Showing papers by "Northwestern University published in 2013"
TL;DR: It is found that the chemical and physical properties of these materials strongly depend on the preparation method, and the properties of the title hybrid materials with those of the "all-inorganic" CsSnI3 and CsPbI3 prepared using identical synthetic methods.
Abstract: A broad organic–inorganic series of hybrid metal iodide perovskites with the general formulation AMI3, where A is the methylammonium (CH3NH3+) or formamidinium (HC(NH2)2+) cation and M is Sn (1 and 2) or Pb (3 and 4) are reported. The compounds have been prepared through a variety of synthetic approaches, and the nature of the resulting materials is discussed in terms of their thermal stability and optical and electronic properties. We find that the chemical and physical properties of these materials strongly depend on the preparation method. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of 1–4 classifies the compounds in the perovskite structural family. Structural phase transitions were observed and investigated by temperature-dependent single crystal X-ray diffraction in the 100–400 K range. The charge transport properties of the materials are discussed in conjunction with diffuse reflectance studies in the mid-IR region that display characteristic absorption features. Temperature-dependent studies show a ...
4,372 citations
Ohio State University1, Stanford University2, North Carolina State University3, Pennsylvania State University4, Columbia University5, Northwestern University6, University of Texas at Austin7, University of Notre Dame8, Cornell University9, University of California, Berkeley10, Case Western Reserve University11
TL;DR: The properties and advantages of single-, few-, and many-layer 2D materials in field-effect transistors, spin- and valley-tronics, thermoelectrics, and topological insulators, among many other applications are highlighted.
Abstract: Graphene’s success has shown that it is possible to create stable, single and few-atom-thick layers of van der Waals materials, and also that these materials can exhibit fascinating and technologically useful properties. Here we review the state-of-the-art of 2D materials beyond graphene. Initially, we will outline the different chemical classes of 2D materials and discuss the various strategies to prepare single-layer, few-layer, and multilayer assembly materials in solution, on substrates, and on the wafer scale. Additionally, we present an experimental guide for identifying and characterizing single-layer-thick materials, as well as outlining emerging techniques that yield both local and global information. We describe the differences that occur in the electronic structure between the bulk and the single layer and discuss various methods of tuning their electronic properties by manipulating the surface. Finally, we highlight the properties and advantages of single-, few-, and many-layer 2D materials in...
4,123 citations
TL;DR: A number of methods have been developed to exfoliate layered materials in order to produce monolayer nanosheets, which are ideal for applications that require surface activity.
Abstract: Background Since at least 400 C.E., when the Mayans first used layered clays to make dyes, people have been harnessing the properties of layered materials. This gradually developed into scientific research, leading to the elucidation of the laminar structure of layered materials, detailed understanding of their properties, and eventually experiments to exfoliate or delaminate them into individual, atomically thin nanosheets. This culminated in the discovery of graphene, resulting in a new explosion of interest in two-dimensional materials. Layered materials consist of two-dimensional platelets weakly stacked to form three-dimensional structures. The archetypal example is graphite, which consists of stacked graphene monolayers. However, there are many others: from MoS 2 and layered clays to more exotic examples such as MoO 3 , GaTe, and Bi 2 Se 3 . These materials display a wide range of electronic, optical, mechanical, and electrochemical properties. Over the past decade, a number of methods have been developed to exfoliate layered materials in order to produce monolayer nanosheets. Such exfoliation creates extremely high-aspect-ratio nanosheets with enormous surface area, which are ideal for applications that require surface activity. More importantly, however, the two-dimensional confinement of electrons upon exfoliation leads to unprecedented optical and electrical properties. Liquid exfoliation of layered crystals allows the production of suspensions of two-dimensional nanosheets, which can be formed into a range of structures. (A) MoS 2 powder. (B) WS 2 dispersed in surfactant solution. (C) An exfoliated MoS 2 nanosheet. (D) A hybrid material consisting of WS 2 nanosheets embedded in a network of carbon nanotubes. Advances An important advance has been the discovery that layered crystals can be exfoliated in liquids. There are a number of methods to do this that involve oxidation, ion intercalation/exchange, or surface passivation by solvents. However, all result in liquid dispersions containing large quantities of nanosheets. This brings considerable advantages: Liquid exfoliation allows the formation of thin films and composites, is potentially scaleable, and may facilitate processing by using standard technologies such as reel-to-reel manufacturing. Although much work has focused on liquid exfoliation of graphene, such processes have also been demonstrated for a host of other materials, including MoS 2 and related structures, layered oxides, and clays. The resultant liquid dispersions have been formed into films, hybrids, and composites for a range of applications. Outlook There is little doubt that the main advances are in the future. Multifunctional composites based on metal and polymer matrices will be developed that will result in enhanced mechanical, electrical, and barrier properties. Applications in energy generation and storage will abound, with layered materials appearing as electrodes or active elements in devices such as displays, solar cells, and batteries. Particularly important will be the use of MoS 2 for water splitting and metal oxides as hydrogen evolution catalysts. In addition, two-dimensional materials will find important roles in printed electronics as dielectrics, optoelectronic devices, and transistors. To achieve this, much needs to be done. Production rates need to be increased dramatically, the degree of exfoliation improved, and methods to control nanosheet properties developed. The range of layered materials that can be exfoliated must be expanded, even as methods for chemical modification must be developed. Success in these areas will lead to a family of materials that will dominate nanomaterials science in the 21st century.
3,127 citations
Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre1, University of Michigan2, Radboud University Nijmegen3, University of Toronto4, McGill University5, University of Basel6, University of Florence7, Auckland City Hospital8, University of Pittsburgh9, Charité10, University of California, Los Angeles11, University College London12, University of Zurich13, University of Paris14, Marche Polytechnic University15, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston16, Newcastle University17, University of Pécs18, Georgetown University19, Istanbul University20, Medical University of Białystok21, University of Giessen22, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli23, University College Dublin24, Stanford University25, University of Colorado Denver26, National Health Service27, Medical College of Wisconsin28, University of Alabama at Birmingham29, University of Manchester30, Rutgers University31, Thomas Jefferson University32, University of Toledo33, Amgen34, Boston University35, Medical University of South Carolina36, University of Pennsylvania37, Northwestern University38
TL;DR: The ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc performed better than the 1980 ACR criteria and should allow for more patients to be classified correctly as having the disease.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The 1980 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc) lack sensitivity for early SSc and limited cutaneous SSc. The present work, by a joint committee of the ACR and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), was undertaken for the purpose of developing new classification criteria for SSc. METHODS: Using consensus methods, 23 candidate items were arranged in a multicriteria additive point system with a threshold to classify cases as SSc. The classification system was reduced by clustering items and simplifying weights. The system was tested by 1) determining specificity and sensitivity in SSc cases and controls with scleroderma-like disorders, and 2) validating against the combined view of a group of experts on a set of cases with or without SSc. RESULTS: It was determined that skin thickening of the fingers extending proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints is sufficient for the patient to be classified as having SSc; if that is not present, 7 additive items apply, with varying weights for each: skin thickening of the fingers, fingertip lesions, telangiectasia, abnormal nailfold capillaries, interstitial lung disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension, Raynaud's phenomenon, and SSc-related autoantibodies. Sensitivity and specificity in the validation sample were, respectively, 0.91 and 0.92 for the new classification criteria and 0.75 and 0.72 for the 1980 ACR classification criteria. All selected cases were classified in accordance with consensus-based expert opinion. All cases classified as SSc according to the 1980 ACR criteria were classified as SSc with the new criteria, and several additional cases were now considered to be SSc. CONCLUSION: The ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc performed better than the 1980 ACR criteria for SSc and should allow for more patients to be classified correctly as having the disease.
2,743 citations
TL;DR: This study provides the first comparison of the prevalence of peripheral artery disease between high-income countries (HIC) and low-income or middle- income countries (LMIC), establishes the primary risk factors for peripheral artery diseases in these settings, and estimates the number of people living with peripheral artery Disease regionally and globally.
2,529 citations
TL;DR: A fate-mapping study of the murine monocyte and macrophage compartment taking advantage of constitutive and conditional CX(3)CR1 promoter-driven Cre recombinase expression is reported, establishing that short-lived Ly6C(+) monocytes constitute obligatory steady-state precursors of blood-resident Ly 6C(-) cells and that the abundance of Ly6 C(+) blood monocytes dynamically controls the circulation lifespan of their progeny.
2,302 citations
Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation1, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio2, Emory University3, Mayo Clinic4, Harvard University5, Boston University6, Michigan State University7, National Institutes of Health8, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center9, Health Effects Institute10, Loyola University Chicago11, University of Washington12, University of California, San Diego13, University of Pennsylvania14, Veterans Health Administration15, Beth Israel Medical Center16, Johns Hopkins University17, Imperial College London18, Carnegie Mellon University19, Howard University20, University of California, San Francisco21, Columbia University22, New York University23, Karolinska Institutet24, George Mason University25, Nova Southeastern University26, University of Miami27, Northwestern University28, Thomas Jefferson University29, China Medical Board30, Pacific Institute31, Duke University32, Brigham and Women's Hospital33, California Environmental Protection Agency34, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services35, Brigham Young University36, University of Missouri37, University of California, Los Angeles38, Vanderbilt University39, University of Maryland, College Park40, University of Alabama at Birmingham41, Brandeis University42, University of Tokyo43, The Queen's Medical Center44, Drexel University45, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center46, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health47, Brown University48, University of Melbourne49
TL;DR: To measure the burden of diseases, injuries, and leading risk factors in the United States from 1990 to 2010 and to compare these measurements with those of the 34 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), systematic analysis of descriptive epidemiology was used.
Abstract: Importance Understanding the major health problems in the United States and how they are changing over time is critical for informing national health policy. Objectives To measure the burden of diseases, injuries, and leading risk factors in the United States from 1990 to 2010 and to compare these measurements with those of the 34 countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Design We used the systematic analysis of descriptive epidemiology of 291 diseases and injuries, 1160 sequelae of these diseases and injuries, and 67 risk factors or clusters of risk factors from 1990 to 2010 for 187 countries developed for the Global Burden of Disease 2010 Study to describe the health status of the United States and to compare US health outcomes with those of 34 OECD countries. Years of life lost due to premature mortality (YLLs) were computed by multiplying the number of deaths at each age by a reference life expectancy at that age. Years lived with disability (YLDs) were calculated by multiplying prevalence (based on systematic reviews) by the disability weight (based on population-based surveys) for each sequela; disability in this study refers to any short- or long-term loss of health. Disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) were estimated as the sum of YLDs and YLLs. Deaths and DALYs related to risk factors were based on systematic reviews and meta-analyses of exposure data and relative risks for risk-outcome pairs. Healthy life expectancy (HALE) was used to summarize overall population health, accounting for both length of life and levels of ill health experienced at different ages. Results US life expectancy for both sexes combined increased from 75.2 years in 1990 to 78.2 years in 2010; during the same period, HALE increased from 65.8 years to 68.1 years. The diseases and injuries with the largest number of YLLs in 2010 were ischemic heart disease, lung cancer, stroke, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and road injury. Age-standardized YLL rates increased for Alzheimer disease, drug use disorders, chronic kidney disease, kidney cancer, and falls. The diseases with the largest number of YLDs in 2010 were low back pain, major depressive disorder, other musculoskeletal disorders, neck pain, and anxiety disorders. As the US population has aged, YLDs have comprised a larger share of DALYs than have YLLs. The leading risk factors related to DALYs were dietary risks, tobacco smoking, high body mass index, high blood pressure, high fasting plasma glucose, physical inactivity, and alcohol use. Among 34 OECD countries between 1990 and 2010, the US rank for the age-standardized death rate changed from 18th to 27th, for the age-standardized YLL rate from 23rd to 28th, for the age-standardized YLD rate from 5th to 6th, for life expectancy at birth from 20th to 27th, and for HALE from 14th to 26th. Conclusions and Relevance From 1990 to 2010, the United States made substantial progress in improving health. Life expectancy at birth and HALE increased, all-cause death rates at all ages decreased, and age-specific rates of years lived with disability remained stable. However, morbidity and chronic disability now account for nearly half of the US health burden, and improvements in population health in the United States have not kept pace with advances in population health in other wealthy nations.
2,159 citations
TL;DR: This paper propose a template for fusing these three levels of engagement with intersectionality into a field of intersectional studies that emphasizes collaboration and literacy rather than unity, and propose a set of practices to fuse them.
Abstract: Intersectional insights and frameworks are put into practice in a multitude of highly contested, complex, and unpredictable ways. We group such engagements with intersectionality into three loosely defined sets of practices: applications of an intersectional framework or investigations of intersectional dynamics; debates about the scope and content of intersectionality as a theoretical and methodological paradigm; and political interventions employing an intersectional lens. We propose a template for fusing these three levels of engagement with intersectionality into a field of intersectional studies that emphasizes collaboration and literacy rather than unity. Our objective here is not to offer pat resolutions to all questions about intersectional approaches but to spark further inquiry into the dynamics of intersectionality both as an academic frame and as a practical intervention in a world characterized by extreme inequalities. At the same time, we wish to zero in on some issues that we believ...
2,097 citations
Kyle S. Dawson1, David J. Schlegel2, Christopher P. Ahn1, Scott F. Anderson3 +181 more•Institutions (51)
TL;DR: The Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) as discussed by the authors was designed to measure the scale of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) in the clustering of matter over a larger volume than the combined efforts of all previous spectroscopic surveys of large-scale structure.
Abstract: The Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey (BOSS) is designed to measure the scale of baryon acoustic oscillations (BAO) in the clustering of matter over a larger volume than the combined efforts of all previous spectroscopic surveys of large-scale structure. BOSS uses 1.5 million luminous galaxies as faint as i = 19.9 over 10,000 deg2 to measure BAO to redshifts z < 0.7. Observations of neutral hydrogen in the Lyα forest in more than 150,000 quasar spectra (g < 22) will constrain BAO over the redshift range 2.15 < z < 3.5. Early results from BOSS include the first detection of the large-scale three-dimensional clustering of the Lyα forest and a strong detection from the Data Release 9 data set of the BAO in the clustering of massive galaxies at an effective redshift z = 0.57. We project that BOSS will yield measurements of the angular diameter distance dA to an accuracy of 1.0% at redshifts z = 0.3 and z = 0.57 and measurements of H(z) to 1.8% and 1.7% at the same redshifts. Forecasts for Lyα forest constraints predict a measurement of an overall dilation factor that scales the highly degenerate DA (z) and H –1(z) parameters to an accuracy of 1.9% at z ~ 2.5 when the survey is complete. Here, we provide an overview of the selection of spectroscopic targets, planning of observations, and analysis of data and data quality of BOSS.
1,938 citations
Radboud University Nijmegen1, University of Michigan2, University of Toronto3, McGill University4, University of Basel5, University of Florence6, Auckland City Hospital7, University of Pittsburgh8, Complutense University of Madrid9, Charité10, University of California, Los Angeles11, University College London12, University of Zurich13, University of Paris14, Marche Polytechnic University15, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston16, Newcastle University17, University of Pécs18, Georgetown University19, Istanbul University20, Medical University of Białystok21, University of Giessen22, Seconda Università degli Studi di Napoli23, University College Dublin24, Stanford University25, Amgen26, University of Colorado Denver27, Medical College of Wisconsin28, University of Alabama at Birmingham29, National Health Service30, University of Manchester31, Rutgers University32, Thomas Jefferson University33, University of Toledo34, Boston University35, University of Pennsylvania36, Medical University of South Carolina37, Northwestern University38, University of Western Ontario39
TL;DR: The ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc performed better than the 1980 ACR criteria and should allow for more patients to be classified correctly as having the disease.
Abstract: Objective The 1980 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for systemic sclerosis (SSc) lack sensitivity for early SSc and limited cutaneous SSc. The present work, by a joint committee of the ACR and the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), was undertaken for the purpose of developing new classification criteria for SSc. Methods Using consensus methods, 23 candidate items were arranged in a multicriteria additive point system with a threshold to classify cases as SSc. The classification system was reduced by clustering items and simplifying weights. The system was tested by (1) determining specificity and sensitivity in SSc cases and controls with scleroderma-like disorders, and (2) validating against the combined view of a group of experts on a set of cases with or without SSc. Results It was determined that skin thickening of the fingers extending proximal to the metacarpophalangeal joints is sufficient for the patient to be classified as having SSc; if that is not present, seven additive items apply, with varying weights for each: skin thickening of the fingers, fingertip lesions, telangiectasia, abnormal nailfold capillaries, interstitial lung disease or pulmonary arterial hypertension, Raynaud9s phenomenon, and SSc-related autoantibodies. Sensitivity and specificity in the validation sample were, respectively, 0.91 and 0.92 for the new classification criteria and 0.75 and 0.72 for the 1980 ACR classification criteria. All selected cases were classified in accordance with consensus-based expert opinion. All cases classified as SSc according to the 1980 ACR criteria were classified as SSc with the new criteria, and several additional cases were now considered to be SSc. Conclusions The ACR/EULAR classification criteria for SSc performed better than the 1980 ACR criteria for SSc and should allow for more patients to be classified correctly as having the disease.
1,899 citations
University of Oklahoma1, University of Washington2, University of Nebraska Medical Center3, Johns Hopkins University4, Northwestern University5, University of Colorado Hospital6, University of Colorado Boulder7, University of Michigan8, University of Virginia9, West Virginia University10, Emory University11, Rush University Medical Center12
TL;DR: These guidelines were developed jointly by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the Infectious Diseases Society of America, the Surgical Infection Society (SIS), and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA).
Abstract: These guidelines were developed jointly by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Surgical Infection Society (SIS), and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA). This work represents an update to the
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center1, Baylor University Medical Center2, Northwestern University3, University of Manchester4, Peking University5, Mount Vernon Hospital6, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich7, University of Sydney8, University of Miami9, University College London10, University of Glasgow11, Kindai University12, Karolinska Institutet13, Peking Union Medical College14, GlaxoSmithKline15, Harvard University16
TL;DR: Pazopanib and sunitinib have similar efficacy, but the safety and quality-of-life profiles favor pazoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals.
Abstract: Background Pazopanib and sunitinib provided a progression-free survival benefit, as compared with placebo or interferon, in previous phase 3 studies involving patients with metastatic renal-cell carcinoma. This phase 3, randomized trial compared the efficacy and safety of pazopanib and sunitinib as first-line therapy. Methods We randomly assigned 1110 patients with clear-cell, metastatic renal-cell carcinoma, in a 1:1 ratio, to receive a continuous dose of pazopanib (800 mg once daily; 557 patients) or sunitinib in 6-week cycles (50 mg once daily for 4 weeks, followed by 2 weeks without treatment; 553 patients). The primary end point was progression-free survival as assessed by independent review, and the study was powered to show the noninferiority of pazopanib versus sunitinib. Secondary end points included overall survival, safety, and quality of life. Results Pazopanib was noninferior to sunitinib with respect to progression-free survival (hazard ratio for progression of disease or death from any caus...
Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai1, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center2, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center3, University of Alabama at Birmingham4, Mayo Clinic5, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine6, Northwestern University7, University of Utah8, Brigham and Women's Hospital9, Baker IDI Heart and Diabetes Institute10
TL;DR: These updated guidelines reflect recent additions to the evidence base and include Examples of expanded topics in this update include: the roles of sleeve gastrectomy, bariatric surgery in patients with type‐2 diabetes,bariatric surgery for patients with mild obesity, copper deficiency, informed consent, and behavioral issues.
Abstract: The development of these updated guidelines was commissioned by the AACE, TOS, and ASMBS Board of Directors and adheres to the AACE 2010 protocol for standardized production of clinical practice guidelines (CPG). Each recommendation was re-evaluated and updated based on the evidence and subjective factors per protocol. Examples of expanded topics in this update include: the roles of sleeve gastrectomy, bariatric surgery in patients with type-2 diabetes, bariatric surgery for patients with mild obesity, copper deficiency, informed consent, and behavioral issues. There are 74 recommendations (of which 56 are revised and 2 are new) in this 2013 update, compared with 164 original recommendations in 2008. There are 403 citations, of which 33 (8.2%) are EL 1, 131 (32.5%) are EL 2, 170 (42.2%) are EL 3, and 69 (17.1%) are EL 4. There is a relatively high proportion (40.4%) of strong (EL 1 and 2) studies, compared with only 16.5% in the 2008 AACE-TOS-ASMBS CPG. These updated guidelines reflect recent additions to the evidence base. Bariatric surgery remains a safe and effective intervention for select patients with obesity. A team approach to perioperative care is mandatory with special attention to nutritional and metabolic issues.
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TL;DR: This tutorial surveys a wide range of IBFD self-interference mitigation techniques and discusses numerous other research challenges and opportunities in the design and analysis of IB FD wireless systems.
Abstract: In-band full-duplex (IBFD) operation has emerged as an attractive solution for increasing the throughput of wireless communication systems and networks. With IBFD, a wireless terminal is allowed to transmit and receive simultaneously in the same frequency band. This tutorial paper reviews the main concepts of IBFD wireless. Because one the biggest practical impediments to IBFD operation is the presence of self-interference, i.e., the interference caused by an IBFD node's own transmissions to its desired receptions, this tutorial surveys a wide range of IBFD self-interference mitigation techniques. Also discussed are numerous other research challenges and opportunities in the design and analysis of IBFD wireless systems.
TL;DR: The Open Quantum Materials Database (OQMD) as mentioned in this paper contains over 200,000 DFT calculated crystal structures and will be freely available for public use at http://oqmd.org.
Abstract: High-throughput density functional theory (HT DFT) is fast becoming a powerful tool for accelerating materials design and discovery by the amassing tens and even hundreds of thousands of DFT calculations in large databases. Complex materials problems can be approached much more efficiently and broadly through the sheer quantity of structures and chemistries available in such databases. Our HT DFT database, the Open Quantum Materials Database (OQMD), contains over 200,000 DFT calculated crystal structures and will be freely available for public use at http://oqmd.org
. In this review, we describe the OQMD and its use in five materials problems, spanning a wide range of applications and materials types: (I) Li-air battery combination catalyst/electrodes, (II) Li-ion battery anodes, (III) Li-ion battery cathode coatings reactive with HF, (IV) Mg-alloy long-period stacking ordered (LPSO) strengthening precipitates, and (V) training a machine learning model to predict new stable ternary compounds.
TL;DR: Reductions in all-cause mortality, major vascular events and revascularisations were found with no excess of adverse events among people without evidence of CVD treated with statins, and evidence available to date showed that primary prevention with statin is likely to be cost-effective and may improve patient quality of life.
Abstract: Cardiovascular disease (CVD), which comprises heart attacks (myocardial infarction), angina and strokes, is ranked as the number one cause of mortality and is a major cause of morbidity world wide. High blood cholesterol is linked to CVD events and is an important risk factor. Reducing high blood cholesterol, is thus an important way to reduce the chances of suffering a CVD event. Statins - cholesterol lowering drugs - (e.g. simvastatin, pravastatin, atorvastatin) are the first-choice treatments. Since the early statin randomised controlled trials were reported in the 1990s, several reviews of the effects of statins have been published highlighting their benefits particularly in people with a past history of CVD. Benefits include a reduction in CVD events. Statins have also been shown to reduce the risk of a first event in otherwise healthy individuals at high risk of CVD (primary prevention) but information on possible hazards has not been reported fully. The aim of this updated systematic review is to assess the effects, both in terms of benefits and harms of statins, for the primary prevention of CVD. We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), MEDLINE and EMBASE until 2011. We found 18 randomised controlled trials with 19 trial arms (56,934 patients) dating from 1994 to 2008. All were randomised control trials comparing statins with usual care or placebo. The mean age of the participants was 57 years (range 28 - 97 years), 60.3% were men, and of the eight trials that reported on ethnicity, 85.9 % were Caucasian. Duration of treatment was a minimum one year and with follow-up of a minimum of six months. All-cause mortality and fatal and non-fatal CVD events were reduced with the use of statins as was the need for revascularisation (the restoration of an adequate blood supply to the heart) by means of surgery (coronary artery bypass graft ) or by angioplasty (PTCA). Of 1000 people treated with a statin for five years, 18 would avoid a major CVD event which compares well with other treatments used for preventing cardiovascular disease. Taking statins did not increase the risk of serious adverse effects such as cancer. Statins are likely to be cost-effective in primary prevention.
TL;DR: The ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator is a decision-support tool based on reliable multi-institutional clinical data, which can be used to estimate the risks of most operations.
Abstract: Background Accurately estimating surgical risks is critical for shared decision making and informed consent. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services may soon put forth a measure requiring surgeons to provide patients with patient-specific, empirically derived estimates of postoperative complications. Our objectives were to develop a universal surgical risk estimation tool, to compare performance of the universal vs previous procedure-specific surgical risk calculators, and to allow surgeons to empirically adjust the estimates of risk. Study Design Using standardized clinical data from 393 ACS NSQIP hospitals, a web-based tool was developed to allow surgeons to easily enter 21 preoperative factors (demographics, comorbidities, procedure). Regression models were developed to predict 8 outcomes based on the preoperative risk factors. The universal model was compared with procedure-specific models. To incorporate surgeon input, a subjective surgeon adjustment score, allowing risk estimates to vary within the estimate's confidence interval, was introduced and tested with 80 surgeons using 10 case scenarios. Results Based on 1,414,006 patients encompassing 1,557 unique CPT codes, a universal surgical risk calculator model was developed that had excellent performance for mortality (c-statistic = 0.944; Brier score = 0.011 [where scores approaching 0 are better]), morbidity (c-statistic = 0.816, Brier score = 0.069), and 6 additional complications (c-statistics > 0.8). Predictions were similarly robust for the universal calculator vs procedure-specific calculators (eg, colorectal). Surgeons demonstrated considerable agreement on the case scenario scoring (80% to 100% agreement), suggesting reliable score assignment between surgeons. Conclusions The ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator is a decision-support tool based on reliable multi-institutional clinical data, which can be used to estimate the risks of most operations. The ACS NSQIP surgical risk calculator will allow clinicians and patients to make decisions using empirically derived, patient-specific postoperative risks.
TL;DR: The results suggest that spatially enriched education could pay substantial dividends in increasing participation in mathematics, science, and engineering.
Abstract: spatial skills. After eliminating outliers, the average effect size (Hedges’s g) for training relative to control was 0.47 (SE 0.04). Training effects were stable and were not affected by delays between training and posttesting. Training also transferred to other spatial tasks that were not directly trained. We analyzed the effects of several moderators, including the presence and type of control groups, sex, age, and type of training. Additionally, we included a theoretically motivated typology of spatial skills that emphasizes 2 dimensions: intrinsic versus extrinsic and static versus dynamic (Newcombe & Shipley, in press). Finally, we consider the potential educational and policy implications of directly training spatial skills. Considered together, the results suggest that spatially enriched education could pay substantial dividends in increasing participation in mathematics, science, and engineering.
TL;DR: The use of social media technologies such as blogs, wikis, social networking sites, social tagging, and micro blogging is proliferating at an incredible pace as mentioned in this paper, and one area of increasing adoption is orga...
Abstract: The use of social media technologies—such as blogs, wikis, social networking sites, social tagging, and microblogging—is proliferating at an incredible pace. One area of increasing adoption is orga...
TL;DR: A scalable, reproducible method of synthesizing UiO-66- and Ui O-67-type MOFs, entailing the addition of HCl to the reaction mixture, has been investigated.
Harvard University1, University of California, Los Angeles2, Stanford University3, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center4, National Institutes of Health5, Georgetown University6, University of Arizona7, University at Buffalo8, Ohio State University9, University of Florida10, Regions Hospital11, Yeshiva University12, University of Pittsburgh13, Brown University14, Case Western Reserve University15, AstraZeneca16, University of Tennessee Health Science Center17, University of Alabama at Birmingham18, George Washington University19, University of Massachusetts Medical School20, University of Miami21, Rush University Medical Center22, Wayne State University23, Northwestern University24, Wake Forest University25, University of Iowa26
TL;DR: Most risks and benefits dissipated postintervention, although some elevation in breast cancer risk persisted during cumulative follow-up and the 2 WHI hormone therapy trials do not support use of this therapy.
Abstract: RESULTS During the CEE plus MPA intervention phase, the numbers of CHD cases were 196 for CEE plus MPA vs 159 for placebo (hazard ratio [HR], 1.18; 95% CI, 0.95-1.45) and 206 vs 155, respectively, for invasive breast cancer (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53). Other risks included increased stroke, pulmonary embolism, dementia (in women aged65 years), gallbladder disease, and urinary incontinence; benefits included decreased hip fractures, diabetes, and vasomotor symptoms. Most risks and benefits dissipated postintervention, although some elevation in breast cancer risk persisted during cumulative follow-up (434 cases for CEE plus MPA vs 323 for placebo; HR, 1.28 [95% CI, 1.11-1.48]). The risks and benefits were more balanced during the CEE alone intervention with 204 CHD cases for CEE alone vs 222 cases for placebo (HR, 0.94; 95% CI, 0.781.14) and 104 vs 135, respectively, for invasive breast cancer (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.61-1.02); cumulatively, there were 168 vs 216, respectively, cases of breast cancer diagnosed (HR, 0.79; 95% CI, 0.65-0.97). Results for other outcomes were similar to CEE plus MPA. Neither regimen affected all-cause mortality. For CEE alone, younger women (aged 50-59 years) had more favorable results for all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction, and the global index (nominal P < .05 for trend by age). Absolute risks of adverse events (measured by the global index) per 10 000 women annually taking CEE plus MPA ranged from 12 excess cases for ages of 50-59 years to 38 for ages of 70-79 years; for women taking CEE alone, from 19 fewer cases for ages of 50-59 years to 51 excess cases for ages of 70-79 years. Quality-of-life outcomes had mixed results in both trials. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Menopausal hormone therapy has a complex pattern of risks and benefits. Findings from the intervention and extended postintervention follow-up of the 2 WHI hormone therapy trials do not support use of this therapy for chronic disease prevention, although it is appropriate for symptom management in some women.
Medical College of Wisconsin1, Harvard University2, University of Cincinnati3, Dresden University of Technology4, University of California, Los Angeles5, Stanford University6, Northwestern University7, Mayo Clinic8, Vanderbilt University9, University of Edinburgh10, Oregon State University11, University of Pittsburgh12, Cardiovascular Institute of the South13, University at Buffalo14, University of Virginia15, Stony Brook University16, University of Toronto17, Heidelberg University18, Washington University in St. Louis19, Case Western Reserve University20, Emory University21, University of Miami22, University of Calgary23
TL;DR: A multidisciplinary panel of neurointerventionalists, neuroradiologists, and stroke neurologists with extensive experience in neuroimaging and IAT, convened at the “Consensus Meeting on Revascularization Grading Following Endovascular Therapy” with the goal of addressing heterogeneity in cerebral angiographic revascularization grading.
Abstract: See related article, p 2509
Intra-arterial therapy (IAT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) has dramatically evolved during the past decade to include aspiration and stent-retriever devices. Recent randomized controlled trials have demonstrated the superior revascularization efficacy of stent-retrievers compared with the first-generation Merci device.1,2 Additionally, the Diffusion and Perfusion Imaging Evaluation for Understanding Stroke Evolution (DEFUSE) 2, the Mechanical Retrieval and Recanalization of Stroke Clots Using Embolectomy (MR RESCUE), and the Interventional Management of Stroke (IMS) III trials have confirmed the importance of early revascularization for achieving better clinical outcome.3–5 Despite these data, the current heterogeneity in cerebral angiographic revascularization grading (CARG) poses a major obstacle to further advances in stroke therapy. To date, several CARG scales have been used to measure the success of IAT.6–14 Even when the same scale is used in different studies, it is applied using varying operational criteria, which further confounds the interpretation of this key metric.10 The lack of a uniform grading approach limits comparison of revascularization rates across clinical trials and hinders the translation of promising, early phase angiographic results into proven, clinically effective treatments.6–14 For these reasons, it is critical that CARG scales be standardized and end points for successful revascularization be refined.6 This will lead to a greater understanding of the aspects of revascularization that are strongly predictive of clinical response.
The optimal grading scale must demonstrate (1) a strong correlation with clinical outcome, (2) simplicity and feasibility of scale interpretation while ensuring characterization of relevant angiographic findings, and (3) high inter-rater reproducibility.
To address these issues, a multidisciplinary panel of neurointerventionalists, neuroradiologists, and stroke neurologists with extensive experience in neuroimaging and IAT, convened at the “Consensus Meeting on Revascularization Grading Following Endovascular Therapy” with the goal …
TL;DR: The perovskite compound CsPbBr3 as mentioned in this paper is a direct band gap semiconductor which meets most of the requirements for successful detection of X and γ-ray radiation, such as high attenuation, high resistivity, and significant photoconductivity response, with detector resolution comparable to that of commercial, state-of-the-art materials.
Abstract: The synthesis, crystal growth, and structural and optoelectronic characterization has been carried out for the perovskite compound CsPbBr3. This compound is a direct band gap semiconductor which meets most of the requirements for successful detection of X- and γ-ray radiation, such as high attenuation, high resistivity, and significant photoconductivity response, with detector resolution comparable to that of commercial, state-of-the-art materials. A structural phase transition which occurs during crystal growth at higher temperature does not seem to affect its crystal quality. Its μτ product for both hole and electron carriers is approximately equal. The μτ product for electrons is comparable to cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) and that for holes is 10 times higher than CZT.
TL;DR: This work introduces a set of materials and design concepts for a rechargeable lithium ion battery technology that exploits thin, low modulus silicone elastomers as substrates, with a segmented design in the active materials, and unusual 'self-similar' interconnect structures between them.
Abstract: An important trend in electronics involves the development of materials, mechanical designs and manufacturing strategies that enable the use of unconventional substrates, such as polymer films, metal foils, paper sheets or rubber slabs. The last possibility is particularly challenging because the systems must accommodate not only bending but also stretching. Although several approaches are available for the electronics, a persistent difficulty is in power supplies that have similar mechanical properties, to allow their co-integration with the electronics. Here we introduce a set of materials and design concepts for a rechargeable lithium ion battery technology that exploits thin, low modulus silicone elastomers as substrates, with a segmented design in the active materials, and unusual ‘self-similar’ interconnect structures between them. The result enables reversible levels of stretchability up to 300%, while maintaining capacity densities of B1.1 mAh cm � 2 . Stretchable wireless power transmission systems provide the means to charge these types of batteries, without direct physical contact.
TL;DR: The term ‘proteoform’ is proposed to be used to designate all of the different molecular forms in which the protein product of a single gene can be found, including changes due to genetic variations, alternatively spliced RNA transcripts and posttranslational modifications.
Abstract: genetic differences and not to variation at the protein level2. The term “protein species” was proposed in 2009 (ref. 2) but does not distinguish between proteins originating from different genes and those originating from a single gene, and thus we find it confusing. A similar issue arises with the term “protein variants.” The UniProt Knowledgebase (a definitive, gene-centric protein database)5 uses the term “isoform” in yet a different manner, one that denotes related forms of protein molecules arising from the same gene by alternative splicing or variable promoter usage (Fig. 1). Such events create a variable set of protein sequences that significantly change the numbering of amino acids for the protein as compared to the canonical sequence. These changes to the base primary sequence are referred to by some as “isoforms” and are denoted in UniProt by a –1, –2 and so on following the accession number (Fig. 1). However, genetic changes (for example, mutations and polymorphisms) are not covered by this terminology and create a conflict with the IUPAC definition of isoform2. Differences in IUPAC and UniProt definitions notwithstanding, the terms “variants” and “isoforms” were intended to describe proteins derived from distinct DNA or RNA; their use to describe modified proteins is confusing. Accordingly, we propose that the term ‘proteoform’ be used to designate all of the different molecular forms in which the protein product of a single gene can be found, including changes due to genetic variations, alternatively spliced RNA transcripts and posttranslational modifications (Fig. 1). Any gene or protein processing events such as those using inteins or RNA-editing mechanisms are now covered cleanly by the term ‘proteoform’. The term should include all post-translational modifications in the PSI-MOD ontology except those classified as reagent-derivatized or isotope-labeled residues (see the Supplementary Note for a precise definition). Products of multigene families should continue to be categorized on the basis of sequence identity (for example, >90%, >99% and so on). The term is compatible with a gene-centric approach for referring to proteins, which we support, because grouping related forms of proteins together even though they are the products of different genes leads to imprecision in protein identification5. We have begun to use the term ‘proteoform’ in our own writing and presentations, and we find it to be intuitive and readily grasped Proteoform: a single term describing protein complexity
TL;DR: The results show that, compared to the single-layer counterpart, transistors of few MoS2 layers exhibit excellent sensitivity, recovery, and ability to be manipulated by gate bias and green light, and ab initio DFT calculations show that the charge transfer is the reason for the decrease in resistance in the presence of applied field.
Abstract: Most of recent research on layered chalcogenides is understandably focused on single atomic layers. However, it is unclear if single-layer units are the most ideal structures for enhanced gas–solid interactions. To probe this issue further, we have prepared large-area MoS2 sheets ranging from single to multiple layers on 300 nm SiO2/Si substrates using the micromechanical exfoliation method. The thickness and layering of the sheets were identified by optical microscope, invoking recently reported specific optical color contrast, and further confirmed by AFM and Raman spectroscopy. The MoS2 transistors with different thicknesses were assessed for gas-sensing performances with exposure to NO2, NH3, and humidity in different conditions such as gate bias and light irradiation. The results show that, compared to the single-layer counterpart, transistors of few MoS2 layers exhibit excellent sensitivity, recovery, and ability to be manipulated by gate bias and green light. Further, our ab initio DFT calculations...
Northwestern University1, University of Washington2, University of California, San Diego3, University of Michigan4, Emory University5, Westat6, University of Maryland, College Park7, University of California, Davis8, Indiana University9, University of Minnesota10, Columbia University11, National Institute on Drug Abuse12, National Institutes of Health13
TL;DR: The NIH-TB Cognition Battery is intended to serve as a brief, convenient set of measures to supplement other outcome measures in epidemiologic and longitudinal research and clinical trials and will provide a “common currency” among researchers for comparisons across a wide range of studies and populations.
Abstract: Motor function involves complex physiologic processes and requires the integration of multiple systems, including neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, and cardiopulmonary, and neural motor and sensory-perceptual systems. Motor-functional status is indicative of current physical health status, burden of disease, and long-term health outcomes, and is integrally related to daily functioning and quality of life. Given its importance to overall neurologic health and function, motor function was identified as a key domain for inclusion in the NIH Toolbox for Assessment of Neurological and Behavioral Function (NIH Toolbox). We engaged in a 3-stage developmental process to: 1) identify key subdomains and candidate measures for inclusion in the NIH Toolbox, 2) pretest candidate measures for feasibility across the age span of people aged 3 to 85 years, and 3) validate candidate measures against criterion measures in a sample of healthy individuals aged 3 to 85 years (n = 340). Based on extensive literature review and input from content experts, the 5 subdomains of dexterity, strength, balance, locomotion, and endurance were recommended for inclusion in the NIH Toolbox motor battery. Based on our validation testing, valid and reliable measures that are simultaneously low-cost and portable have been recommended to assess each subdomain, including the 9-hole peg board for dexterity, grip dynamometry for upper-extremity strength, standing balance test, 4-m walk test for gait speed, and a 2-minute walk test for endurance.
TL;DR: It is shown that complex spatiotemporal patterns can be reduced to surprisingly simple, homogeneous wave propagation patterns, if conventional geographic distance is replaced by a probabilistically motivated effective distance, in the context of global, air-traffic–mediated epidemics.
Abstract: The global spread of epidemics, rumors, opinions, and innovations are complex, network-driven dynamic processes. The combined multiscale nature and intrinsic heterogeneity of the underlying networks make it difficult to develop an intuitive understanding of these processes, to distinguish relevant from peripheral factors, to predict their time course, and to locate their origin. However, we show that complex spatiotemporal patterns can be reduced to surprisingly simple, homogeneous wave propagation patterns, if conventional geographic distance is replaced by a probabilistically motivated effective distance. In the context of global, air-traffic–mediated epidemics, we show that effective distance reliably predicts disease arrival times. Even if epidemiological parameters are unknown, the method can still deliver relative arrival times. The approach can also identify the spatial origin of spreading processes and successfully be applied to data of the worldwide 2009 H1N1 influenza pandemic and 2003 SARS epidemic.
University of Oklahoma1, University of Washington2, University of Nebraska–Lincoln3, Johns Hopkins University4, Northwestern University5, University of Colorado Boulder6, University of Colorado Denver7, University of Michigan8, University of Virginia9, West Virginia University10, Emory University11, Rush University Medical Center12
TL;DR: The guidelines were developed jointly by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Surgical Infection Society (SIS), and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology (SHEA) as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: These guidelines were developed jointly by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists (ASHP), the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA), the Surgical Infection Society (SIS), and the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA). This work represents an update to the
TL;DR: The ability of these ultrathin, mechanically compliant, biocompatible devices to afford minimally invasive operation in the soft tissues of the mammalian brain foreshadow applications in other organ systems, with potential for broad utility in biomedical science and engineering.
Abstract: Successful integration of advanced semiconductor devices with biological systems will accelerate basic scientific discoveries and their translation into clinical technologies. In neuroscience generally, and in optogenetics in particular, the ability to insert light sources, detectors, sensors, and other components into precise locations of the deep brain yields versatile and important capabilities. Here, we introduce an injectable class of cellular-scale optoelectronics that offers such features, with examples of unmatched operational modes in optogenetics, including completely wireless and programmed complex behavioral control over freely moving animals. The ability of these ultrathin, mechanically compliant, biocompatible devices to afford minimally invasive operation in the soft tissues of the mammalian brain foreshadow applications in other organ systems, with potential for broad utility in biomedical science and engineering.