bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PD-L1 expression and its correlation with tumor biomarkers in Chinese urothelial bladder cancer
Authors: Fan Yu , Dai Tao , Zhang Dahong , Guo Hongqian , Zhou Fangjian , Shi Benkang , Wang Shaogang , Ji Zhigang , Wang Chunxi , Yao Xudong , Wei Qiang , Chen Nanhui , Xing Jinchun , Yang Jinjian , Kong Chuize , Huang Jian , Ye Dingwei , Zhou Liqun
Published: July 2024

Data on prevalence of programmed death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression and its correlation with tumor biomarkers in Chinese patients with muscle-invasive urothelial bladder cancer (MIUBC) are scarce. We investigated the prevalence of PD-L1 expression, PD-L1 expression in tumor cells (TC) and immune cells (IC), and its correlation with tumor biomarkers (CD8+ T cells and tumor mutation burden [TMB]) in Chinese patients with newly diagnosed MIUBC (NCT03433924). Of 248 patients enrolled, 229 with PD-L1 data available were analysed. High PD-L1 expression (≥ 25% of TC or IC with PD-L1 expression) was observed in 120 (52.4%) patients. 59 cases showed positive staining in ≥ 25% of TC, and 82 cases had positive staining in ≥ 25% of IC. High expression of CD8+ T cell and TMB (> 10 mutations/megabase) was observed in 44.5% and 54.1% patients, respectively. A positive correlation was observed between percentage of TC with membrane PD-L1 positivity and CD8+ T cells (0.34; P < 0.001) and between IC with membrane PD-L1 positivity and CD8+ T cells (0.44; P < 0.001). There is high prevalence of PD-L1 expression in Chinese patients with MIUBC, suggesting that a sizable subset of patients could benefit from immunotherapy. The correlation of PD-L1 expression with tumor biomarkers provide clues for mechanisms underlying the effects of biomarkers for predicting efficacy.
Amine-directed synthesis, valence state control, and optical properties of two new organic–inorganic tin chlorides
Authors: Wen Xuemei , Yi Gangji , Zhang Zhizhuan , Guo Caihong , Zeng Hongmei , Huang Ling , Zou Guohong , Lin Zhien
Published: July 2024

Two non-centrosymmetric organic–inorganic tin chlorides with interesting optical properties were prepared via valence state control under the structure-directing effect of N,N,N′,N′′,N′′-pentamethyldiethylenetriamine.
An Audit of Outcomes in Cosmetic Rhinoplasty with the Mandatory Psychiatric Evaluation Protocol
Authors: Shandilya Munish , Bourke Stephanie , Shandilya Avi
Published: July 2024

With the high demand of rhinoplasty surgery, careful selection and management of aspirants, as well as proper assessment of outcomes after surgery, are imperative for achieving successful outcomes and learning from it. The aim of this study was to answer two important questions: (1) What is the success rate in cosmetic rhinoplasty? (2) How can we best identify candidates who would achieve good outcomes in cosmetic rhinoplasty? In this study cohort, we excluded patients with any functional concerns and confounding factors that could in any way influence patient satisfaction with a cosmetic surgery. This study is a part of the trilogy of articles on “psychology of rhinoplasty” submitted to this volume of Facial Plastic Surgery, using mandatory psychiatric evaluation (MPE) to optimize candidacy. In total, 184 patients (144 females and 40 males) aged 16 to 63 years (M = 31.09) met the inclusion criteria and were included in this study (follow-up: 3–122 months; M = 70.18 months), and outcome satisfaction was assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) score and a 5-point Likert scale. The mean improvement between preoperative (M = 4.26) and postoperative VAS scores (M = 8.47) was 4.23. Most patients were happy or very happy (95.1%) about the surgical outcome. Patients who were very happy generally scored between 8 and 10 on the VAS (77.2%) and those who were happy generally scored between 6 and 7.9 (21.2%). Some patients, however, were neutral (3.3%) or unhappy (1.6%) about their surgical outcome, and generally scored around ≤7 on the VAS. Although the successful outcome in 95.1% patients reflects a carefully designed protocol for rhinoplasty candidacy, 4.9% patients reported poor satisfaction despite these efforts. An ever-present proportion of unhappy outcomes is a reality of this popular surgery.
Unravelling the link between actors’ roles in place branding processes and brand citizenship behaviour
Authors: Källström Lisa , Ripoll González Laura
Published: July 2024

Both scholars and practitioners agree that stakeholder participation in place branding processes is important for enhancing their support, often referred to as Brand Citizenship Behaviour (BCB). Stakeholder participation can be varied and is often linked to the different roles that place stakeholders can adopt in the place branding process. The literature suggests a link between different stakeholder roles taken along the branding process (from decision-making to implementation) and their voluntary and active supportive behaviours towards the brand project. Despite this recognition, many aspects related to place stakeholders’ roles and BCB remain underexplored, particularly what leads stakeholder to adopt certain roles and engage in behaviours associated with such roles. This study aims to fill this gap by using role theory as a theoretical lens to conceptually explore the different roles actors adopt in the place branding process, their motivations to adopting a certain role and the behavioural expectations that come with such roles. Given the complexity of places and interactive nature of place branding, we also reflect on the fluid and interrelated nature of such roles as they are constantly (re)shaped in the interactions between place stakeholders.
Intelligent diagnosis of magnetorheological clutch using image processing techniques
Authors: Quamar Danishtah , Sarkar Chiranjit
Published: July 2024

The clutch is one of the important components of a vehicle system. Therefore, it is crucial to keep an eye on them and spot any faults while they are operating so that the operators can be informed and possible issues can be solved before they arise. In general, a fault in the clutch causes it to get eccentricity in the disc and the contact between housing and disc during its operation which impacts the non-linear dynamic behaviour of the clutch mechanism and hence it affects the performance of the same. For condition monitoring, infrared imaging is essential since the thermographic patterns change based on the defect or machine condition. In this study, novel attempts have been made to present an intelligent tribological diagnosis of magnetorheological clutch under conditions such as eccentricity of the disc due to misalignment and the contact between housing and disc with the help of an image obtained from the thermal camera. The study for intelligent tribological diagnosis has been done by image processing algorithms in the MATLAB environment. The image segmentation for diagnosis is done by the thresholding technique followed by the feature extraction technique by the Circular Hough transform algorithm. The results successfully determine whether the eccentricity and the contact between the housing and disc due to misalignment are present or not, with the help of circular features in red and blue colour.
Flexoelectric influence on crack propagation in ferroelectric single crystals: a phase-field approach
Authors: Qi Changjun , Jiang Yixuan , Wang Xingzhe
Published: July 2024

Ferroelectric materials, known for their inherent brittleness, are prone to brittle fracture. This limitation not only curtails the materials’ operational lifespan but also impinges on the reliability of the associated devices. Notably, the pronounced strain gradient present at the crack tip necessitates consideration of the flexoelectric effect—the interaction between strain gradient and electric polarization—in the fracture mechanics of ferroelectric materials. This study introduces a phase-field model incorporating the flexoelectric effect to elucidate its role on crack growth and domain evolution in ferroelectric single crystals. Our findings demonstrate that both crack trajectory and domain switching phenomena at the crack’s forefront are substantially influenced by the magnitude and sign of the flexoelectric coefficient, as well as the initial polarization direction. Depending on the computational scenarios, the flexoelectric effect can either exacerbate or impede crack propagation. Through meticulous examination of the mechanical field distributions and their temporal progression, we have uncovered the underlying mechanisms by which the flexoelectric effect governs crack propagation in ferroelectric single crystals. These insights pave the way for improving the fracture resistance and thereby enhancing the reliability of ferroelectric devices.
Nuclear shape evolution in even-even Pd isotopic chain
Authors: El Bassem Y , El Adri M , El Batoul A , Oulne M
Published: July 2024

The covariant density functional theory is utilized to examine the evolution of shape in even–even 96−130
Pd isotopes by using the density-dependent meson-exchange DD-ME2 and the density-dependent point-coupling DD-PC1. This research is carried out by considering the evolution of the ground-state shapes derived from calculations of the axial and triaxial potential energy surfaces. The shape transition in the palladium isotopic chain is very clearly manifested. In addition, various ground-state properties, such as binding energy, charge radius, two-neutron separation energy, and two-neutron shell gap have been calculated and have been observed to adequately match the existing experimental data. Moreover, a robust shell closure is distinctly observed at the magic neutron number N = 82.
Design and sensitivity study of a novel Z-shaped gate TFET sensor with SiGe source for chemical analyte detection
Authors: Dash Sidhartha
Published: July 2024

In this work, we have designed a chemical gas sensor using a Z-shaped gate tunnel FET with a SiGe source. Here, the gate material is a conducting organic polymer, which allows for the effective detection of a variety of chemical analytes. Over the course of the sensitivity investigation, several chemical analytes were exposed, including hexane, methanol, iso-propanol, and chloroform. Detecting chemical gases is feasible due to the work-function modification of the conducting polymer with exposure to the chemical gas vapors. This leads to modifications in the electrical properties of the suggested gas sensor, which serves as a sensing metric. The impact of surrounding temperature on various sensitivity parameters of the TFET-based gas sensor is also investigated. The proposed heterostructure Z-TFET (ZHS-TFET) offers a peak drain current sensitivity of 5.65 × 105 in the case of chloroform, which is four times higher than the sensitivity provided by the ZTFET sensor. Further, the suggested chemical sensor offers a higher subthreshold swing sensitivity (SSS) of 0.29 and a current ratio sensitivity (Sratio) of 3.18. As a result of its higher-sensitivity nature and improved electrostatic performance, the proposed sensor with conducting polymer as the gate metal may be able to meet the needs of the chemical and pharmaceutical industries, as well as environmental monitoring and biological diagnostics.
Dual-narrowband terahertz metamaterial absorber based on all-metal vertical ring array for enhanced sensing application
Authors: Cai Bin , Yang Lingling , Wu Ling , Cheng Yongzhi , Li Xiangcheng
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a novel design of a dual-narrowband metamaterial absorber (MMA) was proposed for using as a high-performance refractive index (RI) sensor in the terahertz (THz) region. The proposed MMA is based on a vertical-ring-shaped (VRS) structure gold film array. Through numerical simulation, it was found that the MMA can achieve high absorption levels of 99.8% and 94.6% at 1.723 THz and 2.457 THz, respectively, which are consistent with the values obtained using coupling mode theory (CMT). The MMA also exhibits high Q-factor values of about 27.35 and 102.38, respectively, which are close to the CMT values of 29.94 and 98.34. The dual-band strong absorption of the MMA is attributed to the guided modes of the critical coupling resonance, and the absorption properties can be adjusted by changing the geometrical parameters of the unit-cell structure. The proposed MMA has a narrowband and a higher Q-factor, making it suitable for RI sensing, with a sensitivity of about 1.66 and 1.88 THz RIU−1, and a figure-of-merit (FOM) of about 259.4 and 659.7 RIU−1, respectively. These findings open up new opportunities for the development of highly efficient MMAs, which have potential applications in biochemical sensing and detection in the THz region.
Comparison of machine learning models in forecasting different ENSO types
Authors: Ibebuchi Chibuike Chiedozie , Rainey Seth , Obarein Omon A , Silva Alindomar , Lee Cameron C
Published: July 2024

Accurate forecasting of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO) plays a critical role in mitigating the impacts of extreme weather conditions linked to ENSO variability on ecosystems. This study evaluates the performance of six machine learning models in forecasting two ENSO types: the Central Pacific El Niño (Niño 4 index) and the East Central Pacific El Niño (Niño 3.4 index). The models analyzed include the Feed Forward Neural Network (FFNN), Long Short-term Memory (LSTM) neural network, eXtreme Gradient Boosting Regressor, K-Nearest Neighbors Regressor, Gradient Boosting Regressor, and Support Vector Regressor, using the ENSO index lagged by six months as the predictor. The models were trained on the monthly ENSO indices from 1870 to 1992 and tested from 1993 to 2023. We also assess the relative predictability of the two ENSO types. Events were defined as when the ENSO index exceeded

±
0.4
.

Our evaluation during the testing period reveals that for the analyzed models, the deep neural network models (LSTM and FFNN) demonstrated superior performance in forecasting ENSO at a 6-month lead time. Furthermore, all models achieved impressive all-season correlations ranging from 0.93 to 0.97 and threat score for the ENSO phases between 0.71 to 0.88 for Niño 3.4 events, and 0.72 to 0.93 for Niño 4 events. The predictability of the two ENSO types depended on the model and strength of the ENSO event. Considering both ENSO phases, La Niña events were forecasted with a higher accuracy relative to El Niño events, and all models, besides the deep learning models, notably fell short in capturing the extreme 2015/2016 Central Pacific El Niño event. These results highlight the potential of machine learning models, particularly the deep learning approaches, for skillful ENSO forecasting, by leveraging its historical data.
The influence of piezoelectric on the nonlinear stochastic vibration of BN nanoresonator
Authors: Zhang Yiqing , Xu Feng , Li Zhenbo
Published: July 2024

The outstanding physical properties of hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN) make it highly valuable for use in nanoelectromechanical systems. We investigate the nonlinear stochastic vibration of h-BN nanowire affected by piezoelectric. The nonlinear beam model considering the impact of piezoelectric effect excited by random force is established. Molecular dynamic simulations were utilized to determine the potential energy of h-BN nanowires under varying amplitudes affected by an external electric field. The findings suggest that an increase in the intensity of the electric field can result in buckling behavior, leading to the appearance of two stable points. The cases of pre-buckling and post-buckling of nonlinear dynamic behavior of h-BN nanowire induced by piezoelectric effect is discussed in this paper. Furthermore, the impact of the intensity of random force on the nonlinear stochastic vibration characteristics of h-BN nanowire is also examined.
Presymplectic minimal models of local gauge theories
Authors: Dneprov Ivan , Grigoriev Maxim , Gritzaenko Vyacheslav
Published: July 2024

We elaborate on the recently proposed notion of a weak presymplectic gauge PDE. It is a

Z

-graded bundle over the space-time manifold, equipped with a degree 1 vector field and a compatible graded presymplectic structure. This geometrical data naturally defines a Lagrangian gauge field theory. Moreover, it encodes not only the Lagrangian of the theory but also its full-scale Batalin–Vilkovisky (BV) formulation. In particular, the respective field-antifield space arises as a symplectic quotient of the super-jet bundle of the initial fiber bundle. A remarkable property of this approach is that among the variety of presymplectic gauge PDEs encoding a given gauge theory we can pick a minimal one that usually turns out to be finite-dimensional, and unique in a certain sense. The approach can be considered as an extension of the familiar AKSZ construction to not necessarily topological and diffeomorphism-invariant theories. We present a variety of examples including p-forms, chiral Yang–Mills theory, Holst gravity, and conformal gravity. We also explain the explicit relation to the non-BV-BRST version of the formalism, which happens to be closely related to the covariant phase space and the multisymplectic approaches.
Bi-Lagrangian structures and the space of rays
Authors: Domitrz Wojciech , Zubilewicz Marcin
Published: July 2024

This paper focuses on local curvature invariants associated with bi-Lagrangian structures. We establish several geometric conditions that determine when the canonical connection is flat, building on our previous findings regarding divergence-free webs (Domitrz and Zubilewicz 2023 Anal. Math. Phys.
13 4). Addressing questions raised by Tabachnikov (1993 Differ. Geom. Appl.
3 265–84), we provide complete solutions to two problems: the existence of flat bi-Lagrangian structures within the space of rays induced by a pair of hypersurfaces, and the existence of flat bi-Lagrangian structures induced by tangents to Lagrangian curves in the symplectic plane.
Arctic curves of the T-system with slanted initial data
Authors: Di Francesco Philippe , Vu Hieu Trung
Published: July 2024

We study the T-system of type

A
∞

, also known as the octahedron recurrence/equation, viewed as a

2
+
1

-dimensional discrete evolution equation. Generalizing earlier work on arctic curves for the Aztec Diamond obtained from solutions of the octahedron recurrence with ‘flat’ initial data, we consider initial data along parallel ‘slanted’ planes perpendicular to an arbitrary admissible direction

(
r
,
s
,
t
)
∈

Z

+
3

. The corresponding solutions of the T-system are interpreted as partition functions of dimer models on some suitable ‘pinecone’ graphs introduced by Bousquet–Mélou, Propp, and West in 2009. The T-system formulation and some exact solutions in uniform or periodic cases allow us to explore the thermodynamic limit of the corresponding dimer models and to derive exact arctic curves separating the various phases of the system. This direct approach bypasses the standard general theory of dimers using the Kasteleyn matrix approach and uses instead the theory of Analytic Combinatorics in Several Variables, by focusing on a linear system obeyed by the dimer density generating function.
Non-commutative probability insights into the double-scaling limit SYK model with constant perturbations: moments, cumulants and q-independence
Authors: Wu Shuang
Published: July 2024

Extending the results of Wu (2022 J. Phys. A 55 415207), we study the double-scaling limit Sachdev–Ye–Kitaev model with an additional diagonal matrix with a fixed number c of nonzero constant entries θ. This constant diagonal term can be rewritten in terms of Majorana fermion products. Its specific formula depends on the value of c. We find exact expressions for the moments of this model. More importantly, by proposing a moment-cumulant relation, we reinterpret the effect of introducing a constant term in the context of non-commutative probability theory. This gives rise to a

q
~

dependent mixture of independences within the moment formula. The parameter

q
~

, derived from the q-Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (q-OU) process, controls this transformation. It interpolates between classical independence (

q
~

=
1

) and Boolean independence (

q
~

=
0

). The underlying combinatorial structures of this model provide the non-commutative probability connections. Additionally, we explore the potential relation between these connections and their gravitational path integral counterparts.
Golay coded thermal wave imaging for inclusions inspection in titanium alloy (Ti-6Al-4V): an analytical study
Authors: Sharma Anshul , Arora Vanita , Mulaveesala Ravibabu
Published: July 2024

Detecting and characterizing inclusions in metallic materials is crucial in nondestructive testing (NDT) and imaging to ensure structural integrity and reliability. In the field of nondestructive material assessment, infrared thermographic imaging is a well-established technology. This approach analyzes the thermal profile collected over a test specimen to find surface and sub-surface abnormalities. Infrared thermography has demonstrated rising interest in coded thermal excitation techniques and the accompanying data processing technologies in recent years. However, using coded excitations in thermal NDT is still uncommon. This research investigates the viability of using complementary Golay-coded excitation in active thermography. This unique method displays its usefulness in improving the detection sensitivity and resolution by efficiently minimizing the side lobes of the compressed pulse. The current analytical study demonstrates the flaw detection capability of Golay-coded thermal wave imaging (GCTWI) for analyzing titanium alloy materials with anomalies such as inclusions. The research replicates thermal wave propagation and interaction with various inclusion geometries and sizes at the same depths. Furthermore, a comparison study is done between GCTWI analytical and simulation models to validate these models. The correlation coefficient is used as a figure of merit to assess GCTWI’s ability to identify and precisely localize these inclusions. The results show that GCTWI has better fault detectability and spatial resolution capabilities, making it a viable approach for inclusion inspection. Overall, this study advances NDT and imaging approaches by proving the capability of GCTWI for the reliable and efficient identification of inclusions in Titanium Alloy (Ti-6Al-4V). The study’s findings can help to develop more effective inspection procedures for assuring and maintaining the structural integrity of Ti-6Al-4V components in various sectors, including aerospace, automotive, and biomedical engineering.
The impact of toroidal mode coupling on high-density discharges in J-TEXT
Authors: DENG 邓 Peng 鹏 , MAO 毛 Wenzhe 文哲 , CHEN 陈 Zhipeng 志鹏 , ZHOU 周 Yinan 乙楠 , SHI 石 Peng 鹏 , YANG 杨 Zhoujun 州军 , GAO 高 Li 丽 , LAN 兰 Tao 涛 , XIE 谢 Jinlin 锦林 , LI 李 Hong 弘 , WEI 卫 Zian 子安 , LIU 刘 Adi 阿娣 , ZHOU 周 Chu 楚 , DING 丁 Weixing 卫星 , LIU 刘 Wandong 万东 , ZHUANG 庄 Ge 革
Published: July 2024

Density limit has long been a widely studied issue influencing the operating range of tokamaks. The rapid growth of the m/n = 2/1 (where m and n are poloidal and toroidal mode numbers, respectively) tearing mode is generally regarded as a primary precursor to the density limit disruption. In this experiment, the coupling of the m/n = 1/1 mode and the m/n = 2/1 mode in high-density plasma was observed. During a sawtooth cycle, the frequencies of the two modes gradually converge until they become equal. After that, toroidal coupling occurs between the 1/1 and 2/1 modes, resulting in a mutually fixed phase relationship. With the occurrence of toroidal coupling, the 2/1 mode is stabilized. Prior to the disruption, the cessation of the 1/1 and 2/1 mode coupling, along with the rapid growth in the amplitude of the 2/1 mode, can be observed. Additionally, under the same parameters, comparing discharges with or without the 1/1 mode, it is found that the presence of the 1/1 mode leads to higher plasma density and temperature parameters.
Racialized experience, biomarkers of lead exposure, and later-life cognition: a mediation analysis
Authors: Jenson Tara E , Bakulski Kelly M , Wesp Linda , Dookeran Keith , Driscoll Ira , Kalkbrenner Amy E
Published: July 2024

We evaluated the role of the neurotoxicant lead (Pb) in mediating racial disparities in later-life cognition in 1085 non-Hispanic Black and 2839 non-Hispanic white participants in the National Health and Nutrition and Examination Survey (NHANES, 1999-2002, 2011-2014) 60+ years of age. We operationalized Black race as a marker for the experience of racialization and exposure to systemic racism. We estimated patella bone Pb via predictive models using blood Pb and demographics. Concurrent cognition (processing speed, sustained attention, working memory) was measured by the Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) and a global measure combining 4 cognitive tests. To obtain the portion mediated, we used regression coefficients (race on Pb * Pb on cognitive score)/(race on cognitive score), adjusting for age, NHANES cycle, and sample weights. Other confounder adjustment (education, poverty income ratio, smoking) was limited to the mediator-outcome (ie, Pb-cognition) pathway because these factors do not lie upstream of race and so cannot confound associations with race. Lead was estimated to mediate 0.6% of the association between race and global cognition, and 4% of the DSST. Our results suggest that later-life cognitive health disparities may be impacted by avoidable lead exposure driven by environmental injustice, noting that a large proportion of the pathway of systemic racism harming cognition remains.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.
The role of prescription opioid and cannabis supply policies on opioid overdose deaths
Authors: Cerdá Magdalena , Wheeler-Martin Katherine , Bruzelius Emilie , Mauro Christine M , Crystal Stephen , Davis Corey S , Adhikari Samrachana , Santaella-Tenorio Julian , Keyes Katherine M , Rudolph Kara E , Hasin Deborah , Martins Silvia S
Published: July 2024

Mandatory prescription drug monitoring programs and cannabis legalization have been hypothesized to reduce overdose deaths. We examined associations between prescription monitoring programs with access mandates (must-query PDMPs), legalization of medical and recreational cannabis supply, and opioid overdose deaths in United States counties in 2013-2020. Using data on overdose deaths from the National Vital Statistics System, we fit Bayesian spatiotemporal models to estimate risk differences and 95% credible intervals (CrIs) in county-level opioid overdose deaths associated with enactment of these state policies. Must-query PDMPs were independently associated with on average 0.8 (95% CrI, 0.5-1.0) additional opioid-involved overdose deaths per 100 000 person-years. Legal cannabis supply was not independently associated with opioid overdose deaths in this time period. Must-query PDMPs enacted in the presence of legal (medical or recreational) cannabis supply were associated with 0.7 (95% CrI, 0.4-0.9) more opioid-involved deaths relative to must-query PDMPs without any legal cannabis supply. In a time when overdoses are driven mostly by nonprescribed opioids, stricter opioid prescribing policies and more expansive cannabis legalization were not associated with reduced overdose death rates.

This article is part of a Special Collection on Mental Health.
Optimizing preoperative antibiotic use through improved penicillin allergy documentation
Authors: Adams Sarah A H , Gresham Caroline D , Ariail Andrew R , Rodeghiero Karen Curzio
Published: July 2024

Purpose

Penicillin allergy documentation in the electronic health record (EHR) lacks detail with regard to type of reaction, history of reaction, and other tolerated β-lactams. Because of concern for penicillin allergy cross-reactivity with cefazolin, patients with a reported penicillin allergy are frequently prescribed suboptimal preoperative antibiotics, which have been associated with negative patient outcomes, including increased risk of surgical site infection. The purpose of this study was to increase preoperative use of cefazolin via improvement to the documentation of penicillin allergies in the EHR.

Methods

This single-center, quasi-experimental quality improvement study compared patients with a self-reported penicillin allergy admitted for select elective surgeries before and after implementation of a penicillin allergy questionnaire. The primary outcome was receipt of cefazolin for surgical prophylaxis. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients with detailed penicillin allergy documentation, the proportion of patients with surgical site infections occurring within 30 days of surgery, and the proportion of patients who received the full antibiotic dose before the first surgical incision.

Results

A total of 100 patients were included in the preintervention group, while 85 patients were included in the postintervention group. Cefazolin use was higher in the postintervention group (13.0% vs 41.2%; P < 0.001). The postintervention group also had a larger proportion of patients with detailed allergy documentation (2.0% vs 50.6%; P < 0.001) and who received the full preoperative antibiotic dose before the first incision (25.0% vs 48.2%; P = 0.001). There was no statistical difference between the groups in the incidence of surgical site infection at 30 days after surgery (3.0% vs 1.2%; P = 0.63).

Conclusion

Preoperative cefazolin use was higher in patients with a reported penicillin allergy after implementation of a penicillin allergy questionnaire and EHR documentation tool.
Incisor Show–based Selection of Tip Augmentation Rhinoplasty Technique
Authors: Guyuron Bahman , Swanson Marco , DeLeonibus Anthony
Published: July 2024

Our recent studies show that the majority of patients seeking rhinoplasty have inadequate incisor show. Furthermore, some rhinoplasty maneuvers, such as a columella strut, can alter the lip position and consequently the incisor show. We report the senior author's (B.G.) algorithm for tip augmentation technique based on our previous studies and 44 years of keen observation in the field of rhinoplasty. The 5 most common scenarios are described. When there is a short columella with inadequate incisor show, bilateral extended spreader grafts and columella strut with a tapered posterior portion are recommended, serving as a reliable midline septal extension graft supporting the medial crura in a more anterior position with sutures and a positive effect on incisor show. When there is an optimal lip-incisor relationship, a columella strut with a tapered posterior end fixed to the septum, with or without extended spreader grafts, is a better choice to prevent a change in smile. If there is excessive gum show, the optimal tip augmentation technique is a columella strut without tapering or even wider posterior end, with fixation of the columella strut to the septum, with or without extended spreader grafts that will push the upper lip caudally. The remaining scenarios are described in detail. Tip augmentation maneuvers in rhinoplasty can have a significant influence on upper lip position, which is often detrimental to the smile. The preoperative position of the upper lip during smile should play an integral role in the selection of tip augmentation technique.

Level of Evidence: 5
Multiple sclerosis in Denmark (1950–2023): mean age, sex distribution, incidence and prevalence
Authors: Holm Rolf P , Wandall-Holm Malthe F , Magyari Melinda
Published: July 2024

With rising life expectancy and advancements in disease management, we expect the multiple sclerosis population is getting older. However, evidence supporting this hypothesis remains sparse. Our study aimed to determine whether the mean age of the Danish multiple sclerosis population has increased and to analyse the developments in sex distribution, incidence and prevalence, all of which affect age composition.

We conducted a cohort study by linking nationwide data from the Danish Multiple Sclerosis Registry to the Population Statistics Registry, the Danish Cause of Death Registry, and the Historical Migration Registry. We included all living patients with a confirmed multiple sclerosis diagnosis who lived in Denmark on the 1st of January each year from 1950 to 2023. We calculated the mean and median age, age distribution, sex distribution, incidence and prevalence of the Danish multiple sclerosis population annually from 1950 to 2023.

We included 28 145 individuals with multiple sclerosis. The mean age of the Danish multiple sclerosis population increased until the late 1970s to ∼52.5 years, where it stabilized until 1990. The mean age experienced a slight decline to 51.2 years in 2005, followed by a subsequent rise to its peak of 54.2 years in 2023. In 1975, females comprised 58.7% of the multiple sclerosis population, increasing to 65.7% by 2000 and 68.5% in 2023. The incidence of multiple sclerosis remained stable at ∼3.5 per 100 000 until 1975 and steadily increased by more than three times in 2000 to 11.4 per 100 000. Despite fluctuations, it remained relatively stable from 2000 until 2022, showing a slight decrease in 2022 compared to the previous two decades. Both overall and sex-specific prevalence exhibited an upward trend, particularly among females.

Our study demonstrates that the mean age of the Danish multiple sclerosis population has increased, although not as decisively as expected. The female proportion has grown in tandem with prevalence, while incidence appears to have stabilized in recent decades after years of increase. Denmark’s robust registry data and universal healthcare system offer a unique opportunity for reliable epidemiological analysis. Our results establish a benchmark for future demographic studies in the field of multiple sclerosis.
Applying multidisciplinary methods to forensic casework in North Carolina
Authors: Long Nicole , Sheets Kimberly , Thornton Erin Kennedy , Ross Ann H
Published: July 2024

A multidisciplinary approach in the investigation of unidentified decedents employs the use of a variety of scientific approaches. This approach is applied in casework in North Carolina, USA and has led to successful identifications using anthropological analysis and population affinity estimation using 3D-ID, investigative genetic geneaology (IGG), and isotopic analyses. Results from one scientific approach can help to inform the others, providing more information about the decedent, and thus enhancing the investigation. This case report outlines three cases from North Carolina that combine each of these scientific approaches and serve as examples of collaboration in a multidisciplinary approach.

Key points
Refining tomography with generative neural networks trained from geodynamics
Authors: Santos T , Bodin T , Soulez F , Ricard Y , Capdeville Y
Published: July 2024

Inverse problems occur in many fields of geophysics, wherein surface observations are used to infer the internal structure of the Earth. Given the non-linearity and non-uniqueness inherent in these problems, a standard strategy is to incorporate a priori information regarding the unknown model. Sometimes a solution is obtained by imposing that the inverted model remains close to a reference model and with smooth lateral variations (e.g. a correlation length or a minimal wavelength are imposed). This approach forbids the presence of strong gradients or discontinuities in the recovered model. Admittedly, discontinuities, such as interfaces between layers, or shapes of geological provinces or of geological objects such as slabs can be a priori imposed or even suggested by the data themselves. This is however limited to a small set of possible constraints. For example, it would be very challenging and computationally expensive to perform a tomographic inversion where the subducting slabs would have possible top discontinuities with unknown shapes. The problem seems formidable because one cannot even imagine how to sample the prior space: is each specific slab continuous or broken into different portions having their own interfaces? No continuous set of parameters seems to describe all the possible interfaces that we could consider. To circumvent these questions, we propose to train a Generative Adversarial neural Network (GAN) to generate models from a geologically plausible prior distribution obtained from geodynamic simulations. In a Bayesian framework, a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm is used to sample the low-dimensional model space depicting the ensemble of potential geological models. This enables the integration of intricate a priori information, parametrized within a low-dimensional model space conducive to efficient sampling. The application of this approach is demonstrated in the context of a downscaling problem, where the objective is to infer small-scale geological structures from a smooth seismic tomographic image.
Seafloor Rayleigh ellipticity, measured from unoriented data, and its significance for passive seismic imaging in the ocean
Authors: Ai Sanxi , Akuhara Takeshi , He Lipeng , Xiong Cheng , Yan Zhiyong , Zheng Yong
Published: July 2024

Observations of the seafloor Rayleigh ellipticity contribute to seismic imaging in the ocean. To extract such observables from the arbitrarily oriented ocean–bottom seismometer (OBS) data, we develop an orthogonal-regression-based approach to measure the waveform amplitude ratios of the unoriented horizontal and vertical components. The amplitude ratios are then used to calculate the Rayleigh ellipticity (and the sensor orientation angle). The robustness of our method is verified by applications to both the unoriented OBS data and the well oriented on-land seismic data. As we propose to calculate the Rayleigh ellipticity directly from the unoriented three-component data, the measurement process avoids the complexity arising from the surface wave non-great-circle effects and uncertainties of the OBS sensor orientation angles. Overall the Rayleigh ellipticity measurements from our method are systematically higher than those by conventional analysis and show less uncertainties. Our analyses suggest that the Rayleigh ellipticity curve (14–60 s), which could be retrieved from the raw broad-band OBS data, is effective to constrain the oceanic lithosphere structure, and the accurate measurement of Rayleigh ellipticity curve is important. The potential of seafloor Rayleigh ellipticity for seismic imaging in the ocean is evidenced by a case study of the Japan Basin, the Sea of Japan. Considering the insufficient station coverage in the ocean, the single-station measurement of seafloor Rayleigh ellipticity is of significance for OBS community.
Autologous Fat Grafting For Perianal Fistula in Behçet’s Disease: A Case Report
Authors: Sadiq Kaiser O’Sahil , Dobke Marek Krzysztof , Boland Brigid S , Lopez Nicole , Eisenstein Samuel
Published: July 2024

Lay Summary

This is the first case report of a patient undergoing successful autologous fat grafting for an anal fistula in the setting of Bechet’s disease. We demonstrate that this can be done safely and successfully after optimization of the underlying disease.
Measuring Enlarged Mentality: Development and Validation of the Enlarged Mentality Scale
Authors: Kim Nuri , Degefe Elizabeth Demissie , Jones-Jang S Mo , Chung Myojung
Published: July 2024

Hannah Arendt’s concept of enlarged mentality (also referred to as representative thinking) has received much attention from theorists and philosophers, but it has not been a central concept in the empirical political communication literature. This article explicates the concept of enlarged mentality and argues for its relevance to political communication theory and research. Specifically, we developed (Study 1) and validated (Study 2, Study 3) a 10-item survey instrument to measure orientation towards enlarged thinking among individuals. The Enlarged Mentality Scale was validated in two national samples (Singapore, United Kingdom) and was found to show predictive validity toward deliberative and political engagement variables. We offer suggestions on how the measure of enlarged mentality could be useful for different areas of political communication research.
Housefly gut microbiomes as a reservoir and facilitator for the spread of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Gan Dehao , Lin Zhenyan , Zeng Lingshuang , Deng Hui , Walsh Timothy R , Zhou Shungui , Yang Qiu E
Published: July 2024

Arthropods, such as houseflies, play a significant role in the dissemination of antimicrobial resistance (AMR); however, their impact has often been overlooked in comparison to other AMR vectors. Understanding the contribution of arthropods to the spread of AMR is critical for implementing robust policies to mitigate the spread of AMR across One Health sectors, affecting animals and environmental habitats as well as humans. In this study, we investigated the in situ transfer of a gfp-labelled AMR plasmid (IncA/C carrying an mcr-8 gene, pA/C_MCR-8) in the gut microbiota of houseflies (Musca domestica) by applying single-cell sorting, 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and whole-genome sequencing. Our findings demonstrate that the pA/C_MCR-8–positive Escherichia coli donor strain is capable of colonizing the gut microbiome of houseflies and persists in the housefly intestine for 5 days; however, no transfer was detectable above the detection threshold of 10−5 per cell. The conjugative plasmid pA/C_MCR-8 demonstrated a high transfer frequency ranging from 4.1 × 10−3 to 5.0 × 10−3 per cell in vitro and exhibited transfer across various bacterial phyla, primarily encompassing Pseudomonadota and Bacillota. Phylogenic analysis has revealed that Providencia stuartii, a human opportunistic pathogen, is a notable recipient of pA/C_MCR-8. The conjugation assays further revealed that newly formed P. stuartii transconjugants readily transfer pA/C_MCR-8 to other clinically relevant pathogens (e.g. Klebsiella pneumoniae). Our findings indicate the potential transfer of AMR plasmids from houseflies to human opportunistic pathogens and further support the adoption of a One Health approach in developing infection control policies that address AMR across clinical settings.
Osmoregulation in freshwater anaerobic methane-oxidizing archaea under salt stress
Authors: Echeveste Medrano Maider J , Leu Andy O , Pabst Martin , Lin Yuemei , McIlroy Simon J , Tyson Gene W , van Ede Jitske , Sánchez-Andrea Irene , Jetten Mike S M , Jansen Robert , Welte Cornelia U
Published: July 2024

Climate change–driven sea level rise threatens freshwater ecosystems and elicits salinity stress in microbiomes. Methane emissions in these systems are largely mitigated by methane-oxidizing microorganisms. Here, we characterized the physiological and metabolic response of freshwater methanotrophic archaea to salt stress. In our microcosm experiments, inhibition of methanotrophic archaea started at 1%. However, during gradual increase of salt up to 3% in a reactor over 12 weeks, the culture continued to oxidize methane. Using gene expression profiles and metabolomics, we identified a pathway for salt-stress response that produces the osmolyte of anaerobic methanotrophic archaea: N(ε)-acetyl-β-L-lysine. An extensive phylogenomic analysis on N(ε)-acetyl-β-L-lysine-producing enzymes revealed that they are widespread across both bacteria and archaea, indicating a potential horizontal gene transfer and a link to BORG extrachromosomal elements. Physicochemical analysis of bioreactor biomass further indicated the presence of sialic acids and the consumption of intracellular polyhydroxyalkanoates in anaerobic methanotrophs during salt stress.
Cuticle development and the underlying transcriptome–metabolome associations during early seedling establishment
Authors: Chen Keting , Bhunia Rupam Kumar , Wendt Matthew M , Campidilli Grace , McNinch Colton , Hassan Ahmed , Li Ling , Nikolau Basil J , Yandeau-Nelson Marna D
Published: July 2024

The plant cuticle is a complex extracellular lipid barrier that has multiple protective functions. This study investigated cuticle deposition by integrating metabolomics and transcriptomics data gathered from six different maize seedling organs of four genotypes, the inbred lines B73 and Mo17, and their reciprocal hybrids. These datasets captured the developmental transition of the seedling from heterotrophic skotomorphogenic growth to autotrophic photomorphogenic growth, a transition that is highly vulnerable to environmental stresses. Statistical interrogation of these data revealed that the predominant determinant of cuticle composition is seedling organ type, whereas the seedling genotype has a smaller effect on this phenotype. Gene-to-metabolite associations assessed by integrated statistical analyses identified three gene networks associated with the deposition of different elements of the cuticle: cuticular waxes; monomers of lipidized cell wall biopolymers, including cutin and suberin; and both of these elements. These gene networks reveal three metabolic programs that appear to support cuticle deposition, including processes of chloroplast biogenesis, lipid metabolism, and molecular regulation (e.g. transcription factors, post-translational regulators, and phytohormones). This study demonstrates the wider physiological metabolic context that can determine cuticle deposition and lays the groundwork for new targets for modulating the properties of this protective barrier.
Integrating Mendelian Randomization With Single-Cell Sequencing Data Reveals the Causal Effect and Related Mechanisms of Smoking on Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Zhang Xinyue , Zhu Zhigang , Zhu Liuhui , Guan Ying , Zhu Zhouhai , Liu Bin , Ren Hui , Yang Xinglong
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Smoking (nicotine) has been reported to possibly be neuroprotective and conducive to patients with early Parkinson’s disease (PD). However, the causal effect of smoking on PD and the molecular mechanisms of smoking-related genes (SRGs) are vague.

Aims and Methods

First, genome-wide association study summary data on smoking (ukb-b-6244) and PD (ieu-b-7) were retrieved from the Integrative Epidemiology Unit OpenGWAS database for Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Sensitivity analyses were performed to validate the results of the MR analyses. Subsequently, a differential analysis of PD patients and controls was performed to identify differentially expressed SRGs (DE-SRGs). Finally, the expression of DE-SRGs was analyzed in annotated cell types.

Results

The MR analysis revealed that smoking was a protective factor causally related to PD (p = .008, odds ratio = 0.288). Furthermore, a total of five DE-SRGs enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling pathways were identified in GSE7621 dataset. Regarding the single-cell analysis of the GSE184950 dataset, a total of nine cell types were annotated. The expression of LRRN1 in oligodendrocyte progenitor cells and oligodendrocytes, respectively, differed significantly between PD patients and controls.

Conclusions

Our study supported a causal relationship between smoking and PD and found that five SRGs (MAPK8IP1, LRRN1, LINC00324, HIST1H2BK, and YOD1) enriched in Toll-like receptor signaling pathways might be beneficial in PD. In addition, single-cell sequencing indicated that four SRGs were differentially expressed in different cell types. All four genes except MAPK8IP1 were significantly correlated with the 10 genes calculated by scPagwas. Thus, this evidence provides a theoretical basis for further research on the effect of nicotine (smoking) on PD.

Implications

In search of explore the potential etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease, this study combined MR analysis, transcriptomics, and single-cell sequencing analysis to explore the association between exposure factors and Parkinson’s disease, observe and confirm the relationship and mechanism between the two from the perspective of genetics, and provide more reliable evidence for causal inference.