bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monolithic heterogeneous integration of Si photodetector and Van der Waals heterojunction with photocurrent enhancement
Authors: Li Jiaqi , Li Zebin , Xie Sheng , Su Yue , Mao Xurui
Published: March 2023

Two-dimensional material has many novel features, which can be used to significantly improve the performance of traditional photonic and electronic devices. Therefore, the development of silicon/two-dimensional material monolithic heterogeneous integrated photodetector has attracted extensive attention worldwide. In this paper, we present a method to enhance the response of photocurrent of silicon-based PN junction photodetectors by using two-dimensional material Van der Waals heterostructures. The MoS2/graphene/N+ silicon monolithic heterogeneous integrated Van der Waals heterostructure is used as an NPN-type phototransistor to realize the amplification of photocurrent. When the device is irradiated, the photogenerated electron hole pairs in the semiconductor are separated by the applied electric field. However, graphene has a low density of defect states, and only a few electrons from N+ silicon can be recombined in graphene. Meanwhile, the graphene layer is very thin, and the positively biased graphene/N+ silicon junction and reversed-biased MoS2/graphene junction will accelerate the electrons to across the graphene layer and directly into MoS2. Using MXenes as the contact electrode of the MoS2 can eliminate the Fermi level pinning effect. The experimental results show that the photoresponsivity and photocurrent gain increase with the bias voltage, in the range of 0 to 5 V bias voltage. And the optical Ion/Ioff ratio increases by nearly 50 times. This research provides new insights for the detection of weak light and design for the photon computing device.
On Malle’s conjecture for nilpotent groups
Authors: Koymans Peter , Pagano Carlo
Published: March 2023

We develop an abstract framework for studying the strong form of Malle’s conjecture [J. Number Theory 92 (2002), pp. 315–329; Experiment. Math. 13 (2004), pp. 129–135] for nilpotent groups

G
G

in their regular representation. This framework is then used to prove the strong form of Malle’s conjecture for any nilpotent group

G
G

such that all elements of order

p
p

are central, where

p
p

is the smallest prime divisor of

#
G

\# G

.

We also give an upper bound for any nilpotent group

G
G

tight up to logarithmic factors, and tight up to a constant factor in case all elements of order

p
p

pairwise commute. Finally, we give a new heuristical argument supporting Malle’s conjecture in the case of nilpotent groups in their regular representation.
Well-posedness and blowup for the dispersion-managed nonlinear Schrödinger equation
Authors: Murphy Jason , Van Hoose Tim
Published: March 2023

We consider the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with periodic dispersion management. We first establish global-in-time Strichartz estimates for the underlying linear equation with suitable dispersion maps. As an application, we establish a small-data scattering result for the

3
d

3d

cubic equation. Finally, we use a virial argument to demonstrate the existence of blowup solutions for the

3
d

3d

cubic equation with piecewise constant dispersion map.
Alcohol Drinking Patterns and Risk of Developing Acute and Chronic Pancreatitis
Authors: Becker Ulrik , Timmermann Amalie , Ekholm Ola , Grønbæk Morten , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Novovic Srdan , Nøjgaard Camilla , Olesen Søren Schou , Tolstrup Janne Schurmann
Published: March 2023

Aim

The aim was to analyze the effects of drinking pattern and type of alcohol on risk of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Methods

Prospective cohort study based on data from 316,751 men and women participating in the Danish National Health Surveys 2010 and 2013. Self-reported questionnaire-based alcohol parameters and information on pancreatitis was obtained from national health registers. Cox regression models were used adjusting for baseline year, gender, age, smoking, Body Mass Index, diet and education.

Results

Development of acute and chronic pancreatitis increased with alcohol intake with a significant increase among abstainers and those drinking >14 drinks per week compared with individuals drinking 1–7 drinks per week. Frequent binge drinking and frequent drinking (every day) was associated with increased development of acute and chronic pancreatitis compared with those drinking 2–4 days per week. Problematic alcohol use according to the CAGE-C questionnaire was associated with increased development of acute and chronic pancreatitis.

Intake of more than 14 drinks of spirits per week was associated with increased development of acute and chronic pancreatitis, and more than 14 drinks of beer per week were associated with increased development of chronic pancreatitis, whereas drinking wine was not associated with development of pancreatitis.

Conclusion

This large prospective population study showed a J-shaped association between alcohol intake and development of pancreatitis. Drinking every day, frequent binge drinking and problematic alcohol use were associated with increased development of pancreatitis and drinking large amounts of beer and spirits might be more harmful than drinking wine.
Total Reactive Isocyanate Group (TRIG) Measurement: A Commentary
Authors: McConnachie Glen , Johnson Paul
Published: March 2023

Exposure to airborne isocyanates has, for decades, been a leading cause of occupational asthma. As respiratory sensitizers, isocyanates can induce allergic respiratory diseases with symptoms persisting even without further exposure. As this cause of occupational asthma is recognized it should be almost entirely preventable. In several countries isocyanates are assigned occupational exposure limits based on the total of reactive isocyanate groups (TRIG). The measurement of TRIG has some significant advantages over the measurement of individual isocyanate compounds. This exposure metric is explicit, simplifying calculations, and comparisons across published data. It reduces the risk of underestimating exposure by ‘missing’ important isocyanate compounds that may be present but are not the target analytes. It allows for quantification of exposure to complex mixtures of isocyanates, di-isocyanates monomers, prepolymers, polyisocyanates, oligomers, and/or intermediate forms. This is becoming increasingly important as more complex isocyanate products are being used in the workplace. There are many methods and techniques for measuring air concentrations/potential exposure to isocyanates. Several established methods have been standardized and published as International Organization for Standardization (ISO) methods. While some may be applied directly for determination of TRIG, others (developed for determination of individual isocyanates), require modification. This commentary aims to highlight the relative merits and limitations of those methods capable of determining TRIG and also considers potential future developments.
Characteristics of and Professional Issues Experienced by Early Career Neuropsychologists in the United States – Findings from a Survey Study
Authors: Sunderaraman Preeti , Dunn Callie B , Kamper Joel E , DeDios-Stern Samantha , Azar Martina , Feigon Maia , Cooper Shanna , Gooding Amanda
Published: March 2023

Objective

Multiple transitions occur during the early career stage of a psychologist, perhaps to a higher extent and with more potent ramifications than subsequent career stages. However, limited information exists on the various expectations, concerns, and challenges experienced by early career psychologists (ECPs) broadly, and more specifically in clinical neuropsychology. Therefore, the Society for Clinical Neuropsychology (SCN)/Division 40’s Early Career Neuropsychologist Committee developed a Needs Assessment Survey with the primary goal of identifying various training and professional development issues encountered by ECPs in clinical neuropsychology.

Method

A comprehensive survey was distributed electronically via listserv announcements and SCN communication tools (Newsletters and Neuroblasts). Data collection occurred from 29 May, 2020 to 02 August, 2020. The total sample comprised of 89 respondents (85% aged 31–40 years; 83% female; 82% Caucasian, followed by 18% Asian; 3% of Hispanic ethnicity).

Results

Majority of the respondents graduated from APA-accredited doctoral programs and from postdoctoral programs that adhered to Houston Conference Guidelines. About 7% took >2 years to complete their residency and about 10%–15% of ECPs expressed clear dissatisfaction with at least some aspect of their residency training. Becoming board certified in neuropsychology was the highest ranked career goal for ECPs in neuropsychology (45%), whereas 72% indicated difficulty understanding billing and insurance-related issues as the most frequently encountered professional challenge. About 57% of ECPs were concerned about maintaining work/life balance.

Conclusions

Specific ways to aid and strengthen trainees and ECPs’ professional needs are discussed with a focus on activities that can be undertaken at individual-, department-, profession-, and higher legislative-specific levels.

IMPACT STATEMENT

Question: Using survey data, this study aimed to characterize early career psychologists (ECPs) training history and their current work settings, identify their needs, and understand their perspectives about challenges and expectations. Findings: Results reveal that the workforce comprising of ECPs is getting increasingly diverse, and their needs are typically focused on obtaining board certification. ECPs identified areas for improvement in their training, such as increasing their knowledge of billing and insurance, and expressed concerns about maintaining work/life balance. Importance: The Minnesota 2022 Update Conference seems like a promising platform for addressing several of the needs identified by the survey and providing updated guidelines for ECPs. Next Steps: Based on the findings, general guidelines have been proposed for state and local level organizations along with call for action to higher-level legislation.
Application of a Modified Costal Cartilaginous Framework in Correction of Severe Saddle Nose Deformity
Authors: Song Zhen , Xu Yihao , Zhang Xulong , You Jianjun , Wang Huan , Zheng Ruobing , Tian Le , Guo Junsheng , Fan Fei
Published: March 2023

Background

Insufficient support of the nasal septum due to congenital or secondary deficiency leads to severe saddle nose deformity, which presents an unpleasant appearance.

Objectives

The purpose of this study is to present our approach to constructing a costal cartilaginous framework with autologous costal cartilage for correction of severe saddle nose deformities.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted of patients who underwent correction of severe saddle nose deformity (type 2 to type 4) by a senior surgeon from January 2018 to January 2022. Preoperative and postoperative measurements were conducted to evaluate the surgical outcomes.

Results

A total of 41 patients ages 15 to 50 years completed the study. The average follow-up time was 20.6 months. No short-term complications were observed. Revisional operations were performed on 3 patients. All patients were satisfied with the aesthetic results. Analysis of objective measurements showed that the nasofrontal angle, columellar-labial angle, and tip projection improved significantly in type 2 cases, the nasofrontal angle and tip projection improved significantly in type 3 cases, and tip projection improved significantly in type 4 cases.

Conclusions

Application of this modified costal cartilaginous framework, which consists of a fairly stable foundation layer and an aesthetic contour layer of block costal cartilage, has achieved satisfactory results over the long term.

Level of Evidence: 4
A Computed Tomographic Investigation of the Ophthalmic Artery Volume and Its Relevance to Soft Tissue Filler Injections
Authors: Li Xin-Rui , Hong Wei-Jin , Luo Sheng-Kang , Zhang You-Liang , Li Wu-Ming , Moellhoff Nicholas , Freytag David L , Nikolis Andreas , Alfertshofer Michael , Cotofana Sebastian
Published: March 2023

Background

The measured intraarterial volume of cadaveric ophthalmic arteries was utilized for safety recommendations during facial soft tissue filler injections. However, its clinical practicability and model applicability have become questionable.

Objectives

To measure the volume of the ophthalmic artery in living individuals by utilizing computed tomography (CT) imaging technology.

Methods

A total of 40 Chinese patients (23 males, 17 females) were included in this study with a mean age of 61.0 (14.2) years and a mean body mass index of 23.7 (3.3) kg/m2. Patients were investigated with CT imaging technology to evaluate the length, diameter, and volume of the bilateral ophthalmic arteries as well as the length of the bony orbits, resulting in a total of 80 investigated ophthalmic arteries and orbits.

Results

Independent of gender, the average length of the ophthalmic artery was 80.6 (18.7) mm, the calculated volume of the ophthalmic artery was 0.16 (0.05) mL and the minimal and maximal internal diameter of the ophthalmic artery were 0.50 (0.05) mm and 1.06 (0.1) mm, respectively.

Conclusions

Based on the results obtained from the investigation of 80 ophthalmic arteries it must be concluded that current safety recommendations should be reevaluated. The volume of the ophthalmic artery appears to be 0.2 mL rather than 0.1 mL as previously reported. In addition, it appears impractical to limit the volume of soft tissue filler bolus injections to 0.1 mL due to the aesthetic requirements of each individual patient and treatment plan.
AGC: compact representation of assembled genomes with fast queries and updates
Authors: Deorowicz Sebastian , Danek Agnieszka , Li Heng
Published: March 2023

Motivation

High-quality sequence assembly is the ultimate representation of complete genetic information of an individual. Several ongoing pangenome projects are producing collections of high-quality assemblies of various species. Each project has already generated assemblies of hundreds of gigabytes on disk, greatly impeding the distribution of and access to such rich datasets.

Results

Here, we show how to reduce the size of the sequenced genomes by 2–3 orders of magnitude. Our tool compresses the genomes significantly better than the existing programs and is much faster. Moreover, its unique feature is the ability to access any contig (or its part) in a fraction of a second and easily append new samples to the compressed collections. Thanks to this, AGC could be useful not only for backup or transfer purposes but also for routine analysis of pangenome sequences in common pipelines. With the rapidly reduced cost and improved accuracy of sequencing technologies, we anticipate more comprehensive pangenome projects with much larger sample sizes. AGC is likely to become a foundation tool to store, distribute and access pangenome data.

Availability and implementation

The source code of AGC is available at https://github.com/refresh-bio/agc. The package can be installed via Bioconda at https://anaconda.org/bioconda/agc.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
peaks2utr: a robust Python tool for the annotation of 3′ UTRs
Authors: Haese-Hill William , Crouch Kathryn , Otto Thomas D
Published: March 2023

Annotation of nonmodel organisms is an open problem, especially the detection of untranslated regions (UTRs). Correct annotation of UTRs is crucial in transcriptomic analysis to accurately capture the expression of each gene yet is mostly overlooked in annotation pipelines. Here we present peaks2utr, an easy-to-use Python command line tool that uses the UTR enrichment of single-cell technologies, such as 10× Chromium, to accurately annotate 3′ UTRs for a given canonical annotation.

Availability and implementation

peaks2utr is implemented in Python 3 (≥3.8). It is available via PyPI at https://pypi.org/project/peaks2utr and GitHub at https://github.com/haessar/peaks2utr. It is licensed under GNU GPLv3.
The ethical implications of opportunistic detection of melanoma in clinical care
Authors: Olsen Catherine M , Gordon Louisa G , Carter Stacy M , Whiteman David C
Published: March 2023

We sought to explore several ethical issues relating to opportunistic detection of melanoma, given current controversies in melanoma control. We suggest that these should be considered in conjunction with the quantitative yardsticks that accompany decision-making about disease detection. Researchers should focus on capturing and providing evidence to support decision-making for patients and their doctors.
Should we standardize PhD training in neuroscience?
Authors: Spires-Jones Tara L
Published: March 2023

Our editor discusses the need for standardization of neuroscience PhD training in the UK.
Percutaneous intervention of severe native coarctation of the aorta presenting in pregnancy: a case report
Authors: Nashat Heba , Patel Roshni , Johnson Mark R , Rafiq Isma
Published: March 2023

Background

Coarctation of the aorta (CoA) is one of the more common congenital heart defects affecting up to 5% of patients with congenital heart disease. Pregnant patients with unrepaired or severe re-coarctation are considered to be modified World Health Organisation (mWHO) IV, have the highest risk of maternal mortality and morbidity. The management of unrepaired CoA during pregnancy is influenced by a variety of factors which include the extent of the coarctation and coarctation characteristics, but due to paucity of data, it largely relies on expert opinion.

Case summary

A 27 year old multi-gravid woman underwent successful percutaneous stent implantation for severe native CoA due to maternal resistant hypertension and foetal cardiac compromise on echocardiography. After intervention, the remainder of her pregnancy was uneventful with improved arterial hypertension control. The foetal cardiac structures, namely left ventricular size, improved after intervention. This case demonstrates the importance of CoA intervention during pregnancy to optimise both maternal and foetal outcome.

Conclusion

Coarctation of the aorta should be considered in pregnant women with poorly controlled hypertension. This case also highlights that, despite associated risks, percutaneous intervention can lead to improved maternal haemodynamics and fetal growth.
Steroid-dependent pericarditis following anti-PD1 immunotherapy in a metastatic melanoma patient: a case report
Authors: Verhaert Marthe , Mebis Jeroen , Aspeslagh Sandrine , von Kemp Berlinde
Published: March 2023

Background

Immune-related adverse events are increasingly prevalent in the oncologist’s practice. Cardiac adverse events are rare but can be life-threatening. Case reports of immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI)–related pericarditis are scarce and so is the scientific evidence for its management. This is the first report of a steroid-dependent pericarditis.

Case summary

We present a case of a woman with lung metastatic melanoma who developed pericarditis after two infusions of pembrolizumab. The initial response to steroids and colchicine was favourable, and steroids were successfully tapered, after which the immunotherapy was reintroduced. A complete metabolic remission was achieved after six cycles of pembrolizumab, but pericarditis symptoms recur each time the steroid dose is lowered below 10 mg. After introduction of azathioprine, steroids were successfully tapered over the course of 6 months.

Discussion

Because of the chronicity of the pericarditis, it was hypothesized that an underlying auto-immune pericarditis was triggered by the checkpoint inhibitor and the general guidelines for recurrent idiopathic pericarditis were followed, successfully adding azathioprine to taper steroids to stop.
Unmasking the severity of aortic stenosis by pharmacological elimination of left ventricular outflow tract obstruction: a case report
Authors: Harano Yoshihiro , Kawase Yoshiaki , Matsuo Hitoshi
Published: March 2023

Background

Left ventricular outflow tract (LVOT) obstruction may occur with aortic stenosis (AS). However, the severity of AS is difficult to determine in this condition because the dynamic pressure gradient in LVOT obstruction influences the blood flow across the aortic valve.

Case summary

A 74-year-old woman was referred to our hospital having complaints of exertional dyspnoea and chest pain. Transthoracic echocardiography demonstrated LVOT obstruction with peak pressure gradient of 93 mmHg and ‘moderate’ AS with 3.9 m/s peak velocity and mean pressure gradient of 26 mmHg. Coronary angiography did not indicate any significant coronary artery disease. The pressure gradients at LVOT and aortic valve were measured as 34 mmHg and 76 mmHg via a pressure wire-pullback analysis, respectively. Intravenous 2 mg propranolol and 70 mg cibenzoline were administered to minimize the LVOT obstruction. Subsequently, these pressure gradients changed to 2 mmHg and 96 mmHg, respectively. The patient was finally diagnosed with ‘severe’ AS concomitant with LVOT obstruction. Therefore, surgical aortic valve replacement and myectomy were performed to remove the double obstruction.

Discussion

Herein, we present a case of ‘double’ LVOT obstruction due to dynamic myocardial component and fixed aortic component. Although the severity of AS is known to be influenced by LVOT obstruction, the present case is novel to demonstrate the phenomenon by using a pressure wire during pharmacological intervention. An accurate evaluation of the AS severity is important to provide adequate treatment. Therefore, the severity of AS should be evaluated while minimizing the LVOT obstruction.
Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension associated lifetime cardiovascular risk in a longitudinal national registry
Authors: Ebinger Joseph E , Kauko Anni ,   FinnGen, Bello Natalie A , Cheng Susan , Niiranen Teemu
Published: March 2023

Aims

Apparent treatment-resistant hypertension (aRH), wherein blood pressure elevation requires treatment with multiple medications, is associated with adverse cardiovascular events over the short-term. We sought to evaluate the degree of excess risk associated with aRH across the lifespan.

Methods and results

We identified all individuals with hypertension who were prescribed at least one anti-hypertensive medication from the FinnGen Study, a cohort of randomly selected individuals across Finland. We then identified the maximum number of concurrently prescribed anti-hypertensive medication classes prior to age 55 and classified those co-prescribed ≥4 anti-hypertensive medication classes as aRH. Using multivariable adjusted Cox proportional hazards models, we assessed the association of aRH well as the number of co-prescribed anti-hypertensive classes with cardiorenal outcomes across the lifespan. Among 48 721 hypertensive individuals, 5715 (11.7%) met the aRH criteria. Compared to those prescribed only one anti-hypertensive medication class, the lifetime risk of renal failure increased with the addition of each additional medication class, beginning with the second, while the risk of heart failure and ischaemic stroke increased after addition of the third drug class. Similarly, those with aRH suffered increased risk of renal failure (hazard ratio 2.30, 95% CI 2.00–2.65), intracranial haemorrhage (1.50, 1.08–2.05), heart failure (1.40, 1.24–1.63) cardiac death (1.79, 1.45–2.21), and all-cause death (1.76, 1.52–2.04).

Conclusion

Among individuals with hypertension, aRH that develops prior to mid-life is associated with substantially elevated cardiorenal disease risk across the lifespan.
Genomic Comparisons Reveal Selection Pressure and Functional Variation Between Nutritional Endosymbionts of Cave-Adapted and Epigean Hawaiian Planthoppers
Authors: Gossett Jordan M , Porter Megan L , Vasquez Yumary M , Bennett Gordon M , Chong Rebecca A
Published: March 2023

Planthoppers in the family Cixiidae (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Fulgoromorpha) harbor a diverse set of obligate bacterial endosymbionts that provision essential amino acids and vitamins that are missing from their plant-sap diet. “Candidatus Sulcia muelleri” and “Ca. Vidania fulgoroidea” have been associated with cixiid planthoppers since their origin within the Auchenorrhyncha, whereas “Ca. Purcelliella pentastirinorum” is a more recent endosymbiotic acquisition. Hawaiian cixiid planthoppers occupy diverse habitats including lava tube caves and shrubby surface landscapes, which offer different nutritional resources and environmental constraints. Genomic studies have focused on understanding the nutritional provisioning roles of cixiid endosymbionts more broadly, yet it is still unclear how selection pressures on endosymbiont genes might differ between cixiid host species inhabiting such diverse landscapes, or how variation in selection might impact symbiont evolution. In this study, we sequenced the genomes of Sulcia, Vidania, and Purcelliella isolated from both surface and cave-adapted planthopper hosts from the genus Oliarus. We found that nutritional biosynthesis genes were conserved in Sulcia and Vidania genomes in inter- and intra-host species comparisons. In contrast, Purcelliella genomes retain different essential nutritional biosynthesis genes between surface- and cave-adapted planthopper species. Finally, we see the variation in selection pressures on symbiont genes both within and between host species, suggesting that strong coevolution between host and endosymbiont is associated with different patterns of molecular evolution on a fine scale that may be associated with the host diet.
Risk of Severe Hypoglycemia With Newer Second-line Glucose-lowering Medications in Older Adults With Type 2 Diabetes Stratified by Known Indicators of Hypoglycemia Risk
Authors: Htoo Phyo T , Paik Julie M , Alt Ethan , Kim Dae Hyun , Wexler Deborah J , Kim Seoyoung C , Patorno Elisabetta
Published: March 2023

Background

Severe hypoglycemia is associated with adverse clinical outcomes. We evaluated the risk of severe hypoglycemia in older adults initiating newer glucose-lowering medications overall and across strata of known indicators of high hypoglycemia risk.

Methods

We conducted a comparative-effectiveness cohort study of older adults aged >65 years with type 2 diabetes initiating sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) versus dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) or SGLT2i versus glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) using Medicare claims (3/2013–12/2018) and Medicare-linked-electronic health records. We identified severe hypoglycemia requiring emergency or inpatient visits using validated algorithms. After 1:1 propensity score matching, we estimated hazard ratios (HR) and rate differences (RD) per 1,000 person-years. Analyses were stratified by baseline insulin, sulfonylurea, cardiovascular disease (CVD), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and frailty.

Results

Over a median follow-up of 7 (interquartile range: 4–16) months, SGLT2i was associated with a reduced risk of hypoglycemia versus DPP-4i (HR 0.75 [0.68, 0.83]; RD −3.21 [−4.29, −2.12]), and versus GLP-1RA (HR 0.90 [0.82, 0.98]; RD −1.33 [−2.44, −0.23]). RD for SGLT2i versus DPP-4i was larger in patients using baseline insulin than in those not, although HRs were similar. In patients using baseline sulfonylurea, the risk of hypoglycemia was lower in SGLT2i versus DPP-4i (HR 0.57 [0.49, 0.65], RD −6.80 [−8.43, −5.16]), while the association was near-null in those without baseline sulfonylurea. Results stratified by baseline CVD, CKD and frailty were similar to the overall cohort findings. Findings for the GLP-1RA comparison were similar.

Conclusions

SGLT2i was associated with a lower hypoglycemia risk versus incretin-based medications, with larger associations in patients using baseline insulin or sulfonylurea.
Preliminary Efficacy of Let’s Talk Tech: Technology Use Planning for Dementia Care Dyads
Authors: Berridge Clara , Turner Natalie R , Liu Liu , Fredriksen-Goldsen Karen I , Lyons Karen S , Demiris George , Kaye Jeffrey , Lober William B
Published: March 2023

Background and Objective

Care partners of people living with dementia require support to knowledgeably navigate decision making about how and when to use monitoring technologies for care purposes. We conducted a pilot study of a novel self-administered intervention, “Let’s Talk Tech,” for people living with mild dementia and their care partners. This paper presents preliminary efficacy findings of this intervention designed to educate and facilitate dyadic communication about a range of technologies used in dementia care and to document the preferences of the person living with dementia. It is the first-of-its-kind decision-making and planning tool with a specific focus on technology use.

Research Design and Methods

We used a 1-group pretest–post-test design and paired t tests to assess change over 2 time periods in measures of technology comprehension, care partner knowledge of the participant living with mild Alzheimer’s disease’s (AD) preferences, care partner preparedness to make decisions about technology use, and mutual understanding. Thematic analysis was conducted on postintervention interview transcripts to elucidate mechanisms and experiences with Let’s Talk Tech.

Results

Twenty-nine mild AD dementia care dyads who live together completed the study. There was statistically significant improvement with medium and large effect sizes on outcome measures of care partners’ understanding of each technology, care partners’ perceptions of the person living with dementia’s understanding of each technology, knowledge of the person living with dementia’s preferences, decision-making preparedness, and care partners’ feelings of mutual understanding. Participants reported that it helped them have important and meaningful conversations about using technology.

Discussion and Implications

Let’s Talk Tech demonstrated promising preliminary efficacy on targeted measures that can lead to informed, shared decision making about technologies used in dementia care. Future studies should assess efficacy with larger samples and more diverse sample populations in terms of race, ethnicity, and dementia type.
Queer Aging: Older Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Adults’ Visions of Late Life
Authors: Miller Lisa R
Published: March 2023

Background and Objectives

Diversity in aging has received increased attention in recent years in the field of gerontology. However, older lesbian, gay, and bisexual (LGB) people have largely been missing from these conversations. In this study, I examine older LGB people’s subjective views on the aging process, focusing specifically on visions of late life.

Research Design and Methods

Life story interviews were conducted with 60 LGB individuals over the age of 55 who reside in the Southeastern and Midwestern portions of the United States. Inductive coding (e.g., line-by-line, focused) and analyses were conducted.

Results

Four major themes emerged from the data: (1) financial distress linked to past events of homophobic discrimination, (2) anxieties regarding staying in paid care settings, (3) desires to age in place or “in community” with other lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people, and (4) a prioritization of quality of life over longevity via plans to pursue assisted suicide.

Discussion and Implications

The findings of this study suggest that views of aging and visions of late life are tied to social group membership, highlighting the need for gerontologists to further consider cumulative inequality processes. The study also offers evidence of queer aging, wherein queer culture, history, and experience produce distinct meanings of aging.
Relevance of glyco-biomakers and glycan profiles in cancer stem cells
Authors: Pujari Rohit , Dubey Shiv Kumar
Published: March 2023

Altered and aberrant glycosylation signatures have been linked to being a hallmark in a variety of human disorders including cancer. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), capable of self-renewal and differentiation, have recently been credited with a unique notion of disease genesis and implicated as the cause for initiation and recurrence of the disease in a new regime of neoplastic transformations hypothesis. Many biomarkers relating to diagnostic and prognostic intents have been discovered using the ubiquitous and abundant surface glycan patterns on CSCs. Various technological advancements have been developed to identify and determine concerns with glycosylation structure. However, the nature and purpose of the glycan moiety on these glycosylation pattern have not yet been thoroughly investigated. This review, thus, summarizes the process of glycosylation in CSCs, variations in glycosylation patterns in various stem cells, aberrant glycosylation patterns in cancer, the role of glycosylation in tumor cell adhesion, cell–matrix interactions, and signaling, as well as cancer detection and treatment. The function of carbohydrates as prospective serum biomarkers, some clinically authorized biomarkers, and potential novel biomarkers relating to cancer disease diagnosis and prognosis are also discussed in the review.
Automated Clinical Pathway Utilizing Custom Risk Stratification Identifies Substantial Rates of Overdue Follow-up Among Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Facilitates Population Health Interventions
Authors: Schroeder Matthew K , Tan Sean A , Touma Mary-Joe , Basit Mujeeb , Fudman David I
Published: March 2023

Lay Summary

We describe the development and implementation of a dynamic clinical pathway, the IBD CarePath, integrated into the electronic health record that applies custom risk stratification to identify patients with IBD who are overdue for clinical follow-up.
Machine Talk: How Verbal Embodiment in Conversational AI Shapes Consumer–Brand Relationships
Authors: Bergner Anouk S , Hildebrand Christian , Häubl Gerald
Published: March 2023

This research shows that AI-based conversational interfaces can have a profound impact on consumer–brand relationships. We develop a conceptual model of verbal embodiment in technology-mediated communication that integrates three key properties of human-to-human dialogue—(1) turn-taking (i.e., alternating contributions by the two parties), (2) turn initiation (i.e., the act of initiating the next turn in a sequence), and (3) grounding between turns (i.e., acknowledging the other party’s contribution by restating or rephrasing it). These fundamental conversational properties systematically shape consumers’ perception of an AI-based conversational interface, their perception of the brand that the interface represents, and their behavior in connection with that brand. Converging evidence from four studies shows that these dialogue properties enhance the perceived humanness of the interface, which in turn promotes more intimate consumer–brand relationships and more favorable behavioral brand outcomes (greater recommendation acceptance, willingness to pay a price premium, brand advocacy, and brand loyalty). Moreover, we show that these effects are reduced in contexts requiring less mutual understanding between the consumer and the brand. This research highlights how fundamental principles of human-to-human communication can be harnessed to design more intimate consumer–brand interactions in an increasingly AI-driven marketplace.
Application of the FMEA Method in Improving the Quality Management of Emergency Complete Blood Count Testing
Authors: Lv Shuangshuang , Sun Yingqian , Zhang Jian , Jin Tingting , Hu Xiaxuan
Published: March 2023

Objective

Failure mode and effects analysis (FMEA) was used to identify factors that contribute to quality management deficiencies in laboratory testing of emergency complete blood count (CBC).

Methods

Improvements included instrument updates, personnel training, and laboratory information system optimization. We used operational data from January 2021 (control group) and January 2022 (FMEA group) to compare the risk priority number (RPN) of FMEA, emergency CBC laboratory turnaround time (TAT), error report rate, and specimen failure rate.

Results

After the implementation of FMEA, the average RPN dropped from 36.24 ± 9.68 to 9.45 ± 2.25, (t = 20.89, P < .05). Additionally, the median TAT for emergency CBCs decreased from 23 min to 11 min as did the interquartile distance (17-34 min to 8-16 min) (P < .05). The rate of emergency CBC error reports decreased from 1.39% to 0.71% (P < .05), and the specimen failure rate decreased from 0.95% to 0.32% (P < .05). Patient satisfaction also increased from 43% to 74% (P < .05), and the technician-performed morphology assessment pass rate increased from 16.7% to 100% (P < .05).

Conclusion

Improving the emergency CBC testing process with FMEA can shorten emergency CBC laboratory TAT and reduce specimen failure rates and reporting error rates. The FMEA can be used to improve quality management in emergency CBC laboratories.
Comprehensive Next-Generation Sequencing Testing in a Patient with TEMPI Syndrome
Authors: Nunes Rosado Flavia Guimaraes , Lekovic Danijela , Gagan Jeffrey , Malter James , Chen Weina , Sykes David B
Published: March 2023

TEMPI syndrome is a new and poorly understood disease that is currently considered a type of plasma cell neoplasm with paraneoplastic manifestations. The TEMPI acronym defines the hallmarks of the syndrome: T for telangiectasia; E for erythrocytosis with elevated erythropoietin; M, monoclonal gammopathy; P, perinephric collections; and I, intrapulmonary shunting. Due to the marked erythrocytosis as the most common presenting feature, TEMPI is often misdiagnosed as polycythemia vera. However, unlike polycythemia vera, TEMPI is not associated with a JAK2 mutation. The pathogenesis of TEMPI syndrome is unknown, although a few hypothetical disease mechanisms have been previously discussed. Here we present a new case of TEMPI syndrome, discuss results of a next-generation sequencing (NGS) panel covering 1,425 known cancer-related genes, and review the current literature with focus on an update of the genetics of TEMPI syndrome. This is the first report of TEMPI that includes results of comprehensive NGS testing.
Identification of Differential Metabolites Between  Type 2 Diabetes and Postchronic Pancreatitis Diabetes (Type 3c) Based on an Untargeted Metabolomics Approach
Authors: Qi Liang , Ye Zheng , Lin Hao
Published: March 2023

Objective

A nontargeted metabolomics approach was established to characterize serum metabolic profile in type 3c diabetes mellitus (T3cDM) secondary to chronic pancreatitis and compare with T2DM.

Methods

Forty patients were recruited for metabolite analysis based on liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Cluster heatmap and KEGG metabolic pathway enrichment analysis were used to analyze the specific and differential metabolites. The receiver operating characteristics (ROCs) were generated and correlation analysis with clinical data was conducted.

Results

Metabolites including sphingosine, lipids, carnitine, bile acid, and hippuric acid were found to be different between T2DM and T3cDM, mainly enriched in bile acid biosynthesis, fatty acid biosynthesis, and sphingolipid metabolic pathways. The ROCs were generated with an area under the curve of 0.907 (95% confidence interval, 0.726–1) for the model with 15 metabolites.

Conclusion

T3cDM is characterized by increased sphingosine, carnitine, bile acid, and most lipids, providing novel biomarkers for clinical diagnosis and a future direction in research on pathophysiological mechanisms.
The 2019 outburst of AMXP SAX J1808.4–3658 and radio follow up of MAXI J0911–655 and XTE J1701–462
Authors: Gasealahwe K V S , Monageng I M , Fender R P , Woudt P A , Motta S E , van den Eijnden J , Williams D R A , Heywood I , Bloemen S , Groot P J , Vreeswijk P , McBride V , Klein-Wolt M , Körding E , Le Poole R , Pieterse D , de Wet S
Published: March 2023

We present radio coverage of the 2019 outburst of the accreting millisecond X-ray pulsar (AMXP) SAX J1808.4–3658, obtained with MeerKAT. We compare these data to contemporaneous X-ray and optical measurements in order to investigate the coupling between accretion and jet formation in this system, while the optical light curve provides greater detail of the outburst. The reflaring activity following the main outburst peak was associated with a radio re-brightening, indicating a strengthening of the jet in this phase of the outburst. We place quasi-simultaneous radio and X-ray measurements on the global radio:X-ray plane for X-ray binaries, and show they reside in the same region of luminosity space as previous outburst measurements, but significantly refine the correlation for this source. We also present upper limits on the radio emission from the AMXP MAXI J0911–655 and the transitional Z/Atoll-type transient XTE J1701–462. In the latter source, we also confirm that nearby large-scale structures reported in previous radio observations of the source are persistent over a period of ∼15 yr, and so are almost certainly background radio galaxies and not associated with the X-ray transient.
Tuning strand displacement kinetics enables programmable ZTP riboswitch dynamic rangein vivo
Authors: Bushhouse David Z , Lucks Julius B
Published: March 2023

A large body of work has shown that transcriptional riboswitches function through internal strand displacement mechanisms that guide the formation of alternative structures which drive regulatory outcomes. Here, we sought to investigate this phenomenon using the Clostridium beijerinckii pfl ZTP riboswitch as a model system. Using functional mutagenesis with Escherichia coli gene expression assays, we show that mutations designed to slow strand displacement of the expression platform enable precise tuning of riboswitch dynamic range (2.4–34-fold), depending on the type of kinetic barrier introduced, and the position of the barrier relative to the strand displacement nucleation site. We also show that expression platforms from a range of different Clostridium ZTP riboswitches contain sequences that impose these barriers to affect dynamic range in these different contexts. Finally, we use sequence design to flip the regulatory logic of the riboswitch to create a transcriptional OFF-switch, and show that the same barriers to strand displacement tune dynamic range in this synthetic context. Together, our findings further elucidate how strand displacement can be manipulated to alter the riboswitch decision landscape, suggesting that this could be a mechanism by which evolution tunes riboswitch sequence, and providing an approach to optimize synthetic riboswitches for biotechnology applications.
Adapting the Primary Care PTSD Screener for firefighters
Authors: Baker L D , Smith A J
Published: March 2023

Background

By the nature of their work, first responders are at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Efficient screening instruments are useful to identify at-risk first responders and connect them to services.

Aims

The current study aimed to (i) evaluate the diagnostic properties of the Primary Care PTSD for DSM-5 (PC-PTSD-5) scale among firefighters, (ii) explore the use of an adapted PC-PTSD-5 on a five-point Likert-type scale and (iii) examine sensitivity and specificity of the adapted instrument in this population.

Methods

Pooled data were analysed among firefighters (N = 92) from a treatment-seeking sample (n = 36) and a population health screening sample (n = 56). Participants completed an adapted version of the PC-PTSD-5 and the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). Receiver operating characteristic curve analyses were performed, referencing PCL-5 cut-off/probable diagnostic threshold scores.

Results

The PC-PTSD-5 demonstrated excellent operating characteristics overall. A threshold of 3 was optimal for discriminating probable PTSD using a proxy for the original PC-PTSD-5 (range: 0–5), whereas a score of 9 was identified for the PC-PTSD-5 permutation that allowed for more response variability (range: 0–20).

Conclusions

Our preliminary data suggest the PC-PTSD-5 may be a useful tool for brief firefighter screening, with suggested cut-offs that require further replication and expanded investigation.
MicroRNA408 negatively regulates salt tolerance by affecting secondary cell wall development in maize
Authors: Qin Ruidong , Hu Yumei , Chen Huan , Du Qingguo , Yang Juan , Li Wen-Xue
Published: March 2023

Although microRNA408 (miR408) is a highly conserved miRNA, the miR408 response to salt stress differs among plant species. Here, we show that miR408 transcripts are strongly repressed by salt stress and methyl viologen treatment in maize (Zea mays). Application of N, N1-dimethylthiourea partly relieved the NaCl-induced down-regulation of miR408. Transgenic maize overexpressing MIR408b is hypersensitive to salt stress. Overexpression of MIR408b enhanced the rate of net Na+ efflux, caused Na+ to locate in the inter-cellular space, reduced lignin accumulation, and reduced the number of cells in vascular bundles under salt stress. We further demonstrated that miR408 targets ZmLACCASE9 (ZmLAC9). Knockout of MIR408a or MIR408b or overexpression of ZmLAC9 increased the accumulation of lignin, thickened the walls of pavement cells, and improved salt tolerance of maize. Transcriptome profiles of the wild-type and MIR408b-overexpressing transgenic maize with or without salt stress indicated that miR408 negatively regulates the expression of cell wall biogenesis genes under salt conditions. These results indicate that miR408 negatively regulates salt tolerance by regulating secondary cell wall development in maize.
Visual Inference and Graphical Representation in Regression Discontinuity Designs
Authors: Korting Christina , Lieberman Carl , Matsudaira Jordan , Pei Zhuan , Shen Yi
Published: March 2023

Despite the widespread use of graphs in empirical research, little is known about readers’ ability to process the statistical information they are meant to convey (“visual inference”). We study visual inference in the context of regression discontinuity (RD) designs by measuring how accurately readers identify discontinuities in graphs produced from data-generating processes calibrated on 11 published papers from leading economics journals. First, we assess the effects of different graphical representation methods on visual inference using randomized experiments. We find that bin widths and fit lines have the largest effects on whether participants correctly perceive the presence or absence of a discontinuity. Our experimental results allow us to make evidence-based recommendations to practitioners, and we suggest using small bins with no fit lines as a starting point to construct RD graphs. Second, we compare visual inference on graphs constructed using our preferred method with widely used econometric inference procedures. We find that visual inference achieves similar or lower type I error (false positive) rates and complements econometric inference.