bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Engineering Fano resonances in plasmonic metasurfaces for colorimetric sensing and structural colors
Authors: Kohandani Reza , Saini Simarjeet Singh
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we present the design and fabrication of a plasmonic metasurface based on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanowire arrays integrated with plasmonic layers. The structure is engineered to produce Fano resonances within the visible spectrum, resulting from the coupling of localized surface plasmon resonances, lattice modes, and nanowire’s optical modes. Experimentally, we show that by tuning the geometrical features of the metasurface, such as the length, diameter, and period of the nanowires, a high-quality factor single peak can be achieved in the reflection spectra, resulting in vivid structural colors in bright field. To our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of such vivid colors with nanowire arrays in bright field reflections. When characterized by refractive index fluids around the refractive index of water, the plasmonic metasurface also showed great potential for biochemical colorimetric sensing. The best design demonstrated a bulk sensitivity of 183 nm/RIU with high Q resonance features and linear changes in color values using image processing.
Effect of SiCN thin film interlayer for ZnO-based RRAM
Authors: Ko Woon-San , Song Myeong-Ho , Byun Jun-Ho , Lee Do-Yeon , Kwon So-Yeon , Hyun Jong-Sin , Choi Dong-Hyeuk , Lee Ga-Won
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the effect of silicon carbon nitride (SiCN) as an interlayer for ZnO-based resistive random access memory (RRAM). SiCN was deposited using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition with controlled carbon content, achieved by varying the partial pressure of tetramethylsilane (4MS). Our results indicate that increasing the carbon concentration enhances the endurance of RRAM devices but reduces the on/off ratio. Devices with SiCN exhibited lower operating voltages and more uniform resistive switching behavior. Oxygen migration from ZnO to SiCN is examined by x-ray diffraction and x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses, promoting the formation of conductive filaments and lowering set voltages. Additionally, we examined the impact of top electrode oxidation on RRAM performance. The oxidation of the Ti top electrode was found to reduce endurance and increase low resistive state resistance, potentially leading to device failure through the formation of an insulating layer between the electrode and resistive switching material. The oxygen storage capability of SiCN was further confirmed through high-temperature stress tests, demonstrating its potential as an oxygen reservoir. Devices with a 20 nm SiCN interlayer showed significantly improved endurance, with over 500 switching cycles, compared to 62 cycles in those with a 5 nm SiCN layer. However, the thicker SiCN layer resulted in a notably lower on/off ratio due to reduced capacitance. These findings suggest that SiCN interlayers can effectively enhance the performance and endurance of ZnO-based RRAM devices by acting as an oxygen reservoir and mitigating the top electrode oxidation effect.
PET image reconstruction using weighted nuclear norm maximization and deep learning prior
Authors: Kuang Xiaodong , Li Bingxuan , Lyu Tianling , Xue Yitian , Huang Hailiang , Xie Qingguo , Zhu Wentao
Published: October 2024

The ill-posed Positron emission tomography (PET) reconstruction problem usually results in limited resolution and significant noise. Recently, deep neural networks have been incorporated into PET iterative reconstruction framework to improve the image quality. In this paper, we propose a new neural network-based iterative reconstruction method by using weighted nuclear norm (WNN) maximization, which aims to recover the image details in the reconstruction process. The novelty of our method is the application of WNN maximization rather than WNN minimization in PET image reconstruction. Meanwhile, a neural network is used to control the noise originated from WNN maximization. Our method is evaluated on simulated and clinical datasets. The simulation results show that the proposed approach outperforms state-of-the-art neural network-based iterative methods by achieving the best contrast/noise tradeoff with a remarkable contrast improvement on the lesion contrast recovery. The study on clinical datasets also demonstrates that our method can recover lesions of different sizes while suppressing noise in various low-dose PET image reconstruction tasks. Our code is available at
https://github.com/Kuangxd/PETReconstruction
.
The impact of catalyst structure and loading material on the dynamics of plasma propagation in dielectric barrier discharges
Authors: Zhang Lei-Yu , Zhang Quan-Zhi , Mujahid Zaka-ul-Islam , Neuroth Constantin , Berger Birk , Schulze Julian
Published: October 2024

Based on a two-dimensional particle-in-cell/Monte Carlo collision model, the spatiotemporal dynamics of streamers in dielectric barrier discharges are investigated. The influence of coating materials with high dielectric constant (similar to catalysts) on pellets embedded in the bottom electrode is evaluated through numerical analysis. Upon interaction with the streamers, the coating material is polarized, leading to significant changes in potential and electric field at various positions near its surface. This effect results in drastic changes in discharge behavior, even triggering the formation of new streamer branches at the edges of the coating. Electrons display diverse energy distributions at various spatial positions and times during the streamer evolution, potentially impacting catalytic reaction rates. The plasma’s penetration into pores of dielectric pellets is contingent upon the sizes of the pores, affecting the electron density, energy, and the velocity of surface streamers. The revealed mechanisms are advantageous for controlling discharge characteristics and optimizing plasma treatment applications.
Investigation of traps in halide vapor-phase epitaxy-grown β-Ga2O3 epilayers/n+-Ga2O3 using deep-level transient spectroscopy
Authors: Sheoran Hardhyan , Kaushik Janesh K , Kumar Vikram , Singh Rajendra
Published: October 2024

A detailed investigation of deep traps in halide vapor-phase epitaxy (HVPE)-grown β-Ga2O3 epilayers has been done by performing deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) from 200 K to 500 K on Pt/β-Ga2O3 and Ni/β-Ga2O3 Schottky diodes. Similar results were obtained with a fill pulse width of 100 ms irrespective of the different Schottky metal contacts and epilayers. Two electron traps at E2 (E
C–E
T = 0.65 eV) and E3 (E
C–E
T = 0.68–0.70 eV) with effective capture cross-sections of 4.10 × 10−14 cm2 and 5.75 × 10−15 cm2 above 300 K were observed. Below 300 K, a deep trap with a negative DLTS signal peak was also observed at E1 (E
C–E
T = 0.34–0.35 eV) with a very low capture cross-section of 3.28 × 10−17 cm2. For a short pulse width of 100 μs, only two electron traps, E2 and E3, at energies of 0.72 eV and 0.73 eV were observed, and one order of higher corresponding effective capture cross-sections. All traps were found to be unaffected by the electric field during the field-dependent DLTS study. From the filling pulse width dependence DLTS study, a decrease in the capacitance transient amplitude with the increasing pulse width was observed opposite to the capture barrier kinetics of the traps and attributed to the emission of carriers during the capture process. Trap concentrations were found to be high at the interface using depth profiling DLTS. Based on the available literature, it is suggested that these traps are related to FeGa, Fe-related centers, and complexes with hydrogen or shallow donors, and might be affected or generated during metallization by the electron beam evaporator and chemical mechanical polishing.
A hierarchical multistage holistic model for acoustic emission source monitoring in composites
Authors: Sikdar Shirsendu , Gullapalli Anirudh , Kundu Abhishek
Published: October 2024

This paper introduces a multistage smart structural health monitoring (SHM) model for carbon-fibre composites, with a focus on multiple types of acoustic emission (AE) source localization and classification. The SHM model uses time–frequency data from various AE events (such as tool drops, impact, and artificial debonding) across different zones of a composite structure. The SHM strategy demonstrates a robust smart monitoring of composites with high accuracy. Further, a hypothesis testing has been carried out that supports the superiority of a 2-stage identification process, revealing statistically significant higher accuracy and confidence intervals across all zones and AE source types. This research establishes a novel framework for solving a hierarchical multistage holistic damage source identification problem, offering robustness in identifying various damage scenarios and quantifying associated prediction uncertainties.
Mechanical properties and damage mechanism of SMAHC laminates
Authors: Ke Jun , Hu Yan , Chen Lan , Wu Zhenyu
Published: October 2024

The combination of smart materials and composite materials to achieve lightweight and intelligent structures has been an important research direction in recent years. In this paper, a three-dimensional woven hybrid shape memory alloy (SMA actuator) is modularly implanted into a composite laminate to prepare a SMA hybrid composite (SMAHC) laminate. The orthogonal test was designed with the three variables of SMA actuator modular implantation position, SMA pre-strain and SMA number. According to the orthogonal test results and finite element results, the influence of the three variables on the stiffness before heating, the stiffness change rate after heating and the strength of SMAHC laminates was studied. According to the test index, the influence of the three variables on the results was further evaluated. The results show that the implantation position has the greatest influence on the mechanical properties of SMAHC laminates, followed by SMA pre-strain, and the number of SMA has the least influence. The location and form of damage of SMAHC laminates are further summarized, and the bending damage mechanism of SMAHC laminates is analyzed.
Stochastic matrix multiplier using superconductor single-flux-quantum circuit
Authors: Yamanashi Yuki , Okumura Hijiri , Yoshikawa Nobuyuki
Published: October 2024

A superconducting single-flux-quantum (SFQ) circuit is suitable for stochastic computation that represents information in terms of the probability of ‘1’s in a finite-bit-length number train, due to its high-speed operation. In this paper, we demonstrate a matrix multiplier based on the SFQ logic circuits and superconductive random number generators (SRNGs). The stochastic multiplier required for the matrix product calculation is implemented using an AND gate. The stochastic adder is implemented by a multiplexer where the random number train generated by the SRNG is utilized as a control signal. We implemented

2
×
2

matrix multiplier targeting a frequency of 50 GHz, using the 10 kA cm−2 Nb 4-layer superconductor circuit fabrication process. Numerical calculation results show that the designed stochastic matrix multiplier can multiply with a computational error of 1.12% when the input stochastic numbers are 1000-bit number trains. In the measurements, the input stochastic numbers were also generated by SRNGs, and the operation of the test circuit was verified. We experimentally demonstrated the correct operation of the matrix multiplier, and the obtained calculation errors agreed with theoretical values. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first demonstration of stochastic arithmetic operation using SFQ circuits.
Effect of different metallic doping elements on the physical properties of iron oxide thin films
Authors: Aboud Ahmed A , Matar Zinab S , Mohaseb Mona
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the physical properties of pure and Co, Cr, Mn, and Ni-doped Fe2O3 thin films fabricated using spray pyrolysis techniques on glass substrates. The primary aim is to understand how doping influences the structural, optical, and dielectric properties of Fe2O3 thin films. The deposition parameters were kept constant for all samples, with a fixed dopant concentration of 3 weight percent (wt%). X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis revealed a single diffraction peak indexed as (104), decreasing in crystallite size from 17.27 nm for the pure film to approximately 11.5 nm for all doped films. Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) images displayed non-homogeneous grain formation, characterized by an average grain size larger than the crystallite size, indicating agglomeration. The optical band gap value shifted from 2.54 eV for the pure film to higher values upon doping with various elements, signifying direct allowed transitions. Changes in refractive index dispersion with wavelength were observed based on the dopant type. The application of the Spitzer-Fan model revealed an increase in high-frequency dielectric constant upon doping compared to the pure film, varying across different dopants. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra recorded under excitation at 340 nm exhibited multiple emission peaks within the spectral range of 399 to 600 nm.
Angle-insensitive all-optical diodes in a large range of incidence by photonic heterostructure containing hyperbolic metamaterials
Authors: Qin Haoyuan , Li Junyang , Chen Hong , Ren Haoxin , Lu Guang , Du Guiqiang
Published: October 2024

We theoretically and systematically investigate angle-insensitive all-optical diodes using photonic heterostructures composed of different one-dimensional photonic crystals containing hyperbolic metamaterials. Hyperbolic metamaterials comprise metals with high nonlinear coefficients and transparent dielectrics. The results indicate that the photonic heterostructure shows angle insensitivity in transmittance, transmission contrast, and the critical intensity of the threshold over a large range of incidence, achieving a high transmission contrast of approximately 0.93 between forward and backward incident light. This angle insensitivity originates from the phase-variation compensation effect in a basic unit composed of hyperbolic metamaterials and transparent dielectric materials under TM polarization. These results provide important reference values for future experiments.
Effects of wall heating on wall pressure fluctuations and flow noise in a low-Reynolds-number turbulent channel flow with temperature-dependent viscosity
Authors: Liu Wenbo , Qiang Xuecai , Shang Dejiang , Qin Qikai , Liu Lihui , Liu Yongwei
Published: October 2024

Wall pressure fluctuations and flow noise substantially degrade sonar detection performance and the acoustic stealth performance of underwater vehicles. This paper numerically investigates the effects of wall heating on wall pressure fluctuations in turbulent channel flow of water with temperature-dependent viscosity, exploring a novel method for controlling wall pressure fluctuations and flow noise in underwater vehicles. Large-eddy simulation (LES) is employed for the numerical calculation of the flow field, while a hybrid method combining LES with Lighthills acoustic analogy is employed to predict flow noise. The numerical results show that when the temperature difference between the wall and the incoming flow is 30 K and 50 K, the peak root-mean-square pressure fluctuations decrease by 6.76% and 8.91%, respectively. Wall heating stabilizes the pressure field near the wall, with the spectral levels of wall pressure fluctuations showing average decreases of approximately 1 dB and 2 dB. Wall heating weakens the energy-containing structures of wall pressure fluctuations and increases the overall convection velocity by 1.22% and 3.81%, respectively. Flow structure analysis reveals that the weakening of energy-containing structures results from the suppression of the vortex structures in the near-wall region. In the wall heating cases, peak turbulent kinetic energy decreases by 12.6% and 15.8%, respectively. Moreover, the sound pressure level of flow noise decreases with increasing wall temperature, with the maximum noise reduction exceeding 3 dB. Previous studies have not yet explored the effects of viscosity reduction caused by wall heating on wall pressure fluctuations and flow noise. This study demonstrates that wall heating is a promising method for reducing wall pressure fluctuations and flow noise.
Elevating NIR photonic integration with tantalum-niobium pentoxide
Authors: Afsary Noor , Uddin Md Nasir , Islam Shariful , Alam Md Koushik , Ali Md Ashraf , Hoque Karimul , Rasel Md Omar Faruk
Published: October 2024

In this study, we present a novel material platform based on tantalum-niobium pentoxide (TaNbO5) for integrated photonics applications. TaNbO5 demonstrates exceptional attributes suitable for both linear and nonlinear optics across a wide range of near-infrared wavelengths. Our analysis of the TaNbO5 unit cell revealed crucial lattice parameters and a direct band gap value of 2.268 eV. At a wavelength of 1550 nm, TaNbO5 exhibits a refractive index of 2.22, an extinction coefficient of 5.24 × 10−4, and other optical properties. We determine a 0.8 μm cut-off core width for single-mode TaNbO5 waveguides, which achieve efficiencies exceeding 99% for single-mode configurations and 98% for multimode structures. When coupled with conventional waveguides, TaNbO5 waveguides demonstrate excellent transmission characteristics. Notably, at a wavelength of 1.55 μm, the single-mode waveguide exhibits minimal excess loss. These findings highlight the significant potential of TaNbO5 waveguides for various near-infrared applications, emphasizing their versatility and promising performance.
Spectral Performance of the Follow-up X-Ray Telescope on Board the EP Satellite
Authors: Zhao Xiaofan , Xu Jingjing , Cui Weiwei , Meidinger Norbert , Keil Isabell , Wang Yusa , Wang Hao , Zhao Zijian , Hou Dongjie , Zhu Yuxuan , Luo Laidan , Han Dawei , Yang Yanji , Wang Juan , Ma Jia , Yang Xiongtao , Huo Jia , Li Wei , Zhang Ziliang , Chen Yong
Published: October 2024

The Follow-up X-ray Telescope (FXT) is one of the two main scientific instruments on board the Einstein Probe astronomical satellite, which was launched in 2024 January. FXT focuses on the energy range of 0.3–10 keV and mainly conducts follow-up observations of transients and burst sources. It consists of two units of completely independent optical system and detector system (FXT-A and FXT-B). The focal plane detector adopts PNCCD provided by Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics. FXT was designed to have three operating modes with different integration times and readout schemes, namely full-frame mode, partial-window mode and timing mode. We conducted a detailed calibration for PNCCD at the Institute of High Energy Physics before launch. Our results demonstrate that both FXT-A and FXT-B exhibit excellent spectral performance. The energy resolution (Full Width at Half Maximum) of FXT-A and FXT-B are both better than 85 eV at 1.487 keV. We determined a mean equivalent noise charge around 2.8 e− for FXT-A and FXT-B in three operating modes at −90°C ± 0.5°C, except for a few noisy pixels in full-frame mode. In addition, we measured the relation of charge transfer inefficiency as function of photon energy and confirmed the ability to detect photons in the energy range of 0.3–10 keV. These calibration results have been ingested into the initial version of calibration database and applied to the analysis of scientific data acquired by FXT.
Tales of river and ice: Indigenous art and water justice in the Arctic and the Amazon
Authors: Sohns Antonia , Noseworthy Alyssa , Hickey Gordon M , Katic Pamela
Published: October 2024

Indigenous water knowledge recognizes water as living, and that the relationship between people and water is one of reciprocity. Yet, Indigenous Peoples continue to struggle for water justice due to centuries long and ongoing colonial legacies that have intergenerational effects on self-determination, culture, and wellbeing. Using a narrative review, this paper explores how published research has used art and arts-based approaches to explore dimensions of water injustice, wellbeing and mental health with Indigenous communities living in the Arctic and Amazon regions. Within the three central themes of the review (wellbeing, water justice, and arts-based research approaches), the most discussed emergent themes were: relationship to place, kinship, the lived experience of water, ongoing changes to water, and storytelling and art as instruments of resistance and to make visible what is not visible. The paper discusses those themes from the literature, and possible areas of future research. The findings underscore the importance of including diverse voices, worldviews and knowledges in water governance, and the potential for arts-based approaches to facilitate intercultural and intergenerational efforts to address water injustice and advance Indigenous Peoples’ rights to self-determination.
Scaling symmetry reductions of coupled KdV systems
Authors: Fordy Allan P
Published: October 2024

In this paper we discuss the Painlevé reductions of coupled KdV systems. We start by comparing the procedure with that of stationary reductions. Indeed, we see that exactly the same construction can be used at each step and parallel results obtained. For simplicity, we restrict attention to the t
2 flow of the KdV and dispersive water wave hierarchies and derive respectively 2 and 3 compatible Poisson brackets, which have identical structure to those of their stationary counterparts. In the KdV case, we derive a discrete version, which is a non-autonomous generalisation of the well known Darboux transformation of the stationary case.
Unveiling high-temperature stability and growth dynamics of CVD-SiOC coatings across different deposition conditions and environments
Authors: Jing Weichen , Tariq Naeem ul Haq , Hou Wenkang , Xiong Tianying , Tang Mingqiang
Published: October 2024

In this study, we systematically investigated the high-temperature protection performance and evolution behavior of three different SiOC coatings (1050SiOC, 1100SiOC, 1150SiOC) under different atmospheres. The coatings were prepared by the organometallic chemical vapor deposition (CVD) method and characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), grazing incidence x-ray diffraction (GIXRD), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) techniques. It was found that the composition and microstructure of SiOC coatings, environmental atmosphere, and heat treatment temperature can affect the thermal stability and high-temperature reaction mechanism of SiOC coatings. Further, it was revealed that the three SiOC coatings only exhibit the same high-temperature evolution behavior and reaction mechanism in an air environment while exhibiting different high-temperature evolution behavior and reaction mechanisms in both an inert atmosphere and a reduced air atmosphere. Among the coatings prepared, the 1050SiOC coating demonstrated the highest on-set oxidation temperature under identical oxygen content conditions. This characteristic may contribute to the coating’s excellent resistance to high-temperature oxidation.
Distribution and contamination of trace elements in surface sediments of the Yellow River Estuary and Laizhou Bay, China
Authors: Liu Weifeng , Zhao Linlin , Zhang Hui , Jiang Wei , Liu Ming
Published: October 2024

This study analyzed trace elements (Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg) in 42 surface sediment samples collected from the Yellow River Estuary and Laizhou Bay to characterize their spatial distributions and pollution statuses. Determination of trace elements was carried out by ICP-MS for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, and Cd, and by AFS for As and Hg. The results showed that the average concentrations for Cu, Pb, Zn, Cr, Cd, As, and Hg were 13.21 mg kg−1, 10 .61 mg kg−1, 21 .03 mg kg−1, 24 .41 mg kg−1, 0.14 mg kg−1, 6.47 mg kg−1, and 14.15 μg kg−1, respectively. All the trace elements were classified in the first-class sediment according to the Chinese national standard ‘Marine Sediment Quality’. The higher concentrations and pollution levels were found in the eastern Yellow River estuary which due to inputs from the Yellow River, and northeastern Laizhou Bay which could be attributed to the impacts of human activities at Longkou Port. This study has important scientific value for further understanding the source-sink effects of pollutants and regional environmental effects of heavy metals.
Wilful Hermeneutical Ignorance to the (Qualified) Rescue of Knowledge-First
Authors: Mitova Veli
Published: October 2024

This chapter argues that knowledge-first gets somewhat unexpected, albeit qualified support from thinking about epistemically unjust phenomena such as so-called wilful hermeneutical ignorance, the deliberate ignorance of the epistemic resources of the oppressed. The argument is this: one of the most unpalatable consequences of knowledge-first is that factors beyond our ken can determine our beliefs’ normative status. Although knowledge-firsters have ways of dealing with this hurdle—by distinguishing between justification and excuse—many have remained unconvinced. By now, the back-and-forth has grown sufficiently involved to merit looking for an arbiter from outside the debate. This is what this chapter provides. It shows that the only way to think of wilfully ignorant belief as unjustified is by appealing to some factors beyond the ignoramus’s ken. Thus, knowledge-first is shown to get the epistemic and moral contours of the phenomena better than at least some of its competitors—the internalist ones.
Narratives for Peace
Authors: Lewis Colin J , Kling Jennifer
Published: October 2024

The practice of “controlling the narrative” is central to the contemporary political playbook since effective narrative deployment results in, among other things, increased perceptions of both legitimacy and competence of the governing by at least some the governed. Different political groups often present competing political narratives though, which can lead to increased political polarization within societies and overall distrust of governing groups. Rather than throw out the practice of constructing and presenting political narratives altogether, this chapter argues that political groups ought to take up the normatively constrained approach to narrative construction adopted by the Chinese, Warring States–era thinker Mozi and his followers. When attempts to gain narrative control are properly aimed at constructive collaboration and providing justificatory reasons for policies, practices, and procedures, they can help maintain the foundations of civil society and promote peace.
Exploring the lack of continuity of care in older cancer patients under China's ‘integrated health system’ reform
Authors: Geng Jiawei , Li Ran , Wang Xinyu , Xu Rongfang , Liu Jibing , Zhu Dixi , Wang Gaoren , Hesketh Therese
Published: October 2024

Background

Continuity of care is essential to older patients’ health outcomes, especially for those with complex needs. It is a key function of primary healthcare. Despite China's policy efforts to promote continuity of care and an integrated healthcare system, primary healthcare centres (PHCs) are generally very underused.

Objectives

To explore the experience and perception of continuity of care in older cancer patients, and to examine how PHCs play a role in the continuity of care within the healthcare system in China.

Methods

A qualitative study using semi-structured interviews was conducted in two tertiary hospitals in Nantong city, Jiangsu province, China. A combination of deductive and inductive analysis was conducted thematically.

Results

Interviews with 29 patients highlighted three key themes: no guidance for patients in connecting with different levels of doctors, unmet patients’ needs under specialist-led follow-up care, and poor coordination and communication across healthcare levels. This study clearly illustrated patients’ lack of personal awareness and experience of care continuity, a key issue despite China’s drive for an integrated healthcare system.

Conclusion

The need for continuity of care at each stage of cancer care is largely unmeasured in the current healthcare system for older patients. PHCs offer benefits which include convenience, less burdened doctors with more time, and lower out-of-pocket payment compared to tertiary hospitals, especially for patients with long-term healthcare needs. However, addressing barriers such as the absence of integrated medical records and unclear roles of PHCs are needed to improve the crucial role of PHCs in continuity of care.
The effect of alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use on vaccine acceptance, uptake, and adherence: a systematic review
Authors: Havelka Eva M , Sanfilippo Jenna E , Juneau Paul L , Sherman Garrick , Cooper Diane , Leggio Lorenzo
Published: October 2024

Background

Vaccine hesitancy is increasingly recognized as a health challenge affecting populations worldwide. Given the biological vulnerabilities and structural barriers people who use substances and/or have behavioral addictions face, this systematic review aims to evaluate whether this subpopulation is less prone to adhere to vaccination recommendations.

Methods

Electronic searches of published original research were conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and PsycINFO from database inception to December 2022. Our strategy encompassed retrievals regardless of languages and date of publication. Animal studies, abstracts without a full manuscript, and studies which were considered to have lower robustness of scientific evidence were excluded. Outcomes measured were vaccine acceptance, uptake, and adherence. Results were interpreted through a narrative synthesis.

Results

The search yielded 103 retrievals encompassing data collected on 5 576 374 persons who were predominantly residents of Europe (n = 39) and North America (n = 27). Tobacco use, the substance for which many studies were found (n = 91), was significantly associated with poorer vaccine acceptance, uptake and adherence for influenza, COVID-19, human papillomavirus (HPV), and maternal and childhood vaccines. Peri-natal and parental substance use was identified as a risk factor for suboptimal vaccine-related outcomes concerning maternal COVID-19 and childhood vaccines. Finally, people identified as ‘using’, ‘abusing’, or ‘misusing’ drugs or substances may be at decreased odds of all outcomes in various vaccines.

Conclusions

Collectively, the studies identified several groups with statistically significant greater vaccine hesitancy and decreased engagement among whom targeted measures could be beneficial. Timely evidence, especially on behavioral addictions and substances besides tobacco, is lacking, and warrants urgent attention.
Temperature effects on interspecific eavesdropping in the wild
Authors: Rossi Sarina M , Fowler-Finn Kasey D , Gray David A
Published: October 2024

Mating signals are targets of conspecific signal recognition and sexual selection but are also subject to abiotic temperature effects and to biotic interspecific eavesdroppers. In crickets, the male calling song becomes faster at warmer temperatures, and female crickets’ recognition of male song tracks temperature in a coordinated manner, termed “temperature coupling.” But, female crickets are not the only ecologically relevant listeners: some cricket species are parasitized by Ormia ochracea, a parasitoid fly which finds its cricket hosts by eavesdropping on male cricket song. How temperature affects parasitoid fly phonotaxis to song is largely unexplored, with only one previous study conducted under field conditions. Here, we explore 6 possible patterns of thermal effects on fly responses to cricket song, including temperature coupling, using field playbacks of synthetic Gryllus lineaticeps songs designed to be species-typical at various temperatures. We find that temperature does affect fly response, but that the temperature deviation of songs from ambient does not impact numbers of flies caught. We extend this finding by comparing the temperatures of the air (where flies search for their hosts) and the ground (where their host crickets signal) to show that temperature coupling is unlikely to be effective given microhabitat variation and differential rates of cooling in the evening hours when flies are most active. Our results can be interpreted more broadly to suggest (1) temperature effects on intraspecific communication systems may be more tightly coupled than are effects on interspecific eavesdropping and (2) variation in thermal microhabitats in the field make it difficult to translate laboratory physiological responses to natural selection in the wild.
scDFN: enhancing single-cell RNA-seq clustering with deep fusion networks
Authors: Liu Tianxiang , Jia Cangzhi , Bi Yue , Guo Xudong , Zou Quan , Li Fuyi
Published: October 2024

Single-cell ribonucleic acid sequencing (scRNA-seq) technology can be used to perform high-resolution analysis of the transcriptomes of individual cells. Therefore, its application has gained popularity for accurately analyzing the ever-increasing content of heterogeneous single-cell datasets. Central to interpreting scRNA-seq data is the clustering of cells to decipher transcriptomic diversity and infer cell behavior patterns. However, its complexity necessitates the application of advanced methodologies capable of resolving the inherent heterogeneity and limited gene expression characteristics of single-cell data. Herein, we introduce a novel deep learning-based algorithm for single-cell clustering, designated scDFN, which can significantly enhance the clustering of scRNA-seq data through a fusion network strategy. The scDFN algorithm applies a dual mechanism involving an autoencoder to extract attribute information and an improved graph autoencoder to capture topological nuances, integrated via a cross-network information fusion mechanism complemented by a triple self-supervision strategy. This fusion is optimized through a holistic consideration of four distinct loss functions. A comparative analysis with five leading scRNA-seq clustering methodologies across multiple datasets revealed the superiority of scDFN, as determined by better the Normalized Mutual Information (NMI) and the Adjusted Rand Index (ARI) metrics. Additionally, scDFN demonstrated robust multi-cluster dataset performance and exceptional resilience to batch effects. Ablation studies highlighted the key roles of the autoencoder and the improved graph autoencoder components, along with the critical contribution of the four joint loss functions to the overall efficacy of the algorithm. Through these advancements, scDFN set a new benchmark in single-cell clustering and can be used as an effective tool for the nuanced analysis of single-cell transcriptomics.
The multifaceted diversification of the sagitta otolith across the fish tree of life
Authors: Van Damme Arthur , Tuset Victor M , Frédérich Bruno , Parmentier Eric , Fatira Effrosyni , Schulz-Mirbach Tanja , Medeiros Aline Paiva M , Betancur-R Ricardo , Lombarte Antoni
Published: October 2024

Otoliths of actinopterygians are calcified structures playing a key role in hearing and equilibrium functions. To understand their morphological diversification, we quantified the shape of otoliths in both lateral and dorsal view from 697 and 323 species, respectively, using geometric morphometrics. We then combined form (i.e. size and shape) information with ecological data and phylogenetically informed comparative methods to test our hypotheses. Initially, the exploration of morphospaces revealed that the main variations are related to sulcus acusticus shape, elongation and lateral curvature. We also found strong integration between otolith and sulcus shape, suggesting that they are closely mirroring each other, reinforcing a shape-dependent mechanism crucial for otolith motion relative to its epithelium and validating the functional significance of otolith morphology in auditory and vestibular processes. After revealing that otolith shape and size retained a low phylogenetic signal, we showed that the disparity of otolith size and shape is decoupled from order age and from the level of functional diversity across clades. Finally, some traits in otolith disparity are correlated with their morphological evolutionary rate and the order speciation rate. Overall, we observed that the pattern of diversification of otoliths across the fish tree of life is highly complex and likely to be multifactorial.
Validation of the real-world application of the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life (HiSQOL) score to adults with hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Garg Amit , Burge Russel , Cohee Andrea , Wallinger Hayley , Truman Isabel , Keal Aaron , Strunk Andrew , Barlow Sophie
Published: October 2024

Background

Among skin diseases, hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has unique symptoms and physical features. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) unrelated to specific skin diseases may not fully characterize the influence of HS on quality of life (QoL). An HS-specific PROM is needed to capture the impact of HS on patients’ QoL in a real-world setting.

Objectives

To validate the Hidradenitis Suppurativa Quality of Life Questionnaire (HiSQOL) as an HS-specific PROM by comparing it with the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) in clinical practice.

Methods

Data were drawn from the Adelphi HS Disease Specific Programme™, a cross-sectional survey of physicians and patients conducted in France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the USA between November 2020 and April 2021. Practising physicians each provided demographic and clinical data for 5–7 consecutively evaluated patients with HS aged at least 10 years receiving any treatment for HS, and an additional 3 patients undergoing biologic treatment; only patients aged at least 18 years were included in this study. Patients completed the DLQI and HiSQOL. Construct validity was assessed by Pearson’s correlation between DLQI and HiSQOL scores. The HiSQOL item discrimination was assessed by comparing differences in item responses between the highest and lowest 25% of HiSQOL scores. Multivariable linear regressions assessed relationships between individual PROM item responses and the total score of the other PROM.

Results

In total, 677 patients [mean (SD) age 34.3 (11.3) years; 57.3% female (n = 388/677)] completed both the HiSQOL and DLQI. There was strong correlation between HiSQOL and DLQI total scores (Pearson’s correlation coefficient 0.87, 95% confidence interval 0.85–0.89; P < 0.001). The HiSQOL items that had the biggest impact on QoL were related to ‘embarrassment’, ‘depression’ and ‘anxiety’; items that also had the lowest relationships with total DLQI score.

Conclusions

The HiSQOL is a valid tool for assessing QoL in patients with HS in a real-world setting. Furthermore, the HiSQOL better captures aspects of HS that have the highest impact on QoL, including depression and anxiety, which are not captured by the DLQI.
Clinical parameters affect the structure and function of superficial pyramidal neurons in the adult human neocortex
Authors: Lenz Maximilian , Kruse Pia , Eichler Amelie , Straehle Jakob , Hemeling Hanna , Stöhr Phyllis , Beck Jürgen , Vlachos Andreas
Published: October 2024

The interplay between neuronal structure and function underpins the dynamic nature of neocortical networks. Despite extensive studies in animal models, our understanding of structure–function interrelations in the adult human brain remains incomplete. Recent methodological advances have facilitated the functional analysis of individual neurons within the human neocortex, providing a new understanding of fundamental brain processes. However, the factors contributing to patient-specific neuronal properties have not been thoroughly explored. In this observational study, we investigated the structural and functional variability of superficial pyramidal neurons in the adult human neocortex. Using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and post hoc analyses of dendritic spine morphology in acute neocortical slice preparations from surgical resections of seven patients, we assessed age-related effects on excitatory neurotransmission, membrane properties and dendritic spine morphologies. These results specify age as an endogenous factor that might affect the structural and functional properties of superficial pyramidal neurons.
Usability evaluation and reporting for mobile health apps targeting patients with skin diseases: a systematic review
Authors: Kounidas Georgios , Cleer Iona , Harriss Elinor , Harrison Rachel , Matin Rubeta N
Published: October 2024

Background

Usability is an important method for evaluating mobile health apps from a user perspective. Yet many publicly available apps lack adequate attention to their design, development and evaluation.

Objectives

To assess usability evaluation and reporting for mobile health apps targeting patients with skin diseases.

Methods

The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42022347184). A search strategy combined terms for usability evaluation, user experience, skin disease and mobile health apps (search date 2012–2023). Six databases (Embase, MEDLINE, CINAHL, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus) were searched, identifying 18 052 results. Nine studies (comprising nine apps) were included in the final analysis.

Results

Skin conditions and issues targeted included skin cancer (n = 3); sun protection (n = 3); chronic pruritus (n = 2); cutaneous leishmaniasis (n = 1); spina bifida (n = 1); and a study of acne, psoriasis, rosacea, laser treatments, actinic damage, monitoring benign moles, alopecia and inflammatory rash. All studies assessed app usability and feasibility, with the majority concluding that the apps were deemed useful and easy to use. Qualitative methods, such as usability questionnaires and semistructured interviews, were predominantly employed. Common emerging themes included ease of use and navigation, comprehensibility, security and privacy concerns, data sharing issues, customizability, costs, and the ability to track progress or self-monitor.

Conclusions

While smartphone apps for skin disorders show promising usability across diverse diseases, the limited literature compared with the rapid development of apps highlights the need for meticulous user-centred design and rigorous evaluation. The study emphasizes the importance of evaluating and reporting usability findings to optimize the long-term adoption of mobile health apps, particularly those targeting skin diseases.
“If We Wait, It Is We That Will Be Burned”: Exploring Decolonial Violence in Ursula Le Guin’s The Word for World Is Forest
Authors: Ornelas E
Published: October 2024

What does speculative fiction from the 1970s have to do with contemporary Indigenous and decolonial feminisms? This essay explores what such literature imagines as possible options for and limits to Indigenous resistance to gendered, racialized, and colonial violence. I offer an interpretation of Ursula Le Guin’s novella The Word for World Is Forest (1972) that uses the Indigenous feminist concept of “spatial in/justice.” Many scholars who have critically engaged with the text, throughout the last five decades, have not meaningfully included interconnected violence within their analyses, thus ignoring Indigenous and decolonial feminist considerations. I attempt to rethink violence, resistance, and the problematics of how decolonial violence is constructed through a “politics of respectability” in The Word for World Is Forest and beyond.
Constructing Disraeli in Twentieth-Century Conservatism
Authors: Pearce Nick
Published: October 2024

Since the 1960s, when historians first dethroned the dominant view of Benjamin Disraeli as a Tory democrat and social reformer, his association with an interventionist, socially inclusive Conservatism has largely been considered an exercise in political myth-making. This focus on the Disraeli ‘myth’ has tended to obscure the myriad and substantive ways in which Disraeli’s life and works were interpreted and put to work in Conservative ideological debates and political practice in the twentieth century, reducing them to social policy and state intervention in the economy and overlooking the lineages of his political career in Conservative political economy debates, conceptions of the nation and the constitution, and imperial and foreign policy thinking. This article examines interpretations of Disraeli, and how his legacy was constructed, by conservative biographers, historians and public intellectuals from the decades after his death until the historiography of the 1960s. It traces how Disraeli was memorialised and celebrated in the Conservative movement and popular culture; how his life and works were interpreted for popular audiences by an important group of conservative historians in the inter-war period; and how Disraeli was mobilised in Conservative and Unionist Party debates on tariff reform, social reform, the nation and empire, concluding in the aftermath of the Second World War, when his legacy and statecraft were consistently evoked in Conservative debates on post-war Britain. It demonstrates that Disraeli was interpreted in much more diverse ways, and with more diverse political objectives, than the standard readings of the Disraelian tradition have hitherto appreciated.
The impact of Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act on HIV care continuum outcomes across the United States
Authors: Rebeiro Peter F , Thome Julia C , Gange Stephen J , Althoff Keri N , Berry Stephen A , Horberg Michael A , Moore Richard D , Silverberg Michael J , Sack Daniel E , Sterling Timothy R , Sant’Anna Pedro , Shepherd Bryan E
Published: October 2024

HIV care continuum outcome disparities by health insurance status have been noted among people with HIV (PWH). We therefore examined associations between state Medicaid expansion and HIV outcomes in the United States.

Adults (≥18 years) with ≥1 visit in NA-ACCORD clinical cohorts from 2012-2017 contributed person-time annually between first and final visit or death; in each calendar year, clinical retention was ≥2 completed visits > 90 days apart, antiretroviral therapy (ART) receipt was receipt of ≥3 antiretroviral agents, and viral suppression was last measured HIV-1 RNA < 200 copies/mL. CD4 at enrollment was obtained within 6 months of enrollment in cohort. Difference-in-difference (DID) models quantified associations between Medicaid expansion changes (by state of residence) and HIV outcomes.

Across 50 states, 87 290 PWH contributed 325 113 person-years of follow-up. Medicaid expansion had a substantial positive effect on CD4 at enrollment (DID = 93.5, 95% CI: 52.9, 134 cells/mm3), a small negative effect on proportions clinically retained (DID = −0.19, 95% CI: −0.037, −0.01), and no effects on ART receipt (DID = 0.001, 95% CI: −0.003, 0.005) or viral suppression (DID = −0.14, 95% CI: −0.34, 0.07).

Medicaid expansion had a positive effect on CD4 at entry, suggesting more timely HIV testing and care linkage, but generally null effects on downstream HIV care continuum measures.