bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decision‐makers, advisers or educable subjects? Policymakers' perceptions of citizen participation in a Nordic democracy
Authors: Koskimaa Vesa , Rapeli Lauri , Himmelroos Staffan
Published: January 2023

The perceived disconnect between policymaking elites and citizens has intensified demands for citizen engagement in democracies, but we know little about policymakers' attitudes towards increased citizen involvement. This study presents an in‐depth, mixed‐methods analysis of participatory views of politicians, public officials, and interest group representatives in Finland. We first utilize a unique survey battery presented to representative samples of policymakers (n = 675) and ordinary citizens (n = 1701). We then perform a qualitative content analysis for 24 in‐depth interviews of high‐ranking policymakers to explore reasons for the observed attitudes. We find that while citizens strongly support participatory attitudes, policymakers are more skeptical, especially when participation threatens their control of the policy process. Elite skepticism stems mainly from low trust in citizens' capacity to deal with complexity, and to relieve the pressure to engage citizens more elites support learning‐based methods. The broad citizen‐elite attitude gap may require re‐negotiating representative mandates in the future.
The tragedy of the common? A comparative population genomic study of two bumblebee species
Authors: Huml Jana V. , Ellis Jonathan S. , Rustage Sarah , Brown Mark J. F. , Billington Richard , Knight Mairi E.
Published: January 2023

Within the theoretical framework of the small population paradigm, we investigated the population genomics and parasite load of two bumblebee species across the UK and Ireland. Bombus pratorum is widespread and common throughout its range while Bombus monticola is restricted to higher altitudes and shows a more fragmented distribution.

Bombus monticola showed stronger population structuring, isolation‐by‐distance, and a deficit of heterozygotes in the most isolated population in the south of its range (Dartmoor). Heterozygosity and inbreeding coefficients (FIS) were comparable between both species, but the proportion of polymorphic sites was much greater in B. pratorum. Notably, both species have suffered significant declines in Ne over the last 100 generations and estimates and declines for both species were of similar orders of magnitude. No pattern of increased parasite prevalence in populations of lower heterozygosity was observed. Instead, ecological and demographic factors (age, latitude, date, habitat suitability) were the main drivers of parasite prevalence.

Distinct patterns of selection were observed in both species in regions involved in regulation of transcription and neurotransmission and in particular pathways targeted by neonicotinoid insecticides.

Our results highlight the pressing need for monitoring to include common as well as rare species. This should not focus solely on census population counts, but include estimates of Ne. We also highlight the need for further work to establish adaptive shifts in globally important pollinator communities.
Évaluer les pratiques des entreprises en matière de travail décent: une analyse des méthodologies de notation ESG
Authors: LOUCHE Céline , DELAUTRE Guillaume , BALVEDI PIMENTEL Gabriela
Published: January 2023

Les agences de notation spécialisées dans l‘évaluation des pratiques des entreprises en matière environnementale, sociale et de gouvernance (ESG) sont des partenaires importants pour les acteurs de l'investissement responsable, qu'elles alimentent en données extrafinancières. Si la question des indicateurs ESG a déjà été traitée dans la littérature, la façon d‘évaluer le travail décent est peu documentée. Les auteurs observent les pratiques de six agences de notation ESG pour comprendre comment ces organismes mesurent et évaluent la performance en matière de travail décent, et avec quelles difficultés, et pour déterminer si l'investissement responsable et les notations ESG peuvent véritablement promouvoir le travail décent dans les entreprises.
Factors influencing turnover intention among male nurses in China: A large‐scale descriptive correlational study
Authors: Chen Jiang‐Ping , Dai Yu‐Mei , Qin Yong , Liang Sheng‐Peng , Cheng Gen , Liu Yang , Yang Cheng‐Zu , He Hong‐Gu , Shen Qu
Published: January 2023

Aim

This study examined the correlation among turnover intention, emotional intelligence and job burnout in male nurses and determined its influencing factors.

Background

The number of male nurses has increased in China; however, the turnover rate is very high. Nurses’ turnover intention is related to job burnout and emotional intelligence.

Introduction

Recent studies have shown that job burnout and emotional intelligence are related to medical and health institution employees’ intention to leave their jobs. It is not clear if the same conclusions can be drawn about male nurses.

Methods

For this cross‐sectional study, 627 male nurses were recruited from across China between May and July 2018. Data were collected through an online questionnaire, and Pearson's product‐moment correlation coefficient and multiple linear regression were performed to analyse the data.

Results

There was a weak negative, moderate positive and moderate negative correlation between turnover intention and emotional intelligence, turnover intention and job burnout, and emotional intelligence and job burnout, respectively. Factors that significantly affected turnover intention among male nurses included job burnout, young age, lack of interest in nursing and working in the emergency department.

Conclusion

The study revealed the factors that affected male nurses’ turnover intention and the relationships between turnover intention, emotional intelligence and job burnout.

Implications for Nursing Management and Social Policy

Hospital managers should provide necessary help and support to reduce male nurse turnover rates and incorporate emotional intelligence training. The policy should eliminate the unfair college admission practices for students choosing nursing majors, raise the nursing profession's salaries and vigorously develop specialty nursing. In addition, diversified values should be promoted, and stereotypes of male nurses in nursing should be broken.
Tapinarof for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis: 15 years of clinical research
Authors: Bissonnette R. , Saint‐Cyr Proulx E. , Jack C. , Maari C.
Published: January 2023

Tapinarof is a topical, aryl‐hydrocarbon receptor agonist that has recently received FDA‐approval for the treatment of psoriasis. This novel therapeutic has also been shown to be effective for atopic dermatitis and is currently in phase 3 for this indication. Beyond good efficacy and fast onset of action in patients with psoriasis, the clinical response to tapinarof is notable for durable remission or near remission, maintained for an average of 130 days beyond treatment discontinuation in patients with psoriasis in phase 3 studies. Tapinarof is usually well tolerated but can induce a follicular inflammatory reaction and dermatitis in some patients. This narrative review covers the historical development of this molecule, safety and efficacy data from clinical trials conducted with various topical formulations, and practical considerations derived from our 15 years of clinical trial experience with the drug.
Changing Supply Elasticities and Regional Housing Booms
Authors: AASTVEIT KNUT ARE , ALBUQUERQUE BRUNO , ANUNDSEN ANDRÉ K.
Published: January 2023

Developments in U.S. house prices over the past decade mirror those of the 1996–2006 boom. Construction activity has, however, been weak. Using data for 254 U.S. metropolitan areas, we show that housing supply elasticities have fallen markedly in recent years. We find that housing supply elasticities have declined more in areas in which land‐use regulation has tightened the most, and in areas that experienced the sharpest housing busts. Consistent with the declining housing supply elasticities, we find that monetary policy shocks have had a stronger effect on house prices during the past decade than during the previous boom. At the same time, building permits respond less.
Embryonic and skeletal development of the albino African clawed frog (Xenopus laevis)
Authors: Shan Zhixin , Li Shanshan , Yu Chenghua , Bai Shibin , Zhang Junpeng , Tang Yining , Wang Yutong , Irwin David M. , Li Jun , Wang Zhe
Published: January 2023

The normal stages of embryonic development for wild‐type Xenopus laevis were established by Nieuwkoop and Faber in 1956, a milestone in the history of understanding embryonic development. However, this work lacked photographic images and staining for skeleton structures from the corresponding stages. Here, we provide high‐quality images of embryonic morphology and skeleton development to facilitate studies on amphibian development. On the basis of the classical work, we selected the albino mutant of X. laevis as the observation material to restudy embryonic development in this species. The lower level of pigmentation makes it easier to interpret histochemical experiments. At 23°C, albino embryos develop at the same rate as wild‐type embryos, which can be divided into 66 stages as they develop into adults in about 58 days. We described the complete embryonic development system for X. laevis, supplemented with pictures of limb and skeleton development that are missing from previous studies, and summarized the characteristics and laws of limb and skeleton development. Our study should aid research into the development of X. laevis and the evolution of amphibians.
Fatigue in nurses and medication administration errors: A scoping review
Authors: Bell Tracey , Sprajcer Madeline , Flenady Tracey , Sahay Ashlyn
Published: January 2023

Background

Medication administration errors (MAEs) cause preventable patient harm and cost billions of dollars from already‐strained healthcare budgets. An emerging factor contributing to these errors is nurse fatigue. Given medication administration is the most frequent clinical task nurses undertake; it is vital to understand how fatigue impacts MAEs.

Objective

Examine the evidence on the effect of fatigue on MAEs and near misses by registered nurses working in hospital settings.

Method

Arksey and O'Malley's scoping review framework was used to guide this review and PAGER framework for data extraction and analysis. The PRISMA checklist was completed. Four electronic databases were searched: CINAHL, PubMed, Scopus and PsycINFO. Eligibility criteria included primary peer review papers published in English Language with no date/time limiters applied. The search was completed in August 2021 and focussed on articles that included: (a) registered nurses in hospital settings, (b) MAEs, (c) measures of sleep, hours of work, or fatigue.

Results

Thirty‐eight studies were included in the review. 82% of the studies identified fatigue to be a contributing factor in MAEs and near misses (NMs). Fatigue is associated with reduced cognitive performance and lack of attention and vigilance. It is associated with poor nursing performance and decreased patient safety. Components of shift work, such as disruption to the circadian rhythm and overtime work, were identified as contributing factors. However, there was marked heterogeneity in strategies for measuring fatigue within the included studies.

Relevance to clinical practice

Fatigue is a multidimensional concept that has the capacity to impact nurses' performance when engaged in medication administration. Nurses are susceptible to fatigue due to work characteristics such as nightwork, overtime and the requirement to perform cognitively demanding tasks. The mixed results found within this review indicate that larger scale studies are needed with particular emphasis on the impact of overtime work. Policy around safe working hours need to be re‐evaluated and fatigue management systems put in place to ensure delivery of safe and quality patient care.
Effects of immunocastration and supplementary feeding level on the performance and blood biochemical markers of farmed yearling fallow deer (Dama dama)
Authors: Ny Veit , Needham Tersia , Bartoň Luděk , Bureš Daniel , Kotrba Radim , Musa Abubakar S. , Ceacero Francisco
Published: January 2023

In cervids, blood biochemical markers may reflect changes in various physiological and environmental factors, especially in response to changes in metabolism following nutrient supplementation or the manipulation of hormone production. Decreasing androgen production through immunocastration (IC) to ease the husbandry of male animals is currently a more ethically acceptable method than physical castration, but its commercial use is unexplored in fallow deer. Forty yearlings male fallow deer were grouped into four treatment combinations: IC on high (200 g commercial pellets + 600 g concentrate mixture of 90% oats and 10% wheat grains) or low (100 g commercial pellets + 300 g concentrate mixture of 90% oats and 10% wheat grains) level of feed supplementation, or noncastrated bucks on a high or low level of feed supplementation. Immunocastrated animals were vaccinated at the start of the study (Week 1) and again during Week 3 of the study. Diet affected all body growth parameters (slaughter weight, daily gain, carcass weight, dressing percentage and body condition score). Fallow deer from all treatments showed increasing concentrations of fat and energy blood biochemical markers over the study period, including plasma glucose (GLU) and triglyceride (TRIG), and decreased cholesterol (CHOL) and lipase (LIPA) concentrations. The higher level of supplementary feeding decreased plasma albumin (ALB) and creatinine (CREA), and increased globulin (GLOB) concentrations. On the other hand, IC and lower‐level supplementation reduced growth performance. Overall, IC may be an interesting tool for welfare management of yearling stags for slaughter; however, the advantage appears to only be in well‐fed animals, as low‐level of feeding can further reduce growth performance in immunocastrated animals. Further studies should evaluate the carcass performance of animals under similar treatment conditions to ascertain the effects on muscle and fat yields.
Fetal and infant growth patterns, sleep, and 24‐h activity rhythms: a population‐based prospective cohort study in school‐age children
Authors: Beunders Victoria A. A. , Koopman‐Verhoeff M. Elisabeth , Vermeulen Marijn J. , Silva Carolina C. V. , Jansen Pauline W. , Luik Annemarie I. , Reiss Irwin K. M. , Joosten Koen F. M. , Jaddoe Vincent W. V.
Published: January 2023

The study objective was to explore associations of fetal and infant weight patterns and preterm birth with sleep and 24‐h activity rhythm parameters at school‐age. In our prospective population‐based study, 1327 children were followed from birth to age 10–15 years. Fetal weight was estimated using ultrasound in the second and third trimester of pregnancy. Birth weight and gestational age were available from midwife registries. Infant weight was measured at 6, 12 and 24 months. Fetal and infant weight acceleration or deceleration were defined as a change of >0.67 standard deviation between the corresponding age intervals. At school‐age, sleep duration, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, social jetlag, inter‐daily stability, and intra‐daily variability were assessed using tri‐axial wrist actigraphy for 9 consecutive nights. We observed that low birth weight (<2500 g) was associated with 0.24 standard deviation (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.04; 0.43) longer sleep duration compared to normal weight. Compared to normal growth, growth deceleration in fetal life and infancy was associated with 0.40 standard deviation (95% CI 0.07; 0.73) longer sleep duration, 0.44 standard deviation (95% CI 0.14; 0.73) higher sleep efficiency, and −0.41 standard deviation (95% CI −0.76; ‐0.07) shorter wake after sleep onset. A pattern of normal fetal growth followed by infant growth acceleration was associated with −0.40 standard deviation (95% CI −0.61; −0.19) lower inter‐daily stability. Preterm birth was not associated with any sleep or 24‐h rhythm parameters. Our findings showed that children with fetal and infant growth restriction had longer and more efficient sleep at school‐age, which may be indicative of an increased need for sleep for maturational processes and development after a difficult start in life.
Multiple transitions between realms shape relict lineages ofProteuscave salamanders
Authors: Recknagel H. , Zakšek V. , Delić T. , Gorički Š. , Trontelj P.
Published: January 2023

In comparison to biodiversity on Earth's surface, subterranean biodiversity has largely remained concealed. The olm (Proteus anguinus) is one of the most enigmatic extant cave inhabitants, and until now little was known regarding its genetic structure and evolutionary history. Olms inhabit subterranean waters throughout the Dinaric Karst of the western Balkans, with a seemingly uniform phenotypic appearance of cave‐specialized traits: an elongate body, snout and limbs, degenerated eyes and loss of pigmentation (“white olm”). Only a single small region in southeastern Slovenia harbours olms with a phenotype typical of surface animals: pigmented skin, eyes, a blunt snout and short limbs (“black olm”). We used a combination of mitochondrial DNA and genome‐wide single nucleotide polymorphism data to investigate the molecular diversity, evolutionary history and biogeography of olms along the Dinaric Karst. We found nine deeply divergent species‐level lineages that separated between 17 and 4 million years ago, while molecular diversity within lineages was low. We detected no signal of recent admixture between lineages and only limited historical gene flow. Biogeographically, the contemporaneous distribution of lineages mostly mirrors hydrologically separated subterranean environments, while the historical separation of olm lineages follows microtectonic and climatic changes in the area. The reconstructed phylogeny suggests at least four independent transitions to the cave phenotype. Two of the species‐level lineages have miniscule ranges and may represent Europe's rarest amphibians. Their rarity and the decline in other lineages call for protection of their subterranean habitats.
Non‐specific and specific DNA binding modes of bacterial histone, HU, separately regulate distinct physiological processes through different mechanisms
Authors: Verma Subhash C. , Harned Adam , Narayan Kedar , Adhya Sankar
Published: January 2023

The histone‐like protein HU plays a diverse role in bacterial physiology from the maintenance of chromosome structure to the regulation of gene transcription. HU binds DNA in a sequence‐non‐specific manner via two distinct binding modes: (i) random binding to any DNA through ionic bonds between surface‐exposed lysine residues (K3, K18, and K83) and phosphate backbone (non‐specific); (ii) preferential binding to contorted DNA of given structures containing a pair of kinks (structure‐specific) through conserved proline residues (P63) that induce and/or stabilize the kinks. First, we show here that the P63‐mediated structure‐specific binding also requires the three lysine residues, which are needed for a non‐specific binding. Second, we demonstrate that substituting P63 to alanine in HU had no impact on non‐specific binding but caused differential transcription of diverse genes previously shown to be regulated by HU, such as those associated with the organonitrogen compound biosynthetic process, galactose metabolism, ribosome biogenesis, and cell adhesion. The structure‐specific binding also helps create DNA supercoiling, which, in turn, may influence directly or indirectly the transcription of other genes. Our previous and current studies show that non‐specific and structure‐specific HU binding appear to have separate functions‐ nucleoid architecture and transcription regulation‐ which may be true in other DNA‐binding proteins.
The Necessity of Primary Causes: A Critique of Denis Edwards
Authors: McGowan Emma
Published: January 2023

In this paper I will investigate a recent development on St Thomas Aquinas’ definition of dual causality and see if it truly develops Aquinas’ thinking or departs from it. Denis Edwards made significant contributions to contemporary Catholic theology especially as it concerns the relationship between science and Christian theology. In one very interesting publication, ‘Toward a Theology of Divine Action’, Edwards employs the developments of William R Stoeger, a Jesuit theologian who has also contributed a great deal to Catholic thought on science, to reconcile Stoeger's work with the Thomist tradition. Edwards argued that Stoeger's account of the laws of nature creates a space for the development which is built on Aquinas’ account of divine causality and miracles. However, I hope to show that Edwards’ account of divine causality does not actually offer anything new and opposes key features of Thomist thought. This paper will investigate Edward's understanding of the Thomist position and the consequences of departing from it.
Happle‐Tinschert syndrome variable phenotype as part of the mosaic hedgehog spectrum: Report of three cases
Authors: Cano Ramiro , Abad María Eugenia , Schanze Denny , Zenker Martin , Serafin Eva , Larralde Margarita
Published: January 2023

Happle‐Tinschert syndrome is a rare genodermatosis caused by a postzygotic mutation in SMO gene. The most recognized clinical findings include segmentally arranged basaloid follicular hamartomas, nevoid hypertrichosis, linear atrophoderma, and hypopigmentation or hyperpigmentation following Blaschko lines associated with osseous, dental, and cerebral alterations. We report three additional cases, two of which lacked the pathognomonic basaloid follicular hamartomas, with genetic confirmation and detailed clinical characterization and describe new cutaneous features of this infrequent syndrome.
Transcriptome analysis reveals the fruit color variation in Ailanthus altissima
Authors: Ma Yaping , Devi Mura Jyostna , Feng Xuerui , Li Yunmao , Song Lihua , Gao Handong , Cao Bing
Published: January 2023

Anthocyanins are responsible for the intensity of color in plants; however, the systematic mechanisms underlying the color differences in the fruit of Ailanthus altissima remain unknown. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the transcriptomes of the white and red fruit of A. altissima by screening and validating the key genes involved in flavonoid and anthocyanin biosynthesis. Samples of A. altissima fruit were collected 30, 45, and 60 days after flowering, and their pigment and sugar content were determined. The anthocyanin content was significantly higher in red than in white fruits. Transcriptome analysis was also performed on the fruit samples, 73,807 unigenes were assembled and annotated to seven databases. Twenty‐one co‐expressed modules were identified via weighted gene co‐expression network analysis, of which two were associated with flavonoids and anthocyanins. Furthermore, in three growth stages, 126, 30, and 124 differentially expressed genes were screened between white and red fruit. Genes involved in flavonoid and anthocyanin metabolism were identified. AaDFR (A. altissima bifunctional dihydroflavonol 4‐reductase/flavanone 4‐reductase) and AaANS (A. altissima anthocyanidin synthase) were associated with flavonoid and anthocyanin metabolism. Members of the AaDFR and AaANS families were also identified, and their basic physicochemical characteristics, conserved domains, motif compositions, phylogenetics, and expression levels were analyzed. The overexpression of AaDFR and AaANS in transgenic Arabidopsis significantly increased the content of seed and foliar flavonoids and anthocyanins. The study elucidated the different mechanisms underlying fruit color development and provided insight into A. altissima plants breeding with commercially desirable properties.
“My baby is fine, no need for more clinic visits.” Facilitators and barriers for utilisation of follow‐up services for children born preterm in low‐resource setting: Parents' perceptions
Authors: Namiiro Flaviah B. , Nolens Barbara , Rujumba Joseph , Kiguli Sarah , Batte Anthony , van den Akker Thomas
Published: January 2023

Objectives

We sought to understand the facilitators and barriers impacting utilisation of follow‐up services for children born preterm as perceived by parents in a low‐resource setting.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study at Mulago Hospital, Uganda, with parents of children born preterm and aged 22–38 months at the time of the study. We collected data using five in‐depth interviews and four focus group discussions. Data were analysed using thematic analysis informed by the social–ecological model.

Results

Ten subthemes emerged that could be grouped into three main themes: (1) Individual: parents' knowledge, parenting skills, perception of follow‐up and infant's condition; (2) Relationship: support for the mother and information sharing; (3) Institution: facility setup, cost of care, available personnel and distance from the facility. Parents of preterm infants perceived receiving timely information, better understanding of prematurity and its complications, support from spouses, availability of free services and encouragement from health workers as facilitators for utilisation of follow‐up services. Limited male involvement, parents' negative perception of follow‐up, stable condition of infant, health facility challenges especially congestion at the hospital, distance and care costs were key barriers.

Conclusion

An interplay of facilitators and barriers at individual, interpersonal and health system levels encourage or deter parents from taking their preterm children for follow‐up services. Improving utilisation of services will require educating parents on the importance of follow‐up even when children are not sick, eliciting maternal support from spouses and peers and addressing health system gaps that make follow‐up unattractive and costly.
Approximate controllability for systems of fractional nonlinear differential equations involving Riemann-Liouville derivatives
Authors: Sahijwani Lavina , Sukavanam Nagarajan
Published: January 2023

The article objectifies the approximate controllability of fractional nonlinear differential equations having Riemann-Liouville derivatives. First, the existence of solutions is deduced through fixed point approach and then approximate controllability is proved using Cauchy convergence through iterative and approximate techniques. The theory of semigroup together with probability density function has been utilized to reach the desired conclusions.
Pattern visual evoked potentials show an inferior–superior topographic shift through maturation in childhood
Authors: Marmoy Oliver R. , Horvat‐Gitsels Lisanne A. , Cortina‐Borja Mario , Thompson Dorothy A.
Published: January 2023

The pattern‐reversal visual evoked potential (prVEP) is an established routine clinical test. Its objectivity is particularly valuable for assessing visual pathway function in children. International standards specify at a minimum that an active electrode is placed on the occiput at Oz, but we find an additional inferior electrode at the inion (Iz) provides larger and more sensitive prVEPs in young persons. This study assesses the significance and age‐dependence of these observations. PrVEPs were recorded from 1487 patients considered ophthalmologically normal aged <20 years old, to a range of check widths including International Society for Clinical Electrophysiology of Vision (ISCEV) standard large (50′) and small (12.5′) check widths. P100 peak‐time and amplitude from both electrode sites were analysed. A subset of 256 children were studied longitudinally by fitting logistic regression models including a random effect on subjects. PrVEPs were largest over the Iz electrode for the majority of infants and children. This transitioned with age to become equal or smaller at Oz as a function of check width. For ISCEV standard large and small check widths, transition periods were ∼8 and ∼12 years of age, respectively. We estimated abnormal result classifications of 3.7% with use of an Oz electrode alone, which decreases to 0.0–0.5% when adding or using an Iz electrode. The inferior dominance of prVEP topography in children may be explained by age‐related anatomical changes altering the cortical dipole, combined with physiological maturation of the neural generators of the prVEP. We recommend the Iz electrode is used routinely in recording of prVEPs in children.

image

Key points

Pattern visual evoked potentials (PVEPs) are an established clinical test which provide objective assessment of visual pathway function. These are particularly valuable in providing objective information of vision in children.

International standards specify the active recording electrode should be placed at the mid‐occiput (Oz), but we find that pattern‐reversal visual evoked potential amplitudes are larger for a lower placed electrode (Iz) in young persons.

This was assessed in 1487 patients who had simultaneous PVEP recording at both electrode positions, and it was found that the majority of PVEPs in children were larger over the Iz electrode.

The developmental differences in PVEP distribution transitioned to be equal between Iz and Oz with increasing age as a function of check width, at ∼8 and ∼12 years old for large and small check widths, respectively.

These differences will improve diagnostic accuracy of paediatric PVEPs. We hypothesise these changes reflect developmental anatomical and neurophysiological changes altering the PVEP dipole.
Matrix-Patterned Micromarkers for Tracking Local Contractile Movements of Myotubes Cultured on Thin-Film Scaffold
Authors: Hashimoto Shigehiro
Published: January 2023

To measure the distribution of local contractile movements in the layer of the myotubes, the movement of the matrix pattern of micromarkers placed on the back surface of the myotube-attached thin film has been tracked in vitro. A matrix pattern of micromarkers (diameter: 4 μm, height: 2 μm, interval: 30 μm) was fabricated on the back of a polydimethylsiloxane thin film (thickness: 6 μm) using photolithography. Mouse myoblasts were seeded on the front of the thin film and cultured for 10 days to differentiate into myotubes. Periodic electrical pulses (amplitude 2 V, pulse period 0.5 s, pulse width 1 ms) were applied between the electrodes of titanium wires immersed in the medium. Movements of both myotubes and markers were observed simultaneously with an optical microscope. Experimental results indicate that the motion distribution of each marker is related to the local periodic motion of the myotube layer. Thin films with matrix-patterned micromarkers fabricated on the back side allow in vitro analysis of the distribution of local repetitive contractile movements in the myotube layer.
Hydrodynamic Characteristics of Textured Microchannel Flow
Authors: Rabiei Nastaran , Hidrovo Carlos H.
Published: January 2023

Microchannel flow is of great interest across many disciplines and applications, from biochemical diagnostics to thermal management systems. Nonetheless, such flow requires large pumping power due to its small cross-sectional length scale. Textured surfaces have shown encouraging results in terms of drag reduction in external flows and at larger scales (turbulent regime). However, there have been some discrepancies in the literature regarding the possibility of drag/friction reduction in microscale internal flows (laminar regime), which is believed to be due to the absence of a proper definition for the reference baseline. The main goal of this paper is to determine whether the (rectangular) textures lead to drag/friction reduction while comparing their results with the correct reference. The rectangular trenches have been introduced on the side walls of the microchannels/microgaps to understand the underlying frictional physics by conducting numerical simulations and experiments. The effect of geometrical parameters of the rectangular trenches as well as the Reynolds number has been investigated on characteristics of the flow. A thorough analysis has been performed using a neural network (NN) to evaluate the potential drag reduction in textured microchannels. The results showed that using the correct reference baseline, no drag reduction was observed in textured microchannels with rectangular trenches. Moreover, the width-to-depth aspect ratio of the trenches and roughness (texture size to mean microchannel dimension) are introduced to be critical parameters in the flow behavior inside textured microchannels.
Validation of Smartphones and Different Low-Cost Activity Trackers for Step Counting Under Free-Living Conditions
Authors: Goh Claire Marie Jie Lin , Wang Nan Xin , Müller Andre Matthias , Yap Rowena , Edney Sarah , Müller-Riemenschneider Falk
Published: January 2023

Background: Smartphones and wrist-worn activity trackers are increasingly popular for step counting purposes and physical activity promotion. Although trackers from popular brands have frequently been validated, the accuracy of low-cost devices under free-living conditions has not been adequately determined. Objective: To investigate the criterion validity of smartphones and low-cost wrist-worn activity trackers under free-living conditions. Methods: Participants wore a waist-worn Yamax pedometer and seven different low-cost wrist-worn activity trackers continuously over 3 days, and an activity log was completed at the end of each day. At the end of the study, the number of step counts reflected on the participants’ smartphone for each of the 3 days was also recorded. To establish criterion validity, step counts from smartphones and activity trackers were compared with the pedometers using Pearson’s correlation coefficient, mean absolute percentage error, and intraclass correlation coefficient. Results: Five of the seven activity trackers underestimated step counts and the remaining two and the smartphones overestimated step counts. Criterion validity was consistently higher for the activity trackers (r = .78–.92; mean absolute percentage error 14.5%–36.1%; intraclass correlation coefficient: .51–.91) than the smartphone (r = .37; mean absolute percentage error 55.7%; intraclass correlation coefficient: .36). Stratified analysis showed better validity of smartphones among female than for male participants. Phone wearing location also affected accuracy. Conclusions: Low-cost trackers demonstrated high accuracy in recording step counts and can be considered with confidence for research purposes or large-scale health promotion programs. The accuracy of using a smartphone for measuring step counts was substantially lower. Factors such as phone wear location and gender should also be considered when using smartphones to track step counts.
Varicella zoster virus cerebellitis without skin manifestations in an immunocompetent adult
Authors: Enwo Oby Otu , Ibrahim Dina , Boughton Matthew , Coyle-Gilchrist Ian
Published: January 2023

The varicella zoster virus (VZV) is a ubiquitous, neurotropic pathogen capable of reactivation from sensory ganglion cells to cause dermatomal herpes zoster infection, alongside a range of pathologies within the central nervous system. The presence of VZV cerebellitis without skin manifestations, however, is exceedingly rare in immunocompetent adults.

We report a case of VZV cerebellitis in an immunocompetent woman in her 70s, in the absence of a rash. The patient presented with a 2-week history of progressive gait ataxia, headache and mild confusion. Serological tests and neuroimaging were unremarkable. Diagnosis was confirmed through cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis which revealed lymphocytosis and the presence of VZV DNA on PCR analysis. The patient showed symptomatic improvement following empirical acyclovir treatment, corroborated by favourable CSF analysis 10 days post-treatment initiation.

Infective aetiology, including VZV, should be considered in patients presenting with acute cerebellar ataxia, even in immunocompetent adults with an absence of dermatological signs.
Study protocol of the CREDO randomised controlled trial: evaluation of a structured return home consultation for patients suffering from metastaticcancer
Authors: Gimenez Laëtitia , Grosclaude Pascale , Druel Vladimir , Costa Nadège , Delpierre Cyrille , Molinier Laurent , Delord Jean-Pierre , Rougé Bugat Marie-Eve
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Patients suffering from cancer are often managed by multiple health professionals. General practitioners with specific skills in oncology could facilitate care coordination between hospital and general practice in the management of these patients. To explore this hypothesis, we run a randomised clinical trial, called ‘Concertation de REtour à DOmicile, CREDO’. The main objective is to explore the effectiveness of a ‘return home’ consultation compared with standard care. The number of unscheduled visits to care centres is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

Methods and analysis

CREDO is a multicentre, randomised, open-label, prospective trial. It takes place in two specialised cancer care centres in southern France (Occitania region). Patient inclusion criteria are: be over 18 years old; be treated with a first cycle of metastatic chemotherapy in a specialised cancer care centre; have a metastatic solid cancer and be returning home after treatment. Patients are randomised in two arms: standard-arm (conventional management) or intervention-arm (CREDO management). In the intervention arm, a ‘return home’ consultation is carried out in three steps. First, the investigating GP (GP with specific skills in oncology) from the specialised care centre collects information about the patient and patient’s management choices. Then, the investigating GP conducts an interview with the patient’s referring GP to quickly communicate and discuss information about the patient. Finally, the investigating GP summarises these exchanges and transmits this information to the care centres chosen by the patient.

All the patients are followed for 1 year.

Statistical and medicoeconomic analysis are planned.

Ethics and dissemination

This clinical trial is registered under ClinicalTrials.gov identifier and was approved by the ethics committee of South-Western French Committee for the Protection of Persons (number: 2016-A01587-44) and from the French National Drug Safety Agency (ANSM, number: 2016111500034).

An international publication of the final results and conference presentations will be planned.

Trial registration number

NCT02857400.
Sensitivity of rapid antigen tests for COVID-19 during the Omicron variant outbreak among players and staff members of the Japan Professional Football League and clubs: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Murakami Michio , Sato Hitoshi , Irie Tomoko , Kamo Masashi , Naito Wataru , Yasutaka Tetsuo , Imoto Seiya
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Rapid antigen tests have been used to prevent the spread of the COVID-19; however, there have been concerns about their decreased sensitivity to the Omicron variant. In this study, we assessed the sensitivity and specificity of the rapid antigen test compared with the PCR test among the players and staff members of the Japan Professional Football League and clubs. Furthermore, we evaluated the relationship between the sensitivity and the duration from the onset of symptoms to testing or vaccine status.

Design

This was a retrospective observational study.

Methods

We used 656 results from both the rapid antigen and PCR tests for COVID-19 using samples collected on the same day from 12 January to 2 March 2022, during the Omicron variant outbreak in Japan.

Results

The sensitivity of the rapid antigen test compared with the PCR test was 0.63 (95% CI: 0.53 to 0.73) and the specificity was 0.998 (95% CI: 0.995 to 1.000). There were no significant associations between the sensitivity and the duration from the onset of symptoms to testing (including asymptomatic cases in the category) or vaccination status (p>0.05) with small effect sizes (Cramer’s V or φ: ≤0.22).

Conclusions

Even during the Omicron outbreak, the sensitivity of the rapid antigen tests did not depend on the duration from the onset of symptoms to testing.
Patterns of gauge symmetry in the background field method
Authors: Aguilar A. C. , Ferreira M. N. , Ibañez D. , Oliveira B. M. , Papavassiliou J.
Published: January 2023

The correlation functions of Yang–Mills theories formulated in the background field method satisfy linear Slavnov–Taylor identities, which are naive generalizations of simple tree level relations, with no deformations originating from the ghost-sector of the theory. In recent years, a stronger version of these identities has been found to hold at the level of the background gluon self-energy, whose transversality is enforced separately for each special block of diagrams contributing to the gluon Schwinger–Dyson equation. In the present work we demonstrate by means of explicit calculations that the same distinct realization of the Slavnov–Taylor identity persists in the case of the background three-gluon vertex. The analysis is carried out at the level of the exact Schwinger–Dyson equation for this vertex, with no truncations or simplifying assumptions. The demonstration entails the contraction of individual vertex diagrams by the relevant momentum, which activates Slavnov–Taylor identities of vertices and multi-particle kernels nested inside these graphs; the final result emerges by virtue of a multitude of extensive cancellations, without the need of performing explicit integrations. In addition, we point out that background Ward identities amount to replacing derivatives of propagators by zero-momentum background-gluon insertions, in exact analogy to standard properties of Abelian gauge theories. Finally, certain potential applications of these results are briefly discussed.
Internet of medical things for VTE patients in ICU: A self-attention mechanism-based energy-efficient risk identification scheduling algorithm
Authors: Yao Yuan , Liu Liubin , Liu Xinghao , Wang Min , Sai Xiaoyong
Published: January 2023

The explosive growth of medical data has dramatically increased the demand for computing power, resulting in insufficient spectrum resources and communication overload. Hospitals need to invest much money to expand computing resources. Various diseases require varying degrees of multi-sensor and continuous monitoring. Take venous thromboembolism (VTE) patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) as an example, enlargement of the right heart, widening of the pulmonary artery, and abnormal results of myocardial enzyme examination maybe lead to sudden death within a short time in the ICU inpatient ward. Steady and dynamic health monitoring is essential. Patients’ immediate risk perception can significantly improve medical efficiency and reduce adverse consequences. How to provide a more efficient and secure full-time monitoring scheme, dynamically adjust the workload, and allocate computing tasks and requests reasonably is a practical problem to be solved urgently. First, this paper defines a task similarity to measure the similarity between different task packages and determine the priority of tasks to avoid forwarding highly similar task packages and reduce energy consumption. Second, the edge gateway caching mechanism with a self-attention mechanism is constructed, which changes the centralized scheduling mode of traditional cloud computing, devolves the coordination function to the edge, and divides the network into multiple local sub-networks. The central node of the sub-network determines the scheduling scheme. The experimental results show that the system can ensure the quality of service and use the edge’s limited computing resources, effectively shield the inefficient data transmission requirements, reduce the use cost and medical quality, and has a specific theoretical and practical value.
Control of aerodynamic sound from a circular cylinder using a splitter plate
Authors: Luo Bo , Chu Wuli , Zhang Haoguang , Chi Zhidong
Published: January 2023

The aerodynamic sound from bluff bodies is a practically important problem in various engineering applications. To control the aerodynamic noise, the sound emitted from a circular cylinder with and without a splitter plate in a Reynolds number (Re) of [Formula: see text] is studied using Ffowcs Williams and Hawkings (FW-H) acoustic analogy. The flow field is simulated by Detached Eddy Simulation (DES) approach to investigate the mechanism of the sound reduction using a splitter plate in a three-dimensional calculation. The predicted sound of the circular cylinder is compared with the experimental data from the literature, and a good agreement is achieved. The results from this study show that lift and drag fluctuations of the circular cylinder with the splitter plate are smaller than those of the no-splitter case. The Strouhal number related to vortex shedding with the splitter plate is slightly reduced compared to the unmodified circular cylinder due to the stretched shear layers. The pressure fluctuations in the wake are decreased by the splitter plate, resulting from the suppression of vortex shedding. The application of the splitter plate reduces the lift dipole which is the main sound source. It leads to a sound reduction of 13 dB.
Visible and near-infrared ridge waveguides in fused silica glasses by oxygen ion implantation and femtosecond laser ablation
Authors: Liu Chun-Xiao , Sun Wang , Zeng Zi-Heng , Zhou Yan-Jun , Zhang Liao-Lin , Fu Li-Li , Yue Qing-Yang
Published: January 2023

A two-dimensional waveguide is the building block in integrated photonic circuits. In this work, the 5.0 MeV oxygen ion implantation at a dose of [Formula: see text] ions/cm2 was carried out on the fused silica glass for the formation of the planar waveguide. Then, a femtosecond laser was employed to ablate the ion-implanted surface at a speed of 200 [Formula: see text]m/s for the construction of the ridge waveguide. The energy depositions of the oxygen ion implantation into the fused silica glass were simulated by the SRIM 2013. The microscopic morphology of the ridge waveguide was photographed by a Nikon microscope. The near-field intensity distributions of the ridge waveguide at 532 nm and 976 nm were measured by using the end-face coupling system. The ion-implanted and femtosecond-ablated ridge waveguide on the fused silica glass has the potential as a photonic device for integrated optical systems at the visible and near-infrared bands.