bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ytopt: Autotuning Scientific Applications for Energy Efficiency at Large Scales
Authors: Wu Xingfu , Balaprakash Prasanna , Kruse Michael , Koo Jaehoon , Videau Brice , Hovland Paul , Taylor Valerie , Geltz Brad , Jana Siddhartha , Hall Mary
Published: October 2024

As we enter the exascale computing era, efficiently utilizing power and optimizing the performance of scientific applications under power and energy constraints has become critical and challenging. We propose a low‐overhead autotuning framework to autotune performance and energy for various hybrid MPI/OpenMP scientific applications at large scales and to explore the tradeoffs between application runtime and power/energy for energy efficient application execution, then use this framework to autotune four ECP proxy applications—XSBench, AMG, SWFFT, and SW4lite. Our approach uses Bayesian optimization with a Random Forest surrogate model to effectively search parameter spaces with up to 6 million different configurations on two large‐scale HPC production systems, Theta at Argonne National Laboratory and Summit at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The experimental results show that our autotuning framework at large scales has low overhead and achieves good scalability. Using the proposed autotuning framework to identify the best configurations, we achieve up to 91.59% performance improvement, up to 21.2% energy savings, and up to 37.84% EDP (energy delay product) improvement on up to 4096 nodes.
Key Process Control for Synthesizing High‐Performance Inherently Flame‐Retardant Long‐Chain Bio‐Based Polyamide
Authors: Zhang Lurong , Cao Zhiwen , Zhao Shikun , Hu Qing , Zhao Zihe , Zhao Biao , Pan Kai
Published: October 2024

Long‐chain bio‐based polyamide has shown promising development prospects due to its excellent properties and green renewable characteristics; however, synthesizing inherently flame‐retardant long‐chain bio‐based polyamide remains a big challenge due to the lack of effective knowledge of the key polymerization process. Herein, intrinsicly flame‐retardant long‐chain bio‐based polyamide 512 (PA512) was synthesized in the presence of a reactive flame retardant with high thermal stability and good water solubility. The reaction conditions and existing problems in each stage of the copolymerization system have been clarified and optimized. By utilizing a two‐step pre‐polymerization approach, a series of intrinsicly flame‐retardant PA512 (FRPA512) with large molecular weight, high phosphorus element content and good mechanical properties were obtained. More importantly, the prepared FRPA512 with 5 wt % flame retardant loading exhibited good flame retardancy, showing a limiting oxygen index (LOI) of 28.1 % and a vertical burning rating of V‐0. This study provides a feasible solution to the common problem in the synthesis of flame‐retardant polyamides, while also offering new insights for future modification of polyamide copolymerization.
Plasmonic Silver Nanoparticles Facilitate Electron Emission from Diamond upon Sun‐Like Excitation
Authors: Bellucci Alessandro , Mastellone Matteo , Catone Daniele , O'Keeffe Patrick , Martelli Faustino , Ammirati Giuseppe , Paladini Alessandra , Turchini Stefano , Toschi Francesco , Santagata Antonio , Pace Maria Lucia , Polini Riccardo , Salerno Raffaella , Valentini Veronica , Trucchi Daniele M.
Published: October 2024

The development of a stable, non‐toxic material that emits electrons following absorption of visible light may have a major impact on the solar photocatalysis of difficult reactions such as CO2 and N2 reduction, as well as for targeted chemical transformations in general. Diamond is a good candidate, however it is a wide bandgap material requiring deep UV photons (
<227 nm) to promote electrons from the valence band into the conduction band. Embedding silver nanoparticles under the diamond surface allows the photoconductivity of the diamond in the spectral region of the surface plasmon resonance to be increased, while also leading to an enhancement of visible light photoemission. Considering the low intensity of the light sources used in this work and the spectral properties of the enhanced photoconductivity and photoemission a mechanism based on plasmonically enhanced photoconductivity which in turn allows surface states emptied by photoemission to be recharged thus leading to enhanced photoemission in the visible range is proposed.
A finite mixture distribution to model genetic architecture of image‐based oat grain morphology
Authors: Berro Inés , Yandell Brian S. , Gutiérrez Lucía
Published: October 2024

The multi‐floral oat (Avena sativa L.) inflorescence influences grain size and shape distributions, affecting the physical attributes of grain quality such as plumpness, size, and uniformity. While the grain size and shape distribution has been characterized as multi‐modal, very little is known about the genetic determinants of those distributions and their properties. The goal of this study was to model grain size and shape distribution using a finite mixture distribution approach and propose new distributional traits (i.e., emerging distributional traits) to characterize genotypes. We evaluated 47 oat genotypes in four highly replicated field experiments. Grains of three panicles per plot were individually threshed and scanned. Grain area, length, width, and roundness were obtained from each grain‐based image, while emerging distributional traits were evaluated using a finite mixture distribution approach. Finally, grain size distributions from hand‐threshed panicles (representing the full biological distribution) were compared with the grain size distributions of grains harvested with a combine harvester representing commercial harvest where small grains may be blown out. The heritability of all grain traits was high (0.89–0.94), and trait distributions differed among genotypes. Grain area and length show bi‐ and trimodal distributions, while grain width and roundness are uni‐ and bimodal. Although the full biological distribution of grains differed from the combine‐harvested grains, their genetic correlations were high, suggesting the combine‐harvested distributions can be used as a proxy for full biological distributions. This study proposes a straightforward methodological approach to model grain attributes that can aid in quality evaluations for genetic studies, breeding decisions, and industry characterization.
Cellulose‐based Conductive Materials for Bioelectronics
Authors: Saleh Ahmed K. , El‐Sayed Mohamed H. , El‐Sakhawy Mohamed A. , Alshareef Shareefa Ahmed , Omer Noha , Abdelaziz Mahmoud A. , Jame Rasha , Zheng Hongjun , Gao Mengge , Du Haishun
Published: October 2024

The growing demand for electronic devices has led to excessive stress on Earth′s resources, necessitating effective waste management and the search for renewable materials with minimal environmental impact. Bioelectronics, designed to interface with the human body, have traditionally been made from inorganic materials, such as metals, which, while having suitable electrical conductivity, differ significantly in chemical and mechanical properties from biological tissues. This can cause issues such as unreliable signal collection and inflammatory responses. Recently, natural biopolymers such as cellulose, chitosan, and silk have been explored for flexible devices, given their chemical uniqueness, shape flexibility, ease of processing, mechanical strength, and biodegradability. Cellulose is the most abundant natural biopolymer, has been widely used across industries, and can be transformed into electronically conductive carbon materials. This review focuses on the advancements in cellulose‐based conductive materials for bioelectronics, detailing their chemical properties, methods to enhance conductivity, and forms used in bioelectronic applications. It highlights the compatibility of cellulose with biological tissues, emphasizing its potential in developing wearable sensors, supercapacitors, and other healthcare‐related devices. The review also addresses current challenges in this field and suggests future research directions to overcome these obstacles and fully realize the potential of cellulose‐based bioelectronics.
Peer facilitation and teacher‐less pedagogy: A case study of a tertiary EFL listening course
Authors: Sun Xiaomei , Jiang Ling
Published: October 2024

The benefits of peer facilitation on the development of students' skills in various fields have been widely discussed. However, we know very little about how teachers could draw on peer facilitation to improve pedagogical designs. This study aimed to investigate the influence of peer facilitation carried out in a tertiary EFL (English as a Foreign Language) listening course on students and teacher's pedagogical improvement. This qualitative case study collected data from four main sources: students' (n = 20) presentation slides; student feedback survey (n = 17) conducted at the end of the 4‐month listening project; teacher's reflective journal; teacher's observation notes. Two researchers adopted the approach of thematic analysis, following the six steps in the process of data analysis. On students' part, results indicate that pre‐facilitation training and teacher‐student communication in the preparation stage helped students improve linguistic, social and affective, cognitive and metacognitive skills. Learner autonomy was reflected in a good showcase of student personalities in peer facilitation and an awareness of demonstrating positionality when selecting materials and designing exercises for listening. On the teacher's part, by providing training for student peer facilitation, monitoring the preparation, observing the presentation, and giving feedback on the facilitation, the teacher gained a profound understanding of student needs, aspirations, and techniques adopted in their facilitation, which in turn helped the teacher improve pedagogical designs.
A Growth–Survival Trade‐Off Along an Elevation Gradient Is Altered by Earthquake Disturbance in a Monodominant Southern Beech Forest
Authors: Allen Robert B. , MacKenzie Darryl I. , Wiser Susan K. , Bellingham Peter J. , Burrows Lawrence E. , Coomes David A.
Published: October 2024

Tree growth–survival relationships link two demographic processes that individually dictate the composition, structure and functioning of forest ecosystems. While these relationships vary intra‐specifically, it remains unclear how this reflects environmental variation and disturbance. We examined the influence of a 700‐m elevation gradient and an Mw = 6.7 earthquake on intra‐specific variability in growth–survival relationships. We expected that survival models that incorporated recent growth would be better supported than those only using other factors known to influence tree survival. We used a permanent plot network that representatively sampled a monodominant Nothofagus forest in New Zealand's Southern Alps in 1974 and that was remeasured seven times through to 2009. The relationships were assessed using pre‐earthquake growth and survival, pre‐earthquake growth and post‐earthquake survival (0–5 years post‐earthquake), and post‐earthquake growth and survival (5+ years post‐earthquake). Survival was related to growth of 4504 trees on 216 plots using Bayesian modelling. We hypothesised there would be a positive, logistic relationship between growth and survival. Pre‐earthquake, we found a positive, logarithmic growth–survival relationship at all elevations. At higher elevations, trees grew more slowly but had higher survival than trees at lower elevations, supporting our hypothesised demographic trade‐off with elevation. The earthquake altered growth–survival relationships from those found pre‐earthquake and 0–5 years post‐earthquake survival held little relationship with growth. A strong, logarithmic growth–survival relationship developed 5+ years post‐earthquake because of enhanced survival of fast‐growing trees yet low survival of slow‐growing trees. Synthesis. Our findings demonstrate a trend in growth–survival relationships along an elevation gradient. If we assume a gradual climate warming is the equivalent of a forest stand shifting to a lower elevation, then data from our pre‐earthquake period suggest that tree growth–survival relationships at any elevation could adjust to faster growth and lower survival. We also show how these novel growth–survival relationships could be altered by periodic disturbance.
Increased Reproductive Output and Telomere Shortening Following Calcium Supplementation in a Wild Songbird
Authors: Rodriguez Marina D. , Bailey Susan M. , Doherty Paul F. , Huyvaert Kathryn P.
Published: October 2024

Life history theory predicts increased parental investment comes with fitness costs, often expressed as negative effects on survival and future reproduction. To better understand the costs of reproduction and life history trade‐offs, we evaluated calcium supplementation at a high‐elevation site in Colorado as a novel approach to experimentally alter reproductive investment in nesting female Tachycineta bicolor (tree swallow). Calcium is a nutrient critical to avian reproduction as the intake of natural calcium is essential for egg production, embryo development, and nestling growth. Altering calcium availability exclusively during the breeding season allowed examination of individual biological responses to experimental modification of reproduction, as well as the reproductive costs associated with egg production and laying an entire clutch. As a functional endpoint and proxy for fitness and longevity, telomere length was measured at the beginning and end of each breeding season. Telomeres—protective “caps” at the ends of chromosomes—have been shown to shorten with aging and a variety of stressors, including higher reproductive output. Results demonstrate that tree swallow mothers supplemented with calcium during the breeding season experience higher reproductive output and produce offspring with longer telomeres, which came at the cost of relatively shorter telomeres during the reproductive season. These findings provide additional support for reproductive trade‐offs, and also challenge previous calcium supplementation studies that suggest excess calcium reduces the cost of reproduction.
Climate gradient‐driven intraspecific aggregation propensity linked to interpatch modulation in grassland communities
Authors: Liu Huaiqiang , Wang Xinyu , Liu Zhiying , Jaesong Saihanna , Liu Jiayue , Yang Qianhui , Wang Ning , Gao Xiaotian , Feng Yarong , Li Haoxin , Chai Jianru , Zhang Jialu , Li Kexin , Li Frank Yonghong
Published: October 2024

The response of vegetation to climate change on a large scale should be studied at the community level rather than the species level. This necessitates a focused exploration of emerging spatial patterns. Here, we surveyed 264 sites in the Inner Mongolia typical steppe, using the “needling” method to investigate 39,600 clumps formed through the coexistence relationships of dominant species. We found that the effects of slow climate change on grassland communities can be categorized into two general trends: (1) a monotone relationship, characterized by changes in the number of dominant species, compositional diversity, and optimal patch area, and (2) a unimodal relationship, reflected in variations in the number of patches and interspecific associations. The two distinct trends, connected by optimal patch area, concurrently support both the habitat amount hypothesis and the intermediate disturbance hypothesis. These findings suggest that climate change indirectly influences the area and amount of vegetation patches by regulating the arrangement of clumps. Moreover, they indicate that it is the distribution, rather than the number, of species that serves as the front line for plant communities adapting to climate change.
Unpacking Forest Stewardship Council certification in Chile: The scope and limitations of neoliberal market‐driven governance for achieving sustainable development
Authors: Undurraga Tomas , Fergnani Mario
Published: October 2024

The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an international NGO promoting sustainable forest management by setting standards and certifying timber as eco‐friendly. After facing significant resistance from the Chilean forestry sector, which is plagued by environmental and territorial conflicts, FSC began certifying Chile's main forestry corporations in 2010. This article examines the implementation of FSC's standards by addressing two questions. First, how does FSC function in practice, including the roles of consultants, chambers, and instruments in the certification process? Second, what are the scope and limitations of FSC in achieving sustainable development and managing forestry industry conflicts? Elaborating on 24 interviews with key forestry stakeholders, ethnographic fieldwork, and documentary analysis, the findings indicate that FSC enhances management practices in the forestry industry by promoting legal compliance, rational production management, and improved relations between firms and local communities. FSC provides a green imaginary that ‘cleans up’ timber production as conflict‐free, facilitating its free circulation in the international market. However, as a private governance system, FSC is based on an artificial consensus that has limitations such as power imbalances between firms and communities, limited sanctioning power, and close ties with large industry actors. This neoliberal form of governance fails to resolve structural problems between industry and indigenous communities, yet it creates strategic opportunities for mediating the relationships between actors. In Chile, FSC enables incomplete citizenship for communities and serves as a ‘soft regulation’ for firms, reducing the likelihood of increased State regulation in the forestry sector.
Prognostic value of hypoxaemic burden from overnight oximetry in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Mourmans Sanne G.J. , Weerts Jerremy , Baumert Mathias , Aizpurua Arantxa Barandiarán , Achten Anouk , Knackstedt Christian , Linz Dominik , van Empel Vanessa P.M.
Published: October 2024

Aims

Nocturnal hypoxaemic burden, quantified as time spent with oxygen saturation below 90% (T90), is an established independent predictor of mortality in heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction. The prognostic value of T90 in HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) is unknown. This study aims to determine the association of T90 with adverse outcomes in HFpEF.

Methods and results

One hundred twenty‐six patients prospectively included from our specialised HFpEF outpatient clinic underwent ambulatory home sleep monitoring to obtain oximetry data, including T90. We investigated the association between T90 and a composite endpoint of HF hospitalisations or all‐cause mortality. Nocturnal hypoxaemic burden in this HFpEF population was high, with a median T90 of 13.7 min. In only 10 patients (7.9%), oxygen saturation was at no time point below 90%. After median 34 months [IQR 18.4–52.0] of follow‐up, 32 patients (25%) reached the composite endpoint. T90 was significantly associated with the composite endpoint, also after adjusting for potential confounders (HR 1.004 (95% CI 1.001–1.007, P = 0.019) per 1 min T90 increase or HR 1.265 (95% CI 1.061–1.488) per 1 h T90 increase). Patients with HFpEF in the highest T90 tertile (T90 ≥ 31.4 min) had a significantly higher event rate compared to patients in the lowest two T90 tertiles, with 19 (45%) versus 13 (15%) events, respectively (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Nocturnal hypoxaemic burden is an independent prognostic marker for the composite of HF hospitalisations or all‐cause mortality in HFpEF. Whether reduction of T90 improves the prognosis of patients with HFpEF warrants further research.
Pre‐Vegetation Mixed (Wave‐Tide) Energy Trangressive Nearshore Sedimentation: Evidence From the Proterozoic Passive Margin Sequence of NW Himalaya, India
Authors: Saha Subhojit
Published: October 2024

The coupled evolution of the Earth's atmosphere–biosphere system through time has caused irreversible changes in the geodynamics as well as surface processes and sedimentation patterns. One such significant change took place in sedimentation in the Palaeozoic (i.e., Silurian) by the appearance of vascular vegetation. While the impact of evolving vegetation on the terrestrial fluvial environment has been relatively well documented, vegetation‐induced effects down the system in marginal or nearshore marine settings have undergone little study. The Meso‐ to Neoproterozoic Rautgara Formation exposed in the Himalayan Orogenic Belt of NW India, offers a chance to study a well‐preserved fluvial–marine transition to nearshore sedimentation before the appearance of vascular vegetation. A detailed sedimentological analysis identifies six genetically linked facies associations (FA) probably deposited in barrier, back‐barrier, and subtidal deltaic environments. Contrary to the other transgressive barrier models (where beach‐barrier overlie the back barrier environments), in the present case, wave‐dominated barrier deposits mostly occupy the basal part of the stratigraphy. In the middle stratigraphic level, back‐barrier deposits lack thick mud flats and show a dominance of sandstone over mudstone. Stacked subtidal sand bar facies association represents the top part of the sequence. Two sequence stratigraphic surfaces, that is, subaerial unconformity and maximum flooding surface, have been identified and the whole succession is interpreted in terms of HST and TST. Barrier and back‐barrier sediments are deposited during HST and TST, respectively. Subtidal deltaic system developed in late TST. The lack of frequent interbedding between the barrier and back‐barrier facies indicates negligible landward migration of the barrier and demonstrates system stability. The barrier system might have resulted from vertical aggradations akin to modern vegetated systems. The study portrays that sandy barrier systems are common in the Proterozoic. Vegetation and thick mud flats are not always essential for the stability of a barrier‐beach system.
Electronic Structures of Late versus Early Transition Metal Imido Complexes from 15N‐NMR Signatures
Authors: Kakiuchi Yuya , Copéret Christophe
Published: October 2024

Imido ligand is a ubiquitous motif in organometallic chemistry, serving roles spanning from ancillary ligands to reactive sites. The nature of M=N bond is highly depended on the metal centres and their d‐electron configuration, with late transition metal (TM) imido complexes exhibiting contrasting features when compared to their early TM analogues. Envisioning to uncover general electronic descriptor for the nature of imido ligands, we computationally investigate the solid‐state 15N NMR signatures of late TM imido complexes with various central metals, geometries and d‐electron counts, and compare them against these of the corresponding early TM systems. The spectroscopic signatures are mostly driven by the presence of filled, π‐symmetry orbitals in late TM imido complexes, suggesting the development of high‐lying π(M=N) and low‐lying σ/σ*(M=N) orbitals. This contrasts with what is observed for the reported early TM systems, for which high‐lying σ‐type orbitals determine the NMR signature. Noteworthily, Ni‐ and Pd‐imido complexes with formal d10 configurations exhibit highly asymmetric nitrogen‐15 NMR signature with extremely deshielded principal components, because of the presence of filled, high‐lying antibonding π*(M=N) orbitals, consistent with their high reactivity. The sensitive response of 15N NMR signature to the nature of metal sites further highlights that chemical shift is a useful reactivity descriptor.
Evaluating Land Surface Temperature Variation and Its Responses to Climate Change and Human Activities on the Southeastern Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhou Xuan , Xue Baolin , Wang Guoqiang , Wang Yuntao , A Yinglan , Jia Kun , Cao Biao , Wang Ming , Xi Xiaofei
Published: October 2024

The Yarlung Zangbo River Basin (YZRB), situated within the Qinghai‐Tibetan Plateau, has experienced significant alterations due to global warming and vegetation greening. This region serves as a critical indicator of the interplay between vegetation growth and climatic fluctuations, as evidenced by substantial changes in spatiotemporal land surface temperature (LST) over recent decades. In this research, we assessed the components of the water and energy cycles from 1980 to 2015 utilising the variable infiltration capacity (VIC) model to generate a continuous daily LST data over a 35‐year period. Subsequently, we analysed the variations in LST and identified the influence of environmental factors on temperature changes. Notably, while greening was observed, LST exhibited an upward trend. By differentiating the effects of climatic and anthropogenic factors on LST, we found that climate was the predominant influence, accounting for a contribution rate of 70.36% from 1980 to 1995. In contrast, human activities became the primary driver of LST changes, contributing 55% after 1995. Grasslands with moderate coverage demonstrated potential cooling effects. Among the various environmental factors examined, albedo exhibited a negative and delayed impact on LST, while temperature, precipitation and evapotranspiration were positively correlated with LST, displaying relatively synchronous variations. Additionally, soil moisture and the normalised difference vegetation index (NDVI) were identified as leading contributors to positive changes in LST. This study enhances the understanding of the mechanisms influencing LST and provides essential insights for socio‐economic development in areas with sensitive ecosystem.
Late erosion of an Adjustable Transobturator Male System (ATOMS®) device
Authors: Paynter Jessica A , Qin Kirby R , Chee Justin , Manning Todd , Brennan Janelle
Published: October 2024

Introduction

This report describes late erosion of an Adjustable Transobturator Male System device which was inserted for post‐prostatectomy incontinence. The Adjustable Transobturator Male System device eroded the bulbar urethra 5 years post insertion, despite initial improvement of symptoms.

Case presentation

Following an open radical retropubic prostatectomy, a 64 year‐old male patient developed post‐prostatectomy incontinence. He had a known urethral stricture and had also undergone salvage radiotherapy for biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer. His incontinence was initially successfully treated with an Adjustable Transobturator Male System device, yet this eroded his bulbar urethra 5 years post insertion, which was deemed to be a late erosion.

Conclusion

Urologists should be aware that late erosion of the Adjustable Transobturator Male System device can occur, and risk stratification of patients undergoing Adjustable Transobturator Male System device insertion may help to minimize erosion rates.
Diagnosis of infiltrating bladder endometriosis after fourth cesarean section
Authors: Skaff Bassem , Diab Rayane , Moussa Mohamad , Massaad Christopher , Ghazal Kariman
Published: October 2024

Objectives

This case report highlights the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and effective management of bladder endometriosis, while emphasizing the importance of considering this diagnosis in patients with chronic pelvic pain and urinary symptoms.

Methods

A 32‐year‐old woman presented with severe pelvic pain, dysuria, and dyspareunia. Diagnosis of bladder endometriosis was achieved through clinical suspicion supported by vaginal ultrasound, 3D imaging, and magnetic resonance imaging.

Results

Conservative medical treatment provided temporary relief, which necessitated resection of endometriotic nodule.

Conclusions

Due to its rarity and non‐specific presentation, bladder endometriosis is often underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed. In this case, the patient's pain can be correlated with the deeply infiltrating nature of the endometriotic lesions, causing irritation, and involvement of the bladder.
Heteroepitaxy of ε‐Ga2O3 thin film for artificial synaptic device
Authors: Su Longxing , Zhang Bin , Yang Zhuo , Chen Zimin
Published: October 2024

Emerging‐wide bandgap semiconductor Ga2O3 shows distinct characteristics for optoelectronic applications and a stable crystal phase of Ga2O3 is highly desired. Herein, we have first reported a metal‐semiconductor‐metal structure photonic synaptic device based on the ε‐Ga2O3 thin film. The ε‐Ga2O3 epilayer is grown on the c‐sapphire with a low temperature nucleation layer, which presents a crystal orientation relationship with the c‐sapphire (ε‐Ga2O3 <010> // c‐sapphire <1–100> and ε‐Ga2O3 <001> // c‐sapphire <0001>). The ε‐Ga2O3 photonic device was stimulated by UV pulses at different pulse widths, pulse intervals, and reading voltages. Under the UV pulse excitation, the photonic device exhibits primary synaptic functions including excitatory postsynaptic current, short term memory, pair pulse facilitation, long term memory, and STM‐to‐LTM conversion. In addition, stronger and repeated stimuli can naturally contribute to the higher learning capability, thus prolonging the memory time.
Deep Learning With Optical Coherence Tomography for Melanoma Identification and Risk Prediction
Authors: Lai Pei‐Yu , Shih Tai‐Yu , Chang Yu‐Huan , Chang Chung‐Hsing , Kuo Wen‐Chuan
Published: October 2024

Malignant melanoma is the most severe skin cancer with a rising incidence rate. Several noninvasive image techniques and computer‐aided diagnosis systems have been developed to help find melanoma in its early stages. However, most previous research utilized dermoscopic images to build a diagnosis model, and only a few used prospective datasets. This study develops and evaluates a convolutional neural network (CNN) for melanoma identification and risk prediction using optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging of mice skin. Longitudinal tests are performed on four animal models: melanoma mice, dysplastic nevus mice, and their respective controls. The CNN classifies melanoma and healthy tissues with high sensitivity (0.99) and specificity (0.98) and also assigns a risk score to each image based on the probability of melanoma presence, which may facilitate early diagnosis and management of melanoma in clinical settings.
Self‐harm‐related mental imagery: A content analysis study of imagery reported by young people referred to mental health services
Authors: Susi Karima , Stewart Anne , Knowles Bevis Rebecca , Hawton Keith
Published: October 2024

Background

Growing evidence suggests that self‐harm‐related mental imagery is involved in the transition from self‐harm ideation to enactment. However, there has been little research on this important phenomenon in adolescent populations.

Methods

Using an online questionnaire, the frequency, content and impact of self‐harm‐related mental imagery was investigated in a transdiagnostic clinical population of young people with recent self‐harm. Mood ratings were used to assess the impact of completing the questionnaire.

Results

Fifty‐five young people aged 14–24 years old completed the study. Participants were mostly female (85.5%) and White (87.3%). All but one participant (98.2%) reported images related to self‐harm, with 53 (96.4%) reporting future‐oriented self‐harm images, 53 (96.4%) reporting past‐oriented images, and 52 (94.5%) reporting both. Imagery included imagining self‐harm and particularly dangerous acts (including suicide), specific methods, and the consequences of self‐harm for self and others. Past self‐harm‐related mental imagery was sometimes used to develop future‐oriented self‐harm‐related imagery planning, highlighting the influence of previous exposure to self‐harm. Most participants (N = 45; 88.2%) stated that significant self‐harm‐related mental imagery increased the likelihood they would self‐harm. Stimulation of mental imagery was most frequently reported to be related to dreams about self‐harm (N = 33; 60.0%), and exposure to self‐harm‐related content on social media (N = 32; 58.2%) and in fictional TV programmes (N = 30; 54.6%). There was no significant difference in participants' pre‐ and post‐questionnaire mood ratings.

Conclusions

Self‐harm‐related mental imagery is commonly experienced by young people who self‐harm and may play a role in ideation‐to‐enactment of self‐harm. Asking about self‐harm‐related mental imagery can be done safely and could be considered for inclusion in routine clinical assessments. Self‐harm exposure and the origins of self‐harm‐related imagery, such as the links with past self‐harm and social media, as well as potential imagery‐based interventions for self‐harm, require further evaluation. A working model of self‐harm‐related mental imagery is presented.
Synergistic Phytochemical and Nanotechnological Exploration of Melia azedarach With Silver Nitrate: Elucidating Multifaceted Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Antidiabetic, and Insecticidal Potentials
Authors: Shah Asad Husain , Khan Ameena , Khan Neelam , Jannat Sammyia , Alarjan Khaloud Mohammed , Elshikh Mohamed S. , Afareen Afshan , Hameed Hajra
Published: October 2024

Plants are a rich source of bioactive compounds with significant pharmaceutical and health applications. This study explores the phytochemical, therapeutic, and phytotoxic properties of Melia azedarach by analyzing extracts from its bark, flowers, leaves, and fruits using six solvents: ethanol, methanol, acetone, hexane, chloroform, and distilled water. Twenty‐one phytochemical tests were conducted, revealing significantly positive results for various tests. However, the ethanolic and methanolic flower extracts yielded no significant results in other tests. The highest total phenolic content was found in the chloroform extract of the leaves (96 ± 0.01 mg/100 g), and the highest antioxidant activity was observed in the ethanolic and hexane leaf extracts, with a 98% DPPH scavenging rate. Antibacterial testing showed significant efficacy against Serratia marcescens, Bacillus subtilis, Kluyvera spp., and Pseudomonas spp., with p values < 0.0001. The fruit chloroform extract demonstrated the highest alpha‐amylase inhibition (93 ± 0.05), while the ethanolic leaf extract had the greatest tumor inhibition (85.6 ± 0.5). Insecticidal assays revealed that the acetone bark extract had the highest control values (56% and 57%). Due to their higher reducing potential, the leaves were used to biosynthesize silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), characterized by UV–Vis spectroscopy, EDX, and SEM, revealing an average particle size of 20–30 nm and spherical morphology. The AgNPs exhibited excellent antibacterial, antioxidant, antidiabetic, and insecticidal activities. These findings highlight the potential of M. azedarach and its AgNPs for developing novel therapeutic agents.
Hybrid TLM‐CTLM Test Structure for Determining Specific Contact Resistivity of Ohmic Contacts
Authors: Yue Pan , Chi Thanh Pham , Holland Anthony
Published: October 2024

Various test structures can be used to determine the specific contact resistivity of ohmic contacts. The transmission line model test structure and circular transmission line model test structure are the most commonly used. The analytical expressions of the former are straightforward and effectively describe the electrical behaviour of a contact, while the concentric geometry of the latter eliminates complications during fabrication. In this article, we present a hybrid test structure that combines the advantages of the transmission line and the circular transmission line models. The analytical expressions of the new structure are presented, and its finite‐element modelling is undertaken. The effect of contact geometry on this test structure is also discussed. Using the presented test structure, determining contact parameters does not require any error corrections.
Implications of CMIP6 Models‐Based Climate Biases and Runoff Sensitivity on Runoff Projection Uncertainties Over Central India
Authors: Tyagi Shoobhangi , Sahany Sandeep , Saraswat Dharmendra , Mishra Saroj Kanta , Dubey Amlendu , Niyogi Dev
Published: October 2024

Accurate runoff projections are vital for developing climate adaptation strategies, yet significant uncertainties persist. The commonly employed approaches to constrain these uncertainties rely on the stationarity of climate biases and runoff sensitivity, which may not hold for climate‐sensitive regions (e.g., semi‐arid regions). This study investigates the validity of the stationarity assumption across 29 CMIP6 models, encompassing diverse climate biases (Dry Warm, Wet Warm, Dry Cold, and Wet Cold), utilising a semi‐arid region in central India as a testbed. The implications of this assumption on runoff projection uncertainties were comprehensively assessed across the runoff modelling chain for three time periods (the 2030s, 2060s and 2090s) based on the Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) simulations. The results highlight the non‐stationary nature of climate biases and runoff sensitivity under future scenarios, challenging the widespread applicability of common uncertainty‐constraining approaches. Moreover, the impact of non‐stationarity on runoff projection uncertainty was found to be strongly influenced by the choice of GCMs, preprocessing methods and climate change scenarios. In the 2030s, GCMs dominate runoff uncertainty, with dry models exhibiting ~10%–15% higher uncertainty compared to warm models, which is further amplified when interacting with warm biases. However, from the mid‐century onwards, the bias‐adjustment approaches and climate change scenarios significantly shape runoff projection uncertainties under non‐stationary conditions. These findings emphasise the potential of climate bias and runoff sensitivity‐based GCM selection for reducing runoff uncertainty in near‐future assessment (2030s). For mid‐term and long‐term runoff projections, addressing diverse climate biases through bias‐adjustment approaches is more viable. This study offers critical insights to prioritise the development of a non‐stationarity‐based approach for reliable runoff projections in climate‐sensitive regions.
Experimental Determination of the Temperature‐Dependent Broadening Effect of Water Vapour on the S‐Branch Raman Linewidths of Nitrogen
Authors: Misoi Henry , Hölzer Jonas I. , Seeger Thomas
Published: October 2024

This work reports the S‐branch Raman linewidths of N2 broadened by H2O vapour at temperatures 870–1900 K determined using the picosecond time‐resolved pure rotational coherent anti‐Stokes Raman scattering (RCARS) approach. The coherent dephasing time constant of nitrogen in a binary mixture was determined from the time trace fitting of the RCARS signal. Raman linewidths of N2 for four different binary mixture compositions up to 20% H2O were obtained for each temperature and the N2‐H2O broadening coefficient was determined. The decay of nitrogen broadened by water vapour is faster than that of self‐broadened nitrogen for all temperatures leading to a higher Raman linewidth. Respectively, the S‐branch Raman linewidths of N2‐H2O deviate significantly in magnitude and slope from the Q‐branch Raman linewidth calculated by the modified energy gap (MEG) law. Therefore, taking into account the broadening effect of water molecules in nitrogen has the potential to significantly improve thermometry and species concentration determination. The determined S‐branch Raman linewidths and broadening coefficient will therefore find application in combustion and reactive flow diagnostics.
Safe distance from facial nerve for bipolar coagulation in parotid surgery—Animal study
Authors: Stanković Petar , Bette Michael , Mandić Robert , Hoch Stephan , Stuck Boris A. , Wilhelm Thomas
Published: October 2024

Objective

Currently no data exist on what distance from facial nerve (FN) it is safe to perform bipolar cautery (BC) in parotid surgery, although frequently performed.

Methods

The degree of damage was measured using continuous intraoperative neuromonitoring (cIONM, NIM™ 3, Medtronic) in 16 Wistar rats. Amplitude drop of at least 50% (A50) or a loss of signal (LOS) in the cIONM was defined as harmful; BC was performed in power range 20–60 W.

Results

BC ≤30 W did not cause LOS (0/14 nerves). When applying 35 W, A50 occurred at 4 mm from FN and LOS was noted in 1 of 5 nerves. BC at a power of 40 to 60 W demonstrated LOS in all nerves (12/12) at a 5 mm distance.

Conclusion

BC up to 30 W can be safely applied up to 3 mm distance from FN. 40 to 60 W should be avoided and used only at a distance of over 6 mm from FN.

Level of Evidence

NA/animal study. Laryngoscope, 135:1120–1126, 2025
On the Electrochemical Properties of Poly(Vinylidene Fluoride)/Polythiophene Blends Doped with Lithium‐Based Salt
Authors: Kargar‐Esfandabadi Mahdi , Golshan Marzieh , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: October 2024

In this study, polymer blends of polythiophene (PTH) and poly(vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) are investigated by focusing on their structural and electrochemical characteristics. These blends displayed immiscibility confirmed through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE‐SEM) and interaction assessments. PTH's role as a plasticizer is evident, diminishing crystallinity. A rise in PTH level led to a lower glass transition temperature and a higher melting point, suggesting reduced intermolecular forces and increased polymer chain flexibility. Conversely, a dispersed phase presence elevated the melting point, restricting chain movement and crystallization. The thermal properties of blends are enhanced by increased PTH content. Applying the Vogel–Tammann–Fulcher model to ionic conductivity measurements, it observed a direct relationship between temperature and free volume, impacting conductivity and ion transport numbers. Certain materials exhibit increased activation energies, indicating substantial thermodynamic barriers to local motion. Higher PTH content within the PVDF matrix notably increased the lithium ion transfer number from 0.22 to 0.71, a change tied to the C–S–C structure of polythiophene. However, elevated PTH levels also led to diminished negative charge transfer and ionic conductivity in the PTH‐PVDF blend compared to pure PVDF, likely due to an ionic conduction hindrance.
Anthropomorphic Sad Expressions Reduce Waste of “Single” Imperfect Food
Authors: Gerecht Svenja , Eckmann Lisa , Wentzel Daniel , Landwehr Jan R.
Published: October 2024

Point‐of‐sale anthropomorphism—attributing human characteristics to nonhuman entities—has been shown to increase evaluations of food that deviates in shape or form from consumer expectations (“imperfect food”). However, while previous research has included the use of primary emotions to manipulate anthropomorphism, it is unclear whether depicting imperfect produce with happy or sad emotional expressions is more effective in boosting choice of such produce. This research addresses this gap and additionally examines a novel type of imperfection: when produce is torn off the bunch it normally comes in. A field study conducted at a large food retailer in Germany revealed that sales of “single” bananas significantly increased when they were anthropomorphized with sad emotions compared to when they were anthropomorphized with happy emotions or not anthropomorphized. Across three preregistered online experiments, this research corroborates the effectiveness of sad emotional expressions in boosting purchase intentions, establishes compassion as the underlying process, generalizes this effect to other produce (i.e., tomatoes), and shows that a price discount eliminates this effect. The findings of this research are particularly relevant for food retailers aiming to increase purchases, and thus reduce waste, of fresh produce that has become a loose “single.”
Choice, Psychological Ownership, and Option Valuation
Authors: Chan Eugene Y.
Published: October 2024

In the past few decades, there have been concerns of a possible “choice overload effect” in that the provision of more (vs. less) choice might decrease choice satisfaction as it increases the difficulty of selecting an option among many. However, beyond choice satisfaction, there are other outcomes of offering more choices worth investigating. We examine another potential outcome of offering more choices. The results from four experiments suggest that offering more choice increases the chooser's valuation of the chosen option, relative to offering less choice. This is because offering choice increases the chooser's psychological ownership of the chosen option, a premise derived from prior conceptualizations of choice as fostering control. Thus, we extend theoretical understanding of the consequences of offering choice beyond satisfaction, while at the same time offer implications for marketers interested in understanding the benefits—in addition to the potential harms—of offering choice for consumers.
Multi‐Responsive Polymer Nanoparticles: A Versatile Platform for Double‐Security Anticounterfeiting and Smart Food Packaging
Authors: Alidaei‐Sharif Hossein , Babazadeh‐Mamaqani Milad , Mohammadi‐Jorjafki Moein , Roghani‐Mamaqani Hossein , Salami‐Kalajahi Mehdi
Published: October 2024

Potential applications of colloidal polymer nanoparticles in the preparation of smart inks are investigated by physical incorporation of the oxazolidine molecules. Precise adjusting the polymer chain flexibility and polarity is achieved by controlling the ratio of methyl methacrylate and butyl acrylate monomers in the polymerization reaction. In addition, nanofibrous indicators of acid–base vapors are prepared from the latex nanoparticles. This can be beneficial for creating materials that sense and respond to environmental changes, such as humidity or moisture and acidity. Thermochromic inks are prepared by microencapsulating crystal violet lactone dye (CVL) in polymer matrices to prevent their release into the aqueous media. Combining two distinct systems with varying triggers, such as light and temperature, provides an effective strategy for double‐encryption anticounterfeiting and crack and scratch detection and indication applications. Preparing labels impregnated with double‐responsive inks, a novel approach is developed for food spoilage detection and preservation indication. Labels are manufactured using polymer nanoparticles, which contain photoluminescent oxazolidine molecules, as well as a trinary mixture of CVL within core–shell latex particles as the thermochromic dye. The combination of these two responsive elements transforms traditional packaging into a dynamic and interactive sentinel for the food it holds.
Green Advances in Wet Finishing Methods and Nanoparticles for Daily Textiles
Authors: Patti Antonella
Published: October 2024

This work presented an overview of greener technologies for realizing everyday fabrics with enhanced antibacterial activity, flame retardancy, water repellency, and UV protection. Traditional methods for improving these qualities in textiles involved dangerous chemicals, energy and water‐intensive procedures, harmful emissions. New strategies are presented in response to the current emphasis on process and product sustainability. Nanoparticles (NPs) are suggested as a potential alternative for hazardous components in textile finishing. NPs are found to efficiently decrease virus transmission, limit combustion events, protect against UV radiation, and prevent water from entering, through a variety of mechanisms. Some attempts are made to increase NPs efficiency and promote long‐term adherence to textile surfaces. Traditional wet finishing methods are implemented through a combination of advanced green technologies (plasma pre‐treatment, ultrasound irradiations, sol‐gel, and layer‐by‐layer self‐assembly methods). The fibrous surface is activated by adding functional groups that facilitate NPs grafting on the textile substrate by basic interactions (chemical, physical, or electrostatic), also indirectly via crosslinkers, ligands, or coupling agents. Finally, other green options explore the use of NPs synthesized from bio‐based materials or hybrid combinations, as well as inorganic NPs from green synthesis to realize ecofriendly finishing able to provide durable and protective fabrics.