bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Random crystal orientation and tensile strength of nanocrystalline dumbbell-shaped copper thick films electrodeposited from acidic aqueous solutions containing polyethylene glycol
Authors: Kawakami Reina , Saeki Ryusei , Ohgai Takeshi 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Nanocrystalline thick copper films with the thickness of ∼250 μm were electrochemically synthesized from an acidic aqueous solution containing polyethylene glycol (PEG) with the average molecular weight of 3,000 to investigate the preferential crystal orientation and mechanical properties such as microhardness and tensile strength. By addition of PEG to the electrolytic bath, the cathode potential was shifted to a less noble direction during the electrodeposition and the average crystallite size of electrodeposited copper thick films was decreased. The copper thick films electrodeposited from the solution without PEG exhibited a preferentially orientation in (220) texture while that obtained from the solution containing PEG was composed of nanocrystals with random crystal orientation that containing (111) and (200) textures. The micro-Vickers hardness, tensile strength, and elongation of the electrodeposited copper thick films reached up to 133 HV, 234 MPa, and 13.1%, respectively. These improvements in mechanical properties can be explained by the grain refinement effect and the random crystal orientation effect.
Development of a low-cost, compact, wireless, 16 - channel biopotential data acquisition, signal conditioning and arbitrary waveform stimulator
Authors: Halder Rajat Suvra , Basumatary Bijit , Sahani Ashish 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
The health and fitness of the human body rely heavily on physiological parameters. These parameters can be measured using various tools such as ECG, EMG, EEG, EOG, among others, to obtain real-time physiological data. Analysing the bio-signals obtained from these measurements can provide valuable information that can be used to improve health-care in terms of observation, diagnosis, and treatment. In bio-signal pattern recognition applications, more channels provide multiple information simultaneously. Different biosignal acquisition devices are available in the market, most of which are designed for specific signals like ECG, EMG, EEG etc The gain of the amplifiers and frequency of the filters are designed as per the targeted signals; due to which one device cannot be used for other signals. Also, most of the systems are wired system which is not comfortable for animal studies. In this paper, a low-cost, compact, wireless, 16 channel biopotential data acquisition system with integrated electrical stimulator is designed and implemented. There are several novel and flexible design approaches were incorporated in the proposed design like (1) It has user selectable digital filter in each channel based on the signal frequencies like ECG, EMG, EEG, EOG. The same system will be used to acquire different signals simultaneously. (2) It has variable gain with a configurable analog bandpass filter. (3) It can acquire signals from 4 patients simultaneously. (4) The system is capable to acquire signal from both two-electrode as well as three-electrode configurations. (5) It has integrated stimulator with trapezoidal, charge-balanced, biphasic stimulus output with near zero DC level and user selectable pulse duration or frequency of the stimulus. The developed system has the ability to acquire and transmit data wirelessly in real-time at a high transfer rate. To validate the performance of the system, tests were conducted on the acquired signals using a simulator.
Estimating the grain size of microgranular material using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy combined with machine learning algorithms
Authors: ZHANG 张 Zhao 朝 , LI 李 Yaju 亚举 , YANG 杨 Guanghui 光辉 , ZENG 曾 Qiang 强 , LI 李 Xiaolong 小龙 , CHEN 陈 Liangwen 良文 , QIAN 钱 Dongbin 东斌 , SUN 孙 Duixiong 对兄 , SU 苏 Maogen 茂根 , YANG 杨 Lei 磊 , ZHANG 张 Shaofeng 少锋 , MA 马 Xinwen 新文 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Recent work has validated a new method for estimating the grain size of microgranular materials in the range of tens to hundreds of micrometers using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS). In this situation, a piecewise univariate model must be constructed to estimate grain size due to the complex dependence of the plasma formation environment on grain size. In the present work, we tentatively construct a unified calibration model suitable for LIBS-based estimation of those grain sizes. Specifically, two unified multivariate calibration models are constructed based on back-propagation neural network (BPNN) algorithms using feature selection strategies with and without considering prior information. By detailed analysis of the performances of the two multivariate models, it was found that a unified calibration model can be successfully constructed based on BPNN algorithms for estimating the grain size in the range of tens to hundreds of micrometers. It was also found that the model constructed with a prior-guided feature selection strategy had better prediction performance. This study has practical significance in developing the technology for material analysis using LIBS, especially when the LIBS signal exhibits a complex dependence on the material parameter to be estimated.
On the number and size of holes in the growing ball of first-passage percolation
Authors: Damron Michael , Gold Julian , Lam Wai-Kit , Shen Xiao 
Published: December 2023

First-passage percolation is a random growth model defined on

Z

d

\mathbb {Z}^d

using i.i.d. nonnegative weights

(

τ
e

)

(\tau _e)

on the edges. Letting

T
(
x
,
y
)

T(x,y)

be the distance between vertices

x
x

and

y
y

induced by the weights, we study the random ball of radius

t
t

centered at the origin,

B

(
t
)
=
{
x
∈

Z

d

:
T
(
0
,
x
)
≤
t
}

\mathbf {B}(t) = \{x \in \mathbb {Z}^d : T(0,x) \leq t\}

. It is known that for all such

τ
e

\tau _e

, the number of vertices (volume) of

B

(
t
)

\mathbf {B}(t)

is at least order

t
d

t^d

, and under mild conditions on

τ
e

\tau _e

, this volume grows like a deterministic constant times

t
d

t^d

. Defining a hole in

B

(
t
)

\mathbf {B}(t)

to be a bounded component of the complement

B

(
t

)
c

\mathbf {B}(t)^c

, we prove that if

τ
e

\tau _e

is not deterministic, then a.s., for all large

t
t

,

B

(
t
)

\mathbf {B}(t)

has at least

c

t

d
−
1

ct^{d-1}

many holes, and the maximal volume of any hole is at least

c
log
⁡
t

c\log t

. Conditionally on the (unproved) uniform curvature assumption, we prove that a.s., for all large

t
t

, the number of holes is at most

(
log
⁡
t

)
C

t

d
−
1

(\log t)^C t^{d-1}

, and for

d
=
2

d=2

, no hole in

B

(
t
)

\mathbf {B}(t)

has volume larger than

(
log
⁡
t

)
C

(\log t)^C

. Without curvature, we show that no hole has volume larger than

C
t
log
⁡
t

Ct \log t

.
On the discretised 𝐴𝐵𝐶 sum-product problem
Authors: Orponen Tuomas 
Published: December 2023

Let

0
>
β
≤
α
>
1

0 > \beta \leq \alpha > 1

and

κ
>
0

\kappa > 0

. I prove that there exists

η
>
0

\eta > 0

such that the following holds for every pair of Borel sets

A
,
B
⊂

R

A,B \subset \mathbb {R}

with

dim

H

⁡
A
=
α

\dim _{\mathrm {H}} A = \alpha

and

dim

H

⁡
B
=
β

\dim _{\mathrm {H}} B = \beta

:

dim

H

⁡
{
c
∈

R

:

dim

H

⁡
(
A
+
c
B
)
≤
α
+
η
}
≤

α
−
β

1
−
β

+
κ
.

\begin{equation*} \dim _{\mathrm {H}} \{c \in \mathbb {R}: \dim _{\mathrm {H}} (A + cB) \leq \alpha + \eta \} \leq \tfrac {\alpha - \beta }{1 - \beta } + \kappa . \end{equation*}

This extends a result of Bourgain from 2010, which contained the case

α
=
β

\alpha = \beta

. The paper also contains a

δ
\delta

-discretised, and somewhat stronger, version of the estimate above, and new information on the size of long sums of the form

a

1

B
+
…
+

a

n

B

a_{1}B + \ldots + a_{n}B

.
Diffusion MRI tracks cortical microstructural changes during the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Spotorno Nicola , Strandberg Olof , Stomrud Erik , Janelidze Shorena , Blennow Kaj , Nilsson Markus , van Westen Danielle , Hansson Oskar 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
There is increased interest in developing markers reflecting microstructural changes that could serve as outcome measures in clinical trials. This is especially important after unexpected results in trials evaluating disease-modifying therapies targeting amyloid-β (Aβ), where morphological metrics from MRI showed increased volume loss despite promising clinical treatment effects.
In this study, changes over time in cortical mean diffusivity, derived using diffusion tensor imaging, were investigated in a large cohort (n = 424) of non-demented participants from the Swedish BioFINDER study. Participants were stratified following the Aβ/tau (AT) framework. The results revealed a widespread increase in mean diffusivity over time, including both temporal and parietal cortical regions, in Aβ-positive but still tau-negative individuals. These increases were steeper in Aβ-positive and tau-positive individuals and robust to the inclusion of cortical thickness in the model. A steeper increase in mean diffusivity was also associated with both changes over time in fluid markers reflecting astrocytic activity (i.e. plasma level of glial fibrillary acidic protein and CSF levels of YKL-40) and worsening of cognitive performance (all P &lt; 0.01).
By tracking cortical microstructural changes over time and possibly reflecting variations related to the astrocytic response, cortical mean diffusivity emerges as a promising marker for tracking treatments-induced microstructural changes in clinical trials.
At home adaptive dual target deep brain stimulation in Parkinson’s disease with proportional control
Authors: Schmidt Stephen L , Chowdhury Afsana H , Mitchell Kyle T , Peters Jennifer J , Gao Qitong , Lee Hui-Jie , Genty Katherine , Chow Shein-Chung , Grill Warren M , Pajic Miroslav , Turner Dennis A 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Continuous deep brain stimulation (cDBS) of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) or globus pallidus is an effective treatment for the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The relative benefit of one region over the other is of great interest but cannot usually be compared in the same patient. Simultaneous DBS of both regions may synergistically increase the therapeutic benefit. Continuous DBS is limited by a lack of responsiveness to dynamic, fluctuating symptoms intrinsic to the disease. Adaptive DBS (aDBS) adjusts stimulation in response to biomarkers to improve efficacy, side effects, and efficiency. We combined bilateral DBS of both STN and globus pallidus (dual target DBS) in a prospective within-participant, clinical trial in six patients with Parkinson’s disease (n = 6, 55–65 years, n = 2 females).
Dual target cDBS was tested for Parkinson’s disease symptom control annually over 2 years, measured by motor rating scales, on time without dyskinesia, and medication reduction. Random amplitude experiments probed system dynamics to estimate parameters for aDBS. We then implemented proportional-plus-integral aDBS using a novel distributed (off-implant) architecture. In the home setting, we collected tremor and dyskinesia scores as well as individualized β and DBS amplitudes.
Dual target cDBS reduced motor symptoms as measured by Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) to a greater degree than either region alone (P &lt; 0.05, linear mixed model) in the cohort. The amplitude of β-oscillations in the STN correlated to the speed of hand grasp movements for five of six participants (P &lt; 0.05, Pearson correlation). Random amplitude experiments provided insight into temporal windowing to avoid stimulation artefacts and demonstrated a correlation between STN β amplitude and DBS amplitude. Proportional plus integral control of aDBS reduced average power, while preserving UPDRS III scores in the clinic (P = 0.28, Wilcoxon signed rank), and tremor and dyskinesia scores during blinded testing at home (n = 3, P &gt; 0.05, Wilcoxon ranked sum). In the home setting, DBS power reductions were slight but significant.
Dual target cDBS may offer an improvement in treatment of motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease over DBS of either the STN or globus pallidus alone. When combined with proportional plus integral aDBS, stimulation power may be reduced, while preserving the increased benefit of dual target DBS.
Considerations for Expanding Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Networks
Authors: Gallagher Patrick , Shaw Alina , Bhandari Amit , Poudyal Nimesh , Holm Marianne , MacWright William R 
Published: December 2023

Abstract
Capturing Data on Antimicrobial Resistance Patterns and Trends in Use in Regions of Asia (CAPTURA) gained insight into the range of national antimicrobial resistance (AMR) stakeholders' long-term visions for AMR surveillance networks. As national AMR networks mature, stakeholders often contemplate adding laboratories to the network to achieve greater representativeness, boost data quantity, or meet other goals. Therefore, stakeholders should carefully select laboratories for expansion based on their goals and several practical criteria. Based on CAPTURA experience, the key criteria a national network may consider when expanding its AMR surveillance network include location, laboratory ownership, access to linked clinical and prescription databases, logistical ease, a laboratory's collaborative spirit, laboratory practices and equipment, laboratory staffing and quality assessments, laboratory methods and specimen types, data cleanliness and completeness, and the quantity of AMR data.
Evaluating Quality Management and Diagnostics Microbiology Performance Within an International External Quality Assessment (EQA) Program Serving National One Health Sector Reference Laboratories Across Asia: Experience Amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic
Authors: Abegaz Freshwork Ayalew , dos Santos Patrícia Teixeira , Mogeni Ondari D , Guarnacci Tobin , Poudyal Nimesh , Hong Jinhui , Kwon Soo Young , Braae Rikke , Prathan Rangsiya , Tongkum Taradon Luang , Kamjumpho Watcharaporn , Chuanchuen Rungtip , Marks Florian , Hendriksen Rene S , Holm Marianne 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
Strengthening external quality assessment (EQA) services across the One Health sector supports implementation of effective antimicrobial resistance (AMR) control strategies. Here we describe and compare 2 different approaches for conducting virtual laboratory follow-up assessments within an EQA program to evaluate quality management system (QMS) and procedures for pathogen identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST).

Methods
During the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in 2021 and 2022, 2 laboratory assessment approaches were introduced: virtual-based and survey-based methodologies. The evaluation of 2 underperforming Animal Health laboratories through a virtual-based approach occurred between May and August 2021. This evaluation encompassed the utilization of 3 online meetings and document reviews, performed subsequent to the execution of EQA procedures. Within a distinct group of laboratories, the survey-based assessment was implemented from December 2021 to February 2022, also following EQA procedures. This phase encompassed the dissemination of an online survey to 31 participating laboratories, alongside a sole online consultation meeting involving 4 specific underperforming laboratories.

Results
The virtual-based assessment post-EQA aimed to identify gaps and areas for improvement in the laboratory's practices for pathogen identification and AST. This approach was, however, time-intensive, and, hence, only 2 laboratories were assessed. In addition, limited interactions in virtual platforms compromised the assessment quality. The survey-based post-EQA assessment enabled evaluation of 31 laboratories. Despite limitations for in-depth analysis of each procedure, gaps in QMS across multiple laboratories were identified and tailored laboratory-specific recommendations were provided.

Conclusions
Reliable internet and plans for efficient time management, post-EQA virtual laboratory follow-up assessments are an effective alternative when conducting onsite evaluation is infeasible as observed during the COVID-19 pandemic, although the successful implementation of remediation plans will likely require in person assessments. We advocate application of hybrid approaches (both onsite and virtual) for targeted capacity building of AMR procedures with the ability to implement and oversee the process.
Effective Stakeholder Engagement for Collation, Analysis and Expansion of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) Data: A CAPTURA Experience
Authors: Poudyal Nimesh , Holm Marianne , Joh Hea Sun , Gautam Sanjay , Sujan Mohammad Julhas , Kwon Soo Young , Sahikh Affan , Shaw Alina , Gallagher Partick , Prifti Kristi , Cho Alyssa , Chi Kyu-young Kevin , Aboushady Ahmed Taha , MacWright William R , Stelling John , Marks Florian 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background
An effective implementation of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance projects requires sustainable and multidisciplinary engagement with stakeholders from various backgrounds, interests and aims. The “Capturing Data on Antimicrobial resistance Patterns and Trends in Use in Regions of Asia” (CAPTURA) project, funded by the Fleming Fund, initially targeted 12 countries in South Asia (SA) and Southeast Asia (SEA) to “expand the volume of historical and current data on AMR and antimicrobial usage” and support local agencies through capacity building activities.

Methods
In this article, we focus on early stakeholder engagement activities and present overall statistics on AMR data collated from 72 laboratories across seven countries. This included 2.3 million records of antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) data, which were curated, analyzed, and shared back to the facilities for informed decision making.

Results
Approximately 98% of the data collated by CAPTURA originated from laboratories based in SA countries. Furthermore, country-wide data were analyzed to identify commonly reported pathogens in each country, followed by descriptions of AST practices and multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens. Overall, we found meager adherence to standard guidelines to perform and record AST results, and a significant number of MDR pathogens were reported.

Conclusions
We conclude that close collaboration with the existing national mechanisms for identifying AMR data sources was crucial for the project's success. Although we show a vast retrospective dataset on AMR is available for data sharing in Asia, there remain critical gaps in data generation/management practice and analysis capacity for AMR data at most facilities.
Breast cancer risk association with postmenopausal hormone therapy: Health Insurance Database in South Korea–based cohort study
Authors: Yuk Jin-Sung , Kim Taeran , Cho Hyunjin , Gwak Geumhee 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Context
Although many physicians have been concerned that the menopausal hormones used currently in clinical practice may affect the risk of breast cancer, there are currently few informative updated studies about the associations between menopausal hormone therapy (MHT) and the risk of breast cancer.

Objective
This study aims to evaluate the association between the risk of breast cancer and MHT using the National Health Insurance Database in South Korea (HISK) cohort between 2002 and 2019 retrospectively.

Methods
Postmenopausal women over 40 years of age from 2003 to 2011 were selected as the subject population, and their follow-up data were collected until 2019. We analyzed the risk and mortality of breast cancer according to the type of MHT received, namely, tibolone, combined estrogen plus progestin by manufacturer (CEPM), oral estrogen, combined estrogen plus progestin by physician (CEPP), or topical estrogen.

Results
The risk of breast cancer increased in the CEPM group [hazard ratio (HR) 1.439, 95% CI 1.374-1.507, P-value &lt; .001] in comparison with the non-MHT group. However, no significant associations were found between the use of tibolone, oral estrogen, CEPP, or topical estrogen and breast cancer risk in comparison with the non-MHT group (HR 0.968, 95% CI 0.925-1.012; HR 1.002, 95% CI 0.929-1.081; HR 0.929, 95% CI 0.75-1.15; HR 1.139, 95% CI 0.809-1.603). The mortality rate from breast cancer is lower in the MHT group in comparison with the non-MHT group, indicating that significant associations were found for tibolone, CEPM, and oral estrogen (HR 0.504, 95% CI 0.432-0.588; HR 0.429, 95% CI 0.352-0.522; HR 0.453 95% CI 0.349-0.588, P-value &lt; .001).

Conclusions
This study suggests that the risk of breast cancer is increased by drugs in the CEPM group but not by tibolone, oral estrogen, CEPP, or topical estrogen. The mortality rate from breast cancer is lower with MHT (tibolone, CEPM, oral estrogen) than without MHT.
Oral anticoagulation after atrial fibrillation catheter ablation: benefits and risks
Authors: Kanaoka Koshiro , Nishida Taku , Iwanaga Yoshitaka , Nakai Michikazu , Tonegawa-Kuji Reina , Nishioka Yuichi , Myojin Tomoya , Okada Katsuki , Noda Tatsuya , Kusano Kengo , Miyamoto Yoshihiro , Saito Yoshihiko , Imamura Tomoaki 
Published: December 2023

Abstract

Background and Aims
Few recent large-scale studies have evaluated the risks and benefits of continuing oral anticoagulant (OAC) therapy after catheter ablation (CA) for atrial fibrillation (AF). This study evaluated the status of continuation of OAC therapy and the association between continuation of OAC therapy and thromboembolic and bleeding events according to the CHADS2 score.

Methods
This retrospective study included data from the Japanese nationwide administrative claims database of patients who underwent CA for AF between April 2014 and March 2021. Patients without AF recurrence assessed by administrative data of the treatment modalities were divided into two groups according to continuation of OAC therapy 6 months after the index CA. The primary outcomes were thromboembolism and major bleeding after a landmark period of 6 months. After inverse probability of treatment weighting analysis, the association between OAC continuation and outcomes was determined according to the CHADS2 score.

Results
Among 231 374 patients included, 69.7%, 21.6%, and 8.7% had CHADS2 scores of ≤1, 2, and ≥3, respectively. Of these, 71% continued OAC therapy at 6 months. The OAC continuation rate was higher in the high CHADS2 score group than that in the low CHADS2 score group. Among all patients, 2451 patients (0.55 per 100 person-years) had thromboembolism and 2367 (0.53 per 100 person-years) had major bleeding. In the CHADS2 score ≤1 group, the hazard ratio of the continued OAC group was 0.86 [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.74–1.01, P = .06] for thromboembolism and was 1.51 (95% CI: 1.27–1.80, P &lt; .001) for major bleeding. In the CHADS2 score ≥3 group, the hazard ratio of the continued OAC group was 0.61 (95% CI: 0.46–0.82, P = .001) for thromboembolism and was 1.05 (95% CI: 0.71–1.56, P = 0.81) for major bleeding.

Conclusions
This observational study suggests that the benefits and risks of continuing OAC therapy after CA for AF differ based on the patient’s CHADS2 score. The risk of major bleeding due to OAC continuation seems to outweigh the risk reduction of thromboembolism in patients with lower thromboembolic risk.