bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A study on the effect of the geometric properties and surface defects on silicon chip flexibility for wearable electronics
Authors: Pan Yan , Jin Taiyu , Peng Xiaohui , Zhu Pengli , Paik Kyung W.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper was to investigate how variations in the geometry of silicon chips and the presence of surface defects affect their static bending properties. By comparing the bending radius and strength across differently sized and treated chips, the study sought to understand the underlying mechanics that contribute to the flexibility of silicon-based electronic devices. This understanding is crucial for the development of advanced, robust and adaptable electronic systems that can withstand the rigors of manufacturing and everyday use.

Design/methodology/approach

This study explores the impact of silicon chip geometry and surface defects on flexibility through a multifaceted experimental approach. The methodology included preparing silicon chips of three distinct dimensions and subjecting them to thinning processes to achieve a uniform thickness verified via scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Finite element method (FEM) simulations and a series of four-point bending tests were used to analyze the bending flexibility theoretically and experimentally. The approach was comprehensive, examining both the intrinsic geometric factors and the extrinsic influence of surface defects induced by manufacturing processes.

Findings

The findings revealed a significant deviation between the theoretical predictions from FEM simulations and the experimental outcomes from the four-point bending tests. Rectangular-shaped chips demonstrated superior flexibility, with smaller dimensions leading to an increased bending strength. Surface defects, identified as critical factors affecting flexibility, were analyzed through SEM and atomic force microscopy, showing that etching processes could reduce defect density and enhance flexibility. Notably, the study concluded that surface defects have a more pronounced impact on silicon chip flexibility than geometric factors, challenging initial assumptions and highlighting the need for defect minimization in chip manufacturing.

Originality/value

This research contributes valuable insights into the design and fabrication of flexible electronic devices, emphasizing the significant role of surface defects over geometric considerations in determining silicon chip flexibility. The originality of the work lies in its holistic approach to dissecting the factors influencing silicon chip flexibility, combining theoretical simulations with practical bending tests and surface defect analysis. The findings underscore the importance of optimizing manufacturing processes to reduce surface defects, thereby paving the way for the creation of more durable and flexible electronic devices for future technologies.
Designing an occupation‐based group intervention for adult inpatient rehabilitation: Partnering with clinicians and patients using a nominal group technique design
Authors: Wall Gemma , Pearce Claire , Gustafsson Louise , Isbel Stephen
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Occupation‐based interventions use engagement in a person's daily activities to achieve change. There is growing research into the use of occupation‐based group interventions in the inpatient rehabilitation setting. It remains unclear whether occupation‐based groups offer comparable outcomes to occupation‐based interventions delivered individually; this research will precede a clinical trial aimed at comparing these two approaches for improving occupational performance outcomes. This study details the process of co‐designing the intervention. Partnering with clinicians and patients in the design of healthcare interventions can promote patient‐centred care, enhance uptake, and improve applicability and sustainability of the intervention to that setting.

Methods

A modified nominal group technique (NGT) design was applied to facilitate two meetings and an electronic survey with an expert panel of clinicians and patients. Twelve participants (n = 4 occupational therapists, n = 1 registered nurse, n = 1 physiotherapist, n = 1 occupational therapy assistant, n = 1 occupational therapy manager, and n = 4 patients) were purposively recruited. A modified approach to the technique's four stages was used: silent generation, round robin, clarification, and voting. Consensus was set at >50%. Qualitative data from group discussions were analysed thematically.

Findings

All participants agreed the intervention should include patient‐centred, goal‐directed, practice of daily activities, including breakfast and lunch preparation, domestic tasks, and laundry. Other components that were agreed included where the groups could run, group size, eligibility criteria, and frequency. Key themes from clinicians included needing a goal‐directed intervention, focused on progressing towards hospital discharge; time and resource requirements were also discussed. Patients emphasised the importance of building social connections, opportunity to engage in meaningful activity, and the importance of linking participation to patient goals.

Conclusion

Through collaboration with clinicians and patients, an occupation‐based group intervention considering the available evidence, alongside clinical, experiential, and contextual sources of knowledge was developed; this resulted in an evidence‐based, patient‐centred, and contextually relevant intervention.
A Behavioural Science Approach to Tackling Sexism and Misogyny in Policing: Interventions for Instigating Cultural Change
Authors: Wire Julia , Flanagan Esther
Published: May 2024

Changing ingrained behaviours linked to sexism and misogyny in policing cannot be achieved by a quick fix. There are numerous barriers to change within the policing system, which require multiple targeted interventions running in parallel to tackle sexism and misogyny successfully. A behavioural science approach was applied to ‘diagnose’ the problem and identify interventions systematically. This approach does not seek to explain behaviour in terms of the characteristics of individual officers or staff. It combines insights from a range of disciplines to understand how people act in particular contexts. There is no single intervention that can shift ingrained behaviour; a package of targeted interventions is needed. Using the ‘behaviour change wheel’ as the underpinning framework, four target behaviours, seven key influences on behaviour and twelve interventions for change were identified. The connections between the behaviours, influences and interventions illustrate how a holistic package of interventions is required to change culture across the policing system.
Property rights in a weak state: Evidence from land pawning in Qing Taiwan (1683–1895)
Authors: Jheng Shao‐yu , Koo Hui‐wen , Wu Kun‐jung
Published: May 2024

Land pawning is considered inefficient because it causes property rights to be unclearly delineated. Despite this, it once prevailed worldwide. We propose that this system flourished when state capacity was weak and the private sector spontaneously managed public affairs. Local collaboration made it difficult to sell land outright to an outsider who might be an unreliable collaborator. Land pawning granted the pawner's family and neighbours a ‘probation’ period to observe the pawnee's behaviour. If they found the pawnee irresponsible, they could still redeem the land. Data compiled from contracts in Qing Taiwan support our hypothesis.
The interplay between historical land‐use and the distribution of Helichrysum shrubs in an African‐protected grassland
Authors: Mgimba Christopher A. , Smith Stuart W. , Ngondya Issakwisa B. , Treydte Anna C.
Published: May 2024

Human land use can have lasting impacts on landscape characteristic, yet there remains a lack of information on how former land use affects plant communities in protected African grasslands. In this study, we investigated how land uses prior to the creation of Kitulo National Park, Tanzania, shaped the presence and abundance of the native shrub, Helichrysum species. We evaluated both plant species composition and soil properties across the park by dividing our sample into three different zones of historical land use based on participatory mapping. We divided the park into three former land uses: (1) livestock grazed and cultivated; (2) grazed only and (3) wild grazing with limited human impact. We observed that former grazed cultivated land use had five times higher Helichrysum abundance than former ‘wild’ land use. Soil pH, magnesium and phosphorus levels varied significantly across zones of historical land use but not between sites with and without Helichrysum species. Helichrysum splendidum was more abundant in soils with low soil phosphorus and magnesium concentrations. Our study demonstrates that historic grazing and cropping land uses through changes in soil nutrient properties can explain current Helichrysum species spread in protected areas. As such, conservation management plans would benefit from integrating mapping of former land uses to target interventions for problematic encroaching shrubs.
A long‐term prognosis study of human USP8‐mutated ACTH‐secreting pituitary neuroendocrine tumours
Authors: Miao Hui , Wang Luo , Gong Fengying , Duan Lian , Wang Linjie , Yao Yong , Feng Ming , Deng Kan , Wang Renzhi , Xiao Yu , Ling Qing , Zhu Huijuan , Lu Lin
Published: May 2024

Objective

Somatic variants in the ubiquitin‐specific protease 8 (USP8) gene are the most common genetic cause of Cushing disease. We aimed to explore the relationship between clinical outcomes and USP8 status in a single centre.

Design, patients and measurements

We investigated the USP8 status in 48 patients with pituitary corticotroph tumours. A median of 62 months of follow‐up was conducted after surgery from November 2013 to January 2015. The clinical, biochemical and imaging features were collected and analysed.

Results

Seven USP8 variants (p.Ser718Pro, p.Ser719del, p.Pro720Arg, p.Pro720Gln, p.Ser718del, p.Ser718Phe, p.Lys713Arg) were identified in 24 patients (50%). USP8 variants showed a female predominance (100% vs. 75% in wild type [WT], p = .022). Patients with p.Ser719del showed an older age at surgery compared to patients with the p.Pro720Arg variant (47‐ vs. 24‐year‐olds, p = .033). Patients with p.Pro720Arg showed a higher rate of macroadenoma compared to patients harbouring the p.Ser718Pro variant (60% vs. 0%, p = .037). No significant differences were observed in serum and urinary cortisol and adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) levels. Immediate surgical remission (79% vs. 75%) and long‐term hormone remission (79% vs. 67%) were not significantly different between the two groups. The recurrence rate was 21% (4/19) in patients harbouring USP8 variants and 13% (2/16) in WT patients. Recurrence‐free survival presented a tendency to be shorter in USP8‐mutated individuals (76.7 vs. 109.2 months, p = .068).

Conclusions

Somatic USP8 variants accounted for 50% of the genetic causes in this cohort with a significant female frequency. A long‐term follow‐up revealed a tendency toward shorter recurrence‐free survival in USP8‐mutant patients.
Should I stay or should I go? Coral bleaching from the symbionts' perspective
Authors: Scott Carly B. , Ostling Annette , Matz Mikhail V.
Published: May 2024

Coral bleaching, the stress‐induced breakdown of coral‐algal symbiosis, threatens reefs globally. Paradoxically, despite adverse fitness effects, corals bleach annually, even outside of abnormal temperatures. This generally occurs shortly after the once‐per‐year mass coral spawning. Here, we propose a hypothesis linking annual coral bleaching and the transmission of symbionts to the next generation of coral hosts. We developed a dynamic model with two symbiont growth strategies, and found that high sexual recruitment and low adult coral survivorship and growth favour bleaching susceptibility, while the reverse promotes bleaching resilience. Otherwise, unexplained trends in the Indo‐Pacific align with our hypothesis, where reefs and coral taxa exhibiting higher recruitment are more bleaching susceptible. The results from our model caution against interpreting potential shifts towards more bleaching‐resistant symbionts as evidence of climate adaptation—we predict such a shift could also occur in declining systems experiencing low recruitment rates, a common scenario on today's reefs.
Assessing patient information needs for new antidiabetic medications to inform shared decision‐making: A best–worst scaling experiment in China
Authors: Xie Tongling , Meng Jingyi , Feng Zhe , Gao Yue , Chen Tian , Chen Yalan , Geng Jinsong
Published: May 2024

Background

Shared decision‐making (SDM) is a patient‐centred approach to improve the quality of care. An essential requirement for the SDM process is to be fully aware of patient information needs.

Objectives

Our study aimed to assess patient information needs for new antidiabetic medications using the best–worst scaling (BWS) experiment.

Methods

BWS tasks were developed according to a literature review and the focus group discussion. We used a balanced incomplete block design and blocking techniques to generate choice sets. The final BWS contains 11 attributes, with 6‐choice scenarios in each block. The one‐to‐one, face‐to‐face BWS survey was conducted among type 2 diabetic patients in Jiangsu Province. Results were analyzed using count‐based analysis and modelling approaches. We also conducted a subgroup analysis to observe preference heterogeneity.

Results

Data from 539 patients were available for analysis. The most desired information domain was the comparative effectiveness of new antidiabetic medications. It consists of the incidence of macrovascular complications, the length of extended life years, changes in health‐related quality of life, the incidence of microvascular complications, and the control of glycated haemoglobin. Of all the attributes, the incidence of macrovascular complications was the primary concern. Patients' glycemic control and whether they had diabetes complications exerted a significant influence on their information needs.

Conclusions

Information on health benefits is of critical significance for diabetic patients. Patients have different information needs as their disease progresses. Personalized patient decision aids that integrate patient information needs and provide evidence of new antidiabetic medications are worthy of being established.

Patient or Public Contribution

Before data collection, a pilot survey was carried out among diabetic patients to provide feedback on the acceptability and intelligibility of the attributes.
Air‐polishing followed by ultrasonic calculus removal for the treatment of gingivitis: A 12‐month, split‐mouth randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Mensi M. , Scotti E. , Sordillo A. , Dalè M. , Calza S.
Published: May 2024

Objective

To evaluate the advantages of a novel protocol involving full‐mouth erythritol‐powder air‐polishing followed by ultrasonic calculus removal in the maintenance of patients treated for gingivitis, with a focus on time and comfort.

Methods

Systemically healthy patients with gingivitis were selected. Following a split‐mouth design, quadrants 1–4 and 2–3 were randomly allocated to receive air‐polishing followed by ultrasonic calculus removal following a protocol known as Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) or traditional full‐mouth ultrasonic debridement followed by polishing with a rubber cup and prophylactic paste (US + P). Bleeding on probing (BoP) and the plaque index (PI) were collected at baseline (T0), 2 weeks (T1), 4 weeks (T2), 3 months (T3), and 6 months (T4) and 12 months (T5). Following the same randomization, prophylactic therapy was provided at 3 months (T3) and 6 months (T4). Clinical parameters, treatment time and patient comfort and satisfaction were evaluated.

Results

A total of 41 patients were selected, 39 completed the study. The clinical parameters were clinically satisfactory for both treatments at every time. At 4 months after treatment, GBT maintained significantly lower BoP and PI. GBT protocol required a significantly lower treatment time, especially at T3 and T4, when it saved 24.5% and 25.1% of the time, respectively. Both treatments were rated positively by most patients. However, GBT was perceived as more comfortable, and a higher number of patients preferred it.

Conclusion

No significant difference was observed between GBT and conventional ultrasonic debridement and rubber cup polishing in terms of BoP and PI levels. The GBT protocol allowed less time expenditure and higher patients' perceived comfort.
Dietary chamomile flowers extract improved performance and mitigated aflatoxin B1 toxicity in rabbits
Authors: Rashad Mahmoud Gamal , Arafa Mahmoud Mohamed , El‐Zanaty Abd Elfattah Ibrahim , El‐Saeed Lasheen Mohamed , El‐Ashram Saeed Abdelalim , Al‑Olayan Ebtesam Mohamed , Hegazy Mostafa Mahmoud , Farouk Mohammed Hamdy
Published: May 2024

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is among the poisonous mycotoxins that contaminate food and feed. Limited studies are available on the efficacy of chamomile (Cha) against oxidative stress, liver damage and pro‐inflammatory response induced by AFB1. The present study aims to evaluate the effects of Cha on the performance and protective effects against AFB1 in growing rabbits. The experimental rabbits were divided into four different groups, including Cha (70 mg kg day−1), AFB1 (AF; 30 μg kg day−1), AFB1+Cha (AFLCha) and control (CON). The results indicated that the AFB1 treatment had lower values of performance, and carcass parameters compared to the Cha and AFLCha treatments. Furthermore, the Cha and AFLCha groups had lower values of liver and kidney function activities compared to the AFB1 treatment. The higher values of antioxidant enzymes were observed in Cha and AFLCha treatments than in the AFB1 treatment. AFB1 treatments had higher levels of malondialdehyde and liver functions with lower levels of antioxidant enzymes (glutathione and superoxide dismutase) compared to Cha and CON groups. In conclusion, dietary Cha could mitigate the oxidative stress of AFB1‐induced liver deterioration.
Histidine kinase‐mediated cross‐regulation of the vancomycin‐resistance operon in Clostridioides difficile
Authors: Belitsky Boris R.
Published: May 2024

The dipeptide D‐Ala‐D‐Ala is an essential component of peptidoglycan and the target of vancomycin. Most Clostridioides difficile strains possess the vanG operon responsible for the synthesis of D‐Ala‐D‐Ser, which can replace D‐Ala‐D‐Ala in peptidoglycan. The C. difficile vanG operon is regulated by a two‐component system, VanRS, but is not induced sufficiently by vancomycin to confer resistance to this antibiotic. Surprisingly, in the absence of the VanS histidine kinase (HK), the vanG operon is still induced by vancomycin and also by another antibiotic, ramoplanin, in a VanR‐dependent manner. This suggested the cross‐regulation of VanR by another HK or kinases that are activated in the presence of certain lipid II‐targeting antibiotics. We identified these HKs as CD35990 and CD22880. However, mutations in either or both HKs did not affect the regulation of the vanG operon in wild‐type cells suggesting that intact VanS prevents the cross‐activation of VanR by non‐cognate HKs. Overproduction of VanR in the absence of VanS, CD35990, and CD22880 led to high expression of the vanG operon indicating that VanR can potentially utilize at least one more phosphate donor for its activation. Candidate targets of CD35990‐ and CD22880‐mediated regulation in the presence of vancomycin or ramoplanin were identified by RNA‐Seq.
Effects of bariatric surgery on sexual function and fertility: A narrative review
Authors: Law Saikam , Wan Kating , Yang Wah ,   Global Obesity Collaborative
Published: May 2024

Obesity has emerged as a prevalent global health concern, with its detrimental effects on the reproductive system and sexual function garnering increasing attention. Both men and women affected by obesity face a heightened risk of fertility challenges and sexual dysfunction. Although fertility and sexual function are distinct topics, they are intricately linked and mutually influential in both medical and societal contexts. Bariatric surgery (BS) has generated promising results in alleviating sexual dysfunction and enhancing fertility, results which are often gender specific. In men, improvements in sexual function can often be attributed to weight loss and subsequent optimizations in sex hormone levels. However, improving female sexual function may be related to a range of factors beyond weight loss. Bariatric procedures have shown limited benefits for male fertility; in fact, in some situations it can even be detrimental, leading to a decrease in sperm count and quality. Conversely, BS may positively impact female fertility, improving pregnancy and neonatal outcomes. Nevertheless, it is essential to consider the potential risks related to the adverse effects of malnutrition and rapid weight loss following BS, making it advisable to wait for 12–18 months before attempting pregnancy.
Tongue focal myositis: Case series and immunohistochemical characterization
Authors: de Oliveira Barbeiro Camila , Silva Evânio Vilela , Barbeiro Roberto Henrique , Bálico Gabriela Gonçalves , da Silveira Heitor Albergoni , Bufalino Andreia , Brunaldi Mariângela Ottoboni , León Jorge Esquiche
Published: May 2024

Introduction

Focal myositis (FM) is an uncommon, localized inflammatory process that affects a single muscle, with unknown aetiology. In the head and neck region, involvement of perioral musculature, floor of the mouth, and sternocleidomastoid muscle have been reported. FM affecting the tongue is very rare, with only four cases previously published to date.

Aim

This report describes five additional cases of tongue FM.

Case Report

Three patients were male and two were female (mean age, 56 years), and three had symptomatic short‐term nodular swelling.

Results

By immunohistochemistry, M2 macrophages and CD4+ T cells were predominant. Focally, CD15+ granulocytes and CD20+ B cells were visualized. Polyclonal CD138+ plasma cells, with a predominance of IgG+ cells (rarely IgG4+), were detected. All patients evolved with complete resolution after biopsy and no signs of clinical or systemic progression were observed during the follow‐up.

Conclusions

FM should be considered in the differential diagnosis of rapidly growing nodular lingual lesions. By immunohistochemistry, a predominance of M2 macrophages and CD4+ T cells is typical, and it can help in the differential diagnosis with myositis of other origins.
A photogrammetric approach for real‐time visual SLAM applied to an omnidirectional system
Authors: Garcia Thaisa Aline Correia , Tommaselli Antonio Maria Garcia , Castanheiro Letícia Ferrari , Campos Mariana Batista
Published: May 2024

The problem of sequential estimation of the exterior orientation of imaging sensors and the three‐dimensional environment reconstruction in real time is commonly known as visual simultaneous localisation and mapping (vSLAM). Omnidirectional optical sensors have been increasingly used in vSLAM solutions, mainly for providing a wider view of the scene, allowing the extraction of more features. However, dealing with unmodelled points in the hyperhemispherical field poses challenges, mainly due to the complex lens geometry entailed in the image formation process. To address these challenges, the use of rigorous photogrammetric models that appropriately handle the geometry of fisheye lens cameras can overcome these challenges. Thus, this study presents a real‐time vSLAM approach for omnidirectional systems adapting ORB‐SLAM with a rigorous projection model (equisolid‐angle). The implementation was conducted on the Nvidia Jetson TX2 board, and the approach was evaluated using hyperhemispherical images captured by a dual‐fisheye camera (Ricoh Theta S) embedded into a mobile backpack platform. The trajectory covered a distance of 140 m, with the approach demonstrating accuracy better than 0.12 m at the beginning and achieving metre‐level accuracy at the end of the trajectory. Additionally, we compared the performance of our proposed approach with a generic model for fisheye lens cameras.
Gray matter matters: Cognitive stability and flexibility in schizophrenia spectrum disorder
Authors: Herkströter Florentine , Zahedi Anoushiravan , Standke Isabel , Dannlowski Udo , Lencer Rebekka , Schubotz Ricarda I. , Trempler Ima
Published: May 2024

Cognitive dysfunction constitutes a core characteristic of schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SZ). Specifically, deficits in updating generative models (i.e., cognitive flexibility) and shielding against distractions (i.e., cognitive stability) are considered critical contributors to cognitive impairment in these patients. Here, we examined the structural integrity of frontostriatal networks and their associations with reduced cognitive stability and flexibility in SZ patients. In a sample of 21 patients diagnosed with SZ and 22 healthy controls, we measured gray matter volume (GMV) using structural MRI. Further, cognitive stability and flexibility were assessed using a switch‐drift paradigm, quantifying the successful ignoring of distracters and detection of rule switches. Compared to controls, patients showed significantly smaller GMV in the whole brain and three predefined regions of interest: the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), and caudate nucleus (CN). Notably, GMV in these areas positively correlated with correct rule‐switch detection but not with ignoring rule‐compatible drifts. Further, the volumetric differences between SZ patients and controls were statistically explainable by considering the behavioral performance in the switch‐drift task. Our results indicate that morphological abnormalities in frontostriatal networks are associated with deficient flexibility in SZ patients and highlight the necessity of minimizing neurodevelopmental and progressive brain atrophy in this population.
Effect of Sensory Adapted Dental Environment (SADE) on physiological and behavioral parameters related to stress and anxiety in children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) undergoing dental treatment: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Tirupathi Sunny Priyatham , Afnan Lamea
Published: May 2024

Background

Children with autism exhibit a higher general and dental anxiety, due to altered sensory sensibilities.

Aim

This current systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of Sensory adapted dental environment (SADE) over regular dental environment (RDE) on behavioral, physiological stress and overt anxiety in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs).

Materials and methods

Prospero registered (CRD42024508336). PubMed, Cochrane, Scopus databases are searched from years January 1, 1980–January 1, 2024 using pre‐defined search strategy.

Results

A total of 269 titles, were obtained from the included databases after application of filters, exclusion of duplicates and reviews and irrelevant articles led to the final inclusion of 12 articles for full text screening from which, three studies sustained the targeted PICO search.

Conclusion

Skin conductance level (parameter indicating physiological stress) is lower in SADE environment in children with ASD, other behavior stress related parameters there is no significant difference between SADE and RDE environments.
The temporary and partial personalization of political parties in India: A comparison of Indira Gandhi's INC and Narendra Modi's BJP
Authors: Leake Britt , Chhibber Pradeep
Published: May 2024

Objective

We analyze the extent to which the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) were personalized during the tenures of India's two most famous populist prime ministers, Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi, respectively.

Methods

We use findings from contemporary Indian historiography and journalism, as well as academic secondary sources, to analyze the degree of personalization in both the INC and the BJP based on three separate dimensions of party institutionalization: internal institutionalization, external institutionalization, and objective durability.

Results

We find evidence of partial personalization in both the INC and the BJP. To the extent that personalization took place in both cases, it involved an informal and temporary concentration of power in the hands of one leader. Both parties' formal structures remained largely constant and both parties remained valued as institutions by both voters and party members.

Conclusion

Indira Gandhi and Narendra Modi both became two of India's most powerful prime ministers through charismatic populist appeals and cults of personality. While meaningful and important, these outward appearances still give a somewhat misleading image of the degree to which their respective parties underwent personalization during their tenures. Both the BJP and the INC saw a temporary and personal personalization during their time in office while remaining institutionalized parties with objective durability even after their charismatic leaders leave office.
Patterns of red blood cell utilization: Harnessing electronic health records data from the Information Standard for Blood and Transplant (ISBT) 128 system within the Biologics Effectiveness and Safety (BEST) initiative
Authors: Obidi Joyce , Sridhar Gayathri , Dores Graça M. , Whitaker Barbee , Villa Carlos H. , Storch Emily , Chada Kinnera , Schilling Lisa M. , Natarajan Karthik , Biondich Paul , Soares Andrey , Spotnitz Matthew , Falconer Thomas , Purkayastha Saptarshi , Draper Nicole L. , Wong Hui‐Lee , Stagg Matthew , Reich Christian , Anderson Steven , Shoaibi Azadeh
Published: May 2024

Background

Current hemovigilance methods generally rely on survey data or administrative claims data utilizing billing and revenue codes, each of which has limitations. We used electronic health records (EHR) linked to blood bank data to comprehensively characterize red blood cell (RBC) utilization patterns and trends in three healthcare systems participating in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research Biologics Effectiveness and Safety (BEST) initiative.

Methods

We used Information Standard for Blood and Transplant (ISBT) 128 codes linked to EHR from three healthcare systems data sources to identify and quantify RBC‐transfused individuals, RBC transfusion episodes, transfused RBC units, and processing methods per year during 2012–2018.

Results

There were 577,822 RBC units transfused among 112,705 patients comprising 345,373 transfusion episodes between 2012 and 2018. Utilization in terms of RBC units and patients increased slightly in one and decreased slightly in the other two healthcare facilities. About 90% of RBC‐transfused patients had 1 (~46%) or 2–5 (~42%)transfusion episodes in 2018. Among the small proportion of patients with ≥12 transfusion episodes per year, approximately 60% of episodes included only one RBC unit. All facilities used leukocyte‐reduced RBCs during the study period whereas irradiated RBC utilization patterns differed across facilities.

Discussion

ISBT 128 codes and EHRs were used to observe patterns of RBC transfusion and modification methods at the unit level and patient level in three healthcare systems participating in the BEST initiative. This study shows that the ISBT 128 coding system in an EHR environment provides a feasible source for hemovigilance activities.
High-throughput tagging of endogenous loci for rapid characterization of protein function
Authors: Kim Joonwon , Kratz Alexander F. , Chen Shiye , Sheng Jenny , Kim Hark Kyun , Zhang Liudeng , Singh Brijesh Kumar , Chavez Alejandro
Published: May 2024

To facilitate the interrogation of protein function at scale, we have developed high-throughput insertion of tags across the genome (HITAG). HITAG enables users to rapidly produce libraries of cells, each with a different protein of interest C-terminally tagged. HITAG is based on a modified strategy for performing Cas9-based targeted insertions, coupled with an improved approach for selecting properly tagged lines. Analysis of the resulting clones generated by HITAG reveals high tagging specificity, with most successful tagging events being indel free. Using HITAG, we fuse mCherry to a set of 167 stress granule–associated proteins and elucidate the features that drive a subset of proteins to strongly accumulate within these transient RNA-protein granules.
Overcoming noise in quantum teleportation with multipartite hybrid entanglement
Authors: Liu Zhao-Di , Siltanen Olli , Kuusela Tom , Miao Rui-Heng , Ning Chen-Xi , Li Chuan-Feng , Guo Guang-Can , Piilo Jyrki
Published: May 2024

Quantum entanglement and decoherence are the two counterforces of many quantum technologies and protocols. For example, while quantum teleportation is fueled by a pair of maximally entangled resource qubits, it is vulnerable to decoherence. Here, we propose an efficient quantum teleportation protocol in the presence of pure decoherence and without entangled resource qubits entering the Bell-state measurement. Instead, we use multipartite hybrid entanglement between the auxiliary qubits and their local environments within the open–quantum system context. With a hybrid-entangled initial state, it is the decoherence that allows us to achieve high fidelities. We demonstrate our protocol in an all-optical experiment.
REFORMS: Consensus-based Recommendations for Machine-learning-based Science
Authors: Kapoor Sayash , Cantrell Emily M. , Peng Kenny , Pham Thanh Hien , Bail Christopher A. , Gundersen Odd Erik , Hofman Jake M. , Hullman Jessica , Lones Michael A. , Malik Momin M. , Nanayakkara Priyanka , Poldrack Russell A. , Raji Inioluwa Deborah , Roberts Michael , Salganik Matthew J. , Serra-Garcia Marta , Stewart Brandon M. , Vandewiele Gilles , Narayanan Arvind
Published: May 2024

Machine learning (ML) methods are proliferating in scientific research. However, the adoption of these methods has been accompanied by failures of validity, reproducibility, and generalizability. These failures can hinder scientific progress, lead to false consensus around invalid claims, and undermine the credibility of ML-based science. ML methods are often applied and fail in similar ways across disciplines. Motivated by this observation, our goal is to provide clear recommendations for conducting and reporting ML-based science. Drawing from an extensive review of past literature, we present the REFORMS checklist (recommendations for machine-learning-based science). It consists of 32 questions and a paired set of guidelines. REFORMS was developed on the basis of a consensus of 19 researchers across computer science, data science, mathematics, social sciences, and biomedical sciences. REFORMS can serve as a resource for researchers when designing and implementing a study, for referees when reviewing papers, and for journals when enforcing standards for transparency and reproducibility.
Effect of NFX-179 MEK inhibitor on cutaneous neurofibromas in persons with neurofibromatosis type 1
Authors: Sarin Kavita Y. , Bradshaw Mark , O'Mara Chris , Shahryari Jahanbanoo , Kincaid John , Kempers Steven , Tu John H. , Dhawan Sunil , DuBois Janet , Wilson David , Horwath Patrice , de Souza Mark P. , Powala Christopher , Kochendoerfer Gerd G. , Plotkin Scott R. , Webster Guy F. , Le Lu Q.
Published: May 2024

This phase 2a trial investigated the efficacy of NFX-179 Topical Gel, a metabolically labile MEK inhibitor, in the treatment of cutaneous neurofibromas (cNFs) in neurofibromatosis type 1. Forty-eight participants were randomized to four treatment arms: NFX-179 Topical Gel 0.05%, 0.15%, and 0.5% or vehicle applied once daily to five target cNFs for 28 days. Treatment with NFX-179 Topical Gel resulted in a dose-dependent reduction in p-ERK levels in cNFs at day 28, with a 47% decrease in the 0.5% NFX-179 group compared to the vehicle (
P
= 0.0001). No local or systemic toxicities were observed during the treatment period, and systemic concentrations of NFX-179 remained below 1 ng/ml. In addition, 20% of cNFs treated with 0.5% NFX-179 Topical Gel showed a ≥50% reduction in volume compared to 6% in the vehicle group by ruler measurement with calculated volume (
P
= 0.021). Thus, NFX-179 Topical Gel demonstrated significant inhibition of MEK in cNF with excellent safety and potential therapeutic benefit.
The step-by-step assembly mechanism of secreted flavivirus NS1 tetramer and hexamer captured at atomic resolution
Authors: Pan Qi , Jiao Haizhan , Zhang Wanqin , Chen Qiang , Zhang Geshu , Yu Jianhai , Zhao Wei , Hu Hongli
Published: May 2024

Flaviviruses encode a conserved, membrane-associated nonstructural protein 1 (NS1) with replication and immune evasion functions. The current knowledge of secreted NS1 (sNS1) oligomers is based on several low-resolution structures, thus hindering the development of drugs and vaccines against flaviviruses. Here, we revealed that recombinant sNS1 from flaviviruses exists in a dynamic equilibrium of dimer-tetramer-hexamer states. Two DENV4 hexameric NS1 structures and several tetrameric NS1 structures from multiple flaviviruses were solved at atomic resolution by cryo-EM. The stacking of the tetrameric NS1 and hexameric NS1 is facilitated by the hydrophobic β-roll and connector domains. Additionally, a triacylglycerol molecule located within the central cavity may play a role in stabilizing the hexamer. Based on differentiated interactions between the dimeric NS1, two distinct hexamer models (head-to-head and side-to-side hexamer) and the step-by-step assembly mechanisms of NS1 dimer into hexamer were proposed. We believe that our study sheds light on the understanding of the NS1 oligomerization and contributes to NS1-based therapies.
Highly stretchable and customizable microneedle electrode arrays for intramuscular electromyography
Authors: Zhao Qinai , Gribkova Ekaterina , Shen Yiyang , Cui Jilai , Naughton Noel , Liu Liangshu , Seo Jaemin , Tong Baixin , Gazzola Mattia , Gillette Rhanor , Zhao Hangbo
Published: May 2024

Stretchable three-dimensional (3D) penetrating microelectrode arrays have potential utility in various fields, including neuroscience, tissue engineering, and wearable bioelectronics. These 3D microelectrode arrays can penetrate and conform to dynamically deforming tissues, thereby facilitating targeted sensing and stimulation of interior regions in a minimally invasive manner. However, fabricating custom stretchable 3D microelectrode arrays presents material integration and patterning challenges. In this study, we present the design, fabrication, and applications of stretchable microneedle electrode arrays (SMNEAs) for sensing local intramuscular electromyography signals ex vivo. We use a unique hybrid fabrication scheme based on laser micromachining, microfabrication, and transfer printing to enable scalable fabrication of individually addressable SMNEA with high device stretchability (60 to 90%). The electrode geometries and recording regions, impedance, array layout, and length distribution are highly customizable. We demonstrate the use of SMNEAs as bioelectronic interfaces in recording intramuscular electromyography from various muscle groups in the buccal mass of
Aplysia
.
Extravascular administration of IGF1R antagonists protects against aortic aneurysm in rodent and porcine models
Authors: Wei Yongzhen , Jiang Huan , Li Fengjuan , Chai Chao , Xu Yaping , Xing Mengmeng , Deng Weiliang , Wang He , Zhu Yuexin , Yang Sen , Yu Yongquan , Wang Wenming , Wei Yan , Guo Yu , Tian Jinwei , Du Jie , Guo Zhikun , Wang Yuan , Zhao Qiang
Published: May 2024

An abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is a life-threatening cardiovascular disease. We identified plasma insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) as an independent risk factor in patients with AAA by correlating plasma IGF1 with risk. Smooth muscle cell– or fibroblast-specific knockout of
Igf1r
, the gene encoding the IGF1 receptor (IGF1R), attenuated AAA formation in two mouse models of AAA induced by angiotensin II infusion or CaCl
2
treatment. IGF1R was activated in aortic aneurysm samples from human patients and mice with AAA. Systemic administration of IGF1C, a peptide fragment of IGF1, 2 weeks after disease development inhibited AAA progression in mice. Decreased AAA formation was linked to competitive inhibition of IGF1 binding to its receptor by IGF1C and modulation of downstream alpha serine/threonine protein kinase (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin signaling. Localized application of an IGF1C-loaded hydrogel was developed to reduce the side effects observed after systemic administration of IGF1C or IGF1R antagonists in the CaCl
2
-induced AAA mouse model. The inhibitory effect of the IGF1C-loaded hydrogel administered at disease onset on AAA formation was further evaluated in a guinea pig-to-rat xenograft model and in a sheep-to-minipig xenograft model of AAA formation. The therapeutic efficacy of IGF1C for treating AAA was tested through extravascular delivery in the sheep-to-minipig model with AAA established for 2 weeks. Percutaneous injection of the IGF1C-loaded hydrogel around the AAA resulted in improved vessel flow dynamics in the minipig aorta. These findings suggest that extravascular administration of IGF1R antagonists may have translational potential for treating AAA.
The Spx stress regulator confers high-level β-lactam resistance and decreases susceptibility to last-line antibiotics in methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Nielsen Tobias Krogh , Petersen Ida Birkjær , Xu Lijuan , Barbuti Maria Disen , Mebus Viktor , Justh Anni , Alqarzaee Abdulelah Ahmed , Jacques Nicolas , Oury Cécile , Thomas Vinai , Kjos Morten , Henriksen Camilla , Frees Dorte
Published: May 2024

Infections caused by methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) are a leading cause of mortality worldwide. MRSA has acquired resistance to next-generation β-lactam antibiotics through the horizontal acquisition of the
mecA
resistance gene. Development of high resistance is, however, often associated with additional mutations in a set of chromosomal core genes, known as potentiators, which, through poorly described mechanisms, enhance resistance. The
yjbH
gene was recently identified as a hot spot for adaptive mutations during severe infections. Here, we show that inactivation of
yjbH
increased β-lactam MICs up to 16-fold and transformed MRSA cells with low levels of resistance to being homogenously highly resistant to β-lactams. The
yjbH
gene encodes an adaptor protein that targets the transcriptional stress regulator Spx for degradation by the ClpXP protease. Using CRISPR interference (CRISPRi) to knock down
spx
transcription, we unambiguously linked hyper-resistance to the accumulation of Spx. Spx was previously proposed to be essential; however, our data suggest that Spx is dispensable for growth at 37°C but becomes essential in the presence of antibiotics with various targets. On the other hand, high Spx levels bypassed the role of PBP4 in β-lactam resistance and broadly decreased MRSA susceptibility to compounds targeting the cell wall or the cell membrane, including vancomycin, daptomycin, and nisin. Strikingly, Spx potentiated resistance independently of its redox-sensing switch. Collectively, our study identifies a general stress pathway that, in addition to promoting the development of high-level, broad-spectrum β-lactam resistance, also decreases MRSA susceptibility to critical antibiotics of last resort.
Irritable bowel syndrome: low dose antidepressant improves symptoms
Authors: Saul Helen , Cassidy Samantha , Swaithes Laura , Ford Alexander C
Published: May 2024

The study

Ford AC, Wright-Hughes A, Alderson SL, et al. Amitriptyline at low-dose and titrated for irritable bowel syndrome as second-line treatment in primary care (ATLANTIS): a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial.
Lancet
2023;402:1773-85.

To read the full NIHR Alert, go to:
https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/irritable-bowel-syndrome-low-dose-antidepressant-improves-symptoms/
Factor analysis in residual soils of the Iberian Pyrite Belt (Spain): comparison between raw data, log-transformation data and compositional data
Authors: Martín-Méndez Iván , Llamas-Borrajo Juan , Llamas Lois Alberto , Locutura Juan
Published: May 2024

The Iberian Pyrite Belt (IPB) is a metallogenic province in SW Spain and Portugal hosting the largest concentration of massive sulfide deposits worldwide. Exploration campaigns in both the Spanish and Portuguese sectors of the IPB have increased recently due to the rise in metal prices. Within this framework, distinguishing geochemical features associated with natural phenomena and isolating geogenic anomalies from anthropogenic ones can pose a challenge. This contribution uses the residual soil geochemical database of the IPB (Spain) to examine numerous variables, encompassing major, minor and trace elements. Some of these variables commonly exhibit high correlations owing to consistent geochemical behaviour. However, the influence of anthropogenic factors tends to elevate data variability, occasionally masking the natural relationships that govern their distributions.

We apply different treatments of data to develop factor analysis using log-transformed data, and centred log-ratio (clr) transformed data to compare and improve the geochemical interpretation of this important zone. Factor analysis has been developed with these results to compare with previously published research on factor analysis in raw data. Factor score interpolated maps were also generated using both lognormal and clr-transformed data to visualize better the distribution and the different geochemical associations in the IPB.

This study shows the importance of the different data treatments and the improvement of the clr-transformed multivariate analysis to reduce the dilution or overestimation of the results of some elements that cause erroneous interpretations of the data.
Computer Vision, ML, and AI in the Study of Fine Art
Authors: Stork David G.
Published: May 2024

Immense challenges and opportunities remain for the application of AI in the study of fine-art paintings and drawings.
A Fit of Anger
Authors: Pitre Boisy
Published: May 2024

From the intersection of computational science and technological speculation, with boundaries limited only by our ability to imagine what could be.

An egg-sized, flying droid makes an apartment dweller's life miserable.
Doing CHI Together: The Benefits of a Writing Retreat for Early-Career HCI Researchers
Authors: Scott Ava Elizabeth , Reicherts Leon , Stefanidi Evropi
Published: May 2024

The
Interactions
website (interactions.acm.org) hosts a stable of bloggers who share insights and observations on HCI, often challenging current practices. Each issue we'll publish selected posts from some of the leading and emerging voices in the field.
FSDedup: Feature-Aware and Selective Deduplication for Improving Performance of Encrypted Non-Volatile Main Memory
Authors: Du Chunfeng , Lin Zihang , Wu Suzhen , Chen Yifei , Wu Jiapeng , Wang Shengzhe , Wang Weichun , Wu Qingfeng , Mao Bo
Published: May 2024

Enhancing the endurance, performance, and energy efficiency of encrypted Non-Volatile Main Memory (NVMM) can be achieved by minimizing written data through inline deduplication. However, existing approaches applying inline deduplication to encrypted NVMM suffer from substantial performance degradation due to high computing, memory footprint, and index-lookup overhead to generate, store, and query the cryptographic hash (fingerprint). In the preliminary ESD [
14
], we proposed the Error Correcting Code (ECC) assisted selective deduplication scheme, utilizing the ECC information as a fingerprint to identify similar data effectively and then leveraging the selective deduplication technique to eliminate a large amount of redundant data with high reference counts. In this article, we proposed FSDedup. Compared with ESD, FSDedup could leverage the prefetch cache to reduce the read overhead during similarity comparison and utilize the cache refresh mechanism to identify further and eliminate more redundant data. Extensive experimental evaluations demonstrate that FSDedup can enhance the performance of the NVMM system further than the ESD. Experimental results show that FSDedup can improve both write and read speed by up to 1.8×, enhance Instructions Per Cycle by up to 1.5×, and reduce energy consumption by up to 2.0×, compared to ESD.