bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Numerical assessment of thermal bridging effects in 3D-printed foam concrete walls
Authors: Chamatete Kunda , Yalçınkaya Çağlar 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Integrating smart technology and advanced materials in the construction industry has revolutionized traditional building practices, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and overall performance. Researchers and professionals in the construction sector have shown significant interest in three-dimensional concrete printing (3DCP) for automating structural engineering tasks. Despite its potential as a sustainable solution to modern construction issues, there is a lack of research on the thermal insulation performance of three-dimensional printed concrete (3DPC) building envelopes, and the potential for integrating foam concrete (FC) to enhance energy efficiency has not yet been studied. This paper presents a numerical analysis examining how different infill geometries affect the thermal performance of 3D-printed foam concrete (3DPFC) lattice envelopes. Six lattice structures were designed with identical thickness, height, length, and comparable insulation areas. The effects of the contact (intersection) area of webs with the interior face shell, webs, and infill rows on the thermal performance of granularly insulated envelopes were studied. The effectiveness of insulation was also established. The findings indicate that the thermal transmittance of 3DPC envelopes correlates directly with the contact area of the webs and the interior surface, with U-values ranging from 0.151 W m2·K to 0.652 W/m2·K. Notably, the absence of direct connections between exterior and interior surfaces enhances insulation efficiency, with double-row structures achieving up to 94% insulation efficiency. However, when there is a direct connection between the two surfaces, the thermal performance of these envelopes is mainly affected by the contact (intersection) area of the webs with the interior face rather than the number of webs. By integrating foam concrete and double-row walls, this study demonstrates an innovative approach to reducing thermal bridging and improving energy performance in 3D-printed construction. The results offer novel insight into optimizing the thermal behavior of 3DPC systems for sustainable building practices.
Stretchable printed circuit boards using a silicone substrate of variable stiffness and conventional PCB fabrication methods
Authors: Jamali Armin , Lehmann Christoph , Aditya Ravi Teja , Goldschmidtboeing Frank , Woias Peter , Comella Laura M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Stretchable printed circuit boards (S-PCBs) offer unique advantages over rigid PCBs such as enabling conformability to changing environments and ergonomic designs with increased lifetime under dynamic loads. This study introduces an innovative fabrication method and a cost-effective solution for rapid prototyping S-PCBs using commercially available materials. By utilizing silicone substrates with different levels of stiffness and structured copper sheets for electrical connections, the S-PCBs feature ‘stiff islands’ embedded in a flexible base material. This fabrication method helps alleviate mechanical strain on strain-sensitive components while allowing local deformation of the S-PCB. The proposed fabrication method does therefore enable to integrate surface mount device components into S-PCBs and facilitates complex circuit designs while maintaining stretchability and fatigue resistance. Through material characterization, video strain analysis, as well as quasi-static and cyclic loading tests, this article demonstrates the efficacy of our approach. Based on the experimental results, we provide insights into failure modes and suggest design principles to further enhance the durability of S-PCBs fabricated with our method. We then conclude by presenting a soft wearable S-PCB demonstrator. The S-PCBs fabricated with this method withstood mechanical strains up to 100% and cyclic loads with 30% strain up to 625 cycles. The results are very promising for applications in soft robotics, wearable devices, and soft sensors and actuators. Overall, our study offers a comprehensive toolkit for fast S-PCB prototyping, paving the way for advancements in stretchable electronics with a high degree of complexity and stretchability.
MVSF-AB: Accurate antibody-antigen binding affinity prediction via multi-view sequence feature learning
Authors: Li Minghui , Shi Yao , Hu Shengqing , Hu Shengshan , Guo Peijin , Wan Wei , Zhang Leo Yu , Pan Shirui , Li Jizhou , Sun Lichao , Lan Xiaoli 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Motivation
Predicting the binding affinity between antigens and antibodies accurately is crucial for assessing therapeutic antibody effectiveness and enhancing antibody engineering and vaccine design. Traditional machine learning methods have been widely used for this purpose, relying on interfacial amino acids’ structural information. Nevertheless, due to technological limitations and high costs of acquiring structural data, the structures of most antigens and antibodies are unknown, and sequence-based methods have gained attention. Existing sequence-based approaches designed for protein-protein affinity prediction exhibit a significant drop in performance when applied directly to antibody-antigen affinity prediction due to imbalanced training data and lacking design in the model framework specifically for antibody-antigen, hindering the learning of key features of antibodies and antigens. Therefore, we propose MVSF-AB, a Multi-View Sequence Feature learning for accurate Antibody-antigen Binding affinity prediction.

Results
MVSF-AB designs a multi-view method that fuses semantic features and residue features to fully utilize the sequence information of antibody-antigen and predicts the binding affinity. Experimental results demonstrate that MVSF-AB outperforms existing approaches in predicting unobserved natural antibody-antigen affinity and maintains its effectiveness when faced with mutant strains of antibodies.

Availability and implementation
Datasets we used and source code are available on our public GitHub repository https://github.com/TAI-Medical-Lab/MVSF-AB.
Investigating interferon type I responses in patients with suspected giant cell arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
Authors: van Nieuwland Marieke , Mulder A H Leontine , Colin Edgar M , Alves Celina , van Bon Lenny , Brouwer Elisabeth 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Giant cell arteritis (GCA) and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) are closely related inflammatory disorders. Easily measurable biomarkers defining active disease and identifying patients in need of glucocorticoid sparing treatment options are highly desired. Interferon Type I (IFN-I) might be involved in disease pathology; however, evidence is limited. This study explores a systemic IFN-I signature and expression of IFN-I markers in GCA and PMR patients. Treatment naive GCA and PMR patients, and PMR patients with glucocorticoid treatment were included. Patients suspected of but not diagnosed with GCA were used as controls. Five relevant IFN-I-stimulated genes were identified in literature, and relative expression levels were determined using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. An IFN-I score was generated. Serum levels of IFN-I induced C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) and Galectin-9 were determined by multiplex immunoassay. There were no differences in IFN-I scores between the groups. An IFN-I signature was observed in 0/9 controls, 2/11 GCA patients, 4/20 treatment naive PMR patients, and 2/10 PMR patients with treatment. Serum CXCL10 and Galectin-9 were not increased in GCA or PMR patients compared to control patients. Treated PMR patients had lower CXCL10 levels [423.2 pg/ml (375.1–491.1)] compared to treatment naive PMR patients [641.8 pg/ml (552.8–830.6)]. An IFN-I signature does not distinguish GCA and PMR patients from controls. Also, IFN-I-induced serum markers are not upregulated in GCA and PMR patients. Easily measurable IFN-I-induced serum markers will therefore probably not aid in diagnosis and additional treatment options in newly diagnosed GCA and PMR patients.
A-003 Beckman Coulter DxI 9000 Immunoassay Analyzer’s High Sensitivity Troponin I achieves &gt;90% six sigma performance when assessed against clia 2024 performance goals
Authors: Westgard S 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
In July 2024, the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act (CLIA) proficiency testing (PT) criteria will directly regulate Troponin I performance for the very first time. The new CLIA goal is 0.9 ng/mL or 30%, whichever is greater. CAP previously set a goal of 30% or 3 times the group standard deviation (SD), whichever is greater, a more permissive setting. Estimates of current instrument group performance from an international proficiency testing (PT) survey have shown none of the 5 major diagnostic instruments can achieve the biological minimum goal at a 6-Sigma level, while 4 of the 5 instruments perform at 3 Sigma or below. Performance of these platforms was assessed using the methodology introduced in 2006 by Westgard JO and Westgard SA. The DxI 9000 high sensitivity Troponin I assay was assessed to determine if it could achieve the new CLIA 2024 goals.

Methods
The DxI 9000 high sensitivity Troponin I assay was assessed with three reagent lots, on both serum and Lithium Heparin (LiHep) samples, following Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) protocols EP05 and EP09 to estimate imprecision and bias. The new CLIA 2024 PT criteria supplied the allowable total error for the standard Sigma-metric calculation: Sigma-metric = (TEa - |bias|) / SD The Sigma-metric predicts not only future problems with PT, but also potential optimization of QC procedures, including fewer Westgard Rules, control levels, even reduced QC frequency which can lead to less cost, time, and materials.

Results
The majority (91.7%) of data points across the analytical measuring range for DxI 9000’s high sensitivity Troponin I assay from both serum and LiHep samples achieved 6-Sigma performance. For serum, only 8.3% of samples achieved 5-sigma performance. For LiHep, only 4.2% of the performance was 4 Sigma. None of the performance was 3 Sigma or lower.

Conclusions
The superior precision observed on DxI 9000 high sensitivity Troponin I delivers overwhelming 6-sigma performance when assessed by CLIA’s 2024 goal. This assay is highly unlikely to face PT difficulties and can be optimized for reduced Westgard Rules, reduced control levels leading to a reduction in time, materials, and cost.
A-008 Verification of Interchangeability of Results for High-Sensitivity Troponin (TNIH) Between Atellica Solution® and Atellica CI® Analyzers
Authors: Ruiz-Alvarez M , Lapeña-Garcia S , Garcia-Valdecasas S , Costales-Lucia T , Moreno-Romero A , Sanchez-Fuertes J , Barrionuevo-Gonzalez M 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Method intercomparison is an essential requirement that must be carried out in Clinical Laboratories before changing a method or instrument to verify the interchangeability of results. High-sensitivity troponin (TNIH) is an extraordinarily sensitive marker for detecting myocardial damage. Currently, it is determined in Atellica Solution® autoanalyzers (Siemens Healthineers) in our laboratory. After validating a new Siemens device, the Atellica CI®, it is essential to ensure the interchangeability of results in our laboratory accredited by ISO 15189: 2012.

Objectives
Our objective is to verify if the TNIH method in serum is interchangeable between the analyzers: Atellica Solution® and CI®.

Methods
A total of 77 serum samples from patients with TNIH values ranging from 2.5 to 25000 ng/L were processed by both analyzers. The statistical analysis of the results was performed using Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman analysis, along with the Pearson correlation coefficient as a criterion to verify the adequacy of the sample size. Results are expressed with a 95% confidence interval. The statistical intercomparison study was conducted using Method Validator Version 1.19

Results
In statistical analysis of Bland-Altman, no statistically significant differences were observed between the results obtained on both Atellica Solution® and CI 1900® analyzers since the 95% CI of the mean difference obtained includes the null value.Passing-Bablok regression shows a statistically significant, nearly negligible proportional systematic error, as the lower limit of the 95% CI is very close to 1; and a constant systematic error since the 95% CI of the intercept does not include the value 0

Conclusions
Considering the 99th percentile established in our laboratory as a clinical decision value obtained after our own study of 45 ng/L, we do not exceed our quality specification for TNIH based on biological variability, which is 19.4%. Therefore, we can conclude that the determination of TNIH between both analyzers is interchangeable.
A-075 Comparability of Free Testosterone Measurements- Results of the Interlaboratory Study
Authors: Danilenko U , Zhou H , Sugahara O , Vesper H W 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Assessment of free testosterone (FT) has been recommended as a biomarker for diagnosis and management of hypogonadism and female hyperandrogenism. Reliable laboratory measurements are essential for correctly diagnosing and treating these diseases. FT is currently measured using direct commercial immunoassays, assays employing equilibrium dialysis (ED) or other separation techniques, or it is estimated by calculating free testosterone (cFT). There are concerns about the accuracy and reliability of current methods that may impact patient care. To obtain more information about variability of FT measurements used in patient care, CDC’s Clinical Standardization Programs (CDC CSP) conducted an interlaboratory comparison study.

Methods
CDC CSP developed an accurate, automated method using ED coupled with isotope dilution ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (ED-UHPLC-MS/MS). The ED step follows an internationally recognized procedure. The method is calibrated with primary reference material (National Measurement Institute-M914) and was used to assign target values to sera used in the study. The FT concentrations ranged from 3 to 339 pg/mL. In the interlaboratory comparison study single-donor serum samples were provided to participants operating FT methods used in patient care. The participating methods included commercially available platforms utilizing Chemiluminescence Immunoassay or radioimmunoassay techniques, as well as laboratory-developed assays using ED-LC-MS/MS.

Results
Preliminary findings of the CSP interlaboratory comparison study found large variability among participating assays. The agreement among IA and among ED-LC-MS/MS assays was close. However, FT concentrations obtained by IAs were in average 6 times lower compared to the ED-LC-MS/MS methods. Results estimated using the Vermeulen equation overestimated FT in average by 15% compared to the ED-LC-MS/MS methods and by over 6 times compared to IAs.

Conclusions
Large variability is observed between FT laboratory developed tests (LDTs) and IAs. As both LDTs and IAs are used in patient care, standardization of FT measurements to assure better patient care is needed. CDC CSP is addressing the need by developing highly accurate and precise FT method and conducting an interlaboratory comparison studies that can aid with improvement of the agreement among assays and identifying potential factors causing differences among assays.
A-089 Development and Implementation of an online learning Environment for clinical chemistry resident education: UAMS experience
Authors: Hagrass H A 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
The clinical chemistry resident teaching rotation extends over 12 weeks, equivalent to a three-month period. The first chemistry rotation is scheduled for the first year, the second for the second year, and the final rotation for the fourth year. Throughout the 12-week teaching rotation, residents are exposed to a range of clinical chemistry concepts, including laboratory management, quality assurance, and test interpretation, among others. By the end of the program, residents should be well-equipped to provide expert guidance and advice on clinical chemistry matters. The current generation of learners values education that is flexible and accessible, leading to the growth and integration of blended or hybrid learning in various educational settings. This research aims to assess the effectiveness of the newly implemented online platform by analyzing feedback from residents and their quiz scores before and after the change.

Methods
A Box folder was created for the clinical chemistry rotation and divided into three subfolders for each rotation. Each subfolder contains materials for quizzes, cases for discussions, articles, and presentations. All the residents have access to the Box folder for educational materials. Previously, reading assignments were emailed the day before sessions, while quizzes and cases were given during sessions. In order to assess the efficacy of the online platform, we conducted an analysis of the average quiz scores before and after its implementation. In addition, we utilized the feedback provided by residents to evaluate the platform's practicality and adaptability.

Results
On average, the residents post-implementation scores (30 quizzes) increased by 20% (10%-35%). The pre-implementation average score was 50%, which increased to an 80% success rate after implementation. The residents unanimously agreed that the new online learning environment was very helpful in preparing them for the in-person session. They also expressed dissatisfaction with the previous learning style, which made it difficult for them to focus on learning while answering questions given on the spot. Instead, they preferred being provided with the questions beforehand, which allowed them to carefully read and search for answers to quizzes and case studies. The residents found that speed-reading through the questions and quickly glancing over the answers and explanations was not helpful to their learning process. Overall, the new learning format was able to alleviate their stress levels and helped them better prepare for the in-person session.

Conclusions
The online learning environment has been found to be a preferred mode of education by UAMS pathology residents. It has been deemed effective and suitable for our academic setting.
A-097 Body Fluid Validation for 11 Analytes on a Chemistry Analyzer
Authors: Boyert N , McShane A J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Most clinical chemistry assays are intended for use in serum, plasma, urine, and/or CSF with no performance characteristics on body fluids. However, testing of body fluids can be medically necessary for certain diagnoses. Such as determining the cause of fluid buildup in peritoneal spaces, pleural effusions, whether effusions are transudates or exudates, and even diagnosing some joint disorders. To provide these medically necessary tests, the burden is on the laboratory to perform regulatory-required validations. Herein is the validation of 11 clinical chemistry analytes in several common body fluids.

Methods
Mixing and stability studies were performed for the following analytes on the Roche cobas c702 (Roche Diagnostics), using the methods intended for use with serum/plasma samples: Albumin, Amylase, Bilirubin, Urea Nitrogen, Cholesterol, Creatinine, Glucose, Lactate Dehydrogenase, Lipase, Protein, and Triglycerides. Six individual fluid samples were mixed with the intended use matrix in 3 ratios: 1:3, 1:1, and 3:1. The following matrices were evaluated: pleural, peritoneal, JP drainage, synovial, and pancreatic cyst fluids. Stabilities were tested for 7 days at room temperature (RT) and 2-8°C. A maximum dilution study was also performed for Amylase.

Results
Mixing Study: The results are shown in the table below:
Stability: For most body fluids, analytes were stable for 7 days at RT and 2-8 °C. The following analytes displayed shorter stability at RT: Bilirubin (peritoneal: 2 days, pleural: 1 day, JP drainage: 1 day), Urea Nitrogen (JP drain fluid: 2 days), Lipase (peritoneal fluid 5 days), and Triglycerides (peritoneal fluid: 5 days). Lactate dehydrogenase in pleural fluid showed a stability of 5 days at RT and 2 days at 2-8 °C. Maximum Dilution A 1:505 compounded manual and automated dilution displayed a &lt;7% bias.

Conclusions
No sample matrix interferences were observed for any of the body fluids-analyte pairs tested allowing for this medically necessary testing.
A-109 The impact of adjusting circulating calcium levels for changes in albumin
Authors: Hashim I , Joseph J 
Published: October 2024

Abstract

Background
Correcting patients’ circulating calcium to albumin level is a common clinical practice to aid in the evaluation of calcium disorders. More recent studies have called into question the utility of the calculation relative to its ubiquity. The purpose of this study is to re-evaluate the practice of calcium adjustment and thus impact on the interpretation of calcium level.

Methods
Retrospective calcium and albumin levels performed and reported during May 2022 were retrieved. Reference intervals for both serum calcium and albumin were statistically derived using the Hoffman regression method following removal of outliers. Samples exhibiting hypoalbuminemia had their calcium adjusted using the formula (corrected calcium = (0.8 * (derived mean normal albumin - patient's albumin) + calcium). Patients who had their calcium levels adjusted were then compared to the currently in use reference interval to determine if their initial classification of calcium levels was impacted.

Results
Reported calcium and albumin results from a total of 1639 patients (712 males and 927 females) were obtained. Male patients, 137 (19%) were found to exhibit hypoalbuminemia and their calcium levels were adjusted with 15 patients (2% of total) had their initial calcium status change. 13 patients were reclassified from a state of hypocalcemia to normocalcemia (average increase in calcium levels was 0.9 mg/dL), while 2 patients were reclassified as being hypercalcemic. Among females, 151 (16%) found to exhibit hypoalbuminemia had their calcium levels adjusted with 12 patients (1.3% of total) having their initial calcium classification changed. 11 were reclassified from a state of hypocalcemia to normocalcemia (average increase in calcium levels was 0.89 mg/dL) and one patient was reclassified as hypercalcemic. There was no gender specific significant difference in the extent of required calcium adjustment (p= 0.92). Among the 474 black patients 88 (19%) exhibited hypoalbuminemia and mean calcium level of 9.51 mg/dL. Of those 88 patients, 4 were reclassified from a state of hypocalcemia to normocalcemia (average calcium increase of 0.96 mg/dL) and one patient status changed from normocalcemia to hypercalcemia. Furthermore, among the 1094 white patients, 191 (17%) exhibited hypoalbuminemia and had a mean calcium level of 9.38 mg/dL. Among the white patients, 21 (2%) changed from a state of hypocalcemia to normocalcemia (average calcium increase of 0.88 mg/dL). One patient changed from a state of normocalcemia to hypercalcemia. There was no significant racial difference in in the extent of required calcium adjustment (p=0.65).

Conclusions
The practice of adjusting calcium to account for albumin levels lead to changes in patients’ calcium status and thus likely to be of benefit in clinical management. There were no significant gender or racial differences in the relative proportion of changes in calcium status following albumin correction.