bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The parasitic capacitance considerations of metal interconnects in sub 10 nm era
Authors: Wu Qizhe
Published: February 2024

With the development of the integrated circuit industry and semiconductor technology, we have entered the sub-10 nanometers era, which means the distance between adjacent components in a device is less than 10 nm. This is a situation where the parasitic capacitance of metal interconnects must be considered. Parasitic capacitance can act as a significant influence in different ways on disparate devices. Fin field-effect transistors and microelectromechanical systems are typical devices and deserve further detailed explanation on their parasitic capacitance. There are many ways to reduce parasitic capacitance and its attendant effects, including using materials with low dielectric constants and optimizing the structure of the layout. Some others are newly brought out in recent years due to advanced industrial technology and new materials, including carbon nanotubes, oxide-free spacer layers, and tunneling hybrid technology. All these methods are of great significance and practicability to producing and applying semiconductor devices and structures. Knowing more about this expertise about parasitic capacitance can help us better understand its nature and specialties.
Leaf disease detection using deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Hu Mingyu , Long Shanru , Wang Chenle , Wang Ziqi
Published: February 2024

The automatic recognition of plant diseases is of crucial importance for the current development of agriculture. Fast and efficient identification can greatly reduce the natural, economic, and human resource loss caused to agricultural practitioners. Deep neural networks allow computers to learn plant disease detection in an end-to-end manner, thereby obtaining better results and higher efficiency. While Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) models have become a well-established tool for detecting plant diseases, the lack of robustness of the models due to environmental variations remains to be a critical concern. Recent research into overcoming this challenge includes domain adaptation (DA) algorithms like classic Domain-Adversarial Neural Network (DANN) or the innovative Multi-Representation Subdomain Adaptation Network with Uncertainty Regularization for Cross-Species Plant Disease Classification (MSUN). However, the topic remains under-explored as the newly developed methods were not tested on many crop species and diseases. This research focuses on four deep CNN models (MobileNet, VGG, GoogLenet, and ResNet). The models are developed and tested using the New Plant Diseases dataset on Kaggle, which comprises 70,000+ training images (offline-augmented) and 17,000+ validation images encompassing 38 different classes of healthy and diseased plant leaves. The models would be cross-evaluated upon their accuracy and training speed, as well as their change in performance after optimization and applying DA methods. With an uppermost accuracy of 86.4% in test dataset from the wild, results show that Transfer Learning, Model Ensemble as well as Domain Adaptation works effectively to increase the robustness of models which will ultimately benefit farmers in detecting plant diseases and deciding on the best treatment in real-time.
High precision map crowdsource update technology and SLAM technology - Application in autonomous driving
Authors: Liu Dapeng
Published: February 2024

In response to the challenges faced by real-time dynamic updates of high-precision maps for autonomous driving in terms of high precision, high reliability, and high safety, this paper summarizes the difficulties and challenges currently faced by high-precision map updates. Accelerate the large-scale commercialization of autonomous driving high-precision maps. Thus, improving the safety and stability of intelligent vehicles and providing critical support for high-level autonomous driving. Firstly, the definition and connotation of autonomous driving maps were described, and the data characteristics and functional applications of autonomous driving maps were pointed out. Secondly, the development status and trends of high-precision map updates were reviewed, and the advantages and disadvantages of centralized map updates and crowdsourced map updates were summarized. Pointing out that crowdsource updates have become a new trend in the development of map updates. Once again, the basic architecture and key core modules of current crowdsource updates were summarized, and an analysis was conducted on key core technologies, summarizing the current status and trends of key technologies involved in crowdsource updates. The results indicate that the current technology still faces 7 main challenges, including map modeling, high-precision positioning, 3D reconstruction, fusion updates, data security, rapid review, and standard laws and regulations to address these challenges.
A readout system based on SiPM for the dRICH detector at the EIC
Authors: Rignanese Luigi Pio , Agrawaal Neelima , Alexeev Maxim , Antonioli Pietro , Baldanza Casimiro , Barion Luca , Bufalino Stefania , Capua Marcella , Contalbrigo Marco , Cossio Fabio , Chiosso Michela , Da Rocha Rolo Manuel , De Caro Annalisa , De Gruttola Daniele , Dellacasa Giulio , Dello Stritto Luigi , Falchieri Davide , Fazio Salvatore , Funicello Nicola , Giacalone Marco , Garbini Marco , Malaguti Roberto , Mignone Marco , Paladino Antonio , Preghenella Roberto , Panzieri Daniele , Ripoli Cristina , Rubini Nicola , Ruspa Marta , Tassi Enrico , Tuvè Cristina , Vallarino Simone
Published: February 2024

The ePIC experiment at the future Electron-Ion Collider (EIC) aims to use silicon photomultipliers (SiPMs) as the photodetector technology for the dual-radiator ring-imaging Cherenkov detector (dRICH). Despite their advantages for this low light application and insensitivity to high magnetic fields, SiPMs are sensitive to radiation and require rigorous testing to ensure that their single-photon counting capabilities and dark count rate are kept under control over the years of operation. The presented results show the successful use of a complete prototype readout chain based on the ALCOR chip for SiPM characterization measurements and assembled in an optical plane for test-beam measurements using the dRICH prototype.
Studies of C2H2F4 and SF6 alternative gas mixtures for HPL RPC detectors for High Energy Physics applications
Authors: Verzeroli M. , Guida R. , Juks S.A. , Mandelli B. , Rigoletti G.
Published: February 2024

This research investigates the viability of replacing greenhouse gases C2H2F4 and SF6 with eco-friendly gas mixtures in Resistive Plate Chamber (RPC) detectors used at CERN LHC experiments. The study focuses on the addition of CO2 as a substitute of C2H2F4 to minimize greenhouse gas emissions and reduce operational costs. Initial performance studies with cosmic muons evaluate key parameters such as efficiency, current, streamer probability, prompt charge, cluster size, and time resolution of the detectors. Subsequent assessments take place at the CERN Gamma Irradiation Facility, emulating the LHC experiment background radiation. Furthermore, the study explores alternatives to SF6, including 3M NOVECTM 4710 and AMOLEATM 1224yd, presenting perforances results about these gas alternatives in High Pressure Laminate RPCs.
SoLAr: a novel LAr TPC to detect MeV-scale neutrinos
Authors: Kunzmann J. ,   the SoLAr collaboration
Published: February 2024

SoLAr is a proposed liquid argon time projection chamber experiment that will be able to measure the “hep branch” of solar neutrinos. The scintillation light and the deposited charge signals are collected on the same readout plane that contains a combined grid of silicon photon multipliers and charge collection pixels. The combined light and charge readout allows for millimeter-scale resolution and light and charge matching. First prototypes were successfully operated in Bern, CH in cosmic-rays. The conceptual design of SoLAr, the advantages, and the first results of the SoLAr prototypes will be discussed in details in this proceeding.
Muography as a support technique for non-invasive research and three-dimensional localization of tombs in archaeological sites: a case study from Palazzone Necropolis (Perugia – Italy)
Authors: Borselli D. , Beni T. , Bonechi L. , Bongi M. , Ciaranfi R. , Ciulli V. , D'Alessandro R. , Fanò L. , Frosin C. , Gonzi S. , Lombardi L. , Melelli L. , Paccagnella A. , Turchetti M.A.
Published: February 2024

Transmission muography is a non-invasive imaging technique that exploits the penetrating power of atmospheric muons into matter to obtain two-dimensional and three-dimensional density images of the monitored structure. The detectors used are particle trackers. Muography enables the monitoring of large structures and it is also particularly useful in the archaeological field for a mapping of low-density underground anomalies potentially related to unknown or inaccessible tombs or tunnels. The Palazzone necropolis, located south of Perugia (Italy), dating back to Etruscan period, contains about 200 known tombs, some of which, such as the Volumni Hypogeum, can be visited thanks to a touristic route. The eastern area of the necropolis, on the other hand, does not have a touristic path and is partially unknown. The objective of the muographic measurement campaign is to support the re-evaluation of this archaeological area by searching for new anthropic cavities and identifying them three-dimensionally. One of the goals of this study is to obtain a three-dimensional localization of cavities starting from a single muographic measurement by exploiting an image focusing algorithm. For this purpose, an area that contains a known cavity was used as the reference cavity for the test of the three-dimensional reconstruction algorithm.
The upgrade of the CMS muon system for the high luminosity LHC
Authors: Pellecchia Antonello ,   the CMS Muon group
Published: February 2024

The muon system of the CMS experiment is expected to upgrade all of its subdetectors for
the Phase-2 of the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) that will begin in 2029. The upgrade plans for
drift tubes (DTs), cathode strip chambers (CSCs) and resistive place chambers (RPCs) include a new
electronics for better performance in high background rate conditions and to sustain the large
radiation dose delivered by the high-luminosity LHC (HL-LHC). Two new RPC stations will also be
installed to complement CSCs in the forward region 1.8 < |η| < 2.4, while three stations of
triple-GEM (gas electron multiplier) detectors will complement CSCs in the region 1.5 < |η| <
2.4 and extend the CMS muon system coverage to the very forward pseudorapidity region 2.4 <
|η| < 2.8. We present the goals and status of the CMS muon system upgrade including the
performance of the early Phase-2 upgrades demonstrated in Run 3 with proton-proton collisions, the
performance validation of the new detectors in test beams and the mass production status of the
new stations.
SciFi Front-End Electronics: calibration and results on detector performance
Authors: De Freitas Carneiro da Graca U. ,   the SciFi collaboration
Published: February 2024

The LHCb Experiment is commissioning its first upgrade to cope with increased luminosity of LHC Run3, being able to improve on many world-best physics measurements. A new scintillating fiber-based tracker (SciFi) replaced the outer and inner trackers, providing improved spatial resolution and granularity for the new LHCb trigger-less era, with a readout capable of reading zero suppressed data from ~524k channels at 40 MHz. The fully automated calibration of SciFi Front-End Electronics is based on dedicated software tools and operational procedures, validated during SciFi commissioning. This paper describes the design, implementation, and calibration of SciFi electronics and presents results showing the detector performance after commissioning.
FLASH Radiation Therapy — Key physical irradiation parameters and beam characteristics
Authors: Boudaghi Malidarreh Roya , Zakaly Hesham M.H.
Published: February 2024

FLASH-RT represents a novel therapeutic radiation modality
that holds remarkable potential for mitigating radiation therapy's
adverse side effects. This cutting-edge technology allows for
sparing healthy tissue while precisely targeting cancerous
cells. This is possible by administering an ultra-high-dose-rate in
less than a few hundred milliseconds. FLASH-RT has demonstrated
impressive results in small-animal models, prompting scientists to
adapt and advance existing technologies to make it a viable
treatment option for humans. However, producing the
ultra-high-dose-rate radiation required for the therapy remains a
significant challenge. Several radiation sources, such as very high
energy electrons (VHEEs), low energy electrons, x-rays, and protons,
have been studied for their ability to deliver the necessary
dose. Among them, FLASH-x-ray has gained the most attention owing to
its capacity to penetrate deep-seated tumors. Despite the complexity
of the process, the potential advantages of FLASH-RT made it an
exciting area of research. To achieve the FLASH effect,
high-frequency, pulsed irradiated accelerator technology can be
employed. Sparing healthy tissue may allow for more aggressive and
effective cancer treatments, leading to a better quality of life for
patients. Ongoing research and development will be necessary to
refine and optimize this approach to radiation therapy.
First observation of liquid xenon electroluminescence with a MicroStrip Plate
Authors: Martinez-Lema G. , Chepel V. , Roy A. , Breskin A.
Published: February 2024

We report on the first observation of electroluminescence
amplification with a MicroStrip Plate immersed in liquid xenon. The
electroluminescence of the liquid, induced by alpha-particles, was
observed in an intense non-uniform electric field in the vicinity of
8-μm narrow anode strips interlaced with wider cathode ones,
deposited on the same side of a glass substrate. The
electroluminescence yield in the liquid reached a value of
(35.5 ± 2.6) VUV photons/electron. We propose ways of enhancing
this response with more appropriate microstructures towards their
potential incorporation as sensing elements in single-phase
noble-liquid detectors.
Spectral properties of the Bloch–Torrey operator in three dimensions
Authors: Grebenkov Denis S
Published: February 2024

We consider the Bloch–Torrey operator,

−
Δ
+
i
g
x

, that governs the time evolution of the transverse magnetization in diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI). Using the matrix formalism, we compute numerically the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions of this non-Hermitian operator for two bounded three-dimensional domains: a sphere and a capped cylinder. We study the dependence of its eigenvalues and eigenfunctions on the parameter g and on the shape of the domain (its eventual symmetries and anisotropy). In particular, we show how an eigenfunction drastically changes its shape when the associated eigenvalue crosses a branch (or exceptional) point in the spectrum. Potential implications of this behavior for dMRI are discussed.
Riemannian quantum circuit optimization for Hamiltonian simulation
Authors: Kotil Ayse , Banerjee Rahul , Huang Qunsheng , Mendl Christian B
Published: February 2024

Hamiltonian simulation, i.e. simulating the real time evolution of a target quantum system, is a natural application of quantum computing. Trotter-Suzuki splitting methods can generate corresponding quantum circuits; however, a faithful approximation can lead to relatively deep circuits. Here we start from the insight that for translation invariant systems, the gates in such circuit topologies can be further optimized on classical computers to decrease the circuit depth and/or increase the accuracy. We employ tensor network techniques and devise a method based on the Riemannian trust-region algorithm on the unitary matrix manifold for this purpose. For the Ising and Heisenberg models on a one-dimensional lattice, we achieve orders of magnitude accuracy improvements compared to fourth-order splitting methods. The optimized circuits could also be of practical use for the time-evolving block decimation algorithm.
Development of piezoelectric impedance-based technique for rapid compressive strength measurement of mortar specimen using artificial neural network
Authors: Kim Hyung-Jin , Na Wongi S
Published: February 2024

Measurement of concrete strength is crucial for both the construction and maintenance stages of infrastructures. This importance is emphasized every year in Korea, where aging facilities require reliable and accurate assessment to prevent accidents. In general, three types of non-destructive testing methods are used for concrete maintenance, including the ultrasonic and rebound hardness methods, with a combination method also used. However, despite the popularity of these methods, there can be reliability issues as these methods estimate the strength of concrete through equations, rather than direct measurement. In this study, a non-destructive testing method known as the electromechanical impedance technique is used to predict the compressive strength of two different mortar specimens of 10 MPa and 30 MPa with the use of artificial neural network. In addition, the conventional method of permanently attaching the piezoelectric transducer was altered in a way to achieve temporary attachment to the host structure to make the proposed idea more useful for real field. The result from the experiments proves the possibility of predicting the difference in the compressive strength of the two mortar specimens.
Designing and performance analysis of 7 T CNTFET based novel SRAM cell for IoT application
Authors: Mathur Neha , Birla Shilpi
Published: February 2024

The selection of the title includes designing of SRAM cell using CNTFET because CNTFET overcomes all the issues coming from CMOS technology beyond the 10nm technology node. With the reduction in channel length, the threshold voltage required for CMOS-based technology increases, and the corresponding off-state current decreases. This can prove to be a significant advancement for the semiconductor industry. With the evolution of the new generation of the technology era, especially beyond 10 nm, CMOS is not able to fulfil all the required conditions, as beyond 10 nm technology node, threshold voltage decreases, and consequently off-state current and leakage power increase. This is the reason that CNTFET can be considered a prominent replacement of CMOS transistor for the designing of SRAM cells with the technology node beyond 10 nm. This designed SRAM cell is applicable for IoT applications because IoT uses a microcontroller and the SRAM cell is used as a data memory in the microcontroller. A Data memory always requires high speed, ultra-low power dissipation, and high stability from the cell. Thus, to fulfil this requirement, performance analysis to identify the problem statement of conventional cells and then to improve their performance based on the findings is essential. This is the reason that the 7 T CNTFET-based SRAM novel cell is introduced, and its performance is going to be further improved so that the designed novel cell becomes compatible with IoT applications. Leakage power and stability factor are the main performance parameters to improve of SRAM cells.
A Wildean Universe
Authors: Hext Kate
Published: February 2024

This chapter charts the evolution of the Wildean epigram from Wilde’s Importance of Being Earnest to screwball comedies in the late 1930s. The development of epigrammatic form between these points takes shape via witty women including Tallulah Bankhead; Noël Coward’s stage plays; and Ben Hecht’s innovations with the form in the early talkies. These figures humanize the epigram and reform it into repartee, and in doing so create an atmosphere of farce and verbal play essential to the screwball comedy form. This chapter centres on close readings of epigrammatic form and how these evolve into the movies to make its case, ending with a discussion of how the farce and verbal play of Twentieth Century (1934) and Bringing Up Baby (1938) are set in what Maria DiBattista has termed ‘a Wildean Universe’.
Development of a novel humanized anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody HZ-1127 with anti-allergic diseases and cancer potential
Authors: Liu Xiaolei , Han Jianzhong , Wang Qian , Wang Peng , Li Li , Du Kehe , Jiang Fengchao , Zhang Pei , Liu Hongjun , Huang Jian
Published: February 2024

Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP) is a member of the IL-2 cytokine family and has been widely recognized as a master regulator of type 2 inflammatory responses at barrier surfaces. Recent studies found dysregulation of the TSLP–TSLP receptor (TSLPR) pathway is associated with the pathogenesis of not only allergic diseases but also a wide variety of cancers including both solid tumors and hematological tumors. Thus, the blockade of TSLP represents an attractive therapeutic strategy for allergic diseases and cancer. In this study, we report the development of a novel humanized anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody (mAb) HZ-1127. Binding affinity, specificity, and ability of HZ-1127 in inhibiting TSLP were tested. HZ-1127 selectively binds to the TSLP cytokine with high affinity and specificity. Furthermore, HZ-1127 dramatically inhibits TSLP-dependent STAT5 activation and is more potent than Tezepelumab, which is an FDA-approved humanized mAb against TSLP for severe asthma treatment in inhibiting TSLP-induced CCL17 and CCL22 chemokines secretion in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells. Our pre-clinical study demonstrates that HZ-1127 may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for allergic diseases and cancer.
A mixed-methods study on the pharmacological management of pain in Australian and Japanese nursing homes
Authors: Dowd Laura A , Hamada Shota , Hattori Yukari , Veal Felicity C , Taguchi Reina , Sakata Nobuo , Jadczak Agathe D , Visvanathan Renuka , Koujiya Eriko , Rajan Madhu , Doube Stefan , Suzuki Ai , Bernoth Maree , Rawson Helen , Maruoka Hiroshi , Wood Amelia , Wagner Jo , Hull Dee-Anne , Katsuhisa Mizuki , Turner Justin , Liau Shin J , Reeve Emily , Bell J Simon , Cross Amanda J
Published: February 2024

Background

Understanding how analgesics are used in different countries can inform initiatives to improve the pharmacological management of pain in nursing homes.

Aims

To compare patterns of analgesic use among Australian and Japanese nursing home residents; and explore Australian and Japanese healthcare professionals’ perspectives on analgesic use.

Methods

Part one involved a cross-sectional comparison among residents from 12 nursing homes in South Australia (N = 550) in 2019 and four nursing homes in Tokyo (N = 333) in 2020. Part two involved three focus groups with Australian and Japanese healthcare professionals (N = 16) in 2023. Qualitative data were deductively content analysed using the World Health Organization six-step Guide to Good Prescribing.

Results

Australian and Japanese residents were similar in age (median: 89 vs 87) and sex (female: 73% vs 73%). Overall, 74% of Australian and 11% of Japanese residents used regular oral acetaminophen, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids. Australian and Japanese healthcare professionals described individualising pain management and the first-line use of acetaminophen. Australian participants described their therapeutic goal was to alleviate pain and reported analgesics were often prescribed on a regular basis. Japanese participants described their therapeutic goal was to minimise impacts of pain on daily activities and reported analgesics were often prescribed for short-term durations, corresponding to episodes of pain. Japanese participants described regulations that limit opioid use for non-cancer pain in nursing homes.

Conclusion

Analgesic use is more prevalent in Australian than Japanese nursing homes. Differences in therapeutic goals, culture, analgesic regulations and treatment durations may contribute to this apparent difference.
Standardizing to specific target populations in distributed networks and multisite pharmacoepidemiologic studies
Authors: Webster-Clark Michael , Filion Kristian B , Platt Robert W
Published: February 2024

Distributed network studies and multisite studies assess drug safety and effectiveness in diverse populations by pooling information. Targeting groups of clinical or policy interest (including specific sites or site combinations) and applying weights based on effect measure modifiers (EMMs) prior to pooling estimates within multisite studies may increase interpretability and improve precision. We simulated a 4-site study, standardized each site using inverse odds weights (IOWs) to resemble the 3 smallest sites or the smallest site, estimated IOW-weighted risk differences (RDs), and combined estimates with inverse variance weights (IVWs). We also created an artificial distributed network in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) Aurum consisting of 1 site for each geographic region. We compared metformin and sulfonylurea initiators with respect to mortality, targeting the smallest region. In the simulation, IOWs reduced differences between estimates and increased precision when targeting the 3 smallest sites or the smallest site. In the CPRD Aurum study, the IOW + IVW estimate was also more precise (smallest region: RD = 5.41% [95% CI, 1.03-9.79]; IOW + IVW estimate: RD = 3.25% [95% CI, 3.07-3.43]). When performing pharmacoepidemiologic research in distributed networks or multisite studies in the presence of EMMs, designation of target populations has the potential to improve estimate precision and interpretability.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Pharmacoepidemiology.
Public Reason Naturalism
Authors: Rooney James Dominic
Published: February 2024

I will argue that the natural law theory of morality, when extended into a political theory of justice, results in a picture of political justice much like that of public reason liberalism. However, natural law political theory, I argue, need not entail a natural law theory of morality. While facts about what societies ought to do supervene upon facts about what is good for human beings, there are distinct goods involved and distinct reasons for action. Rather, considerations taken from the common good as guiding public policy results in a two-layer approach to public reasonability, resembling features of both consensus and convergence accounts of public reason. Consequently, the differences between natural law and classical public reason liberalism are significant but are not as significant as might have otherwise appeared. In fact, natural law political theory might be a more consistent development of the idea of a public reason than those of classical liberalism.
In vitro regeneration of triploid from mature endosperm culture of Passiflora edulis “Mantianxing”
Authors: Tang Junrong , Luo Xi , Zhu Yajing , Cai Nianhui , Chen Lin , Chen Shi , Xu Yulan
Published: February 2024

The regeneration of shoots from endosperm tissue is a highly effective method to obtain triploid plants. In this study, we elucidated the establishment of an in vitro regeneration system from endosperm culture for the production of Passiflora edulis “Mantianxing.” The highest callus induction rate (83.33%) was obtained on the media supplemented with 1.0 mg/L TDZ. Meanwhile, the MS medium containing 1.0 mg/L 6-BA and 0.4 mg/L IBA gave the optimum 75% shoot bud induction. Chromosome analysis revealed that the chromosomal count of P. edulis “Mantianxing” regenerated from endosperm tissues was 27 (2n = 3x = 27), which indicated that shoots regenerated from endosperm tissues were triploids. Triploid P. edulis had more drought resistance than diploid plants. Our study provided a method for breeding of passion fruit by means of a stable and reproducible regeneration system from endosperm culture, leading to the generation of triploid plants.
Defining disease severity in atopic dermatitis and psoriasis for the application to biomarker research: an interdisciplinary perspective
Authors: Ramessur Ravi , Dand Nick , Langan Sinéad M , Saklatvala Jake , Fritzsche Marie-Christine , Holland Suzi , Arents Bernd W M , McAteer Helen , Proctor Andrew , McMahon David , Greenwood Michelle , Buyx Alena M , Messer Tamara , Weiler Nina , Hicks Alexandra , Hecht Peter , Weidinger Stephan , Ndlovu Matladi N , Chengliang Dai , Hübenthal Matthias , Egeberg Alexander , Paternoster Lavinia , Skov Lone , De Jong Elke M G J , Middelkamp-Hup Maritza A , Mahil Satveer K , Barker Jonathan N , Flohr Carsten , Brown Sara J , Smith Catherine H
Published: February 2024

More severe atopic dermatitis and psoriasis are associated with a higher cumulative impact on quality of life, multimorbidity and healthcare costs. Proactive, early intervention in those most at risk of severe disease may reduce this cumulative burden and modify the disease trajectory to limit progression. The lack of reliable biomarkers for this at-risk group represents a barrier to such a paradigm shift in practice. To expedite discovery and validation, the BIOMarkers in Atopic Dermatitis and Psoriasis (BIOMAP) consortium (a large-scale European, interdisciplinary research initiative) has curated clinical and molecular data across diverse study designs and sources including cross-sectional and cohort studies (small-scale studies through to large multicentre registries), clinical trials, electronic health records and large-scale population-based biobanks. We map all dataset disease severity instruments and measures to three key domains (symptoms, inflammatory activity and disease course), and describe important codependencies and relationships across variables and domains. We prioritize definitions for more severe disease with reference to international consensus, reference standards and/or expert opinion. Key factors to consider when analysing datasets across these diverse study types include explicit early consideration of biomarker purpose and clinical context, candidate biomarkers associated with disease severity at a particular point in time and over time and how they are related, taking the stage of biomarker development into account when selecting disease severity measures for analyses, and validating biomarker associations with disease severity outcomes using both physician- and patient-reported measures and across domains. The outputs from this exercise will ensure coherence and focus across the BIOMAP consortium so that mechanistic insights and biomarkers are clinically relevant, patient-centric and more generalizable to current and future research efforts.
Active surveillance for clinical complete responders after chemoradiotherapy for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: De Pasqual Carlo A , Weindelmayer Jacopo , Gervasi Maria C , Torroni Lorena , Pavarana Michele , Cenzi Daniela , Togliani Thomas , Rossi Roberto , Giacopuzzi Simone
Published: February 2024

Background

Guidelines on the treatment of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) recommend neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy plus surgery or definitive chemoradiotherapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of patients with a cCR after chemoradiotherapy who underwent active surveillance.

Methods

Patients with oesophageal SCC who were treated with chemoradiotherapy between January 2016 and June 2022 were identified from an institutional database. Survival and recurrence of patients with a cCR who underwent active surveillance were compared with those of patients who underwent planned surgery. Survival was calculated according to the Kaplan–Meier method and compared between groups using the log rank test.

Results

The 37 patients who underwent active surveillance were older and tumours were more often located in the middle/upper-third of the oesophagus than in the surgery group of 57 patients. Median follow-up was 28.1 (i.q.r. 17.2–47.1) months for the active surveillance group and 20 (12.9–39.1) months for the surgery group. Overall survival was comparable between the two groups, with 3-year survival rates of 50 (95% c.i. 31 to 67) and 59 (40 to 73)% for the active surveillance and surgery groups respectively (P = 0.55). Three-year progression-free survival for patients who underwent active surveillance was better than in the surgery group: 70 (43 to 85) versus 58 (40 to 72)% (P = 0.02). Overall and progression-free survival was comparable between patients in the active surveillance group and 23 patients in the surgery group who had a pCR (ypT0 N0). The overall recurrence rate was comparable between the groups: 7 of 37 (19.4%) in active surveillance group versus 16 of 49 (32.6%) in surgery group (P = 0.26). Locoregional recurrence was noted more often in the active surveillance group and systemic recurrence in the surgery group.

Conclusion

Active surveillance is feasible and safe for patients with oesophageal SCC who have a cCR after chemoradiotherapy.
National long-term patient-reported outcomes following mastectomy with or without breast reconstruction: The Swedish Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study Part 2 (SweBRO 2)
Authors: Gümüscü Rojda , Unukovych Dmytro , Wärnberg Fredrik , de Boniface Jana , Sund Malin , Åhsberg Kristina , Hansson Emma , Folkvaljon Folke , Mani Maria
Published: February 2024

Background

The Swedish Breast Reconstruction Outcome Study (SweBRO) initiative is a nationwide study with the primary aim of assessing long-term outcomes after mastectomy with and without breast reconstruction (BR). The current part (SweBRO 2) is designed to evaluate health-related quality of life (HRQoL), with the hypothesis that BR has a positive impact on patient-reported HRQoL in the long-term.

Methods

Women who underwent mastectomy in Sweden in 2000, 2005, or 2010 and were alive at the time of the survey were identified through the National Breast Cancer Registry. Eligible participants received formal invitation letters to take part in a survey evaluating their HRQoL at 5 , 10, or 15 years post-mastectomy. The EORTC QLQ-C30, EORTC QLQ-BR23, and EQ-5D-3L questionnaires were employed.

Results

Of 2904 respondents (50% of 5853 invited), 895 (31%) had received BR. Among them, 516 (58%) were reconstructed with implants and 281 (31%) with autologous tissue. Women with BR scored significantly better in the EORCT QLQ-C30 physical functioning domain (mean 90 versus 81 points), fatigue (mean 21 versus 25), and dyspnoea (mean 16 versus 22) compared to non-reconstructed women. The EORTC QLQ-BR23 revealed that women with BR experienced favourable sexual functioning compared with non-reconstructed women (mean 26 versus 14). The EQ-5D-3L visual analogue scale score was similar between groups.

Conclusion

The current study underscores the benefits of BR for long-term well-being, for example, in terms of physical and sexual functioning. These underline the importance of informing women undergoing mastectomy about BR alternatives and its potential benefits in enhancing long-term well-being.
The Perfluoroadamantyl group: a bulky and highly electron-withdrawing substituent in thermally activated delayed fluorescence materials
Authors: Akiyama Midori , Yasuda Yuka , Kisoi Daiki , Kusakabe Yu , Kaji Hironori , Imahori Hiroshi
Published: February 2024

The present paper reports development of new thermally activated delayed fluorescence (TADF) molecules with the acridan–triazine structure substituted by perfluoroadamantyl (AdF) groups. The AdF group was prepared by perfluorination using fluorine gas, and introduced into the molecules via nucleophilic aromatic substitution. The bulky AdF group made the emitters highly soluble in organic solvents. Furthermore, their lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) were stabilized by the electron induction from the AdF groups, leading to small highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO)–LUMO energy gaps. As a result, both emitters showed red-shifted TADF compared to the non-fluorinated analogue.
Machine learning–based 30-day readmission prediction models for patients with heart failure: a systematic review
Authors: Yu Min-Young , Son Youn-Jung
Published: February 2024

Aims

Heart failure (HF) is one of the most frequent diagnoses for 30-day readmission after hospital discharge. Nurses have a role in reducing unplanned readmission and providing quality of care during HF trajectories. This systematic review assessed the quality and significant factors of machine learning (ML)-based 30-day HF readmission prediction models.

Methods and results

Eight academic and electronic databases were searched to identify all relevant articles published between 2013 and 2023. Thirteen studies met our inclusion criteria. The sample sizes of the selected studies ranged from 1778 to 272 778 patients, and the patients’ average age ranged from 70 to 81 years. Quality appraisal was performed.

Conclusion

The most commonly used ML approaches were random forest and extreme gradient boosting. The 30-day HF readmission rates ranged from 1.2 to 39.4%. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for models predicting 30-day HF readmission was between 0.51 and 0.93. Significant predictors included 60 variables with 9 categories (socio-demographics, vital signs, medical history, therapy, echocardiographic findings, prescribed medications, laboratory results, comorbidities, and hospital performance index). Future studies using ML algorithms should evaluate the predictive quality of the factors associated with 30-day HF readmission presented in this review, considering different healthcare systems and types of HF. More prospective cohort studies by combining structured and unstructured data are required to improve the quality of ML-based prediction model, which may help nurses and other healthcare professionals assess early and accurate 30-day HF readmission predictions and plan individualized care after hospital discharge.

Registration

PROSPERO: CRD 42023455584.
Stepping back for good reasons: a reappraisal of the DF-1 connector for defibrillator leads
Authors: Sticherling Christian , Ellenbogen Kenneth A , Burri Haran
Published: February 2024

The DF-4 defibrillator standard has been rapidly adopted due to its convenience at implantation. There are however trade-offs compared to the traditional DF-1 standard that are underappreciated. This viewpoint outlines the advantages and limitations of current defibrillator lead standards that should be kept in mind, as they impact the options that are available to deal with issues that may arise.
Risk factors for uncontrolled blood pressure among individuals with hypertension on treatment: the CONSTANCES population-based study
Authors: Cherfane Michelle , Vallée Alexandre , Kab Sofiane , Salameh Pascale , Goldberg Marcel , Zins Marie , Blacher Jacques
Published: February 2024

Background

We aimed to assess factors associated with uncontrolled blood pressure (BP) among individuals with hypertension on treatment, by sex.

Methods

We conducted a nested cross-sectional analysis using data from the population-based cohort study CONSTANCES, designed as a randomly selected sample of French adults aged 18–69 years at study inception. We included 11 760 participants previously diagnosed with hypertension and taking antihypertensive medications. Uncontrolled BP was defined as mean systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or mean diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg. Sex-specific age-adjusted multivariable analyses were performed using logistic regression models stratified by stages of uncontrolled hypertension.

Results

The mean age of participants was 59.4 years. The prevalence of uncontrolled BP was 51.4%, and it was higher in men than in women [adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 1.80; 95% CI, 1.67–1.94]. In both sexes, the lower the age, the lower the prevalence of uncontrolled hypertension. Low level of education and history of cardiovascular events had, respectively, higher and lower odds of uncontrolled BP. In men, additional risk factors included overweight and obesity (aOR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.00–1.32; and aOR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.23–1.70, respectively), lack of physical activity (aOR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.04–1.40), low adherence to a Dietary Approach to Stop Hypertension diet (aOR, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.05–1.40) and heavy alcohol consumption (aOR, 1.33; 95% CI, 1.08–1.63), with the last two factors persisting across different stages of uncontrolled BP.

Conclusions

From a population-based perspective, socio-economic and behavioural characteristics were risk factors for uncontrolled hypertension, but they differed by sex and by stage of uncontrolled hypertension. Modifiable risk factors, such as weight, diet, physical activity and alcohol consumption, have an important role in the control of hypertension.
Uncovering the Bronchoalveolar Single-Cell Landscape of Patients With Pulmonary Tuberculosis With Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Coinfection
Authors: Xiao Guohui , Huang Waidong , Zhong Yu , Ou Min , Ye Taosheng , Wang Zhifeng , Zou Xuanxuan , Ding Feng , Yang Yuan , Zhang Zhe , Liu Chuanyu , Liu Aimei , Liu Longqi , Lu Shuihua , Wu Liang , Zhang Guoliang
Published: February 2024

Background

Coinfection of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) is the most significant risk factor for tuberculosis (TB). The immune responses of the lung are essential to restrict the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and avoid the emergence of the disease. Nevertheless, there is still limited knowledge about the local immune response in people with HIV-1–TB coinfection.

Methods

We employed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) on bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from 9 individuals with HIV-1–TB coinfection and 10 with pulmonary TB.

Results

A total of 19 058 cells were grouped into 4 major cell types: myeloid cells, T/natural killer (NK) cells, B cells, and epithelial cells. The myeloid cells and T/NK cells were further divided into 10 and 11 subsets, respectively. The proportions of dendritic cell subsets, CD4+ T cells, and NK cells were lower in the HIV-1–TB coinfection group compared to the TB group, while the frequency of CD8+ T cells was higher. Additionally, we identified numerous differentially expressed genes between the CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell subsets between the 2 groups.

Conclusions

HIV-1 infection not only affects the abundance of immune cells in the lungs but also alters their functions in patients with pulmonary TB.
A Comparative Phenotypic and Genomic Analysis of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus ST45 Isolates From Cellulitis and Osteomyelitis in Taiwan
Authors: Peng Kuo-Ti , Chen Pei-Chun , Chen Jiun-Liang , Huang Tsung-Yu , Peng Yi-Ho , Liu Ju-Fang , Lee Chiang-Wen , Chang Pey-Jium
Published: February 2024

Background

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) sequence type (ST) 45 is a globally disseminated MRSA lineage. Herein, we investigated whether MRSA ST45 isolates from cellulitis and from osteomyelitis display distinctive phenotypic and genomic characteristics.

Methods

A total of 15 MRSA ST45 isolates from cellulitis (CL-MRSA; n = 6) or osteomyelitis (OM-MRSA; n = 9) were collected in a Taiwan hospital. These MRSA ST45 isolates were characterized for their antimicrobial susceptibility, biofilm-forming ability, cellular infectivity in vitro, and pathogenicity in vivo. Four CL-MRSA and 6 OM-MRSA ST45 isolates were selected for whole-genome sequencing (WGS).

Results

Antibiotic resistance tests showed that all OM-MRSA ST45 strains, but not CL-MRSA ST45 strains, were resistant to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, gentamicin, and doxycycline. Compared to the CL-MRSA ST45 isolates, the OM-MRSA ST45 isolates had stronger biofilm-forming ability and cellular infectivity and caused more severe disease in mice. WGS analysis revealed that these OM-MRSA ST45 isolates carry multiple common mutations or polymorphisms in genes associated with antibiotic resistance and virulence. Moreover, the transposable elements IS256 and IS257R2 were found only in the OM-MRSA ST45 isolates.

Conclusions

The emergence and spread of the highly pathogenic and multidrug-resistant ST45 MRSAs identified from osteomyelitis may pose a serious threat on public health.
Camel spider trait evolution demonstrates repeated patterns of convergence (Arachnida: Solifugae: Eremobatidae)
Authors: Garcia Erika L , Hansen Quincy G , Cushing Paula E
Published: February 2024

Morphology has long been used to classify and identify living organisms. However, taxonomic descriptions are often limited to qualitative descriptions of size and shape, making identification difficult due to the subjective language used to describe complex shapes. Additionally, for some taxa, there are few reliable qualitative characters available for delimitation that have yet to be tested objectively in a phylogenetic context. Solifugae is one such example. The order, Solifugae, is recognized from the other arachnid orders by the possession of large, powerful jaws or chelicerae. Male cheliceral morphology is the leading diagnostic character system in solifuge systematics and is the basis for much of solifuge current taxonomy. Female chelicerae, on the other hand, are reportedly deeply conserved and much of the species identification is based on female operculum morphology. To elucidate patterns of chelicerae and opercula trait evolution within the solifuge family, Eremobatidae, we used a 2-dimenstional morphological analysis using an Elliptical Fourier approach for closed outlines, in addition to an analysis of traditionally used measures in a phylogenetic context. Using ancestral state reconstruction and ultra-conserved elements, we assessed the taxonomic utility of female cheliceral and opercular morphology, and we evaluated which male morphological characters reflect shared, derived ancestry. Investigation into ubiquitously used character sets, in addition to newly proposed characters herein, illustrates the complex evolution of traits with high levels of convergence. Our results provide taxonomic insight into future, higher level taxonomic revisions of Eremobatidae.
Towards global model generalizability: independent cross-site feature evaluation for patient-level risk prediction models using the OHDSI network
Authors: Naderalvojoud Behzad , Curtin Catherine M , Yanover Chen , El-Hay Tal , Choi Byungjin , Park Rae Woong , Tabuenca Javier Gracia , Reeve Mary Pat , Falconer Thomas , Humphreys Keith , Asch Steven M , Hernandez-Boussard Tina
Published: February 2024

Background

Predictive models show promise in healthcare, but their successful deployment is challenging due to limited generalizability. Current external validation often focuses on model performance with restricted feature use from the original training data, lacking insights into their suitability at external sites. Our study introduces an innovative methodology for evaluating features during both the development phase and the validation, focusing on creating and validating predictive models for post-surgery patient outcomes with improved generalizability.

Methods

Electronic health records (EHRs) from 4 countries (United States, United Kingdom, Finland, and Korea) were mapped to the OMOP Common Data Model (CDM), 2008-2019. Machine learning (ML) models were developed to predict post-surgery prolonged opioid use (POU) risks using data collected 6 months before surgery. Both local and cross-site feature selection methods were applied in the development and external validation datasets. Models were developed using Observational Health Data Sciences and Informatics (OHDSI) tools and validated on separate patient cohorts.

Results

Model development included 41 929 patients, 14.6% with POU. The external validation included 31 932 (UK), 23 100 (US), 7295 (Korea), and 3934 (Finland) patients with POU of 44.2%, 22.0%, 15.8%, and 21.8%, respectively. The top-performing model, Lasso logistic regression, achieved an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.75 during local validation and 0.69 (SD = 0.02) (averaged) in external validation. Models trained with cross-site feature selection significantly outperformed those using only features from the development site through external validation (P < .05).

Conclusions

Using EHRs across four countries mapped to the OMOP CDM, we developed generalizable predictive models for POU. Our approach demonstrates the significant impact of cross-site feature selection in improving model performance, underscoring the importance of incorporating diverse feature sets from various clinical settings to enhance the generalizability and utility of predictive healthcare models.