bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty quantification of collective nuclear observables from the chiral potential parametrization
Authors: Becker Kevin S , Launey Kristina D , Ekström Andreas , Dytrych Tomáš , Langr Daniel , Sargsyan Grigor H , Draayer Jerry P
Published: October 2024

We perform an uncertainty estimate of quadrupole moments and B(E2) transition rates that inform nuclear collectivity. In particular, we study the low-lying states of 6Li and 12C using the ab initio symmetry-adapted no-core–shell model. For a narrow standard deviation of approximately 1% on the low-energy constants which parametrize high-precision chiral potentials, we find output standard deviations in the collective observables ranging from approximately 3%–6%. The results mark the first step towards a rigorous uncertainty quantification of collectivity in nuclei that aims to account for all sources of uncertainty in ab initio descriptions of challenging collective and clustering observables.
Comprehensive device modeling for AlGaN/GaN based Schottky barrier diodes with beveled p-GaN termination to control electric field
Authors: Gao Xuchen , Huang Fuping , Wang Zhizhong , He Jingting , Tian Kangkai , Zhang Yonghui , Chu Chunshuang , Cai Shuting , Sun Xiao Wei , Zhang Zi-Hui
Published: October 2024

In this article, we have systematically investigated the impact of different structural parameters on the electrical characteristics for AlGaN/GaN based Schottky barrier diodes (SBDs) with beveled p-GaN termination by using TCAD simulation tools. The p-GaN termination can decrease the electric field at the Schottky contact region, thereby suppressing the electrical field magnitude in the Schottky contact region. Then, the breakdown voltage can be enhanced without remarkably sacrificing the forward conduction characteristics. However, in spite of the reduced electric field magnitude in the Schottky contact region, the electric field will possess the peak value at the edge of p-GaN termination. Therefore, the premature breakdown can occur when the electric field therein reaches critical value. Hence, we have comprehensively manipulated the electric field distributions by designing different p-GaN terminations and detailed optimization strategy for the AlGaN/GaN based Schottky barrier diodes has been conducted. Moreover, we find that the strong electric field at the p-GaN termination edge can be reduced by using beveled p-GaN termination, which can extend the electric potential into the bulk GaN region. With the developed defected-related physical models, we also find that the p-GaN termination suppress the capture and release process for the carriers by defects, which improves the dynamic characteristics for the proposed devices.
Conceptual model of electrostatic non-ionizing air filter
Authors: Chalin Dmitrii , Rochal Sergei
Published: October 2024

Many infectious diseases such as SARS-CoV-2, rhinovirus, adenovirus, and influenza are transmitted through small respiratory droplets and various filtration systems are used to reduce the risk of airborne infection. Here, we develop a conceptual model of a filter, which is based on the electrostatic deposition of air droplets potentially containing pathogens. Within the model, we explore the effect of polarization of neutral spherical droplets moving in an air flow past cylindrical electrodes. The strength of electric field they produce is low enough to eliminate corona discharge and minimize air ionization, but high enough to capture the droplets. Based on the proposed model, we calculate the filtration efficiency in a quasi-continuous approximation. Also, we conduct numerical simulations of the deposition of respiratory droplets on a compact periodic array of cylindrical electrodes located at the nodes of a square lattice. The droplets with a radius of 10–20 μm pose the greatest threat in spreading the respiratory infections, and as we demonstrate, the proposed system is very effective in capturing droplets of this size, specifically, for a filter element with a width of about 5 mm, the filtration efficiency exceeds 90%.
Fermi acceleration under Lorentz invariance violation
Authors: Duarte Matheus , de Souza Vitor
Published: October 2024

In this paper, the acceleration of particles in astrophysical sources by the Fermi mechanism is revisited under the assumption of Lorentz invariance violation (LIV). We calculate the energy spectrum and the acceleration time of particles leaving the source as a function of the energy beyond which the Lorentz invariance violation becomes relevant. Lorentz invariance violation causes significant changes in the acceleration of particles by the first and second-order Fermi mechanisms. The energy spectrum of particles accelerated by first-order Fermi mechanism under LIV assumption shows a strong suppression for energies above the break. The calculations presented here complete the scenario for LIV searches with astroparticles by showing, for the first time, how the benchmark acceleration mechanisms (Fermi) are modified under LIV assumption.
A test of MOND and emergent gravity with SMACS J0723.3-7327 using eROSITA observations
Authors: Govind Ambica , Desai Shantanu
Published: October 2024

We implement a test of MOND and Verlinde's Emergent Gravity using the galaxy cluster SMACS J0723-7327, which has been recently imaged using the eROSITA X-ray telescope as well as with JWST. We test MOND using two independent methods. The first method involves comparing the dynamical MOND mass and baryonic mass, while the second method entails a comparison of the MOND-estimated temperature with the observed temperature. We then compare the unseen mass predicted by Emergent Gravity with the estimated dark matter mass. We find that MOND shows a mass discrepancy in the central regions at high significance levels. The observed temperature profile is in marginal disagreement with that in the MOND paradigm. However, the Emergent Gravity Theory agrees in accurately accounting for the dynamical mass in the inner regions within 1σ. Our results are qualitatively consistent with the earlier tests on other clusters.
Reconstructing patchy helium reionization using the cosmic microwave background and large-scale structure
Authors: Çalışkan Mesut , Anil Kumar Neha , Hotinli Selim C. , Kamionkowski Marc
Published: October 2024

The intergalactic helium became fully ionized by the end of cosmic noon (z ∼ 2).
Similarly to the reionization of hydrogen, helium reionization is expected to be patchy, driven by luminous quasars that ionize the intergalactic gas in their surrounding environment.
Probing the morphology of ionized electrons during this epoch can provide crucial information about early structure formation, including the clustering and luminosities of quasars, the accretion rates, variability, and lifetimes of active galactic nuclei, as well as the growth and evolution of supermassive black holes.
In this study, we present how measurements of the cosmic microwave background (CMB) can be used to reconstruct the optical-depth fluctuations resulting from patchy helium reionization.
As helium reionization occurred at lower redshifts, upcoming probes of large-scale structure surveys will present a significant opportunity to enhance the prospects of probing this epoch by their combined analysis with the CMB.
Using a joint information-matrix analysis of hydrogen and helium reionization, we show that near-future galaxy and CMB surveys will have enough statistical power to detect optical-depth fluctuations due to doubly-ionized helium, providing a way of measuring the redshift and duration of helium reionization to high significance.
We also show that modeling uncertainties in helium reionization can impact the measurement precision of parameters characterizing hydrogen reionization.
Dark solitons on elliptic function background for the defocusing Hirota equation
Authors: Wang Xin , He Jingsong
Published: October 2024

We investigate dark solitons lying on elliptic function background in the defocusing Hirota equation with third-order dispersion and self-steepening terms. By means of the modified squared wavefunction method, we obtain the Jacobi’s elliptic solution of the defocusing Hirota equation, and solve the related linear matrix eigenvalue problem on elliptic function background. The elliptic N-dark soliton solution in terms of theta functions is constructed by the Darboux transformation and limit technique. The asymptotic dynamical behaviors for the elliptic N-dark soliton solution as t → ± ∞ are studied. Through numerical plots of the elliptic one-, two- and three-dark solitons, the amplification effect on the velocity of elliptic dark solitons, and the compression effect on the soliton spatiotemporal distributions produced by the third-order dispersion and self-steepening terms are discussed.
Capture behavior of self-propelled particles into a hexatic ordering obstacle
Authors: Li 李 Jing-Yi 静怡 , Shi 石 Jin-Lei 金蕾 , Wang 王 Ying-Ying 英英 , Pan 潘 Jun-Xing 俊星 , Zhang 张 Jin-Jun 进军
Published: October 2024

Computer simulations are utilized to investigate the dynamic behavior of self-propelled particles (SPPs) within a complex obstacle environment. The findings reveal that SPPs exhibit three distinct aggregation states within the obstacle, each contingent on specific conditions. A phase diagram outlining the aggregation states concerning self-propulsion conditions is presented. The results illustrate a transition of SPPs from a dispersion state to a transition state as persistence time increases within the obstacle. Conversely, as the driving strength increases, self-propelled particles shift towards a cluster state. A systematic exploration of the interplay between driving strength, persistence time, and matching degree on the dynamic behavior of self-propelled particles is conducted. Furthermore, an analysis is performed on the spatial distribution of SPPs along the y-axis, capture rate, maximum capture probability, and mean-square displacement. The insights gained from this research make valuable contributions to understanding the capture and collection of active particles.
Correlation of microstructure and magnetic softness of Si-microalloying FeNiBCuSi nanocrystalline alloy revealed by nanoindentation
Authors: Wang 汪 Benjun 本军 , Liu 刘 Wenjun 文君 , Liu 刘 Li 莉 , Wang 王 Yu 玉 , Hang 杭 Yu 宇 , Wang 王 Xinyu 新宇 , Shi 施 Mengen 蒙恩 , Feng 冯 Hanchen 汉臣 , Hou 侯 Long 龙 , Yuan 袁 Chenchen 晨晨 , Li 李 Zhong 忠 , Li 李 Weihuo 维火
Published: October 2024

Compared to the commercial soft-magnetic alloys, the high saturation magnetic flux density (B
s) and low coercivity (H
c) of post-developed novel nanocrystalline alloys tend to realize the miniaturization and lightweight of electronic products, thus attracting great attention. In this work, we designed a new FeNiBCuSi formulation with a novel atomic ratio, and the microstructure evolution and magnetic softness were investigated. Microstructure analysis revealed that the amount of Si prompted the differential chemical fluctuations of Cu element, favoring the different nucleation and growth processes of α-Fe nanocrystals. Furthermore, microstructural defects associated with chemical heterogeneities were unveiled using the Maxwell–Voigt model with two Kelvin units and one Maxwell unit based on creeping analysis by nanoindentation. The defect, with a long relaxation time in relaxation spectra, was more likely to induce the formation of crystal nuclei that ultimately evolved into the α-Fe nanocrystals. As a result, Fe84Ni2B12.5Cu1Si0.5 alloy with refined uniform nanocrystalline microstructure exhibited excellent magnetic softness, including a high B
s of 1.79 T and very low H
c of 2.8 A/m. Our finding offers new insight into the influence of activated defects associated with chemical heterogeneities on the microstructures of nanocrystalline alloy with excellent magnetic softness.
Upconversion photoluminescence of Er-doped Bi4Ti3O12 ceramics enhanced by vacancy clusters revealed by positron annihilation spectroscopy
Authors: Cheng 程 Huiru 慧茹 , Li 李 Yuhuan 钰环 , Pan 潘 Ziwen 子文 , Liu 刘 Jiandang 建党 , Ye 叶 Bangjiao 邦角
Published: October 2024

Doping of rare earth elements into Bi4Ti3O12 can significantly enhance the upconversion photoluminescence (UCPL) properties, but its structure–property relationship is still unclear. In this work, Er-doped bismuth titanate Bi4−x
Er
x
Ti3O12 (x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5) ceramics were synthesized via solid-state reaction method. The x-ray diffraction analysis confirmed the orthorhombic crystalline structure of the Bi4−x
Er
x
Ti3O12 ceramics without any secondary phases. Experiments and calculations of positron annihilation spectroscopy were carried out to characterize their defect structure. The comparison between the experimental and calculated lifetime revealed that vacancy clusters were the main defects in the ceramics. The increase of the intensity of the second positron lifetime component (I
2) of Bi3.5Er0.5Ti3O12 ceramics indicated the presence of a high concentration of vacancy clusters. The UCPL spectra showed the sudden enhanced UCPL performance in Bi3.7Er0.3Ti3O12 and Bi3.5Er0.5Ti3O12 ceramics, which were consistent with the variation of the second positron lifetime component (I
2). These results indicate that the enhanced UCPL properties are influenced not only by the concentrations of rare earth ions but also by the concentration of vacancy clusters present within the ceramics.
Molecular beam epitaxial growth and physical properties of AlN/GaN superlattices with an average 50% Al composition
Authors: Li 李 Siqi 思琦 , Shao 邵 Pengfei 鹏飞 , Liang 梁 Xiao 潇 , Chen 陈 Songlin 松林 , Li 李 Zhenhua 振华 , Su 苏 Xujun 旭军 , Tao 陶 Tao 涛 , Xie 谢 Zili 自力 , Liu 刘 Bin 斌 , Ajmal Khan M. , Wang Li , Lin T. T. , Hirayama Hideki , Zhang 张 Rong 荣 , Wang 王 Ke 科
Published: October 2024

We report molecular beam epitaxial growth and electrical and ultraviolet light emitting properties of (AlN)m/(GaN)n superlattices (SLs), where m and n represent the numbers of monolayers. Clear satellite peaks observed in XRD 2θ–ω scans and TEM images evidence the formation of clear periodicity and atomically sharp interfaces. For (AlN)m/(GaN)n SLs with an average Al composition of 50%, we have obtained an electron density up to 4.48 × 1019 cm−3 and a resistivity of 0.002 Ω⋅cm, and a hole density of 1.83 × 1018 cm−3 with a resistivity of 3.722 Ω⋅cm, both at room temperature. Furthermore, the (AlN)m/(GaN)n SLs exhibit a blue shift for their photoluminescence peaks, from 403 nm to 318 nm as GaN is reduced from n = 11 to n = 4 MLs, reaching the challenging UVB wavelength range. The results demonstrate that the (AlN)m/(GaN)n SLs have the potential to enhance the conductivity and avoid the usual random alloy scattering of the high-Al-composition ternary AlGaN, making them promising functional components in both UVB emitter and AlGaN channel high electron mobility transistor applications.
Nonlinear enhanced mass sensor based on optomechanical system
Authors: Man 满 Xin-Xin 鑫鑫 , Sun 孙 Jing 静 , Zhang 张 Wen-Zhao 闻钊 , Luo 罗 Lijuan 丽娟 , Jin 金 Guangri 光日
Published: October 2024

A high-precision and tunable mass detection scheme based on a double-oscillator optomechanical system is proposed. By designating one of the oscillators as the detection port, tiny mass signals can be probed through the frequency shift of the output spectrum, utilizing the system’s optomechanically induced transparency (OMIT) effect. By solving the output of the optical mode, we demonstrate that the system exhibits two OMIT windows due to the double-oscillator coupling, with one window being strongly dependent on the mass to be detected. Characterizing the spectrum around this window enables high magnification and precise detection of the input signal under nonlinear parameter conditions. Additionally, our scheme shows resilience to environmental temperature variations and drive strength perturbations.
Apparatus for producing single strontium atoms in an optical tweezer array
Authors: Wen 文 Kai 凯 , Chen 陈 Huijin 辉锦 , Yan 颜 Xu 煦 , Ren 任 Zejian 泽剑 , He 何 Chengdong 成东 , Hajiyev Elnur , Fung Wong 黄 Preston Tsz 梓峰 , Jo Gyu-Boong
Published: October 2024

We outline an experimental setup for efficiently preparing a tweezer array of 88Sr atoms. Our setup uses permanent magnets to maintain a steady-state two-dimensional magneto-optical trap (MOT) which results in a loading rate of up to 108 s−1 at 5 mK for the three-dimensional blue MOT. This enables us to trap 2 × 106
88Sr atoms at 2 μK in a narrow-line red MOT with the 1S0 → 3P1 intercombination transition at 689 nm. With the Sisyphus cooling and pairwise loss processes, single atoms are trapped and imaged in 813 nm optical tweezers, exhibiting a lifetime of 2.5 min. We further investigate the survival fraction of a single atom in the tweezers and characterize the optical tweezer array using a release and recapture technique. Our experimental setup serves as an excellent reference for those engaged in experiments involving optical tweezer arrays, cold atom systems, and similar research.
Global motor dynamics - Invariant neural representations of motor behavior in distributed brain-wide recordings
Authors: Ottenhoff Maarten C , Verwoert Maxime , Goulis Sophocles , Wagner Louis , van Dijk Johannes P , Kubben Pieter L , Herff Christian
Published: October 2024

Objective

. Motor-related neural activity is more widespread than previously thought, as pervasive brain-wide neural correlates of motor behavior have been reported in various animal species. Brain-wide movement-related neural activity have been observed in individual brain areas in humans as well, but it is unknown to what extent global patterns exist.
Approach.
Here, we use a decoding approach to capture and characterize brain-wide neural correlates of movement. We recorded invasive electrophysiological data from stereotactic electroencephalographic electrodes implanted in eight epilepsy patients who performed both an executed and imagined grasping task. Combined, these electrodes cover the whole brain, including deeper structures such as the hippocampus, insula and basal ganglia. We extract a low-dimensional representation and classify movement from rest trials using a Riemannian decoder.
Main results

. We reveal global neural dynamics that are predictive across tasks and participants. Using an ablation analysis, we demonstrate that these dynamics remain remarkably stable under loss of information. Similarly, the dynamics remain stable across participants, as we were able to predict movement across participants using transfer learning.
Significance

. Our results show that decodable global motor-related neural dynamics exist within a low-dimensional space. The dynamics are predictive of movement, nearly brain-wide and present in all our participants. The results broaden the scope to brain-wide investigations, and may allow combining datasets of multiple participants with varying electrode locations or calibrationless neural decoder.
Polylysine in biomedical applications: from composites to breakthroughs
Authors: Deepak A , Hilaj Erina , Singh Manisha , Manjunath C , Rayshan Ahmed Raheem , Sharma Manish , Nainwal Pankaj , Kumar Ambati Vijay , Choudhary Alka N
Published: October 2024

Polylysine-based composites have emerged as promising materials in biomedical applications due to their versatility, biocompatibility, and tunable properties. In drug delivery, polylysine-based composites furnish a novel platform for targeted and controlled release of therapeutic agents. Their high loading capacity and capability to encapsulate diverse drugs make them ideal candidates for addressing challenges such as drug stability and controlled release kinetics. Additionally, their biocompatibility ensures minimal cytotoxicity, which is vital for biomedical applications. They also hold substantial potential in tissue engineering by providing a scaffold with tunable mechanical characteristics and surface properties and can support cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Furthermore, their bioactive nature facilitates cellular interactions, promoting tissue regeneration and integration. Wound healing is another area where polylysine-based composites show promise. Their antimicrobial properties help prevent infections, while their ability to foster cell migration and proliferation accelerates the wound healing procedure. Incorporation of growth factors or other bioactive molecules further enhances their therapeutic effectiveness. In biosensing applications, they serve as robust substrates for immobilizing biomolecules and sensing elements. Their high surface area-to-volume ratio and excellent biocompatibility improve sensor sensitivity and selectivity, enabling accurate detection of biomarkers or analytes in biological samples. Polylysine-based composites offer potential as contrast agents in bioimaging, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases. Overall, polylysine-based composites represent a versatile platform with diverse applications in biomedical research and clinical practice, holding great promise for addressing various healthcare challenges.
Estimating transpiration globally by integrating the Priestley-Taylor model with neural networks
Authors: Hannemann Marco , García-García Almudena , Poyatos Rafael , Mahecha Miguel D , Peng Jian
Published: October 2024

Transpiration (T), the component of evapotranspiration (ET) controlled by the vegetation, dominates terrestrial ET in many ecosystems; however, estimating it accurately, especially at the global scale, remains a considerable challenge. Existing approaches mostly rely on the relationship between T and photosynthesis, but untangling this relationship is difficult and leads to diverging T estimates. Limited in-situ measurements and the inability to directly measure transpiration from space further complicate the reliable assessment of this crucial process in the terrestrial water cycle. Here, we developed a new hybrid Priestley–Taylor (PT) model combined with an Artificial Neural Network (ANN) using globally available remote sensing and reanalysis data of soil moisture, vapor pressure deficit and windspeed. We also take advantage of the newly released global sap flow measurement network SAPFLUXNET. In the proposed approach, we avoid the parameterization of stomatal conductance by training the ANN on the PT-Coefficient α, obtained by inverting the PT equation. The results showed that our model framework can estimate T in different forest ecosystems based on few predictors. By utilizing forcings from independent datasets, we eliminate the reliance on in-situ measurements for predicting T. Through upscaling actual observations to a larger scale, this model framework helps alleviate the scarcity of T products. Intercomparison of T with ET partitioning methods based on eddy covariance data, shows high performances (KGE of 0.69 in Europe and 0.60 in North America), slightly improving estimates compared to other models. Analysis of contribution of T to ET across 100 FLUXNET sites result in a global mean of 55.2%. We believe that modelling T independent from the carbon cycle can support our understanding of land-atmosphere feedbacks and climate extremes in future research.
Seasonal variability in the global relevance of mountains to satisfy lowland water demand
Authors: Hanus Sarah , Burek Peter , Smilovic Mikhail , Seibert Jan , Viviroli Daniel
Published: October 2024

Mountain areas play a vital role in global water resources as they often generate disproportionally high runoff and seasonally delay runoff due to storage as snow and ice. Water originating from mountains is used to satisfy human water demand further downstream in the lowlands of the corresponding river basins. Although the relevance of mountains for water supply is widely acknowledged, our current quantitative knowledge of their relevance for human water use on a global scale remains limited to decadal averages. As both water demand and mountain water supply have a strong seasonality, it is crucial to assess the global relevance of mountain areas beyond the annual time scale. To this end, we examined the share of lowland surface water abstraction (LSWA) stemming from mountain runoff in all river basins larger than 10 000 km2 globally from 1990 to 2019, focusing on the intra-annual variability. We distinguished between essential runoff contributions from low and high mountains and potential mountain runoff contributions to LSWA. Essential mountain contributions are defined as the share of water abstractions in the lowlands that can solely be satisfied by mountain runoff, whereas potential mountain contributions are the share that can originate from the mountains but does not necessarily have to. Our results confirm a strong spatial heterogeneity in the contribution of mountain runoff to LSWA. Globally, 15% of annual LSWA can solely be satisfied by mountain runoff, with monthly variations between 9% and 23%, highlighting the strong seasonality in the reliance on mountain runoff for lowland water use. The share of potential mountain contributions is much higher (51% annually). Slightly less than half of the essential mountain contributions to LSWA are sourced from high mountains. This shows the disproportional relevance of these regions, constituting only around one-third of the total mountain area. Furthermore, our results show an increasing dependence of lowlands on mountain runoff contributions.
The distribution of environmental pressures from global dietary shift
Authors: DeCesaro Joseph M , Allison Edward H , Clawson Gage , Frazier Melanie , Gephart Jessica A , Hicks Christina C , Nash Kirsty L , Williams David R , Halpern Benjamin S
Published: October 2024

The production and consumption of food is one of the main drivers of environmental change globally. Meanwhile, many populations remain malnourished due to insufficient or unhealthy diets. Increasingly, dietary shifts are proposed as a means to address both environmental and health concerns. We have a limited understanding of how dietary shifts could alter where food is produced and consumed and how these changes would affect the distribution of environmental pressures both globally and across different groups of people. Here we combine new food flow data linking producing to consuming country with environmental pressures to estimate how a global shift to each of four diets (Indian, EAT-Lancet, Mediterranean, and mean Food Based Dietary Guidelines (FBDGs)) could affect environmental pressures at the global, country income group, and country level. Globally, cumulative pressures decrease under the Indian, EAT-Lancet, and Mediterranean scenarios and increase under FBDGs. On average, low income countries increase their cumulative consumption and production pressures while high income countries decrease their consumption pressures, and typically decrease their production pressures. Increases in low income countries are likely due to the nutritional inadequacy of current diets and the corresponding increases in consumption quantities with a shift to our diet scenarios. Despite these increases, we believe that three out four of our simulated dietary shifts can be seen as a net benefit by decreasing global pressures while low income countries increase pressures to adequately feed their populations. Additionally, considering principles of fairness applied, some nations are more responsible for causing historical environmental pressures and should shoulder more of the change. To facilitate more equitable shifts in global diets, resources, capacity, and knowledge sharing of sustainable agricultural practices are critical to minimize the increases in pressures that low income countries would incur to adequately feed their populations.
Fabrication and electrical properties of flexible polymer-based MIM capacitors of high-k nanolaminate dielectrics of HfO2–SnO2–TiO2 with ultrathin Al2O3 insertion layer by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition
Authors: Zhang Chu-Yi , Wang Chen , Gao Li , Fang Chang , Zhu Lin , Li Wei-Min , Wu Di , Li Ai-Dong
Published: October 2024

Flexible metal–insulator–metal (MIM) capacitors of high-k nanolaminate HfO2–SnO2–TiO2 thin films were fabricated on several polymer substrates of polyethylene terephthalate, polyimide and epoxy resin at 80 °C by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. The electrical properties were optimized by adjusting the sub-cycle ratio of Hf: Sn: Ti to 6: 5: 4. In order to reduce the leakage current density of flexible capacitors, the ultrathin Al2O3 layer varying from 0.5 to 1.5 nm was inserted to form Al2O3/HfO2–SnO2–TiO2/Al2O3 stacking capacitors. The effect of the Al2O3 insertion layer thickness and the super-cycle number of HfO2–SnO2–TiO2 on the capacitance density, leakage, and quadratic voltage linearity was investigated. Under optimal processing, flexible MIM capacitors could stand 40 000 bending cycles at curvature radius of 8.2 mm, indicative of better electrical stability. Moreover, compared with the polymer-based HfO2–SnO2–TiO2 capacitors, the introduction of 1 nm Al2O3 ultrathin layer greatly decreases the leakage current density by 4 orders of magnitude (10−8 A cm−2) with relative lower voltage linearity (350–540 ppm V−2), but the capacitance density also declines (∼3 fF μm−2) simultaneously. Despite this, the method of inserting Al2O3 ultra-thin layer is still an effective method to improve the electrical performances of polymer-based HfO2–SnO2–TiO2 nanolaminate capacitors for flexible electronics.
A nonlinear least-squares convexity enforcing 𝐶⁰ interior penalty method for the Monge–Ampère equation on strictly convex smooth planar domains
Authors: Brenner Susanne , Sung Li-yeng , Tan Zhiyu , Zhang Hongchao
Published: October 2024

We construct a nonlinear least-squares finite element method for computing the smooth convex solutions of the Dirichlet boundary value problem of the Monge-Ampère equation on strictly convex smooth domains in

R

2

{\mathbb {R}}^2

. It is based on an isoparametric

C
0

C^0

finite element space with exotic degrees of freedom that can enforce the convexity of the approximate solutions. A priori and a posteriori error estimates together with corroborating numerical results are presented.
Algebra and geometry of camera resectioning
Authors: Connelly Erin , Duff Timothy , Loucks-Tavitas Jessie
Published: October 2024

We study algebraic varieties associated with the camera resectioning problem. We characterize these resectioning varieties’ multigraded vanishing ideals using Gröbner basis techniques. As an application, we derive and re-interpret celebrated results in geometric computer vision related to camera-point duality. We also clarify some relationships between the classical problems of optimal resectioning and triangulation, state a conjectural formula for the Euclidean distance degree of the resectioning variety, and discuss how this conjecture relates to the recently-resolved multiview conjecture.
Erasing women from the Frankenstein culture-text: adapting Elizabeth Lavenza and Justine Moritz
Authors: Wotherspoon Emily
Published: October 2024

The Frankenstein culture-text has been dominated by adaptations of Frankenstein’s women in line with the presumption of heterosexuality. This means that the women of Frankenstein are typically adapted in ways which refocus their character’s narrative around their romantic relationships, usually with Victor. Alternatively, they are completely cut from the narrative, despite being narratively significant in the source text. This results in a silence in the culture-text about the presence of women in this story. Addressing this cultural silence requires not only feminist adaptation practice in the effort to make space for these women in future adaptations but a necessarily queer practice which resists the presumption of heterosexuality.
The Offences of the Imagination: The Grotesque in Kant’s Aesthetics
Authors: de Almeida Rodrigues Beatriz
Published: October 2024

In the Critique of the Power of Judgement, Kant claims that ‘the English taste in gardens or the baroque taste in furniture pushes the freedom of the imagination almost to the point of the grotesque’ (KU 5:242). This paper attempts to reconstruct Kant’s views on the grotesque as a theoretical foundation for the modern conception of the grotesque as a negative aesthetic category. The first section of the paper considers and ultimately rejects the interpretation of the grotesque as a difficult kind of beauty. The second section contrasts the experience of the grotesque with similar experiences of sublimity and dreams. The third section examines the discord between faculties underlying the experience of the grotesque, defining the grotesque as a subclass of ugliness and addressing potential objections to its inclusion in Kant’s aesthetics. The fourth and final section briefly discusses the specificity of the grotesque as a subclass of ugliness.
Socioeconomic inequities in alcohol-attributable mortality by sex/gender and age in Canada: A 13-year population-representative cohort study
Authors: Andreacchi Alessandra T , Hobin Erin , Siddiqi Arjumand , Smith Brendan T
Published: October 2024

Individuals with low socioeconomic position (SEP) experience greater rates of alcohol-attributable mortality, contributing to health inequities in mortality and life expectancy. We examined the association between SEP and alcohol-attributable mortality by sex/gender and age in Canada. Census records from the 2006 Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohort (ages 12+; n=5,038,790) were linked to mortality data from 2006-2019. SEP was measured by educational attainment and household income. Poisson and Fine and Gray sub-distribution hazard models estimated rate differences (RD) per 100,000 person-years and hazard ratios (HR). Both educational attainment and household income were inversely associated with alcohol-attributable mortality. Absolute SEP inequities were greater among men than women, with a RD of 30.81 (95% CI: 28.04, 33.57) for men and 9.86 (95% CI: 8.49, 11.22) for women when comparing the lowest to the highest income quintile. Age-stratified analyses showed absolute SEP inequities were most pronounced in middle and older adulthood, above age 30 for women and age 50 for men, with smaller RDs in ages 12-29. Relative SEP inequities were similar in women and men, with greater HRs at younger ages. Public health policies addressing social determinants and population-level alcohol policies should consider patterning of SEP inequities by sex/gender and age group.
School-Level Data on COVID-19 Cases, Quarantines, and Student Absenteeism During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Understanding Missingness
Authors: Pampati Sanjana , Timpe Zach , Rasberry Catherine , Waller Lance A , Lopman Benjamin , Stuart Elizabeth A , Guest Jodie L , Barrios Lisa C , Jones Jeb
Published: October 2024

This study aims to understand availability of school-based infectious disease surveillance data (e.g., COVID-19 cases, student absences) based on experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic using a national sample of public K–12 schools (n = 1,602). Based on surveys administered to school administrators throughout the 2021–2022 school year, we found high levels of missingness data for school-level COVID-19 cases, quarantines, and student absenteeism, increasing missingness over time, and variations in missingness by school characteristics (e.g., school size) and protocols (e.g., having a school-based system to report at-home COVID-19 tests). For the same sample of schools, using data requests to health departments, we found similarly high levels of missingness of school-level COVID-19 case data and varying approaches in data collection. Developing nationally standardized case definitions—and systems to surveil or collect and monitor school-based infectious disease outcomes early in a public health emergency—may be helpful in producing actionable data.
Association Between Rapid Opioid Reduction or Discontinuation and Self-Harm, Suicide Attempt, and Suicide Death Among High-Dose Long-Term Opioid Therapy Patients in North Carolina, 2006-2018
Authors: Alam Ishrat Z , DiPrete Bethany L , Pence Brian W , Planey Arrianna Marie , Marshall Stephen W , Fulcher Naoko , Ranapurwala Shabbar I
Published: October 2024

We examined the association between rapid opioid reduction or discontinuation and self-harm, suicide attempt, and suicide death among high-dose long-term opioid therapy (HD-LTOT) patient and examined effect measure modification by individual and neighborhood-level characteristics. Using private insurance data from North Carolina, this retrospective cohort study covered January 2006 to September 2018, with up to four years of follow-up. Participants included patients aged 18-64 years who were prescribed HD-LTOT. Time-varying exposure was ever exposed to rapid opioid reduction or discontinuation vs never exposed. The outcomes were self-harm or suicide attempt, suicide death, and the combined outcome. We estimated cumulative incidence and used Fine-Gray models to estimate sub-distribution hazard ratios (HRs). There were 21,450 HD-LTOT patients. In year 1, rapid opioid reduction or discontinuation was not associated with the combined outcome, HR: 1.09 (95% CI: 0.61-1.96). However, in years 2-4, rapid opioid reduction or discontinuation was associated with higher hazard of the combined outcome, HR: 2.77 (95% CI: 1.45-5.27). This association was stronger among patients with mental health conditions and those residing in underserved neighborhoods. These findings underscore the importance of provider training in adhering to guideline-concordant gradual tapering, offering mental health support, and ensuring patient safety throughout the tapering process.
Neuromuscular monitoring: A tutorial for pharmacists
Authors: Linn Dustin D , Renew J Ross
Published: October 2024

Purpose

To describe neuromuscular monitoring modalities and highlight the importance of neuromuscular monitoring to clinical pharmacy practice.

A growing body of literature and clinical practice guidelines have highlighted the importance of neuromuscular monitoring practices to ensure patient safety during surgery and in the intensive care unit. Understanding neuromuscular monitoring modalities can allow pharmacists to enhance participation in institutional discussions and optimization of neuromuscular blocker administration and reversal practices. We have described the various modalities of neuromuscular monitoring and considerations for using different modalities.

Conclusion

Neuromuscular monitoring should be performed whenever neuromuscular blocking agents are administered. This practice represents an evidence-based approach to minimizing the occurrence of residual neuromuscular blockade and its associated complications.
Dual prostacyclin infusions: A case report of a patient symptom–driven transition from high-dose intravenous epoprostenol to subcutaneous treprostinil for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Stone Jessica N , Kuebel Dalton J , Guido Maria R , Elwing Jean M , Jose Arun
Published: October 2024

Purpose

A case of successful transition from high-dose epoprostenol to high-dose subcutaneous treprostinil for treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is reported.

PAH is a chronically progressive disease characterized by pulmonary artery luminal narrowing that causes increased pulmonary artery pressures leading to right ventricular failure. Parenteral prostacyclin analogues, such as epoprostenol and treprostinil, are direct vasodilators and are cornerstones of therapy for patients with severe disease that have been proven to reduce mortality and increase exercise tolerance. These agents must be administered continuously via intravenous or subcutaneous devices and are high-risk medications due to their potent vasodilatory actions. Chronic use of these medications requires constant attention from both providers and patients because of potential complications including central venous catheter infection, thromboembolism, therapy interruptions, and other undesirable consequences. This case report describes management of a 35-year-old male patient on high-dose outpatient intravenous epoprostenol (101 ng/kg/min; dosing weight, 47 kg) for treatment of PAH who was admitted to the hospital with a malfunctioning central venous catheter. Surrounding manipulation of the central catheter, the patient experienced an ischemic stroke that led to cognitive disability resulting in a lack of ability to manage his previously used home infusion device. The patient was successfully transitioned from intravenous epoprostenol to subcutaneous treprostinil (discharge dose, 200 ng/kg/min) over 5 days by infusing both medications simultaneously and adjusting doses based upon patient-reported symptoms.

Conclusion

This successful transition from high-dose epoprostenol to high-dose subcutaneous treprostinil demonstrates the importance in considering patient-specific factors during high-risk medication transitions, the value of a patient-directed flexible prostacyclin transition plan, and the benefit of institutional training and education in ensuring the safe use of parenteral prostacyclin analogues.
A note on e-values and multiple testing
Authors: Li Guanxun , Zhang Xianyang
Published: October 2024

We discover a connection between the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure and the e-Benjamini–Hochberg procedure (Wang & Ramdas, 2022) with a suitably defined set of e-values. This insight extends to Storey’s procedure and generalized versions of the Benjamini–Hochberg procedure and the model-free multiple testing procedure of Barber & Candés (2015) with a general form of rejection rules. We further summarize these findings in a unified form. These connections open up new possibilities for designing multiple testing procedures in various contexts by aggregating e-values from different procedures or assembling e-values from different data subsets.
Cluster analysis identifies long COVID subtypes in Belgian patients
Authors: Mfouth Kemajou Pamela , Besse-Hammer Tatiana , Lebouc Claire , Coppieters Yves
Published: October 2024

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus infection presents complications known as long COVID, a multisystemic organ disease which allows multidimensional analysis. This study aims to uncover clusters of long COVID cases and establish their correlation with the clinical classification developed at the Clinical Research Unit of Brugmann University Hospital, Brussels. Such an endeavour is instrumental in customizing patient management strategies tailored to the unique needs of each distinct group. A two-stage multidimensional exploratory analysis was performed on a retrospective cohort of 205 long COVID patients, involving a factorial analysis of mixed data, and then hierarchical clustering post component analysis. The study's sample comprised 76% women, with an average age of 44.5 years. Three clinical forms were identified: long, persistent, and post-viral syndrome. Multidimensional analysis using demographic, clinical, and biological variables identified three clusters of patients. Biological data did not provide sufficient differentiation between clusters. This emphasizes the importance of identifying or classifying long COVID patients according to their predominant clinical syndrome. Long COVID phenotypes, as well as clinical forms, appear to be associated with distinct pathophysiological mechanisms or genetic predispositions. This underscores the need for further research.
Radiomic analysis of cohort-specific diagnostic errors in reading dense mammograms using artificial intelligence
Authors: Tao Xuetong , Gandomkar Ziba , Li Tong , Brennan Patrick C , Reed Warren M
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This study aims to investigate radiologists’ interpretation errors when reading dense screening mammograms using a radiomics-based artificial intelligence approach.

Methods

Thirty-six radiologists from China and Australia read 60 dense mammograms. For each cohort, we identified normal areas that looked suspicious of cancer and the malignant areas containing cancers. Then radiomic features were extracted from these identified areas and random forest models were trained to recognize the areas that were most frequently linked to diagnostic errors within each cohort. The performance of the model and discriminatory power of significant radiomic features were assessed.

Results

We found that in the Chinese cohort, the AUC values for predicting false positives were 0.864 (CC) and 0.829 (MLO), while in the Australian cohort, they were 0.652 (CC) and 0.747 (MLO). For false negatives, the AUC values in the Chinese cohort were 0.677 (CC) and 0.673 (MLO), and in the Australian cohort, they were 0.600 (CC) and 0.505 (MLO). In both cohorts, regions with higher Gabor and maximum response filter outputs were more prone to false positives, while areas with significant intensity changes and coarse textures were more likely to yield false negatives.

Conclusions

This cohort-based pipeline proves effective in identifying common errors for specific reader cohorts based on image-derived radiomic features.

Advances in knowledge

This study demonstrates that radiomics-based AI can effectively identify and predict radiologists' interpretation errors in dense mammograms, with distinct radiomic features linked to false positives and false negatives in Chinese and Australian cohorts.
Evolving SPECT-CT technology
Authors: Willowson Kathy P , Bailey Dale L
Published: October 2024

Both hardware and software developments have seen single photon emission CT (SPECT)/X-ray CT technology grow at a rapid rate. Such growth has been fuelled by the need for clinical applications and has provided inspiration for clinical developments, particularly with the expanding role of theranostics. Developments such as whole-body quantitative reconstructions, digital detectors, and recent multidetector 3D geometry have allowed SPECT to become comparable to PET on a number of fronts, with a particularly powerful role in biodistribution and dosimetry studies for both planning and evaluating radionuclide therapy. Whilst there remain fundamental challenges for SPECT such the limited spatial resolution and sensitivity, the unique opportunity to image long-lived radioisotopes and simultaneous multi-tracer studies, together with easily accessible equipment, makes SPECT/CT a valuable clinical asset. This review discusses developments in SPECT/CT technology and their clinical impact.
Opportunities and limits of image-based plant stress phenotyping: detecting plant salt stress status using machine learning techniques
Authors: Del Cioppo Giorgia , Scalabrino Simone , Scippa Gabriella Stefania , Trupiano Dalila
Published: October 2024

Plant stress phenotyping is a useful tool to facilitate targeted interventions and optimize management practices of plants growing in stressful conditions. However, various technical challenges still need to be overcome, though, and there is a clear need for investigating functional traits that can be used as a proxy for stress prediction, especially for abiotic stresses. This experimental work leveraged machine learning classification models to detect salt stress in two populations of a non-model species, combining image-based approaches (i.e. both manual and automated) and minimal morpho-physiological/biochemical analyses. A small set of specific features, combining malondialdehyde content with other non-destructive image-derived traits, such as Chroma Difference and Chroma Ratio indices, was able to distinguish non-stressed from stressed plants (2-class model; precision: 0.91) as well as stress intensity (3-class model; precision: 0.84). This flexible approach can be adapted to different plant developmental stages and leaf shape/morphology. In the future, the robustness and reliability of the models should be tested in other species and other abiotic stresses, such as drought.