bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring What Motivates Parents of Children Living With Medical Complexity to Participate in Research
Authors: Kim Laesa , Hermansen Anne‐Mette , Cook Karen , Siden Harold
Published: September 2024

Background

The study aimed to understand the experience of and identify the motivations for parents participating in health research for their children with medical complexity (CMC). Patient‐oriented research strategies are increasingly important in health research to ensure that the voices of patients and parents help shape and direct research programmes. To bring a family‐centred and patient‐oriented focus to our research and objectives, we asked parents about their experiences when they participated in healthcare research related to their child with CMC.

Methods

A parent partner, who also has a CMC, interviewed 12 parents (11 mothers and 1 father) of children living with medical complexity to understand their motivations to participate in healthcare research for their child. The parent partner conducted and transcribed the interviews and led our data analysis. Interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) was used to inform our data coding and analytic process.

Results

Parents described numerous reasons for their participation in research about their children. These motivations landed within four main themes: feeling helpless and hopeful, child‐centred motivation, being part of something good and forming a relationship with the research team. In addition to these themes, parents highlighted factors that influenced their ability or desire to participate, such as time, capacity and the level of invasiveness for their child. Ultimately, the reflections by parents emphasized their unique lives in caring for their CMC and the need to integrate their lived experiences with the research they engage in.

Conclusion

This study offers important insights for healthcare teams who want to engage parents of CMC to participate in research. Understanding parents' motivation to participate in research can help researchers create richer engagement and more meaningful experiences for themselves and their participants, thereby bolstering research programmes.
Safety and effectiveness of fingolimod in Japanese patients with multiple sclerosis: Results of a post‐marketing surveillance study
Authors: Sato Noriko , Wakimoto Koji , Kato Kyoko , Susuta Yutaka , Ueda Kengo , Satou Yoshihisa , Sasajima Takayoshi , Kira Jun‐ichi
Published: September 2024

Objective

Fingolimod is the first oral sphingosine‐1‐phosphate receptor modulator approved in Japan for multiple sclerosis (MS). A large Japanese observational study of fingolimod in patients with MS was carried out to support its safety and effectiveness in a real‐world setting.

Methods

This 2‐year, prospective, multicenter, single‐cohort, observational study included all Japanese patients with MS who initiated fingolimod (0.5 mg/day). Safety endpoints included adverse events and adverse drug reactions. Effectiveness endpoints included the annualized relapse rate, Kurtzke's Expanded Disability Status Scale score and physician clinical global impression. All endpoints were analyzed in fingolimod‐naïve patients.

Results

Of the 1792 patients who started fingolimod between 28 November 2011 and 31 May 2013, 1624 and 1623 fingolimod‐naïve patients were included in the safety and effectiveness analysis sets, respectively. The most common MS type was relapsing–remitting MS (89.47%). Adverse events, adverse events leading to discontinuation of fingolimod, adverse drug reactions and serious adverse drug reaction incidences were 64.10%, 15.33%, 57.88% and 23.46%, respectively. No new/unexpected safety signals were identified. The annualized relapse rate was 0.97 during the 1 year before baseline, and decreased to 0.22 after treatment. The mean Expanded Disability Status Scale score remained stable throughout treatment, irrespective of the baseline Expanded Disability Status Scale score (≥3 or <3). Physician clinical global impression was classified as ‘effective’ in the majority of patients (70.3%–90.1%) throughout the treatment period.

Conclusion

Fingolimod was well tolerated and no new safety concerns were identified in this Japanese 2‐year post‐marketing study. Additionally, fingolimod was effective in preventing MS relapse and physical disability progression in this real‐world population comprising mainly relapsing–remitting MS patients.
Environmental justice in education for climate action: Case studies from Perú and Uganda
Authors: Wilder Rachel , Nuwategeka Expedito , Monge Carlos , Talavera Alithu Bazan
Published: September 2024

This paper draws on participatory research with secondary school learners in Perú and Uganda that shows how environmental and social (in) justices are interwoven and embedded in young people's experiences of the natural world. These experiences contrast with learners' accounts of environmental education in secondary schooling, in which the notion of justice is comparatively, and therefore conspicuously, absent. We employ four distinct but overlapping conceptualisations of justice—biocentric and anthropocentric notions of environmental justice, including climate justice, and epistemic justice—to analyse how learners understand responsibilities for climate action, and what change they anticipate and hope for in the future. Observing that ethical frameworks enable learners to make sense of the complexity of human and more‐than‐human relationships within natural ecosystems, we argue that a multiple justice framework in formal schooling is needed. A multiple justice approach to environmental education could support learners to develop a critical consciousness in and about the natural world, and to imagine and be motivated to act in support of a better future. Our findings are based on accounts from 123 secondary school learners in eight schools—four schools in northern Uganda and four in diverse regions of Perú.
Higher sensitivity of pericardial fluid cytology than biopsy in malignant effusions with potential explanation of false‐negative cytology: A multi‐institutional analysis
Authors: Takeda Kotaro , Gereg Catherine , Liu Xiaoying , Ma Weijie , Bearse Mayara , Tang Haiming , Delfino Isabela , Huang Eric , Lin Xiaoqi , Chandler Jocelyn B. , Wang He
Published: September 2024

Objective

Malignant pericardial effusions are associated with a poor prognosis. Pericardial fluid cytology and pericardial biopsy are the primary methods for diagnosis. This study aimed to conduct a multi‐institutional analysis to compare the diagnostic sensitivity of cytology and biopsy, and to investigate potential explanations for false‐negative results in cytology.

Methods

A retrospective review of pericardial fluid cytology cases with concurrent biopsy was conducted across four different institutions. Results were compared using standard statistical methods with attention to sensitivity and histologic distribution. False‐negative cytology cases were investigated for further exploration.

Results

A total of 309 cases were collected, of which 99 (32.0%) were confirmed malignant through repeat sampling or clinical history. Pericardial fluid cytology and biopsy identified 84 and 64 malignant cases, respectively. Our findings confirmed significantly higher sensitivity of cytology compared to biopsy (84.8% vs 65.7%). The most common sites of origin were lung, breast, and gastrointestinal, with adenocarcinoma being the most prevalent histologic subtype. Histologic review of 12 false‐negative cytology cases revealed three key explanations; lymphoma was the most common missed diagnosis (33.3%); fibrinous pericarditis obscures neoplastic cells on the pericardial surface; and pericardial involvement can be seen without extension into the pericardial space.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated diagnostic superiority of pericardial fluid cytology over biopsy in the evaluation of malignant pericardial effusions. We identified several limitations in fluid cytology causing false negatives. In the context of an underlying malignancy with pericardial effusion, pathologists should consider immunohistochemistry studies to aid on the diagnosis.
Screening of psoriatic arthritis by dermatologists – a German nationwide survey
Authors: Pinter Andreas , Hofmann Matthias , Kaufmann Roland , Müller‐Stahl Jutta , König Anke
Published: September 2024

Background and Objectives

Up to 30% of psoriasis (PsO) is clinically associated with psoriatic arthritis (PsA). A large proportion of new onset of PsA is diagnosed at a later stage, despite the necessity of early effective treatment to prevent structural damage. This study aimed to identify the routine screening practices used for PsA in patients with PsO.

Patients and Methods

This non‐interventional, prospective, epidemiological, cross‐sectional study conducted in Germany focuses on screening activity and treatment selection of dermatological practices in suspected PsA. Descriptive statistics and patient characteristics were analyzed for different center types.

Results

One hundred ninety‐five patients from 34 office‐based physicians, five non‐university hospitals, and nine university hospitals were included. Questionnaires or imaging techniques were not routinely used (< 45%). Especially, ultrasounds (≤ 5%) and MRIs (< 6.3%) were rarely performed. Between 30% and 75% of suspected PsA could be confirmed. Referral to rheumatologists and/or appropriate therapy initiation were the most frequent consequences.

Conclusions

Results of this study reflect the status of PsA screening activity by dermatologists. Imaging techniques, particularly ultrasound or MRIs to detect early forms of PsA, were inadequately used, which may have contributed to continued underdiagnoses. Collaboration between dermatologists and rheumatologists should be reviewed with a view to improving effective PsA screening.
In vivo biomarkers of GABAergic function in epileptic rats treated with the GAT‐1 inhibitor E2730
Authors: Ali Idrish , Jupp Bianca , Hudson Matthew R. , Major Brendan , Silva Juliana , Yamakawa Glenn R. , Casillas‐Espinosa Pablo M. , Braine Emma , Thergarajan Peravina , Haskali Mohammad B. , Vivash Lucy , Brkljaca Robert , Shultz Sandy R. , Kwan Patrick , Fukushima Kazuyuki , Sachdev Pallavi , Cheng Jocelyn Y. , Mychasiuk Richelle , Jones Nigel C. , Wright David K. , OBrien Terence J.
Published: September 2024

Objective

E2730, an uncompetitive γ‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) transporter‐1 (GAT‐1) inhibitor, has potent anti‐seizure effects in a rodent model of chronic temporal lobe epilepsy, the kainic acid status epilepticus (KASE) rat model. In this study, we examined purported neuroimaging and physiological surrogate biomarkers of the effect of E2730 on brain GABAergic function.

Methods

We conducted a randomized cross‐over study, incorporating 1‐week treatments with E2730 (100 mg/kg/day subcutaneous infusion) or vehicle in epileptic post‐KASE rats. KASE rats underwent serial 9.4 T magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) measuring GABA and other brain metabolites, [18F]Flumazenil positron emission tomography (PET) quantifying GABAA receptor availability, quantitative electroencephalography (qEEG) and transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)–mediated motor activity, as well as continuous video‐EEG recording to measure spontaneous seizures during each treatment. Age‐matched, healthy control animals treated with E2730 or vehicle were also studied.

Results

E2730 treatment significantly reduced spontaneous seizures, with 8 of 11 animals becoming seizure‐free. MRS revealed that E2730‐treated animals had significantly reduced taurine levels. [18F]Flumazenil PET imaging revealed no changes in GABA receptor affinity or density during E2730 treatment. The power of gamma frequency oscillations in the EEG was decreased significantly in the auditory cortex and hippocampus of KASE and control rats during E2730 treatment. Auditory evoked gamma frequency power was enhanced by E2730 treatment in the auditory cortex of KASE and healthy controls, but only in the hippocampus of KASE rats. E2730 did not influence motor evoked potentials triggered by TMS.

Significance

This study identified clinically relevant changes in multimodality imaging and functional purported biomarkers of GABAergic activity during E2730 treatment in epileptic and healthy control animals. These biomarkers could be utilized in clinical trials of E2730 and potentially other GABAergic drugs to provide surrogate endpoints, thereby reducing the cost of such trials.
Improvement of the tribological and high‐temperature oxidation behavior of mild steel by alumina coating
Authors: Bhargav Amit , Sasikumar C. , Lodhe Mangesh
Published: September 2024

In this study, the surface characteristics of mild steel are modified using aluminum oxide (alumina) coating using the microwave‐assisted solution combustion synthesis (mSCS) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique. The deposited coatings are subjected to microstructural, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), micro‐hardness, surface roughness, high‐temperature oxidation, and wear tests. The XRD results confirmed the formation of α‐alumina coating on the mild steel surface. An average thickness of coatings is approximately 125 ± 5 µm in mSCS and around 1 ± .3 µm in PVD. The coating demonstrated good adherence and significantly improved surface hardness, wear resistance, and high‐temperature oxidation resistance. The surface hardness of coatings increased to 12.2 and 9.4 GPa from mSCS and PVD, respectively, while it is 1.57 GPa for the uncoated mild steel. The PVD‐coated alumina surface exhibited a smooth surface (Ra = .076 µm) compared to the mSCS coating (Ra = .344 µm). The specific wear rate of the alumina‐coated sample decreased to 2.5 times, and the high‐temperature oxidation rate decreased about 1.7 times at 500°C.
Dry sliding behavior of transparent yttrium aluminum garnet against 100Cr6 steel balls
Authors: Mittal Divyansh , Kumari Amrita , Hostaša Jan , Yadav Prabhat Chand , Pandey Chandan , Gupta Ankur , Sharma Sandan Kumar
Published: September 2024

Transparent yttrium aluminum garnet (YAG) exhibits high hardness and abrasive resistance, making it a promising candidate for applications involving material contact, such as protective optical elements, windows, domes, and armors. When transparent YAG is employed in such applications, it may be susceptible to degradation due to friction, chemical exposure, or thermal stress. Despite its potential, there is limited research on the tribological behavior of transparent YAG. In the present study, transparent YAG ceramics were fabricated by reaction sintering of high‐purity Al2O3 and Y2O3 powders. The transparent YAG specimens had an average grain size of 20 ± 6 µm and hardness of 1068.98 ± 115.15 HV, and fracture toughness of 1.27 ± .06 MPa.m0.5. The effect of load variation from 5 to 15 N on the tribological behavior of transparent YAG was investigated when slid against chrome steel (100Cr6) balls with a hardness of 815 ± 75 HV. The low coefficient of friction (COF) and wear rate were observed due to the wedge formation (fish‐scale‐like pattern) at the surface when the load was increased from 5 to 10 N. Moreover, tribochemical layer formation, fracture, and material transfer were observed when the load was increased from 10 to 15 N, leading to high COF and increased wear rate.
Fluorescein flowmetry: a method for measuring relative capillary blood flow in the intestine
Authors: Perbeck Leif , Lund Fredrik , Svensson Leif , Thulin Lars
Published: September 2024

The present work represents an attempt to develop a method for measuring relative blood flow in intestinal capillaries, by the use of sodium fluorescein (Na‐F) as an indicator substance. The method is called fluorescein flowmetry (FF).

A mathematical model was developed; blood flow was expressed as an index between the maximum fluorescence obtained during the first circulatory passage of Na‐F and the rise time, defined as the time interval between 10 and 90% of the maximum fluorescence. The prerequisites for the mathematical model were tested in experiments in animals and man. The extraction of Na‐F in the intestinal capillaries was found to be more than 99%. The ratio between the tissue clearance and uptake was found to be 0·0051, indicating no back flux. Experiments in man revealed that the rise time was proportional to the mean transit time and the mean transversal time of the bolus proper. The accuracy of FF was confirmed in man where the ratio between mucosal and serosal‐muscular capillary blood flow was 2:1. From the results obtained, it appears that FF can be used as a method for measuring relative capillary blood flow in the intestine.
Last‐Mile Delivery: A Process View, Framework, and Research Agenda
Authors: Masorgo Nicolò , Dobrzykowski David D. , Fugate Brian S.
Published: September 2024

The expansion of e‐commerce has increased scholarly interest in Business‐to‐Customer (B2C) last‐mile delivery (LMD). LMD occurs in a unique logistical context and presents many new, evolving challenges worthy of scholarly investigation. While most LMD studies emerged after 2018, existing literature reviews predate the “boom.” Current reviews have focused at the macro‐level, considering LMD secondarily within broad topics like omni‐channel or micro perspectives that address granular issues like transportation within LMD. The majority of studies have focused on analytical models that investigate different concerns compared to conceptual and empirical studies. Our study examines an up‐to‐date sample of 104 articles in LMD literature from a process, meso‐level perspective. We develop a framework, classifying studies around pre‐delivery, delivery, and post‐delivery activities that produce valuable insights linking these activities. We synthesize the prior literature and offer a research agenda that incorporates different stakeholder perspectives and identifies methodological opportunities. The analysis reveals several areas of future research that were validated and enhanced by practitioner interviews.
A taxonomic revision of Parachela with descriptions of two new species (Cypriniformes: Xenocyprididae)
Authors: Page Lawrence M. , Tangjitjaroen Weerapongse , Limpichat Jirasin , Randall Zachary S. , Boyd David A. , Tongnunui Sampan , Pfeiffer John M.
Published: September 2024

The taxonomy of the Parachela–Oxygaster–Macrochirichthys clade of Xenocyprididae has been confused since the original descriptions of Parachela oxygastroides and Parachela hypophthalmus in the mid‐19th century. The confusion seems attributable to the substantial intraspecific variation in color and other morphological characteristics of species of Oxygaster and Parachela. Morphological data on 401 specimens from throughout the range of Parachela and molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that six available species names for Parachela are valid: Parachela cyanea, P. hypophthalmus, Parachela ingerkongi, Parachela johorensis (removed from the synonymy of P. oxygastroides), P. oxygastroides, and Parachela williaminae. In addition, two new species of Parachela, Parachela melanosticta and Parachela microlepis, are described. Chela pointoni is a synonym of P. oxygastroides, not a valid species of Oxygaster as previously hypothesized, and Parachela maculicauda is a synonym of Parachela johorensis. Considerable morphological and genetic variation is present in all well‐sampled species of Parachela.
Themeatics: The art of hyperreality
Authors: King Margaret J.
Published: September 2024

Since Disney Imagineering introduced the theme park in 1955, themeatics has ruled public space, becoming a mixed reality of virtual and nonvirtual, media and built design, as hyperreality. This “unified field theory” of the arts consolidates many styles and disciplines as mixed media, conferring meaning and engaging attention in immersive experiences that readily embody innovation. Through hyperreality, themeatics works as the dominant aesthetic now merging imagination with the experienced world. The fit between art‐informed places like theme parks and the brain expands the life of the mind in culture through the scope of lived and virtual experience alike.
The role of habitat use and sociality on skin lesions in Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) in the St. Johns River, Florida
Authors: DiVittore‐Goodrum Brittney , Gibson Quincy
Published: September 2024

Photographic analysis of skin lesions is a noninvasive approach to estimate the health of cetacean populations. The St. Johns River (SJR) in NE Florida is an estuarine system inhabited by Tamanend's bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops erebennus) that is characterized by high levels of anthropogenic activity. Both environmental factors and social transmission of disease may influence lesion formation in dolphins, thus this study aimed to determine if skin lesion prevalence and extent of coverage differed based on (1) the amount of time spent in the SJR annually and (2) sociality measures. Photos were examined for lesions on the dorsal fin and total visible body. Individuals were categorized as residents, seasonals, or transients based on the monthly sighting rate in cold and warm seasons. The mean nonzero SRI and degree centrality were compared to lesion prevalence and coverage. Residents exhibited the highest prevalence of skin lesions, followed by seasonals and transients. Coverage in affected individuals did not significantly differ among residency groups. Lesion prevalence was higher in the SJR than nearby sites. Associations between sociality and lesion measures were not significant. These results suggest that habitat use primarily drives lesion occurrence in SJR dolphins.
Intra‐species quantification reveals differences in activity and sleep levels in the yellow fever mosquito, Aedes aegypti
Authors: Ajayi Oluwaseun M. , Susanto Emily E. , Wang Lyn , Kennedy Jasmine , Ledezma Arturo , Harris Angeli'c , Smith Evan S. , Chakraborty Souvik , Wynne Nicole E. , Sylla Massamba , Akorli Jewelna , Otoo Sampson , Rose Noah H. , Vinauger Clément , Benoit Joshua B.
Published: September 2024

Aedes aegypti is an important mosquito vector of human disease with a wide distribution across the globe. Climatic conditions and ecological pressure drive differences in the biology of several populations of this mosquito species, including blood‐feeding behaviour and vector competence. However, no study has compared activity and/or sleep among different populations/lineages of Ae. aegypti. Having recently established sleep‐like states in three mosquito species with observable differences in timing and amount of sleep among species, we investigated differences in activity and sleep levels among 17 Ae. aegypti lines drawn from both its native range in Africa and its invasive range across the global tropics. Activity monitoring indicates that all the lines show consistent diurnal activity, but significant differences in activity level, sleep amount, number of sleep bouts and bout duration were observed among the lines. The variation in day activity was associated with differences in host preference and ancestry for the lineages collected in Africa. This study provides evidence that the diurnal sleep and activity profiles for Ae. aegypti are consistent, but there are significant population differences for Ae. aegypti sleep and activity levels and interactions with host species may significantly impact mosquito activity.
Multidisciplinary behavioral therapy reduces rumination
Authors: Nyyssönen M. , Vilpponen O. , Ståhl‐Railila M. , Liesto S. , Mustonen T. , Pikkarainen S. , Arkkila P. , Roine R. , Sintonen H. , Punkkinen J.
Published: September 2024

Background

Behavioral therapy has proved effective as rumination therapy. Our objective was to treat rumination patients using multidisciplinary behavioral therapy aimed at reducing ≥2 of the rumination score.

Methods

All patients fulfilled Rome IV criteria for rumination and were referred to speech therapy for psychoeducation, diaphragmatic breathing exercises and guided eating, physiotherapy for exercises to relax the thoracic and abdominal muscles, and consultation with the psychologist and the dietitian. Symptoms, depression, anxiety, health‐related quality of life (HRQoL), and functional capacity were evaluated by questionnaires (Rome IV, Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), 15D, and World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) 2.0) at baseline and at 6‐month control. Esophageal manometry was performed at 6‐month control.

Key Results

The study enrolled 11 patients (19–64 years, 10 female). Rumination score: 6.5 (5–8) at baseline, 4.0 (3–5) at the 6‐month control, p = 0.005. BDI/8 (6–13), BAI/15 (8–29) at baseline; BDI/7 (4–8), BAI/15 (7–27) at the 6‐month control, NS. 15D score: 0.800 at baseline, 0.845 at the 6‐month control, NS. WHODAS 2.0 score: 15 (7–33) at baseline, 11 (7–26) at the 6‐month control, NS. Rumination could be evoked in manometry in six of nine (67%) patients at 6‐month control.

Conclusions and Inferences

Behavioral multidisciplinary therapy significantly reduces the self‐assessed frequency of rumination. These patients have more depression, anxiety and a lower HRQoL compared to the normal population.
Evaluating the Status and Promising Potential of Robotic Spinal Surgery Systems
Authors: Li Xiang , Chen Jiasheng , Wang Ben , Liu Xiao , Jiang Shuai , Li Zhuofu , Li Weishi , Li Zihe , Wei Feng
Published: September 2024

The increasing frequency of cervical and lumbar spine disorders, driven by aging and evolving lifestyles, has led to a rise in spinal surgeries using pedicle screws. Robotic spinal surgery systems have emerged as a promising innovation, offering enhanced accuracy in screw placement and improved surgical outcomes. We focused on literature of this field from the past 5 years, and a comprehensive literature search was performed using PubMed and Google Scholar. Robotic spinal surgery systems have significantly impacted spinal procedures by improving pedicle screw placement accuracy and supporting various techniques. These systems facilitate personalized, minimally invasive, and low‐radiation interventions, leading to greater precision, reduced patient risk, and decreased radiation exposure. Despite advantages, challenges such as high costs and a steep learning curve remain. Ongoing advancements are expected to further enhance these systems' role in spinal surgery.
Design of a Four-Layer Induced-Transmission Filter for Promoting Thermophotovoltaic Efficiency
Authors: Yi Fan , Wang Boxiang , Zhao Changying
Published: September 2024

To promote the efficiency of thermophotovoltaic (TPV) devices, the spectral management based on micro/nanoscale structure plays a significant role. In this paper, we design a four-layer filter that consists of Ag, ZnS and MgF2 nanoscale-thickness layers for a GaSb TPV cell. By realizing a transmission spectrum with a sharp cut-off, an appropriate bandwidth and a near-perfect reflectance in the cell’s out-of-band (OOB) wavelength range, we demonstrate based on an experimentally validated model that an efficiency of 24.8% and an electrical output power density of 0.86 W/cm2 are achieved when the filter is incorporated with a GaSb cell and an 1500°C-blackbody emitter. Besides, the filter ensures the decrease in efficiency accompanied by the increase of illumination intensity of the cell is less than 5% within the temperature range of 987°C. As a front-surface spectral management, the filter imposes minimal demands on the low OOB absorption characteristics of cell materials, which consequently provides an expanded design latitude for cell engineering. It is believed that our filter will shed light on the spectral management route that is different from the method based on back side reflector to realize efficient TPV systems.
Machine-Learning-Based Thermal Conductivity Prediction in Two-Dimensional TiS2/MoS2 Van Der Waals Heterostructures
Authors: Kunjikuttan Nair Akhil , Da Silva Carlos Manuel , Amon Cristina H.
Published: September 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) materials and heterostructures display unique thermal characteristics compared to their bulk counterparts. However, the accurate estimation of the thermal conductivity of 2D materials, particularly of 2D van der Waals heterostructures, presents significant challenges for both computational and experimental methods. In this study, we propose a computationally efficient approach to investigate the thermal conductivity of 2D TiS2/MoS2 van der Waals heterostructures. Our approach utilizes machine-learning interatomic potentials (MLIPs) to predict the thermal conductivity of the heterostructure. This approach effectively incorporates intralayer interactions by utilizing moment tensor potentials (MTP) trained with computationally inexpensive density functional theory (DFT)-based datasets. These datasets are generated from ab-initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) trajectories over less than 1 ps, while the interlayer van der Waals interactions are calibrated using the D3-dispersion correction method. By explicitly incorporating the missing dispersion contribution into the MTP, this method provides greater accuracy in predicting interlayer interactions than the widely applied Lennard-Jones (LJ) potential. Finally, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations are conducted to determine the thermal conductivity of the TiS2/MoS2 heterostructures using the derived potential parameters. This study enhances our understanding of thermal transport in van der Waals (vdW) heterostructures, leveraging MLIPs to explore new nanostructured materials with superior thermal conductivity.
Ballistic Phonon Heat Conduction Under Non-Equilibrium in Nanoscale Heterogeneous Semiconductor Thin Films
Authors: Zhang Richard Z.
Published: September 2024

Thermal management of microelectronic components is becoming critical as devices become smaller and faster. Developing our understanding of size-dependent thermal properties impacts the semiconductor industry. At the nanoscale, phonon thermal transport is challenged by ballistic scattering as mean free path energy exceeds that of the thickness of the thin film. In this approach, we bypass models and directly integrate first principles phonon collision methods in a lattice. We have developed a method that solves the time-dependent Boltzmann Transport Equation (BTE) for phonons with heterogeneous spatial structures of different materials. Our method is applied to simulate a case in which InAs semiconductor nanometer-thin films sandwiched between a heat source and sink. The equilibration in fraction of picosecond time resolution showed nonlinear heat flux normally linear in Fourier scales. Our results demonstrate how energy is transferred in time and space by acoustic and optical phonon modes. Contact thermal resistivity is observed at the material interfaces with the source and sink. This validates boundary-effect scattering of phonons, where the effect does not rely on surface correlations or optical specularity. This “brute-force” BTE method is necessary for observing non-uniformity in heat flux and temperature distribution in thin films. While the computational intensity is relatively high compared to its native process, our relatively simple first principles-in-a-lattice approach can down the road resolve mismatched solid interfacial phonon transmittance, contact resistance, and defect scattering without reliance on thermodynamic parameters and approximations.
Thermal Simulation for Nanoscale FinFET Using First-Principles Nongray Phonon Boltzmann Transport Equation
Authors: Sheng Yufei , Bao Hua
Published: September 2024

In recent years, nanoscale devices, represented by the fin field-effect transistor (FinFET), have significantly enhanced computational performance while simultaneously presenting heightened thermal challenges. Consequently, thermal simulation has become an indispensable component in advanced nanoscale device design and thermal management. Classical thermal simulation, based on the heat diffusion equation, proves inadequate in describing non-Fourier effects at nanoscale, given that the characteristic length is smaller than the phonon mean free path. Therefore, the phonon Boltzmann transport equation (BTE) has emerged as the solely promising method to achieve the non-Fourier thermal simulation. However, to date, accurate and efficient phonon-BTE-based thermal simulation for realistic three-dimensional devices have not been achieved. In this study, we implement non-Fourier thermal simulation for a realistic three-dimensional silicon-based FinFET by utilizing the first-principles-based nongray phonon BTE and achieve quantitative alignment with previous experimental measurements. The accurate phonon properties are obtained through first-principles calculations without fitting parameters. Utilizing our efficient phonon BTE software, GiftBTE, we acquire a high-resolution temperature distribution of the device. Moreover, this paper provides a quantitative analysis of the impact of temperature effects on the FinFET’s electrical performance, consistent with previous experiment result.
Superhydrophilic Composite Structure of Copper Micro-Channel and Nano-Forest for Enhancing Boiling Heat Transfer
Authors: Ma Xiang , Zhang Yonghai , Yang Xiaoping , Wei Jinjia
Published: September 2024

Nanostructures are then made on the micro-pin-fins through a simple one-step electrodeposition process, which looks like a natural forest structure with rich branch-like grooves. Capillary rise tests were performed with ethanol to characterize the capillary force of the wick structure. An efficient boiling heat transfer (BHT) interface based on a superhydrophilic copper micro-pin-fins and nano-forest composite structure is reported. In principle, these micro-pin-fins are efficient nucleation sites, helping to reduce the surface superheat required for the onset of nucleate boiling (ONB) and enhance the heat transfer coefficient (HTC). Disperse nano-forest contribute to bubbles detachment from the heated wall rapidly. Micro-pin-fins with a depth of a few hundreds of microns can avoid excessive interface thermal resistance, the superwetting effect of the micro-nano composite structure helps to increase the critical heat flux (CHF). By studying the morphology, wettability, liquid subcoolings and heat transfer characteristics of the micro-pin-fins and nano-forest composite structure as a function of growth time, an optimal interface was obtained, with a maximum HTC enhancement of 243%, CHF enhancement of 204%, and the superheat corresponding to the ONB compared to the flat copper surface is reduced by 50%. At the same time, the combination of experimental and theoretical analysis also clarified why the micro-pin-fins and nano-forest composite structure on the copper surface can effectively enhance boiling heat transfer.
What is a degree of freedom? Configuration spaces and their topology
Authors: Margalef-Bentabol Juan , Herman D. Leigh , Booth Ivan
Published: September 2024

Understanding degrees of freedom in classical mechanics is fundamental to characterizing physical systems. Counting them is usually easy, especially if we can assign them a clear meaning. However, the precise definition of a degree of freedom is not usually presented in first-year physics courses since it requires mathematical knowledge only learned in more advanced courses. In this paper, we use a pedagogical approach motivated by simple but non-trivial mechanical examples to define degrees of freedom and configuration spaces. We highlight the role that topology plays in understanding these ideas.
Gravitational waves without general relativity redux
Authors: Hilborn Robert C.
Published: September 2024

An electromagnetic-like model of gravitational radiation reproduces many features of the gravitational waves emitted by orbiting binary systems and observed by the LIGO-Virgo collaboration. However, that model predicts a total gravitational wave power emission which is smaller than that predicted by general relativity. In this paper, we improve the electromagnetic-like model by considering the energy-momentum tensor of the binary source and revisiting a numerical factor in the expressions that link the gravitational mass/energy currents to the vector potential. The enhanced model's results for the total gravitational wave power emitted by a binary source before coalescence are in complete agreement with general relativistic predictions. This approach makes gravitational wave physics accessible to a broad audience without requiring any knowledge of general relativity.
Cognitive biases can move opinion dynamics from consensus to signatures of transient chaos
Authors: Dong Emily , Marzen Sarah
Published: September 2024

Interest in how democracies form consensus has increased recently, with statistical physics and economics approaches both suggesting that there is convergence to a fixed point in belief networks, but with fluctuations in opinions when there are “stubborn” voters. We modify a model of opinion dynamics in which agents are fully Bayesian to account for two cognitive biases: confirmation bias and in-group bias. Confirmation bias occurs when the received information is considered to be more likely to align with the receiver's beliefs. In-group bias occurs when the receiver further considers the information to be more likely when the receiver's beliefs and the sender's beliefs are aligned. We find that when there are no cognitive biases, a network of agents always converges to complete consensus. With confirmation bias alone, polarization can occur. With both biases present, consensus and polarization are possible, but when agents attempt to counteract confirmation bias, there can be signatures of transient chaos and ongoing opinion fluctuations. Based on this simple model, we conjecture that complex opinion fluctuations might be a generic feature of opinion dynamics when agents are Bayesian with biases.
Electronic descriptors for dislocation deformation behavior and intrinsic ductility in bcc high-entropy alloys
Authors: Borges Pedro P. P. O. , Ritchie Robert O. , Asta Mark
Published: September 2024

Controlling the balance between strength and damage tolerance in high-entropy alloys (HEAs) is central to their application as structural materials. Materials discovery efforts for HEAs are therefore impeded by an incomplete understanding of the chemical factors governing this balance. Through first-principles calculations, this study explores factors governing intrinsic ductility of a crucial subset of HEAs—those with a body-centered cubic (bcc) crystal structure. Analyses of three sets of bcc HEAs comprising nine different compositions reveal that alloy chemistry profoundly influences screw dislocation core structure, dislocation vibrational properties, and intrinsic ductility parameters derived from unstable stacking fault and surface energies. Key features in the electronic structure are identified that correlate with these properties: the fraction of occupied bonding states and bimodality of the d-orbital density of states. The findings enhance the fundamental understanding of the origins of intrinsic ductility and establish an electronic structure–based framework for computationally accelerated materials discovery and design.
Supplemental Material: Diachronous end-Permian terrestrial crises in North and South China
Authors: Chu Daoliang , al. et
Published: September 2024

Description of the analytical methods, supplemental figures, and data tables. 
Supplemental Material: Protracted mantle heat conduction after lithospheric foundering beneath the Malagasy orogen
Authors: Kaare-Rasmussen Jonas , al. et
Published: September 2024

Description of the analytical methods, thermal modeling, and geochemistry of our samples. Additionally, the supplemental material includes entire major and trace element dataset and zircon U-Pb, Hf, and O isotope data.  
Supplemental Material: Provenance and tectonic evolution of the forearc basin along the northwestern Central Qilian belt, northeastern Tibet
Authors: Hao Jiangbo , Wang C. , al. et
Published: September 2024

Analytical techniques; Figures S1, S2, and S3; Tables S1, S2, and S3; and supplemental references.
Giant basal cell carcinoma: a clinical red flag
Authors: Kaundal Vishal , Vishwanath Guruswamy
Published: September 2024

Giant basal cell carcinoma (GBCC) is a rare and more aggressive variant of basal cell carcinoma. We present a case of GBCC with an overview of the challenges it presents.

A man in his 60s presented to the tertiary care unit with a history of an ulcer over the posterior aspect of his left heel for the past 1 year. Examination revealed an ulceroproliferative lesion of 10×8 cm on the posterior aspect of the left heel and lower Tendo-Achilles region. A wedge biopsy of the lesion was performed twice, which demonstrated basal cell carcinoma. The patient underwent excision of the lesion with 10 mm margins. A split-thickness skin graft was placed and secured over the resultant wound with the application of a negative pressure wound dressing.

The correlation between tumour size and tumour behaviour is examined. Additionally, the significance of tumour location, width of margins, incidence recurrence or metastasis is also studied.
Diagnostic accuracy of hemodynamic assessment of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis from a single angiographic view: a validation study
Authors: Xiang Jianping , Zhang Lei , Rong Chenbin , Zou Rong , Hu Yumeng , Zhang Yongwei , Wang Ming , Fiehler Jens , Siddiqui Adnan H , Wang Jun , Miao Zhongrong , Yang Pengfei , Wan Shu , Liu Jianmin
Published: September 2024

Background

The aim of this study is to assess the feasibility of identifying the hemodynamic status of intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) using angio-based fractional flow (FF) calculated from a single angiographic view, with wire-based FF as the reference standard.

Method

The study retrospectively recruited 100 ICAS patients who underwent pressure wire measurement and digital subtraction angiography. The AccuICAD software was used to calculate angio-based FF, with the wire-measured value serving as the reference standard for evaluating the accuracy, consistency, and diagnostic performance of angio-based FF.

Results

The mean±SD value of wire-based FF was 0.77±0.18, while the mean value of angio-based FF was 0.77±0.19. A good correlation between angio-based FF and wire-based FF was evident (r=0.90, P<0.001), with good agreement (mean difference 0.00±0.08). The diagnostic accuracy of angio-based FF and percent diameter stenosis (DS%) were 93.23% versus 72.18%, 91.73% versus 72.93%, and 89.47% versus 78.95% for predicted wire-based FF thresholds of 0.70, 0.75, and 0.80, respectively. The area under the curve (AUC) values for angio-based FF and DS% were 0.975 versus 0.822, 0.970 versus 0.814, and 0.943 versus 0.826 at the respective thresholds, respectively.

Conclusion

The FF calculated from a single angiographic view can be considered an effective tool for functional assessment of cerebral arterial stenosis.
Automated detection of large vessel occlusion using deep learning: a pivotal multicenter study and reader performance study
Authors: Kim Jae Guk , Ha Sue Young , Kang You-Ri , Hong Hotak , Kim Dongmin , Lee Myungjae , Sunwoo Leonard , Ryu Wi-Sun , Kim Joon-Tae
Published: September 2024

Background

To evaluate the stand-alone efficacy and improvements in diagnostic accuracy of early-career physicians of the artificial intelligence (AI) software to detect large vessel occlusion (LVO) in CT angiography (CTA).

Methods

This multicenter study included 595 ischemic stroke patients from January 2021 to September 2023. Standard references and LVO locations were determined by consensus among three experts. The efficacy of the AI software was benchmarked against standard references, and its impact on the diagnostic accuracy of four residents involved in stroke care was assessed. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC), sensitivity, and specificity of the software and readers with versus without AI assistance were calculated.

Results

Among the 595 patients (mean age 68.5±13.4 years, 56% male), 275 (46.2%) had LVO. The median time interval from the last known well time to the CTA was 46.0 hours (IQR 11.8–64.4). For LVO detection, the software demonstrated a sensitivity of 0.858 (95% CI 0.811 to 0.897) and a specificity of 0.969 (95% CI 0.943 to 0.985). In subjects whose symptom onset to imaging was within 24 hours (n=195), the software exhibited an AUROC of 0.973 (95% CI 0.939 to 0.991), a sensitivity of 0.890 (95% CI 0.817 to 0.936), and a specificity of 0.965 (95% CI 0.902 to 0.991). Reading with AI assistance improved sensitivity by 4.0% (2.17 to 5.84%) and AUROC by 0.024 (0.015 to 0.033) (all P<0.001) compared with readings without AI assistance.

Conclusions

The AI software demonstrated a high detection rate for LVO. In addition, the software improved diagnostic accuracy of early-career physicians in detecting LVO, streamlining stroke workflow in the emergency room.
Empirical superior vena cava electrical isolation guided by quantitative ablation index improves outcomes of radiofrequency catheter ablation for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation
Authors: Guan Wenchi , Liu Jun , Chen Keping , Yao Yan
Published: September 2024

Background

The value of empirical superior vena cava isolation (SVCI) following pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) to improve the efficacy of radiofrequency catheter ablation (RFCA) for paroxysmal atrial fibrillation (PAF) remains controversial.

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of quantitative ablation index (AI)-guided empirical SVCI, in addition to PVI, for patients with PAF.

Methods

Patients with symptomatic PAF who underwent RFCA between October 2021 and May 2023 were retrospectively analysed. Patients were categorised into PVI-only group and PVI+SVCI group based on the intraoperative ablation strategy. RFCA was guided by quantitative AI in both groups. Regular clinical follow-ups were conducted to detect AF recurrence, defined as any episode of atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter or atrial tachycardia lasting >30 s.

Results

A total of 246 patients were enrolled, with 108 patients in the PVI group and 138 patients in the PVI+SVCI group. Compared with the PVI group, patients in the PVI+SVCI group had a higher prevalence of coronary artery disease (p=0.04), stroke (p=0.02) and a smaller left atrial diameter (p<0.01). After a follow-up period of 16±6 months, the ablation success rate was significantly higher in the SVCI+PVI group compared with the PVI group (91.3% vs 81.5%, p=0.02). Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that SVCI was an independent predictor of reduced AF recurrence postablation (Relative Risk [RR] 0.4, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.90, p=0.026). No significant difference in complication rates was observed between the groups.

Conclusion

Quantitative AI-guided empirical SVCI, in addition to PVI, improves the success rate of RFCA for PAF without increasing the risk of complications.