bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into insulin-producing islet-like clusters using nanofiltered cell culture medium
Authors: Thorngren Julia , Vasylovska Svitlana , Blanc Jules , Wu Lulu , Manukyan Levon , Mihranyan Albert , Lau Joey 
Published: February 2024

The challenge of using patient-specific, autologous stem cell therapies in clinical settings is the need for advanced cell processing and expansion technologies. These include decentralized, small-scale manufacturing at the point of care in hospitals. The highest risk for contamination in cell-based therapy products comes from animal- and human-derived components such as serum, blood components, and growth factors. To mitigate the risk of adventitious microorganism contamination, preventive measures like size-exclusion virus removal filtration of cell media components can be employed. This article examines the impact of nanofiltration using nanocellulose-based virus clearance filter paper on the differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells into insulin-producing pancreatic islets (SC-islets). The cells were monitored for biomarkers using flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry along the 7-stage differentiation protocol. The produced SC-islets were evaluated functionally using low and high glucose stimulation under dynamic perifusion conditions. Pluripotent stem cells grown in culture media filtered through 20 nm cut-off nanocellulose filters showed similar expression of desired biomarkers at each stage compared to the control group. At the end of stage 7, SC-islets exhibited a rounded shape and strong expression of insulin, glucagon, and somatostatin in both the control and filtered media groups. The present study demonstrates that SC-islets differentiated with nanofiltered media were functional.
Preserving the self with artificial intelligence using VIPCare—a virtual interaction program for dementia caregivers
Authors: Francis Linda , Ghafurian Moojan 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionAssistive technology is increasingly used to support the physical needs of differently abled persons but has yet to make inroads on support for cognitive or psychological issues. This gap is an opportunity to address another—the lack of contribution from theoretical social science that can provide insights into problems that cannot be seen. Using Affect Control Theory (ACT), the current project seeks to close that gap with an artificially intelligent application to improve interaction and affect for people with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD). Using sociological theory, it models interactions with persons with ADRD based on self-sentiments, rather than cognitive memory, and informs a cellphone-based assistive tool called VIPCare for supporting caregivers.MethodsStaff focus groups and interviews with family members of persons with ADRD in a long-term residential care facility collected residents’ daily needs and personal histories. Using ACT’s evaluation, potency, and activity dimensions, researchers used these data to formulate a self-sentiment profile for each resident and programmed that profile into the VIPCare application. VIPCare used that profile to simulate affectively intelligent social interactions with each unique resident that reduce deflection from established sentiments and, thus, negative emotions.ResultsWe report on the data collection to design the application, develop self-sentiment profiles for the resident, and generate assistive technology that applies a sociological theory of affect to real world management of interaction, emotion, and mental health.DiscussionBy reducing trial and error in learning to engage people with dementia, this tool has potential to smooth interaction and improve wellbeing for a population vulnerable to distress.
Prognostic factors for surgical treatment of prolactin-secreting pituitary adenomas
Authors: Voznyak Oleksandr , Zinkevych Iaroslav , Lytvynenko Andrii , Hryniv Nazarii , Ilyuk Roman , Kobyliak Nazarii 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionUsually, prolactinomas are treated with dopamine agonists (DA). Surgery is considered an option when the patient cannot bear or does not respond positively to DA therapy.AimThis study aims to determine the early and late outcomes of surgery, with particular emphasis on developing prognostic factors for surgical treatment and analyzing risk factors affecting the recurrence of hyperprolactinemia and prolactinoma.Material and methodsThis retrospective study was conducted at the Feofaniya Clinical Hospital of the State Administration of Affairs (Kyiv, Ukraine), evaluating 109 patients' records from 2009 to 2019. The main patients' inclusion criteria were: serum prolactin (PRL) level of more than 100 ng/ml, presence of pituitary adenoma (PA) on MRI, histologically approved PA by microscopy. According to the size of the prolactin-secreting PA (PSPAs) the selected 109 patients were divided into two groups: micro- (≤10 mm, n = 75) and macroadenoma group (10–40 mm, n = 34).Results1 month after the operation, PRL levels decreased by 87% (p &lt; 0.001), 12 months—by 93% (p &lt; 0.001). After receiving surgery and DA therapy for 12 months 77.1% of patients achieved biochemical remission. Out of the total number of patients observed, 15.6% (n = 17) had a Knosp score greater than 3. Additionally, in the macroadenoma group, the percentage of patients with a Knosp score greater than 3 was 41,2%, which was significantly higher as compared to the microadenoma group (4%, p &lt; 0.001). In patients with microadenomas a weak reverse correlation between patients' age (r = −0.258, p &lt; 0.026) and positive with tumor size (r = 0.251, p &lt; 0.030) was revealed. In the macroadenoma group significant association was found only between preoperative serum PRL level and tumor size (r = 0.412, p &lt; 0.016). The preoperative PRL can be used as a diagnostic marker for lack of early biochemical remission in patients with PSPAs with diagnostic accuracy 66.9%.ConclusionsThis study found that primary transsphenoidal surgery is an effective treatment in reaching PRL level control in patients with both micro- and macroprolactinomas. The correct and thorough selection of candidates for surgery is crucial to achieve postoperative serum PRL normalization in the vast majority of patients.
Can robotic gastric bypass be considered a valid alternative to laparoscopy? Our early experience and literature review
Authors: Pavone Giovanna , Pacilli Mario , Gerundo Alberto , Quazzico Andrea , Ambrosi Antonio , Tartaglia Nicola 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundRobotic bariatric surgery serves as an alternative to laparoscopy. The technology provides the surgeon with an accurate three-dimensional view, allowing complex maneuvers while maintaining full control of the operating room.HypothesisWe report our experience with this innovative surgery compared with laparoscopy during Roux-en-Y gastric bypass to demonstrate its safety and feasibility. The aim of this study is to evaluate potential differences between the robotic and laparoscopic techniques.Materials and methodsOur study retrospectively identified 153 consecutive obese patients who underwent either laparoscopic or robotic gastric bypass (RGB) procedures over a 2-year period at the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia. Data on demographics, operative time, conversion rate, length of hospital stay, and mortality were collected and compared between two groups of patients: 82 patients who underwent laparoscopic procedures and 71 who underwent robotic procedures.ResultsWe analyzed 153 patients who underwent gastric bypass with a mean age of 42.58 years, of whom 74 were female; 71 were treated with a robotic approach and 82 with a laparoscopic approach. The mean operative time was 224.75 ± 10.4 min for RGB (including docking time) and 101.22 min for laparoscopic gastric bypass (LGB) (p &lt; 0.05), which is statistically significant. The median length of stay was 4.1 days for the RGB group and 3.9 days for the LGB group (p = 0.89). There is only one conversion to laparoscopy in the RGB group. We observed only one case of postoperative complications, specifically one episode of endoluminal bleeding in the laparoscopic group, which was successfully managed with medical treatment. No mortality was observed in either group.ConclusionThe statistical analysis shows to support the robotic approach that had a lower incidence of complications but a longer operative duration. Based on our experience, the laparoscopic approach remains a technique with more haptic feedback than the robotic approach, making surgeons feel more confident.This study has been registered on ClinicalTrial.gov Protocol Registration and Results System with this ID: NCT05746936 for the Organization UFoggia (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT05746936).
Impacts of reference population size and methods on the accuracy of genomic prediction for fleece traits in Inner Mongolia Cashmere Goats
Authors: Yan Xiaochun , Zhang Jiaxin , Li Jinquan , Wang Na , Su Rui , Wang Zhiying 
Published: February 2024

IntroductionInner Mongolia Cashmere Goats (IMCGs) are famous for its cashmere quality and it’s a unique genetic resource in China. Therefore, it is necessary to use genomic selection to improve the accuracy of selection for fleece traits in Inner Mongolia cashmere goats. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of methods (GBLUP, BayesA, BayesB, Bayesian LASSO, Bayesian Ridge Region) and the reference population size on accuracy of genomic selection in IMCGs.MethodsThis study fully utilizes the pedigree and phenotype records of fleece traits in 2255 individuals, genotype of 50794 SNPs after quality control, and environmental data to perform genomic selection of fleece traits. Then GBLUP and Bayes series methods (BayesA, BayesB, Bayesian LASSO, Bayesian Ridge Region) were used to perform estimates of genetic parameter and genomic breeding value. And the accuracy of genomic estimated breeding value (GEBV) is evaluated using the five-fold cross validation method. And the analysis of variance and multiple comparison methods were used to determine the best method for genomic selection in fleece traits of IMCGs. Further the different reference population sizes (500, 1000, 1500, and 2000) was set. Then the best method was applied to estimate genome breeding values, and evaluate the impact of reference population sizes on the accuracy of genome selection for fleece traits in IMCGs.ResultsIt was found that the genomic prediction accuracy for each fleece trait in IMCGs by GBLUP method is highest, and it is significantly higher than that obtained by Bayesian method. The accuracy of breeding value estimation is 58.52% -68.49%. Also, it was found that the size of the reference population has a significant impact on the accuracy of genome prediction of fleece traits. When the reference population size is 2000, the accuracy of genomic prediction for each fleece trait is significantly higher than other levels, with accuracy of 55.47% -67.87%. This provides a theoretical basis for design a reasonable genome selection plan for Inner Mongolia cashmere goats in the later stag.
Online behavioural interventions for children and young people with eczema: a quantitative evaluation
Authors: Greenwell Kate , Becque Taeko , Sivyer Katy , Steele Mary , Denison-Day James , Howells Laura , Ridd Matthew J , Roberts Amanda , Lawton Sandra , Langan Sinéad M , Hooper Julie , Wilczynska Sylvia , Griffiths Gareth , Sach Tracey H , Little Paul , Williams Hywel C , Thomas Kim S , Yardley Lucy , Muller Ingrid , Santer Miriam , Stuart Beth 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundTwo online behavioural interventions (one website for parents/carers of children with eczema; and one for young people with eczema) have been shown in randomised controlled trials to facilitate a sustained improvement in eczema severity.AimTo describe intervention use and examine potential mediators of intervention outcomes and contextual factors that may influence intervention delivery and outcomes.Design and settingQuantitative process evaluation in UK primary care.MethodParents/carers and young people were recruited through primary care. Intervention use was recorded and summarised descriptively. Logistic regression explored sociodemographic and other factors associated with intervention engagement. Mediation analysis investigated whether patient enablement (ability to understand and cope with health issues), treatment use, and barriers to adherence were mediators of intervention effect. Subgroup analysis compared intervention effects among pre-specified participant subsets.ResultsA total of 340 parents/carers and 337 young people were recruited. Most parents/carers (87%,n= 148/171) and young people (91%,n= 153/168) in the intervention group viewed the core introduction by 24 weeks. At 24 weeks, users had spent approximately 20 minutes on average on the interventions. Among parents/carers, greater intervention engagement was associated with higher education levels, uncertainty about carrying out treatments, and doubts about treatment efficacy at baseline. Among young people, higher intervention use was associated with higher baseline eczema severity. Patient enablement (the ability to understand and cope with health issues) accounted for approximately 30% of the intervention effect among parents/carers and 50% among young people.ConclusionThis study demonstrated that positive intervention outcomes depended on a modest time commitment from users. This provides further support that the wider implementation of Eczema Care Online is justified.
Primary care provision for young people with ADHD: a multi-perspective qualitative study
Authors: Gudka Rebecca , Becker Kieran , Ward John , Smith Jane R , Mughal Faraz , Melendez-Torres GJ , Newlove-Delgado Tamsin , Price Anna 
Published: February 2024

BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a highly prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder. UK guidance states that primary care has a vital role in effective ADHD management, including referral, medication prescribing and monitoring, and providing broader mental health and wellbeing support. However, many GPs feel unsupported to provide health care for young people with ADHD. Inadequate health care is associated with rising costs for patients and society.AimTo investigate the experiences of young people with ADHD accessing primary care in England, from the perspectives of people with lived experience of ADHD and healthcare professionals (HCPs).Design and settingA qualitative study. Interviews were conducted with HCPs (GPs, practice managers, and a wellbeing worker) and people with lived experience of ADHD (young people aged 16–25 years and their supporters) located in integrated care systems across England.MethodSemi-structured interviews were conducted with participants at five purposively selected general practices (varying by deprivation, ethnicity, and setting). Questions focused on experiences of accessing/providing health care for ADHD. Reflexive thematic analysis was undertaken within a critical realist framework to understand how provision works in practice and to explore potential improvements.ResultsIn total, 20 interviews were completed with 11 HCPs and nine people with lived experience. Three themes were generated: a system under stress, incompatibility between ADHD and the healthcare system, and strategies for change in ADHD primary care provision.ConclusionStandardisation of ADHD management in primary care, providing better information and support for HCPs, and advising on reasonable adjustments for people with lived experience could help improve access to effective treatments for young people living with ADHD.
AJIS 40th Anniversary Editorial
Authors: Bullock Katherine 
Published: February 2024

For forty years, AJIS has been a trusted plat­form for researchers, scholars, and practitioners, serving as a conduit for the exchange of ideas, the dissemination of cutting-edge research, and the cultivation of intellectual dialogue. Many of us found this journal a space for ruminating, discussing, and developing our own narratives on our Islamic heritage and what it means in the contemporary world. Especially compared to anti-Islamic biases in other corners of academia, AJIS is a coming “home.”
One constant throughout the past four decades is the journal’s commit­ment to scholarship that documents and explores Islam’s rich religious, intellectual, legal, philosophical, and social heritages. The assumption is that these various perspectives have meaningful things to say about the human condition and our place in the world. Debate, discussion, and disagreement all appear in these pages, but always grounded in an underlying steadfastness that Islam is a faith tradition that is not obso­lete; that Muslims can contribute positively to humanity’s betterment. That said, the journal is not a place of religious homilies. This is an academic journal, with a double-blind peer review process. Articles that are published thus pass muster in the discipline in which they conduct their research. Let us thank the authors who have entrusted us with their groundbreaking research, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and enriching our understanding of critical issues in our disciplines. Let us thank the journal’s editors, editorial boards, diligent reviewers, and committed staff members who have meticulously upheld the journal’s reputation for excellence, contributing to its sustained success.
Microstructural and spectroscopic analysis of epitaxial lateral overgrowth GaN via the self-decomposing hexagonal graphene mask
Authors: Tao Jiahao , Xu Yu , Li Jianjie , Cai Xin , Wang Yuning , Wang Guobin , Cao Bing , Xu Ke 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The use of two-dimensional material like graphene to alleviate lattice mismatch has been an effective way to realize high-quality GaN on heterogeneous substrates. The lack of hanging bonds on the graphene surface provides a new attempt for epitaxial lateral overgrowth (ELOG). In this study, a hexagonal graphene mask was used for the growth of GaN, the graphene mask disappeared during the GaN growth process, but GaN still maintained the ELOG mode, and the threading dislocation density was significantly reduced. Raman and PL spectra demonstrated the stress relaxation in ELOG GaN and showed a stress relaxation of 0.157 GPa at the interface between the substrate and ELOG GaN. This study demonstrates the feasibility and advantages of graphene masks for nitrides and extends the research on stress relaxation of ELOG GaN using a graphene mask.
Development of a focused-ultrasound spectroscopic-imaging system combined with optical imaging for applying mechanical stimulation on living cells and the possibility of selective stimulation for the nucleus
Authors: Fujiwara Natsumi , Ying Tan Shao , Matsumoto Takaki , Nagakubo Akira , Kino-oka Masahiro , Ogi Hirotsugu 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Various techniques have been used for the mechanical stimulation of cells, but most of them require direct contact with cells and can damage them. Here, we propose a focused ultrasound technique for non-invasive localized mechanical stimulation in a culture environment. First, we develop the focused ultrasound system for establishing the spectroscopic images and for applying mechanical stimulation combined with optical observation. Second, we construct the acoustic-absorption spectroscopic images of human mesenchymal stem cells, leading to the finding of the ultrasound absorption band of the nucleus around 130 MHz caused by its resonance. Finally, we find that the nucleus less absorbs ultrasound before the cell division, supporting our view that the acoustic absorption band is related to the resonance of the nucleus. Our results show the potential for realizing selective and effective mechanical stimulation for nuclei non-invasively, which is critically important for a deeper understanding of mechanobiology.
Simulation of a physical reservoir made of a Ag2S islands network
Authors: Murase Yusuke , Hasegawa Tsuyoshi 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Recently, a physical reservoir operation utilizing atomic switch technologies was demonstrated. Atomic switch operates by controlling the formation and annihilation of a metal filament between two electrodes using solid-state electrochemical reactions. In this study, we simulated the operation of an atomic switch-based reservoir by arranging modeled atomic switches in a network. The aim of this study is to confirm that nonlinear transformation and short-term memory in a reservoir operation observed in the experiment can be realized by the integration of atomic switches showing nonvolatile bipolar operation. We incorporated these characteristics by making a simple operating model of a single atomic switch, which successfully reproduced major characteristics of the experimental results of a reservoir operation.
9.5–12 GHz solidly mounted bulk acoustic wave resonators utilizing overtone of thickness extension mode
Authors: Kadota Michio , Yamashita Fuyuko , Tanaka Shuji 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
To realize HF bulk acoustic wave (BAW) devices, we have explored the application of integer multiples of overtones (3rd and 6th) of the thickness extension mode in solidly-mounted resonators (SM-BAWRs). When the average thickness of the acoustic films in the Bragg reflector of the SM-BAW device is wavelength (λ)/4, the fundamental mode is strongly excited, but overtone excitation is weak. However, it was found that 0.035λ–0.075λ acoustic layer thickness of a Bragg reflector was suitable for 3rd overtone excitation using a single LiNbO3 (LN) layer and 0.01λ–0.045λ for 6th overtone excitation using a polarization-flipped double LN layer. By using a 1 μm thick LN single thin layer, we successfully excited 3rd overtone at 9.5 GHz. Furthermore, overtones at 9.5 and 12 GHz were excited by bonding 1 μm and 0.9 μm thick LN plates with different polarities.
Quantitative evaluation of dielectrophoretic separation efficiency of cancer exosomes based on fluorescence imaging
Authors: Nakabayashi Ryu , Koyama Rie , Inaba Masafumi , Nakano Michihiko , Suehiro Junya 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Liquid biopsies for cancer diagnosis using exosomes have been studied. Separating cancer cell-derived exosomes from a sample mixture is crucial, especially when they do not dominate the sample at an early stage of cancer. A method based on their electrical properties could provide a simpler separation than immune-affinity methods. We have identified the differences in electrical properties of cancerous exosomes from those of normal ones, suggesting the possibility for their dielectrophoresis (DEP) based separation. This study separated cancerous exosomes from a mixture of normal exosomes. The DEP of fluorescence-labeled exosomes suspended in aqueous media with varying electrical conductivities was investigated. The observed DEP was quantitatively evaluated using the normalization method accounting for the fluorescence fading effect. The results showed that the cancerous exosomes were preferentially concentrated under the appropriate conditions. This suggests that DEP can enable the selective capture of cancer exosomes without chemical labeling.