method. The nanoparticles were characterized by different techniques. The Rietveld refinements of x-ray Diffraction (XRD) patterns confirmed the formation of the pure face-centered-cubic NiO phase. The x-ray Photo-induced Spectroscopy (XPS) assured the trivalent oxidation state of the doped ions Gd3+ and Ru3+ and unveiled the multiple oxidation states of nickel ions (Ni2+ and Ni3+), emerging from the vacancies in the samples. The Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) images showed the pseudospherical morphology of the samples and the Energy Dispersive x-ray permitted the quantitative analysis of the presented elements and their homogeneous distribution. The Raman and Fourier Transform Infra-Red (FTIR) spectra depicted the fundamental vibrational bands of NiO nanoparticles, confirming their purity. The UV-visible spectroscopy enabled the absorption measurements and the energy gap calculations. The co-dopants increased the energy bandgap of NiO nanoparticles from 3.15 eV for pure NiO to 3.62 eV with the highest concentration of the co-dopants (x = 0.02) The photoluminescence (PL) spectra gave insights into the possible defects present in the samples, such as nickel vacancies, single and double oxygen vacancies, and oxygen interstitials. The Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM) studied the room temperature M-H loops of the co-doped samples. A combination of ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, and paramagnetic contributions was noticed and treated according to the law of approach to saturation and bound magnetic polaron (BMP) model. The magnetic parameters, such as the saturation magnetization, exchange and anisotropy field, and the BMP concentration were extracted from the fitted models and discussed in terms of the co-dopants’ concentration. The co-doped samples showed a softer magnetic behavior, which is recommended for data storage applications.