bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Optimizing electrical and thermal performance in AlGaN/GaN HEMT devices using dual‐metal gate technology
Authors: Iype Preethi Elizabeth , Babu V Suresh , Paul Geenu 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe investigation of aluminum gallium nitride/gallium nitride high electron mobility transistor (AlGaN/GaN HEMT) devices with a dual‐metal gate (DMG) structure encompasses both electrical and thermal characteristics. As efforts to enhance heat dissipation progress, there is a concurrent exploration of novel semiconductor materials boasting high thermal conductivity, like boron arsenide and phosphide. Combining these materials into a model and measuring their interface achieves efficient energy transport. Minimizing the self‐heating impact in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs is essential for enhancing device efficiency. This research exposes the heterogenous combination of boron arsenide and phosphide cooling substrates with metals, GaN semiconductors and HEMT. In this research, the autoencoder deep neural network techniques in GaN HEMT for self‐heat reduction is driven by the ability to effectively analyze and model the thermal behavior of the device. Autoencoders learn complex relationships within temperature data and identify patterns associated with self‐heating. By leveraging these learned representations, the deep neural network optimizes control strategies to mitigate self‐heating effects in GaN HEMT devices, ultimately contributing to improved thermal management and enhanced overall performance. In this research, the use of genetic algorithms in GaN HEMT aims to optimize device parameters systematically, to minimize self‐heating effects and enhance overall thermal performance. The structure also enhances electron mobility within the channel. Results show DMG structures, exhibiting higher saturation output currents and transconductance despite self‐heating. The DMG exhibits a maximum gm value of 0.164 S/mm, which is 10% higher significantly enhancing GaN‐based HEMTs for improved reliability and efficiency in various applications.
Do CEO gender and narcissism jointly affect CEO letter readability?
Authors: Maux Julien Le , Smaili Nadia 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to explore the impact of two CEO characteristics, gender diversity and narcissism, on disclosure quality through an examination of the joint effect of gender diversity in management and CEO narcissism. Based on 452 shareholder letters (CEO letters in the annual report) issued by French firms, our results suggest that female CEOs enhance the readability level of corporate disclosures. Our findings provide evidence that narcissism mediates women CEOs’ positive effect on the readability of CEO letters. This study extends previous studies on gender diversity by providing new insights into how women CEOs affect the quality of disclosures.
Multimodal echocardiography for assessing whether left ventricular geometry affects right atrial phasic function in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome: A cross‐sectional observational study
Authors: Zhang Yong , Xing Xueqing , Zhang Zhenxia , Li Juan , Wang Jian 
Published: May 2024

AbstractBackgroundRecent studies have shown that right atrial (RA) function are important predictors of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. However, the study data about RA phasic function in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) patients are scarce, especially based on the left ventricular geometry. So, we aimed to assess the influence of left ventricular geometry on RA phasic function in OSAS patients via a multimodal echocardiographic approach.MethodsTotal of 235 OSAS patients were enrolled in this cross‐section study and underwent complete clinical, polysomnography, and echocardiography examinations. The OSAS patients were divided into four groups based on left ventricular mass index (LVMI) and relative wall thickness (RWT): normal geometry (NG), concentric remodeling (CR), concentric hypertrophy (CH), and eccentric hypertrophy (EH). RA phasic function was evaluated via multimodal echocardiography approach (two‐dimensional echocardiography biplane method [2DE]; two‐dimensional speckle‐tracking echocardiography [2D‐STE]; and three‐dimensional echocardiography [3DE]). The multiple linear regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between left ventricular geometry and RA phasic function.ResultsThe RA volume and indices increased from NG to CR to EH to CH. RA total emptying fraction and RA strain during systole decreased from NG to CR to EH to CH. RA passive emptying fraction and RA strain during early diastole similarly decreased. RA active emptying fraction and RA strain during late diastole also gradually increased similarly. In analyses that adjusted for gender, age, body mass index, systolic blood pressure, apnea‐hypopnea index, LVMI, systolic pulmonary artery pressure, and right ventricular free wall thickness, CH was associated with RA reservoir and conduit function via 2DE area‐length method, whereas CH and EH were associated with RA reservoir and conduit function via 2D‐STE and 3DE method. Further, CH was associated with RA booster pump function via 2DE area‐length method, 2D‐STE, and 3DE method.ConclusionThe RA volumes and phasic function varied with left ventricular geometry via multimodal echocardiography approach. CH had the apparent negative effect on RA phasic function.
Alpha globin gene alterations modifying the phenotype of homozygous beta thalassaemia
Authors: Shaw Jyoti , Patra Abhilipsa , Khatun Anjumana , Ray Rudra , Ghosh Amit , Mahapatra Sonali , Panigrahi Ashutosh , Bhattacharyya Maitreyee 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThe phenotype of β‐thalassemia varies widely. The primary determinant is the type of beta‐globin gene mutation; however, there are secondary and tertiary modifiers also as associated alpha mutations, polymorphisms, as well as coinheritance of mutations affecting other related systems. Co‐inheritance of alpha thalassemia mutations is known to ameliorate the severity of HbE‐β thalassemia. However, the role of alpha globin gene alterations (deletions and triplication) is not well illustrated in homozygous β‐thalassemia. Here we evaluated the role of alpha globin gene alterations in 122 β‐thalassemia patients having IVS1‐5 (G > C) homozygous mutation. β‐thalassemia mutations were detected by ARMS PCR and alpha mutations by GAP‐PCR. Gene expression by qRT‐PCR. Out of 122 cases, 15 patients had alpha 3.7 triplications (ααα3.7anti), 24 had alpha 3.7 kb deletion (−α3.7) mutation and three patients had 4.2 kb deletion (−α4.2). Patients were divided into two groups, requiring less than 8 units (NTDT) and more than 8 units (TDT) of blood transfusion per year (≥8U BT/year). The percentage of alpha deletion was significantly (p = 0.0042) high in NTDT (42.1%) as compared with TDT (13.2%). Conversely, the proportion of alpha triplication is high in the TDT as compared with NTDT. Even mean serum ferritin level was found to be significantly high in patients having alpha triplication as compared with those having alpha deletions (p = 0.0184) and normal alpha gene (p = 0.0003). α/β globin ratio was highest in TDT patients with alpha triplication and lowest in NTDT patients with alpha‐del. The results show that concurrent inheritance of alpha gene alterations influences the phenotypic severity of homozygous β‐thalassemia.
Development of the treatment preference in myelodysplasia questionnaire for clinicians, carers, and patients
Authors: Morlock Robert , Fong Chun , Castaldi Francesco , Paine Taliesha , Collett Donna , Enjeti Anoop 
Published: May 2024

AbstractThis study reports the development activities for the Treatment Preference Myelodysplasia Questionnaires (TPMQ) for clinicians (mTPMQ), carers (cTPMQ), and patients (pTPMQ). These tools are intended to evaluate treatment preferences for patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). This was a non‐interventional, cross‐sectional qualitative interview study consisting of interviews with clinicians, patients, and those caring for patients with MDS. All participants were located in Australia and data were collected from qualitative mixed‐method interviews composed of concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing related to initial drafts of the questionnaires. Fifteen individuals participated in interviews (five from each group). Based on the concept elicitation portion of interviews, concepts of importance were classified and reasons for treatment preference were documented. From cognitive debriefing, the questionnaires were generally deemed to be clear and easy to understand. Participant input from both concept elicitation and cognitive debriefing portions was used to revise initial drafts of the questionnaires. The mTPMQ, cTPMQ, and pTPMQ were developed with direct input from clinicians, patients, and caregivers to assess the key concepts of interest related to the preference for the treatment of MDS and are ready to be used and evaluated further in clinical trials.
Repurposing SGLT2 inhibitors: Treatment of renal proximal tubulopathy in Fanconi‐Bickel syndrome with empagliflozin
Authors: Overduin Ruben J. , Grünert Sarah C. , Besouw Martine T. P. , Bolhuis Mathieu S. , Groen Joost , Schreuder Andrea B. , Woidy Mathias , Murko Simona , Santer René , Derks Terry G. J. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractRenal proximal tubulopathy in Fanconi‐Bickel syndrome is caused by impaired basolateral glucose transport via GLUT2 and consequently, intracellular accumulation of glucose and glycogen. SGLT2 inhibitors act on apical glucose reabsorption of renal proximal tubular cells. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively describe the first experiences with repurposing the SGLT2 inhibitor empagliflozin to treat the generalized tubulopathy in Fanconi‐Bickel syndrome. A case series was conducted of seven persons from five families (five males, two females; three children, who were 14y5m, 2y9m, and 1y6m old) with genetically confirmed Fanconi‐Bickel syndrome, off‐label treated with empagliflozin. Median (range) age at start of empagliflozin was 27 years (1y6m – 61y) and duration of follow‐up under empagliflozin treatment was 169 days (57–344). Under empagliflozin (up to 25 mg/d), biochemical parameters of tubular cell integrity (urinary N‐acetyl‐glucosaminidase) and/or tubular functions (including urinary α1‐microglobulin) improved in all persons with Fanconi‐Bickel syndrome, albeit to varying degrees. Clinically, supplementations (i.e., phosphate, alkali, carnitine, and alfacalcidol) could be completely discontinued in the three children, whereas results in the four adult patients were more variable and not as significant. Empagliflozin was well‐tolerated and no symptomatic hypoglycemia was observed. In conclusion, SGLT2 inhibitors such as empagliflozin shift the metabolic block in Fanconi‐Bickel syndrome, that is, they intervene specifically in the underlying pathophysiology and can thus attenuate renal proximal tubulopathy, especially when started in early childhood.
Development of a single‐domain antibody to target a G‐quadruplex located on the hepatitis B virus covalently closed circular DNA genome
Authors: Figueroa Gerardo B. , D'souza Simmone , Pereira Higor S. , Vasudeva Gunjan , Figueroa Sara B. , Robinson Zachary E. , Badmalia Maulik D. , Meier‐Stephenson Vanessa , Corcoran Jennifer A. , van Marle Guido , Ni Yi , Urban Stephan , Coffin Carla S. , Patel Trushar R. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractTo achieve a virological cure for hepatitis B virus (HBV), innovative strategies are required to target the covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) genome. Guanine‐quadruplexes (G4s) are a secondary structure that can be adopted by DNA and play a significant role in regulating viral replication, transcription, and translation. Antibody‐based probes and small molecules have been developed to study the role of G4s in the context of the human genome, but none have been specifically made to target G4s in viral infection. Herein, we describe the development of a humanized single‐domain antibody (S10) that can target a G4 located in the PreCore (PreC) promoter of the HBV cccDNA genome. MicroScale Thermophoresis demonstrated that S10 has a strong nanomolar affinity to the PreC G4 in its quadruplex form and a structural electron density envelope of the complex was determined using Small‐Angle X‐ray Scattering. Lentiviral transduction of S10 into HepG2‐NTCP cells shows nuclear localization, and chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with next‐generation sequencing demonstrated that S10 can bind to the HBV PreC G4 present on the cccDNA. This research validates the existence of a G4 in HBV cccDNA and demonstrates that this DNA secondary structure can be targeted with high structural and sequence specificity using S10.
Persistence of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and viral intra‐ and inter‐host evolution in COVID‐19 hospitalized patients
Authors: Pavia Grazia , Quirino Angela , Marascio Nadia , Veneziano Claudia , Longhini Federico , Bruni Andrea , Garofalo Eugenio , Pantanella Marta , Manno Michele , Gigliotti Simona , Giancotti Aida , Barreca Giorgio Settimo , Branda Francesco , Torti Carlo , Rotundo Salvatore , Lionello Rosaria , La Gamba Valentina , Berardelli Lavinia , Gullì Sara Palma , Trecarichi Enrico Maria , Russo Alessandro , Palmieri Camillo , De Marco Carmela , Viglietto Giuseppe , Casu Marco , Sanna Daria , Ciccozzi Massimo , Scarpa Fabio , Matera Giovanni 
Published: May 2024

AbstractSevere acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus‐2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) persistence in COVID‐19 patients could play a key role in the emergence of variants of concern. The rapid intra‐host evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 may result in an increased transmissibility, immune and therapeutic escape which could be a direct consequence of COVID‐19 epidemic currents. In this context, a longitudinal retrospective study on eight consecutive COVID‐19 patients with persistent SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, from January 2022 to March 2023, was conducted. To characterize the intra‐ and inter‐host viral evolution, whole genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis were performed on nasopharyngeal samples collected at different time points. Phylogenetic reconstruction revealed an accelerated SARS‐CoV‐2 intra‐host evolution and emergence of antigenically divergent variants. The Bayesian inference and principal coordinate analysis analysis showed a host‐based genomic structuring among antigenically divergent variants, that might reflect the positive effect of containment practices, within the critical hospital area. All longitudinal antigenically divergent isolates shared a wide range of amino acidic (aa) changes, particularly in the Spike (S) glycoprotein, that increased viral transmissibility (K417N, S477N, N501Y and Q498R), enhanced infectivity (R346T, S373P, R408S, T478K, Q498R, Y505H, D614G, H655Y, N679K and P681H), caused host immune escape (S371L, S375F, T376A, K417N, and K444T/R) and displayed partial or complete resistance to treatments (G339D, R346K/T, S371F/L, S375F, T376A, D405N, N440K, G446S, N460K, E484A, F486V, Q493R, G496S and Q498R). These results suggest that multiple novel variants which emerge in the patient during persistent infection, might spread to another individual and continue to evolve. A pro‐active genomic surveillance of persistent SARS‐CoV‐2 infected patients is recommended to identify genetically divergent lineages before their diffusion.
A prospective humoral immune monitoring study of kidney transplant recipients receiving three doses of SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine
Authors: Borgogna Cinzia , Ferrante Daniela , Rosso Greta , Guglielmetti Gabriele , Lo Cigno Irene , Raviola Stefano , Caneparo Valeria , Quaglia Marco , Cantaluppi Vincenzo , Gariglio Marisa 
Published: May 2024

AbstractKidney transplant recipients (KTRs), like other solid organ transplant recipients display a suboptimal response to mRNA vaccines, with only about half achieving seroconversion after two doses. However, the effectiveness of a booster dose, particularly in generating neutralizing antibodies (NAbs), remains poorly understood, as most studies have mainly focused on non‐neutralizing antibodies. Here, we have longitudinally assessed the humoral response to the SARS‐CoV‐2 mRNA vaccine in 40 KTRs over a year, examining changes in both anti‐spike IgG and NAbs following a booster dose administered about 5 months post‐second dose. We found a significant humoral response increase 5 months post‐booster, a stark contrast to the attenuated response observed after the second dose. Of note, nearly a quarter of participants did not achieve protective plasma levels even after the booster dose. We also found that the higher estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) correlated with a more robust humoral response postvaccination. Altogether, these findings underscore the effectiveness of the booster dose in enhancing durable humoral immunity in KTRs, as evidenced by the protective level of NAbs found in 65% of the patients 5 months post‐ booster, especially those with higher eGFR rates.
Preservation of prearthritic coronal knee phenotype and prearthritic coronal alignment yielded improved Kujala scores following ligament‐guided medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty
Authors: Vossen Roderick J. M. , Burger Joost A. , ten Noever de Brauw Gaby V. , Bayoumi Tarik , Fiore Jake A. , Ruderman Lindsey V. , Zuiderbaan Hendrik A. , Pearle Andrew D. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractPurposeThere is a lack of literature evaluating outcomes of the ligament‐guided approach in medial unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (UKA). An improved comprehension of the distribution of coronal plane alignment of the knee (CPAK) phenotypes and sagittal tibial wear patterns and their associations with patient‐reported outcome measures (PROMs) and implant survivorship could provide insights into its further application in daily practice.MethodsA registry was reviewed for patients with a minimal 2‐year follow‐up who underwent robotic‐assisted, ligament‐guided, medial UKA between 2008 and 2016. Survivorship and postoperative PROMs were collected. CPAK phenotypes and sagittal tibial wear patterns were determined. Survivorship, Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), Kujala and patient satisfaction were compared between phenotypes and sagittal tibial wear patterns.ResultsA total of 618 knees were included at a mean follow‐up of 4.1 [2.0–9.6] years. Four‐year conversion to the TKA survival rate was 98.9% [98.4%–99.3%] and 94.3% [93.3%–95.3%] for all‐cause revision. Patients with preservation of the CPAK phenotype (84.5 ± 14.9, 81.8 ± 15.5, p = 0.033) and restoration of prearthritic coronal alignment (84.1 ± 14.9, 81.7 ± 15.9, p = 0.045) had a significantly higher Kujala score. No other significant differences in survivorship or PROMs were observed between phenotypes or sagittal tibial wear patterns. Additionally, no difference in survival rates was observed between preserved or altered phenotypes.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that preservation of CPAK phenotype and preservation of prearthritic coronal alignment yielded a significantly higher Kujala score. No other significant differences in PROMs or implant survivorship were observed, suggesting that robotic‐assisted, ligament‐guided medial UKA provides equal outcomes for all observed phenotypes and sagittal tibial wear patterns in medial compartment OA as long as preoperative CPAK phenotype is preserved postoperatively.Level of EvidenceLevel III.
Characterization of the MSAP Flap in Head and Neck Surgical Oncology: A 3D Cadaveric Study
Authors: Sampieri Gianluca , Tran John , Feng Allen L. , Agur Anne , Davies Joel 
Published: May 2024

ObjectivesThe medial sural artery (MSA) perforator flap is a versatile free flap. However, the cutaneous perforators are not well characterized. The objectives of this pilot anatomical study were to: (1) visualize in three‐dimensions, as in‐situ, the origin, course, and distribution of the cutaneous perforators, (2) characterize the number and frequency of the perforators, and (3) quantify mean pedicle length.MethodsThirteen cadaveric specimens were dissected, digitized, and modeled in 3D. Three‐dimensional models and dissection photographs were used to determine the origin, course, number, distribution, and pedicle length of MSA perforators.ResultsThe most common pattern consisted of three perforators (39% of specimens). The maximum number of perforators identified was four (23%). The majority of specimens (92%) had a cutaneous perforator originating from the lateral branch of the MSA and coursed most frequently in the second (43%) and third (37%) quartiles of the length of the tibia. Mean pedicle length was 19.1 ± 6.9 cm. Perforators originating from the medial branch of the MSA were significantly (p < 0.05) shorter than those from the lateral branch and were found to course only in the first quartile.ConclusionThe 3D models constructed in this study provide a comprehensive overview of the location and course of the perforators, enabling measurement of parameters in 3D‐space. Anatomical characterization of the MSA perforator flap using 3D analysis can assist reconstructive surgeons in understanding the relevant anatomy and optimizing the surgical technique for flap harvest.Level of EvidenceN/A Laryngoscope, 134:4298–4303, 2024
Solution‐Processed Disordered Plasmonic Surfaces as Optics for Infrared Imaging
Authors: Mandal Jyotirmoy , Brewer John , Mandal Sagar , Yang Robert , Raman Aaswath P. 
Published: May 2024

AbstractIn recent years, thermal imaging and sensing technologies have seen dramatic increases in usage for a range of applications. However, the material cost and manufacturing complexity of infrared optics remain a major barrier toward their democratization. Here, a solution‐processed plasmonic reflective filter (PRF) is presented as a scalable, disordered, and low‐cost thermal infrared (TIR) optic. The PRF selectively absorbs sunlight and specularly reflects TIR wavelengths, with a performance comparable to state‐of‐the‐art infrared optics made of materials like Germanium. Unlike the latter, however, the PRF is fabricated using low‐cost materials and a “dip‐and‐dry” chemical synthesis technique, which enables orders of magnitude lower manufacturing costs. The PRF's optical functionality and integration into infrared imaging systems are experimentally demonstrated. The chemical synthesis technique also affords exceptional spectral tuneability and material compatibility compared to traditional fabrication methods. The PRF's tuneable and broadband TIR yield can be augmented by inexpensive dielectric or polymeric filters to yield novel capabilities such as wide‐area ambient temperature surveys. Practically, the PRF represents a significant advance toward democratizing the benefits of thermal imaging and sensing. Scientifically, it represents a previously unexplored optical functionality of disordered materials, and a new direction for versatile chemical synthesis in designing optical components.