bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous improvement in efficiency and photostability of organic solar cells by modifying the ZnO electron-transport layer with curcumin
Authors: Liu Yue , Yang Hang , Wu Yue , Fan Hongyu , Li Xiaoxiao , Hu Kewei , Cui Chaohua , Li Yongfang
Published: August 2023

Curcumin is exploited as a modifier for ZnO electron-transport layers to simultaneously improve the efficiency and photostability of inverted organic solar cells.
Evaluation of IOTA-ADNEX Model and Simple Rules for Identifying
Adnexal Masses by Operators with Varying Levels of Expertise: A Single-Center
Diagnostic Accuracy Study
Authors: Giourga Maria , Pouliakis Abraham , Vlastarakos Panagiotis , Stavrou Sofoklis , Tsiriva Maria , Gerede Angeliki , Daskalakis Georgios , Voros Charalampos , Drakakis Petros , Domali Ekaterini
Published: August 2023

Objectives The discrimination of ovarian lesions presents a significant
problem in everyday clinical practice with ultrasonography appearing to be the
most effective diagnostic technique. The aim of our study was to externally
evaluate the performance of different diagnostic models when applied by
examiners with various levels of experience.

Methods This was a diagnostic accuracy study including women who were
admitted for adnexal masses, between July 2018 and April 2021, to a Greek
tertiary oncology center. Preoperatively sonographic data were evaluated by an
expert gynecologist, a 6th and a 1st year gynecology
resident, who applied the International Ovarian Tumor Analysis (IOTA) Simple
Rules (SR) and Assessment of Different NEoplasias in the adneXa (ADNEX) model to
discriminate between benign and malignant ovarian tumors. The explant pathology
report was used as the reference diagnosis. Kappa statistics were used for the
investigation of the level of agreement between the examined systems and the
raters.

Results We included 66 women, 39 with benign and 27 with malignant ovarian
tumors. ADNEX (with and without “CA-125”) had high sensitivity
(96–100%) when applied by all raters but a rather low
specificity (36%) when applied by the 1st year resident. SR could not be
applied in 6% to 17% of the cases. It had slightly lower
sensitivity, higher specificity, and higher overall accuracy, especially when
applied by the 1st year resident (61% vs. 92%), compared to
ADNEX.

Conclusion Both ADNEX and SR can be utilized for screening in non-oncology
centers since they offer high sensitivity even when used by less experienced
examiners. In the hands of inexperienced examiners, SR appears to be the best
model for assessing ovarian lesions.
Liposuction: What We Know Now
Authors: Hintzman Douglas , Pandeya Nirmalendu Kumar
Published: August 2023

Liposuction performed by trained personnel and under sterile conditions is an effective and safe method of body contouring. A review of our current knowledge of its morbidity and mortality is being presented.
Effect of Number of Sutures on Microvascular Venous Anastomosis in Experimental Rats
Authors: Srivastava D. C. , Sinha J. K. , Khanna S. , Tripathi F. M. , Bhattacharya V.
Published: August 2023

In this experimental study better patency rates (80 percent) were achieved when 8 to 9 sutures were used for anastomosis. Accurate edge to edge approximation and minimal medial damage were found to be prime factors in the success of venous anastomosis. Use of less number of sutures (4-6) resulted in significant leakage and early occlusion of the veins.
Modified Technique of Penile Reconstruction by Gracilis Myocutaneous Flap
Authors: Srivastava J. L. , Tiwari V. K. , Kumar Pramod
Published: August 2023

A modified technique of penile reconstruction by unilateral gracilis myocutaneous flap in three cases of amputation of penis with emphasis on improving the cosmesis of penis is being described.
A Venous Island Flap for Thumb Reconstruction*
Authors: Lagvankar Shrikant P.
Published: August 2023

A successful transfer of a venous island flap from the dorsum of the proximal phalanx of the index finger to the defect on the proximal phalanx of the thumb is reported.
A Manual Exerciser of Temporo-Mandibular Joint for Children
Authors: Prasanna Mita
Published: August 2023

A simple jaw-exerciser which has been fabricated in our hospital workshop in May, 1984 is being described. It can be safely and effectively used in children post-operatively, and has been found to be quite acceptable to them.
Maxillofacial Injuries: A Retrospective Study of 576 Cases
Authors: Srivastava Dhirendra , Srivastava J. L.
Published: August 2023

The present study is a retrospective analysis of 576 cases of facial fractures involving Mandible, Middle third and the Zygomatic complex. The high incidence of Road Traffic Accident has been the commonest case of facial fractures in the present series.
Craniofacial Surery in Crouzons and Aperts Disease
Authors: Sharma J. C. , Biswas S. , Gill H. S. , Chibber D. V. , Bath A. S. , Dogra B. B. , Nesargi S. S.
Published: August 2023

The authors experience with three cases of craniofacial dysostoses and reconstruction in young children is presented. The literature on the subject has been briefly reviewed.
Use of Ionized Air in Burns Management—A Preliminary Report
Authors: Koshy Cherian M. , Guido Norman L.
Published: August 2023

Installation of an ‘Air Ionizer’ in rooms where burn patients are admitted has given encouraging results in various aspects of burns management. The spectra of contaminating bacteria have narrowed, and such rooms appear de-odourised in comparison. There is a feeling of well being in these patients. Eschar separation was earlier in them, with the appearance of healthier granulation tissue, and consequently a lesser period of hospitalization.
Management of Soft Tissue Injuries of the Face*
Authors: Biswas Gautam
Published: August 2023

Maxillofacial injuries now account for a large segment of patients in the casualty. This being, because of the increase in high speed vehicular traffic. A study conducted for one year, in 1983, showed that out of a total of 411 patients treated, 40% were those of soft tissue injuries of the face. Management of these wounds, after noting their site, character and time following injuries, to obtain optimum results, were carefully assessed. Gentle handling of tissues, using non reactive suture materials with accurate reorientation, gave the best results.
Desmoid Tumours—A Review
Authors: Bhattacharya S. , Acharya B. K. , Jaiswal M. S. D. , Srivastava D. C. , Chaturvedi A. , Misra N. C. , Sahi R. P.
Published: August 2023

Seventeen cases of Desmoid tumours, 7 abdominal and 10 extraabdominal were chosen for this study and managed in the last five years. A wide local excision and one stage reconstruction was attempted in them. Simple reconstructive mesures viz. primary closure aided by internal fasciotomies and split skin grafting were found adequate for extra abdominal sites whereas abdominal desmoids after ablation usually left a defect requiring prolene mesh and local skin flaps.
Epignathus
Authors: Reddy K. A.
Published: August 2023

A rare case of epignathus of the premaxillary region associated with median cleft of the primary palate which was successfully operated is presented with review of literature.
Arthrodesis of Interphalangeal Joints and Fixation of Phalangeal Fractures in Trauma-Preliminary Report of a Simple Technique
Authors: Koshy Cherian M. , Shankarappa Yedu , Guido Norman L.
Published: August 2023

An improvised external fixator consisting of ‘K’ wires and acrylic resin was used in five cases of finger trauma. Rigid fixation with compression for arthrodesis was used in two cases to restore functional finger position; in three cases the same method was used to fix phalangeal fractures. Results were excellent and the method proved simple and rewarding.
Imaging rotating objects using single-pixel
Authors: Palivela Ananya
Published: August 2023

Rotationally Synchronized Single-pixel Imaging can capture fast-rotating objects at a low frame rate.
Investigating the crystallization behavior of TiO2 during annealing: Molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Zhang Shizhan , Wu Yunkai
Published: August 2023

TiO2 is a dielectric material with excellent photocatalytic and photochemical properties. The conversion of TiO2 from an amorphous to crystalline phase significantly improves the photocatalytic activity of TiO2. However, the crystallization behavior of TiO2 during annealing has been little studied in the field of molecular dynamics. In this paper, the crystallization behavior of TiO2 during annealing under different conditions was analyzed using molecular dynamics simulation. To investigate the phase transition process of TiO2, the melting point temperature of the system was calculated by mean square displacement at about 2400 K. The effect of size on structural stability was explored. The radial distribution function and x-ray diffraction curves revealed that the anatase phase appeared over 800 K. Moreover, with the increase in annealing temperature, the anatase content in TiO2 first increased and then decreased, and the rutile phase gradually increased. At a specific temperature, a structure is formed where rutile and anatase coexist. Anatase atoms compete with rutile atoms, and by increasing the temperature, anatase is converted to rutile. The amorphous structure is reduced at high temperatures, improving the crystalline quality. The crystallization behavior of the amorphous structure can improve the photocatalytic efficiency of TiO2. TiO2 nanometers have good prospect for application. Therefore, studying the crystallization behavior of TiO2 is essential.
Predator–prey survival pressure is sufficient to evolve swarming behaviors
Authors: Li Jianan , Li Liang , Zhao Shiyu
Published: August 2023

The comprehension of how local interactions arise in global collective behavior is of utmost importance in both biological and physical research. Traditional agent-based models often rely on static rules that fail to capture the dynamic strategies of the biological world. Reinforcement learning (RL) has been proposed as a solution, but most previous methods adopt handcrafted reward functions that implicitly or explicitly encourage the emergence of swarming behaviors. In this study, we propose a minimal predator–prey coevolution framework based on mixed cooperative–competitive multiagent RL, and adopt a reward function that is solely based on the fundamental survival pressure, that is, prey receive a reward of −1 if caught by predators while predators receive a reward of +1. Surprisingly, our analysis of this approach reveals an unexpectedly rich diversity of emergent behaviors for both prey and predators, including flocking and swirling behaviors for prey, as well as dispersion tactics, confusion, and marginal predation phenomena for predators. Overall, our study provides novel insights into the collective behavior of organisms and highlights the potential applications in swarm robotics.
Cavity-enhanced excitation of a quantum dot in the picosecond regime
Authors: Javadi Alisa , Tomm Natasha , Antoniadis Nadia O , Brash Alistair J , Schott Rüdiger , Valentin Sascha R , Wieck Andreas D , Ludwig Arne , Warburton Richard J
Published: August 2023

A major challenge in generating single photons with a single emitter is to excite the emitter while avoiding laser leakage into the collection path. Ideally, any scheme to suppress this leakage should not result in a loss in the efficiency of the single-photon source. Here, we investigate a scheme in which a single emitter, a semiconductor quantum dot, is embedded in a microcavity. The scheme exploits the splitting of the cavity mode into two orthogonally-polarised modes: one mode is used for excitation, the other for collection. By linking the experiment to theory, we show that the best population inversion is achieved with a laser pulse detuned from the quantum emitter. The Rabi oscillations exhibit an unusual dependence on pulse power. Our theory describes them quantitatively, enabling us to determine the absolute population inversion. By comparing the experimental results with our theoretical model, we determine a population inversion of

98

%

−
5
%

+
1
%

for optimal laser detuning. The Rabi oscillations depend on the sign of the laser-pulse detuning, a phenomenon arising from the non-trivial effect of phonons on the exciton dynamics. The exciton–phonon interaction is included in the theory and gives excellent agreement with all the experimental results.
A possible quadruple point in networks of directed networks under targeted attacks
Authors: Liu Xueming , Lv Mengyu , Xu Wenting
Published: August 2023

Many real systems are known to interact with one another, forming networks of networks (NONs). Plenty of attention has been poured into the research on the robustness in NONs in the past decade. Previous studies focus on undirected networks, or directed networks under random attacks. While many real networks are directed and how networks of directed networks (NODNs) respond to targeted attacks remains unknown. We thus develop a general analytical tool for analyzing the robustness of NODNs under two kinds of targeted attacks: degree-based attacks and in-degree (out-degree)-based attacks. The analytical tool can perfectly predict the sizes of the final giant strongly connected components and the phase transitions on the NODNs in response to targeted attacks. By applying the tool to synthesis networks, we find that a quadruple point intersected by four different phase regions could appear in the random regular NODNs. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first time that a quadruple point is found in the studies of complex networks. In addition, we find triple points intersected by three phases in networks of directed scale-free networks, and critical points that connect two phases in networks of directed Erdös–Rényi networks. The discovery of these tipping points could help understand network robustness and enable better design of networked systems.
Nonequilibrium kinetics effects in Richtmyer–Meshkov instability and reshock processes
Authors: Shan Yiming , Xu Aiguo , Wang Lifeng , Zhang Yudong
Published: August 2023

Kinetic effects in the inertial confinement fusion ignition process are far from clear. In this work, we study the Richtmyer–Meshkov instability and reshock processes by using a two-fluid discrete Boltzmann method. The work begins by interpreting the experiment conducted by Collins and Jacobs (2002, J. Fluid Mech.
464, 113–136). It shows that the shock wave causes substances in close proximity to the substance interface to deviate more significantly from their thermodynamic equilibrium state. The thermodynamic non-equilibrium (TNE) quantities exhibit complex but inspiring kinetic effects in the shock process and behind the shock front. The kinetic effects are detected by two sets of TNE quantities. The first set includes

Δ

2

*

,

Δ

3
,
1

*

,

Δ

3

*

, and

Δ

4
,
2

*

, which correspond to the intensities of the non-organized momentum Flux (NOMF), Non-Organized Energy Flux (NOEF), the flux of NOMF and the flux of NOEF. All four TNE measures abruptly increase in the shock process. The second set of TNE quantities includes

S

̇

NOMF

,

S

̇

NOEF

and

S

̇

sum

, which denote the entropy production rates due to NOMF, NOEF and their summation, respectively. The mixing zone is the primary contributor to

S

̇

NOEF

, while the flow field region outside of the mixing zone is the primary contributor to

S

̇

NOMF

. Additionally, each substance exhibits different behaviors in terms of entropy production rate, and the lighter fluid has a higher entropy production rate than the heavier fluid.
Surface tension-induced biomimetic assembly of cell-laden fibrous bundle construct for muscle tissue engineering
Authors: Ko Ung Hyun , Choung Jinseung , Lee Junho , Park Suk-Hee , Shin Jennifer H
Published: August 2023

The field of tissue engineering has been long seeking to develop functional muscle tissue that closely resembles natural muscle. This study used a bio-inspired assembly based on the surface tension mechanism to develop a novel method for engineering muscle tissue. This approach enabled uniaxially ordered electrospun fibers to naturally collide into an aligned bundle without the need for manual handling, thereby reducing cell damage during the cell culture procedure. During the assembly procedure, C2C12 myoblasts were cultured in a viscous collagen hydrogel that caused wetting while providing adequate structural stability for the cell-fiber construct. In addition, gene expression analysis of the resulting muscle-like fibril bundle revealed improved myogenic differentiation. These findings highlight the potential of using a collagen hydrogel and the surface tension mechanism to construct biologically relevant muscle tissue, offering a promising strategy that may outperform existing approaches. Overall, this study contributes to the development of advanced tissue engineering methods and brings us a step closer to creating functional muscle tissue for therapeutic and regenerative medicine applications.
Effect of surface energy on the shear strength of cfrp/steel adhesive joints
Authors: Hu Yefa , Tong Shitan , Zhang Jinguang , Xia Xu , Wen Xianglong
Published: August 2023

Carbon Fiber Reinforced Plastic (CFRP) and metal adhesive joints have the advantages of lightweight structure, simple process, and no disruption of fiber continuity. The strength of adhesive joints has been the weak point of this structure. In order to provide a reference for the safe design of CFRP adhesive joints, the effect of the different surface energy of metal surfaces on the shear strength of CFRP/steel adhesive joints was studied. The surface energy of the metal surface was changed by changing the roughness of the metal surface. Test pieces with different roughness were designed. Roughness measurement tests, contact angle and surface energy measurement tests, and shear strength tests were conducted. It reveals the evolution of surface energy on the shear strength of CFRP/steel joints. The results show that the surface roughening changes the solid–liquid contact angle, enhances the solid surface energy, increases the wettability and adhesive capacity of the adhesive, and ultimately improves the shear strength. Therefore, improving the surface energy of stainless steel surfaces can significantly improve the shear strength of CFRP/stainless steel adhesive joints.
Provision of ambrisentan from a health-system specialty pharmacy affiliated with a pulmonary hypertension Center of Comprehensive Care
Authors: Gutenschwager David W , Patel Anand , Soyad Amanda T , Patel Sweta , Szandzik Edward G , Kelly Bryan , Smith Zachary R
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This descriptive report describes the process used to obtain access to providing ambrisentan from a health-system specialty pharmacy (HSSP) affiliated with a pulmonary hypertension Center of Comprehensive Care, develop a pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) care team at the HSSP, and characterize medication adherence and access metrics.

PAH is a rare disease treated with several specialty medications requiring intensive monitoring. Historically, specialty medications used to treat PAH have been provided by only select specialty pharmacies due to restricted drug distribution channels. It is recommended that patients with PAH receive their care at centers with expertise in the diagnosis and management of this disorder, but the HSSPs at these expert centers are unable to provide specialty PAH medications. The current care model for PAH leads to patients receiving their medical and pharmaceutical care from separate entities. This descriptive report describes a multidisciplinary team’s approach to gaining access to providing ambrisentan and developing a disease state care team within an established HSSP. After implementing this service, specialty pharmacy metrics were assessed, including proportion of days covered (PDC), time to first fill, patient contact rate, Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) program compliance, time to prior authorization (PA) approval, rate of optimal adherence (PDC of >80%), and PA renewal rate, to demonstrate a proof-of-concept HSSP model for PAH. In this model, the HSSP was able to demonstrate high-quality specialty pharmacy metrics with regard to medication adherence, medication access, and REMS program compliance.

Conclusion

The development of a PAH care team to provide ambrisentan at an existing HSSP was associated with high adherence rates, efficient and reliable medication access, and REMS program compliance.
Body image concerns in women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Davitadze Meri , Malhotra Kashish , Khalil Halimah , Hebbar Meghnaa , Tay Chau Thien , Mousa Aya ,   PCOS SEva team, Robinson Lynne , Sheikh Jameela , Melson Eka , Lathia Tejal , Selvan Chitra , Teede Helena , Brennan Leah , Stener-Victorin Elisabet , Kempegowda Punith
Published: August 2023

Objective

To assess differences in body image concerns among women with and without polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Design

This is a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

Electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, APA PsychInfo, PUBMED, Web-of-Science Core Collection, and Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials [CENTRAL]) were searched from inception through July 2022. Outcome measures included validated questionnaires reporting on body image concerns. Methodological quality was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE) system, and included studies were assessed for risk of bias. Meta-analyses were performed using the inverse variance method based on random or fixed effects models (Review Manager, Version 5).

Results

A total of 918 women with PCOS and 865 women without PCOS from 9 studies were included. Meta-analysis of 3 studies using Multidimensional Body-Self Relations Questionnaire Appearance Scale (MBSRQ-AS) showed those with PCOS reported higher dissatisfaction with appearance evaluation and appearance orientation compared to those without PCOS (mean difference [MD] = −0.78, I2 = 0%, P < .00001, and MD = 0.22, I2 = 54%, P = .004, respectively). Meta-analysis of 2 studies showed higher dissatisfaction with overweight preoccupation, lower body area satisfaction, and body weight classification on MBSRQ-AS subscales in those with PCOS compared to those without PCOS (all P < .001). Meta-analysis of 2 studies using the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults (BESAA) showed significantly lower scores for the weight subscale in those with PCOS compared to those without PCOS (P = .03).

Conclusions

Those with PCOS experience more significant body image concerns, emphasising the importance of awareness in the clinical care of PCOS. Considering the limited evidence, further studies are warranted to identify drivers and mitigating factors.
Winners do what they fear: exercise and peripheral arterial disease—an umbrella review
Authors: Peñín-Grandes Saúl , López-Ortiz Susana , Maroto-Izquierdo Sergio , Menéndez Héctor , Pinto-Fraga José , Martín-Hernández Juan , Lista Simone , Lucia Alejandro , Santos-Lozano Alejandro
Published: August 2023

Aims

This systematic review aims to evaluate and summarize findings from published meta-analyses on the effects of regular exercise in patients with peripheral arterial disease (PAD). The review will assess the impact of exercise on functional parameters, health-related quality of life, haemodynamic parameters, physical activity levels, adverse events, and mortality.

Methods and results

A systematic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases (up to May 2023) to identify meta-analyses including randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of regular exercise in patients with PAD. Sixteen studies, with a total of 198 meta-analyses, were identified. Results revealed with strong evidence that patients with PAD who exercised improved functional and health-related quality of life parameters. Specifically, supervised aerobic exercise (i.e. walking to moderate–maximum claudication pain) improves maximum walking distance [mean difference (MD): 177.94 m, 95% confidence interval (CI) 142.29–213.60; P < 0.00001; I2: 65%], pain-free walking distance (fixed MD: 68.78 m, 95% CI 54.35–83.21; P < 0.00001; I2: 67%), self-reported walking ability [i.e. distance score (MD: 9.22 points, 95% CI 5.74–12.70; P < 0.00001; I2: 0%), speed score (MD: 8.71 points, 95% CI 5.64–11.77; P < 0.00001, I2: 0%), stair-climbing score (MD: 8.02 points, 95% CI 4.84–11.21; P < 0.00001, I2: 0%), and combined score (MD: 8.76 points, 95% CI 2.78–14.74; P < 0.0001, I2: 0%)], aerobic capacity (fixed MD: 0.62 mL/kg/min, 95% CI 0.47–0.77, P < 0.00001, I2: 64%), and pain score (MD: 7.65, 95% CI 3.15–12.15; P = 0.0009; I2: 0%), while resistance exercise improves lower limb strength (standardized mean difference: 0.71, 95% CI 0.29–1.13, P = 0.0009; I2: 0%]. Regarding other outcomes, such as haemodynamic parameters, no significant evidence was found, while physical activity levels, adverse events, and mortality require further investigation.

Conclusion

Synthesis of the currently available meta-analyses suggests that regular exercise may be beneficial for a broad range of functional tasks improving health-related quality of life in patients with PAD. Supervised aerobic exercise is the best type of exercise to improve walking-related outcomes and pain, while resistance exercise is more effective to improve lower limb strength.
Long-read genome assemblies for the study of chromosome expansion: Drosophila kikkawai, Drosophila takahashii, Drosophila bipectinata, and Drosophila ananassae
Authors: Leung Wilson , Torosin Nicole , Cao Weihuan , Reed Laura K , Arrigo Cindy , Elgin Sarah C R , Ellison Christopher E
Published: August 2023

Flow cytometry estimates of genome sizes among species of Drosophila show a 3-fold variation, ranging from ∼127 Mb in Drosophila mercatorum to ∼400 Mb in Drosophila cyrtoloma. However, the assembled portion of the Muller F element (orthologous to the fourth chromosome in Drosophila melanogaster) shows a nearly 14-fold variation in size, ranging from ∼1.3 Mb to >18 Mb. Here, we present chromosome-level long-read genome assemblies for 4 Drosophila species with expanded F elements ranging in size from 2.3 to 20.5 Mb. Each Muller element is present as a single scaffold in each assembly. These assemblies will enable new insights into the evolutionary causes and consequences of chromosome size expansion.
Health insurance coverage and access to child and maternal health services in West Africa: a systematic scoping review
Authors: Dadjo Joshua , Omonaiye Olumuyiwa , Yaya Sanni
Published: August 2023

Background

According to the United Nations, the third Sustainable Development Goal, ‘Ensure Healthy Lives and Promote Well-Being at All Ages’, set numerous targets on child and maternal health. Universal health insurance is broadly seen as a solution to fulfil these targets. West Africa is known to have the most severe maternal mortality and under-five mortality rates in the world. This review seeks to understand whether health insurance provides increased access to services for mothers and children in this region.

Methods

The protocol for this review is registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews database (CRD42020203859). A search was conducted in the MEDLINE Complete, Embase, CINAHL Complete and Global Health databases. Eligible studies were from West African countries. The population of interest was mothers and children and the outcome of interest was the impact of health insurance on access to services. Data were extracted using a standardized form. The primary outcome was the impact of health insurance on the rate of utilization and access to services. The Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tool was used for methodological assessment.

Results

Following screening, we retained 49 studies representing 51 study settings. In most study settings, health insurance increased access to child and maternal health services. Other determinants of access were socio-economic factors such as wealth and education.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that health insurance may be a viable long-term strategy to alleviate West Africa's burden of high maternal and child mortality rates. An equity lens must guide future policy developments and significant research is needed to determine how to provide access reliably and sustainably to services for mothers and children in the near and long term.
How to Engineer More Sustainable Software
Authors: Zie Eric
Published: August 2023

Our world is a world of software. Eric Zie, CEO with GoCodeGreen, discusses the practical ways in which we can approach building software that doesn't contribute to global warming.
BCS Impact: News and Policy Influence
Authors: Penketh Claire
Published: August 2023

BCS has been quoted by many news organisations as they strive to keep pace with an ever-increasing number of AI stories. Artificial intelligence, however, isn't the only sphere where BCS has influence. Claire Penketh MBCS reports.
Reading Digital Skills Network
Authors: Smith Georgia
Published: August 2023

The latest BCS Digital Skills Network event headed to Reading in June, attended by over 100 delegates. The event included speakers from industry, education, training providers, and some apprentices. Georgia Smith reports.
Can Green IT Save the Planet?
Authors: Penketh Claire
Published: August 2023

The focus of the March BCS Policy Jam was the Net Zero Review, published by former Energy Minister Chris Skidmore in January. But what does the review mean for Green IT? Claire Penketh reports.
Leadership
Authors: Hall Jon G
Published: August 2023

With inspiration from Charles Dickens, Jon G Hall CITP FBCS explains the need to make IT leadership good for society.
AI for CIOs
Authors: Runciman Brian
Published: August 2023

In the first of a quarterly series, BCS drew together a group of CIOs to gather expertise and share experiences from IT leaders. Brian Runciman MBCS reports.
Business Risk and User-Created Solutions
Authors: Mann Richard G
Published: August 2023

Ensuring solutions created by end users are fit for purpose is critically important, particularly in regulated industries. Richard G Mann FMAAT MIAP MBCS explores processes and policies that can help reduce risk.
War and Peace: Cyber Warfare Lessons
Authors: Clark Tim
Published: August 2023

Tim Clark MBCS talked with Charlie Bradbury, a public sector security strategy consultant with military experience. The discussed the war in Ukraine and its implications for future conflict and cyberwarfare.
Engaging the Board to Ensure Effective Cybersecurity
Authors: Powell Grant
Published: August 2023

Grant Powell MBCS spoke to Steve Sands, BCS ISSG Chair & Data Protection Officer at Synectics Solutions, and Robert Felthouse, CISO at Syntectics Solutions, about the need for greater synergy between the boardroom and security departments when it comes to dealing with cyber threats.
Disruption and Operational Resilience
Authors: Showell Roxanne
Published: August 2023

Roxanne Showell, Principal Consultant at Roxwell Consulting, discusses how embracing service transition management can help organisations build resilience and cope with unexpected events.
Can A Language Model Be Conscious?
Authors: Shardlow Matthew
Published: August 2023

Unseduced by ChatGPT's apparent abilities, Dr Matthew Shardlow of Manchester Metropolitan University's Department of Computing and Mathematics explores the current limits of AI.
Paint in the Tube: AI and the Future of Art
Authors: Smith Georgia
Published: August 2023

BCS' London offices recently held a retrospective exhibition of digital artist Paul Brown, winner of the ACM SIGGRAPH Distinguished Artist Award for Lifetime Achievement in Digital Art 2023 for his pioneering efforts in the fields of computational art, generative systems, and cellular automata. Georgia Smith took the opportunity to chat with him about his career, the CAS, and his thoughts on the future of AI and the digital arts.
From Particle Physics to Micro:Bits
Authors: Cooper Martin
Published: August 2023

Particle physicist Dr Julie Kirk coordinates ATLAS trigger software releases and validation. She tells Martin Cooper MBCS about the best day in her working life and why working with schools is so important.
Dissecting the promotional effect of zinc on cadmium translocation from roots to shoots in rice
Authors: Chang Jia-Dong , Huang Sheng , Wiseno Indi , Sui Fu-Qing , Feng Fan , Zheng Luqing , Ma Jian Feng , Zhao Fang-Jie
Published: August 2023

It is often expected that Zn decreases Cd accumulation in plants due to competition for the same transporters. Here, we found that increasing Zn supply markedly increased the root-to-shoot translocation of Cd in rice. RNA sequencing showed that high Zn up-regulated expression of genes involved in glutathione biosynthesis and metabolism and the Zn/Cd transporter gene OsHMA2, but down-regulated expression of genes related to Zn uptake. Knockout of the iron or Zn transporter genes OsIRT1, OsIRT2, or OsZIP9 did not affect the Zn promotional effect on Cd translocation. Knockout of the manganese/Cd transporter gene OsNRAMP5 greatly reduced Cd uptake but did not affect the Zn promotional effect. Variation in the tonoplast transporter gene OsHMA3 affected Cd translocation but did not change the Zn promotional effect. Knockout of the Zn/Cd transporter gene OsHMA2 not only decreased Cd and Zn translocation, but also abolished the Zn promotional effect. Increased expression of OsHMA2 under high Zn conditions supports the hypothesis that this transporter participates in the promotional effect of Zn on Cd translocation. The results also show that OsIRT1, OsIRT2, and OsZIP9 made only small contributions to Cd uptake under low Zn conditions but not under high Zn conditions, whereas the dominant role of OsNRAMP5 in Cd uptake diminished under low Zn conditions.
Police Officers, Staff, and Volunteers
Authors: Card Richard
Published: August 2023

This chapter cites the law wherein every member of a police force, whatever his or her rank, holds the office of constable. It looks at the Police Act 1996 (PA 1996), s 30, which provides that every member of a police force or a special constable has all the powers and privileges of a constable throughout England and Wales and the adjacent UK waters. It also explains that impersonation relates to a person who intends to deceive by impersonating a member of a police force or a special constable. The chapter discusses the offence against PA 1996, s 91(1), which is a person causing disaffection amongst members of a police force. It next focuses on the Police Reform Act 2002 (PRA 2002), s 38(1) which authorises a chief officer of any police force to designate a relevant employee as either a community support officer (CSO) or a policing support officer.
Blackstone’s Police Operational Handbook
Authors: Ozin Paul
Published: August 2023

This book is designed for police officers while out on patrol. Covering a wide range of common offences, it clearly explains and interprets the relevant legislation, providing offence definitions, points to prove, and practical considerations. It allows readers to make a quick, informed decision in a host of everyday policing situations. The sixteenth edition of has been updated to include all recent legislative developments and further changes to the law. Topics covered include police powers, assaults and violence, sexual offences, drugs, public disorder, and firearms. There is also coverage of road traffic issues. The book finishes with five appendices on topics such as human rights and traffic data.
Blackstone’s Emergency Planning, Crisis and Disaster Management
Authors: Dillon Brian
Published: August 2023

This book is a practical guide for those involved in all aspects of emergency preparedness, resilience, and response. It is primarily focused on the requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. The book covers emergency planning, business continuity, and resilience management, and includes coverage from creating a plan or exercise through to setting up a control room and debriefing for future improvement and development. There is also full coverage of how the emergency response is managed by each of the main agencies involved.
How People Judge Policing
Authors: Waddington P.A.J. , Williams Kate , Wright Martin , Newburn Tim
Published: August 2023

When people witness occasions when police use their powers to investigate crime and arrest offenders, how do those members of the public assess what they have seen? This book reports research in which a variety of groups from the West Midlands watched short video-clips of such real-life incidents and then discussed their appraisal amongst themselves. What emerges from those discussions is that the practice of policing is deeply controversial. On most issues, group members were divided and strongly, often passionately arguing their case. There was no ‘blank cheque’ for the police, neither was there unremitting criticism, even though some of groups comprised young offenders or the homeless. People worried about whether or not the police on the video-clips had justification for their suspicions; how they managed situations to prevent them getting out of hand; and whether any use of force was justified. Allowing the reader to ‘hear the voices’ of dissension that were analyzed, the chapters present implications which are profound for the police and for all those who are policed — suspects, victims, bystanders, and the public at large — as well as practical proposals for police officers and police governance.
Leadership for Sergeants and Inspectors
Authors: Boon Bryan
Published: August 2023

This book offers a practical guide to leadership in routine and complex situations across all areas of police work. The need to demonstrate leadership can occur at any moment: in public order situations, community meetings, and among colleagues at work. Enhancing leadership skills is an effective way to inspire and motivate others, as well as improving interactions with a wide range of people, from members of the public to social services and partner agencies. This book discusses leadership and teamwork, as well as other leadership skills, through a series of questions that might be considered within the course of everyday police work.
Identification: Part V, Code D
Authors: Ozin Paul , Norton Heather
Published: August 2023

This chapter discusses Part V of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE) 1984 that contains important sections dealing with procedures that identify the suspect as the offender. It looks at the methods by which a suspect may be identified. It also cites amendments to PACE provided for by the Crime and Security Act 2010 that give the police additional powers to take fingerprints and DNA samples from people arrested, charged, or convicted of a recordable offence. The chapter mentions proposed amendments to Section 64 of PACE contained in Section 14 of the Crime and Security Act 2010. It covers comprehensive provisions concerning the identification of a suspect by witnesses that are found in Code D, which concerns the principal methods used by police to identify people in connection with the investigation of offences and the keeping of accurate and reliable criminal records.
Gastric Cancer Risk Factors in a Veteran Population
Authors: Fansiwala Kush , Qian Yingzhi , Liang Peter S
Published: August 2023

Introduction

Risk factors for gastric cancer in the United States are not well understood, especially in populations with a low proportion of immigrants. We conducted a matched case–control study in a Veteran Affairs Medical Center to identify risk factors for gastric cancer.

Materials and Methods

Gastric cancer patients and age- and sex-matched controls were identified in a 1:4 ratio from January 1, 1997 to October 31, 2018. Demographic, medical, endoscopic, and histologic data were extracted. We performed conditional logistic regression to estimate odds ratios and 95% CIs for associations between potential risk factors and gastric cancer.

Results

Most gastric cancer cases were diagnosed on initial endoscopy (71.4%). Of these, the most common presenting stage was stage IV (40.8%). Risk factors for gastric cancer included Black and Asian race and never or current (compared to former) drinkers, although Helicobacter pylori eradication and pernicious anemia were associated with decreased risk.

Conclusions

The high proportion of late-stage gastric cancer diagnoses highlights the need for improved risk stratification as well as screening and surveillance protocols in the U.S. population. Racial disparities among veterans in an equal-access system necessitate further investigation into the etiology of these disparities.
Inflation dynamics: a traditional perspective
Authors: Malikane Christopher
Published: August 2023

We derive a traditional Phillips curve (TPC) under the assumption that a fraction of firms sells output at optimal prices, while the other fraction sells at contract prices. Our derivation delivers a pricing mechanism where inflation depends on expected inflation and the real optimal price, which is the real marginal cost. The parameters of this Phillips curve have a clear structural interpretation in much the same way as its new Keynesian counterpart. Using a Leontief-type technology, our baseline TPC features expected inflation, the labour share, demand pressure and a vector of supply shocks. We estimate this TPC for five developed and five emerging market economies and find that the degree of price rigidity is significant and correctly signed in most of the economies. We conclude that this TPC is a credible rival to its forward-looking new Keynesian counterpart.
Functional and translational consequences of immunometabolic coevolution in ccRCC
Authors: Reznik Ed , Tang Cerise , Xie Amy , Minwei Liu Eric , Kuo Fengshen , Kim Minsoo , Golkaram Mahdi , Chen Yingbei , Gupta Sounak , Motzer Robert , Russo Paul , Coleman Jonathan , Carloa Maria , Voss Martin , Kotecha Ritesh , Han Lee Chung , Tansey Wesley , Schultz Nikolaus , Ari Hakimi A
Published: August 2023

Background

Tumor cell phenotypes and anti-tumor immune responses are shaped by local metabolite availability, but intratumoral metabolite heterogeneity (IMH) and its phenotypic consequences remain poorly understood. In vitro mechanistic studies have demonstrated that the anti-tumor activity of lymphoid and myeloid cell populations is mediated by metabolite availability and signaling in the TME, raising the possibility that the immune response and metabolism of ccRCC tumors coevolve and jointly influence the likelihood that a patient responds to therapy.. However, both the broad patterns of coordination between metabolite abundance and TME cellular composition, as well as the precise cell populations producing metabolic phenotypes of interest, remain unknown.

Methods

To study IMH, we multiregionally profiled the metabolome, transcriptome, and genome of 187 tumor/normal regions from 31 clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) patients. Using these measurements and additional multimodal metabolomic/transcriptomic profiling of ccRCC and other diseases, we developed computational models that can be used to understand RNA-metabolite covariation and ultimately impute metabolite levels from RNA sequencing data.

Results

Analysis of intratumoral metabolite-RNA covariation revealed that the immune composition of the microenvironment, and especially the abundance of myeloid cells, drove intratumoral metabolite variation. Motivated by the strength of RNA-metabolite covariation and the clinical significance of RNA biomarkers in ccRCC, we deployed and benchmarked a machine learning method (MIRTH) to impute metabolite levels directly from RNA sequencing data of primary and metastatic ccRCC tumors. We inferred metabolomic profiles from RNA sequencing data of ccRCC patients enrolled in 6 clinical trials, ultimately identifying specific metabolite biomarkers associated with response to anti-angiogenic agents.

Conclusions

Local metabolic phenotypes therefore emerge in tandem with the immune microenvironment and associate with therapeutic sensitivity.

CDMRP DOD Funding: yes
A Phase 1/2, open label dose-escalation and expansion trial of NKT2152, an orally administered HIF2α inhibitor, to investigate safety, PK, PD and clinical activity in patients with advanced ccRCC
Authors: Jonasch Eric , Hauke Ralph , Falchook Gerald , Logan Theodore , Gordon Michael , Hall Evan , Schuch Brian , Bilen Mehmet A , Naqash Abdul , Zakaharia Yousef , Ryan Christopher W , Lally Satwant , Xiao Jim , Zimmerman Zachary , Srinivasan Ramaprasad , Choueiri Toni K
Published: August 2023

Background: Inactivation of the VHL gene leading to aberrant HIF2α activity is nearly universal in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). NKT2152 is a novel, potent, selective orally available HIF2α inhibitor optimized for enhanced PK exposure and sustained target inhibition which has demonstrated robust activity in both ccRCC cell line-derived and patient-derived xenograft RCC and other solid tumor models.

This is a Phase 1/2 open label, multicenter, first in human study of NKT2152 in adults with advanced clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) (NCT05119335). In Phase 1, up to ~60 patients will be enrolled according to a 3 + 3 design with backfill as permitted by the Safety Review Committee. The primary objective of phase 1 is to determine the recommended dose for expansion (RDE) based on the totality of clinical data.

Phase 2 will enroll ~50 additional patients with the primary objective of determining investigator-assessed by RECIST v1.1. Key secondary objectives include safety, tolerability, PD effects, progression free survival, duration of response, and disease control rate. Exploratory objectives include evaluation of biomarkers predictive of tumor response.

Adults who have advanced ccRCC without available standard therapy), ECOG PS 0-2, with measurable disease per RECIST 1.1 are eligible. Patients who have had prior HIF2a inhibitors, require supplemental oxygen, and with significant cardiac disease are excluded. Tumor assessments by CT or MRI are conducted every 8 weeks until 48 weeks, then every 12 weeks thereafter. Adverse events will be monitored and graded in severity using CTCAE v5.0. The Phase 1 study is currently actively accruing in the United States with Phase 2 dose expansion anticipated to start in Q3, 2023.
Pigment assemblages in subtropical bloom-forming cyanobacteria strains
Authors: Bonilla Sylvia , Cremella Bruno , Acuña Victoria , Haakonsson Signe
Published: August 2023

Pigments are powerful indicators for chemotaxonomy and remote sensing studies, which are the approaches used for cyanobacterial bloom monitoring. Cyanobacterial pigments include high concentrations of phycobilins and diverse carotenoids. Filamentous nitrogen-fixing species (Nostocales) are frequent in cyanobacterial blooms of warm climate lakes, and more information about pigments can be useful for improving management. We analyzed the carotenoid ratios to chlorophyll a of nine subtropical cyanobacterial strains (orders: Synechococcales, Chroococcales, Oscillatoriales and Nostocales), for some of which we also characterized the in vivo absorption spectra (aph). The main carotenoids were β,β-carotene, echinenone, hydroxy-echinenone-like, zeaxanthin and myxoxanthophyll (including aphanizophyll and unknown myxoxanthophyll-like myxol-glycoside carotenoids); however, proportions diverged greatly between orders, a trend also observed for the aph. Zeaxanthin ratios were highest in the picocyanobacterium. Nostocales species were rich in myxoxanthophyll and echinenone, with low zeaxanthin signals. We identified four pigment assemblages differentiating the strains according to their phylogenetic orders, information that needs to be considered for tracking cyanobacterial groups, particularly Nostocales.