bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Impact of Adverse Events on Health Care Resource Utilization, Costs, and Mortality Among Patients Treated with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: George Saby , Bell Elizabeth J. , Zheng Ying , Kim Ruth , White John , Devgan Geeta , Smith Jodi , Lal Lincy S. , Engel-Nitz Nicole M. , Liu Frank X. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Background
We investigated the association between adverse events (AEs) suspected to be immune-related and health care resource utilization, costs, and mortality among patients receiving programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) monotherapy for urothelial carcinoma, renal cell carcinoma, non-small cell lung cancer, or Merkel cell carcinoma.

Patients and Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study using medical and pharmacy claims and enrollment information from U.S. commercial and Medicare Advantage with Part D enrollees in the Optum Research Database from March 1, 2014, through April 30, 2019. Claims were linked with mortality data from the Social Security Death Index and the National Death Index. Eligible patients had at least one ICI claim between September 1, 2014, and April 30, 2019.

Results
After adjusting for potential confounding variables, we found patients with AEs had more than double the risk of an inpatient stay (hazard ratio [HR], 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.9–2.5) and an 80% higher risk of an emergency visit (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.6–2.1) than patients without AEs. Adjusted 6-month total costs were $24,301 higher among patients with an AE versus those without ($99,037 vs. $74,736; 95% CI, $18,828–29,774; p &lt; .001). Mean ± SD AE-related medical costs averaged $2,359 ± $7,496 per patient per month, driven by inpatient visits, which accounted for 89.9% of AE-related costs. Adjusted risk of mortality was similar in patients with and without AEs.

Conclusion
Patients with AEs had higher risks of hospitalizations, emergency room visits, and higher health care costs, driven by inpatient stays, than patients without AEs. The adjusted risk of mortality was similar between the two cohorts.

Implications for Practice
Patients taking immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) who had adverse events (AEs) had significantly higher health care costs and utilization, driven by inpatient stays, compared with patients who did not. Given this high cost associated with AEs and the differences in the side effect profile of ICIs versus traditional chemotherapy, it is important for physicians to be cognizant of these differences when treating patients with ICIs. Ongoing evaluation, earlier recognition, and more effective, multidisciplinary management of AEs may improve patient outcomes and reduce the need for costly inpatient stays.
How we approach thrombosis risk in children with COVID‐19 infection and MIS‐C
Authors: Sharathkumar Anjali A. , Faustino E. Vincent S. , Takemoto Clifford M. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThrombosis within the microvasculature and medium to large vessels is a serious and common complication among critically ill individuals with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). While children are markedly less likely to develop severe disease than adults, they remain at risk for thrombosis during acute infection and with the post‐acute inflammatory illness termed multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Significant knowledge deficits in understanding COVID‐19‐associated coagulopathy and thrombotic risk pose clinical challenges for pediatric providers who must incorporate expert opinion and personal experience to manage individual patients. We discuss clinical scenarios to provide framework for characterizing thrombosis risk and thromboprophylaxis in children with COVID‐19.
Nanoparticles enhanced interfaces of Glass fiber laminate aluminum reinforced epoxy (GLARE) fiber metal laminates
Authors: Rauf Obaid Ur , Khurram Aqeel A. , Hussain Rizwan , Tauqir Anjum , Hashmi Fahim , Rehman Shah Owais Ur , Khokhar M. Shahzeb , Shifa Madni 
Published: May 2021

AbstractFiber metal laminates (FMLs) based on unidirectional glass fabric and aluminum alloy 7075‐T6 sheet bonded with 5052 epoxy, were prepared by vacuum molding followed by hand layup method. Interface of metal‐adhesive was improved by a series of surface treatments of aluminum sheets, which increased the surface roughness (Ra) of aluminum from 227 to 1067 nm. Matrix was modified by incorporation of graphene nanosheets (GNs) and nanodiamonds (NDs). In‐order to optimize the quantity of nano‐reinforcements three different proportions were used, that is, 0.5, 1, and 1.5 wt%, inclusive of equal proportions of GNs and NDs. For comparison, pristine epoxy based FMLs were also fabricated. Synergetic effect of GNs and NDs improved the tensile strength by 25%, inter laminar shear strength (ILSS) 46%, and fracture toughness 70%, by combination of GNs and NDs up to 0.5 wt%. Surface roughness test and water drop contact angle test were performed to evaluate the surface roughness of aluminum, while the microscopic analysis was conducted to observe the fracture behavior of FMLs. Finite element method (FEM) for numerical validation of experimental results was also performed. From the results, it was concluded that combination of aluminum surface treatment and matrix modification improved the overall performance of FMLs.
Pre‐transplant amiodarone use does not affect long‐term heart transplant survival
Authors: Jennings Douglas L. , Vaishnavi Gadela Naga , Jaiswal Abhishek , Touch Amanda , Baker William L. 
Published: May 2021

ABSTRACTPurposeEffect of pre‐transplant amiodarone use on post–heart transplant (HT) survival is not well established. We therefore sought to examine the effect of amiodarone use on post‐HT survival.MethodsWe stratified adults who underwent HT between January 2000 and August 2018 in the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients according to pre‐transplant amiodarone use and used recipient and donor characteristics to calculate propensity scores. We then used overlap propensity score weighting to construct Cox proportional hazards regression models (adjusted for Index for Mortality Prediction After Cardiac Transplantation [IMPACT] score and donor/recipient predicted heart mass [PHM] ratio) for mortality outcomes. Logistic regression was used to compare the odds of primary graft failure and drug‐treated rejection.Results25,394 adult HT recipients were included; median (inter‐quartile range) age was 55 (46, 62) years and 75.5% were men. Compared with nonusers, amiodarone users had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension (46.7% vs. 50.2%;p < 0.0001), left ventricular assist device (LVAD) use (24.5% vs. 31.3%;p < 0.0001), and ventilator support (2.5% vs. 3.6%;p < 0.0001), respectively. The 10‐year post‐HT mortality rate in the overall population was 32.0%. Amiodarone use was associated with higher post‐transplant 30‐day (hazard ratio (HR) 1.25, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.11–1.41) and 1‐year mortality (HR 1.13, 1.04–1.22), but similar 5‐year (HR 1.01, 95% CI 0.96–1.07) and 10‐year mortality (HR 1.05, 95% CI 0.98–1.13). Amiodarone use increased primary graft failure risk (odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% CI 1.07–1.57) but decreased drug‐treated rejection (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.70–0.93).ConclusionsAlthough pre‐transplant amiodarone was associated with higher short‐term mortality, its use did not affect long‐term survival. Whether the short‐term outcomes are related to greater graft failure risk is unclear.
Singlet fission and tandem solar cells reduce thermal degradation and enhance lifespan
Authors: Jiang Yajie , Nielsen Michael P. , Baldacchino Alex J. , Green Martin A. , McCamey Dane R. , Tayebjee Murad J. Y. , Schmidt Timothy W. , Ekins‐Daukes Nicholas. J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe economic value of a photovoltaic installation depends upon both its lifespan and power conversion efficiency. Progress toward the latter includes mechanisms to circumvent the Shockley‐Queisser limit, such as tandem designs and multiple exciton generation (MEG). Here we explain how both silicon tandem and MEG‐enhanced silicon cell architectures result in lower cell operating temperatures, increasing the device lifetime compared to standard c‐Si cells. Also demonstrated are further advantages from MEG enhanced silicon cells: (i) the device architecture can completely circumvent the need for current‐matching; and (ii) upon degradation, tetracene, a candidate singlet fission (a form of MEG) material, is transparent to the solar spectrum. The combination of (i) and (ii) mean that the primary silicon device will continue to operate with reasonable efficiency even if the singlet fission layer degrades. The lifespan advantages of singlet fission enhanced silicon cells, from a module perspective, are compared favorably alongside the highly regarded perovskite/silicon tandem and conventional c‐Si modules.
Liquid–liquid phase separation of Tau by self and complex coacervation
Authors: Najafi Saeed , Lin Yanxian , Longhini Andrew P. , Zhang Xuemei , Delaney Kris T. , Kosik Kenneth S. , Fredrickson Glenn H. , Shea Joan‐Emma , Han Songi 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe liquid–liquid phase separation (LLPS) of Tau has been postulated to play a role in modulating the aggregation property of Tau, a process known to be critically associated with the pathology of a broad range of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's Disease. Taucan undergo LLPS by homotypic interaction through self‐coacervation (SC) or by heterotypic association through complex‐coacervation (CC) between Tau and binding partners such as RNA. What is unclear is in what way the formation mechanisms for self and complex coacervation of Tau are similar or different, and the addition of a binding partner to Tau alters the properties of LLPS and Tau. A combination ofin vitroexperimental and computational study reveals that the primary driving force for both Tau CC and SC is electrostatic interactions between Tau‐RNA or Tau‐Tau macromolecules. The liquid condensates formed by the complex coacervation of Tau and RNA have distinctly higher micro‐viscosity and greater thermal stability than that formed by the SC of Tau. Our study shows that subtle changes in solution conditions, including molecular crowding and the presence of binding partners, can lead to the formation of different types of Tau condensates with distinct micro‐viscosity that can coexist as persistent and immiscible entities in solution. We speculate that the formation, rheological properties and stability of Tau droplets can be readily tuned by cellular factors, and that liquid condensation of Tau can alter the conformational equilibrium of Tau.
Elucidation and control of low and high active populations of alkaline phosphatase molecules for quantitative digital bioassay
Authors: Ueno Hiroshi , Kato Makoto , Minagawa Yoshihiro , Hirose Yushi , Noji Hiroyuki 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlkaline phosphatase (ALP), a homo‐dimeric enzyme has been widely used in various bioassays as disease markers and enzyme probes. Recent advancements of digital bioassay revolutionized ALP‐based diagnostic assays as seen in rapid growth of digital ELISA and the emerging multiplex profiling of single‐molecule ALP isomers. However, the intrinsic heterogeneity found among ALP molecules hampers the ALP‐based quantitative digital bioassays. This study aims quantitative analysis of single‐molecule activities of ALP from Escherichia coli and reveals the static heterogeneity in catalytic activity of ALP with two distinct populations: half‐active and fully‐active portions. Digital assays with serial buffer exchange uncovered single‐molecule Michaelis–Menten kinetics of ALP; half‐active molecules have halved values of the catalytic turnover rate, kcat, and the rate constant of productive binding, kon, of the fully active molecules. These findings suggest that half‐active ALP molecules are heterogenic dimers composed of inactive and active monomer units, while fully active ALP molecules comprise two active units. Static heterogeneity was also observed for ALP with other origins: calf intestine or shrimp, showing how the findings can be generalized across species. Cell‐free expression of ALP with disulfide bond enhancer and spiked zinc ion resulted in homogenous population of ALP of full activity, implying that inactive monomer units of ALP are deficient in correct disulfide bond formation and zinc ion coordination. These findings provide basis for further study on molecular mechanism and biogenesis of ALP, and also offer the way to prepare homogenous and active populations of ALP for highly quantitative and sensitive bioassays with ALP.
Efficient adaptive CUSUM control charts based on generalized likelihood ratio test to monitor process dispersion shift
Authors: Zaman Babar 
Published: May 2021

AbstractIn practice, a shift in the process parameters (location and/or dispersion) is unknown in prior and cannot be diagnosed precisely with the classical cumulative sum (CUSUM) control chart. To overcome this issue, this study proposed two adaptive CUSUM (ACUSUM) control charts. The proposed control charts utilized linear weighted function that is inspired by generalized likelihood ration test (GLRT) to monitor small and certain range of shift in the process dispersion. In more details, the proposed control charts methodologies are based on GLRT, exponentially weight moving average statistic, and score functions. To obtain the run length of the proposed control charts for performance assessment, algorithms are designed in MATLAB based on Monte Carlo simulation technique. Further, average run length (ARL) is used as a performance measure tool to compare the control charts performance for a single shift. For certain range of shift, extra quadratic loss function, relative ARL, and performance comparison index performance measures based on ARL are calculated. Some existing control charts are used for comparison purpose. The proposed control charts show outstanding capability to detect out‐of‐control signal against these control charts. Moreover, real‐life data of inside diameter of cylinder bore in an engine block are used to reveal the practicality and worth of the proposed control charts relative to other control charts.
Scientific modeling and translanguaging: A multilingual and multimodal approach to support science learning and engagement
Authors: Pierson Ashlyn E. , Clark Douglas B. , Brady Corey E. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractResearch suggests that translanguaging can be transformative for teaching and learning by making students' diverse linguistic resources a meaningful part of classroom discourse. Building on this study, researchers have explored how translanguaging practices can support learning in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics), primarily in the context of bilingual classrooms. However, in the United States, most students learn in English‐dominant classrooms. In response, researchers and educators have begun to explore strategies for inviting and leveraging translanguaging in English‐dominant classrooms, primarily focusing on literacy learning. Less is known about supporting translanguaging in English‐dominant STEM classrooms, particularly with monolingual teachers. In an English‐dominant sixth‐grade STEM classroom engaging in a 9‐week ecology unit, we explored how scientific modeling could not only provide a context for inviting translanguaging, but how it could also provide a setting where modeling and translanguaging could be experienced as analogous meaning‐making practices. Our findings demonstrate that translanguaging has the potential to support new kinds of learning in English‐dominant STEM classrooms, not only about STEM content and practices but also about what counts as legitimate and valuable participation in these spaces.
Active Janus Droplet as a Micro‐Reactor for Automatic DNA/RNA Precipitation and Extraction
Authors: Li Menglin , Seemann Ralf , Fleury Jean‐Baptiste 
Published: May 2021

AbstractWe explore the possibility to precipitate and to extract DNA, or RNA using an active water/ethanol Janus droplet. The active Janus droplet is initially formed by a single droplet made of a water/ethanol mixture in an oil/surfactant solution. This active droplet self‐propels and absorbs surfactant molecules, by advection, while moving in the oily phase. The surfactant absorption leads to a phase separation of the water/ethanol mixture and the formation of an active Janus droplet. This active Janus droplet is made of a water‐rich leading droplet and an ethanol‐rich trailing droplet. We employ this phase separation method to precipitate and to extract DNA, RNA, or DNA/RNA mixtures independently, in an automatic manner. This automatic precipitation and extraction of DNA, or RNA, is achieved by tuning their water solubility with the addition of salt and then it is demonstrated by fluorescence.
The Role of Al3+‐Based Aqueous Electrolytes in the Charge Storage Mechanism of MnOx Cathodes
Authors: Balland Véronique , Mateos Mickaël , Singh Arvinder , Harris Kenneth D. , Laberty‐Robert Christel , Limoges Benoît 
Published: May 2021

AbstractRechargeable aqueous aluminium batteries are the subject of growing interest, however, the charge storage mechanisms at manganese oxide‐based cathodes remain poorly understood. In essense, every study proposes a different mechanism. Here, an in situ spectroelectrochemical methodology is used to unambiguously demonstrate that reversible proton‐coupled MnO2‐to‐Mn2+ conversion is the main charge storage mechanism occurring at MnO2 cathodes for a range of slightly acidic Al3+‐based aqueous electrolytes, with the Al3+ hexaaquo complex playing the key role of proton donor. In Zn/MnO2 assemblies, this mechanism is associated with high gravimetric capacities and discharge potentials, up to 560 mAh g‐1 and 1.65 V respectively, attractive efficiencies (CE > 99.5% and EE > 82%) and excellent cyclability (almost 100% capacity retention over 1 400 cycles at 2 A g‐1). Finally, a critical analysis of the data previously published on MnOx cathodes in Al3+‐based aqueous electrolytes is conducted to conclude on a universal charge storage mechanism, i.e., the reversible electrodissolution/electrodeposition of MnO2.
Improvements in the fatigue design of support structures for offshore wind turbines
Authors: Schaumann Peter , Böhm Manuela , Schürmann Karsten 
Published: May 2021

AbstractExtended keynote paper of Eurosteel 2021This article provides an overview of the various support structures for offshore wind turbines and addresses the challenges that arise for the different design variants. First of all, the existing types of support structures are explained and their benefits and shortcomings discussed. Following that, the focus is on material fatigue and its analysis, which is of great importance due to the cyclic loading on the structures. A central topic of this article is the experimental evaluation of fatigue strength using large‐scale test setups and state‐of‐the‐art measurement methods. Critical and complex design details such as welds for extremely thick plates, tubular joints, grouted connections, large HV bolts and ring flanges are investigated to improve methods of analysis. Further, the new series of German standards (DIN 18088) for support structures for wind energy turbines and platforms is addressed. Finally, these topics are summarized and the importance of offshore wind energy for the transition to cleaner energy is emphasized.
Shear tests on demountable precast column connections
Authors: Yrjölä Jaakko , Bujnak Jan 
Published: May 2021

AbstractLately, there has been increasing demand for structural solutions and building technologies with minimalized CO2 footprint. One way to approach the carbon neutrality is through reuse of structural components. In order to enable economic reuse of precast concrete elements, their connections must be designed to allow an effortless dismount. While dismount ability provides additional value to the structure, it cannot have a negative impact on other crucial properties of the connection. One of those properties is the load‐transfer capacity. While the impact of improved demountability on the load‐transfer of axial forces is negligible, the capacity of such joints to transfer shear forces can be questioned, as it is often assumed to rely on the friction generated along compressed section. This paper studies the effects of an improvement of demountability on the shear‐transfer system in a bolted joint of precast concrete columns.
Development of Step‐Saving Alternative Synthetic Pathways for Functional π‐Conjugated Materials
Authors: Liu Ching‐Yuan , Lin Po‐Han , Lee Kun‐Mu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractSynthetic organic chemists endeavor to develop new reaction conditions, improve product yields, and enhance atom economy (synthetic methodologies), whereas the material scientists strive to create novel functional molecules/structures, increase device stabilities, and promote power conversion efficiencies via device engineering (organic optoelectronics). However, these two prominent research fields seem to have no intersections. Since joining national central university in 2012, our research philosophy aims to narrow, or rather to bridge the gap between synthetic methodologies and π‐functional organic materials. In contrast to using multistep synthetic approaches based on Suzuki‐ or Stille coupling reactions, this personal account describes various step‐saving and viable synthesis‐shortcuts developed by our group, to access thiophene‐based small molecules for optoelectronic applications. We expect these succinct and user‐friendly alternative pathways designed by synthetic chemists would help material scientists to reach their target molecules in a more step‐economical manner.
Ustekinumab is more effective than azathioprine to prevent endoscopic postoperative recurrence in Crohn's disease
Authors: Buisson Anthony , Nancey Stéphane , Manlay Luc , Rubin David T , Hebuterne Xavier , Pariente Benjamin , Fumery Mathurin , Laharie David , Roblin Xavier , Bommelaer Gilles , Pereira Bruno , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent , Vuitton Lucine ,   the USTEK Post‐Op study group
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundPreventing postoperative recurrence (POR) is a major concern in Crohn's disease (CD). While azathioprine is an option, no data is available on ustekinumab efficacy in this situation.AimsWe compared the effectiveness of ustekinumab versus azathioprine in preventing endoscopic POR in CD.MethodsWe retrospectively collected data from all consecutive CD patients treated with ustekinumab after intestinal resection in 9 centers. The control group (azathioprine alone) was composed of patients who participated in a randomized controlled trial conducted in the same centers comparing azathioprine alone or in combination with curcumin. Propensity score analyses (inversed probability of treatment weighting = IPTW) were applied to compare the two groups. The primary endpoint was endoscopic POR (Rutgeerts' index ≥ i2) at 6 months.ResultsOverall, 32 patients were included in the ustekinumab group and 31 in the azathioprine group. The propensity score analysis was adjusted on the main risk factors (smoking, fistulizing phenotype, prior bowel resection, resection length >30 cm and ≥2 biologics before surgery) and thiopurines or ustekinumab exposure prior to surgery making the two arms comparable (∣d∣ < 0.2). After IPTW, the rate of endoscopic POR at 6 months was lower in patients treated with ustekinumab compared to azathioprine (28.0% vs. 54.5%, p = 0.029). After IPTW, the rates of i2b‐endoscopic POR (Rutgeerts' index ≥ i2b) and severe endoscopic POR (Rutgeerts' index ≥ i3) were 20.8% versus 42.5% (p = 0.066) and 16.9% versus 27.9% (p = 0.24), in the ustekinumab and azathioprine groups, respectively.ConclusionUstekinumab seemed to be more effective than azathioprine in preventing POR in this cohort of CD patients.