bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supervised, structured and individualized exercise in metastatic breast cancer: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Hiensch Anouk E. , Depenbusch Johanna , Schmidt Martina E. , Monninkhof Evelyn M. , Pelaez Mireia , Clauss Dorothea , Gunasekara Nadira , Zimmer Philipp , Belloso Jon , Trevaskis Mark , Rundqvist Helene , Wiskemann Joachim , Müller Jana , Sweegers Maike G. , Fremd Carlo , Altena Renske , Gorecki Maciej , Bijlsma Rhodé , van Leeuwen-Snoeks Lobke , ten Bokkel Huinink Daan , Sonke Gabe , Lahuerta Ainhara , Mann G. Bruce , Francis Prudence A. , Richardson Gary , Malter Wolfram , van der Wall Elsken , Aaronson Neil K. , Senkus Elzbieta , Urruticoechea Ander , Zopf Eva M. , Bloch Wilhelm , Stuiver Martijn M. , Wengstrom Yvonne , Steindorf Karen , May Anne M.
Published: July 2024

Physical exercise both during and after curative cancer treatment has been shown to reduce side effects. Evidence in the metastatic cancer setting is scarce, and interventions that improve health-related quality of life (HRQOL) are much needed for patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC). The multinational randomized controlled PREFERABLE-EFFECT trial assessed the effects of exercise on fatigue and HRQOL in patients with MBC. In total, 357 patients with MBC and a life expectancy of ≥6 months but without unstable bone metastases were recruited at eight study centers across five European countries and Australia. Participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to usual care (control group, n = 179) or a 9-month supervised exercise program (exercise group, n = 178). Intervention effects on physical fatigue (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire (QLQ)-FA12 scale) and HRQOL (EORTC QLQ-C30 summary score) were determined by comparing the change from baseline to 3, 6 (primary timepoint) and 9 months between groups using mixed models for repeated measures, adjusted for baseline values of the outcome, line of treatment (first or second versus third or higher) and study center. Exercise resulted in significant positive effects on both primary outcomes. Physical fatigue was significantly lower (−5.3 (95% confidence interval (CI), −10.0 to −0.6), Bonferroni–Holm-adjusted P = 0.027; Cohen's effect size, 0.22) and HRQOL significantly higher (4.8 (95% CI, 2.2–7.4), Bonferroni–Holm-adjusted P = 0.0003; effect size, 0.33) in the exercise group than in the control group at 6 months. Two serious adverse events occurred (that is, fractures), but both were not related to bone metastases. These results demonstrate that supervised exercise has positive effects on physical fatigue and HRQOL in patients with MBC and should be recommended as part of supportive care.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04120298.
Detailed-based dictionary learning for low-light image enhancement using camera response model for industrial applications
Authors: Goyal Bhawna , Dogra Ayush , Jalamneh Ammar , Chyophel Lepcha Dawa , Alkhayyat Ahmed , Singh Rajesh , Jyoti Saikia Manob
Published: July 2024

Images captured in low-light environments are severely degraded due to insufficient light, which causes the performance decline of both commercial and consumer devices. One of the major challenges lies in how to balance the image enhancement properties of light intensity, detail presentation, and colour integrity in low-light enhancement tasks. This study presents a novel image enhancement framework using a detailed-based dictionary learning and camera response model (CRM). It combines dictionary learning with edge-aware filter-based detail enhancement. It assumes each small detail patch could be sparsely characterised in the over-complete detail dictionary that was learned from many training detail patches using iterative $${{\ell}}_{1}$$

ℓ
1

-norm minimization. Dictionary learning will effectively address several enhancement concerns in the progression of detail enhancement if we remove the visibility limit of training detail patches in the enhanced detail patches. We apply illumination estimation schemes to the selected CRM and the subsequent exposure ratio maps, which recover a novel enhanced detail layer and generate a high-quality output with detailed visibility when there is a training set of higher-quality images. We estimate the exposure ratio of each pixel using illumination estimation techniques. The selected camera response model adjusts each pixel to the desired exposure based on the computed exposure ratio map. Extensive experimental analysis shows an advantage of the proposed method that it can obtain enhanced results with acceptable distortions. The proposed research article can be generalised to address numerous other similar problems, such as image enhancement for remote sensing or underwater applications, medical imaging, and foggy or dusty conditions.
Change in negative mental filter is associated with depression reduction in metacognitive training for depression in older adults (MCT-Silver)
Authors: Schneider Brooke C. , Veckenstedt Ruth , Karamatskos Evangelos , Scheunemann Jakob , Moritz Steffen , Jelinek Lena , Miegel Franziska
Published: July 2024

Identifying components of modularized psychological interventions that contribute to symptom reduction is essential to improving depression treatment. In a secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial (RCT), session-specific effects of Metacognitive Training-Silver, a group intervention for older adults with depression, were investigated. Thirty-eight older adults with major depressive disorder or dysthymia participated in up to eight sessions of MCT-Silver. A clinical assessment of depressive symptoms (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale) as well as additional interviews and questionnaires administered as part of the RCT were completed at pre- and post-intervention. Depressive symptoms, negative (meta)cognitive beliefs, emotion regulation strategies and attitudes toward aging were assessed pre- and post-session. The rate of change in each variable per module, elevation following the module in which the variable was addressed, and the rate of change post module were examined via linear mixed models. Clinician-rated depressive symptoms were significantly reduced from pre- to post-intervention (Cohens d = 1.31). Self-reported depression and negative mental filter measured within sessions improved significantly over treatment, whereas black-and-white thinking improved after module #3 (Should Statements, All or Nothing Thinking and Acceptance). Module-specific within-session effects were found for overgeneralization (module #1: Mental Filter) and rumination (module #6: Rumination and Social Withdrawal). Improvement in mental filter in module #1 was significantly associated with depression reduction. This study provides initial evidence that MCT-Silver partially meets its aims of reducing depression and specific cognitive variables within and across sessions. Improvement of the instrument used to measure change may improve detection of module-specific effects.

Trial registration: NCT03691402.
An exploration of biodiversity limits to grazing ruminant milk and meat production
Authors: Resare Sahlin Kajsa , Gordon Line J. , Lindborg Regina , Piipponen Johannes , Van Rysselberge Pierre , Rouet-Leduc Julia , Röös Elin
Published: July 2024

The production and consumption of animal-source foods must be transformed to mitigate negative environmental outcomes, including greenhouse gas emissions and land-use change. However, livestock are also key for food production and for livelihoods in some settings, and they can help preserve biodiversity and certain ecosystems. Previous studies have not yet fully explored sustainability limits to the use of grazing lands for food production in the context of biodiversity. Here we explore ‘biodiversity limits’ to grassland ruminant production by estimating the meat and milk production from domestic ruminants limited to grazing areas and stocking densities where livestock can contribute to the preservation or restoration of biodiversity. With biodiversity-friendly grazing intensities at 0–20% biomass removal depending on aridity, this take on biodiversity limits corresponds to 9–13% and 26–40% of the current grassland-based milk and meat production, respectively. This equals only 2.2 kg of milk and 0.8 kg of meat per capita per year, globally, but altered management and moving from meat-specialized to meat-and-dairy systems could increase the potential production while still remaining within this approach to biodiversity limits.
Annotation-efficient deep learning for breast cancer whole-slide image classification using tumour infiltrating lymphocytes and slide-level labels
Authors: Perera Rashindrie , Savas Peter , Senanayake Damith , Salgado Roberto , Joensuu Heikki , O’Toole Sandra , Li Jason , Loi Sherene , Halgamuge Saman
Published: July 2024

Tumour-Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TILs) are pivotal in the immune response against cancer cells. Existing deep learning methods for TIL analysis in whole-slide images (WSIs) demand extensive patch-level annotations, often requiring labour-intensive specialist input. To address this, we propose a framework named annotation-efficient segmentation and attention-based classifier (ANSAC). ANSAC requires only slide-level labels to classify WSIs as having high vs. low TIL scores, with the binary classes divided by an expert-defined threshold. ANSAC automatically segments tumour and stroma regions relevant to TIL assessment, eliminating extensive manual annotations. Furthermore, it uses an attention model to generate a map that highlights the most pertinent regions for classification. Evaluating ANSAC on four breast cancer datasets, we demonstrate substantial improvements over three baseline methods in identifying TIL-relevant regions, with up to 8% classification improvement on a held-out test dataset. Additionally, we propose a pre-processing modification to a well-known method, enhancing its performance up to 6%.
PIM GPT a hybrid process in memory accelerator for autoregressive transformers
Authors: Wu Yuting , Wang Ziyu , Lu Wei D.
Published: July 2024

Decoder-only Transformer models such as Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPT) have demonstrated exceptional performance in text generation by autoregressively predicting the next token. However, the efficiency of running GPT on current hardware systems is bounded by low compute-to-memory-ratio and high memory access. In this work, we propose a Process-in-memory (PIM) GPT accelerator, PIM-GPT, which achieves end-to-end acceleration of GPT inference with high performance and high energy efficiency. PIM-GPT leverages DRAM-based PIM designs for executing multiply-accumulate (MAC) operations directly in the DRAM chips, eliminating the need to move matrix data off-chip. Non-linear functions and data communication are supported by an application specific integrated chip (ASIC). At the software level, mapping schemes are designed to maximize data locality and computation parallelism. Overall, PIM-GPT achieves 41 − 137 × , 631 − 1074 × speedup and 123 − 383 × , 320 − 602 × energy efficiency over GPU and CPU baseline on 8 GPT models with up to 1.4 billion parameters.
Computation of rate coefficients in solutions based on transition state theory combined with a heuristically corrected polarizable continuum model: intermolecular Diels–Alder reactions as case studies
Authors: Izato Yu-ichiro , Koshi Mitsuo , Miyake Atsumi
Published: July 2024

A TST expression for more realistic solutes, hindered by surrounding solvent molecules, has been developed in conjunction with the basic QM/PCM concept.
On the importance of low-frequency modes in predicting pressure-induced phase transitions
Authors: Hoser Anna , Zwolenik Aleksandra , Makal Anna
Published: July 2024

The occurrence of ultra-low frequency oscillation mode as observed by means of periodic DFT calculations at Γ point in a molecular crystal at ambient conditions can be a valuable predictor of imminent pressure-induced phase transition.
Medium entropy alloy wavy nanowires as highly effective and selective alcohol oxidation reaction catalysts for energy-saving hydrogen production and alcohol upgrade
Authors: Fu Xiaoyang , Wan Chengzhang , Huyan Huaixun , Wang Sibo , Zhang Ao , Zhou Jingxuan , Zhang Hongtu , Zhao Xun , Chen Jun , Pan Xiaoqing , Huang Yu , Duan Xiangfeng
Published: July 2024

Au-doped PtAgRhCu alloy wavy nanowire electrocatalysts deliver ultrahigh mass activity and selectivity for alcohol oxidation, enabling energy-saving hydrogen production and selective alcohol upgrading via alcohol-assisted water electrolysis.
Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents as emerging green reaction media for biocatalytic processes: impacts of solvent properties and compositions
Authors: Wang Kang-Hong , Yang Cheng , Liang Guo-Bin , Meng Ying-Fen , Zou Yong , Li Shuangfei , Yang Zhen
Published: July 2024

Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents (HDESs) are a new generation of water-immiscible solvents that have shown potential as green and sustainable reaction media for biocatalytic applications.
Nanofluidic resistive pulse sensing for characterization of extracellular vesicles
Authors: Calado Madalena R. C. , Lage Teresa C. , André Daniel A. M. , Calaza Carlos , Marques Carlos , Herrero Carolina , Piteira João , Montelius Lars , Petrovykh Dmitri Y. , Diéguez Lorena , Ainla Alar
Published: July 2024

This study describes a calibration-free device and method based on the resistive pulse sensing (RPS) principle for characterization of size distribution of extracellular vesicles (EVs).
Fault-tolerant computing with single-qudit encoding in a molecular spin
Authors: Mezzadri Matteo , Chiesa Alessandro , Lepori Luca , Carretta Stefano
Published: July 2024

We show how to perform fault-tolerant quantum computing by using a simple d-level molecular spin qudit. We demonstrate a nearly exponential error reduction with linear growth in the number of single-qudit levels and loose coherence requirements.
Ferroelectrically controlled electromagnetic and transport properties of VN2H2/Al2O3 van der Waals multiferroic heterostructures
Authors: Sun Caijia , Ye Haoshen , Zhu Yijie , Chen Leiming , Bai Dongmei , Wang Jianli
Published: July 2024

In VN2H2/Al2O3 vdW multiferroic heterostructures, a strong and tunable interfacial magnetoelectric coupling is realized at room temperature, and a ferroelectric polarization can effectively regulate the electromagnetic and transport properties.
Membrane-localized magnetic hyperthermia promotes intracellular delivery of cell-impermeant probes
Authors: Idiago-López Javier , Ferreira Daniela , Asín Laura , Moros María , Armenia Ilaria , Grazú Valeria , Fernandes Alexandra R. , de la Fuente Jesús M. , Baptista Pedro V. , Fratila Raluca M.
Published: July 2024

In this work, we report the disruptive use of membrane-localized magnetic hyperthermia to promote the internalization of cell-impermeant probes (fluorescent molecules and small interfering RNA), without affecting cell viability.
Nano–microcrystals revealed on Tang dynasty gilded bronze using advanced TEM–SEM and synchrotron methods
Authors: Liritzis Ioannis , Cazottes Sophie , Douillard Thierry , Véron Muriel , Roqué-Rosell Josep , Marini Carlo , Das Partha Pratim , Gomez-Perez Alejandro , Galanis Athanassios S. , Nicolopoulos Stavros , Manti Panagiota , Yang Junchang , Zhang Xiangyu
Published: July 2024

Over the years, numerous gold and silver artifacts have been excavated from the tombs of the Tang dynasty, which give evidence of the sophisticated metalworking techniques at that time.
Quasi-1D Moiré superlattices in self-twisted two-allotropic antimonene heterostructures
Authors: Dróżdż Piotr , Gołębiowski Mariusz , Zdyb Ryszard
Published: July 2024

The growth of bi-allotropic 2D Sb heterostructures on a W(110) substrate, composed of α and β phases of antimonene, is demonstrated. The layered structure shows a self-twisted nature, providing a wide variety of quasi-1D Moiré superlattices.
Copper dopants facilitated generation of high-valent cobalt sites for improved oxygen evolution
Authors: Han Jingrui , Zhou Jieshu , Zhang Hao , Wang Haibin , Liu Kangning , Sun Xuhui , Liu Lihua , Liang Hongyan
Published: July 2024

We report a strategy for adjusting surface reconstruction of Co4N, in which inert Co3O4 on the reconstruction surface is activated via Cu introduction (Cu-Co4N), facilitating the deprotonation process to generate CoO2.
Multi-functionalization of β-trifluoromethyl enones enabled 2,3-dihydrofuran synthesis
Authors: Hu Ya-Fei , Han Wei , Chen Ye-Kun , Ma Mengtao , Shen Zhi-Liang , Chu Xue-Qiang
Published: July 2024

A transition-metal-free multi-functionalization reaction of β-trifluoromethyl enones and azacycles is first developed for the synthesis of valuable amino-2,3-dihydrofuran derivatives.
Out-of-equilibrium dynamics of a grid-like Fe(ii) spin crossover dimer triggered by a two-photon excitation
Authors: de Jesus Velazquez-Garcia Jose , Basuroy Krishnayan , Wong Joanne , Demeshko Serhiy , Meyer Franc , Kim Insik , Henning Robert , Staechelin Yannic U. , Lange Holger , Techert Simone
Published: July 2024

One-photon excitation (OPE) and two-photon excitation (TPE) were used to study the out-of-equilibrium dynamics in a spin crossover Fe(ii) dimer, revealing similar dynamics and a single molecular reorganization upon excitation with TPE.
Recent developments and sustainability in monitoring chlorine residuals for water quality control: a critical review
Authors: Khor Yohanz , Aziz A. R. Abdul , Chong Su Sin
Published: July 2024

Clean and safe water is a vital resource for human life. To ensure that consumable water is bacteria-free, water treatment, including the widely used chlorination process, is performed.
Improving the electrocatalytic activity of cobalt oxide with bismuth for acidic oxygen evolution reaction
Authors: Thomas Belvin , Peng Bowen , Huang Xiaoxi , Asefa Tewodros
Published: July 2024

Highly stable and active, low-cost electrocatalysts composed of Bi-doped cobalt oxides on FTO substrates for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in acidic solutions are reported.
Exploring the dual phases of cadmium sulfide: synthesis, properties, and applications of hexagonal wurtzite and cubic zinc blende crystal structures
Authors: Mao Jianbin , Xu Weiming , Seo Soonmin
Published: July 2024

The distinctive properties of hexagonal and cubic CdS illuminate their electronic, optical, and structural features, with practical implications explored through their applications in various fields.
Unleashing the glow: upconverting nanoparticles recharge persistent luminescent materials – applications in 3D-printing and optical coding
Authors: Drozdowski Adrian , Poelman Dirk , Runowski Marcin , Hemmerich Hanoch , Rivera-López Fernando , Grzyb Tomasz
Published: July 2024

In this study, composite materials composed of LiYbF4:Tm3+@LiYF4 and SrAl2O4:Eu2+ or ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ compounds were used for 3D-printed polymer items for optical coding operating in the afterglow and upconversion emission modes.
Castration, caudectomie et douleur chez les petits ruminants :
mise au point
Authors: Berthelot Xavier
Published: July 2024

Chez les animaux de production, les interventions à visée zootechnique telles que la castration et la caudectomie provoquent, quelle que soit la méthode utilisée, des douleurs qu'il est possible de réduire et de prévenir à l'aide de moyens médicaux. Différents protocoles d'anesthésie et d'analgésie utilisables en élevage de petits ruminants ainsi que les solutions alternatives à la castration sont proposés.

L'anesthésie locale par injection de procaïne ou par application d'un gel anesthésique, éventuellement associée à l'apport d'anti-inflammatoires non stéroïdiens dans l'alimentation, doit être conseillée si la méthode des anneaux est choisie pour réaliser la castration et la caudectomie d'agneaux âgés de moins de 4 jours à plus de 4 semaines.

Un aperçu de la réglementation de différents pays d'Europe et hors Europe fait apparaître de grandes différences depuis l'interdiction du recours aux anneaux élastiques en Belgique à l'absence de mention de cette méthode en Italie ou en Nouvelle-Zélande.
études de cas en alimentation
des ruminants : nouvelles recommandations (2)
Authors: Enjalbert Francis
Published: July 2024

Le nouveau système PDI ne comprend plus qu’une valeur PDI par aliment. Les déséquilibres entre PDIE et PDIN qui s’interprétaient classiquement dans l’ancien système sont désormais remplacés par la “balance protéique du rumen” (BPR). Les valeurs élevées traduisent un excès d’azote dégradable, et peuvent être corrigées par le recours à des tourteaux à faible dégradabilité ruminale. Les valeurs trop basses, traduisant un manque d’azote au niveau ruminal, peuvent être corrigés par le recours à de l’urée.
Multirésistances aux anthelminthiques chez les strongles digestifs
des petits ruminants du sud de la France
Authors: Bordes Léa , Desmolin Anaëlle , Greil Sébastien , Richelme Aline , Eichstadt Maxime , Fluck Alexia , Laporte Joëlle , Collignon Marie-Pierre , Colliot François , Grisez Christelle , Prévot Françoise , Schelcher François , Jacquiet Philippe
Published: July 2024

En élevage ovin et caprin, le contrôle des strongles gastro-intestinaux repose sur les molécules anthelminthiques dont l’usage répété a favorisé l’apparition de populations résistantes. Entre 2016 et fin 2019, l’UMT Santé des Petits Ruminants a réalisé des évaluations de la résistance dans des élevages du sud de la France.

Quatre enquêtes ponctuelles concernant chacune un seul élevage dans lequel le vétérinaire praticien suspectait une résistance aux anthelminthiques et sept enquêtes, plus larges, comprenant plusieurs élevages d’une même zone ont été menées. La résistance a été évaluée avec un test de réduction de l’intensité d’excrétion d’œufs post-traitement et les espèces ayant résisté à un traitement ont été identifiées par PCR temps réel.

Trois populations d’H. contortus multirésistantes aux benzimidazoles et à une avermectine (doramectine, éprinomectine ou ivermectine) et une population de Teladorsagia circumcincta multirésistante aux benzimidazoles, au lévamisole, à l’ivermectine et à la moxidectine ont été détectées dans les enquêtes ponctuelles dans les Pyrénées Atlantiques et les Hautes Pyrénées.

Les enquêtes de zone dans les Alpes de Haute Provence et en Ariège n’ont mis en évidence que des résistances aux benzimidazoles mais dans le Limousin et les Hautes Pyrénées, des multirésistances benzimidazoles, lévamisole et lactones macrocycliques sont présentes.

Ces résultats appellent une reconsidération de la lutte contre ces parasites en élevage de petits ruminants.
Thérapeutique des maladies des bovins transmissibles par les tiques
et moyens de prévention
Authors: Lagrée Anne-Claire , Rouxel Clotilde , Deshuillers Pierre , Boulouis Henri-Jean , Haddad Nadia
Published: July 2024

En France, la tique Ixodes ricinus est connue pour transmettre des bactéries (Anaplasma spp., Borrelia burgdorferii sl et dans une moindre mesure Coxiella burnetii) et des hémoparasites (Babesia spp.) aux bovins. Certains de ces agents sont transmissibles à l’homme.

Compte tenu de cette problématique de santé publique et/ou de l’impact économique de ces infections, des mesures de lutte adaptées s’avèrent nécessaires.

Le traitement repose sur quelques molécules appartenant à deux classes thérapeutiques.

Les antibiotiques les plus utilisés appartiennent à la famille des cyclines. Celles-ci sont utilisables aussi bien pour les bactéries citées que pour les Babesia.

L’Imidocarbe, préconisé pour le traitement des babésioses, peut aussi être appliqué au traitement de certaines anaplasmoses.

En l’absence de vaccin anti-agents infectieux, la prévention repose essentiellement sur l’antibioprévention utilisant les mêmes molécules que celles utilisées pour le traitement.

La maîtrise de ces infections passe par des mesures visant à limiter le contact des bovins avec le vecteur, soit selon une approche écologique (distanciation spatiale ou temporelle, et dans l’avenir, vaccin anti-tiques), soit selon une approche chimique, dont l’impact environnemental est loin d’être négligeable.
Études de cas en alimentation des ruminants :
utilisation d’un méteil ensilé pour des vaches allaitantes
Authors: Enjalbert Francis
Published: July 2024

Les méteils ensilés peuvent avoir une composition et une valeur alimentaire très variable selon le mélange végétal et le stade de récolte, d’où l’importance d’une analyse.

Un ensilage de méteil à 12 p. cent de MAT peut représenter l’essentiel de la ration de vaches allaitantes, sous réserve d’un apport d’aliment minéral et d’un apport d’énergie (céréales) en fonction de l’état corporel des animaux.
Vaches en fin de gestation conduites à l’abattoir :
comment promouvoir les diagnostics de gestation ?
Authors: Pergent Philippe , Nouvel Xavier , Picard-Hagen Nicole
Published: July 2024

Une enquête menée sur 2 ans sur les vaches abattues en état gravidique avancé a permis d’analyser les situations et les raisons de leur abattage en dépit de leur état physiologique.

L’objectif de cette analyse est de proposer des protocoles permettant d’empêcher la conduite de femelles à l’abattoir en fin de gestation.

Le transfert de propriété de la vache alors qu’elle est déjà gravide constitue le principal facteur expliquant la perte de commémoratifs. La mésestimation du stade de gestation est l’autre facteur mis en évidence dans cette étude.

Cette méconnaissance de l’état physiologique est liée au faible recours à un diagnostic de gestation “médical”. Cette enquête montre diverses situations qui nécessitent des mesures d’encadrement adaptées à la réalité du terrain.
Schachbasiertes kognitives Training
Authors: Baptist Alexander , Denecke Cord Eike
Published: July 2024

Schach hat viele therapeutische Effekte, es trainiert unter anderem die kognitiven Fähigkeiten. Wie Menschen im psychiatrischen Setting Schach erlernen können und welche Vorteile selbst modellierte Schachfiguren haben, erläutern zwei Arbeitserzieher.
Interkulturelle Kompetenz fördern
Authors: Brazda Sylvia
Published: July 2024

Kulturelle Vielfalt kann Pflegeteams vor herausfordernde Situationen stellen. Um Spannungen und Wertekonflikte zu vermeiden und das gegenseitige Verständnis zu fördern, eignen sich das Eisbergmodell menschlichen Handelns, Kulturdimensionen und interkulturelle Gesprächstechniken.
Effect of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation based on wrist-ankle acupuncture theory for pain relief during colonoscopy without anesthesia: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Huang Xiaonan , Wang Hao , Shi Lei , Xu Lifan , Lv Can , Song Wenjuan , Huang Lele , Yan Feihu , Shi Ping , Cai Mengcheng , Fang Fanfu
Published: July 2024

Background Colonoscopy is essential for diagnosing colorectal diseases but can cause pain during the procedure. This study explored the analgesic effects of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation based on wrist-ankle acupuncture theory (TENS-WAA) in colonoscopy without anesthesia.

Methods This prospective study included 120 participants undergoing colonoscopies without anesthesia. The trial group received low-frequency, high-intensity TENS-WAA adjusted to the maximum tolerable current, while the control group received minimal current. The primary outcome was the retrospective pain score on a visual analog scale (VAS). Secondary outcomes included time, heart rate, and credibility/expectancy questionnaire (CEQ) scores.

Results Participants who received TENS-WAA reported significantly lower pain VAS scores than the control group (estimated median difference –1.1, 95%CI –2 to –0.4; P = 0.002). Male participants in the trial group experienced significantly lower pain scores than the control group (mean difference –1.4, 95%CI –2.41 to –0.39; P = 0.008). The trial group showed significantly less variation in heart rates (P<0.001) and higher CEQ scores (P = 0.001) than the control group. No adverse events were reported.

Conclusion TENS-WAA effectively reduced pain during colonoscopy without anesthesia, especially in male participants, providing a promising noninvasive analgesic method.
Antenatal Screening for Congenital Heart Disease: A Single Center 11-Year Study of the Incidence, Antenatal Detection Rate, and Outcomes of Fetal Cardiac Anomalies
Authors: Clark Eilidh , Palaniappan Nithiya , Clegg Isobel
Published: July 2024

Objectives This article describes the incidence, detection rate, and birth outcomes of congenital heart disease (CHD) within a single center over an 11-year period.

Methods A database of patients diagnosed with CHD on antenatal ultrasound or within 12 months of delivery was collated from January 2010 to December 2020. A retrospective review of records was performed to establish the incidence of CHD and the antenatal detection rate (ADR). A Fisher's exact test was used to investigate the association between the type of CHD, the presence of a genetic abnormality, extracardiac anomalies, and the ADR.

Results The incidence of CHD was 4.3 per 1,000 maternities (n = 161). Fifty-five percent of anomalies were diagnosed antenatally. Twenty-seven percent underwent termination of pregnancy. Seventy-three percent of cases were alive at the end of follow-up. Patients with a major form of CHD were more likely to receive an antenatal diagnosis compared with those with other forms of CHD (64.9% vs. 39.1%, p 0.002). The presence of extracardiac abnormalities was associated with a higher ADR.

Conclusion The incidence of CHD was 4.3 per 1,000 maternities. Most major cardiac anomalies were diagnosed antenatally. Detection rates varied depending on the nature of the lesion and the presence of other congenital anomalies.

Implications for Clinical Practice Cardiac anomalies are the most common form of birth defect. Reported incidence rates lie between 4 and 20 per 1,000 live births. This study describes the incidence, pregnancy outcomes, and ADR of cardiac anomalies within one Scottish health board. It provides insight into the effectiveness of a national screening program in detecting CHD and the factors that influence ADR. Therefore, it can be used to more effectively counsel patients on the strengths and limitations of antenatal ultrasound for detecting CHD.
Normalized solutions for Kirchhoff equation with L2-critical exponents
Authors: Liu Changlin , Lv Ying , Ou Zengqi
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we study the nonexistence and existence of normalized solutions for the nonlinear Kirchhoff-type equation −a+b∫RN|∇u|2dxΔu=λu+|u|p−2u+|u|q−2u in RN with prescribed L2-norm, where N = 1, 2, 3, a, b > 0 are constants, q=2+8N is L2-critical exponent to Kirchhoff-type Equation, and p=2+4N is the L2-critical exponent to the “local” equation.
Deep level traps in (010) β-Ga2O3 epilayers grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition on Sn-doped β-Ga2O3 substrates
Authors: Dawe C. A. , Markevich V. P. , Halsall M. P. , Hawkins I. D. , Peaker A. R. , Nandi A. , Sanyal I. , Kuball M.
Published: July 2024

In this work, conventional deep-level transient spectroscopy (DLTS) and high-resolution Laplace-DLTS (L-DLTS) have been used to characterize deep-level traps in (010) β-Ga2O3 epilayers grown by metal organic chemical vapor deposition on native Sn-doped substrates. Two types of epilayers have been studied, one doped with silicon during growth to about 1.5 × 1017 cm−3 and the other type was unintentionally doped (UID). Electrical measurements were conducted on Au and Pt Schottky barrier diodes. In the Si-doped samples, only one electron trap with emission activation energy of 0.42 eV (E0.42) and concentration of (6–8) × 1013 cm−3 has been detected. In the UID samples, in addition to the E0.42 trap, two other traps with activation energies for electron emission of 0.10 eV (E0.10) and 0.53 eV (E0.53) have been observed. Dependencies of electron emission rate (eem) on the electric field (E) as well as concentration-depth profiles {NT(W)} have been measured and analyzed for the E0.10 and E0.42 traps. The eem(E) dependence for the E0.10 trap is characteristic for a donor energy level, while that for the E0.42 trap indicates an acceptor level. The NT(W) dependencies show non-uniform spatial distributions of both the E0.10 and E0.42 traps in the UID samples, with the concentration of the E0.10 trap dropping from about 1 × 1015 cm−3 at 1.5 μm from the surface to about 2 × 1013 cm−3 at 0.5 μm, which indicates out-diffusion from the substrate or interface into the epilayer as a likely source. The results obtained are compared with the literature, and possible origins of the detected traps are discussed.
Sensing with submarine optical cables
Authors: Mecozzi Antonio
Published: July 2024

In this paper, we establish the theoretical framework for understanding the sensing capabilities of megameter-long submarine optical cables. We show the distinct advantage of polarization over phase in detecting sub-hertz environmental processes. Subsequently, we propose a scheme capable of extracting the spectrum of perturbations affecting a specific section at any position along an optical fiber by detecting the state of polarization of the backreflected light. We discuss two examples of earthquake detection and the detection of sea swells and ocean tides through the analysis of the state of polarization of an optical signal reconstructed by the receiver of a transoceanic cable, obtained from an online database [Z. Zhan, “Curie Data - Zhan et al. (2021)” (2020)]. Finally, we provide the analytical expression for the cross correlation of the polarization perturbations of two wavelength division multiplexed channels and show that the analysis of the polarization correlations between adjacent channels can provide valuable insights into the localization of earthquakes.
Plasma refractive index sensor based on MIM waveguide coupled with analogy T-shaped and double-ring resonators
Authors: Lu Qin , Guo Tianxiang , Wang Meiqi , Huang Junsen , Fu Jiao , Chen Haifeng , Wang Shaoqing , Liu Xiangtai , Jia Yifan , Li Lijun , Zhang Jincheng , Hao Yue
Published: July 2024

A plasma refractive index sensor based on metal–insulator–metal waveguide-coupled analogy T-shaped with double-ring resonators was designed. The transmission characteristics of the waveguide were investigated using the finite-difference time-domain method with perfectly matched layer absorbing boundary conditions. By optimizing the structure parameters, the sensor obtained the maximum sensitivity (S) of 1110 nm/RIU and the maximum figure of merit of 1904. The results demonstrate that this new structure can generate dual Fano resonances and exhibit typical refractive index sensing functionality, which provides valuable insights into the design and optimization of plasma refractive index sensors. Additionally, by measuring the concentration of plasma solution and glucose solution, it has been proven that the structure has the prospect of practical application.
Two liquid states of distinguishable helium-4: The existence of another non-superfluid frozen by heating
Authors: Tsujimoto Momoko , Kinugawa Kenichi
Published: July 2024

We show that two liquid states can exist in distinguishable helium-4 (4He) obeying Boltzmann statistics by path integral centroid molecular dynamics (CMD) simulations. This is an indication of quantum liquid polyamorphism induced by the nuclear quantum effect. For 0.08–3.3 K and 1–500 bar, we extensively conducted the isothermal–isobaric CMD simulations to explore not only possible states and state diagram but also the state characteristics. The distinguishable 4He below 25 bar does not freeze down to 0.1 K even though it includes no Bosonic exchange effect and, therefore, no Bose condensation. One liquid state, low quantum-dispersion liquid (LQDL), is nearly identical to normal liquid He-I of real 4He. The other is high quantum-dispersion liquid (HQDL) consisting of atoms with longer quantum wavelength. This is another non-superfluid existing below 0.5 K or the temperatures of LQDL. The HQDL is also a low-entropy and fragile liquid to exhibit, unlike conventional liquids, rather gas-like relaxation of velocity autocorrelation function, while there the atoms diffuse without noticeable contribution from quantum tunneling. The LQDL–HQDL transition is not a thermodynamic phase transition but a continuous crossover accompanied by the change in the expansion factor of quantum wavelength. Freezing of HQDL into the low quantum-dispersion amorphous solid occurs by heating from 0.2 to 0.3 K at 40–50 bar, while this P-T condition coincides with the Kim–Chan normal–supersolid phase boundary of real 4He. The obtained state diagram was compared to that of the confined subnano-scale 4He systems, where Bosonic correlation is considerably suppressed.
Numerical investigation of performance characteristics in a bearingless direct-drive centrifugal pump under extreme operating conditions
Authors: Xu Enxiang , Lu Jiaxing , Wu Ao , Zhao Ruijie
Published: July 2024

Traditional centrifugal pumps have limitations such as bearing wear and mechanical seal failures resulting from high-speed operations, which lead to a notable reduction in system efficiency. To overcome these limitations, centrifugal pumps driven by bearingless motors are employed. However, the absence of shaft constraints in such setups causes the impeller rotor to experience offset and tilting, thereby affecting pump performance and potentially causing system malfunctions. Thus, the bearingless direct-drive centrifugal pump (BDDCP) characteristics under extreme operating conditions need to be quantitatively analyzed. This study obtained a suitable turbulence model through experiments and subsequently designed three extreme operating conditions: different flow rates, impeller offset positions, and impeller tilt angles. The velocity field, external characteristics, and radial water excitation force were comprehensively analyzed. The results showed that flow changes greatly impact the BDDCP performance, while tilt angle changes slightly impact the BDDCP performance. These results can serve as a reference for subsequent research on BDDCP under extreme operating conditions.
High-frequency microgravity modulation effects on free convection
Authors: Javadi Khodayar , Kazemi Koorosh , Maneshian Behnaz
Published: July 2024

Understanding the interplay between gravity modulation and natural convection is crucial in various fluid dynamic applications. This study investigates the impact of microgravity modulations on free convection within a closed cavity, expanding upon previous research focused on low-frequency oscillations. Employing the Lattice Boltzmann method, we analyze scenarios where oscillation frequencies exceed the system's natural frequency, utilizing fast Fourier transformation to discern dominant oscillation modes. Our examination reveals significant influences of variable gravity on thermal and momentum transport, with inertia and viscosity assuming pivotal roles. As frequency ratios increase, viscous induction effects overshadow force contributions, reshaping flow dynamics. Lower frequencies generate dominant circulations, while higher frequencies manifest as smaller circulations, predominantly affecting heat transfer through conduction. Intriguingly, higher frequencies give rise to longitudinal behaviors, whose occurrences correspond to the frequency ratio. Despite the chaotic flow patterns observed at higher frequencies, heat transfer remains primarily governed by fluid conductivity, underscoring the nuanced interplay between gravity modulation and fluid dynamics. These insights hold implications for optimizing thermal management across diverse applications.
Quantifying phonon and polariton heat conduction along polar dielectric nanofilms
Authors: Guo Yangyu , Ordonez-Miranda Jose , Wu Yunhui , Volz Sebastian
Published: July 2024

The decisive experimental evidence of enhanced heat conduction driven by surface phonon polaritons (SPhPs) has been recently demonstrated along polar nanofilms. However, a proper quantitative interpretation remains to be fully established. In this work, we provide a consistent theoretical explanation of the measured thermal conductivities of polar nanofilms, based on a coupled Boltzmann transport equation and heat diffusion equation for describing the dynamics of SPhPs and phonons, respectively. This formalism enables to separately quantify the SPhP and phonon contributions to the in-plane heat transport and shows the overestimation of the SPhP thermal conductivity predicted by previous empirical model for predominant boundary scattering. This study, thus, promotes the understanding of the observed thermal conductivity enhancement driven by SPhPs, as a novel heat conduction channel for heat dissipation applications in nanoelectronics and optoelectronics.
Aerodynamic characteristics of a square cylinder in streamwise sinusoidal flows
Authors: Wang Xincong , Li Qiusheng , Lu Bin , Han Xuliang
Published: July 2024

The aerodynamic characteristics of a square cylinder in streamwise sinusoidal flows with non-zero mean velocity are investigated numerically by large eddy simulation. The ratio of the inflow frequency fu to the natural Karman vortex shedding frequency fvs varies from 0.125 to 8. The inflow fluctuating intensity varies from 5% to 20%. The aerodynamic forces, pressures, time-averaged flow structures, and flow dynamics are investigated. The results show that the effects of sinusoidal inflow are limited for cases with lower fu within (0.125fvs, fvs) and become pronounced when inflow frequencies are within (fvs, 8fvs). As the inflow frequency increases from fvs to 4 fvs, the recirculation regions on the lateral surface keep shrinking toward the leading edge, resulting in the reattachment of the shear layer on the side surface. The strength of Karman vortex shedding is weakened due to the less intensified shear layer interactions in the wake region, and the Karman vortex shedding intensity attains a minimum in the separated–reattaching flow fields. The variation of flow structures results in a deformation of the surface pressure distribution, with lager negative pressures on the lateral surfaces and a recovery of the negative pressures on the leeward wall. The mean drag and root mean square (r.m.s.) lift forces decrease during this process. As the inflow frequency further increases from 4 fvs to 8 fvs, the shear layers tend to vent again. The Karman vortex shedding intensity, mean drag force, and r.m.s. lift force increase reversely, maintaining a lower level than those in smooth flow. In addition, the r.m.s. drag force is found to be dominated by the inflow-induced pressure gradient in the flow field. The increase in inflow fluctuating intensities magnifies the effects of sinusoidal flows.
The initial measurement of a compact D–T neutron spectrometer based on a single-crystal chemical vapor deposition diamond stack for fusion plasma diagnostic
Authors: Liao L. Y. , Ogawa K. , Sangaroon S. , Paenthong W. , Kusaka S. , Tamaki S. , Murata I. , Isobe M.
Published: July 2024

For developing and characterizing a novel compact D–T neutron spectrometer based on a single-crystal chemical vapor deposition diamond stack for plasma diagnostics toward future D–T fusion reactors, the initial measurement was performed using the accelerator-based D–T neutron sources OKTAVIAN at Osaka University. This neutron spectrometer was designed for the detection of 3–17 MeV neutrons and operated in the proton recoil telescope configuration by installing a polyethylene converter in front of the diamond stack. The measured neutron energy spectra were obtained by summing the energy of the recoil protons deposited in the diamond stack after the coincidence of the recoil protons identified by the time coincidence analysis. The neutron energy peaks measured by the compact D–T neutron spectrometer were almost in agreement with those obtained by the Monte Carlo N-Particle transport (MCNP) simulation. The energy resolution of the compact D–T neutron spectrometer was emulated to be about 4%–5% in D–T neutron measurement. In future work, the design of the compact D–T neutron spectrometer would be optimized to measure the fusion neutron for plasma diagnostics.
Exchange bias in Fe/FeF2 and Fe/MnF2 model systems
Authors: Blachowicz Tomasz , Malczyk Maciej , Ehrmann Andrea , Wortmann Martin
Published: July 2024

The exchange bias (EB) is a unidirectional magnetic anisotropy that is found in structures containing exchange-coupled ferromagnetic/antiferromagnetic interfaces. The EB usually manifests as a horizontal shift of the hysteresis after cooling the system through the Néel temperature of the antiferromagnet in the presence of an external magnetic field. A vertical shift and an asymmetry of the magnetization loop are also possible. At present, the EB is often investigated for its effect on an application in magnetic devices in a variety of material systems and applications. The EB bilayer systems Fe/FeF2 and Fe/MnF2 represent an interesting case of structural similarities. In this paper, we show that differences between magnetic material orders and disorder contributions, found at the microscale, make them model systems for the occurrence of specific magneto-crystalline anisotropies and specific angular dependencies of the EB with significant implications for magneto-electronic applications.
A shale apparent gas diffusion model under the influence of adsorption effects to analyze microscopic gas diffusion behavior
Authors: Song Haosheng , Li Bobo , Ye Pingping , Tang Chenlang , Zeng Xingyi
Published: July 2024

A considerable amount of shale gas is present in an adsorbed state, with the diffusion process, under the influence of adsorption effects, playing a crucial role in the production of shale gas in wells. In this paper, a supercritical adsorption model, including micropore-filling and monolayer adsorption, was first established based on a multiscale pore structure. Furthermore, a shale apparent gas diffusion model, influenced by a real gas effect, multiple adsorption mechanisms, effective stress, adsorption expansion, and temperature, was constructed. The new model has been verified by using isothermal adsorption tests and isobaric diffusion tests in respect of shale. Change mechanisms relating to different types of diffusion coefficients, with respect to temperature and pressure, were also examined. The findings indicated that adsorption effects had certain controlling influence on surface diffusion and total gas diffusion. Moreover, it was thought important that the impact of multiple adsorption mechanisms on the diffusion process should also be considered. The influence of the real gas effect, effective stress, adsorption deformation, and surface diffusion on shale gas diffusion was analyzed. In addition, the scale effect relating to shale gas diffusion was analyzed, from which it was concluded that the diffusion coefficient when cylindrical shale was applied was closer to the environment existing in in situ reservoirs. The results provide new insights into the behaviors of gas diffusion in shale, which is important for gas recovery and production prediction in shale reservoirs.