bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Photopolymerization effects on the external quantum efficiency of fullerene/zinc phthalocyanine heterojunction solar cells
Authors: Kato Masahiro , Nakaya Masato , Watanabe Shinta , Okamoto Koichi , Onoe Jun 
Published: July 2021

We have demonstrated that the external quantum efficiency (EQE) of organic photovoltaic cells with a heterojunction of zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) and fullerene (C60) bilayer films, which are used as a donor and an acceptor, respectively, is improved by photopolymerization (photon energy: 2–4 eV and light fluence: 0.4 W cm−2) between adjacent C60 molecules via a [2 + 2] cycloadditional four-membered ring. Comparison of the structural and physical properties of ZnPc, C60, and ZnPc/C60 bilayer films between before and after photoirradiation indicated that an increase in the number of photogenerated intra- and inter-molecular excitons in photopolymerized C60 film mainly contributes toward improvement of the EQE in a wavelength range of 400–600 nm.
Effect of dual aircraft formation spacing on target position tracking on measurement conversion by monopulse radar
Authors: Liu Mingjie , Wang Chunyang , Zeng Huiyong , Zhou Changlin 
Published: July 2021

Aimed at the current problem of insufficient analysis of the influence of the diversified formation of dual aircraft on monopulse radar position tracking, the dual aircraft echo equivalent two point source jamming model is built. We designed the dual aircraft formation penetration movement scenario and three different formation spacings of 150, 250, and 350 m and extracted the dynamic radar cross section sequences of dual aircraft under different formation spacings. We established the dual aircraft formation equivalent scenario and calculated the dynamic signal-to-noise ratio and distance measurement accuracy of the radar received echo signals with different formation spacings. We fully considered the randomness characteristics of the phase difference of the actual dual aircraft echo and built the random angle error model of dual aircraft echo equivalent jamming. The distribution and random numerical characteristics of the random angular error are simulated and analyzed, and we combined the radar measurement conversion target position tracking algorithm to analyze the influence of different formation spacings on the monopulse radar tracking target position and position tracking accuracy. The simulation results show that a formation spacing of 350 m produces a greater randomness of angular error for dual targets, resulting in a greater dispersion of radar measurement traces, and the final average position mean square error is 132.8 m, which improves the position error by 15.6% compared with 150 m spacing.
Alleged obligatorily controlled inflected infinitives
Authors: Barbosa Pilar 
Published: July 2021

Abstract
This paper examines the arguments presented in
Modesto (2009, 2018) and Sheehan (2013, 2018) in favor of the idea that inflected
infinitival complements of desideratives, commissives, and object
control verbs such as persuadir ‘persuade’ in
Portuguese can be obligatorily controlled. It argues that the
relevant complements are not instances of obligatory control (OC);
they rather contain pro, interpreted by the same
operations that govern its interpretation in finite clauses. This
conclusion reinforces Landau’s
(2015) claim that the presence of agreement inflection
blocks control in attitude complements. Focusing on European
Portuguese, the paper argues that this conclusion allows for a
precise characterization of the distribution of the inflected
infinitive in verbal complement position: the inflected infinitive
is barred in the complement position of restructuring verbs and in
interrogative complements. The paper offers an account of this
distribution that is based on the idea that inflected infinitives
are bare TP projections. Evidence in favor of this claim comes from
an examination of the distribution of pre-verbal subjects. The
restrictions on subject reference found in inflected infinitival
complements of different OC attitude verbs in European Portuguese
stem from the particular status of Actional complements in OC
contexts (Farkas 1992;
Jackendoff & Culicover
2003).
Changes in Hospital Discharges with Alcohol-Related Liver Disease in a Gastroenterology and General Medical Unit Following the Introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing of Alcohol: The GRI Q4 Study
Authors: Chaudhary Sardar , MacKey William , Duncan Katherine , Forrest Ewan H 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Aims
Minimum unit price (MUP) of 50 pence per unit of alcohol was introduced in Scotland on the 1 May 2018. We assessed alcohol-related liver disease (ArLD) discharges from Glasgow Royal Infirmary (GRI) before and after the introduction of MUP.

Methods
Medical records of all patients discharged from Gastroenterology wards at GRI in the fourth quarter (Q4) of the years 2015–2019 were reviewed. All patients with ArLD were identified, and detailed hospitalization data were collected retrospectively. Active drinking, severity scores, presence of alcoholic hepatitis (AH) and 90-day mortality and readmission rates were assessed.

Results
There were fewer ArLD discharges per quarter after MUP than before (mean 80.3 pre-MUP; mean 68 post-MUP), and the proportion of active drinkers was lower post-MUP (64.7 vs. 70.5%). There was a significant fall in the mean number of weekly discharges of individual patients who were actively drinking (4.0 ± 2.0 pre-MUP, 2.8 ± 1.5 post-MUP, P = 0.01). There were no differences in the proportion of patients presenting with ascites, encephalopathy or AH; however, there was a reduction in presentations with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding from 15.8% pre-MUP to 7.4% post-MUP (P = 0.02; odds ratio 0.42). Severity of liver disease remained unchanged. The 90-day mortality and readmission rates were not significantly different.

Conclusion
Since the introduction of MUP there has been a reduction in the absolute numbers of patients discharged with ArLD and the number of individual patients involved at GRI. The pattern of clinical presentation was largely unaffected with overall ArLD severity, readmission rates and 90-day mortality similar pre- and post-MUP.
Taxonomic inflation due to inadequate sampling: are girdled lizards (Cordylus minorspecies complex) from the Great Karoo one and the same?
Authors: Tolley Krystal A , Telford Nicolas S , Taft Jody M , Bates Michael F , Conradie Werner , Makhubo Buyisile G , Alexander Graham J 
Published: July 2021

AbstractThe Great Karoo and Namaqualand of South Africa are home to a species complex of morphologically conserved lizards that occur in allopatry (Karoo: Cordylus aridus, Cordylus cloetei, Cordylus minor; Namaqualand: Cordylus imkeae). However, there are negligible morphological differences and a lack of obvious physical or climatic barriers, particularly among the three Karoo species. We hypothesized that poor geographic coverage in previous studies and lack of an explicit species concept has caused taxonomic inflation. We therefore tested species boundaries by examining multiple criteria: multi-gene phylogenetics, niche distribution modelling and re-examination of diagnostic morphological features with a larger sample size. We found that C. aridus, C. cloetei and C. minor lack diagnosable differences for both genetics and morphology. Distribution modelling, ranging from present day to the last interglacial period, show connectivity has been maintained especially during cooler periods. Conversely, C. imkeae is morphologically diagnosable, genetically distinct and lacks connectivity with the other taxa. By evaluating multiple operational criteria, we conclude that the C. minor species complex comprises only two species, C. minor (with C. aridus and C. cloetei as junior synonyms) and C. imkeae, demonstrating that species defined from inadequate data and lack of an explicit species concept can lead to taxonomic inflation.
Human Cerebral Perfusion, Oxygen Consumption, and Lactate Production in Response to Hypoxic Exposure
Authors: Vestergaard Mark B , Ghanizada Hashmat , Lindberg Ulrich , Arngrim Nanna , Paulson Olaf B , Gjedde Albert , Ashina Messoud , Larsson Henrik B W 
Published: July 2021

AbstractExposure to moderate hypoxia in humans leads to cerebral lactate production, which occurs even when the cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen (CMRO2) is unaffected. We searched for the mechanism of this lactate production by testing the hypothesis of upregulation of cerebral glycolysis mediated by hypoxic sensing. Describing the pathways counteracting brain hypoxia could help us understand brain diseases associated with hypoxia.A total of 65 subjects participated in this study: 30 subjects were exposed to poikilocapnic hypoxia, 14 were exposed to isocapnic hypoxia, and 21 were exposed to carbon monoxide (CO). Using this setup, we examined whether lactate production reacts to an overall reduction in arterial oxygen concentration or solely to reduced arterial oxygen partial pressure. We measured cerebral blood flow (CBF), CMRO2, and lactate concentrations by magnetic resonance imaging and spectroscopy.CBF increased (P &lt; 10−4), whereas the CMRO2 remained unaffected (P &gt; 0.076) in all groups, as expected. Lactate increased in groups inhaling hypoxic air (poikilocapnic hypoxia: $0.0136\ \frac{\mathrm{mmol}/\mathrm{L}}{\Delta{\mathrm{S}}_{\mathrm{a}}{\mathrm{O}}_2}$, P &lt; 10−6; isocapnic hypoxia: $0.0142\ \frac{\mathrm{mmol}/\mathrm{L}}{\Delta{\mathrm{S}}_{\mathrm{a}}{\mathrm{O}}_2}$, P = 0.003) but was unaffected by CO (P = 0.36).Lactate production was not associated with reduced CMRO2. These results point toward a mechanism of lactate production by upregulation of glycolysis mediated by sensing a reduced arterial oxygen pressure. The released lactate may act as a signaling molecule engaged in vasodilation.
Influence of frailty syndrome on anxiety and depression of patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Jankowska-Polanska B , Swiatoniowska-Lonc N , Polanski J , Slawuta A , Gajek J 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.
Background. Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a chronic disease whose somatic symptoms cause patients to feel anxiety. Anxiety and depression are associated with recurrent episodes of AF and may exacerbate the symptoms of arrhythmia, increasing the risk of sudden complications and death. The evidence suggests that frailty leads to cognitive decline and increased prevalence of anxiety and depression. However, there is little information on what increases the risk of frailty syndrome in atrial fibrillation.
The aim of the study was to determine the impact of frailty syndrome on anxiety and depression in patients with AF.
Material and methods. The study was conducted on 158 patients with AF (including 78 women) aged 70.4 ± 7.6 years. Standardized tools were used: the Edmonton frailty scale (EFS) and the hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS-M) to assess and compare anxiety, depression, and frail and non-frail patients with AF.
Results. The average ESF score was 8.555.0. 53.2% had frailty syndrome, 10.1% were vulnerable and 36.7% had no frailty syndrome. Mean level of anxiety was 10.253.0 and depression was 9.83.85. In comparative analysis patients with frailty syndrome had more often high level of anxiety (73.8% vs. 18.9%, p &lt; 0.001) and high level of depression (72.6% vs. 2.7%; p &lt; 0.001) in comparison to patients without frailty syndrome. In multivariate analysis the independent determinants of frailty syndrome were longer duration of AF (β=4.649, p = 0.001), anxiety (β=2.4727, p = 0.036) and depression (β=5.5712, p &lt; 0.001).
Conclusions. Patients with AF have high level of FS and anxiety and depression, and FS exacerbates the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Independent determinants of frailty syndrome are longer duration of AF, anxiety and depression.
Development and validation of a questionnaire to assess knowledge in patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Authors: Gallagher C , Rowett D , Nyfort-Hansen K , Simmons S , Bulto L , Middeldorp ME , Lau DH , Sanders P , Hendriks JM 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

OnBehalf
Centre for Heart Rhythm Disorders

Background
Education is critical to empower individuals to self-monitor and manage their condition. Significant variability exists in the provision of education for atrial fibrillation (AF), whilst individual patient factors including health literacy and education level attainment may impact on knowledge levels. Objective assessment of knowledge may help to target education to areas of need, and result in improved patient outcomes.

Objective
To describe the development and validation of a knowledge questionnaire for AF.

Methods
A multidisciplinary expert team of healthcare professionals developed the questionnaire, in conjunction with consumers, with question content based upon areas deemed most critical to AF and related self-management. The multiple choice questionnaire consists of 20 items, each worth 5 points, to give a total score out of 100. The questionnaire assesses five domains specific to AF: general knowledge, complications, medications, risk factors and action. The questionnaire was developed in English. The questionnaire was tested on 10 randomly selected patients with AF for face validity and 19 healthcare professionals for content validity. The final version was completed by 454 individuals with AF. Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine construct validity with factor loadings of 0.40 and above considered acceptable. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach’s alpha, with a value greater than 0.7 acceptable.

Results
Face and content validity were considered acceptable, after minor changes to wording. The cohort of 454 individuals with AF had a mean age of 66.9 ± 12 years and 43% were female. Mean (SD) total score was 57.7 ± 15.8. Exploratory factor analysis was undertaken using the principal components method. This resulted in a Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin Measure of Sampling Adequacy of .64 and a Bartlett"s Test of Sphericity being significant at 0.00. Seven factors were selected and analysed using principal component analysis with varimax rotation. All items loaded on one of the seven factors. Internal consistency demonstrated a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.65.

Conclusion
The Atrial Fibrillation Knowledge Questionnaire is a valid measure to assess knowledge in individuals with AF.
Heart Failure Patients with type II diabetes still require more focus
Authors: Caples N , Cronin E , Lehane M 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
A bidirectional relationship exists between heart failure and diabetes; heart failure is a risk factor for type II diabetes and type II diabetes is a risk factor for heart failure. The prevalence of both chronic conditions is on a continuous upward rise. Heart failure has a poorer prognosis than diabetes and therefore heart failure patients with diabetes should be also managed at a heart failure centre. It has been shown that heart failure medication is of benefit to patients with or without diabetes.

Purpose
With new advances in heart failure medication this retrospective and prospective analysis examines if patients with or without type II diabetes receiving similar care at a heart failure centre will have similar outcomes.

Methods
A retrospective and prospective cohort analyses was performed on 50 patients attending a single centre heart failure clinic over a 12-month period. LVEF, NT Pro BNP and NYHA was examined pre- and post-receiving similar heart failure care.

Results
50 patients were recruited for this study. There were 25 patients in the type II diabetes cohort (10 female: 15 male. Average age 77 years old) and 25 patients in the non-diabetes cohort (7 female:18 male. Average age 79 years old). In the type II diabetes cohort average LVEF pre care 27%: post care 33% (difference 6%), average NT Pro BNP pre care 3558 pg/ml: post care 2564 pg/ml (difference 994 pg/ml), average NYHA pre care II: post care I-II (difference of 0.5).
In the non-diabetic cohort average LVEF pre care 26%: post care 37% (difference 11%), average NT Pro BNP pre care 1679 pg/ml: post care 1135 pg/ml (difference 544 pg/ml), average NYHA pre care II: post care I-II (difference 0.5).

Conclusion
Both cohorts of patients had similar NYHA functional class outcomes. The patients in the type II diabetes cohort had higher NT Pro BNP levels pre care and higher reduction in NT Pro BNP post care than the non-diabetic cohort. Both cohorts had similar LVEF pre care, but the non-diabetic cohort had better improvement post care, with possible avoidance of need for implantable cardiac devices compared to the type II diabetes cohort. This study shows that heart failure nurses should be aware that heart failure patients with type II diabetes carry a higher risk profile and should be actively identified as part of an individualised, person-centred care approach. Heart failure patients with type II diabetes need to have vigilant scrutiny of their care to optimise their outcomes.
Living with heart failure during the COVID-19 pandemic: an interpretative phenomenological analysis
Authors: Trenta AM , Ausili D , Caruso R , Moro M , Nania T , Vellone E , Dellafiore F 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None.

Background
The COVID-19 outbreak has presented significant challenges for healthcare systems worldwide, which are responsible for guaranteeing access to care for all patients and limiting the spread of the virus. The necessary changes in the healthcare systems have deeply impacted not only people affected by the novel coronavirus, but also those with chronic conditions, such as heart failure. Since the beginning of the pandemic, a reduction of routine visits and use of emergency services by patients with heart failure has been observed, and these patients have tended to visit the hospital only when their symptoms were severe. The consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on heart failure patients’ lives have not yet been investigated.

Purpose
To explore the lived experiences of patients with heart failure during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods
A qualitative investigation based on interpretative phenomenological analysis was conducted. Fourteen patients with heart failure (12 males and 2 females with a median age of 68 years) completed in-depth, semi-structured interviews. Triangulation, journaling and member checking were used to improve the rigour of the study.

Results
Three themes describing the lived experience of patients were identified: "being vulnerable", "hanging in the balance", and "coping strategies". Patients reported feeling particularly vulnerable to the novel coronavirus due to their clinical conditions, and therefore they experienced fear and anxiety. Changes in the healthcare systems due to the COVID-19 pandemic created a sense of uncertainty that patients described as a feeling of hanging in the balance. However, despite these relevant difficulties, heart failure patients have managed to deal with the situation using various coping strategies, such as acceptance, recreational activities, family reorganization, and use of technology.

Conclusions
The COVID-19 outbreak deeply affected the lives of patients with heart failure, and our results highlight the relevant difficulties they have faced. We point out that there is a great need for targeted interventions, and these could be developed taking into consideration the coping strategies described in the study.
Bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract in patients with acute coronary pathology receiving dual antiplatelet therapy
Authors: Sapozhnikov A , Razin V , Mazurova O , Mikaelyan A 
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Funding Acknowledgements
Type of funding sources: None. Main funding source(s): own funds
Routine administration of dual antiplatelet therapy reduces the incidence of thrombotic complications and deaths in patients with acute coronary syndrome. However, the widespread use of antithrombotic therapy in these patients is associated with a significant risk of bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract. Their frequency in patients with AMI according to various data ranges from 1.1% to 2.3%.
Purpose of the study. To determine the risk factors for upper gastrointestinal bleeding and its outcome in patients with acute coronary pathology receiving dual antiplatelet therapy.
Methods. Analyzed 2632 patients with acute myocardial infarction and 2114 patients with unstable angina who were admitted for a 10-year period (2011-2020) and underwent emergency coronary angiography. The average age of patients is 57 ± 9 years, women – 1649 (35%), men – 3097 (65%).
All patients received dual antiplatelet therapy (acetylsalicylic acid and P2Y12 inhibitor). Studies of the state of the gastric mucosa and duodenum were carried out by endoscopic method, which revealed 31 cases of bleeding. Various baseline characteristics and risk factors for upper gastrointestinal bleeding were evaluated.
Results. The source of bleeding was: gastric ulcer - 8 cases (26%), duodenal ulcer - 6 (20%), simultaneously 2 or more ulcers - 4 (14%), multiple acute erosions - 8 (26%), single acute erosions of the antral part of the stomach - 2 (7%), Mallory-Weiss syndrome - 2 (7%) and bleeding from varicose veins of the esophagus - 1 (3%). Clinically, patients noted pronounced weakness, dizziness, coffee ground vomitus was observed in 8 (26%) patients, melena in 14 (45 %) patients. Bleeding from the upper gastrointestinal tract was detected in 20 patients with AMI (1% of all AMI) and is characterized by a high frequency of deaths (9; 45%). Fatal cases are mainly associated with the appearance of several ulcers of different localization (multiple acute erosions of the stomach and duodenum). In patients with unstable angina, the frequency of bleeding from the upper GIT is about 0.5%, while the duration of hospitalization is extended by an average of 8 days.

Predictors of bleeding from the GIT in patients with acute coronary pathology include
the presence of peptic ulcer disease in the anamnesis, elderly (senile) age, previous long-term use of antiplatelet agents (anticoagulants).

Conclusion
Bleedings from the upper GIT are a serious clinical problem in patients with acute coronary pathology. They are characterized by a long stay in the hospital and a high mortality rate.