bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal flow stability of a Francis turbine under wide load operating range
Authors: Wang Haiqi , Pang Jiayang , Lai Zhenming , Gan Longchao , Huang Dong , Hua Hong , Yu Zhishun , Liu Xiaobing
Published: February 2025

Modern power systems, energy sources, often necessitate that hydropower turbines function across a broad load range. This requirement presents significant challenges to the stable operation of turbines designed based on rated operating parameters. This study utilizes numerical simulations and experimental tests to investigate the flow characteristics, pressure pulsation, and vibration of a Francis turbine in a hydropower station within a hydro-photovoltaic hybrid system under varying load conditions. The findings indicate that with a rated head of 132 m, an intermediate head of 145 m, and a maximum head of 156.5 m, the internal flow pattern of the turbine becomes chaotic when the opening degree is between 20% and 40%. In contrast, when the opening degree ranges from 70% to 100%, the extent of eddy currents around the runner blades decreases, leading to a more stable flow pattern. Severe cavitation of the runner blades occurs at 20% opening when the water head is between 132 and 145 m. However, at a water head of 156.5 m, only minor cavitation is observed at the runner's inlet edge. As the guide vane opening increases, the primary cavitation zone shifts from the interior of the runner to the lower end of the discharge cone. Pressure pulsation and vibration tests suggest that operation should be minimized in the 55% to 70% opening range when the rated head is 132 m. To maintain efficient and stable operation of the power station unit, it is recommended that operating conditions be maintained within the 70% to 80% opening range. These findings offer a technical support and a theoretical framework for expanding the stable operation range of hydraulic turbines.
Heat transfer mechanism and influence factors in supercritical CO2 jet impingement cooling under unconventional physical property changes
Authors: Zhao Yatian , Zhao Hongyue , He Kai , Qi Xiaowei , Zeng Xianda , Liu Hongkang
Published: February 2025

The unconventional physical property variations of supercritical carbon dioxide (S-CO2) near the pseudocritical point present challenges in understanding the heat transfer mechanisms and heat transfer influencing factors when applying S-CO2 to jet impingement cooling. Therefore, a numerical model of CO2 jet impingement cooling in different phase states is established, considering the non-equilibrium phase change of CO2 and actual thermophysical properties while accounting for fluid-solid coupling heat transfer. This study examines the influence of high heat flux and various jet inlet conditions on the cooling performance of S-CO2 jets. In addition, the cooling effectiveness of sub-critical CO2 jet impingement is compared with that of S-CO2 jet impingement. This study found that S-CO2 exhibits significantly superior cooling performance compared to sub-critical CO2, with an increase in the average heat transfer coefficient of approximately 45%–50%. When the jet inlet temperature of S-CO2 is below the pseudo-critical temperature, the heat transfer coefficient is approximately 15%–20% higher than when it exceeds the pseudo-critical temperature. This enhancement is attributed to increased heat transfer capacity due to the large specific heat layer at the chip surface. Furthermore, S-CO2 jet cooling does not experience a critical heat flux (CHF) phenomenon, providing an advantage in high heat flux density cooling surfaces. In addition, it is found that once the jet inlet pressure increases to supercritical levels, the effect of further pressure increases on heat transfer becomes minimal. The results can provide references for the design of cooling systems in high-power electronic devices using S-CO2.
Modeling the dynamics of circulating tumor cell clusters inside a microfluidic channel
Authors: Ezeobidi Emmanuel I. , Truszkowska Agnieszka
Published: February 2025

Circulating tumor cells are central to metastasis, a particularly malign spread of cancer beyond its original location. While rare, there is growing evidence that the clusters of circulating tumor cells are significantly more harmful than individual cells. Microfluidic platforms constitute the core of circulating tumor cell cluster research, allowing cluster detection, analysis, and treatment. In this work, we propose a new mathematical model of circulating tumor cell clusters and apply it to simulate the dynamics of the aggregates inside a microfluidic channel with the external flow of a fluid. We leverage our previous model of the interactions of circulating tumor cells with varying clustering affinities and introduce explicit bonds between the cells that makeup a cluster. We show that the bonds have a visible impact on the cluster dynamics and that they enable the reproduction of known cluster flow and deformation patterns. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the dynamics of these aggregates are sensitive to bond properties, as well as initialization and flow conditions. We believe that our modeling framework represents a valuable mesoscopic formulation with an impact beyond circulating tumor cell clusters, as cell aggregates are common in both nature and applications.
Approximate entropy identification of flow unsteadiness and surge precursor in both subsonic centrifugal and axial compressors
Authors: Zhao Ben , Li Bingjie , Cui Weiwei , Huang Chen , Zhou Teng
Published: February 2025

Surge poses a significant challenge to the safe operation of compressors. Identifying surge precursors is a valuable approach for surge warning and has been extensively investigated, though it remains unresolved. This paper experimentally examines the flow unsteadiness in centrifugal and axial subsonic compressor setups. To quantitatively assess flow unsteadiness and identify surge precursors, approximate entropy (ApEn) is applied to pressure and sound signals. The signals are collected under two compressor operating conditions: (1) stable operating points, where the valve at the compressor outlet remains fixed, and (2) the transient process during which the valve opening is gradually reduced until surge occurs. In the stable operating region, the lowest ApEn values are observed at medium flow rates, indicating high signal regularity and low flow unsteadiness. This behavior is attributed to the optimal incidence angle at the inducer inlet, corresponding to highly stable internal compressor flow. As the compressor operating point transitions from a stable region to surge onset, ApEn initially decreases due to the weakening of high-frequency unsteady flow, then increases just before surge occurs. The ApEn assessments reveal a similar trend in both centrifugal and axial compressors. These findings suggest that the variation in flow unsteadiness can make ApEn a promising method for quantifying the flow unsteadiness and identifying the surge precursor.
Analysis of solute deposition on semipermeable walls in the process of ultrafiltration
Authors: Adhikary Sanu , Soni Bharat , Nayak Ameeya Kumar
Published: February 2025

In this study, the fluid flow and species transfer are mathematically analyzed through a free-flow domain, where the walls are porous membranes. Two different porous wall boundary conditions are assumed for the flow filtration process; one is based on the permeable membranes, and the other is assumed to be a semipermeable membrane, where cross-flow velocity is assumed to evaluate the effective flow rate and pressure loss. The governing equations are continuity and momentum equations (Navier–Stokes equation) incorporated into the suction/injection velocity of the membranes along with the slip velocity at the walls. The solute extraction through the porous wall depends on the porosity structure, and it is controlled by both the permeability and the permeate velocity. To study the flow transport through the membrane, both the Permeability-Based Model and the Permeate Velocity-Based Model are employed. The solute mass flux boundary condition is employed along the flat porous membranes instead of a specified concentration boundary condition. The fluid is assumed to be a dense particulate mixture, and the nonsource boundaries are considered to extract the solute particles for the filtration of the fluid, applicable in the ultra-filtration process. The domain and the rate of convergence for the flow momentum equation are obtained by suitably opting for the auxiliary parameter and compared with the existing literature. The study elaborates on the behavior of the axial velocity variation and the skin friction effect, which influence the sample deposition. It is observed that by decreasing the diffusion coefficient, slip coefficient, and axial velocity, the deposition of concentration increases. Further, the concentration of the deposited solute layer directly depends on the permeate velocity of the wall, which is responsible for the variation in the values of local diffusion coefficient and trans-membrane pressure. This paper also provides notable ideas of the nonlinear coupling effect of concentration with different magnitudes of effective conductivities and a range of molecular diffusion coefficients. The relative significance of the pore hindrance for the diffusive transport and solute diffusivity are estimated to predict the hydrodynamic interactions that occurred by the wall and the flow domain.
Adaptive boundary-constrained mesh deformation and data-driven aerodynamic optimization of compressor blade rows
Authors: Li Bin , Chen Jiang , Liu Yi , Xiang Hang , Zhao Wuan
Published: February 2025

The mesh generation of computational domains is a relatively time-consuming step in computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations of multi-blade-row compressors. To reduce the time consumption caused by repeated mesh generation, mesh deformation methods have gradually been applied to the aerodynamic optimization of compressors. However, current methods often have difficulty in addressing disturbances on rotor/stator interfaces and periodic interfaces in multi-blade-row compressor configurations, which impacts the accuracy of CFD evaluations in aerodynamic optimization. To address these challenges, an adaptive boundary-constrained mesh deformation (ABCMD) method for multi-blade-row compressors is proposed. The ABCMD method performs mesh deformation based on radial basis function interpolation, while adaptively constraining the deformation magnitude of boundary meshes to reduce boundary disturbances. Integrated with a prescreening surrogate-assisted differential evolution algorithm and the ABCMD method, a data-driven aerodynamic optimization platform is developed and validated on the STAGE35 axial-flow compressor. The results demonstrate that, compared to conventional mesh boundary constraint methods, the ABCMD method reduces boundary constraint points and mesh deformation time by 82% and 84%, respectively, while maintaining computational error within 0.167%. After optimization, the adiabatic efficiency at the design point and the surge margin are increased by 0.75% and 0.16%, respectively. Compared to conventional optimization methods, the mesh generation time and the overall optimization time are reduced by 93% and 23%, respectively. The ABCMD method can accelerate the mesh deformation process while maintaining high accuracy in CFD simulations. Moreover, the developed optimization platform can realize the rapid aerodynamic optimization of multi-blade-row compressors.
Universal scaling of electrostatic effects of a curved counter-electrode on the emitter field enhancement
Authors: de Assis Thiago A. , Dall'Agnol Fernando F.
Published: February 2025

Experiments on field electron emission from single-tip nanoemitters have typically been carried out using a counter-electrode with a finite curvature radius R, positioned at a distance dgap from the emitter's apex. The effects of the counter-electrode's curvature on the apex field enhancement factor (γCa) of the emitter are still not understood. In this Letter, we theoretically explore how the apex field enhancement factor of an emitter, represented by a hemisphere on a cylindrical post (HCP) with apex radius ra=50 nm, is influenced by the curvature of a sphere-shaped counter-electrode. Importantly, our results show that for HCPs with sharpness aspect ratios typically between 102 and 103, there is a universal scaling such that γCa=γPaΨ(R/dgap), where γPa represents the apex field enhancement factor for the emitter assuming a planar counter-electrode, and Ψ(R/dgap) is a universal scaling function such that Ψ∼1 for R/dgap≫1 and Ψ∼(R/dgap)α, with α close to unity, for R/dgap≪1. These findings help partially explain discrepancies observed in orthodox field electron emission experiments, where it was reported that the effective γCa values extracted from the current–voltage characteristics of single-tip carbon nanotubes typically underestimate the theoretical γPa values when R∼dgap≫ra, a trend that is predicted by our results.
Vertical distribution of swimming particles within shallow flows
Authors: Flores Ramírez L. M. , Leleu B. O. J. , Clercx H. J. H. , Duran-Matute M.
Published: February 2025

We report on the vertical distribution of swimming particles in three-dimensional shallow flows obtained by numerical simulations. This study examines shallow flows generated by horizontally forcing a thin fluid layer. These flows are characterized by a Reynolds number related to the forcing (ReF) and the aspect ratio (δ) of the vertical to horizontal length scales. With increasing ReFδ2, the flow transitions from a steady, organized array of vortices to an unsteady disordered flow. For steady and unsteady flows, regions with upwellings and downwellings emerge. The particles swim only vertically with the aim of reaching a target depth, with their speed only depending on the distance from the target depth. Two target depths are considered: one close to the surface and the other near the bottom. Whether in steady or unsteady flow, particles swimming toward the upper target depth accumulate in downdrafts, while those moving toward the lower target depth accumulate in updrafts. In steady flows, this organization does not significantly affect how swimmers are vertically distributed. Many of them remain trapped in stable flow patterns and do not reach the target depth. In unsteady flow, the distributions of swimmers differ significantly. Particles are quickly displaced from the target depth after arrival, either being lifted by updrafts in vorticity-dominated regions or pushed down by downdrafts in strain-dominated regions. These observations are further confirmed using a kinematic flow model which indeed attributes the distribution of swimmers in the fluid layer to both flow unsteadiness and updrafts and downdrafts.
Lyapunov exponents of orthogonal-plus-normal cocycles
Authors: Bednarski Sam , Quas Anthony
Published: February 2025

We consider products of matrices of the form

A
n

=

O
n

+
ϵ

N
n

where

(

O
n

)

n
⩾
1

is a sequence of d × d orthogonal matrices, Nn
has independent standard normal entries and where the

(

N
n

)

n
⩾
1

are mutually independent. We study the Lyapunov exponents of the cocycle as a function of ε, giving an exact expression for the jth Lyapunov exponent in terms of the Gram–Schmidt orthogonalization of

I
+
ϵ
N

. Further, we study the asymptotics of these exponents, showing that

λ
j

=
(
d
−
2
j
)

ϵ
2

/

2
+
O
(

ϵ
4

|

log
⁡
ϵ

|

4

)

.
Metrical properties for the product of consecutive partial quotients in Hurwitz continued fractions*
Authors: He Yubin , Xiao Qian
Published: February 2025

Let

[
0
;

a
1

(
z
)
,

a
2

(
z
)
,
…
]

be the Hurwitz continued fraction expansion of a complex irrational number

z
∈

F

:=
{
x
+
i
y
:
x
,
y
∈
[
−
1

/

2
,
1

/

2
)
}

, where

a
n

(
z
)

are Gaussian integers and

|

a
n

(
z
)

|

⩾

2

. This paper aims to study the growth rate of the product of consecutive partial quotients. Specifically, for any integer

m
⩾
1

, we provide a criterion for determining the Lebesgue measure of the set

{
z
∈

F

:

|

a

n
+
1

(
z
)

⋯

a

n
+
m

(
z
)

|

>
ψ

(
n
)

 
for infinitely many 
n
}

,

where

ψ
:

N

→

R

+

is a positive function. Let h be a positive and continuous function on the compact set

F

―

. We further obtain the Hausdorff dimension of the set

{
z
∈

F

:

|

a

n
+
1

(
z
)

⋯

a

n
+
m

(
z
)

|

>

e

h

(
z
)

+
⋯
+
h

(

T

n
−
1

z
)

 
for infinitely many 
n
}

and show that this set has large intersection property, where

T
:

F

→

F

is the Hurwitz map induced by Hurwitz continued fractions. This extends the main result of Bugeaud et al (2023 arXiv:2306.08254).
Effects of neutral point defects on the electronic and magnetic properties in Penta-CoS2 monolayer
Authors: Debbichi M , Ayadi T , Lebègue S
Published: February 2025

The Penta-CoS2 monolayer exhibits exceptional electronic and electrochemical properties. However, its magnetic applications are hindered by a low transition temperature. The effects of intrinsic defects on its electronic and magnetic properties remains unexplored. Using first-principles calculations, we conduct a comprehensive study of the atomic structure, energy stability, and the electronic and magnetic properties of eight common neutral point defects in the Penta-CoS2 monolayer. We find that the S
Co
antisite defect has the lowest formation energy. Additionally, the band gap of the Penta-CoS2 monolayer can be significantly reduced by introducing defects and vacancies. Notably, the introduction of a cobalt vacancy (V
Co
) renders the material half-metallic. Furthermore, the presence of point defects disrupts the original configuration, leading to a substantial increase in the transition temperature. This effect is especially pronounced for single vacancies and antisite defects, where the transition temperature can reach room temperature. Overall, we found that the magnetic properties of the Penta-CoS2 monolayer remain robust in the presence of point defects. Therefore, controlling defect formation in the Penta-CoS2 monolayer presents exciting opportunities for developing new functionalities and applications in electronics and spintronics.
Exploring chirped cosh-Gaussian laser beam for optimized electron acceleration in vacuum
Authors: Sharma Vivek , Thakur Vishal
Published: February 2025

This research examines the dynamics of a cosh-Gaussian laser pulse travelling through vacuum and its impact on electron acceleration. We examine the impact of several critical factors, such as laser electric field amplitude, decentered parameter, beam waist, and laser chirp parameter, on the energy gain of electrons using coupled momentum equations. Our results indicate that the energy acquisition of electrons escalates with the amplitude of the laser electric field, the decentered parameter, and the chirp parameter. An appropriate beam waist is essential for attaining energy-efficient electron acceleration in a vacuum. Through the optimization of these parameters, we get a maximum electron energy gain of 2.80 GeV. This study highlights the significance of customized laser pulse attributes in improving electron acceleration and aids in the progression of high-energy particle physics.
Characterization results of the first full-scale readout HYLITE chip for STARLIGHT
Authors: Jia X. , Li M. , Wei W. , Zhang J. , Jiang X. , Ju X. , Li Z. , Liu P. , Sun T. , Sheng Z. , Yin H. , Xu G. , Sun P. , Liu Z.
Published: February 2025

Shanghai HIgh repetition rate XFEL aNd Extreme light facility (SHINE) is a free electron laser facility with a high pulse repetition rate of up to 1 MHz. STARLIGHT (SemiconducTor Array detectoR with Large dynamIc ranGe and cHarge inTegrating readout) is a pixel array detector with a high frame rate (≥ 10 kHz) and a large dynamic range (up to 104 photons of 12.4 keV), which is being developed for SHINE. The readout ASIC utilized by STARLIGHT in the front-end module is HYLITE (High dYmamic range free electron Laser Imaging deTEctor). HYLITE200F with 200 μm × 200 μm pixel size and 64 × 64 pixels is the first full-scale chip of the HYLITE series.

To facilitate the improvement of the detector, the performances of the single chip and a detector prototype module with 2 × 2 ASICs are carefully evaluated, especially in terms of gain, noise, and dynamic range. The test results show that the gains of the HYLITE200F chip are uniform with a single-photon resolution. Meanwhile, the chip maintains a good linearity at 104 photons of 12 keV. After bump-bonding with the sensor, the performance of HYLITE200F still fulfills the requirements.
Study on eddy current testing method of stress in load-bearing steel structure based on magnetoelastic effect
Authors: Chen Tao , Zhang Chengzhe , Lyu Cheng , Deng Zhiyang , Song Xiaochun , Liao Chunhui
Published: February 2025

Aiming at the demand for accurate non-destructive
testing and evaluation of stresses in large load-bearing steel
structures, this paper proposes an eddy current testing method to
assess stress without requiring an external magnetising
device. Firstly, an eddy current detection model of steel plate
stress is established based on the magnetoelastic effect, which
theoretically explains the basic principle of stress eddy current
detection of ferromagnetic materials. Secondly, the parameters of
the excitation and detection coils and the effect of the excitation
frequency on the detecting signal are studied. Finally, a system is
built to carry out the experimental study of eddy current detection
of steel plate stress. The experimental results show that: in the
elastic stage, the detection signal has a good linear relationship
with the steel plate stress, the detection sensitivity is about
0.25 mV/MPa; in the plastic stage, the detection signal increases
and then decreases with the stress. The method proposed in the paper
can accurately represent the stress distribution of steel plate
specimens within a certain strain range.
From hadrons to gravitons via strings
Authors: Schwarz John H
Published: February 2025

The first quantum string theories were developed around 1970, prior to the discovery of quantum chromodynamics, with the goal of producing a theory of hadrons. Basic physical requirements and mathematical consistency of the string theories known at that time turned out to require the inclusion of gravity and the existence of extra spatial dimensions. This came as a complete surprise to everyone who was involved. It led to a completely new and very ambitious goal for string theory research, namely a unified quantum theory of gravity and all other forces. In particular, this goal requires that the string tension is 20 orders of magnitude larger than was previously envisioned. Fifty years later, this goal is widely shared.
Excited-state quantum phase transitions in constrained systems
Authors: Novotný Jakub , Stránský Pavel , Cejnar Pavel
Published: February 2025

We extend the standard semiclassical theory of excited-state quantum phase transitions (ESQPTs), based on a classification of stationary points in the classical Hamiltonian, to constrained systems. We adopt the method of Lagrange multipliers to find all stationary points and their properties directly from the Hamiltonian constrained by an arbitrary number of integrals of motion, and demonstrate the procedure on an algebraic

u

(
3
)

boson model with two independent constraints. We also elaborate the Holstein–Primakoff (HP) mapping, used to eliminate one degree of freedom in bosonic systems constrained by a conserved number of excitations, and address the fact that this mapping leads, in the classical limit, to a compact phase space with singular behaviour that conceals some stationary points at the phase space boundary. It is shown that the HP method reveals all ESQPTs only after constructing a complete atlas of different HP mappings.
Derivation of the incompressible Navier--Stokes equations from the lattice Boltzmann equation: Difference between the Chapman--Enskog expansion and the Sone expansion
Authors: Inamuro Takaji , Suzuki Kosuke , Yoshino Masato
Published: February 2025

We derive the incompressible Navier--Stokes equations from the lattice Boltzmann equation using the Chapman--Enskog expansion and the Sone expansion and clarify the differences between the two approaches. In the Chapman--Enskog expansion, we first derive the compressible Navier—Stokes equations on the multiple time scales (the acoustic and diffusive time scales). Then the incompressible Navier--Stokes equations are derived under the conditions of low Mach number flows and small density variations on the diffusive time scale. If the acoustic time scale remains in the analysis of the derived macroscopic equations, the incompressible Navier--Stokes equations are recovered with only first-order spatial accuracy. On the other hand, in the Sone expansion we can derive the incompressible Navier--Stokes equations under the condition of low Mach number flows on the diffusive time scale. Despite some differences between the two approaches, we obtain the same result that the flow velocity and the pressure satisfy the incompressible Navier--Stokes equations with the second-order spatial accuracy in low Mach number flows on the diffusive time scale. The accuracy is verified through simulating a generalized Taylor--Green problem.
Deep learning-assisted identification and localization of ductal carcinoma from bulk tissue in-silico models generated through polarized Monte Carlo simulations
Authors: Ramkumar Janaki , Sujatha N
Published: February 2025

Despite significant progress in diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer remains a formidable health challenge, emphasizing the continuous need for research. This simulation study uses polarized Monte Carlo approach to identify and locate breast cancer. The tissue model Mueller matrix derived from polarized Monte Carlo simulations provides enhanced contrast for better comprehension of tissue structures. This study explicitly targets tumour regions found at the tissue surface, a possible scenario in thick tissue sections obtained after surgical removal of breast tissue lumps. We use a convolutional neural network for the identification and localization of tumours. Nine distinct spatial positions, defined relative to the point of illumination, allow the identification of the tumour even if it is outside the directly illuminated area. A system incorporating deep learning techniques automates processes and enables real-time diagnosis. This research paper aims to showcase the concurrent detection of the tumour's existence and position by utilizing a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) implemented on depolarized index images derived from polarized Monte Carlo simulations. The classification accuracy achieved by the CNN model stands at 96%, showcasing its optimal performance. The model is also tested with images obtained from in-vitro tissue models, which yielded 100% classification accuracy on a selected subset of spatial positions.
Mod ℓ Weil representations and Deligne–Lusztig inductions for unitary groups
Authors: Imai Naoki , Tsushima Takahiro
Published: February 2025

We study the mod

ℓ
\ell

Weil representation of a finite unitary group and related Deligne–Lusztig inductions. In particular, we study their decomposition as representations of a symplectic group, and give a construction of a mod

ℓ
\ell

Howe correspondence for

(

S
p

2
n

,

O

2
−

)

(\mathrm {Sp}_{2n},\mathrm {O}_2^-)

including the case where

p
=
2

p=2

.
Al-Ghazālī and the Ideal of Godlikeness
Authors: Vasalou Sophia
Published: February 2025

The idea that improving our character requires modelling ourselves on another will seem natural to many. But what might it mean to take God as a model for virtue? This book investigates how Muslim thinkers developed this idea against a rich backdrop of historical reflection on the topic and how one particular intellectual, Abū Ḥāmid al-Ghazālī, shaped the conversation. In philosophy, the idea that becoming virtuous means becoming like God has a long history. It was a calling card of Plato’s philosophy and popular among many of the ancient schools. In the Islamic world, it assumed a vivid form at the hands of Sufi thinkers who took the beautiful names of God as the headline of a project of self-transformation. God’s beautiful names aren’t just objects for abstract understanding; they represent moral and spiritual ideals. Moved by both philosophical and Sufi inspirations, al-Ghazālī casts the idea in a distinctive form which lets us into the sources of its fascination—and to the welter of questions it provokes. What, for example, does it even mean to ascribe virtues to God, given how closely the virtues seem to be tied to human limitations? Does the imitation of God set an achievable standard—and given the risks of aiming for it, should we even try? Drawing on a range of broader perspectives on virtue, character education, and the role of exemplars, this book works through such questions and places al-Ghazālī at the heart of an unfolding conversation.
Socrates’ Question, Special Edition: Does God’s Character Create Value?
Authors: Vasalou Sophia
Published: February 2025

Socrates’ question in the Euthyphro was debated by Muslim theologians as a question about whether God’s command generates value or conforms to it. A similar question can be framed about God’s character. After outlining related philosophical views about the role of exemplars—do they constitute or do they represent the virtues?—this chapter examines the answer to this question that can be extracted from al-Ghazālī’s oeuvre. Notwithstanding his Ashʿarite allegiances, the balance of evidence distances al-Ghazālī from a constitutive view of God’s example. Key evidence is provided by his moral psychology and by the role of reason-giving in his overall account. The emphasis on reason-giving can be connected to broader developments in Ashʿarite views of ethics. Yet this account of moral ontology is consistent with the view that the best motivation for striving after God’s character is not because of its intrinsic value but because it is God’s.
Conclusion: On Finding Ideas Interesting
Authors: Vasalou Sophia
Published: February 2025

The conclusion to this book provides a bite-sized reflection on the different ways in which we can take an interest in ideas, and in the idea of godlikeness that has formed the topic of the book.
Effective Recontouring of the Neck Using Complete Platysmal Transection
Authors: Bartow Matthew J , Core Grady
Published: February 2025

Background

Increasing the effectiveness and longevity of a rhytidectomy is a constant pursuit. The cervicomental angle and jaw line contouring is perhaps the most contentious area in regards to searching for improvements of outcomes. Full release of the platysma and SMAS unit near its inferior border is perhaps the most powerful technique to resuspend and bolster the newly surgically restored acute cervicomental angle.

Objectives

The goal of this study is to demonstrate the effectiveness and longevity of this technique.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on all face/lower face/neck lift patients. The operative reports were reviewed to ensure that full release of the platysma-SMAS unit was performed for resuspension. Retrospective photographical analysis was performed to evaluate the objective results of increased cosmesis of the rejuvenated neck and jaw line.

Results

Impressive cosmetic results were demonstrated in patients who had full release and re-suspension of a plicated platysmas and SMAS unit. These results were objectively appreciated. The increased cosmetic appearance was demonstrated to have sufficient longevity and a profound effect on augmenting the acuteness of the cervicomental angle and cosmetic appearance of the mandibular border.

Conclusions

Release and resuspension of the platysma SMAS unit is an incredible powerful and long lasting modality for improving the cervicomental angle and delineation of the mandibular border in facelift patients.
Efficient storage and regression computation for population-scale genome sequencing studies
Authors: Rivas Manuel A , Chang Christopher
Published: February 2025

Motivation

The growing availability of large-scale population biobanks has the potential to significantly advance our understanding of human health and disease. However, the massive computational and storage demands of whole genome sequencing (WGS) data pose serious challenges, particularly for underfunded institutions or researchers in developing countries. This disparity in resources can limit equitable access to cutting-edge genetic research.

Results

We present novel algorithms and regression methods that dramatically reduce both computation time and storage requirements for WGS studies, with particular attention to rare variant representation. By integrating these approaches into PLINK 2.0, we demonstrate substantial gains in efficiency without compromising analytical accuracy. In an exome-wide association analysis of 19.4 million variants for the body mass index phenotype in 125,077 individuals (AllofUs project data), we reduced runtime from 695.35 minutes (11.5 hours) on a single machine to 1.57 minutes with 30 GB of memory and 50 threads (or 8.67 minutes with 4 threads). Additionally, the framework supports multi-phenotype analyses, further enhancing its flexibility.

Availability

Our optimized methods are fully integrated into PLINK 2.0 and can be accessed at: https://www.cog-genomics.org/plink/2.0/.
Adrenal Infections Update: How radiologists can contribute to patient care
Authors: Abreu-Gomez Jorge , Murad Vanessa , Ezzat Shereen , Navin Patrick , Westphalen Antonio C
Published: February 2025

Adrenal infections are considered clinically important but often go unrecognized, with a significant number of cases only diagnosed post-mortem. The limited evidence regarding imaging findings in the literature emphasizes the need to detect and diagnose these infections early in disease course to improve patient outcomes.

A range of microorganisms, including fungi, viruses, parasites, and bacteria, can directly or indirectly affect the morphology and function of the adrenal glands. When evaluating a patient with adrenal infection, several immunological and hormonal factors should be considered, such as the status of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adreno cortical axis and the serum cortisol level. Moreover, certain microorganisms specifically target one of the zones of the adrenal glands or vascular supply, resulting in distinct imaging manifestations.

The purpose of this article is to describe the fundamental clinical features and imaging manifestations associated with adrenal infections, enabling radiologists to make informed interpretations and contribute to accurate diagnostic assessments.
The current state of imaging biomarker development and evaluation
Authors: Halligan Steve , Mallett Sue
Published: February 2025

With a focus on imaging, this narrative review describes why biomarker research rarely culminates in anything clinically useful. We explain the difference between diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers and the different phases of their research. We describe what factors need consideration when designing research studies to generate evidence sufficient to translate a potential imaging biomarker into clinical practice. We emphasise the need to balance the number of biomarkers investigated with the number of available patient events, so that studies are not overwhelmed by false-positive results. We explain the need for rigorous evaluation, so that clinicians can be convinced the biomarker will work in their practice and benefit their patients. In particular, we explain why novel biomarkers should be evaluated alongside factors already known to be clinically useful, so that their incremental benefit, if any, can be determined.
Imaging and Management of Lymphedema in the Era of Precision Oncology
Authors: Rai Pranjal , Mahajan Abhishek , Shukla Shreya , Pokar Niyati
Published: February 2025

Lymphedema is a common complication of cancer treatment, leading to significant morbidity. Early and accurate diagnosis through the combined expertise of radiology and nuclear medicine is crucial for preventing lymphedema progression and improving patient outcomes. Imaging techniques such as lymphoscintigraphy, duplex ultrasound, MRI, and CT as well as newer modalities including near-infrared lymphangiography can diagnose and assess lymphedema severity. Bioimpedance spectroscopy (BIS) provides a non-invasive tool for early detection by measuring extracellular fluid changes, aiding in identifying lymphedema at its earliest stages. Pretreatment baseline measurements and prospective surveillance models (PSMs) are essential for tracking limb volume changes and mobility, enhancing early intervention outcomes. Recognizing the strengths and limitations of each imaging modality allows radiologists and nuclear medicine physicians to synergistically optimize lymphedema diagnosis and management.

Effective management relies on multidisciplinary collaboration and includes conservative and surgical options tailored to disease severity. Advanced imaging modalities are pivotal for planning and monitoring interventional strategies. This review explores the development and management of secondary lymphedema in oncological patients, focusing chiefly on imaging and treatment strategies. It also briefly highlights the evolving role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in enhancing imaging precision and treatment outcomes.
Surgical patient-reported experience measures and qualitative experience studies: systematic review
Authors: Darwish Maram , Nandy Shabita , Willis Simone , Coulson James , Withers Kathleen , Bosanquet David C
Published: February 2025

Background

Patient-reported experience measures are tools used to gather feedback from patients about their experiences of healthcare services, which are crucial for improving the quality of care from the perspective of patients. The aim of this systematic review was to identify surgery-related patient-reported experience measures, evaluate their psychometric properties, appraise and identify recurring themes within qualitative studies on surgical care, and identify potential bias in study designs.

Methods

PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database, and the Cochrane Library, along with clinical trial registries, were searched for articles on surgery-specific patient-reported experience measures and qualitative studies on patients’ experiences up to 21 September 2023. Manual coding was used for theme identification and grouping based on thematic synthesis principles. Joanna Briggs Institute tools were used for risk-of-bias assessment and a revised version of the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments checklist was used for appraisal of patient-reported experience measures.

Results

A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria, identifying seven patient-reported experience measures. Key patient experience themes included communication with healthcare providers, care setting environment, overall satisfaction, pre-admission information, coordination of care, waiting time, surgical experience, post-surgery support, impact on life, and healthcare information and technology management. Internal consistency was reported adequately across all patient-reported experience measures. Other psychometric properties were questionable.

Conclusion

Inadequate psychometric evaluations of some patient-reported experience measures in surgery highlight the need for rigorous validity and reliability assessments. Identification of thematic patterns emphasizes the importance of ongoing research to explore patients’ experiences in surgical contexts. Clinical staff can use this information to enhance communication, reduce waiting time, and improve the overall patient experience by addressing highlighted areas.
Interleukin-17B is a new biomarker of human muscle regeneration in dystrophinopathies
Authors: Liu Chang , Xie Zhihao , Yuan Qingyue , Lu Yanyu , Deng Jianwen , Wang Zhaoxia , Meng Lingchao , Yuan Yun , Xie Zhiying
Published: February 2025

We aimed to identify novel biomarkers of muscle pathological changes via a large-scale histopathology-based multi-omics study of dystrophinopathies.

We performed a comparative pathological analysis of 121 Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and 114 Becker muscular dystrophy (BMD) patients to determine muscle pathological similarities and differences between DMD and BMD that have not been systematically investigated. Customized bioinformatic analyses of bulk muscle RNA-sequencing data derived from 35 DMD patients, 39 BMD patients, and 21 controls were performed to identify gene signatures associated with pathological changes. Validation experiments, including single-nucleus RNA-sequencing, RNAscope in situ hybridization, and immunofluorescence staining, were performed in a subset of DMD and BMD patients, as well as 27 patients with other acquired and inherited myopathies.

Systematic pathological analyses revealed that the percentages of necrotic, regenerating, and hypercontractive myofibers and the degree of muscle fibrosis were greater in DMD patients than in BMD patients. In both DMD and BMD patients, the percentages of necrotic, regenerating, and hypercontractive myofibers respectively increased in the early-stage and decreased in later disease stages, whereas muscle fibrosis progressively worsened with disease progression. Comparative transcriptomic analysis indicated that inflammatory responses were significantly activated in DMD patients compared to BMD patients, which was confirmed by immunohistochemistry analyses. Our customized bioinformatic analyses identified the gene set of MYH3, MYH8, IL17B, TNNT2, MYMK, and TDO2 as the most associated gene signature for muscle necrosis and regeneration. Muscle quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses confirmed significantly increased levels of IL17B and TNNT2 mRNA expression in both DMD and BMD patients compared to controls. Muscle IL17B mRNA expression was significantly correlated with histological muscle regeneration and negatively correlated with the age of patients with dystrophinopathy. Single-nucleus RNA-sequencing and RNAscope in situ hybridization demonstrated that IL17B mRNA was expressed in regenerating myofibers of patients with DMD and BMD, as well as in various acquired and inherited myopathies. Immunofluorescence staining further confirmed that interleukin-17B was expressed in regenerating myofibers of DMD and BMD patients.

Our study provides evidence that interleukin-17B is a new biomarker of muscle regeneration in dystrophinopathies.
Immune cells and arrhythmias
Authors: Keefe Joshua A , Wang Jian , Song Jiangping , Ni Li , Wehrens Xander
Published: February 2025

Cardiac arrhythmias are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Emerging evidence has demonstrated that resident and infiltrating cardiac immune cells play direct, mechanistic roles in arrhythmia onset and progression. In this review, we provide a comprehensive summary and expert commentary on the role of each immune cell subtype in the pathogenesis of atrial and ventricular arrhythmias.
Deep learning-based segmentation of the mandibular canals in cone-beam CT reaches human-level performance
Authors: Semper-Hogg Wiebke , Rau Alexander , Fuessinger Marc Anton , Zimmermann Sabrina , Bamberg Fabian , Metzger Marc Christian , Schmelzeisen Rainer , Rau Stephan , Reisert Marco , Russe Maximilian Frederik
Published: February 2025

Objectives

This study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of deep learning-based segmentation techniques for mandibular canal identification in cone-beam CT (CBCT) data to provide a reliable and efficient support tool for dental implant treatment planning.

Methods

A dataset of 90 CBCT scans was annotated as ground truth for mandibular canal segmentation. The dataset was split into training (n = 69), validation (n = 1), and testing (n = 20) subsets. A deep learning model based on a hierarchical convolutional neural network architecture was developed and trained. The model’s performance was evaluated using dice similarity coefficient (DSC), 95% Hausdorff distance (HD), and average symmetric surface distance (ASSD). Qualitative assessment was performed by 2 experienced dental imaging practitioners who evaluated the segmentation quality in terms of trust and safety on a 5-point Likert scale at 3 mandibular locations per side.

Results

The trained model achieved a mean DSC of 0.77 ± 0.09, HD of 1.66 ± 0.86 mm, and ASSD of 0.31 ± 0.15 mm on the testing subset. Qualitative assessment showed no significant difference between the deep learning-based segmentation and ground truth in terms of trust and safety across all investigated locations (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The proposed deep learning-based segmentation technique exhibits sufficient accuracy for the reliable identification of mandibular canals in CBCT scans. This automated approach could streamline the pre-operative planning process for dental implant placement, reducing the risk of neurovascular complications and enhancing patient safety.
May Measurement Month 2022: an analysis of blood pressure screening results from Libya
Authors: Masaud Hesham A Ben , Aborawi Abeer , Daghiz Muna Mustafa , Abusriwel Munera Salim , Al-Alboum Mabroukah Othman Fhail , Beaney Thomas , Kerr Gabriele , Poulter Neil R , Kemishi Fozia Hadi , Abdullah Fatma Embaeia , Altoughar Nisreen Fouzi , Sharif Amel Othman , Al Allaghi Samira Khalil , Alkimeeshi Nayrouz Hasan , Kredla Rawad Farg , Abobakr Almukhtar , sharouf Gamal zaid , Yaeqoub Abdulsalam Mohammed , Zarraa Sana Sulayman
Published: February 2025

Hypertension is a major global health problem. In Libya, hypertension affects a large portion of the population, but many individuals are unaware of their condition or are not receiving adequate treatment.

The May Measurement Month (MMM) campaign was carried out in Libya in 2022 with the aim of raising awareness of raised blood pressure (BP). Here, we report on the findings of the campaign.

Adults aged ≥18 years were opportunistically recruited from health facilities and community sites across Libya. Each participant had three seated BP readings and completed a questionnaire on demographics, lifestyle factors, and comorbidities. Hypertension was defined as systolic BP ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic BP ≥90 mmHg or being on antihypertensive medication. Controlled BP was defined as BP <140/90 mmHg on medication. Multiple imputation estimated missing BP readings. Among 3088 participants (mean age 46.8 years, 65.3% female), 1249 (40.4%) had hypertension. Of these, 988 (79.1%) were aware of their condition, 959 (76.8%) were on medication, and 565 (58.9%) had controlled BP. Overall, 45.2% of hypertensive participants had controlled BP.

The MMM campaign in Libya identified a substantial number of individuals with hypertension, a significant portion of which had uncontrolled BP. Hypertension management in older adults requires comprehensive strategies, such as enhanced lifestyle interventions, tailored treatment plans, and rigorous monitoring and follow-up, to reduce cardiovascular risks.