bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SpECi – Spiritual und Existential Care interprofessionell:
Kurzvorstellung eines Modellprojekts zur spirituellen Begleitung am Lebensende,
seiner Ziele und erwarteten Effekte
Authors: Gerundt Mareike , Büssing Arndt , Giebel Astrid
Published: September 2023

Untersuchungen zeigen den großen Bedarf, existenzielle und
spirituelle Bedürfnisse von akut oder chronisch erkrankten und vor
allem von älteren schwerkranken und sterbenden Menschen wahrzunehmen
und diesen kompetent zu begegnen. Spiritual Care wird zwar in Definitionen
und Leitlinien als unverzichtbare Dimension von Palliative Care
aufgeführt, es bleibt jedoch unklar, wie sie personell, strukturell
und organisatorisch im Gesundheitswesen realisiert werden kann.

Mit dem Modellprojekt „Spiritual/Existential Care
interprofessionell“ (SpECi) wird als primäres Ziel die
Verbesserung der Lebensqualität von
Patient*innen/Bewohner*innen in der letzten
Lebensphase verfolgt.

An sieben Modellstandorten wurden Mitarbeitende in Krankenhäusern,
Einrichtungen der Altenpflege, stationären Hospizen und
Palliativstationen im Zeitraum von August 2021 bis Mai 2022 in einer
40-stündigen Qualifizierung in Spiritual/Existential Care
geschult. Die geschulten Multiplikatoren (haupt- und ehrenamtlich
Tätige) aus verschiedenen Gesundheitsberufen sollen befähigt
werden, den Spiritual-Care-Ansatz in den alltäglichen Arbeitskontext
zu integrieren. Die wissenschaftliche Begleitforschung zu den
Wirkungsfaktoren der Multiplikatorenschulung in und damit auch durch
Spiritual/Existential Care hilft, das vorliegende Modell zu
evaluieren und weitere Maßnahmen zu einer Verbesserung der
spirituellen Sorge um ältere und sterbende Menschen in den
Einrichtungen des Gesundheitswesens zu entwickeln. Der
Durchführungszeitraum des von der Stiftung Wohlfahrtspflege NRW
geförderten Projekts reicht vom 01.10.2020 bis 30.09.2023. Aktuell
befindet sich das Modellprojekt in der letzten von drei
Befragungsphasen.
High-Dose Rate Brachytherapy Combined with PD-1 Blockade as a
Treatment for Metastatic Adrenocortical Carcinoma – A Single Center Case
Series
Authors: Schwarzlmueller Paul , Corradini Stefanie , Seidensticker Max , Zimmermann Petra , Schreiner Jochen , Maier Tanja , Triebig Alexandra , Knösel Thomas , Pazos Montserrat , Pfluger Thomas , Weigand Isabel , Belka Claus , Ricke Jens , Reincke Martin , Schmidmaier Ralf , Kroiss Matthias
Published: September 2023

The response rate of advanced adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) to standard
chemotherapy with mitotane and etoposide/doxorubicin/cisplatin
(EDP-M) is unsatisfactory, and benefit is frequently short lived. Immune
checkpoint inhibitors (CPI) have been examined in patient’s refractory
to EDP-M, but objective response rates are only approximately 15%.
High-dose rate brachytherapy (HDR-BT) is a catheter-based internal radiotherapy
and expected to favorably combine with immunotherapies. Here we describe three
cases of patients with advanced ACC who were treated with HDR-BT and the CPI
pembrolizumab. None of the tumors were positive for established response markers
to CPI. All patients were female, had progressed on EDP-M and received external
beam radiation therapy for metastatic ACC. Pembrolizumab was initiated 7 or 23
months after brachytherapy in two cases and prior to brachytherapy in one case.
Best response of lesions treated with brachytherapy was complete (n=2)
or partial response (n=1) that was ongoing at last follow up after 23,
45 and 4 months, respectively. Considering all sites of tumor, response was
complete and partial remission in the two patients with brachytherapy prior to
pembrolizumab. The third patient developed progressive disease with severe
Cushing’s syndrome and died due to COVID-19. Immune-related adverse
events of colitis (grade 3), gastroduodenitis (grade 3), pneumonitis (grade 2)
and thyroiditis (grade 1) occurred in the two patients with systemic response.
HDR-BT controlled metastases locally. Sequential combination with CPI therapy
may enhance an abscopal antitumoral effect in non-irradiated metastases in ACC.
Systematic studies are required to confirm this preliminary experience and to
understand underlying mechanisms.
Geriatrisches Assessment – Was sollte vor Therapiebeginn des mHSPC und des mCRPC gemacht und bedacht werden?
Authors: Heers Hendrik , Butea-Bocu Marius Cristian , Groeben Christer , Huber Johannes , Wullich Bernd , Goebell Peter J. , Fiebig Christian
Published: September 2023

Bei der medikamentösen Therapie des Prostatakarzinoms stehen zunehmend Kombinationstherapien im Vordergrund. Für ältere und vorerkrankte Patienten sollten einige Aspekte bei der Therapieauswahl und -durchführung beachtet werden, um Toxizitäten zu vermeiden und sowohl Behandlungserfolg als auch Lebensqualität zu gewährleisten. Zur Definition von geriatrischen Patienten sind nicht in erster Linie das chronologische Alter, sondern vor allem der ganzheitliche Gesundheitszustand und die Lebenserwartung entscheidend. Vorerkrankte Patienten > 70 Jahre sollten vor Therapieeinleitung ein dreischrittiges geriatrisches Screening durchlaufen. Bei Auffälligkeiten im G8-Screening-Fragebogen und/oder mini-COG (berücksichtigt werden die Aspekte Nutrition, Komorbidität/-medikation, Mobilität und Kognition) wird ein vereinfachtes geriatrisches Assessment empfohlen. Es erfolgt eine Risikostratifizierung der Patienten in 3 Gruppen (fit, vulnerabel, gebrechlich). Nur in Einzelfällen ist ein komplettes geriatrisches Assessment erforderlich. Behandelbare Defizite in den genannten Bereichen sollten nach Möglichkeit verbessert werden. Bei der Auswahl der Systemtherapie können fitte Patienten analog zu nicht-geriatrischen Patienten behandelt werden. Vulnerable und gebrechliche Patienten haben in der Regel ein höheres Risiko für Toxizitäten, sodass hier besondere Vorsicht geboten ist. Während die verschiedenen Substanzen der Hormontherapie in der Regel gut vertragen werden (wobei einige wirkstoffspezifische Toxizitäten häufiger auftreten können), bestehen bei hämatotoxischen Substanzen wie Taxanen oder Olaparib Empfehlungen zum eingeschränkten Einsatz. Da Sturzereignisse – insbesondere unter Hormontherapie – ein häufiges Problem darstellen, sollte die Osteoprotektion besonders berücksichtigt werden. Bei Fortschreiten der Tumorerkrankung sollte nicht reflexhaft eine Umstellung der Systemtherapie erfolgen, sondern zusammen mit dem Patienten und seinen Angehörigen ein individuelles Konzept unter Berücksichtigung von palliativmedizinischen und Versorgungsaspekten erstellt werden, das die Lebensqualität in den Mittelpunkt stellt und auch Therapielimitationen festlegt.
EFSUMB Technical Review – Update 2023: Dynamic Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound (DCE-CEUS) for the Quantification of Tumor Perfusion
Authors: Dietrich Christoph F. , Correas Jean-Michel , Cui Xin-Wu , Dong Yi , Havre Roald Flesland , Jenssen Christian , Jung Ernst Michael , Krix Martin , Lim Adrian , Lassau Nathalie , Piscaglia Fabio
Published: September 2023

Dynamic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (DCE-US) is a technique to quantify tissue perfusion based on phase-specific enhancement after the injection of microbubble contrast agents for diagnostic ultrasound. The guidelines of the European Federation of Societies for Ultrasound in Medicine and Biology (EFSUMB) published in 2004 and updated in 2008, 2011, and 2020 focused on the use of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS), including essential technical requirements, training, investigational procedures and steps, guidance regarding image interpretation, established and recommended clinical indications, and safety considerations. However, the quantification of phase-specific enhancement patterns acquired with ultrasound contrast agents (UCAs) is not discussed here. The purpose of this EFSUMB Technical Review is to further establish a basis for the standardization of DCE-US focusing on treatment monitoring in oncology. It provides some recommendations and descriptions as to how to quantify dynamic ultrasound contrast enhancement, and technical explanations for the analysis of time-intensity curves (TICs). This update of the 2012 EFSUMB introduction to DCE-US includes clinical aspects for data collection, analysis, and interpretation that have emerged from recent studies. The current study not only aims to support future work in this research field but also to facilitate a transition to clinical routine use of DCE-US.
Long-Term Functional Outcomes and Multidisciplinary Management after Ileorectal Duhamel Pull-Through for Total Colonic Aganglionosis—20-Year Experience in a Tertiary Surgical Center
Authors: Bhandarkar Kailas , De Coppi Paolo , Cross Kate , Blackburn Simon , Curry Joe
Published: September 2023

Introduction Management of patients with total colonic aganglionosis (TCA) is challenging for pediatric surgeons. The purpose of this study was to review our institution's 20-year experience regarding long-term outcomes and multidisciplinary team management of these patients after an ileorectal Duhamel pull-through procedure.

Materials and Methods Retrospective review was conducted for all patients diagnosed with TCA in our tertiary institution. Data were collected on demographics, clinical presentation, complications, need for additional surgery, and long-term effects on bowel function.

Results Of a total of 202 patients with Hirschsprung's disease, 13 were diagnosed with TCA (6.4%). Clinical presentation was variable. Eleven presented in neonatal period with distal bowel obstruction and two presented with constipation in early infancy. Ileorectal Duhamel pull-through was performed in all patients. Median follow-up was 13 years. Eleven are toilet trained, of whom five are fully continent. Six continue to have problems with bowel continence or constipation. One developed recurrent episode of Hirschsprung's associated enterocolitis. Two patients had stoma re-established. Patients experiencing difficulties in bowel function are jointly managed by a multidisciplinary team consisting of surgeons, gastroenterologists, pediatric psychologists, and clinical nurse specialists.

Conclusion TCA can be associated with significant long-term morbidity. Nearly half of the patients in this series have ongoing problems with bowel continence requiring a permanent stoma in some. Diligent follow-up coupled with inputs of a multidisciplinary team has greatly helped manage these complex patients in our institution.
Endoscopic Endonasal Approach for Clival Chordomas in Elderly Patients: Clinical Characteristics, Patient Outcome, and Recurrence Rate
Authors: Zoli Matteo , Carretta Alessandro , Rustici Arianna , Guaraldi Federica , Gori Davide , Cavicchi Riccardo , Sollini Giacomo , Asioli Sofia , Faustini-Fustini Marco , Pasquini Ernesto , Mazzatenta Diego
Published: September 2023

Introduction The endoscopic endonasal route has demonstrated to be the approach of choice for a large majority of clival chordomas (CCs). However, its results in elderly patients are under-evaluated in the literature. The aim of this study is to assess the surgical outcome for these patients, determining the factors associated with a larger tumor resection in this population.

Materials and Methods Our institutional database of CC has been retrospectively reviewed, to identify all cases over 65 years old, operated through an endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA). Preoperative clinical and radiological features were considered, as well as surgical results, morbidity, and patients' outcome at follow-up.

Results Out of our series of 143 endoscopic surgical procedures for CC, 34 (23.8%) were in patients older than 65 and 10 in older than 75 (7.0%). Gross tumor removal was achieved in 22 cases (64.7%). Complications consisted of 2 (5.9%) postoperative cerebrospinal leaks, 1 (2.9%) meningitis, 1 (2.9%) permanent cranial nerve VI palsy, 1 (2.9%) pneumonia, and 2 (5.9%) urinary infections. In 39.1% of cases, the preoperative ophthalmoplegia improved or resolved. Twenty-seven patients (79.4%) underwent radiation therapy. At follow-up (37.7 ± 44.9 months), 13 patients (38.2%) showed a recurrence/progression and 13 (38.3%) deceased.

Conclusion EEA can be a useful approach in elderlies, balancing the large tumor removal with an acceptable morbidity rate, even if higher than that for general CC population. However, patient selection remains crucial. A multidisciplinary evaluation is important to assess not only their medical conditions, but also their social and familiar conditions.
Initial Evaluation of Focal Bone Lesions: How Do We Do It?
Authors: Gondim Teixeira Pedro Augusto , Lemore Astrée , Vogt Nora , Oster Julien , Hossu Gabriela , Gillet Romain , Blum Alain
Published: September 2023

Focal bone lesions are frequent, and management greatly depends on the characteristics of their images. After briefly discussing the required work-up, we analyze the most relevant imaging signs for assessing potential aggressiveness. We also describe the imaging aspects of the various types of lesion matrices and their clinical implications.
Brittle Bone Imaging: Diagnostic Procedures in Adults
Authors: Cyteval Catherine , Szafors Paulina , Pastor Maxime
Published: September 2023

This article concentrates on generalized disorders causing bone fragility. The most frequent cause of brittle bone disease is osteoporosis, only diagnosed by elimination. First, malignant osteopathy must be ruled out: fracture on metastasis or multiple myeloma, which mimics osteoporosis when presenting as diffuse demineralization. Second, patients should be screened for signs of hyperparathyroidism or osteomalacia. Much more rarely, many other pathologies can lead to brittle bone by demineralization or associated increased bone density.

The radiologist needs to know the clinical context and notably the patient's age (childhood or adulthood) at discovery, and known pathologies and ongoing or previous treatments: corticotherapy, bisphosphonates, denosumab, or prior radiotherapy in the affected region. Diagnostic hypotheses are guided by the type of demineralization and the presence of lytic, mixed, or densifying areas. Lastly, the aspect and location of fractures and association with other bone abnormalities refine the diagnosis.
Ventilation-Associated Pneumonia in Pediatric Intensive Care in Saudi Arabia: A Two-Year Retrospective Study of Incidence, Risk Factors, and Outcome
Authors: Al-Sofyani Khouloud Abdulrhman
Published: September 2023

Objective This article assesses the incidence, risk factors, and outcomes of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) patients in western Saudi Arabia.

Methods A retrospective cohort study enrolled 375 children admitted to the PICU of King Abdulaziz University Hospital, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The study data involves clinical assessment of pediatric patients admitted to the PICU who received mechanical ventilation for ≥ 48 hours to monitor the primary outcome of developing VAP. Statistical analysis with univariate and multivariate analysis, a chi-square test, and a logistic regression model were used to analyze the risk factors associated with VAP.

Results The VAP incidence among 375 enrolled patients was estimated to be 29.1% (95% class interval = 24.5–34.0%), accounting for 73.6 cases per 1,000 ventilator days. An approximately 1.4-fold increased mortality risk was observed in VAP cases with no statistical significance (p = 0.248). VAP incidence was independently associated with age groups 0 to 30 days (odds ratio [OR] = 6.88, p = 0.001), 1 to 12 months (OR = 4.55, p = 0.003), and > 6 years (OR = 3.45, p = 0.038), in addition to the nasogastric tube (OR = 2.23, p = 0.019), bronchoscopy (OR = 6.28, p = 0.001), and longer ICU stay including 4 to 7 days (OR = 4.08, p = 0.002) and > 7 days (OR = 4.96, p = 0.002).

Conclusion Given the observed high incidence of VAP, it is imperative to urgently enhance our preventive strategies and rigorously scrutinize VAP risk factors within the institution. Extra precautions and specific risk identification may be warranted in high-risk age groups. Our findings underscore the necessity for a comprehensive assessment of risk factors and etiological agents, aligning them with incidence rates. This proactive approach would facilitate the early implementation of strategic interventions and practices, potentially reducing VAP development.
A Prospective Longitudinal Quality Initiative toward Improved Enhanced Recovery after Cesarean Pathways
Authors: Cojocaru Liviu , Alton Suzanne , Pahlavan Autusa , Coghlan Martha , Seung Hyunuk , Trilling Ariel , Kodali Bhavani S. , Crimmins Sarah , Goetzinger Katherine R.
Published: September 2023

Objective This study aimed to evaluate whether enhanced recovery after cesarean (ERAC) pathways reduces inpatient and outpatient opioid use, pain scores and improves the indicators of postoperative recovery.

Study Design This is a prospective, longitudinal, quality improvement study of all patients older than 18 undergoing an uncomplicated cesarean delivery (CD) at an academic medical center. We excluded complicated CD, patients with chronic pain disorders, chronic opioid use, acute postpartum depression, or mothers whose neonate demised before their discharge. Lastly, we excluded non-English- and non-Spanish-speaking patients. Our study compared patient outcomes before (pre-ERAC) and after (post-ERAC) implementation of ERAC pathways. Primary outcomes were inpatient morphine milligram equivalent (MME) use and the patient's delta pain scores. Secondary outcomes were outpatient MME prescriptions and indicators of postoperative recovery (time to feeding, ambulation, and hospital discharge).

Results Of 308 patients undergoing CD from October 2019 to September 2020, 196 were enrolled in the pre-ERAC cohort and 112 in the post-ERAC cohort. Patients in the pre-ERAC cohort were more likely to require opioids in the postoperative period compared with the post-ERAC cohort (81.6 vs. 64.3%, p < 0.001). Likewise, there was a higher use of MME per stay in the pre-ERAC cohort (30 [20–49] vs. 16.8 MME [11.2–33.9], p < 0.001). There was also a higher number of patients who required prescribed opioids at the time of discharge (98 vs. 86.6%, p < 0.001) as well as in the amount of MMEs prescribed (150 [150–225] vs. 150 MME [112–150], p < 0.001; different shape of distribution). Furthermore, the patients in the pre-ERAC cohort had higher delta pain scores (3.3 [2.3–4.7] vs. 2.2 [1.3–3.7], p < 0.001).

Conclusion Our study has illustrated that our ERAC pathways were associated with reduced inpatient opioid use, outpatient opioid use, patient-reported pain scores, and improved indicators of postoperative recovery.

Key Points
An Exploratory Study on the Utility of Patient-Generated Health Data as a Tool for Health Care Professionals in Multiple Sclerosis Care
Authors: Guardado Sharon , Mylonopoulou Vasiliki , Rivera-Romero Octavio , Patt Nadine , Bansi Jens , Giunti Guido
Published: September 2023

Background Patient-generated health data (PGHD) are data collected through technologies such as mobile devices and health apps. The integration of PGHD into health care workflows can support the care of chronic conditions such as multiple sclerosis (MS). Patients are often willing to share data with health care professionals (HCPs) in their care team; however, the benefits of PGHD can be limited if HCPs do not find it useful, leading patients to discontinue data tracking and sharing eventually. Therefore, understanding the usefulness of mobile health (mHealth) solutions, which provide PGHD and serve as enablers of the HCPs' involvement in participatory care, could motivate them to continue using these technologies.

Objective The objective of this study is to explore the perceived utility of different types of PGHD from mHealth solutions which could serve as tools for HCPs to support participatory care in MS.

Method A mixed-methods approach was used, combining qualitative research and participatory design. This study includes three sequential phases: data collection, assessment of PGHD utility, and design of data visualizations. In the first phase, 16 HCPs were interviewed. The second and third phases were carried out through participatory workshops, where PGHD types were conceptualized in terms of utility.

Results The study found that HCPs are optimistic about PGHD in MS care. The most useful types of PGHD for HCPs in MS care are patients' habits, lifestyles, and fatigue-inducing activities. Although these subjective data seem more useful for HCPs, it is more challenging to visualize them in a useful and actionable way.

Conclusion HCPs are optimistic about mHealth and PGHD as tools to further understand their patients' needs and support care in MS. HCPs from different disciplines have different perceptions of what types of PGHD are useful; however, subjective types of PGHD seem potentially more useful for MS care.
Biomedical instrumentation of photoacoustic imaging and quantitative sensing for clinical applications
Authors: Khan S. , Vasudevan S.
Published: September 2023

Photoacoustic (PA) imaging has been well researched over the last couple of decades and has found many applications in biomedical engineering. This has evinced interest among many scientists in developing this as a compact instrument for biomedical diagnosis. This review discusses various instrumentation developments for PA experimental setups and their applications in the biomedical diagnostic field. It also covers the PA spectral response or PA sensing technique, which uses the spectral information of the PA signal and performs sensing to deliver a fast, cost-effective, and compact screening tool instead of imaging. Primarily, this review provides an overview of PA imaging concepts and the development of hardware instrumentation systems in both the excitation and acquisition stages of this technique. Later, the paper discusses PA sensing, the quantitative spectral parameter extraction from the PA spectrum, and the correlation study of the spectral parameters with the physical parameters of the tissue. This PA sensing technique was used to diagnose various diseases, such as thyroid nodules, breast cancer, renal disorders, and zoonotic diseases, based on the mechanical and biological characteristics of the tissues. The paper culminates with a discussion section that provides future developments that are necessary to take this technique into clinical applications as a quantitative PA imaging technique.
Quantum chemical modeling of atmospheric molecular clusters involving inorganic acids and methanesulfonic acid
Authors: Engsvang M. , Wu H. , Knattrup Y. , Kubečka J. , Jensen A. Buchgraitz , Elm J.
Published: September 2023

Atmospheric molecular cluster formation is the first stage toward aerosol particle formation. Despite intensive progress in recent years, the relative role of different vapors and the mechanisms for forming clusters is still not well-understood. Quantum chemical (QC) methods can give insight into the cluster formation mechanisms and thereby yield information about the potentially relevant compounds. Here, we summarize the QC literature on clustering involving species such as sulfuric acid, methanesulfonic acid, and nitric acid. The importance of iodine species such as iodous acid (HIO2) and iodic acid (HIO3) in atmospheric cluster formation is an emerging topic, and we critically review the recent literature and give our view on how to progress in the future. We outline how machine learning (ML) methods can be used to enhance cluster configurational sampling, leading to a massive increase in the cluster compositions that can be modeled. In the future, ML-boosted cluster formation could allow us to comprehensively understand complex cluster formation with multiple pathways, leading us one step closer to implementing accurate cluster formation mechanisms in atmospheric models.
Exploiting oscillatory dynamics of delay systems for reservoir computing
Authors: Goldmann Mirko , Fischer Ingo , Mirasso Claudio R. , C. Soriano Miguel
Published: September 2023

Nonlinear dynamical systems exhibiting inherent memory can process temporal information by exploiting their responses to input drives. Reservoir computing is a prominent approach to leverage this ability for time-series forecasting. The computational capabilities of analog computing systems often depend on both the dynamical regime of the system and the input drive. Most studies have focused on systems exhibiting a stable fixed-point solution in the absence of input. Here, we go beyond that limitation, investigating the computational capabilities of a paradigmatic delay system in three different dynamical regimes. The system we chose has an Ikeda-type nonlinearity and exhibits fixed point, bistable, and limit-cycle dynamics in the absence of input. When driving the system, new input-driven dynamics emerge from the autonomous ones featuring characteristic properties. Here, we show that it is feasible to attain consistent responses across all three regimes, which is an essential prerequisite for the successful execution of the tasks. Furthermore, we demonstrate that we can exploit all three regimes in two time-series forecasting tasks, showcasing the versatility of this paradigmatic delay system in an analog computing context. In all tasks, the lowest prediction errors were obtained in the regime that exhibits limit-cycle dynamics in the undriven reservoir. To gain further insights, we analyzed the diverse time-distributed node responses generated in the three regimes of the undriven system. An increase in the effective dimensionality of the reservoir response is shown to affect the prediction error, as also fine-tuning of the distribution of nonlinear responses. Finally, we demonstrate that a trade-off between prediction accuracy and computational speed is possible in our continuous delay systems. Our results not only provide valuable insights into the computational capabilities of complex dynamical systems but also open a new perspective on enhancing the potential of analog computing systems implemented on various hardware platforms.
Tri-phase photonic crystal emitter for thermophotovoltaic systems
Authors: Singhal Vidisha , Zhu Jie , Song Jiawei , Wang Haiyan , Bermel Peter
Published: September 2023

Thermophotovoltaics (TPVs) are devices that convert thermal radiation into electricity using a low-bandgap photovoltaic (PV) cell. While the theoretical efficiency can approach the Carnot limit, designing a TPV selective emitter that is spectrally matched with the PV cell's bandgap and is stable at high temperatures is critical for achieving high-efficiency systems. Photonic crystal (PhC) emitters can provide excellent spectral control, but prior experimental designs lack the thermal stability required for high-performance TPVs. In this study, a tri-phase PhC emitter design is proposed and optimized. The tri-phase design introduces an additional material in one of the alternating layers of an existing 1D PhC emitter, potentially stabilizing it at high temperatures. BaZrO3 is introduced in the CeO2 layers of a CeO2/MgO PhC emitter. Stanford Stratified Structure Solver (S4) is used to model the emittance of multiple tri-phase PhC variations. The parameter for optimization is the spectral efficiency of the emitter. The structure with the highest spectral efficiency is only 0.02% less efficient than the original design. The structure with the lowest spectral efficiency is only 0.28% less efficient. Therefore, any tri-phase variation can be applied to existing PhC emitters without compromising on their spectral efficiency. Without the need for manufacturing specific parameters, the tri-phase PhC can be an inexpensive emitter for real world applications that may improve thermal stability without compromising on the spectral efficiency, making the practical applications of TPVs feasible.
Mixed-mode oscillations and extreme events in fractional-order Bonhoeffer–van der Pol oscillator
Authors: Wei Zhouchao , Kumarasamy Suresh , Ramasamy Mohanasubha , Rajagopal Karthikeyan , Qian Youhua
Published: September 2023

In the present study, we investigate the dynamic behavior of the fractional-order Bonhoeffer–van der Pol (BVP) oscillator. Previous studies on the integer-order BVP have shown that it exhibits mixed-mode oscillations (MMOs) with respect to the frequency of external forcing. We explore the effect of fractional-order on these MMOs and observe interesting phenomena. For fractional-order q1, we find that as we vary the frequency of external forcing, the system exhibits increasingly small amplitude oscillations. Eventually, as q1 decreases, the MMOs disappear entirely, indicating that lower fractional orders eliminate the presence of MMOs in the BVP oscillator. On the other hand, for the fractional-order q2, we observe more complex MMOs compared to q1. However, we find that the elimination of MMOs occurs with less variation from the integer order 1. Intriguingly, as we change q2, the fractional-order BVP oscillator undergoes a phenomenon known as a crisis, where the attractor expands and extreme events occur. Overall, our study highlights the rich dynamics of the fractional-order BVP oscillator and its ability to display various modes of oscillations and crises as the order is changed.
Discharge characteristics of a low-pressure geometrically asymmetric cylindrical capacitively coupled plasma with an axisymmetric magnetic field
Authors: Dahiya Swati , Singh Pawandeep , Patil Yashshri , Sharma Sarveshwar , Sirse Nishant , Karkari Shantanu Kumar
Published: September 2023

We investigate the discharge characteristics of a low-pressure geometrically asymmetric cylindrical capacitively coupled plasma discharge with an axisymmetric magnetic field generating an E × B drift in the azimuthal direction. Vital discharge parameters, including electron density, electron temperature, DC self-bias, and electron energy probability function (EEPF), are studied experimentally for different magnetic field strength (B) values. A transition in the plasma parameters is observed for a specific range of magnetic fields where the discharge is highly efficient with lower electron temperature. Outside this range of magnetic field, the plasma density drops, followed by an increase in the electron temperature. The observed behavior is attributed to the transition from geometrical asymmetry to magnetic field-associated symmetry due to reduced radial losses and plasma confinement in the peripheral region. The DC self-bias increases almost linearly from a large negative value to nearly zero, i.e., it turns into a symmetric discharge. The EEPF undergoes a transition from bi-Maxwellian for unmagnetized to Maxwellian at intermediate B and finally becomes a weakly bi-Maxwellian at higher values of B. The above transitions present a novel way to independently control the ion energy and ion flux in a cylindrical capacitively coupled plasma system using an axisymmetric magnetic field with an enhanced plasma density and lower electron temperature that is beneficial for plasma processing applications.
Centrifugal-electrostatic confinement fusion
Authors: Ordonez C. A. , Weathers D. L.
Published: September 2023

A model for plasma confinement is developed and applied for describing an electrically confined thermonuclear plasma. The plasma confinement model includes both an analytical approach that excludes space charge effects and a classical trajectory Monte Carlo simulation that accounts for space charge. The plasma consists of reactant ions that form a non-neutral plasma without electrons. The plasma drifts around a negatively charged electrode. Conditions are predicted for confining a deuterium–tritium plasma using a 460 kV applied electric potential difference. The ion plasma would have a 20 keV temperature, a 1020 m−3 peak density, and a 110 keV average kinetic energy per ion (including drift and thermal portions at a certain point in the plasma). The fusion energy production rate is predicted to be 10 times larger than the energy loss rate, including contributions associated with both plasma loss to electrodes and secondary electron emission. However, an approach for enhancing the fusion power density may have to be employed to realize a practical use for centrifugal-electrostatic confinement fusion.
Heat and fluid flow of a circular cylinder placed close to a turbulence-generating grid
Authors: Abdelhady M.
Published: September 2023

The heat and fluid flow of a circular cylinder placed in the wake of a turbulence-generating grid are studied using large eddy simulations at a Reynolds number of 3900 and a Prandtl number of 0.7. The investigation focused on the wake of the cylinder and compared the results to a uniform inflow case to assess the impact of the highly anisotropic-nonhomogeneous grid-generated turbulence on the cylinder heat and fluid flow. Phase-averaging and spectral proper orthogonal decomposition were applied to analyze the coherent heat and fluid flow fields. The following are the main findings of the cylinder experiencing turbulent inflow, relative to the uniform free-stream case: (i) a highly three-dimensional mean heat and fluid flow, (ii) a 40% shorter recirculation length, (iii) a wake dominated by shedding vortices having lower magnitudes of fluctuations than the uniform inflow case, (iv) delay in flow separation from 87° to 97°, (v) break of the correlation between the wake shedding flow and the flow field at the cylinder front face, (vi) 39% enhancement in the overall Nusselt number, (vii) 100% increase in the local Nusselt number at the rear stagnation point, (viii) higher local heat transfer rate that varies substantially along the span before flow separation, (ix) significantly higher lift force reflected in a 3.7× root mean square lift coefficient and a phase-averaged lift coefficient having a maximum amplitude that is 7×, and (x) an increase in the magnitudes of the advection and production terms of the coherent heat and fluid flow transport equations, especially around the forward and rear stagnation regions.
Broadband bandpass Purcell filter for circuit quantum electrodynamics
Authors: Yan Haoxiong , Wu Xuntao , Lingenfelter Andrew , Joshi Yash J. , Andersson Gustav , Conner Christopher R. , Chou Ming-Han , Grebel Joel , Miller Jacob M. , Povey Rhys G. , Qiao Hong , Clerk Aashish A. , Cleland Andrew N.
Published: September 2023

In circuit quantum electrodynamics, qubits are typically measured using dispersively coupled readout resonators. Coupling between each readout resonator and its electrical environment, however, reduces the qubit lifetime via the Purcell effect. Inserting a Purcell filter counters this effect while maintaining high readout fidelity but reduces measurement bandwidth and, thus, limits multiplexing readout capacity. In this Letter, we develop and implement a multi-stage bandpass Purcell filter that yields better qubit protection while simultaneously increasing measurement bandwidth and multiplexed capacity. We report on the experimental performance of our transmission-line-based implementation of this approach, a flexible design that can easily be integrated with current scaled-up, long coherence time superconducting quantum processors.
Enhanced brightness of quantum emitters via in situ coupling to the dielectric microsphere
Authors: Wang Xiao-Jie , Huang Jia-Tai , Fang Hong-Hua , Zhao Yun , Chai Yuan , Bai Ben-Feng , Sun Hong-Bo
Published: September 2023

Achieving higher brightness of a single-photon emitter (SPE) is central for advanced applications from quantum information processing to quantum sensing. However, most approaches of integrating quantum emitters and photonic resonators require accurately localizing the emitter into a photonic structure, which is a challenge. Here, we report using dielectric microspheres for laser focusing to create SPEs in hexagonal boron nitride and in situ enhance the emission via photonic coupling between the SPE and the dielectric microspheres. The photoluminescence intensity is increased by 2.4-fold, achieving a high brightness SPE with a saturation intensity of up to 19.6 Mcounts s−1. This approach provides a feasible way to generate a high-performance SPE while simultaneously enabling precise coupling of the quantum light source and optical resonators.
Fragment-based models for dissociation of strong acids in water: Electrostatic embedding minimizes the dependence on the fragmentation schemes
Authors: Tripathy Vikrant , Raghavachari Krishnan
Published: September 2023

Fragmentation methods such as MIM (Molecules-in-Molecules) provide a route to accurately model large systems and have been successful in predicting their structures, energies, and spectroscopic properties. However, their use is often limited to systems at equilibrium due to the inherent complications in the choice of fragments in systems away from equilibrium. Furthermore, the presence of charges resulting from any heterolytic bond breaking may increase the fragmentation error. We have previously suggested EE-MIM (Electrostatically Embedded Molecules-In-Molecules) as a method to mitigate the errors resulting from the missing long-range interactions in molecular clusters in equilibrium. Here, we show that the same method can be applied to improve the performance of MIM to solve the longstanding problem of dependency of the fragmentation energy error on the choice of the fragmentation scheme. We chose four widely used acid dissociation reactions (HCl, HClO4, HNO3, and H2SO4) as test cases due to their importance in chemical processes and complex reaction potential energy surfaces. Electrostatic embedding improves the performance at both one and two-layer MIM as shown by lower EE-MIM1 and EE-MIM2 errors. The EE-MIM errors are also demonstrated to be less dependent on the choice of the fragmentation scheme by analyzing the variation in fragmentation energy at the points with more than one possible fragmentation scheme (points where the fragmentation scheme changes). EE-MIM2 with M06-2X as the low-level resulted in a variation of less than 1 kcal/mol for all the cases and 1 kJ/mol for all but three cases, rendering our method fragmentation scheme-independent for acid dissociation processes.
Flexibility and anisotropy of MX3 (M = Zr, Hf; X = S, Se): New semiconductors with high photovoltaic performance
Authors: Zhao Qiyi , Ren Yani , Li Lu , He Chuan , Che Junling , Jia Rongkai , Xu Yonggang , Zhu Lipeng , Xu Xinlong
Published: September 2023

Optoelectronic functional materials with flexible and in-plane anisotropic properties has been a significant development direction of nanotechnology due to wearable and polarized optoelectronic applications. Herein, the elasticity, global band dispersion, optical dielectric properties of environmentally friendly IVB-VIA layered transition metal trichalcogenides (MX3, M = Zr, Hf; X = S, Se) are investigated systematically by density functional theory with different kinds of van der Waals correction and hybrid functional. The low elastic modulus suggests that they are appropriate for the design of flexible optoelectronic devices. Originating from the effect of d states of chalcogens and s states of transition metals, the dispersion of the valence band edge of monolayer MX3 shows that the effective mass of carriers along the wave vector kx is much heavier than that of carriers along the wave vector ky. This means that the mobility of carriers exhibits obvious in-plane anisotropy. Meanwhile, the optical dielectric properties of monolayer MX3 as well as absorbed photon flux (Jabs) of the related heterostructures display noteworthy in-plane anisotropy in the visible-IR region. The ratio of Jabs from different direction reaches up to 1.7. This work could not only promote understanding of rich photophyiscal properties of transition metal trichalcogenides, but also provide a theoretical reference for the invention of high-performance optoelectronic devices with high flexibility and anisotropy.
Roughness induced current reversal in fractional hydrodynamic memory
Authors: Jiao Yuanyuan , Zeng Chunhua , Luo Yuhui
Published: September 2023

The existence of a corrugated surface is of great importance and ubiquity in biological systems, exhibiting diverse dynamic behaviors. However, it has remained unclear whether such rough surface leads to the current reversal in fractional hydrodynamic memory. We investigate the transport of a particle within a rough potential under external forces in a subdiffusive media with fractional hydrodynamic memory. The results demonstrate that roughness induces current reversal and a transition from no transport to transport. These phenomena are analyzed through the subdiffusion, Peclet number, useful work, input power, and thermodynamic efficiency. The analysis reveals that transport results from energy conversion, wherein time-dependent periodic force is partially converted into mechanical energy to drive transport against load, and partially dissipated through environmental absorption. In addition, the findings indicate that the size and shape of ratchet tune the occurrence and disappearance of the current reversal, and control the number of times of the current reversal occurring. Furthermore, we find that temperature, friction, and load tune transport, resonant-like activity, and enhanced stability of the system, as evidenced by thermodynamic efficiency. These findings may have implications for understanding dynamics in biological systems and may be relevant for applications involving molecular devices for particle separation at the mesoscopic scale.
Excited-state van der Waals potential energy surfaces for the NO A2Σ+ + CO2X1Σg+ collision complex
Authors: Craciunescu Luca , Liane Eirik M. , Kirrander Adam , Paterson Martin J.
Published: September 2023

Excited state van der Waals (vdW) potential energy surfaces (PESs) of the NO A2Σ+ + CO2X1Σg+ system are thoroughly investigated using coupled cluster theory and complete active space perturbation theory to second order (CASPT2). First, it is shown that pair natural orbital coupled cluster singles and doubles with perturbative triples yields comparable accuracy compared to CCSD(T) for molecular properties and vdW-minima at a fraction of computational cost of the latter. Using this method in conjunction with highly diffuse basis sets and counterpoise correction for basis set superposition error, the PESs for different intermolecular orientations are investigated. These show numerous vdW-wells, interconnected for all geometries except one, with a maximum depth of up to 830 cm−1; considerably deeper than those on the ground state surface. Multi-reference effects are investigated with CASPT2 calculations. The long-range vdW-surfaces support recent experimental observations relating to rotational energy transfer due the anisotropy in the potentials.
An organic electrochemical synaptic transistor array for neuromorphic computation of sound localization
Authors: Xu Yunchao , Deng Zhonghui , Jin Chenxing , Liu Wanrong , Shi Xiaofang , Chang Jianhui , Yu Haoran , Liu Biao , Sun Jia , Yang Junliang
Published: September 2023

Neuromorphic devices have a potential to accelerate high-performance parallel and low-power memory computing, artificial intelligence, and adaptive learning. In this work, a facile and high-resolution patterning process is introduced to fabricate an organic electrochemical synaptic transistors (OESTs) array using a laser etching process and screen-printing ion gel. The OESTs show an excellent electrical-pulse-modulated conductance updating for synaptic functions and also remarkable mechanical flexibility and low energy consumption. Based on the linear, repeatable, and stable long-term plasticity, the long-term potentiation statistics of 2205 count points have been simulated to explore the regularity of their conductivity states. Furthermore, the sound-localization function was simulated by constructing a cross-grid array of OESTs. The normalized mean square error of sound localization results was reduced by ∼37.5% from the untrained period. This work provides a platform for designing a high-performance, flexible, and highly efficient neuromorphic computation for artificial neuromorphic systems.
Gas concentration monitoring based on the two-dimensional reflection intensity curve of Bloch surface wave
Authors: Li Junfeng , Wei Zimiao , Chen Yikai
Published: September 2023

Proposed is a gas concentration monitoring method that is based on the dispersion of Bloch surface wave. Different from the conventional sensing method using a single parameter such as wavelength or angle, all measured data was fully analyzed from a two-dimensional reflection intensity curve of a Bloch surface wave by mutual reflection intensity, which can reflect changes in either the refractive index or the airflow motion. This method does not require recording specific wavelength or incidence angles and measurement of small wavelengths or angle deviations. Our airflow monitoring device has a detection limit of 1.14 × 10−4RIU and good linearity in an open environment with high noise levels. However, in a closed environment, we achieved stable monitoring of the dry ice sublimation process and prediction.
Genomic analysis reveals a cryptic pangolin species
Authors: Gu Tong-Tong , Wu Hong , Yang Feng , Gaubert Philippe , Heighton Sean P. , Fu Yeyizhou , Liu Ke , Luo Shu-Jin , Zhang Hua-Rong , Hu Jing-Yang , Yu Li
Published: September 2023

Eight extant species of pangolins are currently recognized. Recent studies found that two mitochondrial haplotypes identified in confiscations in Hong Kong could not be assigned to any known pangolin species, implying the existence of a species. Here, we report that two additional mitochondrial haplotypes identified in independent confiscations from Yunnan align with the putative species haplotypes supporting the existence of this mysterious species/population. To verify the new species scenario we performed a comprehensive analysis of scale characteristics and 138 whole genomes representing all recognized pangolin species and the cryptic new species, 98 of which were generated here. Our morphometric results clearly attributed this cryptic species to Asian pangolins (Manissp.) and the genomic data provide robust and compelling evidence that it is a pangolin species distinct from those recognized previously, which separated from the Philippine pangolin and Malayan pangolin over 5 Mya. Our study provides a solid genomic basis for its formal recognition as the ninth pangolin species or the fifth Asian one, supporting a new taxonomic classification of pangolins. The effects of glacial climate changes and recent anthropogenic activities driven by illegal trade are inferred to have caused its population decline with the genomic signatures showing low genetic diversity, a high level of inbreeding, and high genetic load. Our finding greatly expands current knowledge of pangolin diversity and evolution and has vital implications for conservation efforts to prevent the extinction of this enigmatic and endangered species from the wild.