bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On cultivation of cybersecurity and safety talents and responsible developers
Authors: Wu Jiangxing , Zou Hong , Chen Jiaxi , Zhang Fan , Shang Yuting , Ji Xinsheng
Published: July 2024

To address the serious imbalance between the supply and demand of the cybersecurity workforce, this paper proposes to embrace the latest trend of a fundamental shift in the “underlying dynamics of the digital ecosystem”, focusing on a shared liability for cybersecurity between the application side and the manufacturing side. Assuming that product providers shall take more responsibility by implementing secure defaults, this paper explores the establishment of an S&S talent cultivation system to strike the right balance of cybersecurity liabilities by nurturing more responsible developers. This paper proposes a Knowledge, Skill, and Awareness (KSA) model for Security and Safety (S&S) talent cultivation, proves the feasibility of this model by analyzing the theoretical, disciplinary, methodological, practical, and societal foundations of S&S talent cultivation. Additionally, this paper proposes principles and strategies for building a S&S talent cultivation system based on its unique characteristics and patterns. It gives a talent cultivation scheme, supported by an “Independent Knowledge System, Education and Cultivation System, Practice and Training system, Evaluation and Certification system, and Awareness Popularization System”. Finally, this paper puts forward a proposal for coordinating efforts and adopting multiple measures to accelerate the cultivation of S&S talents.
Operative Treatment of an Isolated, Comminuted, Biarticular Trapezium Fracture: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Eiras Sandie , Bolgouras Gregorios , Panayiotou Christos , Alexandrou Zacharias , Papakostidis Costas
Published: July 2024

Background Isolated, highly comminuted trapezium fractures are extremely rare. While they can be initially diagnosed with plain radiographs, a computed tomography scan of the wrist will more clearly reveal the fracture details and aid in appropriate preoperative planning. Restoration of the fracture with a congruent reduction of the adjacent joints is mandatory for a favorable prognosis.

Case Description A case of a highly comminuted, biarticular, trapezium fracture in a young male patient that was treated operatively with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a cannulated miniscrew and an additional Kirschner wire (K-wire) is presented. Restoration of a decent intra-articular congruity of the trapezium with both the base of the first metacarpal distally and the scaphoid bone proximally ensured a favorable outcome.

Literature Review Various operative techniques are presented in current literature, encompassing ORIF with screws and K-wires, closed reduction and percutaneous fixation with K-wires, mini-external fixation, button fixation, and arthroscopically assisted percutaneous fixation. A favorable prognosis is documented in cases where a congruous reduction of the fracture was achieved and maintained throughout the healing period.

Clinical Relevance We feel that a formal ORIF is the procedure of choice for highly comminuted trapezium fractures, as they are not easily amenable to accurate reduction by means of closed methods.
Insights on the contribution of doctoral research findings from a school in a South African University towards policy formulation
Authors: Damba Florence Upenyu , Mtshali Ntombifikile Gloria , Chimbari Moses John
Published: July 2024

Translation of health research findings into policy contributes to improvement of health systems. Generally, in sub-Saharan Africa policymakers rarely use research evidence and hence policies are often not informed by research evidence. Unless published or in the case of commissioned research, doctoral health research is often not used for health policy formulation. This paper analysed the potential and utilization of doctoral research from the School of Nursing and Public Health by KwaZulu-Natal Health Department of Health. The study adopted a mixed methods approach that combined elements of qualitative and quantitative research aspects. Qualitative data was collected through content analysis of 29 theses produced in the School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal between 2014 and 2021 and interviews held with four Department of Health personnel as policymakers. When researchers could not get information on how research questions were formulated from content analysis, they checked the student questionnaire for answers. Quantitative data was collected from 79 participants through structured questionnaires. Participants included 47 PhD graduates, 11 final year PhD students and 21 PhD supervisors. Data from content analysis and interviews was analyzed thematically while data from questionnaires was analyzed quantitatively. Eleven (52%) PhD supervisors reported that findings from 22 studies were being considered for policy development and adoption while some had resulted in policy guidelines and frameworks that can be used to formulate policies. Factors such as failure to involve the Department of Health during the formulation of research questions, inappropriate packaging of research findings, policymakers not aware of the availability of research findings, lack of commitment to the dissemination of research results by students and poor demand for research evidence by policymakers hindered the translation of PhD research findings into policy. From the 29 theses reviewed, sixteen (28%) of PhD respondents highlighted that they involved the Department of Health to formulate research questions while forty-two (72%) did not. The theses review also revealed limited identifiable information related to policy formulation. The study confirms the use of PhD research findings for policy formulation. Additionally, it highlights the factors that hinder utilization of PhD work by policymakers. Further research to understand the perspectives of policymakers on factors that contribute to utilization of PhD work as well as how the findings have contributed to policy formulation is recommended since there was not sufficient data collected from policymakers due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Harnessing nonlocal effects for wave localization and multi-frequency rainbow trapping in periodic structures
Authors: Wang Jiao , Gao Nan , Chen Weiqiu
Published: July 2024

This study introduces the concept of nonlocal effect into a monoatomic mass–spring periodic structure, leading to unique characteristics of dispersion curves. Through the incorporation of the second neighboring nonlocal effect, we have observed the emergence of negative group velocity and specific points with zero group velocity (ZGV) within the dispersion curves. By harnessing the distinctive property of ZGV, we successfully attained the localization of transmission at specific frequencies, leading to a rainbow trapping effect. Notably, with the appropriate tuning of the third neighboring nonlocal effect, we observe that multi-frequency can be localized at predetermined positions. Waves under these frequencies are trapped at the same location, demonstrating a multi-frequency rainbow trapping phenomenon. The results from this research provide a novel perspective on elastic wave manipulation in periodic structures, with potential implications for the design of advanced materials and devices.
Gas bubbles induced by combined optical and ultrasound energies for high-resolution deep optical microscopy
Authors: Kim Jinwoo , Kim Juhwan , Kim Haemin , Chang Jin Ho
Published: July 2024

Ultrasound-induced optical clearing microscopy (US-OCM) addresses limited imaging depth in optical microscopy, caused by light scattering in biological tissues. It uses ultrasound-induced gas bubbles to better image biological samples. However, controlling the bubble location using only ultrasound is challenging. This study introduces a novel method, “optrasound,” combining optical and ultrasound energies for precise bubble control. It presents the ultrasound field and uses a focused laser to trigger bubble formation. Optrasound-induced deep microscopy improves light beam width by 3.39 times at a depth of 350 µm because the gas bubbles reduce light scattering. This technique can precisely localize a bubble cloud while matching the US-OCM performance.
True image construction in quantum-secured single-pixel imaging under spoofing attack
Authors: Heo Jaesung , Jeong Taek , Park Nam Hun , Jo Yonggi
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we introduce a quantum-secured single-pixel imaging technique designed to withstand spoofing attacks, wherein adversaries attempt to deceive imaging systems with fake signals. Unlike previous quantum-secured protocols that impose a threshold error rate limiting their operation, even with the existence of true signals, our approach not only identifies spoofing attacks but also facilitates the reconstruction of a true image. Our method involves the analysis of a specific mode correlation of a photon-pair, which is independent of the mode used for image construction, to check security. Through this analysis, we can identify both the targeted image region of the attack and the type of spoofing attack, enabling reconstruction of the true image. A proof-of-principle demonstration employing the polarization-correlation of a photon-pair is provided, showcasing successful image reconstruction even under the condition of spoofing signals that are 2000 times stronger than true signals. We expect our approach to be applied to quantum-secured signal processing, such as quantum target detection or ranging.
Recent advances in transition metal dichalcogenides-based materials for fourth-generation perovskite solar cell devices
Authors: Rono Nicholas , Ahia Chinedu Christian , Meyer Edson Leroy
Published: July 2024

Transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) have attracted momentous scientific attention because of their intriguing properties, such as high optical transparency, high charge mobility, self-passivating surfaces, adjustable bandgap values, and work function and chemical stability. These TMDC materials have been incorporated into third-generation perovskite solar cell (PSC) devices to boost their solar harvesting and conversion performance. Herein, we provide an overview of the dominant PSC configurations and various modifications that have been carried out on TMDCs that are geared toward the enhancement of the performance of the PSC devices. The integration of TMDCs and their effects on various parts of the PSC devices have been pointed out. Furthermore, the utilization of computational tools in the deep understanding of the TMDC materials and PSC devices has been elucidated. Finally, the challenges and prospects of integrating TMDC materials in the PSC devices have been discussed.
Reductive Perturbation method and IAWs in magnetized plasma
Authors: Saleem H.
Published: July 2024

It is shown that the reductive perturbation method can be applied to derive Korteweg–de Vries equation for obliquely propagating small amplitude ion acoustic waves in magnetized (B0 ≠ 0) plasma.
Optical telescopes get rigged for daytime astronomy
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: July 2024

Applications include imaging bright stars and tracking satellites.
Oxygen-bridging Fe, Co dual-metal dimers boost reversible oxygen electrocatalysis for rechargeable Zn–air batteries
Authors: Zhou Qixing , Xue Wendan , Cui Xun , Wang Pengfei , Zuo Sijin , Mo Fan , Li Chengzhi , Liu Gaolei , Ouyang Shaohu , Zhan Sihui , Chen Juan , Wang Chao
Published: July 2024

Rechargeable zinc–air batteries (ZABs) are regarded as a remarkably promising alternative to current lithium-ion batteries, addressing the requirements for large-scale high-energy storage. Nevertheless, the sluggish kinetics involving oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) hamper the widespread application of ZABs, necessitating the development of high-efficiency and durable bifunctional electrocatalysts. Here, we report oxygen atom–bridged Fe, Co dual-metal dimers (FeOCo-SAD), in which the active site Fe–O–Co–N
6
moiety boosts exceptional reversible activity toward ORR and OER in alkaline electrolytes. Specifically, FeOCo-SAD achieves a half-wave potential (
E
1/2
) of 0.87 V for ORR and an overpotential of 310 mV at a current density of 10 mA cm
–2
for OER, with a potential gap (Δ
E
) of only 0.67 V. Meanwhile, FeOCo-SAD manifests high performance with a peak power density of 241.24 mW cm
−2
in realistic rechargeable ZABs. Theoretical calculations demonstrate that the introduction of an oxygen bridge in the Fe, Co dimer induced charge spatial redistribution around Fe and Co atoms. This enhances the activation of oxygen and optimizes the adsorption/desorption dynamics of reaction intermediates. Consequently, energy barriers are effectively reduced, leading to a strong promotion of intrinsic activity toward ORR and OER. This work suggests that oxygen-bridging dual-metal dimers offer promising prospects for significantly enhancing the performance of reversible oxygen electrocatalysis and for creating innovative catalysts that exhibit synergistic effects and electronic states.
Particle-assisted formation of oil-in-liquid metal emulsions
Authors: Kanetkar Shreyas , Shah Najam Ul H , Krisnadi Febby , Uppal Aastha , Gandhi Rohit M , Dickey Michael D , Wang Robert Y , Rykaczewski Konrad
Published: July 2024

Gallium-based liquid metals (LMs) have surface tension an order of magnitude higher than water and break up into micro-droplets when mixed with other liquids. In contrast, silicone oil readily mixes into LM foams to create oil-in-LM emulsions with oil inclusions. Previously, the LM was foamed through rapid mixing in air for an extended duration (over 2 h). This process first results in the internalization of oxide flakes that form at the air-liquid interface. Once a critical fraction of these randomly shaped solid flakes is reached, air bubbles internalize into the LM to create foams that can internalize secondary liquids. Here, we introduce an alternative oil-in-LM emulsion fabrication method that relies on the prior addition of SiO2 micro-particles into the LM before mixing it with the silicone oil. This particle-assisted emulsion formation process provides a higher control over the composition of the LM-particle mixture before oil addition, which we employ to systematically study the impact of particle characteristics and content on the emulsions’ composition and properties. We demonstrate that the solid particle size (0.8 μm to 5 μm) and volume fraction (1%–10%) have a negligible impact on the internalization of the oil inclusions. The inclusions are mostly spherical with diameters of 20–100 μm diameter and are internalized by forming new, rather than filling old, geometrical features. We also study the impact of the particle characteristics on the two key properties related to the functional application of the LM emulsions in the thermal management of microelectronics. In particular, we measure the impact of particles and silicone oil on the emulsion’s thermal conductivity and its ability to prevent deleterious gallium-induced corrosion and embrittlement of contacting metal substrates.
Surface defect detection for intricate pattern fabrics based on deep learning
Authors: Wang Xuerui , Zhu Yongjian , Liu Hongzhan
Published: July 2024

To tackle the challenges in the current detection of patterned fabric defects, such as unbalanced and limited data volume, incomplete extraction of defect features by the network, aliasing effect in feature fusion by the pyramid network, and low accuracy in identifying small targets, this paper proposes a novel single-stage network named ASC-you only look once (YOLO). Firstly, the CoT-CSP module is introduced into the Backbone network of the YOLOv5s to model the global contextual relationships of defective features. This module compensates for the limitations of the original Cross-Stage Partial Network, which can only extract local feature information. It effectively enhances the comprehensive extraction of various irregular defect features in fabrics and reduces redundant interactions with texture background noise. Subsequently, three types of AttentionC3 modules are proposed and integrated into the Neck enables the model to focus on valuable details related to defect features through weight allocation, significantly enhancing the capability to identify small defects. Finally, an adaptive spatial feature fusion network is designed to optimize the pyramid network by redistributing weights across different feature layers for efficient utilization of multi-level feature information. Additionally, a random erasing approach is proposed to individually enhance the defect images of specific types with a limited number and adjust the corresponding labels simultaneously. This process aims to improve the robustness of the ASC-YOLO network against data noise. Experimental results demonstrate that ASC-YOLO achieves 95.8% accuracy, with mean average precision@0.5 reaching 83.1%. Meanwhile, the experiments also verify its superiority over other fabric detection methods and its ability to effectively improve the accuracy of fabric defect detection.
Advancements in atomic-scale interface engineering for flexible electronics: enhancing flexibility and durability
Authors: Wen Di , Yuan Ruige , Cao Kun , Yang Fan , Chen Rong
Published: July 2024

Flexible electronics, such as wearable displays, implantable electronics, soft robots, and smart skin, have garnered increasing attention. Despite notable advancements in research, a bottleneck remains at the product level due to the prevalent use of polymer-based materials, requiring encapsulation films for lifespan extension and reliable performance. Multilayer composites, incorporating thin inorganic layers to maintain low permeability towards moisture, oxygen, ions, etc, exhibit potential in achieving highly flexible barriers but encounter challenges stemming from interface instability between layers. This perspective offers a succinct review of strategies and provides atomic-scale interface modulation strategy utilizing atomic layer integration technology focused on enhancing the flexibility of high-barrier films. It delves into bendable multilayers with atomic-scale interface modulation strategies, encompassing internal stress and applied stress modulation, as well as stretchable composite structural designs such as gradient/hybrid, wavy, and island. These strategies showcase significant improvements in flexibility from bendable to stretchable while maintaining high barrier properties. Besides, optimized manufacturing methods, materials, and complex structure design based on atomic-scale interface engineering are provided, better aligning with the future development of flexible electronics. By laying the groundwork for these atomic-scale strategies, this perspective contributes to the evolution of flexible electronics, enhancing their flexibility, durability, and functionality.
Ceria nanocatalyst-supported oxidative organic transformations of aromatic alcohols and p-nitrotoluene
Authors: Naaz Farha , Alshehri Saad M , Ahmad Tokeer
Published: July 2024

Hydrothermally derived nanocubes of CeO2 (10 nm) were explored as an efficient heterogeneous catalyst in the partial oxidation of aromatic alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes and aerobic oxidation of p-nitrotoluene to p-nitrobenzoic acid. The CeO2 nanocatalyst was characterized by x-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis and ultraviolet–visible spectroscopy. TEM/high-resolution TEM micrographs reveal a morphology of mostly cubic nanostructures with exposed highly active {100} and {110} facets. The surface area of nanoceria was determined by BET analysis and found to be 33.8 m2 g−1. To demonstrate the universality of the catalytic system, the selective oxidation of different substrates of benzylic alcohol and complete oxidation of p-nitrotoluene was investigated under mild conditions. Absolute selectivity towards their respective aldehydes was found to be 99.50% (benzaldehyde), 90.18% (p-chlorobenzaldehyde), 99.71% (p-nitrobenzaldehyde), 98.10% (p-fluorobenzaldehyde), 94.66% (p-anisaldehyde) and 86.14% (cinnamaldehyde). Moreover, the catalytic oxidative transformation of nitrotoluene results in 100% conversion with 99.29% selectivity towards nitrobenzoic acid.
Preparation and sensing performance of wet-spun fabric triboelectric nanogenerator for energy harvesting
Authors: Li Meng , Zhang Yingying , Wang Ping , Zhang Yan , Hu Jiancheng , Li Yuanyuan
Published: July 2024

Flexible, wearable triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) monitoring human movement and health signals have received more attention recently. In particular, developing a flexible TENG combining stress, strain, electrical output performance and durability becomes the current research focus. Herein, a highly stretchable, self-powered coaxial yarn TENGs were manufactured using a low-cost, efficient continuous wet-spinning method. Carbon nanotube/conductive thermoplastic polyurethane (MWCNT/CTPU) and polyvinylidene fluoride-hexafluoropropylene were utilized for the coaxial fibers conductive layers and dielectric layers, respectively. Fibers were continuously collected over a length of 10 m. Excellent electrical output with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 11.4 V, short-circuit current (Isc) of 114.8 nA, and short-circuit transfer charge (Qsc) of 6.1 nC was achieved. In addition, fabric TENGs with different two and three dimensional structures were further prepared by the developed coaxial fibers. The corresponding electrical output properties and practical performance were discussed. Results showed that the four-layer three-dimensional angle interlocking structure exhibited the optimal performance with an open-circuit voltage (Voc) of 38.4 V, short-circuit current (Isc) of 451.5 nA, and short-circuit transfer charge (Qsc) of 23.1 nC.
Multi-institutional experimental validation of online adaptive proton therapy workflows
Authors: Bobić Mislav , Choulilitsa Evangelia , Lee Hoyeon , Czerska Katarzyna , Christensen Jeppe B , Mayor Alexandre , Safai Sairos , Winey Brian A , Weber Damien C , Lomax Antony J , Paganetti Harald , Nesteruk Konrad P , Albertini Francesca
Published: July 2024

Objective.To experimentally validate two online adaptive proton therapy (APT) workflows using Gafchromic EBT3 films and optically stimulated luminescent dosimeters (OSLDs) in an anthropomorphic head-and-neck phantom.Approach.A three-field proton plan was optimized on the planning CT of the head-and-neck phantom with 2.0 Gy(RBE) per fraction prescribed to the clinical target volume. Four fractions were simulated by varying the internal anatomy of the phantom. Three distinct methods were delivered: daily APT researched by the Paul Scherrer Institute (DAPTPSI), online adaptation researched by the Massachusetts General Hospital (OAMGH), and a non-adaptive (NA) workflow. All methods were implemented and measured at PSI. DAPTPSIperformed full online replanning based on analytical dose calculation, optimizing to the same objectives as the initial treatment plan. OAMGHperformed Monte-Carlo-based online plan adaptation by only changing the fluences of a subset of proton beamlets, mimicking the planned dose distribution. NA delivered the initial plan with a couch-shift correction based on in-room imaging. For all 12 deliveries, two films and two sets of OSLDs were placed at different locations in the phantom.Main results.Both adaptive methods showed improved dosimetric results compared to NA. For film measurements in the presence of anatomical variations, the [min-max] gamma pass rates (3%/3 mm) between measured and clinically approved doses were [91.5%–96.1%], [94.0%–95.8%], and [67.2%–93.1%] for DAPTPSI, OAMGH, and NA, respectively. The OSLDs confirmed the dose calculations in terms of absolute dosimetry. Between the two adaptive workflows, OAMGHshowed improved target coverage, while DAPTPSIshowed improved normal tissue sparing, particularly relevant for the brainstem.Significance.This is the first multi-institutional study to experimentally validate two different concepts with respect to online APT workflows. It highlights their respective dosimetric advantages, particularly in managing interfractional variations in patient anatomy that cannot be addressed by non-adaptive methods, such as internal anatomy changes.
Dark Matter halo parameters from overheated exoplanets via Bayesian hierarchical inference
Authors: Benito María , Karchev Konstantin , Leane Rebecca K. , Põder Sven , Smirnov Juri , Trotta Roberto
Published: July 2024

Dark Matter (DM) can become captured, deposit annihilation energy, and hence increase the heat flow in exoplanets and brown dwarfs. Detecting such a DM-induced heating in a population of exoplanets in the inner kpc of the Milky Way thus provides potential sensitivity to the galactic DM halo parameters. We develop a Bayesian Hierarchical Model to investigate the feasibility of DM discovery with exoplanets and examine future prospects to recover the spatial distribution of DM in the Milky Way. We reconstruct from mock exoplanet datasets observable parameters such as exoplanet age, temperature, mass, and location, together with DM halo parameters, for representative choices of measurement uncertainty and the number of exoplanets detected. We find that detection of ℴ(100) exoplanets in the inner Galaxy can yield quantitative information on the galactic DM density profile, under the assumption of 10% measurement uncertainty. Even as few as ℴ(10) exoplanets can deliver meaningful sensitivities if the DM density and inner slope are sufficiently large.

https://github.com/mariabenitocst/exoplanets
Energy extraction via magnetic reconnection in magnetized black holes
Authors: Zhang Shao-Jun
Published: July 2024

The Comisso-Asenjo mechanism is a novel mechanism proposed recently to extract energy from black holes through magnetic reconnection of the surrounding charged plasma, in which the magnetic field plays a crucial role. In this work, we revisit this process by taking into account the backreaction of the magnetic field on the black hole's geometry. We employ the Kerr-Melvin metric to describe the local near-horizon geometry of the magnetized black hole. By analyzing the circular orbits in the equatorial plane, energy extraction conditions, power and efficiency of the energy extraction, we found that while a stronger magnetic field can enhance plasma magnetization and aid energy extraction, its backreaction on the spacetime may hinder the process, with a larger magnetic field posing a greater obstacle. Balancing these effects, an optimal moderate magnetic field strength is found to be most conducive to energy extraction. Moreover, there is a maximum limit to the magnetic field strength associated with the black hole's spin, beyond which circular orbits in the equatorial plane are prohibited, thereby impeding energy extraction in the current scenario.
Spintronics with two-dimensional materials and van der Waals heterostructures
Authors: Roche Stephan , van Wees Bart , Garello Kevin , Valenzuela Sergio O
Published: July 2024

We briefly summarize more than fifteen years of intense research in 2D materials (2DM)-based spintronics, which has led to an in-depth understanding of fundamental spin transport mechanisms, novel functionalities in magnetic tunnel junctions and spin orbit torque devices, and the formidable and unprecedented capability of proximity effects to make graphene a spin active material. Although the portfolio of functional 2DM-based devices and related heterostructures is continuously increasing, we outline key technological challenges that are still impeding practical spintronic applications in spin-logics and non-volatile memory technologies. We conclude by mentioning current and future directions which will maintain the momentum of the field of ultracompact spintronics based on 2DM and van der Waals heterostructures.
Robust large-gap quantum spin Hall states in stabilized bismuthene on Si(111)-

α
−

3

×

3

-Au
Authors: Llona Bheim M , Chou Hsin-Lei , Lan Liang-Wei , Wu Shih-Yu , Hsu Chia-Hsiu , Chuang Feng-Chuan , Lin Hsin , Kuo Chien-Cheng
Published: July 2024

Bismuthene is a promising large-gap two-dimensional topological material with potential applications in quantum devices. However, fabricating a stable bismuthene on a substrate that preserves its edge states and large energy gap at room temperature has been challenging. In this study, we successfully stabilized bismuthene on the 2D electron gas Si(111)-α-

3

×

3

-Au surface despite its delicate atomic structures, enabling direct access to its quantum spin Hall states. Scanning tunneling microscopy with localized

d

I

/

d

V

mapping on in-situ prepared structures revealed that the bismuthene surface exhibits a stable, shallow-buckled, insulative interior and an almost planar metallic edge. We found a 0.75 eV-bandgap throughout the interior and a closing gap at the island’s boundary. By using island-based differential conductance mapping, we identified localized edge states and the Dirac point at an energy of −0.10 eV within the bandgap. These results support the 2D-TI nature of bismuthene on Au / Si(111), paving the way for the development of bismuthene-based quantum devices.
Spectral-bias and kernel-task alignment in physically informed neural networks
Authors: Seroussi Inbar , Miron Asaf , Ringel Zohar
Published: July 2024

Physically informed neural networks (PINNs) are a promising emerging method for solving differential equations. As in many other deep learning approaches, the choice of PINN design and training protocol requires careful craftsmanship. Here, we suggest a comprehensive theoretical framework that sheds light on this important problem. Leveraging an equivalence between infinitely over-parameterized neural networks and Gaussian process regression, we derive an integro-differential equation that governs PINN prediction in the large data-set limit—the neurally-informed equation. This equation augments the original one by a kernel term reflecting architecture choices. It allows quantifying implicit bias induced by the network via a spectral decomposition of the source term in the original differential equation.
Real-time forecast of temperature-related excess mortality at small-area level: towards an operational framework
Authors: Mistry Malcolm N , Gasparrini Antonio
Published: July 2024

The development of innovative tools for real-time monitoring and forecasting of environmental health impacts is central to effective public health interventions and resource allocation strategies. Though a need for such generic tools has been previously echoed by public health planners and regional authorities responsible for issuing anticipatory alerts, a comprehensive, robust and scalable real-time system for predicting temperature-related excess deaths at a local scale has not been developed yet. Filling this gap, we propose a flexible operational framework for coupling publicly available weather forecasts with temperature-mortality risk functions specific to small census-based zones, the latter derived using state-of-the-art environmental epidemiological models. Utilising high-resolution temperature data forecast by a leading European meteorological centre, we demonstrate a real-time application to forecast the excess mortality during the July 2022 heatwave over England and Wales. The output, consisting of expected temperature-related excess deaths at small geographic areas on different lead times, can be automated to generate maps at various spatio-temporal scales, thus facilitating preventive action and allocation of public health resources in advance. While the real-case example discussed here demonstrates an application for predicting (expected) heat-related excess deaths, the framework can also be adapted to other weather-related health risks and to different geographical areas, provided data on both meteorological exposure and the underlying health outcomes are available to calibrate the associated risk functions. The proposed framework addresses an urgent need for predicting the short-term environmental health burden on public health systems globally, especially in low- and middle-income regions, where rapid response to mitigate adverse exposures and impacts to extreme temperatures are often constrained by available resources.
Anti-Scientific Americans?
Authors: Motta Matthew
Published: July 2024

Chapter 1 begins by providing recent anecdotal accounts of the ways in which anti-intellectualism negatively impacts American political life. It then draws on both recent scholarship and longstanding theoretical insights from Hofstadter’s (1963) work on the subject to conceptualize anti-intellectualism as the dislike and distrust of scientists, academics, and other experts. To do this, the chapter navigates thorny issues regarding who counts as an expert, contrasts anti-intellectualism from related constructs (e.g., populism), and discusses how this definition differs from previous standards employed in the past. Chapter 1 concludes by outlining a plan for the book and issuing an important word of caution: experts are people too. Because even experts are not infallible, the chapter argues that Americans ought to express healthy skepticism toward the role that experts play in the policymaking process.
How to assess the res judicata effects of international arbitral awards: giving concreteness to an autonomous approach
Authors: Radicati di Brozolo Luca G , Ponzano Flavio
Published: July 2024

The article seeks to demonstrate the inadequacy of the ‘conflict-of-laws’ approach to determine the res judicata effects of international arbitral awards. Demystifying the erroneous assumption that the rules on the scope of res judicata are per se a matter of public policy, the authors defend an ‘autonomous’ approach, which dispenses with domestic law and confers broad preclusive effects on awards, with a view to avoiding the re-litigation of a dispute that is, in essence, the same as one already decided by a prior award. The legal bases for such an approach are party autonomy and the inherent powers of arbitrators. Building on the ILA Recommendations and recording the evolution of the conception of res judicata in certain civil law jurisdictions, the article proposes the elements of an arbitration-specific notion of the subject matter scope of the res judicata of awards with respect to issues of substantive law, addressing the situation of the res judicata of an award relied upon in further arbitral proceedings. The authors urge soft-law-making bodies and arbitral institutions to tackle arbitral res judicata proactively and contribute to the development of rules to give secure guidance to arbitrators and courts in determining its proper contours.
Circular PCR as an efficient and precise umbrella of methods for the generation of circular dsDNA with staggered nicks: Mechanism and types
Authors: Ferro-Gallego Pedro , Vila-Sanjurjo Antón , Valderrama Pereira Andrea Katherine , Porres Pérez Gonzalo , Domínguez-Gerpe Lourdes
Published: July 2024

Here, we introduce the highly versatile circular polymerase chain reaction (CiPCR) technique, propose a mechanism of action, and describe a number of examples demonstrating the versatility of this technique. CiPCR takes place between two fragments of dsDNA with two homologous regions, as long as one of the fragments carries said regions at its 3′- and 5′-ends. Upon hybridization, elongation by a polymerase occurs from all 3′-ends continuously until a 5′-end is reached, leading to stable circular dsDNA with staggered nicks. When both dsDNA fragments carry the homology at their 3′- and 5′-ends (Type I CiPCR), all four 3′-ends effectively prime amplification of the intervening region and CiPCR products can function as template during the reaction. In contrast, when only one of the two dsDNA fragments carries the homologous regions at its 3′- and 5′-ends and the other carries such regions internally (Type II CiPCR), only two 3′-ends can be amplified and CiPCR products possess no template activity. We demonstrate the applicability of both CiPCR types via well-illustrated experimental examples. CiPCR is well adapted to the quick resolution of most of the molecular cloning challenges faced by the biology/biomedicine laboratory, including the generation of insertions, deletions, and mutations.
Property analysis and coherence dynamics for tree-symmetric networks with noise disturbance
Authors: Liu Jia-Bao , Guan Lei , Cao Jinde
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we investigate the leaderless and the leader–follower coherence of tree-symmetric networks. Firstly, the analytical expressions for the product and the sum of the reciprocals of all nonzero Laplacian eigenvalues of tree-symmetric networks are computed. Secondly, comparing the leaderless and leader–follower coherence, the existence of leader nodes and network parameters have a great impact on the coherence in the noisy environment. Finally, the Laplacian eigenvalues of tree-symmetric networks were utilized to analyze other properties of the network. These research results have certain theoretical significance for the promotion of distributed system and block chain technology.
Diagnosis and management of arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy: a case report
Authors: Haines Jeremiah , Garster Noelle , Mohananey Divyanshu , Safarova Maya S
Published: July 2024

Background

Arrhythmogenic cardiomyopathy (ACM) is a genetically determined myocardial atrophy which progressively extends from the epicardium towards the endocardium, resulting in wall thinning. It is one of the leading causes of sudden death in young people. Postmortem studies demonstrate that up to 70–80% of the cases have biventricular involvement. Variable penetrance and expressivity results in a wide phenotypic spectrum, challenging diagnostic accuracy of advanced multimodality imaging tools. Prompt recognition, non-invasive imaging, risk stratification for sudden cardiac death (SCD), and preventive measures are paramount to improve prognosis.

Case summary

Here, we present a 22-year-old Black male who was referred to our electrophysiology clinic with palpitations, remote syncope, and a family history of SCD. Over 3 years, he developed gradually worsening symptomatic palpitations. While physical exam and transthoracic echocardiography were unremarkable, his cardiac magnetic resonance imaging was consistent with biventricular ACM. Genetic testing confirmed ACM, revealing double heterozygosity in DSG2 and PKP2. Given the elevated estimated risk of life-threatening dysrhythmias, a subcutaneous cardiac defibrillator was successfully implanted.

Discussion

Frequently, patients with ACM have more than one mutation in the same gene (compound heterozygosity) or in a second gene (double heterozygosity). Genetic counselling is strongly recommended for family members of the proband. The diagnosis of ACM may be mimicked by other diseases (cardiac sarcoidosis, dilated cardiomyopathy, amyloidosis), thus genetic testing can be useful to determine the presence of the disease. The present report provides an overview of the clinical course, diagnostic criteria, risk stratification, and prognostication for patients with ACM.
Transcriptomic Response to Pyrethroid Treatment in Closely Related Bed Bug Strains Varying in Resistance
Authors: Haberkorn Chloé , Belgaïdi Zaïnab , Lasseur Romain , Vavre Fabrice , Varaldi Julien
Published: July 2024

The common bed bug, Cimex lectularius, is one of the main human parasites. The world-wide resurgence of this pest is mainly due to globalization, and the spread of insecticide resistance. A few studies have compared the transcriptomes of susceptible and resistant strains; however, these studies usually relied on strains originating from distant locations, possibly explaining their extended candidate gene lists. Here, we compared the transcriptomes of 2 strains originating from the same location and showing low overall genetic differentiation (FST=0.018) but varying in their susceptibility to pyrethroids, before and after insecticide exposure. In sharp contrast with previous studies, only 24 genes showing constitutive differential expression between the strains were identified. Interestingly, most of the genes with increased expression in the resistant strain encoded cuticular proteins. However, those changes were not associated with significant difference in cuticular thickness, suggesting that they might be involved in qualitative changes in the cuticle. In contrast, insecticide exposure induced the expression of a multitude of genes, mostly involved in detoxification. Finally, our set of transcriptome candidate loci showed little overlap with a set of loci strongly genetically differentiated in a previous study using the same strains. Several hypothesis explaining this discrepancy are discussed.
A Preliminary Analysis of Stress Burden and Cognitive Function and Clinically Adjudicated Cognitive Outcomes in Black American Adults
Authors: Troxel Wendy M , Dubowitz Tamara , Haas Ann , Ghosh-Dastidar Bonnie , Butters Meryl A , Gary-Webb Tiffany L , Weinstein Andrea M , Ibeanu Ada , Wagner La’Vette , Gildengers Ariel , Rosso Andrea L
Published: July 2024

Background

The combination of exposure to multiple stressors and psychological distress may contribute to the disproportionate burden of dementia risk among Black Americans. This study estimates the effect of an index of stress and psychological distress (ie, “stress burden”) on cognitive function and clinically adjudicated cognitive outcomes among older Black American adults, and examines sleep as a mediator.

Methods

The sample included 204 Black adults (79% female; mean age = 64 years) from Pittsburgh, PA, USA. Stress burden comprised 3 self-reported stress and distress measures assessed in 2016: discrimination, psychological distress, and posttraumatic stress. Potential mediators included actigraphy-assessed sleep duration and efficiency from 2018. Cognitive battery and clinical adjudication in 2019 assessed cognitive function and clinically adjudicated outcomes. Causal mediation analysis estimated the direct effect between stress burden and cognitive outcomes, and indirect effects through sleep, after adjusting for sociodemographics and hypertension.

Results

Higher stress burden had a significant direct effect on lower executive functioning and visuospatial performance. However, there were no significant indirect effects (ie, mediation) by sleep disturbances on any domain of cognitive function assessed. Also, there were no significant direct or indirect effects on clinically adjudicated outcomes.

Conclusions

Multiple stressors often co-occur and may contribute to racial disparities in cognitive health. Findings suggest that higher stress burden had negative effects on functioning in executive and visuospatial domains in this community-based sample of older Black American adults. However, there was no evidence of mediation by sleep. Findings highlight the importance of continued work to identify modifiable pathways between stress burden and cognitive health disparities.
A comprehensive optimization method for considering the theoretical and practical machining errors to the accurate power skiving of spur face gears by optimizing both cutting edges and tool path
Authors: Wang Zhiyong , Tang Zhongwei , Zhou Yuansheng , Zeng Biao , Tang Jinyuan
Published: July 2024

Power skiving is an efficient manufacturing way that has been well applied to spur gears. By considering the conjugation between the face gear and spur gear of a pair of face gear drive, the power skiving of face gears has also been drawn much attention. However, it is still very challenging to achieve the accurate machining due to its complex error sources coupling from both theoretical and practical aspects, and they have not been considered in a systematic way in the existing methods to stably ensure the machining accuracy. To solve this problem, this work proposes a comprehensive optimization model to the accurate power skiving of spur face gears. In the first stage, the theoretical machining errors are minimized by optimizing the parameters of both the cutting edges and tool path. In the second stage, the practical power skiving is implemented with a closed-loop manufacturing process, of which the machining errors are obtained from measurements and further compensated by optimizing the tool path in the next machining till it is acceptable. Three cases are given and discussed, and the results show the priority and validity of the proposed method.
High cost of chemotherapy for gynecologic malignancies
Authors: Takahashi Nobutaka , Seki Toshiyuki , Sasaki Keita , Machida Ryunosuke , Ishikawa Mitsuya , Yunokawa Mayu , Matsuoka Ayumu , Kagabu Masahiro , Yamaguchi Satoshi , Hiranuma Kengo , Ohnishi Junki , Sato Toyomi
Published: July 2024

Background

The prognosis of gynecological malignancies has improved with the recent advent of molecularly targeted drugs and immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, these drugs are expensive and contribute to the increasing costs of medical care.

Methods

The Japanese Clinical Oncology Group (JCOG) Health Economics Committee conducted a questionnaire survey of JCOG-affiliated facilities from July 2021 to June 2022 to assess the prevalence of high-cost regimens.

Results

A total of 57 affiliated facilities were surveyed regarding standard regimens for advanced ovarian and cervical cancers for gynecological malignancies. Responses were obtained from 39 facilities (68.4%) regarding ovarian cancer and 37 (64.9%) concerning cervical cancer, with respective case counts of 854 and 163. For ovarian cancer, 505 of 854 patients (59.1%) were treated with regimens that included PARP inhibitors, costing >500 000 Japanese yen monthly, while 111 patients (13.0%) received treatments that included bevacizumab, with costs exceeding 200 000 Japanese yen monthly. These costs are ~20 and ~10 times higher than those of the conventional regimens, respectively. For cervical cancer, 79 patients (48.4%) were treated with bevacizumab regimens costing >200 000 Japanese yen per month, ~10 times the cost of conventional treatments.

Conclusions

In this survey, >70% of patients with ovarian cancer were treated with regimens that included poly (adenosine diphosphate-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors or bevacizumab; ~50% of patients with cervical cancer were treated with regimens containing bevacizumab. These treatments were ~10 and ~20 times more expensive than conventional regimens, respectively. These findings can inform future health economics studies, particularly in assessing cost-effectiveness and related matters.