bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Review and research gap identification in genetics causes of syndromic and nonsyndromic hearing loss in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almalki Faisal
Published: March 2024

Congenital hearing loss is one of the most common sensory disabilities worldwide. The genetic causes of hearing loss account for 50% of hearing loss. Genetic causes of hearing loss can be classified as nonsyndromic hearing loss (NSHL) or syndromic hearing loss (SHL). NSHL is defined as a partial or complete hearing loss without additional phenotypes; however, SHL, known as hearing loss, is associated with other phenotypes. Both types follow a simple Mendelian inheritance fashion. Several studies have been conducted to uncover the genetic factors contributing to NSHL and SHL in Saudi patients. However, these studies have encountered certain limitations. This review assesses and discusses the genetic factors underpinning NSHL and SHL globally, with a specific emphasis on the Saudi Arabian context. It also explores the prevalence of the most observed genetic causes of NSHL and SHL in Saudi Arabia. It also sheds light on areas where further research is needed to fully understand the genetic foundations of hearing loss in the Saudi population. This review identifies several gaps in research in NSHL and SHL and provides insights into potential research to be conducted.
Water, soap, and hand‐disinfectant exposure during the COVID‐19 pandemic and self‐reported hand eczema in frontline workers: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Vilela Libe , Lagrelius Maria , Berglind Ina Anveden , Midander Klara , Schenk Linda , Julander Anneli
Published: March 2024

Background

During the COVID‐19 pandemic, increased hand hygiene practices were implemented. Impaired skin health on the hands among healthcare workers has been reported previously. Knowledge of how worker in other occupations have been affected is scarce.

Objectives

To investigate self‐reported hand water‐, and soap exposure and use of hand disinfectants, and hand eczema (HE) in frontline workers outside the hospital setting and in IT personnel during the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, a questionnaire was sent out between 1 March and 30 April in 2021, to 6060 randomly selected individuals representing six occupational groups.

Results

A significant increase in water exposure and hand disinfectant use was shown: Relative position (RP) 19; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.17–0.21 and RP = 0.38: 95% CI 0.36–0.41, respectively. Newly debuted HE was reported by 7.4% of the population, more frequently among frontline workers (8.6%) compared to IT personnel (4.9%).

Conclusions

Water and soap exposure and use of hand disinfectants increased during COVID‐19 pandemic, which may increase the risk of hand eczema. This highlights the importance of communication and implementation of preventive measures to protect the skin barrier also in occupations other than healthcare workers.
The relative contributions of habitat area, configuration, and vegetative diversity on snake and lizard presence in agricultural landscapes
Authors: Stephenson Matthew D. , Schulte Lisa A. , Klaver Robert W.
Published: March 2024

Nearly one in five reptile species is at risk of extinction. Changes in habitat area, its configuration, and vegetation diversity could affect habitat use, but their relative importance is understudied. We assessed how these factors affected reptile presence in agricultural landscapes figure in Iowa, United States, using 695 cover boards visited 16,441 times in 2015–2020. Species‐wise encounter rates ranged 0.0001–0.012. Eight of 11 species and 54.2% of individuals were species of greatest conservation need. Habitat area, configuration, and vegetation diversity influenced reptile presence similarly. Mean patch occupancy was 0.18 for common garter snake (CG, Thamnophis sirtalis) and 0.45 for all snakes (AS). Naïve presence was explained by effort (odds ratio [OR]AS = 1.83, ORCG = 1.79), vegetation diversity (ORAS = 1.28, ORCG = 1.28), woody cover (ORAS = 1.24, ORCG = 1.41), and patch size (ORAS = 1.30). Large patch prairies were more likely to contain snakes than other conservation practices (encounter = 0.291), and more likely to contain CG (0.098) than prairie contour strips (0.031), waterways (0.018), grass contour strips (0.016), or terraces (0.015). While we documented low overall reptile presence, their higher presence in large prairie patches underscores the importance of core nature reserves for reptile conservation.
Dealing with area‐to‐point spatial misalignment in species distribution models
Authors: Mourguiart Bastien , Chevalier Mathieu , Marzloff Martin , Caill‐Milly Nathalie , Mengersen Kerrie , Liquet Benoit
Published: March 2024

Species distribution models (SDMs) are extensively used to estimate species–environment relationships (SERs) and predict species distribution across space and time. For this purpose, it is key to choose relevant spatial grains for predictor and response variables at the onset of the modelling process. However, environmental variables are often derived from large‐scale climate models at a grain that can be coarser than the one of the response variable. Such area‐to‐point spatial misalignment can bias estimates of SER and jeopardise the robustness of predictions. We used a virtual species approach, running simulations across different levels of area‐to‐point spatial misalignment to seek statistical solutions to this problem. We specifically compared accuracy of SER estimates and predictive performances, assessed across different degrees of spatial heterogeneity in environmental conditions, of three SDMs: a GLM, a spatial GLM and a Berkson error model (BEM) that accounts for fine‐grain environmental heterogeneity within coarse‐grain cells. Only the BEM accurately estimates SER from relatively coarse‐grain environmental data (up to 50 times coarser than the response grain), while the two GLMs provide flattened SER. However, all three models perform poorly when predicting from coarse‐grain data, particularly in environments that are more heterogeneous than the training conditions. Conversely, decreasing environmental heterogeneity relative to the training dataset reduces the predictive biases. Because predictions are made from covariate‐grain data, the BEM displays lower predictive performance than the two GLMs. Thus, standard model selection methods would fail to select the model that best estimates SERs (here, the BEM), which could lead to false interpretations about the environmental drivers of species distributions. Overall, we conclude that the BEM, because it can robustly estimate SER at the response grain, holds great promise to overcome area‐to‐point misalignment.
The prevalence of incivility in hospitals and the effects of incivility on patient safety culture and outcomes: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Freedman Benjamin , Li Wendy Wen , Liang Zhanming , Hartin Peter , Biedermann Narelle
Published: March 2024

Aim

Workplace incivility is a barrier to safe and high‐quality patient care in nursing workplaces and more broadly in tertiary hospitals. The present study aims to systematically review the existing evidence to provide a comprehensive understanding of the prevalence of co‐worker incivility experienced and witnessed by nurses and other healthcare professionals, the effects of incivility on patient safety culture (PSC) and patient outcomes, and the factors which mediate the relationship between incivility and patient safety.

Methods

A systematic review with narrative synthesis and meta‐analysis was undertaken to synthesize the data from 41 studies.

Data Sources

Databases searched included MEDLINE, PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, PsycInfo, ProQuest, Emcare and Embase. Searches were conducted on 17 August 2021 and repeated on 15 March 2023.

Results

The pooled prevalence of experienced incivility was 25.0%. The pooled prevalence of witnessed incivility was 30.1%. Workplace incivility was negatively associated with the PSC domains of teamwork, reporting patient safety events, organization learning/improvement, management support for safety, leadership, communication openness and communication about error. The composite pooled effect size of incivility on these domains of PSC was OR = 0.590, 95% CI [0.515, 0.676]. Workplace incivility was associated with a range of patient safety outcomes (PSOs) including near misses, adverse events, reduced procedural and diagnostic performance, medical error and mortality. State depletion, profession, psychological responses to incivility, information sharing, help seeking, workload and satisfaction with organizational communication were found to mediate the relationship between incivility and patient safety.

Conclusion

Experienced and witnessed incivility is prevalent in tertiary hospitals and has a deleterious effect on PSC and PSOs. A better understanding of the mechanisms of this relationship will support the development of interventions aimed at reducing both incivility and patient harm.

Implications for the Profession and/or Patient Care Impact

This study quantifies the effect of incivility on PSC and outcomes. It provides support that interventions focusing on incivility are a valuable mechanism for improving patient care. It guides intervention design by highlighting which domains of PSC are most associated with incivility. It explores the profession‐specific experiences of workplace incivility.

Reporting Method

This report adheres to PRISMA reporting guidelines.

Patient or Public Contribution

No patient or public contribution. The focus of this study is the nursing and healthcare workforce, therefore, patient or public involvement not required.
Risk factors of skin barrier dysfunction in older adults: A systematic review
Authors: Konya Issei , Shishido Inaho , Nemoto Moe , Yano Rika
Published: March 2024

Aim

Skin barrier dysfunction can trigger various skin disorders in older adults. Skin barrier assessment is essential for nurses and caregivers to prevent skin disorders; however, the evidence available for clinical assessment is limited. This systematic review aimed to clarify the risk factors of skin barrier dysfunction in older adults.

Methods

This review adhered to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The four databases were searched using multiple terms related to “aged” and “skin barrier.” The search was initially run on April 19, 2023, and rerun on October 12, 2023. Peer‐reviewed quantitative studies in English were included, with no publication time limit being set. Two reviewers assessed the risk of bias in a blinded and independent manner using JBI tools. Owing to the heterogeneity of the results, a narrative synthesis was performed.

Results

Among the database‐identified 4833 studies, 20 studies were included. The extracted factors were categorized as demographic characteristics, functional characteristics, chronic diseases, nutritional status, skin condition, and environmental factors. However, owing to high risk of bias and inconsistent results across studies, only chronic kidney disease and dry skin were considered risk factors for skin barrier dysfunction in older adults.

Conclusions

Assessment of chronic kidney disease and dry skin in daily skin care may guide the development of personalized skincare programs to maintain skin integrity in older adults. Furthermore, cohort studies that consider confounding factors and the reliability of measurements are needed for an in‐depth investigation into skin barrier dysfunction and more risk factors.
Consequences of deferred action for childhood arrivals for parent health: Applying a social foreground perspective
Authors: Yahirun Jenjira , Torres Jacqueline
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study applies a social foreground perspective to assess whether the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program impacted the self‐rated health of coresident parents of DACA‐eligible individuals.

Background

DACA status grants a temporary work permit and allows for a stay of deportation for undocumented persons who entered the United States as children. Although research points to the positive health benefits of DACA for its recipients, less is known about whether the program affects the health of family members, including parents.

Method

This study uses data from the National Health Interview Study (2008–2015) on foreign‐born adults and their coresident parents. We applied a difference‐in‐differences design to examine whether the self‐rated health of coresident mothers and fathers changed following the passage of DACA for DACA‐eligible individuals.

Results

In contrast to expectations, DACA was associated with worse self‐rated health among coresident, partnered parents. These results may be because DACA also decreased the likelihood of coresiding with parents and changed the composition of coresident parents themselves. Following DACA, fewer eligible offspring lived with parents overall, but among those that did, parents tended to be older and less healthy.

Conclusion

Findings underscore how DACA may be used as a resource to support older parents experiencing health challenges, in particular among older undocumented immigrants, who make up a growing share of the undocumented population in the United States.
Adverse childhood experiences, dental insurance, and developmental disability: Association with unmet dental needs in Ohio
Authors: Horter Lili , Richardson Carson , Paul Marika , Meyer Beau D.
Published: March 2024

Objective

This study investigated whether insurance status and/or developmental disability moderated the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACE) and unmet dental needs among children aged 0 to 17 in Ohio.

Methods

We utilized cross‐sectional data from the 2021 Ohio Medicaid Assessment Survey to assess the dental needs of children. ACE scores, dental insurance status, and developmental disability status were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression to identify their potential association with parental‐reported unmet dental needs.

Results

The weighted sample represented 2,752,222 children in Ohio. Over half reported zero ACEs (55.8%) and no dental needs (56.1%). Approximately 1 in 9 lacked dental insurance (11.1%), and 1 in 10 had a developmental disability (9.9%). Children with one to three ACEs had three times the odds of unmet dental needs compared to children with zero ACEs (OR = 3.20; 95%CI [2.10, 4.89]), and children with four or more ACEs had eight times the odds of unmet dental needs (OR = 8.78; 95%CI [5.26, 14.67]). Children lacking dental insurance had over six times higher odds of unmet dental needs compared to children with dental insurance (OR = 6.10; 95%CI [3.92, 9.49]). The presence of developmental disability status did not moderate the presence of unmet dental needs; however, the lack of dental insurance status significantly moderated the association between ACEs and unmet dental needs.

Conclusion

Insurance status, not developmental disability, moderated the association between ACEs and unmet dental needs among children in Ohio. Efforts to ensure continuous access to dental insurance are warranted.
Effects of overhydration, Kt/Vurea, β2‐microglobulin on coronary artery calcification and mortality in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Mizuiri Sonoo , Nishizawa Yoshiko , Yamashita Kazuomi , Doi Toshiki , Okubo Aiko , Morii Kenichi , Usui Koji , Arita Michiko , Naito Takayuki , Shigemoto Kenichiro , Masaki Takao
Published: March 2024

Aim

We studied the effects of overhydration (OH), Kt/Vurea and β2‐microglobulin (β2‐MG) on coronary artery calcification and mortality in patients undergoing haemodialysis (HD).

Methods

The Agatston coronary artery calcium score (CACS), postdialysis body composition using bioimpedance analysis, single‐pool Kt/Vurea and predialysis β2‐MG at baseline were assessed and followed up for 3 years in patients undergoing HD. We performed logistic regression analyses for a CACS ≥400 and Cox proportional hazard analyses for all‐cause and cardiovascular mortality.

Results

The study involved 338 patients with a median age of 67 (56–74) years, dialysis duration of 70 (33–141) months and diabetes prevalence of 39.1% (132/338). Patients with a CACS ≥400 (n = 222) had significantly higher age, dialysis duration, male prevalence, diabetes prevalence, C‐reactive protein, predialysis β2‐MG, OH, extracellular water/total body water and overhydration/extracellular water (OH/ECW) but significantly lower Kt/Vurea than patients with a CACS <400 (n = 116) (p < .05). OH/ECW, Kt/Vurea and predialysis β2‐MG were significant predictors of a CACS ≥400 (p < .05) after adjusting for age, dialysis duration, serum phosphate and magnesium. In all patients, cut‐off values of OH/ECW, Kt/Vurea and predialysis β2‐MG for a CACS ≥400 were 16%, 1.74 and 28 mg/L, respectively. After adjusting for dialysis duration, OH/ECW ≥16%, Kt/Vurea ≥1.74 and β2‐MG ≥28 mg/L were significant predictors of 3‐year all‐cause mortality but not 3‐year cardiovascular mortality.

Conclusion

Higher OH/ECW, higher predialysis β2‐MG and lower Kt/Vurea values are significant risk factors for a CACS ≥400 and 3‐year all‐cause mortality in patients undergoing maintenance HD.

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Ion channels as biomarkers of altered myogenesis in myofiber precursors of Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Cerchiara Alessandro Giovanni , Imbrici Paola , Quarta Raffaella , Cristiano Enrica , Boccanegra Brigida , Caputo Erika , Wells Dominic J. , Cappellari Ornella , De Luca Annamaria
Published: March 2024

Myogenesis is essential for skeletal muscle formation, growth, and regeneration and can be altered in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), an X‐linked disorder due to the absence of the cytoskeletal protein dystrophin. Ion channels play a pivotal role in muscle differentiation and interact with the dystrophin complex. To investigate ion channel involvement in myogenesis in dystrophic settings, we performed electrophysiological characterization of two immortalized mouse cell lines, wild‐type (WT) H2K‐2B4 and the dystrophic (DYS) H2K‐SF1, and measured gene expression of differentiation markers and ion channels. Inward and outward currents/density increased as differentiation progressed in both WT and DYS cells. However, day‐11 DYS cells showed higher (27%) inward current density with an increased expression ratio of Scn5a/Scn4a and decreased (48%) barium‐sensitive outward current compared to WT. Furthermore, day‐11 DYS cells showed more positive resting membrane potential (+10 mV) and lower membrane capacitance (50%) compared to WT. DYS cells also had reduced Myog and Myf5 expression at days 6 and 11. Overall, ion channel profile and myogenesis appeared altered in DYS cells. These results are a first step in validating ion channels as potential drug targets to ameliorate muscle degeneration in DMD settings and as differentiation biomarkers in innovative platforms.
Bacterial growth‐mediated systems remodelling of Nicotiana benthamiana defines unique signatures of target protein production in molecular pharming
Authors: Prudhomme Nicholas , Pastora Rebecca , Thomson Sarah , Zheng Edison , Sproule Amanda , Krieger Jonathan R. , Murphy J. Patrick , Overy David P. , Cossar Doug , McLean Michael D. , Geddes‐McAlister Jennifer
Published: March 2024

The need for therapeutics to treat a plethora of medical conditions and diseases is on the rise and the demand for alternative approaches to mammalian‐based production systems is increasing. Plant‐based strategies provide a safe and effective alternative to produce biological drugs but have yet to enter mainstream manufacturing at a competitive level. Limitations associated with batch consistency and target protein production levels are present; however, strategies to overcome these challenges are underway. In this study, we apply state‐of‐the‐art mass spectrometry‐based proteomics to define proteome remodelling of the plant following agroinfiltration with bacteria grown under shake flask or bioreactor conditions. We observed distinct signatures of bacterial protein production corresponding to the different growth conditions that directly influence the plant defence responses and target protein production on a temporal axis. Our integration of proteomic profiling with small molecule detection and quantification reveals the fluctuation of secondary metabolite production over time to provide new insight into the complexities of dual system modulation in molecular pharming. Our findings suggest that bioreactor bacterial growth may promote evasion of early plant defence responses towards Agrobacterium tumefaciens (updated nomenclature to Rhizobium radiobacter). Furthermore, we uncover and explore specific targets for genetic manipulation to suppress host defences and increase recombinant protein production in molecular pharming.
The media in China–Africa public relations: Assessing China's attractiveness beyond economic development assistance
Authors: Ameyaw‐Brobbey Thomas
Published: March 2024

This work explores China's African public relations and image‐building effort, focusing on Nigeria. Thus, the paper's purpose is twofold: first, to investigate whether China's conduct of public diplomacy through its soft power resource—development assistance—has effectively shaped positive Nigerian public perception of China, and second, to determine the media's role in advancing China's public diplomacy in Nigeria. Specifically, it explores the interaction of economic development assistance, media, and public relations. I do this by comparing China's foreign direct investment (FDI) in Nigeria (2010–2019) with the public's perception of the FDI's influence on the Nigerian economy (2016 and 2020) and the media's role in shaping public support toward the investments. Utilizing a range of datasets, I find that Chinese economic investment alone is insufficient to substantially shape positive Nigerian public perception of China. Within a framework of mediated public diplomacy, I demonstrate that the Chinese image‐building effort in Nigeria would likely enhance when the country links economic investments with public relations to make the investments more visible through effective media representation.

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The political economy of campaign contributions in insurance markets
Authors: Born Patricia , Karl James Bradley , Powell Lawrence
Published: March 2024

Contributions to election campaigns are tracked by the National Institute on Money in State Politics. In this paper, we use this data to examine patterns in political campaign contributions made by the insurance industry. We compile a state‐level data set that aggregates over 67,000 election campaign contributions to insurance regulators and governors; we show that candidate incumbency status is associated with a 20% to 30% increase in the share of contributions made to the incumbent insurance regulator's political party. Because incumbents are overwhelmingly favored to win elections, the industry's behavior suggests that insurers are more concerned with access to the elected official than with supporting a candidate that shares the industry's goals.
Predictors of inpatient suicide in an Irish psychiatric service, a longitudinal case–control study
Authors: Hartnett Yvonne , Thekiso Thekiso B. , Kowalska‐Beda Paulina , Maher Tom , McLoughlin Declan M. , Kennedy Noel
Published: March 2024

Objective

Inpatient suicide remains difficult to predict. This study aimed to identify individual patient predictors to help identify those at greater risk.

Methods

This case–control study was undertaken in an independent mental health service in Ireland. Cases were drawn from all admissions to the service between March 2004 and February 2019. Controls were matched for date of admission. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted.

Results

Thirty‐three cases of inpatient suicide were compared to 132 controls. The inpatient suicide rate was 76.2 per 100,000 admissions. The rate of inpatient suicide fell in line with national rates despite less restrictive practices being implemented in the service. Males accounted for 66% of cases. Hanging was the most common method of suicide overall and among male patients, and drowning was the most common among females. Male gender, tertiary referral, an adverse psychosocial event during admission, a period of absence without leave and expressing hopelessness were identified as independent risk factors for inpatient suicide. Substance use, involuntary detention, family history of suicide, and number of previous admissions were not significant.

Conclusions

While not highly sensitive, a period of absence without leave, tertiary referral and hopelessness are important predictors of inpatient suicide risk that treating teams should consider in care planning.
Single locus HLA sequencing with the nanopore technology for HLA disease association diagnosis
Authors: Devriese Magali , Rouquie Julien , Da Silva Sephora , Benassaya Nadine , Maillard Lucie , Dewez Mathieu , Caillat‐Zucman Sophie , Werner Gregory , Taupin Jean‐Luc
Published: March 2024

Associations between HLA genotype and disease susceptibility encompass almost all the classic HLA loci. The level of typing resolution enabling a correct identification of an HLA disease susceptibility gene depends on the disease itself and/or on the accumulated knowledge about the molecular involvement of the HLA allele(s) engaged. Therefore, the application of Next Generation Sequencing technologies to HLA disease association, which would improve typing resolution, could prove useful to better understand disease severity. In the present study, we tested a nanopore sequencing approach developed by Omixon Biocomputing Ltd, dedicated to on‐demand locus typing for HLA and disease, as an alternative to the conventional widely used sequence specific oligoprobe (SSO) approach. A total of 145 DNA samples used in routine diagnosis by SSO were retrospectively analyzed with nanopore technology, for HLA‐A*02 immunotherapy decision for A*29, B*27, B*51, B*57 identification in class I, and DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 for bullous dermatosis, rheumatoid arthritis, diabetes, and celiac disease requests in class II. Each locus was typed in a separate experiment, except for DQB1 and DQA1, which were analyzed together. Concordance between typings reached 100% for all the loci tested. Ambiguities by nanopore were only found for missing exon coverage. This approach was found to be very well adapted to the routine flow imposed by the SSO technique. This study illustrates the use of the new NanoTYPE MONO kit for single locus HLA sequencing for HLA and disease association diagnosis.
Reconhecimento versus Divulgação de Propriedades para Investimento: Determinantes do Mercado Brasileiro
Authors: Pagnussat Antonielle , Vianna Brugni Talles , Monte-Mor Danilo , Camargos Avelino Bruna
Published: March 2024

A escolha entre o custo histórico e o valor justo provavelmente dependerá de circunstâncias específicas da firma. Este trabalho buscou verificar se a probabilidade de reconhecer Propriedades para Investimento (PPI) a valor justo depende do montante aplicado nestes ativos e, ainda, se o efeito deste montante é sensível ao nível de endividamento e conservadorismo da empresa. Para tanto, foram analisadas as empresas de capital aberto listadas na B3 com PPI em seu patrimônio para os anos 2010-2017. A análise foi realizada com a utilização de regressão em modelo Logit. Os resultados empíricos evidenciam que quanto maior o montante aplicado em PPI, maior é a probabilidade de reconhecimento a valor justo. Porém, quando se trata do fator endividamento, os achados contrariam o que está evidenciado pela literatura internacional sobre o tema. O custo de alavancagem no Brasil pode ser um fator de influência nos resultados, haja vista que ele difere daqueles países onde tais pesquisas foram conduzidas. Quanto ao nível de conservadorismo, confirmou-se que quanto maior o seu nível, menor é o efeito do montante aplicado em propriedades para investimento sobre a probabilidade de reconhecimento de tais ativos ao valor justo.
Effects of magnetic field gradient on capacitively coupled plasma driven by tailored voltage waveforms
Authors: Wu Huanhuan , Yan Minghan , Wu Hao , Yang Shali
Published: March 2024

This study utilized one-dimensional implicit particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision simulations to investigate the impact of different harmonic numbers and magnetic field strengths on capacitive-coupled argon plasma. Under the conditions of a pressure of 50 mTorr and a voltage of 100 V, simulations were conducted for magnetic field strengths of 0 and 100 G, magnetic field gradients of 10–40, 10–60, 10–80, 10–100, and 100–10 G, as well as discharge scenarios with harmonic numbers ranging from 1 to 5. Through in-depth analysis of the results, it was observed that the combined effect of positive magnetic field gradients and harmonic numbers can significantly enhance plasma density and self-bias properties to a greater extent. As the magnetic field gradient increases, the combined effect also increases, while an increase in harmonic numbers weakens the combined effect. Furthermore, this combined effect expands the range of control over ion bombardment energy. This provides a new research direction for improving control over ion energy and ion flux in capacitive-coupled plasmas.
Surface temperature of a 2 in. Ti target during DC magnetron sputtering
Authors: Ramos Carlos , Jacobo-Mora Daniela S. , Cruz Julio , Muhl Stephen
Published: March 2024

Recently, there has been increasing interest in the use of hot targets to enhance the sputter deposition of materials. However, the actual temperature of the target surface is normally not known. In this work, we directly measured the radial distribution of the surface temperature of a MAK 2 in. Ti water-cooled target using a type K thermocouple during the operation of the sputtering system. Principally, the measurements were made as a function of applied DC power and argon gas pressure. Given the importance of chemical reactions between the gas and the target during reactive sputtering, we have also measured the target temperature as a function of the nitrogen concentration in an argon-nitrogen gas mixture. A few of the reactively sputtered samples were analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy.
Complementary integration of organic electrochemical transistors for front-end amplifier circuits of flexible neural implants
Authors: Uguz Ilke , Ohayon David , Yilmaz Sinan , Griggs Sophie , Sheelamanthula Rajendar , Fabbri Jason D. , McCulloch Iain , Inal Sahika , Shepard Kenneth L.
Published: March 2024

The ability to amplify, translate, and process small ionic potential fluctuations of neural processes directly at the recording site is essential to improve the performance of neural implants. Organic front-end analog electronics are ideal for this application, allowing for minimally invasive amplifiers owing to their tissue-like mechanical properties. Here, we demonstrate fully organic complementary circuits by pairing depletion- and enhancement-mode p- and n-type organic electrochemical transistors (OECTs). With precise geometry tuning and a vertical device architecture, we achieve overlapping output characteristics and integrate them into amplifiers with single neuronal dimensions (20 micrometers). Amplifiers with combined p- and n-OECTs result in voltage-to-voltage amplification with a gain of >30 decibels. We also leverage depletion and enhancement-mode p-OECTs with matching characteristics to demonstrate a differential recording capability with high common mode rejection rate (>60 decibels). Integrating OECT-based front-end amplifiers into a flexible shank form factor enables single-neuron recording in the mouse cortex with on-site filtering and amplification.
Non–steady state thermometry with optical diffraction tomography
Authors: Vasista Adarsh B. , Ciraulo Bernard , Schmidt Falko , Arroyo Jaime Ortega , Quidant Romain
Published: March 2024

Label-free thermometry is a pivotal tool for many disciplines. However, most current approaches are only suitable for planar heat sources in steady state, thereby restricting the range of systems that can be reliably studied. Here, we introduce pump probe–based optical diffraction tomography (ODT) as a method to map temperature precisely and accurately in three dimensions (3D) at the single-particle level. To do so, we first systematically characterize the thermal landscape in a model system consisting of gold nanorods in a microchamber and then benchmark the results against simulations and quantitative phase imaging thermometry. We then apply ODT thermometry to resolve thermal landscapes inaccessible to other label-free approaches in the form of nonplanar heat sources embedded in complex environments and freely diffusing gold nanorods in a microchamber. Last, we foresee that our approach will find many applications where routine thermal characterization of heterogeneous nanoparticles samples in 3D or in non–steady state is required.
The 2023 extreme coastal El Niño: Atmospheric and air-sea coupling mechanisms
Authors: Peng Qihua , Xie Shang-Ping , Passalacqua Gino A. , Miyamoto Ayumu , Deser Clara
Published: March 2024

In the boreal spring of 2023, an extreme coastal El Niño struck the coastal regions of Peru and Ecuador, causing devastating rainfalls, flooding, and record dengue outbreaks. Observations and ocean model experiments reveal that northerly alongshore winds and westerly wind anomalies in the eastern equatorial Pacific, initially associated with a record-strong Madden-Julian Oscillation and cyclonic disturbance off Peru in March, drove the coastal warming through suppressed coastal upwelling and downwelling Kelvin waves. Atmospheric model simulations indicate that the coastal warming in turn favors the observed wind anomalies over the far eastern tropical Pacific by triggering atmospheric deep convection. This implies a positive feedback between the coastal warming and the winds, which further amplifies the coastal warming. In May, the seasonal background cooling precludes deep convection and the coastal Bjerknes feedback, leading to the weakening of the coastal El Niño. This coastal El Niño is rare but predictable at 1 month lead, which is useful to protect lives and properties.
Stochastic neuro-fuzzy system implemented in memristor crossbar arrays
Authors: Shi Tuo , Zhang Hui , Cui Shiyu , Liu Jinchang , Gu Zixi , Wang Zhanfeng , Yan Xiaobing , Liu Qi
Published: March 2024

Neuro-symbolic artificial intelligence has garnered considerable attention amid increasing industry demands for high-performance neural networks that are interpretable and adaptable to previously unknown problem domains with minimal reconfiguration. However, implementing neuro-symbolic hardware is challenging due to the complexity in symbolic knowledge representation and calculation. We experimentally demonstrated a memristor-based neuro-fuzzy hardware based on TiN/TaOx/HfOx/TiN chips that is superior to its silicon-based counterpart in terms of throughput and energy efficiency by using array topological structure for knowledge representation and physical laws for computing. Intrinsic memristor variability is fully exploited to increase robustness in knowledge representation. A hybrid in situ training strategy is proposed for error minimizing in training. The hardware adapts easier to a previously unknown environment, achieving ~6.6 times faster convergence and ~6 times lower error than deep learning. The hardware energy efficiency is over two orders of magnitude greater than field-programmable gate arrays. This research greatly extends the capability of memristor-based neuromorphic computing systems in artificial intelligence.
Mutagenesis and functional analysis of the varicella-zoster virus portal protein
Authors: Visalli Melissa A. , Nale Lovett Dakota J. , Kornfeind Ellyn M. , Herrington Haley , Xiao Yi Tian , Lee Daniel , Plair Patience , Wilder S. Garrett , Garza Bret K. , Young Ashton , Visalli Robert J.
Published: March 2024

Herpesviruses replicate by cleaving concatemeric dsDNA into single genomic units that are packaged through an oligomeric portal present in preformed procapsids. In contrast to what is known about phage portal proteins, details concerning herpesvirus portal structure and function are not as well understood. A panel of 65 Varicella-Zoster virus (VZV) recombinant portal proteins with five amino acid in-frame insertions were generated by random transposon mutagenesis of the VZV portal gene, ORF54. Subsequently, 65 VZV
LUC
recombinant viruses (TNs) were generated via recombineering. Insertions were mapped to predicted portal domains (clip, wing, stem, wall, crown, and β-hairpin tunnel-loop) and recombinant viruses were characterized for plaque morphology, replication kinetics, pORF54 expression, and classified based on replication in non-complementing (ARPE19) or complementing (ARPE54C50) cell lines. The N- and C-termini were tolerant to insertion mutagenesis, as were certain clip sub-domains. The majority of mutants mapping to the wing, wall, β-hairpin tunnel loop, and stem domains were lethal. Elimination of the predicted ORF54 start codon revealed that the first 40 amino acids of the N-terminus were not required for viral replication. Stop codon insertions in the C-terminus showed that the last 100 amino acids were not required for viral replication. Lastly, a putative protease cleavage site was identified in the C-terminus of pORF54. Cleavage was likely orchestrated by a viral protease; however, processing was not required for DNA encapsidation and viral replication. The panel of recombinants should prove valuable in future studies to dissect mammalian portal structure and function.

IMPORTANCE

Though nucleoside analogs and a live-attenuated vaccine are currently available to treat some human herpesvirus family members, alternate methods of combating herpesvirus infection could include blocking viral replication at the DNA encapsidation stage. The approval of Letermovir provided proof of concept regarding the use of encapsidation inhibitors to treat herpesvirus infections in the clinic. We propose that small-molecule compounds could be employed to interrupt portal oligomerization, assembly into the capsid vertex, or affect portal function/dynamics. Targeting portal at any of these steps would result in disruption of viral DNA packaging and a decrease or absence of mature infectious herpesvirus particles. The oligomeric portals of herpesviruses are structurally conserved, and therefore, it may be possible to find a single compound capable of targeting portals from one or more of the herpesvirus subfamilies. Drug candidates from such a series would be effective against viruses resistant to the currently available antivirals.
Replication-independent change in the frequencies of distinct genome segments of a multipartite virus during its transit within aphid vectors
Authors: Villegas Mathilde , Yvon Michel , Le Blaye Sophie , Mathieu Laura , Blanc Stéphane , Zeddam Jean-Louis
Published: March 2024

Multipartite viruses exhibit a fragmented genome composed of several nucleic acid segments individually packaged in distinct viral particles. The genome of all species of the genus
Nanovirus
holds eight segments, which accumulate at a very specific and reproducible relative frequency in the host plant tissues. In a given host species, the steady state pattern of the segments’ relative frequencies is designated the genome formula and is thought to have an adaptive function through the modulation of gene expression. Nanoviruses are aphid-transmitted circulative non-propagative viruses, meaning that the virus particles are internalized into the midgut cells, transferred to the hemolymph, and then to the saliva, with no replication during this transit. Unexpectedly, a previous study on the faba bean necrotic stunt virus revealed that the genome formula changes after ingestion by aphids. We investigate here the possible mechanism inducing this change by first comparing the relative segment frequencies in different compartments of the aphid. We show that changes occur both in the midgut lumen and in the secreted saliva but not in the gut, salivary gland, or hemolymph. We further establish that the viral particles differentially resist physicochemical variations, in particular pH, ionic strength, and/or type of salt, depending on the encapsidated segment. We thus propose that the replication-independent genome formula changes within aphids are not adaptive, contrary to changes occurring in plants, and most likely reflect a fortuitous differential degradation of virus particles containing distinct segments when passing into extra-cellular media such as gastric fluid or saliva.

IMPORTANCE

The genome of multipartite viruses is composed of several segments individually packaged into distinct viral particles. Each segment accumulates at a specific frequency that depends on the host plant species and regulates gene expression. Intriguingly, the relative frequencies of the genome segments also change when the octopartite faba bean necrotic stunt virus (FBNSV) is ingested by aphid vectors, despite the present view that this virus travels through the aphid gut and salivary glands without replicating. By monitoring the genomic composition of FBNSV populations during the transit in aphids, we demonstrate here that the changes take place extracellularly in the gut lumen and in the saliva. We further show that physicochemical factors induce differential degradation of viral particles depending on the encapsidated segment. We propose that the replication-independent changes within the insect vector are not adaptive and result from the differential stability of virus particles containing distinct segments according to environmental parameters.
The Zaozigou orogenic gold-antimony deposit, West Qinling Orogen, China: Structural controls on multiple mineralization events
Authors: Qiu Kun-Feng , Deng Jun , Yu Hao-Cheng , Rasbury Troy , Tang Yan-Wen , Zhu Rui , Zhang Peng-Cong , Goldfarb Richard
Published: March 2024

Orogenic gold deposits are generally thought to represent one perhaps protracted event. However, recent research on orogenic gold deposits increasingly offers evidence for some deposits forming through multiple and clearly discreet hydrothermal episodes. The giant Zaozigou orogenic Au-Sb deposit in the Triassic to Cretaceous West Qinling Orogen, central China, includes both steeply dipping and gently dipping orebodies. The two distinct mineralization styles provide a valuable setting for investigating a multiple mineralization model by integrating structural analysis within a robust geochronological framework. Through fieldwork and geochronology, we define a progression of major tectonic events in the area of the Zaozigou deposit. The deposit is hosted within a well-bedded sequence of Early Triassic metasedimentary rocks of the South Qinling Terrane. Pre-mineralization E-W shortening (D1) during subduction of the Mianlue oceanic slab include folding with resulting axial planes striking N-S, emplacement of Triassic ENE-striking and WNW-striking dacite dikes accompanied by Middle Triassic greenschist facies metamorphism. Late Triassic gold-stibnite quartz vein and disseminated mineralization formed along ENE-striking and steeply dipping D2 brittle to ductile sinistral faults. Their orientations suggest a link to the regional NNE-SSW maximum principal stress coinciding with transpression caused by the Late Triassic collision between the South China Block and South Qinling Terrane. Overprinting Early Cretaceous quartz-stibnite veins developed along gently dipping (20° to 40°) brittle D3 normal fault zones, which exhibit a NE-SW minimum principal stress. This younger deformation event is interpreted to be related to the Early Cretaceous tectonic transition from shortening to extension of the West Qinling Orogen. Therefore, the Zaozigou deposit reveals a model of multiple orogenic gold mineralizing events, with migration of hydrothermal fluids during discrete deformation episodes and the resulting formation of a single composite deposit formed along overprinting structures at separate times of orogenesis.
Ice? Salt? Pressure? Sediment deformation structures as evidence of late-stage shallow groundwater in Gale crater, Mars
Authors: Banham Steven G. , Roberts Amelie L. , Gupta Sanjeev , Davis Joel M. , Thompson Lucy M. , Rubin David M. , Paar Gerhard , Siebach Kirsten L. , Dietrich William E. , Fraeman Abigail A. , Vasavada Ashwin R.
Published: March 2024

Persistence of near-surface water during the late evolution of Gale crater, Mars, would have been fundamental for maintaining a habitable environment. Sedimentation in aqueous conditions is evident during the early stages of crater infilling, where accumulation of lower Mount Sharp group strata is characterized by fluviolacustrine sedimentary rocks. The basal unit of the Siccar Point group—the Stimson formation—which unconformably overlies the Mount Sharp group and represents conditions postdating the exhumation of Aeolis Mons, is characterized by accumulation of aeolian strata under arid conditions. Water was largely absent near the surface during its deposition. At the Feòrachas outcrop, discovery of soft sediment deformation structures in aeolian Stimson strata challenges the notion that Gale crater was devoid of water during its later depositional phase. We identified deformed wind-rippled and vertically laminated sandstones, hosted within erosion-resistant ridges forming boxwork patterns. Broadly, these structures are diagnostic of water (as liquid or as ice) in the shallow subsurface. Comparison with Earth analogues suggests formation by subsurface fluid escape, freeze-thaw processes, or evaporite deformation. Regardless of the mechanism, these structures signify the presence of water at or near the surface much later than previously documented and may extend the habitability window in Gale crater.
One-Photon Femtosecond Laser Excitation of Photoluminescence from H3 and H4 Centers in Natural Diamond: A Method to Determine Their Concentration
Authors: Kudryashov S. I. , Danilov P. A. , Vins V. G. , Pomazkin D. A. , Pakholchuk P. P. , Skorikov M. L. , Smetanin I. V. , Duong P. V. , Minh P. H.
Published: March 2024

The photoluminescence spectra of the dominant H3 and H4 centers in a natural diamond sample, which is preliminarily characterized by optical and infrared spectrophotometry, are excited by femtosecond laser pulses with a wavelength of 470 nm and varying intensity. Saturation of the photoluminescence intensity of the H3 and H4 centers normalized by the intensity of laser radiation is observed and attributed to the saturation of the resonance transition responsible for the excitation. This makes it possible for the first time to estimate the absorption cross sections of H3 and H4 centers, which can be compared with values known from the literature and those determined from photoluminescence kinetics. The total concentration of H3 and H4 centers can then be found. Taking into account the known absorption coefficient of the sample at a wavelength of 470 nm and the previously established ratio of the contributions from H3 and H4 centers, their concentrations have been estimated separately for the first time.