bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A fast hybrid simulation approach of ion energy and angular distributions in biased inductively coupled Ar plasmas
Authors: ZHAO Mingliang , ZHANG Yuru , GAO Fei , WANG Younian 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this work, a two-dimensional hybrid model, which consists of a bulk fluid module, a sheath module and an ion Monte-Carlo module, is developed to investigate the modulation of ion energy and angular distributions at different radial positions in a biased argon inductively coupled plasma. The results indicate that when the bias voltage amplitude increases or the bias frequency decreases, the ion energy peak separation width becomes wider. Besides, the widths of the ion energy peaks at the edge of the substrate are smaller than those at the center due to the lower plasma density there, indicating the nonuniformity of the ion energy distribution function (IEDF) along the radial direction. As the pressure increases from 1 to 10 Pa, the discrepancy of the IEDFs at different radial positions becomes more obvious, i.e. the IEDF at the radial edge is characterized by multiple low energy peaks. When a dual frequency bias source is applied, the IEDF exhibits three or four peaks, and it could be modulated efficiently by the relative phase between the two bias frequencies. The results obtained in this work could help to improve the radial uniformity of the IEDF and thus the etching process.
Neuromorphic bioelectronic medicine for nervous system interfaces: from neural computational primitives to medical applications
Authors: Donati Elisa , Indiveri Giacomo 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Bioelectronic medicine treats chronic diseases by sensing, processing, and modulating the electronic signals produced in the nervous system of the human body, labeled ‘neural signals’. While electronic circuits have been used for several years in this domain, the progress in microelectronic technology is now allowing increasingly accurate and targeted solutions for therapeutic benefits. For example, it is now becoming possible to modulate signals in specific nerve fibers, hence targeting specific diseases. However, to fully exploit this approach it is crucial to understand what aspects of the nerve signals are important, what is the effect of the stimulation, and what circuit designs can best achieve the desired result. Neuromorphic electronic circuits represent a promising design style for achieving this goal: their ultra-low power characteristics and biologically plausible time constants make them the ideal candidate for building optimal interfaces to real neural processing systems, enabling real-time closed-loop interactions with the biological tissue. In this paper, we highlight the main features of neuromorphic circuits that are ideally suited for interfacing with the nervous system and show how they can be used to build closed-loop hybrid artificial and biological neural processing systems. We present examples of neural computational primitives that can be implemented for carrying out computation on the signals sensed in these closed-loop systems and discuss the way to use their outputs for neural stimulation. We describe examples of applications that follow this approach, highlight open challenges that need to be addressed, and propose actions required to overcome current limitations.
Extracellular vesicles: a comprehensive review of their roles as biomarkers and potential therapeutics in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Born Louis J , Khachemoune Amor 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated condition that affects the skin and joints, with current treatments still unable to offer a cure and long-term use of treatments posing health risks. Understanding the pathogenesis of the disease has helped identify new targets that have allowed for the expansion of the therapeutic arsenal. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have recently emerged as pathophysiological mediators of psoriasis, and there have been increasing reports of EVs as potential biomarkers and therapeutics. Given their innate role as natural vehicles for cell-to-cell communication, EVs have vast potential in their ability to determine disease status based on EV-specific cargo as well as act as therapeutics because of their anti-inflammatory properties and potential for enhancement. In this review we summarize the role of EVs in the pathogenesis of psoriasis and discuss EVs as both diagnostic and therapeutic agents.
Guidance on Which Calibrators in a Metrologically Traceable Calibration Hierarchy Must Be Commutable with Clinical Samples
Authors: Miller W Greg , Greenberg Neil , Panteghini Mauro , Budd Jeffrey R , Johansen Jesper V 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
Equivalent results for the same measurand in clinical samples (CSs), measured using different end-user in-vitro diagnostic medical devices (IVD-MDs), are essential for the application of clinical practice guidelines for diagnosis, treatment, monitoring, or risk assessment. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) document 17511:2020 specifies how to establish metrological traceability to the highest available reference system component to enable equivalent results among IVD-MDs. Commutability with CSs is an essential property of a reference material used as a calibrator in a calibration hierarchy. However, not all calibrators in a calibration hierarchy are required to be commutable; different calibration hierarchies have different requirements for which calibrators must be commutable with CSs. Because assessment of commutability is a substantial effort, it is therefore important to determine which calibrators need to be commutable when implementing a calibration hierarchy. We provide guidance on which calibrators must be commutable with CSs, when a correction for any noncommutability bias is appropriate, and when commutability of a calibrator with CSs is not required for various types of calibration hierarchies described in ISO 17511:2020.
The role of obesity-related cardiovascular remodelling in mediating incident cardiovascular outcomes: a population-based observational study
Authors: Szabo Liliana , McCracken Celeste , Cooper Jackie , Rider Oliver J , Vago Hajnalka , Merkely Bela , Harvey Nicholas C , Neubauer Stefan , Petersen Steffen E , Raisi-Estabragh Zahra 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Aims
We examined associations of obesity with incident cardiovascular outcomes and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) phenotypes, integrating information from body mass index (BMI) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR). Then, we used multiple mediation to define the role of obesity-related cardiac remodelling in driving obesity-outcome associations, independent of cardiometabolic diseases.

Methods and results
In 491 606 UK Biobank participants, using Cox proportional hazard models, greater obesity (higher WHR, higher BMI) was linked to significantly greater risk of incident ischaemic heart disease, atrial fibrillation (AF), heart failure (HF), all-cause mortality, and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality. In combined stratification by BMI and WHR thresholds, elevated WHR was associated with greater risk of adverse outcomes at any BMI level. Individuals with overweight BMI but normal WHR had weaker disease associations. In the subset of participants with CMR (n = 31 107), using linear regression, greater obesity was associated with higher left ventricular (LV) mass, greater LV concentricity, poorer LV systolic function, lower myocardial native T1, larger left atrial (LA) volumes, poorer LA function, and lower aortic distensibility. Of note, higher BMI was linked to higher, whilst greater WHR was linked to lower LV end-diastolic volume (LVEDV). In Cox models, greater LVEDV and LV mass (LVM) were linked to increased risk of CVD, most importantly HF and an increased LA maximal volume was the key predictive measure of new-onset AF. In multiple mediation analyses, hypertension and adverse LV remodelling (higher LVM, greater concentricity) were major independent mediators of the obesity–outcome associations. Atrial remodelling and native T1 were additional mediators in the associations of obesity with AF and HF, respectively.

Conclusions
We demonstrate associations of obesity with adverse cardiovascular phenotypes and their significant independent role in mediating obesity–outcome relationships. In addition, our findings support the integrated use of BMI and WHR to evaluate obesity-related cardiovascular risk.
Both selection and drift drive the spatial pattern of adaptive genetic variation in a wild mammal
Authors: Lam Derek Kong , Frantz Alain C , Burke Terry , Geffen Eli , Sin Simon Yung Wa 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The major histocompatibility complex (MHC) has been intensively studied for the relative effects of different evolutionary forces in recent decades. Pathogen-mediated balancing selection is generally thought to explain the high polymorphism observed in MHC genes, but it is still unclear to what extent MHC diversity is shaped by selection relative to neutral drift. In this study, we genotyped MHC class II DRB genes and 15 neutral microsatellite loci across 26 geographic populations of European badgers (Meles meles) covering most of their geographic range. By comparing variation of microsatellite and diversity of MHC at different levels, we demonstrate that both balancing selection and drift have shaped the evolution of MHC genes. When only MHC allelic identity was investigated, the spatial pattern of MHC variation was similar to that of microsatellites. By contrast, when functional aspects of the MHC diversity (e.g., immunological supertypes) were considered, balancing selection appears to decrease genetic structuring across populations. Our comprehensive sampling and analytical approach enable us to conclude that the likely mechanisms of selection are heterozygote advantage and/or rare-allele advantage. This study is a clear demonstration of how both balancing selection and genetic drift simultaneously affect the evolution of MHC genes in a widely distributed wild mammal.
What (Who) Is Moderate Islam for? Malaysia's Ontological Security Seeking in the Post-September 11 Global Order
Authors: Chan Nicholas 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
The popular yet ambiguous idea of moderate Islam has been treated with either interest or indifference in international relations. The interest hinges on hopes of Islamic reformism, whereas the indifference originates from a cynical view that sees moderate Islam campaigns as driven by political opportunism. These viewpoints conceptualize the idea of “moderate Islam” as exegetically rooted and seek to measure state actions based on that. This article argues that “Islamic” signifiers in the foreign policy narratives of Muslim states are better understood from the postcolonial subjectivities of their producers, who are most aware of uneven global cultural hierarchies. It demonstrates that elite Muslim narratives of moderate Islam are less about religious reformation as they are about ontological security seeking. This need for ontological security seeking by Muslim state elites stems from the historical stigmatization of Islam that is exacerbated by the Global War on Terror. Using the case of Malaysia, I highlight how discourses about moderate Islam in foreign policy operate through two mutually reinforcing discursive strategies: image building and image differentiation. Through historical and discourse analysis, I argue that both strategies contain a stigma-correction motive as they worked to craft this image of Malaysia being an exemplary “moderate” Muslim state.
Creativity During COVID-19: Evaluating an Online TimeSlips Storytelling Program for People Living With Dementia During Quarantine in Colombia
Authors: Fay Stephen M , García-Toro Maritza , Henao Liliana Hincapié , Villegas Ángela Andrade , Lopera Francisco 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesSince its first implementation in 1998, evidence has been presented of the positive impact of the TimeSlips storytelling method for people with dementia in long-term care (LTC) settings. This article extends this evidence in important new directions: it is the longest TimeSlips study to date and the first to evaluate the feasibility of online delivery of the method (in response to the coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19] quarantine) and the impact of this on the personhood, quality of life, and psychological well-being of Spanish-speaking participants in non-LTC settings in the Global South.Research Design and MethodsTrained facilitators provided weekly, 1-hr TimeSlips sessions via Zoom over 32 consecutive weeks to 8 participants with dementia. Semistructured interviews of participants and care partners were conducted within 1 week of the final intervention. Thematic analysis evaluated the resultant qualitative data.ResultsThis online implementation of the TimeSlips creative expression (CE) method reinforced key facets of participants’ personhood (self-expression and self-perception, which led in turn to increased care partner appreciation), had a positive impact on key domains of quality of life (mood, energy levels, and cognitive function), and stimulated a key aspect of psychological well-being (the formation and maintenance of social ties).Discussion and ImplicationsThe online delivery of the TimeSlips method to participants who remain in their own homes is feasible and effective. Future research should compare the benefits of online versus face-to-face delivery of this CE method.
STING Promotes Intestinal IgA Production by Regulating Acetate-producing Bacteria to Maintain Host-microbiota Mutualism
Authors: Yu Tianming , Yang Wenjing , Yao Suxia , Yu Yanbo , Wakamiya Maki , Golovko George , Cong Yingzi 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundIntestinal Immunoglobulin A (IgA) is crucial in maintaining host-microbiota mutualism and gut homeostasis. It has been shown that many species of gut bacteria produce cyclic dinucleotides, along with an abundance of microbiota-derived DNA present within the intestinal lumen, which triggers the tonic activation of the cytosolic cGAS-STING pathway. However, the role of STING in intestinal IgA remains poorly understood. We further investigated whether and how STING affects intestinal IgA response.MethodsIntestinal IgA was determined between wild-type (WT) mice and Sting-/- mice in steady conditions and upon enteric Citrobacter rodentium infection. STING agonists were used to stimulating B cells or dendritic cells in vitro. Gut microbiota composition was examined by 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Bacteria metabolomics functional analyses was performed by PICRUSt2. Fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) was determined by Mass spectrometry and Cedex Bio Analyzer. Gut bacteria from WT mice and Sting-/- mice were transferred into germ-free mice and antibiotic-pretreated mice.ResultsIntestinal IgA response was impaired in Sting-/- mice. However, STING agonists did not directly stimulate B cells or dendritic cells to induce IgA. Interestingly, Sting-/- mice displayed altered gut microbiota composition with decreased SCFA-producing bacteria and downregulated SCFA fermentation pathways. Transfer of fecal bacteria from Sting-/- mice induced less IgA than that from WT mice in germ-free mice and antibiotic-pretreated mice, which is mediated by GPR43. Acetate, the dominant SCFA, was decreased in Sting-/- mice, and supplementation of acetate restored intestinal IgA production in Sting-/- mice.ConclusionsSTING promotes intestinal IgA by regulating acetate-producing gut bacteria.
Serum Lipidomic Screen Identifies Key Metabolites, Pathways, and Disease Classifiers in Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Ferru-Clément Romain , Boucher Gabrielle , Forest Anik , Bouchard Bertrand , Bitton Alain , Lesage Sylvie , Schumm Phil , Lazarev Mark , Brant Steve , Duerr Richard H , McGovern Dermot P B , Silverberg Mark , Cho Judy H ,   NIDDK IBD Genetics Consortium, iGenoMed Consortium, Ananthakrishnan Ashwin , Xavier Ramnik J , Rioux John D , Des Rosiers Christine 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
There is an unmet medical need for biomarkers that capture host and environmental contributions in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). This study aimed at testing the potential of circulating lipids as disease classifiers given their major roles in inflammation.

Methods
We applied a previously validated comprehensive high-resolution liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry–based untargeted lipidomic workflow covering 25 lipid subclasses to serum samples from 100 Crohn’s disease (CD) patients and 100 matched control subjects. Findings were replicated and expanded in another 200 CD patients and 200 control subjects. Key metabolites were tested for associations with disease behavior and location, and classification models were built and validated. Their association with disease activity was tested using an independent cohort of 42 CD patients.

Results
We identified &gt;70 metabolites with strong association (P &lt; 1 × 10-4, q &lt; 5 × 10-4) to CD. Highly performing classification models (area under the curve &gt; 0.84-0.97) could be built with as few as 5 to 9 different metabolites, representing 6 major correlated lipid clusters. These classifiers included a phosphatidylethanolamine ether (O-16:0/20:4), a sphingomyelin (d18:1/21:0) and a cholesterol ester (14:1), a very long-chain dicarboxylic acid [28:1(OH)] and sitosterol sulfate. These classifiers and correlated lipids indicate a dysregulated metabolism in host cells, notably in peroxisomes, as well as dysbiosis, oxidative stress, compromised inflammation resolution, or intestinal membrane integrity. A subset of these were associated with disease behavior or location.

Conclusions
Untargeted lipidomic analyses uncovered perturbations in the circulating human CD lipidome, likely resulting from multiple pathogenic mechanisms. Models using as few as 5 biomarkers had strong disease classifier characteristics, supporting their potential use in diagnosis or prognosis.
Improved Spin-Wave Estimate for Wilson Loops in U(1) Lattice Gauge Theory
Authors: Garban Christophe , Sepúlveda Avelio 
Published: January 2023

Abstract
In this paper, we obtain bounds on the Wilson loop expectations in 4D $U(1)$ lattice gauge theory, which quantify the effect of topological defects. In the case of a Villain interaction, by extending the non-perturbative technique introduced in [24], we obtain the following estimate for a large loop $\gamma $ at low temperatures: $ |\langle W_\gamma \rangle _{\beta }|\leq \exp \Big (-\frac {C_{GFF}} {2\beta }(1+C \beta e^{- 2\pi ^2 \beta } )(|\gamma |+o(|\gamma |)) \Big )\,.$ Our result is in line with recent works [4, 9, 13, 15] which analyze the case where the gauge group is discrete. In the present case where the gauge group is continuous and Abelian, the fluctuations of the gauge field decouple into a Gaussian part, related to the so-called free electromagnetic wave [11, 23], and a gas of topological defects. As such, our work gives new quantitative bounds on the fluctuations of the latter which complement the works by Guth and Frölich-Spencer [17, 27]. Finally, we improve, also in a non-perturbative way, the correction term from $e^{-2\pi ^2\beta }$ to $e^{-\pi ^2\beta }$ in the case of the free-energy of the system. This provides a matching lower-bound with the prediction of Guth [27] based on renormalization group techniques.
Validation of N-Light™ Salmonella Risk Test Kit for Detection of Salmonella spp. on Environmental Surfaces: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 072204
Authors: Desroche Nicolas , De Oliveira Déborah , Imhaus Anne-Flore , Hupfeld Mario , Fieseler Lars 
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background
The NEMIS N-Light™ Salmonella Risk method uses chemiluminescence designed for the qualitative detection of Salmonella spp. from environmental surface samples.

Objective
To validate the N-Light Salmonella Risk assay using independent and method developer validation studies according to the AOAC Performance Tested MethodsSM (PTM) program for the detection of Salmonella spp. on stainless-steel, polystyrene, and ceramic environmental surfaces.

Method
The N-Light Salmonella Risk assay was evaluated in a matrix study in comparison to the ISO 6579-1:2017 method (“Microbiology of the Food Chain—Horizontal Method for the Detection, Enumeration, and Serotyping of Salmonella—Part 1: Detection of Salmonella spp.”) using an unpaired study design. Additional PTM studies performed were inclusivity/exclusivity, robustness, product consistency, and stability.

Results
The N-Light Salmonella Risk assay demonstrated a specific detection of all Salmonella strains tested. In the matrix study, the N-Light Salmonella Risk assay showed no significant differences between presumptive and confirmed results or between candidate and reference method results on the three surfaces evaluated. Data for additional PTM studies met acceptance criteria requirements.

Conclusions
The NEMIS Technologies N-Light Salmonella Risk assay is an effective method for the qualitative detection of Salmonella on stainless-steel, polystyrene, and ceramic environmental surfaces.

Highlights
The NEMIS Technologies N-Light Salmonella Risk assay, which is the first chemiluminescence-based detection system that uses a novel, patented dioxetane compound, allowing for easy and rapid detection of Salmonella.
Assessing the impact of open-label designs in patient-reported outcomes: investigation in oncology clinical trials
Authors: Lord-Bessen Jennifer , Signorovitch James , Yang Min , Georgieva Mihaela , Roydhouse Jessica 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundKnowledge of treatment assignment may affect patient-reported outcomes (PROs), which is of concern in oncology, where open-label trials are common. This study measured the magnitude of open-label bias by comparing PROs for similar patient groups in oncology trials with different degrees of concealment.MethodsIndividual patient data from ipilimumab arms of 2 melanoma and docetaxel arms of 2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) trials were adjusted for differences using propensity score weighting. Patients were aware of treatment assignment in CA184-022 and CheckMate 057 (open-label) but not in MDX010-20 and VITAL (blinded). Overall survival (OS) and mean changes from baseline to week 12 in the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (melanoma) and Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (NSCLC) scores were compared between open-label and blinded groups.ResultsAfter adjustment, baseline characteristics were balanced between blinded (melanoma, n = 125; NSCLC, n = 424) and open-label (melanoma, n = 69; NSCLC, n = 205) groups. Study discontinuation and PRO completion rates at week 12 and OS were similar. There was no clear direction in differences in change scores between groups. In the melanoma trials, role functioning (mean = -5.2, 95% confidence interval [CI] = −15.4 to 5.0), global health status (mean = -1.3, 95% CI = -8.7 to 6.1), and pain (mean = 6.2 , 95% CI = −1.8 to 14.2) favored the blinded, whereas emotional functioning (mean = 2.2, 95% CI = -5.8 to 10.2) and diarrhea (mean = -8.3, 95% CI = −17.3 to 0.7) favored the open-label group. In the NSCLC trials, changes in dyspnea (mean = 5.4, 95% CI = -0.7 to 11.5) favored the blinded and changes in appetite (mean = -1.2, 95% CI = -8.1 to 5.7) favored the open-label group. None were clinically or statistically significant.ConclusionsThis study adds to the growing evidence demonstrating that concerns regarding open-label bias should not prohibit the interpretation of large and meaningful treatment effects on PROs.