bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of T1‐weighted landmark placement and ROI transfer onto diffusion‐weighted EPI sequences for targeted tractography tasks in the optic nerve
Authors: Janko Markus , Santaniello Sascha D. , Brockmann Carolin , Wolf Marcel , Grauhan Nils F. , Schöffling Vanessa I. , Dimova Violeta , Ponto Katharina , Hoffmann Esther M. , Kleinekofort Wolfgang , Othman Ahmed E. , Brockmann Marc A. , Kronfeld Andrea
Published: August 2024

Diffusion‐based tractography in the optic nerve requires sampling strategies assisted by anatomical landmark information (regions of interest [ROIs]). We aimed to investigate the feasibility of expert‐placed, high‐resolution T1‐weighted ROI‐data transfer onto lower spatial resolution diffusion‐weighted images.

Slab volumes from 20 volunteers were acquired and preprocessed including distortion bias correction and artifact reduction. Constrained spherical deconvolution was used to generate a directional diffusion information grid (fibre orientation distribution‐model [FOD]). Three neuroradiologists marked landmarks on both diffusion imaging variants and structural datasets. Structural ROI information (volumetric interpolated breath‐hold sequence [VIBE]) was respectively registered (linear with 6/12 degrees of freedom [DOF]) onto single‐shot EPI (ss‐EPI) and readout‐segmented EPI (rs‐EPI) volumes, respectively. All eight ROI/FOD‐combinations were compared in a targeted tractography task of the optic nerve pathway.

Inter‐rater reliability for placed ROIs among experts was highest in VIBE images (lower confidence interval 0.84 to 0.97, mean 0.91) and lower in both ss‐EPI (0.61 to 0.95, mean 0.79) and rs‐EPI (0.59 to 0.86, mean 0.70).

Tractography success rate based on streamline selection performance was highest in VIBE‐drawn ROIs registered (6‐DOF) onto rs‐EPI FOD (70.0% over 5%‐threshold, capped to failed ratio 39/16) followed by both 12‐DOF‐registered (67.5%; 41/16) and nonregistered VIBE (67.5%; 40/23). On ss‐EPI FOD, VIBE‐ROI‐datasets obtained fewer streamlines overall with each at 55.0% above 5%‐threshold and with lower capped to failed ratio (6‐DOF: 35/36; 12‐DOF: 34/34, nonregistered 33/36).

The combination of VIBE‐placed ROIs (highest inter‐rater reliability) with 6‐DOF registration onto rs‐EPI targets (best streamline selection performance) is most suitable for white matter template generation required in group studies.
T. H. Green and Henry Sidgwick on free agency and the guise of the good
Authors: Sheng E. E.
Published: August 2024

The history of the thesis of the guise of the good between Kant and Anscombe is not well understood. This article examines a notable disagreement over the thesis during this period, between Green and Sidgwick. It shows that Green accepts versions of the thesis concerning action and desire in one sense of “desire,” and that Sidgwick rejects the thesis concerning both action and desire. It then considers why Green accepts the thesis, and how effective Sidgwick's criticism of Green is. Despite the appearance of a mere clash of intuitions, an interesting rationale for the thesis can be found in Green's theory of free will and moral responsibility, of which I defend a broadly compatibilist interpretation. Sidgwick's criticisms either miss this rationale altogether, or do not take adequately into account Green's complex theory of free will.
Culturally Sensitive Perinatal Mental Health Care: Experiences of Women From Minority Ethnic Groups
Authors: Gardner Angelene , Oduola Sheri , Teague Bonnie
Published: August 2024

Background

Current research has identified how ethnic minority women experience poorer health outcomes during the perinatal period. In the United Kingdom, specialist perinatal mental health services provide mental health treatment for women throughout the perinatal period. Service users have previously highlighted that perinatal services are hard to access and lack cultural sensitivity, whereas healthcare professionals have described limited opportunities and resources for developing cultural competency.

Objectives

We explored the experiences of ethnic minority women with National Health Service (NHS) specialist perinatal teams and identified what culturally sensitive perinatal mental health care means to this group.

Design

Individual semi‐structured interviews were conducted, and an interpretative phenomenological analysis framework was used to analyse the interview transcripts.

Setting and Participants

Participants were recruited from NHS specialist perinatal teams and online via social media.

Results

Six women were interviewed. Four group experiential themes central to the experiences of participants emerged: (1) strengthening community networks and peer support; (2) valuing cultural curiosity; (3) making sense of how culture, ethnicity, race and racism impact mental health; and (4) tailoring interventions to ethnic minority women and their families.

Discussion and Conclusions

The findings capture how ethnic minority women experience specialist perinatal teams and offer insights into practising culturally sensitive care. Perinatal mental health professionals can support ethnic minority women by strengthening their access to community resources and peer support; being curious about their culture; helping them to make sense of how culture, ethnicity, race and mental health interact; and applying cultural and practical adaptations to interventions.

Patient or Public Contribution

A Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) of women from ethnic minority groups contributed to the design and conduct of this study. The LEAG had lived experience of perinatal mental health conditions and accessing specialist perinatal teams. The LEAG chose to co‐produce specific aspects of the research they felt fit with their skills and available time throughout five group sessions. These aspects included developing the interview topic guide, a structure for debriefing participants and advising on the social media recruitment strategy.
Revisiting X‐linked congenital ichthyosis
Authors: Zhou Baishun , Liang Cancan , Li Peiyao , Xiao Heng
Published: August 2024

X‐linked recessive ichthyosis (XLI) is a hereditary skin disease characterized by generalized dryness and scaling of the skin, with frequent extracutaneous manifestations. It is the second most common type of ichthyosis, with a prevalence of 1/6,000 to 1/2,000 in males and without any racial or geographical differences. The causative gene for XLI is the steroid sulfatase gene (STS), located on Xp22.3. STS deficiency causes an abnormal cholesterol sulfate (CS) accumulation in the stratum corneum (SC). Excess CS induces epidermal permeability barrier dysfunction and scaling abnormalities. This review summarizes XLI's genetic, clinical, and pathological features, pathogenesis, diagnosis and differential diagnoses, and therapeutic perspectives. Further understanding the role of the STS gene pathogenic variants in XLI may contribute to a more accurate and efficient clinical diagnosis of XLI and provide novel strategies for its treatment and prenatal diagnosis.
Risk factor prediction and immune correlation analysis of cuproptosis‐related gene in osteoarthritis
Authors: Che Jingmin , Yang Xiaoli , Zhao Xiangrong , Li Yan , Jin Zhankui , Xu Cuixiang
Published: August 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a widespread inflammatory joint disease with significant global disability burden. Cuproptosis, a newly identified mode of cell death, has emerged as a crucial factor in various pathological conditions, including OA. In this context, our study aims to investigate the intrinsic relationship between cuproptosis‐related genes (CRGs) and OA, and assess their potential as biomarkers for OA diagnosis and treatment. Datasets from the GEO databases were analysed the differential expression of CRGs, leading to the identification of 10 key CRGs (CDKN2A, DLD, FDX1, GLS, LIAS, LIPT1, MTF1, PDHA1, DLAT and PDHB). A logistic regression analysis and calibration curves were used to show excellent diagnostic accuracy. Consensus clustering revealed two CRG patterns, with Cluster 1 indicating a closer association with OA progression. RT‐PCR confirmed a significant increase in the expression levels of these nine key genes in IL‐1β‐induced C28/i2 cells, and the expression of CDKN2A and FDX1 were also elevated in conditioned monocytes, while the expression of GLS and MTF1 were significantly decreased. In vitro experiments demonstrated that the expression levels of these 7/10 CRGs were significantly increased in chondrocytes induced by IL‐1β, and upon stimulation with cuproptosis inducers, chondrocyte apoptosis was exacerbated, accompanied by an increase in the expression of cuproptosis‐related proteins. These further substantiated our research findings and indicated that the nine selected cuproptosis genes have high potential for application in the diagnosis of OA.
Investigating the altered expression of miR‐486‐5p and miR‐novel‐chr1_40444 in dysglycemia in a South African population
Authors: Weale Cecil J , Schroeder Chanelle , Matshazi Don M , Davids Saarah FG , Erasmus Rajiv T , Kengne Andre P , Davison Glenda M , Matsha Tandi E
Published: August 2024

Aims

This study aims to investigate miR‐486‐5p and miR‐novel‐chr1_40444 expressions in dysglycemic individuals. Validating RNA‐sequencing findings in a larger sample via reverse transcription qPCR (RT‐qPCR), we aim to address global diagnostic and screening limitations, using an African cohort as an example.

Materials and Methods

This cross‐sectional study involved 1,271 individuals [normoglycemic (n = 974), prediabetic (n = 206), screen‐detected type 2 diabetes (n = 91)] from the ongoing Vascular and Metabolic Health (VMH) study in Cape Town, South Africa. Whole blood miRNA expression was assessed using TaqMan‐based RT‐qPCR, with data normalized to an endogenous control (miR‐16‐5p).

Results

Significant underexpression was observed in prediabetes vs normoglycemia for miR‐486‐5p (P = 0.038), whilst both miRNAs demonstrated significant upregulation in screen‐detected type 2 diabetes vs normoglycemia (miR‐486‐5p, P = 0.009; miR‐novel‐chr1_40444, P < 0.001), and screen‐detected type 2 diabetes in comparison with prediabetes (miR‐486‐5p, P < 0.001; miR‐novel‐chr1_40444, P < 0.001). Multivariable regression analyses revealed pronounced interrelations between miR‐novel‐chr1_40444 and screen‐detected type 2 diabetes in unadjusted and adjusted models (Model 1: P < 0.001, Model 2: P < 0.001, Model 3: P = 0.030). Moreover, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves revealed significantly enhanced diagnostic capabilities for screen‐detected type 2 diabetes vs either normoglycemia (AUC = 0.971, P < 0.001), non‐diabetes (AUC = 0.959, P < 0.001), or prediabetes (AUC = 0.902, P < 0.001) when combining the miRNAs with 2 h postprandial glucose.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the enhanced power of incorporating miRNAs with traditional markers in distinguishing screen‐detected type 2 diabetes, warranting further investigations on their unique role in the development of type 2 diabetes.
Development of a predictive model for assessing quality of winter jujube during storage utilizing hyperspectral imaging technology
Authors: Wei Yuqing , Liu Quancheng , Fan Shuxiang , Jiang Xinna , Chen Yun , Wang Fan , Cao Xingda , Yan Lei
Published: August 2024

The necessity for precise determination of fruit storage durations is paramount in both industrial and domestic spheres, with hyperspectral imaging (HSI) technology emerging as a pivotal tool for prognosticating the physicochemical attributes indicative of mature fruit quality. This investigation employed hyperspectral imaging to conduct a noninvasive analysis of variations in soluble solids content (SSC), hardness, and moisture content (MC) in jujube fruit over the course of storage at divergent temperatures. Throughout the storage intervals (0, 7, 14, and 21 days) at varying temperatures (4 and 20°C), both physicochemical and spectral data were amassed. The raw spectral information underwent preprocessing through multiple scattering correction (MSC), standard normal variation (SNV), and Savitzky–Golay (SG) algorithms to refine the methodologies for SSC, hardness, and moisture content. Subsequently, the competitive adaptive reweighted sampling (CARS) algorithm facilitated the discernment and elimination of extraneous variables, thereby enhancing feature wavelength extraction. This process underpinned the development of partial least squares regression (PLSR), back propagation (BP), and genetic algorithm‐back propagation (GA‐BP) models predicated on CARS‐derived features, culminating in the selection of an optimal model. The findings underscore the capability of hyperspectral imaging technology to swiftly and nondestructively ascertain the SSC, hardness, and MC of jujube throughout the storage phase, thereby enabling the assessment of quality attributes over varying storage durations and facilitating the surveillance of jujube quality maintenance during storage.

Practical Applications

The winter jujube garners appreciation from consumers owing to its exquisite flavor, yet its quality diminishes over time in storage due to various factors, thereby impacting its market value. Consequently, it is imperative to surveil the quality alterations of jujube throughout its storage to mitigate the degradation of its quality. Hyperspectral imaging technology offers a sophisticated means to forecast the physicochemical index changes indicative of the fruit's quality at maturity. This research delineates the development of predictive models for the soluble solids, hardness, and moisture content of jujube at divergent temperatures throughout the storage interval, selecting the paramount model through a holistic assessment, thereby fully harnessing the capabilities of hyperspectral imaging technology in monitoring jujube quality during storage. Moreover, the methodology employed herein is adaptable to other fruits in storage, harboring the potential for future application in the real‐time quality monitoring of fruits as they exit the storage facilities.
Effect of temperature on the rheological, textural, and sensory properties of butters from New Zealand market
Authors: Yang X. , Saunders A. , Mohan M. S.
Published: August 2024

Texture and sensory studies at various temperatures are important in evaluating and improving the functionality of butter. While literature is scarce, we evaluated and compared the effect of temperature (5–25°C) on the texture, rheological and sensory properties of commercial butter samples (salted, unsalted, cultured, and spreadable) from the New Zealand market. In addition, the instrumental analyses were compared with the sensory evaluation, to understand the possibility of using instrumental analysis to evaluate consumer liking for different butters. Butter type, temperature, and their type–temperature interaction exhibited significant differences for all instrumental textural parameters. As expected, higher temperature produced softer butter that was more spreadable, liquid‐like, less adhesive, less cohesive, had lower storage modulus (G′) and lower loss modulus (G″) with the melting of milk fat crystals; however, the rate of change varied for the different butter samples. We have established meltability as the parameter for evaluating butter selection for different applications. The spreadable butter sample exhibited the lowest hardness and G′, and highest spreadability (p < .05) at all temperatures, owing to its low solid fat content and the abundance of low‐melting triglycerides. The cultured butter sample had the highest melting point, owing to compositional differences. The instrumental and sensory texture analyses were highly correlated, indicating the comparative effectiveness of both approaches for studying the effects of different temperatures on butter textural properties. Overall, our findings provide detailed reference to the dairy industry for butter manufacture, considering variation in fatty acid composition, texture analysis, rheology, and sensory analysis, over the range of storage/usage temperatures.
Genotypic and phenotypic characterisation of a nosocomial outbreak of Candida auris in Spain during 5 years
Authors: Mulet‐Bayona Juan Vicente , Cancino‐Muñoz Irving , Salvador‐García Carme , Tormo‐Palop Nuria , Guna‐Serrano María del Remedio , Ferrer‐Gómez Carolina , Melero‐García Mercedes , González‐Candelas Fernando , Gimeno‐Cardona Concepción
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The investigation of Candida auris outbreaks is needed to provide insights into its population structure and transmission dynamics. We genotypically and phenotypically characterised a C. auris nosocomial outbreak occurred in Consorcio Hospital General Universitario de Valencia (CHGUV), Spain.

Methods

Data and isolates were collected from CHGUV from September 2017 (first case) until September 2021. Thirty‐five isolates, including one from an environmental source, were randomly selected for whole genome sequencing (WGS), and the genomes were analysed along with a database with 335 publicly available genomes, assigning them to one of the five major clades. In order to identify polymorphisms associated with drug resistance, we used the fully susceptible GCA_003014415.1 strain as reference sequence. Known mutations in genes ERG11 and FKS1 conferring resistance to fluconazole and echinocandins, respectively, were investigated. Isolates were classified into aggregating or non‐aggregating.

Results

All isolates belonged to clade III and were from an outbreak with a single origin. They clustered close to three publicly available genomes from a hospital from where the first patient was transferred, being the probable origin. The mutation VF125AL in the ERG11 gene, conferring resistance to fluconazole, was present in all the isolates and one isolate also carried the mutation S639Y in the FKS1 gene. All the isolates had a non‐aggregating phenotype (potentially more virulent).

Conclusions

Isolates are genotypically related and phenotypically identical but one with resistance to echinocandins, which seems to indicate that they all belong to an outbreak originated from a single isolate, remaining largely invariable over the years. This result stresses the importance of implementing infection control practices as soon as the first case is detected or when a patient is transferred from a setting with known cases.
The importance of facilitative interactions in mediating climate change impact on biodiversity
Authors: Kéfi Sonia , Lortie C J. , Cavieres Lohengrin A.
Published: August 2024

Global change is a multifaceted, unprecedented crisis hitting the life support system of our planet. Among global changes, climate change is regarded as one of the most grave threats to biodiversity because of its direct impacts on species and ecosystems integrity and because of its indirect consequences through synergistic effects with other global change factors such as biological invasions. The challenges presented to either reduce or mitigate this biodiversity crisis derived from climate change require novel synthesis and innovation in ecological and evolutionary theory. Positive species interactions within and between trophic levels can play a key role in the resilience of ecological communities. Depending on the tolerance of nurse species to different aspects of climate change, communities can be more or less resilient to those changes. This knowledge has important implications for both natural communities and agroecosystems. Further, our fundamental understanding of the role of positive interactions can also enable both effective conservation and restoration levers in space and time.

This special issue includes studies addressing the role of facilitative interactions on the response of ecological systems to climate change. Key concepts examined included stress, gradients, nurse species, spatial scale, translocation, phylogenetics alongside physiochemicals, and variation in the capacity of species to buffer changes. Alpine, tundra, drylands and temperate forests were directly tested, but salient principles were relevant to all ecosystems including a contribution on soil biota and also a call to more open data and collaborative science. Together, this corpus of work highlighted the significance of facilitative interactions in mitigating many of the effects of climate change on biodiversity.
Agent Causation and Motivating Reasons
Authors: Martinez Joseph
Published: August 2024

Agent causation, roughly stated, is the view that an agent can stand in direct causal relation to (at least some subset of) her actions. Although agent causation has had a patchy reputation throughout much of contemporary analytic philosophy, it is now considered by many to be a viable theoretical option in various domains in action theory. That said, agent‐causalists continue to grapple with a number of important issues. This paper focuses on one such issue—namely, how to integrate motivating reasons into a picture of agent causation. More specifically, I canvass a number of options for the agent‐causalist, focusing in particular on various causalist accounts, and flagging various problems along the way. I conclude with some brief considerations about how to move forward.
Explore the genetic exposure to alopecia areata
Authors: Peng Shaoyi , Yang Yang , Man Yilong , Long Dianfei , Wang Lei , Li Kaiyuan , Liu Peng
Published: August 2024

Background

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune hair loss disorder with an incompletely understood etiology. Although trace elements, serum metabolites, and inflammatory factors are implicated in the disease, the potential causal relationships between these factors and alopecia areata require further investigation.

Methods

This study employed Mendelian randomization (MR), utilizing data from genome‐wide association studies, to explore the causal relationships between 15 trace elements, 1400 serum metabolites, and 91 inflammatory factors and alopecia areata. The analysis was conducted using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method complemented by various sensitivity analyses, including Cochran's Q test, MR‐Egger regression intercept test, MR‐PRESSO global test, and leave‐one‐out analysis, to assess the robustness of the results.

Results

MR analysis indicated a negative correlation between copper levels and the risk of developing alopecia areata (odds ratio = 0.86, 95% confidence interval: 0.75–0.99, p = 0.041). Additionally, causal relationships were identified between 15 serum metabolites and 6 inflammatory factors and the risk of alopecia areata (IVW, all p values < 0.05).

Conclusion

This study provides genetic evidence of the relationships between trace elements, serum metabolites, and alopecia areata, underscoring the potential value of targeted therapeutic strategies and preventive measures. Future research should expand to diverse populations and further explore the specific roles of these biomarkers in the disease mechanism.
“The more official, the less I believe”: Using focus groups to explore public opinion formation in politically polarized contexts
Authors: Pavez Isabel , Saldaña Magdalena , Cabalin Cristian , Scherman Andrés
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Public opinion studies have traditionally relied on survey analyses. However, a qualitative approach is needed to address opinion formation's multidimensional and contextual nature. In this study, we argue that focus groups are a technique that addresses these unique challenges.

Methods

We test this argument by looking at the case of Chile, a country marked by a streak of eight elections in three years, including two national referendums for a constitutional proposal. In this politically polarized setting, and over the course of the latter election year, we conducted 10 focus groups comprising a diverse sample in terms of gender, age, socioeconomic status, and occupation. As participants shared news diets, political views, and values, data suggest a tendency to independently verify information regardless of the source, and highly influenced by their close ones.

Results

From a methodological perspective, our findings show that focus groups enable the assessment of the context‐situated opinion formation process, reveal emerging themes, and promote open discussion. These results also reflect the multifaceted nature of public opinion formation in a dynamic media landscape and can inform other countries undergoing a crisis of institutional legitimacy.
Plasma‐derived product recipients' views on the acceptability of implementing a programme of plasma donation for fractionation from men who have sex with men
Authors: Benoit Justine , Caruso Jessica , Germain Marc , Myhal Geneviève , Monteith Ken , Otis Joanne
Published: August 2024

Background and Objectives

Over the past few years in Québec, Canada, exclusion criteria for blood donation and plasma donation for fractionation have been modified. Héma‐Québec, the institution responsible for blood products, has made changes to allow more inclusive access to blood and plasma donation, in accordance with evolving scientific data concerning donation safety. The study, conducted before those changes were implemented, aimed to assess acceptability of recipients and parents of recipients of plasma‐derived products for men who have sex with men (MSM) to become eligible to donate plasma for fractionation.

Materials and Methods

Eight qualitative interviews (4 focus groups, 4 individual) were conducted with a total of 17 plasma product recipients and parents of children needing plasma‐derived products. Data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Participants were rather favourable regarding acceptability of MSM as potential donors. Participants viewed this change as necessary and beneficial. They also felt they must rely on trust in Héma‐Québec, conferred automatically or by default. However, some participants raised concerns about donation safety and reported feeling helpless regarding inclusion of MSM. The importance of being informed and that recipients' safety be prioritized first and foremost were also mentioned.

Conclusion

Despite their nuanced attitudes, recipients showed high levels of acceptability of including MSM in plasma donation for fractionation. Actions can be taken to reduce concerns regarding the safety of products received.
Aprender a escrever em contextos multilingues através da descrição de obras de arte
Authors: Pereira Ágata , Gonçalves Carolina
Published: August 2024

O ensino integrado das artes motiva os alunos e complementa a aquisição de linguagem, permitindo aos alunos beneficiar de experiências interdisciplinares entre linguagem e arte (Haust, 2008). O artigo apresenta um projeto de investigação-ação de natureza inclusiva e transdisciplinar desenvolvido num contexto de diversidade linguística e cultural.
Os principais objetivos do estudo foram: (i) desenvolver competências de escrita através da arte em alunos de português língua não materna (PLNM) e (ii) melhorar as competências de escrita em alunos de língua materna, oriundos de meios socioeconómicos desfavorecidos.
O programa foi implementado numa turma de 3.º ano do 1º. Ciclo E.B e incidiu na produção escrita de textos descritivos. Os resultados obtidos no pós-teste mostram evoluções globais nas produções. Os textos são mais extensos, com marcadores textuais de macro e microestrutura do texto descritivo. Os alunos L2 evoluíram especialmente na qualidade das produções escritas e no enriquecimento de vocabulário.
Multi-Objective Counterfactuals for Design: A Model-Agnostic Counterfactual Search Method for Multi-Modal Design Modifications
Authors: Regenwetter Lyle , Abu Obaideh Yazan , Ahmed Faez
Published: August 2024

Designers may often ask themselves how to adjust their design concepts to achieve demanding functional goals. To answer such questions, designers must often consider counterfactuals, weighing design alternatives, and their projected performance. This paper introduces multi-objective counterfactuals for design (MCD), a computational tool that automates and streamlines the counterfactual search process and recommends targeted design modifications that meet designers’ unique requirements. MCD improves upon existing counterfactual search methods by supporting multi-objective requirements, which are crucial in design problems, and by decoupling the counterfactual search and sampling processes, thus enhancing efficiency and facilitating objective trade-off visualization. The paper showcases MCD’s capabilities in complex engineering tasks using three demonstrative bicycle design challenges. First, MCD effectively identifies design modifications that quantifiably enhance functional performance, strengthening the bike frame and saving weight. Second, MCD modifies parametric bike models in a cross-modal fashion to resemble subjective text prompts or reference images. In a final multidisciplinary case study, MCD tackles all the quantitative and subjective design requirements introduced in the first two problems, while simultaneously customizing a bike design to an individual rider’s biomechanical attributes. By exploring hypothetical design alterations and their impact on multiple design objectives, MCD recommends effective design modifications for practitioners seeking to make targeted enhancements to their designs.
Application of the Nonlinear Fracture Mechanics Parameter ΔT* to Wire-Liftoff Lifetime Estimation of Power Modules at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Shishido Nobuyuki , Hayama Yutaka , Akinaga Yuki , Taketomi Shinya , Koganemaru Masaaki , Hagihara Seiya , Miyazaki Noriyuki
Published: August 2024

Power modules are utilized to control electric power and play a key role in the systems for energy conversion. One of the reliability problems in power modules is the wire-liftoff, in which an aluminum wire delaminates from a silicon chip. The wire-liftoff phenomenon is a thermal fatigue failure caused by repeated temperature cycles during the operation of power modules. According to an experimental study, the wire-liftoff lifetime decreases with increase in the maximum junction temperature of a temperature cycle, Tmax, then levels off above 200 °C of Tmax. Such a saturation phenomenon of the wire-liftoff lifetime is main concern of the present study. We select the nonlinear fracture mechanics parameter T*-integral range, as a physical quantity describing the wire-liftoff lifetime. The T*-integral range, ΔT*, is only one fracture mechanics parameter that can be applied to thermal fatigue under a cyclic thermo-elastic-plastic creep condition. We perform nonlinear finite element analyses of a power module to calculate the ΔT* based on the mathematical expression of ΔT* for various temperature cycles. As a result, the ΔT* obtained from the exact method based on the mathematical expression of ΔT* is expected to be utilized for quantitative estimation of wire-liftoff lifetime in a wide temperature range of low to high temperatures.
Exploring Near-Wake Structures: Bio-Inspired Convergent-Divergent Riblets on Circular Bluff Bodies
Authors: Mohammadikarachi Arash , Yousif Mustafa Z. , Song Juhun , Lim Hee-Chang
Published: August 2024

Convergent-divergent (C-D) riblets represent a pioneering rough surface inspired by the skin of fast-swimming sharks and flight feathers of the birds. In this study, we applied convergent-divergent riblets to the outer surface of a circular cylinder to examine their influence on the near-wake flow structure behind the cylinder. Various experimental techniques, such as particle image velocimetry (PIV), hot-wire anemometer, and a load cell for force measurement, were employed for this study. The experimental measurements have been conducted at different Reynolds numbers ranging from (6–12) ×103. The findings from force measurement indicate a decrease in the mean drag coefficient of around 14%, 15%, 11%, and 12% obtained by riblets at Re = 6000, 7500, 10,000, and 12,000, respectively. The time-averaged flow field including streamlines, velocity field, Reynolds shear stress, vorticity, and turbulent kinetic energy were measured. The measurements suggest that the wake's size has decreased by using convergent-divergent riblets. Furthermore, data obtained from the hot-wire anemometer reveal that these riblets alter the vortex shedding frequency to a higher value and impact the amplitude peak of the power spectrum at various Re numbers.
Physics-Informed Neural Networks for Prediction of a Flow-Induced Vibration Cylinder
Authors: Yin Guang , Janocha Marek Jan , Ong Muk Chen
Published: August 2024

Flow-induced vibration (FIV) is a common phenomenon in ocean engineering for subsea structures with circular-shaped cross sections. A large amount of computational resources or experimental efforts are required to predict or measure the complicated motions and flow field surrounding a circular cylinder undergoing vortex-induced vibration (VIV). Physics-informed neural networks (PINNs) are powerful deep learning techniques for solving governing partial differential equations (PDEs) of dynamic systems as an alternative to complex numerical methods. In the present study, a framework is built employing PINNs for solving the Navier–Stokes equations to predict flows past an FIV cylinder using sparsely distributed spatiotemporal data inside the domain. The training process involves minimizing the supervised loss of flow data at these sparse points and the residuals of the governing PDEs. For the training of the PINN model, a moving frame around an FIV cylinder is used to collect the training flow data from two-dimensional direct numerical simulation results at a low Reynolds number. The structural displacements of the cylinder are also implemented in the residuals of the equations of the developed PINN. The performance of the PINN is evaluated by comparing the predicted contours of the surrounding flow velocities with the training data. The hydrodynamic forces prediction is achieved using the PINN-obtained flow field predictions combined with the force partitioning method.
PhAI: A deep-learning approach to solve the crystallographic phase problem
Authors: Larsen Anders S. , Rekis Toms , Madsen Anders Ø.
Published: August 2024

X-ray crystallography provides a distinctive view on the three-dimensional structure of crystals. To reconstruct the electron density map, the complex structure factors

F
=

F

exp

i
ϕ

of a sufficiently large number of diffracted reflections must be known. In a conventional experiment, only the amplitudes

F

are obtained, and the phases ϕ are lost. This is the crystallographic phase problem. In this work, we show that a neural network, trained on millions of artificial structure data, can solve the phase problem at a resolution of only 2 angstroms, using only 10 to 20% of the data needed for direct methods. The network works in common space groups and for modest unit-cell dimensions and suggests that neural networks could be used to solve the phase problem in the general case for weakly scattering crystals.
Additive manufacturing of highly entangled polymer networks
Authors: Dhand Abhishek P. , Davidson Matthew D. , Zlotnick Hannah M. , Kolibaba Thomas J. , Killgore Jason P. , Burdick Jason A.
Published: August 2024

Incorporation of polymer chain entanglements within a single network can synergistically improve stiffness and toughness, yet attaining such dense entanglements through vat photopolymerization additive manufacturing [e.g., digital light processing (DLP)] remains elusive. We report a facile strategy that combines light and dark polymerization to allow constituent polymer chains to densely entangle as they form within printed structures. This generalizable approach reaches high monomer conversion at room temperature without the need for additional stimuli, such as light or heat after printing, and enables additive manufacturing of highly entangled hydrogels and elastomers that exhibit fourfold- to sevenfold-higher extension energies in comparison to that of traditional DLP. We used this method to print high-resolution and multimaterial structures with features such as spatially programmed adhesion to wet tissues.
Advancing cardiovascular neuromodulation: Aortic baroreceptor afferents act as targets for blood pressure control in hypertension
Authors: Salman Ibrahim M.
Published: August 2024

Aortic baroreceptor afferents act as targets for blood pressure control in hypertension
Genomic characteristics of carbapenem-non-susceptible
Cronobacter sakazakii
isolated from an ICU patient at the Songkhla Hospital, Thailand
Authors: Lalakorn Siriporn , Singkhamanan Kamonnut , Chukamnerd Arnon , Chumtong Sanicha , Dechathai Thitaporn , Boonsan Jirasa , Kompramool Siriwan , Muangkaew Thanchanok , Yaikhan Thunchanok , Chintakovid Nutwadee , Chusri Sarunyou , Pomwised Rattanaruji , Wonglapsuwan Monwadee , Surachat Komwit
Published: August 2024

Cronobacter sakazakii
is a pathogen that causes severe diseases such as meningitis and necrotizing enterocolitis in infants, associated with the consumption of rehydrated powder infant formula. We report a whole-genome sequence of carbapenem-non-susceptible
C. sakazakii
isolated from the nasopharynx of the patient admitted to the ICU ward, Songkhla Hospital, Thailand.
Characterisation of delayed severity flares in patients with HLA-B27-associated anterior uveitis
Authors: Philip Andrew M , Babiker Fatima , Fernandez-Santos Carla C , Chikovsky Max N , Dolinko Andrew H , Ramezani Koosha , Look-Why Sydney , Manhapra Ambika , Ruggeri Maria L , Chang Peter Y , Foster Stephen , Anesi Stephen D
Published: August 2024

Background/aims

To explore and characterise the clinical phenotype of acute anterior uveitis flares with delayed severity in patients with human leucocyte antigen B27 (HLA-B27)-associated anterior uveitis.

Methods

Retrospective chart review of patients with HLA-B27-associated anterior uveitis. Demographic and clinical data were recorded, as well as the clinical characteristics of acute anterior uveitis flares. A flare was considered to have delayed severity if any of the following criteria were met within 3–21 days of symptomatic onset: a two-step increase in anterior chamber inflammation on consecutive exams; a new development of hypopyon or fibrinoid aqueous reaction on consecutive examinations or a significant worsening of symptoms.

Results

A total of 371 patient charts were identified, of which 137 were included. 321 acute anterior uveitis flares were documented, with 36 (11.2%) meeting the criteria for a delayed severity flare. The average time from symptomatic onset was 10.2 days, and patients presented with an average anterior chamber cell grade of 3.5 in delayed severity flares compared with 1.6 in non-delayed severity flares. No significant difference in frequency of delayed severity presentation was noted based on the presence or absence of systemically associated rheumatological disease, papillitis on initial presentation and retinal vasculitis on initial presentation. The frequency of topical steroid therapy after symptomatic onset was not significantly different between the two flare phenotypes.

Conclusions

Our study presents the novel characterisation of a delayed severity phenotype of HLA-B27-associated acute anterior uveitis flares.
‘There’s more to life than staring at a small screen’: a mixed methods cohort study of problematic smartphone use and the relationship to anxiety, depression and sleep in students aged 13–16 years old in the UK
Authors: Carter Ben , Ahmed Najma , Cassidy Olivia , Pearson Oliver , Calcia Marilia , Mackie Clare , Kalk Nicola Jayne
Published: August 2024

Background

Depression and anxiety are common in adolescents and have increased over the last decade. During that period, smartphone usage has become ubiquitous.

Objectives

The study aim was to assess the association between problematic smartphone usage (PSU) and anxiety.

Methods

Using a prospective mixed methods cohort study design, students aged 13–16 year old from two schools were enrolled regarding their smartphone use, mood and sleep via a semistructured questionnaire at baseline and week 4. The primary outcome was symptoms of anxiety (Generalised Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire, GAD-7) and exposure was PSU (Smartphone Addiction Scale Short Version). A linear regression was fitted to assess the change in anxiety. Thematic analysis of free-text responses was conducted.

Findings

The sample included 69 participants that were enrolled and followed up between 28 March and 3 June 2022. Of those with PSU, 44.4% exhibited symptoms of moderate to severe anxiety compared with 26.4% of those without PSU. There was a linear association between change in symptoms of anxiety and PSU β=0.18 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.32, p=0.013). Several themes were found: both positive and negative effects of smartphones on relationships; negative effects on school performance and productivity; mixed effects on mood; a desire to reduce the amount of time spent on smartphones.

Conclusions

Increased anxiety, depression and inability to sleep were seen in participants as their PSU score increased over time. Participants reported both positive and negative effects of smartphones and almost all used strategies to reduce use.

Clinical implications

Interventions need to be developed and evaluated for those seeking support.
Cost-effectiveness of screening for developmental dysplasia of the hip in Karachi, Pakistan using a universally applicable cost-effectiveness model
Authors: Pigeolet Manon , Gaafar Hesham , Naamani Dana , Khan Mansoor Ali , Alkire Blake Christian , Chinoy Muhammad Amin , Corlew Daniel Scott , Novais Eduardo N
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a congenital anomaly of the hip socket that can lead to lifelong disability and pain when left untreated. DDH is a good candidate for screening because of its high frequency in population, availability of treatment and the possibility of secondary prevention. Pakistan currently does not have any systematic or universal neonatal screening programme for DDH.

Methods

The cost-effectiveness model in this study uses one decision tree for each screening scenario: (1) the status quo, (2) universal screening by clinical examination, (3) universal screening by clinical examination with targeted ultrasound (US) screening, (4) and universal screening by US. Loss of disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) is used as outcome variable.

Results

When left untreated DDH creates a loss of 3.4 DALYs per person. Clinical examination and targeted US averts most DALYs per dollar spent. Generalised US averts more DALYs overall but requires a greater financial investment per DALY averted.

Conclusions

Universal US screening reaches more children and can be considered the more equitable approach but requires 10 times the financial investment clinical examination and targeted US requires. The decision which option is most appropriate for Karachi, Pakistan depends on resource availability, geography, infrastructure, treatment capacity, health system values and societal factors in Pakistan.
Barriers and leverage points for seeing alcohol differently in integrated care systems in England: a senior stakeholder interview study
Authors: Madden Mary , Stewart Duncan , McCambridge Jim
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Integrated care systems (ICSs) are the latest major innovation aiming to develop localised, integrated health and social care services to improve population health in England. Nationally, alcohol has received limited attention in National Health Service (NHS) strategic decision-making relative to its burden of harm, which varies considerably in localities. We examined decision-making and progress on alcohol in two contrasting ICSs, identifying systemic barriers to dealing with alcohol harm and potential leverage points, particularly in primary care.

Methods

Qualitative case study in two ICSs differing in strategic prioritisation of alcohol in Northern England. In-depth semistructured interviews with 14 senior stakeholders followed by constructionist thematic analysis.

Results

ICS formation occurred when services had been under sustained pressures with lines of communication and accountability emergent and unclear. Stakeholders identified fundamental disconnects between prevention and treatment. ICS strategic prioritisation of alcohol engendered new perspectives and novel actions. Even where not prioritised, there was a demand for placing alcohol work within a population frame. Attention to alcohol was somewhat precarious in primary care and overlooked in NHS health inequalities discourse. Reframing alcohol clinically as a drug was seen as having unrealised potential to prevent or delay disease onset and complications and improve NHS effectiveness. While congruent with the vision of how the new system should be working, there were doubts about capacity in current circumstances.

Conclusions

There is much to do to create a joined-up, system-wide approach to alcohol, and thus a strong case for a national NHS alcohol strategy to guide ICS decision-making, addressing links between NHS work and public health.
Cytokine-armed oncolytic herpes simplex viruses: a game-changer in cancer immunotherapy?
Authors: Wang Hongbin , Borlongan Mia , Kaufman Howard L , Le Uyen , Nauwynck Hans J , Rabkin Samuel D , Saha Dipongkor
Published: August 2024

Cytokines are small proteins that regulate the growth and functional activity of immune cells, and several have been approved for cancer therapy. Oncolytic viruses are agents that mediate antitumor activity by directly killing tumor cells and inducing immune responses. Talimogene laherparepvec is an oncolytic herpes simplex virus type 1 (oHSV), approved for the treatment of recurrent melanoma, and the virus encodes the human cytokine, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). A significant advantage of oncolytic viruses is the ability to deliver therapeutic payloads to the tumor site that can help drive antitumor immunity. While cytokines are especially interesting as payloads, the optimal cytokine(s) used in oncolytic viruses remains controversial. In this review, we highlight preliminary data with several cytokines and chemokines, including GM-CSF, interleukin 12, FMS-like tyrosine kinase 3 ligand, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin 2, interleukin 15, interleukin 18, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 5, chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 4, or their combinations, and show how these payloads can further enhance the antitumor immunity of oHSV. A better understanding of cytokine delivery by oHSV can help improve clinical benefit from oncolytic virus immunotherapy in patients with cancer.