bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MIMC-β: microdosimetric assessment method for internal exposure of β-emitters based on mesh-type cell cluster model
Authors: Wang Yidi , Tang Bo , Li Xinlei , Kong Xianghui , Wang Xinjie , Yan Kaijin , Tu Yu , Sun Liang
Published: October 2024

The method combining Monte Carlo (MC) simulation and mesh-type cell models provides a way to accurately assess the cellular dose induced by β-emitters. Although this approach allows for a specific evaluation of various nuclides and cell type combinations, the associated time cost for obtaining results is relatively high. In this work, we propose a Microdosimetric assessment method for Internal exposure of β-emitters based on Mesh-type Cell cluster models (abbreviated as MIMC-β). This approach is applied to evaluate the dose in various types of cells (human bronchial epithelial cells, BEAS-2B; normal human liver cells, L-O2; and normal human small intestine epithelial cells, FHs74Int) exposed to β-emitters. Furthermore, microdosimetric quantity based on the cell cluster model are employed to estimate the relative biological effectiveness (RBE) of β-emitters. The results indicate that this method can accurately and rapidly predict cellular doses caused by different types of β-emitters, significantly mitigating the efficiency challenges associated with directly employing MC to estimate the overall dose of the mesh-type cell cluster model. In comparison with results obtained from direct simulations of uniform administration of β- sources using PHITS for validation, the cellular cluster overall S-values obtained through MIMC-β show discrepancies mostly below 5%, with the minimum deviation reaching 1.35%. Small sampling sizes within the cell nucleus led to larger average lineal energies. In comparison to C-14, the differences in cellular cluster average lineal energy for Cs-134, Cs-137, and I-131 are negligible, resulting in close numerical estimations of RBE based on lineal energy. The MIMC-β can be extended to diverse cell types and β-emitters. Additionally, the RBE assessment based on the cell cluster model offers valuable insights for predicting radiobiological damage resulting from internal exposure by β-emitters. This method is expected to find applicability in various realistic scenarios, including radiation protection and radioligand therapy.
Comment on ‘Electromagnetic lensing using the Aharonov–Bohm effect’
Authors: Lentzen Markus
Published: October 2024

Recently, Schreiber et al (2024 New J. Phys.
26 043012) have presented the theory of an electron lens acting through the Aharonov–Bohm effect in the field-free opening of a static toroidal magnetic field. In this Comment, three key results of this theory are shown to be incorrect due to six basic calculation errors. The errors are corrected, and three correspondingly modified key results are derived. These results are discussed with respect to the hypothetical lens effect and the underlying Aharonov–Bohm effect.
Multiple electromechanical coupling in wrinkled monolayer MoS2
Authors: Liu Junjie , Liao Wenhu , He Yan , Dong Jiansheng , Ouyang Gang
Published: October 2024

The electromechanical coupling of two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) is crucial for the design of highly efficient optoelectronic devices. However, achieving multiple electromechanical coupling effects in one 2D material remain a major challenge. Here, we investigate the coexistence of energy funneling, piezoelectricity, and flexoelectricity in wrinkled monolayer TMDs through the atomic-bond-relaxation approach. We find that the periodic undulation strain induced by wrinkles can lead to multiple electromechanical coupling properties. The synergistic interaction of energy funneling, piezoelectric, and flexoelectric effects can result in spatially isolated electron and hole transport, as well as the suppression of recombination during charge separation and transport processes. Our study provides a new route for the design of 2D material-based optoelectronic devices.
On the effectiveness of the collapse in the Diósi–Penrose model
Authors: Figurato Laria , Dirindin Marco , Luis Gaona-Reyes José , Carlesso Matteo , Bassi Angelo , Donadi Sandro
Published: October 2024

The possibility that gravity plays a role in the collapse of the quantum wave function has been considered in the literature, and it is of relevance not only because it would provide a solution to the measurement problem in quantum theory, but also because it would give a new and unexpected twist to the search for a unified theory of quantum and gravitational phenomena, possibly overcoming the current impasse. The Diósi–Penrose model is the most popular incarnation of this idea. It predicts a progressive breakdown of quantum superpositions when the mass of the system increases; as such, it is susceptible to experimental verification. Current experiments set a lower bound

R
0

≳
4

 Å  for the free parameter of the model, excluding some versions of it. In this work we search for an upper bound, coming from the request that the collapse is effective enough to guarantee classicality at the macroscopic scale: we find out that not all macroscopic systems collapse effectively. If one relaxes this request, a reasonable (although to some degree arbitrary) bound is found to be:

R
0

≲

10
6

 Å. This will serve to better direct future experiments to further test the model.
Optimized YOLOv8 based on SGW for surface defect detection of silicon wafer
Authors: Zhu Guanqun , Peng Jinsong , Sheng Lianchao , Chen Tianchi , He Zhenzhi , Lu Xiangning
Published: October 2024

Wafer detection is a critical procedure in IC manufacturing. Deep learning models are extensively used to identify the wafer defects. The key issue is how to recognize the small defects in complex backgrounds reducing the probability of misjudge and enhancing the detection accuracy. To solve the problems, we proposed a new detection model, SGW-YOLOv8 (SimAM-GhostConv-Wise IOU), based on the YOLOv8 model. The SimAM attention mechanism was added to enhance the network’s focus on important positions without increase of the parameter numbers. The GhostConv improved the backbone network, and the Wise-IOU (Weighted Intersection over Union) loss function was introduced to address the deviation of evaluation results caused by the traditional loss function. Moreover, an additional detection head was appended to YOLOv8 to improve the model’s capability of recognizing small targets. The dataset containing six types of defects was established by generating 6000 images of silicon wafers. The experimental results demonstrated that the mAP@0.5 of SGW-YOLOv8 increased by 4.8% compared to YOLOv8, and the model parameters are decreased by 11.8%. Therefore, the proposed SGW-YOLOv8 model is potential for wafer detection in IC industry.
Research on optimizing the optical local-oscillator power of Coherent Doppler LiDAR to enhance wind velocity measurements
Authors: Hu Yalin , Xie Chenbo , Zhou Hui , Xing Kunming , Wang Bangxin , Wang Yingjian
Published: October 2024

Due to weak echo signals that become progressively
overwhelmed by noise, measurement accuracy and effective detection
range of the Coherent Doppler wind LiDAR (CDL) are often
compromised. While increasing the optical local-oscillator power
(OLP) can amplify the echo signal, it is constrained by the
nonlinear effects of the detector. This paper introduces a method
for optimizing the OLP in CDL systems. Theoretical analysis has been
proposed to explore the amplification effect of OLP on echo signals,
and the nonlinear effects of detectors have been
studied. Simulations are performed to explore the influence of
varying OLP on the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) across different
detector α (quadratic nonlinear coefficient) values. The
spectral analysis method is used to directly compute the SNR of
actual atmospheric wind field signals under various OLP
settings. Results demonstrate consistency between calculated and
simulated values, enabling determination of optimal OLP and the
detector α values from fitted curves. Comparative experiments
confirm significant enhancement in effective detection range
(> 1.5 km) with ± 0.5 m/s accuracy. The innovation of this
study lies in combining the OLP optimization method with real
atmospheric wind field echo signal experiments. It addresses the
challenges of directly measuring the nonlinear parameters of the
detector and determining the optimal OLP. This study offers valuable
theoretical and experimental insights for enhancing the wind
measurement performance of CDL.
Impact of graded CIGS absorber layer on Cd-free CIGS thin-film solar cell performance: numerical optimization
Authors: Lahoual Mohamed , Bourennane Mohammed , Aidaoui Lakhdar , Tibermacine Toufik
Published: October 2024

This paper investigates replacing the CdS buffer layer with (Zn, Mg)O and Zn(S, O) double buffer layers. To increase the efficiency of the structure, our strategy involves numerically studying and comparing three types of CIGS bandgap absorber layers:flat band, double gradient bandgap (DG) with a high bandgap near the Mo contact (back side), a low bandgap near the buffer layer (front side), and a minimum bandgap between them, and simple gradient bandgap with a high bandgap near the Mo contact (back side) and a low bandgap near the buffer layer (front side). Each type features different linear graded profiles in the thickness direction to determine the optimal bandgap gradient of the CIGS layer. The performance of the three types is numerically analyzed using the solar cell capacitance simulator-1D simulator. Simulation enables us to test multiple structural combinations efficiently, saving both time and money, while providing results that guide experimental research. The proposed device structure is composed of the following layers: ZnO:Al/n-Zn1−x
Mg
x
O/n-ZnS
x
O1−x
/p-Graded-CuIn1−x
Ga
x
Se2/Mo. To study the effects of linear bandgap gradient distribution of

Ga/

(

Ga

+

In

)

ratio according to the thickness direction on CIGS solar cell performance, the electrical properties of the proposed CIGS model were initially matched with experimental data to confirm the structure’s accuracy. It was found that the DG, with maxima of 1.44 eV at the back side (near Mo contact), 1.238 eV at the front side (near n-type buffer layer interface), and a minimum of 1.154 eV at a position of 1.7 µm from the back side, has a higher efficiency than the other structures with 26.22% (Voc = 0.8134 V, Jsc = 37.82 mA cm−2, FF = 85.21%). Optimizing the bandgap gradient of the CIGS absorber layer helps improve the efficiency of CIGS solar cells.
Wigner function and intensity moments of spatio-temporal light fields
Authors: Bekshaev A , Angelsky O , Zenkova C
Published: October 2024

The Wigner distribution function and its spatial-angular moments (intensity moments) are known to be efficient instruments for the characterization of complex quasimonochromatic light beams and their transformations. In this paper, a generalization of the Wigner function (WF)-based approach to spatio-temporal (ST) light fields (wave packets, short pulses) is considered. The ST intensity moments are related to important characteristics of the wave-packet structure, especially, with the transverse orbital angular momentum (OAM) being a specific feature of the ST optical vortices (STOVs). The ST moments’ transformations in a paraxial optical system obey simple and unified rules involving the ray-transfer ABCD-matrix of the system. On this basis, and with simple examples of OAM-carrying optical pulses, the schemes and mechanisms of STOV generation and transformation are presented. Examples of nonvortex ST wave packets with transverse OAM, their possible realizations, and the relations between the OAM and the visible pulse rotations are also discussed. The regular and unified formalism, developed in this paper, can be generalized and applied to more complex situations where the ST field propagates through inhomogeneous and random (scattering) media.
Multi-level digital-twin models of pulmonary mechanics: correlation analysis of 3D CT lung volume and 2D Chest motion
Authors: Zhou Cong , Chase J Geoffrey , Chen Yuhong
Published: October 2024

Creating multi-level digital-twin models for mechanical ventilation requires a detailed estimation of regional lung volume. An accurate generic map between 2D chest surface motion and 3D regional lung volume could provide improved regionalisation and clinically acceptable estimates localising lung damage. This work investigates the relationship between CT lung volumes and the forced vital capacity (FVC) a surrogate of tidal volume proven linked to 2D chest motion. In particular, a convolutional neural network (CNN) with U-Net architecture is employed to build a lung segmentation model using a benchmark CT scan dataset. An automated thresholding method is proposed for image morphology analysis to improve model performance. Finally, the trained model is applied to an independent CT dataset with FVC measurements for correlation analysis of CT lung volume projection to lung recruitment capacity. Model training results show a clear improvement of lung segmentation performance with the proposed automated thresholding method compared to a typically suggested fixed value selection, achieving accuracy greater than 95% for both training and independent validation sets. The correlation analysis for 160 patients shows a good correlation of R squared value of 0.73 between the proposed 2D volume projection and the FVC value, which indicates a larger and denser projection of lung volume relative to a greater FVC value and lung recruitable capacity. The overall results thus validate the potential of using non-contact, non-invasive 2D measures to enable regionalising lung mechanics models to equivalent 3D models with a generic map based on the good correlation. The clinical impact of improved lung mechanics digital twins due to regionalising the lung mechanics and volume to specific lung regions could be very high in managing mechanical ventilation and diagnosing or locating lung injury or dysfunction based on regular monitoring instead of intermittent and invasive lung imaging modalities.
Radar-based contactless heart beat detection with a modified Pan–Tompkins algorithm
Authors: Thi Yen Hoang , Tiep Vuong Tri , Hoang Van-Phuc , Trinh Quang-Kien , Nguyen Hai-Duong , Tuyen Nguyen Trong , Sun Guanghao
Published: October 2024

Background. Using radar for non-contact measuring human vital signs has garnered significant attention due to its undeniable benefits. However, achieving reasonably good accuracy in contactless measurement senarios is still a technical challenge. Materials and methods. The proposed method includes two stages. The first stage involves the process of datasegmentation and signal channel selection. In the next phase, the raw radar signal from the chosen channel is subjected to modified Pan-Tompkins. Results. The experimental findings from twelve individuals demonstrated a strong agreement between the contactless radar and contact electrocardiography (ECG) devices for heart rate measurement, with correlation coefficient of 98.74 percentage; and the 95% limits of agreement obtained by radar and those obtained by ECG were 2.4 beats per minute. Conclusion. The results showed high agreement between heart rate calculated by radar signals and heart rate by electrocardiograph. This research paves the way for future applications using non-contact sensors to support and potentially replace contact sensors in healthcare.
Systematic characterization of new EBT4 radiochromic films in clinical x-ray beams
Authors: Khan Rao , Rahimi Robabeh , Fan Jiajin , Chen Kuan Ling
Published: October 2024

Objective. We aim to characterize kinetics of radiation-induced optical density in newly released EBT4 radiochromic films exposed to clinical x-rays. Several film models and batches were evaluated for the film sensitivity, optical signal increasing with time, relative film noise, and minimum detectable limits (MDL). Approach. Radiochromic film pieces from a single batch of EBT3 and three batches of EBT4 were exposed to doses of 77.38 cGy, 386.92 cGy, and 773.84 cGy using a 6 MV x-ray beam. The films were scanned with a flatbed scanner at specific time intervals up to 120 h. The time-series net optical density of red, green and blue colors was corrected for response of the scanner with time and studied to establish the saturation characteristics of film polymerization process. Dose–response from 3.86 cGy to 1935 cGy was also determined for each color. MDL of the films was quantitatively defined as the dose that would double the net optical density of red color above the standard deviation of the residual signal at zero dose. The relative noise characteristics of EBT3 versus EBT4 were studied as a function of time, dose and scanner resolution. Main Results. For doses ≥ 100 cGy, analysis revealed a stability of optical density beyond 48 h post-exposure for EBT3 and EBT4 films. EBT3 films attained 80%-90% of their net optical density at 48 h within minutes of irradiation, compared to 72%-88% for EBT4 films. The rate of growth was slowest for blue color, fastest for red, while green was in between the two. The MDL for EBT4 averaged 15 cGy for three batches, whereas EBT3 films reliably detected doses as low as 8.5 cGy. Significance. Several batches of the new EBT4 film showed slightly lower response compared to its predecessor over 3.86 cGy to 1935 Gy range. For all practical purposes, the post-irradiation growth of polymers ceases between 48 to 60 h for both EBT films. Overall, the EBT4 film exhibited noise characteristics similar to EBT3, except for lower doses where the noise was observed to be higher than its predecessor.
A cloud-edge framework for energy-efficient event-driven control: an integration of online supervised learning, spiking neural networks and local plasticity rules
Authors: Ahmadvand Reza , Sharif Sarah Safura , Banad Yaser Mike
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a novel cloud-edge framework for addressing energy constraints in complex control systems. Our approach centers around a learning-based controller using Spiking Neural Networks (SNN) on physical plants. By integrating a biologically plausible learning method with local plasticity rules, we harness the energy efficiency, scalability of the newtwork, and low latency of SNNs. This design replicates control signals from a cloud-based controller directly on the plant, reducing the need for constant plant-cloud communication. The plant updates weights only when errors surpass predefined thresholds, ensuring efficiency and robustness in various conditions. Applied to linear workbench systems and satellite rendezvous scenarios, including obstacle avoidance, our architecture dramatically lowers normalized tracking error by 96% with increased network size. The event-driven nature of SNNs minimizes energy consumption, utilizing only about 11.1 × 104 pJ (0.3% of conventional computing requirements). The results demonstrate the system’s adjustment to changing work environments and its efficient use of energy resources, with a moderate increase in energy consumption of 37% for dynamic obstacles, compared to non-obstacle scenarios.
A History of Alloys
Authors: Cantor Brian
Published: October 2024

This chapter gives a brief overview of some of the key developments in human history. It shows how all the major events in the evolution of humankind have been both driven by and underpinned by the development of new materials. It also shows how new materials are always alloys, i.e. mixtures of simpler starting materials or components. It covers the following: the discovery in the Stone Age of how to use minerals (oxide alloys), and how this supported the emergence of human beings at the beginning of the last ice age and their development of agriculture-based settlements when the ice age ended; the discovery of smelting and the extraction of metals, notably copper and iron alloys in the Bronze and Iron Ages, which drove the growth of cities and civilisation, culture, trade and empires; the engineering and the manufacture of steels (low-carbon iron alloys) in the Industrial Revolution, leading to motors and engines, bridges, mills and factories, cars and planes, and most of the accoutrements of our modern technology-dominated economies and associated high-quality way of life; and the (microalloyed) semiconductors and the silicon chips that fuel the Information Revolution, computers, telecommunications, the internet, and the digital age.
Future Developments
Authors: Cantor Brian
Published: October 2024

This chapter fulfils two functions. First, it reviews our present understanding of multicomponent high-entropy materials, essentially summarising the previous chapters of the book: describing briefly the main areas where new understanding has begun to be achieved; and pointing out areas that are particularly suitable for further research, as well as other areas that have been largely neglected. Second, it discusses very briefly future materials needs as the world continues to develop and grow, as well as the important role multicomponent high-entropy materials will continue to play in fulfilling those needs and thus contributing to the health, wealth and wellbeing of future generations.
Similarities and Differences in the WAIS-IV Performances in Korean and U.S. Populations
Authors: Lee Dongwook D , Ryu Kyoung Hi , Ahn So-Hyun
Published: October 2024

Objective

This exploratory study examines the cognitive profiles of South Koreans using the WAIS-IV. It compares scores from the original U.S. version (USW) with those from the Korean version (KW) to identify potential cultural influences on performance.

Method

Raw scores corresponding to a scaled score of 10 for each subtest of the KW were used to compare the performances of South Koreans and Americans across subtests and composite indices. The impact of education was assessed through correlations with educational attainment ratios from both countries.

Results

When combined across all age groups, the scores of the South Korean sample were significantly lower than those of U.S. sample on the Similarities, Comprehension, and Picture Completion subtests, and Verbal Comprehension Index. However, younger South Koreans scored significantly higher on Block Design, Matrix Reasoning, Visual Puzzles, Figure Weights, Digit Span, Arithmetic, Letter-Number Sequencing, Symbol Search, and Coding and all composite scores except Verbal Comprehension. Older South Koreans scored significantly lower on Similarities, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Matrix Reasoning, Visual Puzzles, Picture Completion, and the composite scores of Verbal Comprehension and Perceptual Reasoning, compared to their U.S. counterparts. All subtest and composite scores were highly correlated with education.

Conclusions

The South Korean and U.S. samples demonstrated distinct cognitive profiles on the WAIS-IV when comparing relative performances on subtests and composite measures. Cultural factors including socioeconomic changes, education quality, nuances in language characteristics, and implicit differences in cognitive processing were discussed as possible contributors to the unique cognitive profile of the South Korean sample.
Likelihood adaptively incorporated external aggregate information with uncertainty for survival data
Authors: Chen Ziqi , Shen Yu , Qin Jing , Ning Jing
Published: October 2024

Population-based cancer registry databases are critical resources to bridge the information gap that results from a lack of sufficient statistical power from primary cohort data with small to moderate sample size. Although comprehensive data associated with tumor biomarkers often remain either unavailable or inconsistently measured in these registry databases, aggregate survival information sourced from these repositories has been well documented and publicly accessible. An appealing option is to integrate the aggregate survival information from the registry data with the primary cohort to enhance the evaluation of treatment impacts or prediction of survival outcomes across distinct tumor subtypes. Nevertheless, for rare types of cancer, even the sample sizes of cancer registries remain modest. The variability linked to the aggregated statistics could be non-negligible compared with the sample variation of the primary cohort. In response, we propose an externally informed likelihood approach, which facilitates the linkage between the primary cohort and external aggregate data, with consideration of the variation from aggregate information. We establish the asymptotic properties of the estimators and evaluate the finite sample performance via simulation studies. Through the application of our proposed method, we integrate data from the cohort of inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) patients at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center with aggregate survival data from the National Cancer Data Base, enabling us to appraise the effect of tri-modality treatment on survival across various tumor subtypes of IBC.
Ovarian-adnexal reporting and data system MRI scoring: diagnostic accuracy, interobserver agreement, and applicability to machine learning
Authors: Akkaya Hüseyin , Demirel Emin , Dilek Okan , Dalgalar Akkaya Tuba , Öztürkçü Turgay , Karaaslan Erişen Kübra , Tas Zeynel Abidin , Bas Sevda , Gülek Bozkurt
Published: October 2024

Objectives

To evaluate the interobserver agreement and diagnostic accuracy of ovarian-adnexal reporting and data system magnetic resonance imaging (O-RADS MRI) and applicability to machine learning.

Methods

Dynamic contrast-enhanced pelvic MRI examinations of 471 lesions were retrospectively analysed and assessed by 3 radiologists according to O-RADS MRI criteria. Radiomic data were extracted from T2 and post-contrast fat-suppressed T1-weighted images. Using these data, an artificial neural network (ANN), support vector machine, random forest, and naive Bayes models were constructed.

Results

Among all readers, the lowest agreement was found for the O-RADS 4 group (kappa: 0.669; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.634-0.733), followed by the O-RADS 5 group (kappa: 0.709; 95% CI 0.678-0.754). O-RADS 4 predicted a malignancy with an area under the curve (AUC) value of 74.3% (95% CI 0.701-0.782), and O-RADS 5 with an AUC of 95.5% (95% CI 0.932-0.972) (P < .001). Among the machine learning models, ANN achieved the highest success, distinguishing O-RADS groups with an AUC of 0.948, a precision of 0.861, and a recall of 0.824.

Conclusion

The interobserver agreement and diagnostic sensitivity of the O-RADS MRI in assigning O-RADS 4-5 were not perfect, indicating a need for structural improvement. Integrating artificial intelligence into MRI protocols may enhance their performance.

Advances in knowledge

Machine learning can achieve high accuracy in the correct classification of O-RADS MRI. Malignancy prediction rates were 74% for O-RADS 4 and 95% for O-RADS 5.
Supraspinal contributions to defective antagonistic inhibition and freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Klocke Philipp , Loeffler Moritz A , Muessler Hannah , Breu Maria-Sophie , Gharabaghi Alireza , Weiss Daniel
Published: October 2024

The neuromuscular circuit mechanisms of freezing of gait in Parkinson’s disease have received little study. Technological progress enables researchers chronically to sense local field potential activity of the basal ganglia in patients while walking.

To study subthalamic activity and the circuit processes of supraspinal contributions to spinal motor integration, we recorded local field potentials, surface EMG of antagonistic leg muscles and gait kinematics in patients while walking and freezing. To evaluate the specificity of our findings, we controlled our findings to internally generated volitional stops.

We found specific activation–deactivation abnormalities of oscillatory activity of the subthalamic nucleus both before and during a freeze. Furthermore, we were able to show with synchronization analyses that subthalamo-spinal circuits entrain the spinal motor neurons to a defective timing and activation pattern. The main neuromuscular correlates when turning into freezing were as follows: (i) disturbed reciprocity between antagonistic muscles; (ii) increased co-contraction of the antagonists; (iii) defective activation and time pattern of the gastrocnemius muscle; and (iv) increased subthalamo-muscular coherence with the gastrocnemius muscles before the freeze.

Beyond the pathophysiological insights into the supraspinal mechanisms contributing to freezing of gait, our findings have potential to inform the conceptualization of future neurorestorative therapies.
Patient information leaflet feedback on delusional infestation
Authors: Vafapour Parmis , Bewley Anthony , Ahmed Alia , Mohandas Padma , Taylor Ruth , Goulding Jon
Published: October 2024

Background

Delusional infestation, also known as Ekbom syndrome and delusional parasitosis, is a poorly understood condition often surrounded by misinformation. Patients and their families frequently encounter scepticism regarding their experiences. This research aimed to create a patient information leaflet (PIL) with a patient-centred approach and to gather feedback on its usefulness for sharing information and validating their experiences.

Objectives

To evaluate patient feedback on a newly developed PIL designed for individuals with delusional infestation, assessing its perceived usefulness and impact.

Methods

A survey was administered to 18 patients before their appointments, incorporating the new PIL. The survey included questions on the leaflet’s clarity, usefulness, ability to validate patient experiences and other pointers, measured on a 10-point Likert scale (0 = no comment, 1 = strongly disagree, 10 = strongly agree). Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and factor analysis. Additionally, the final question allowed for written feedback, which was examined through thematic analysis.

Results

The survey results revealed that the majority of patients were satisfied with the new PIL. Specifically, 94% (17/18) agreed or strongly agreed that the leaflet was logical and easy to follow, 72% (13/18) found it useful for understanding their condition, and 78% (14/18) felt it validated their experiences. Mean scores for these concepts were 8.83 (SD 2.97), 7.61 (SD 1.93) and 7.78 (SD 1.91), respectively. Thematic analysis of written feedback highlighted themes of improved understanding but uncertainty around acknowledgement of experiences.

Conclusions

This new patient-centred PIL for delusional parasitosis was well received, indicating its potential as a valuable tool for patients and their support networks. By addressing the specific needs and experiences of patients, the leaflet can improve communication and reduce the stigma associated with the condition. Future research should explore long-term impact and the effectiveness of similar resources in other patient populations.
‘Sick of the jab!’: immunization barriers in an immunosuppressed dermatology cohort
Authors: Yong Ji Fung , Griffin Laoise , O’Connell Michael
Published: October 2024

A study on immunosuppressed dermatology patients revealed significant vaccine hesitancy and fatigue, particularly regarding COVID-19 boosters. Despite the increased risk of infections, more than half of the patients declined the booster, emphasizing the need for better communication and addressing vaccine concerns in this vulnerable group.
Wet-chemical synthesis of Co3Mo3C-based electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction and evolution reactions
Authors: Yanagimoto Ikki , Wada Masashi , Takase Satoko , Shimizu Youichi
Published: October 2024

In recent years, efforts have been made to adapt secondary metal–air batteries for practical rechargeable applications through the development of bifunctional catalysts, which are highly active in both oxygen reduction reaction and oxygen evolution reaction. Molybdenum carbides, known for their high chemical durability and electrical conductivity, are being investigated as electrode materials for hydrogen evolution reactions in water electrolysis. In this study, we found a new wet chemical synthesis of cobalt-molybdenum-based carbides. Especially, the synthesized Mn-doped Co₃(Mo₀.₉Mn₀.₁)₃C catalyst gave a remarkable activity for both oxygen evolution reaction and oxygen reduction reaction, showing significant potential for the advancement of metal–air batteries as secondary batteries.
Novel real-time automation of combined frequency and low voltage substrate mapping to guide ablation for Brugada syndrome: a case report
Authors: Mayer Joseph , Al-Sheikhli Jaffar , Niespialowska-Steuden Maria , Behr Elijah , Dhanjal Tarvinder
Published: October 2024

Background

Brugada syndrome (BrS) is an inherited cardiac condition that increases the risk of sudden cardiac death (SCD) due to ventricular arrhythmias. Catheter ablation has been shown to effectively reduce recurrent ventricular fibrillation (VF) episodes through targeting of abnormal electrograms predominantly located within the anterior surface of the right ventricular outflow tract. Signal frequency mapping is an emerging concept that provides further definition of pathological ventricular substrate.

Case summary

A 66-year-old male with BrS was admitted to our institution with implantable cardioverter defibrillator shocks for VF. Electro-anatomical mapping (EAM) and ablation were performed utilizing a novel automated frequency-based strategy. Combined automated frequency and low voltage maps were generated to define high frequency, low voltage (HF-LVo) depolarization abnormalities within the QRS complex. Low frequency, low voltage (LF-LVo) regions from the QRS terminal notch to the T-wave offset were also identified. The combined HF-LVo and LF-LVo map areas totalled 12.4 cm2, compared to the conventional low voltage and late potential map areas, which were 44 cm2 and 27.8 cm2, respectively. The ablation strategy targeted HF-LVo and LF-LVo regions only. Following ablation, re-mapping demonstrated near complete abolition of HF-LVo and LF-LVo regions, with no inducible ventricular arrhythmias during extra-stimulation testing. During follow-up, ECG normalization was observed, with no further ventricular arrhythmias and a negative ajmaline challenge at 6 months.

Discussion

Catheter ablation for BrS utilizing a novel automated combined frequency and low voltage EAM approach can objectively identify relevant substrate. The results demonstrate adequate substrate modification with comparable ablation target areas to previous studies and encouraging clinical outcomes.
Ultrasound-guided vs. fluoro-guided axillary venous access for cardiac implantable electronic devices: a patient-based meta-analysis
Authors: Vitali Francesco , Zuin Marco , Charles Paul , Jiménez-Díaz Javier , Sheldon Seth H , Tagliari Ana Paula , Migliore Federico , Malagù Michele , Montoy Mathieu , Sobrino Felipe Higuera , Courtney Alex M , Kochi Adriano Nunes , Fareh Samir , Bertini Matteo
Published: October 2024

Aims

The use of ultrasound (US)-guided venous puncture for cardiac pacing/defibrillation lead placement may minimize the risk of periprocedural complications and radiation exposure. However, none of the published studies have been sufficiently powered to recommend this approach as the standard of care. We compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided axillary venous puncture (US-AVP) vs. fluoroscopy-guided access for cardiac implantable electronic devices (CIEDs) by performing an individual patient data meta-analysis based on previously published studies.

Methods and results

We conducted a thorough literature search encompassing longitudinal investigations (five randomized and one prospective studies) reporting data on X-ray-guided and US-AVP for CIED procedures. The primary endpoint was to compare the safety of the two techniques. Secondary endpoints included the success rate of each technique, the necessity of switching to alternative methods, the time needed to obtain venous access, X-ray exposure, and the occurrence of periprocedural complications. Six longitudinal eligible studies were identified including 700 patients (mean age 74.9 ± 12.1 years, 68.4% males). The two approaches for venous cannulation showed a similar success rate. The use of an X-ray-guided approach significantly increased the risk of inadvertent arterial punctures (OR: 2.15, 95% CI: 2.10–2.21, P = 0.003), after adjustment for potential confounders. Conversely, a US-AVP approach reduces time to vascular access, radiation exposure, and the number of attempts to vascular access.

Conclusion

The US-AVP enhances safety by reducing radiation exposure and time to vascular access while maintaining a low rate of major complications compared to the X-ray-guided approach.

Clinical trial registration

PROSPERO identifier: CRD42024539623.
FEMSEC—thematic issue “Rhizosphere—a One Health concept”
Authors: Hartmann Anton , de Bashan Luz , Wassermann Birgit , Horn Marcus A , Sessitsch Angela
Published: October 2024

The strength of the microbial biogeographic patterns decreased along the increasing gradient of habitat specificity (from sediment to gut tissue) provided by a benthic sea urchin in the Southern Ocean.
MegaLMM improves genomic predictions in new environments using environmental covariates
Authors: Hu Haixiao , Rincent Renaud , Runcie Daniel E
Published: October 2024

Multienvironment trials (METs) are crucial for identifying varieties that perform well across a target population of environments. However, METs are typically too small to sufficiently represent all relevant environment-types, and face challenges from changing environment-types due to climate change. Statistical methods that enable prediction of variety performance for new environments beyond the METs are needed. We recently developed MegaLMM, a statistical model that can leverage hundreds of trials to significantly improve genetic value prediction accuracy within METs. Here, we extend MegaLMM to enable genomic prediction in new environments by learning regressions of latent factor loadings on Environmental Covariates (ECs) across trials. We evaluated the extended MegaLMM using the maize Genome-To-Fields dataset, consisting of 4,402 varieties cultivated in 195 trials with 87.1% of phenotypic values missing, and demonstrated its high accuracy in genomic prediction under various breeding scenarios. Furthermore, we showcased MegaLMM’s superiority over univariate GBLUP in predicting trait performance of experimental genotypes in new environments. Finally, we explored the use of higher-dimensional quantitative ECs and discussed when and how detailed environmental data can be leveraged for genomic prediction from METs. We propose that MegaLMM can be applied to plant breeding of diverse crops and different fields of genetics where large-scale linear mixed models are utilized.
Constitucionalismo transformador y derecho internacional de inversionesTransformative constitutionalism and international investment law
Authors: Bernal Pulido Carlos
Published: October 2024

International investment law faces five core legitimacy challenges: the state-dependency challenge, the human and constitutional rights challenge, the equality challenge, the standard of protection challenge, and the investor state dispute settlement system challenge.

This article endorses the claim that constitutional courts can contribute to the solution of those legitimacy challenges when they exercise the power to review the constitutionality of international investment treaties. From a transformative perspective, constitutional courts of host states can: (i) create public deliberation and raise awareness concerning the legitimacy challenges of international investment law; (ii) grant equal treatment to national and foreign investors; (iii) require governments to negotiate less open-textured provisions in international investment treaties; (iv) safeguard the protection of human and constitutional rights, and other common goods; and (v) raise due process, predictability, transparency, and proportionality standards concerning the investor state dispute settlement system. These judicial undertakings can strengthen the bargaining power of host executive branch authorities in the negotiation of international investment treaties and can narrow down the space of discretion of international investment arbitral tribunals. Both outcomes could render international investment treatises’ creation and enforcement more legitimate.
The Moduli Space of Twisted Laplacians and Random Matrix Theory
Authors: Marklof Jens , Monk Laura
Published: October 2024

Rudnick recently proved that the spectral number variance for the Laplacian of a large compact hyperbolic surface converges, in a certain scaling limit and when averaged with respect to the Weil–Petersson measure on moduli space, to the number variance of the Gaussian Orthogonal Ensemble of random matrix theory. In this article we extend Rudnick’s approach to show convergence to the Gaussian Unitary Ensemble for twisted Laplacians that break time-reversal symmetry, and to the Gaussian Symplectic Ensemble for Dirac operators. This addresses a question of Naud, who obtained analogous results for twisted Laplacians on high degree random covers of a fixed compact surface.
Steering a middle path in Sino-US rivalry: contending middlepowerism and South Korea’s challenges
Authors: Shin Soon-Ok
Published: October 2024

Deepening Sino-US rivalry is motivating Cold War-style bloc diplomacy, undermining post-1945 institutionalism. This presents extensive challenges to states at the crossroads where the interests of Beijing and Washington collide. How do those states—loosely, ‘middle powers’—maintain their relevance in a changing order? Can a middle-power strategy outweigh the risk of being side-lined by US-China rivalry? Is the middle-power concept still relevant today? The concept evolved from initial formulations of ‘good international citizen’ committed to multilateral institution-building. But a new bifurcated world requires redefinition of middlepowerism. This article proposes a comparative analytical template to interrogate middle-power diplomacy. It empirically examines how South Korea defines national interest and how it seeks a compelling diplomatic edge at a time of great power politics. The article concludes by examining South Korea’s future international challenges.
Studying Narratives in International Relations
Authors: Freistein Katja , Gadinger Frank , Groth Stefan
Published: October 2024

Many scholars in international relations (IR) share an interest in narratives. With few, notable exceptions, IR scholars seem to lack clear methodological guidelines on how to conceptualize and study narratives in IR. We therefore develop a minimal definition of narratives and introduce a conceptual framework that shows how narrative analysis can be applied to questions and concepts within IR. We introduce narrative analysis as a multi-modal approach, which also draws on methodological insights from visual analysis, discourse analysis, and practice theory. The aim of the article is pedagogical, namely to translate insights from narratology to studies in IR and to show how everyday sources of the political, such as pop culture or social media, can be meaningfully analyzed. We argue that such an interpretive analysis implies adopting a critical and reflective stance to explore how narratives are shaped, how they appeal to specific political audiences, and whose interests are served by dominant political narratives. Such a perspective strongly resonates with current research debates in IR on practices, discourse, visuality, and emotions and puts a strong emphasis on power relations.
Contesting the Securitization of Migration: NGOs, IGOs, and the Security Backlash
Authors: Murray Jean-Pierre
Published: October 2024

Studies of migration-related security concerns have focused on the emergence of these concerns through securitization or their potential dissolution through desecuritization. This paper challenges the conventional view of these processes—securitization and desecuritization—as oppositional and mutually exclusive. Instead, it argues that they are imbricated in complex ways in an arena of contestation where actors vie for legitimacy and justify their claims through ongoing actions and reactions. Focusing on the Global South case of securitized migration in the Dominican Republic, this paper conceptualizes desecuritization not as a discrete outcome measured by success or failure, but as a dynamic process evolving through interactions with securitization. By examining the role of non-state actors in contesting securitized policies, the paper reveals that such contestation can paradoxically intensify securitization through a “security backlash” that delegitimizes these actors and discredits their rights-based claims. This dynamic underscores the “resilience” of securitization amidst persistent contestation. Ultimately, the paper demonstrates desecuritization as iterative contestation rather than static outcomes, emphasizing the agency of non-state actors in shaping security narratives and practices while acknowledging their limitations against powerful state actors. These insights from a study of South–South migration extend the application of the securitization framework beyond convenient Western contexts and challenge perceived geographic boundaries.
Over-the-counter antibiotics compromising aminoglycoside activity
Authors: Robertson A , Coutinho G , Mantzourani E , Szomolay B , Pillay T , Shephard A , Maillard J Y
Published: October 2024

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global issue that needs addressing. While antibiotic stewardship has improved often by restricting antibiotic use, some antibiotics that are still sold legally over the counter (OTC), notably in sore throat medications. Recent findings suggest OTC antibiotics could trigger cross-resistance to antibiotics used in clinical treatments, whether systemic or topical. Here we investigated the impact of three antibiotics contained in OTC sore throat medicines on emerging AMR in vitro.

Methods

Bacterial pathogens were exposed to a bactericidal concentration of an aminoglycoside in the presence or absence of a during-use concentration of bacitracin, gramicidin or tyrothricin in a time–kill assay. Damage to the bacterial membrane was also investigated by measuring potassium leakage and membrane potential alteration post-OTC antibiotic exposure.

Results

Gramicidin (15 µg/mL) significantly decreased the bactericidal activity of amikacin, tobramycin or gentamicin in Acinetobacter baumannii. It also decreased gentamicin bactericidal activity in Enterobacter cloacae, Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae, while tyrothricin decreased the aminoglycoside efficacy in E. cloacae and E. coli. Gramicidin significantly decreased bacterial membrane potential and caused significant potassium leakage.

Conclusion

Gramicidin and to some extent tyrothricin impacted aminoglycoside efficacy by affecting membrane potential, which is essential for aminoglycosides uptake. Thus, some OTC antibiotics can interfere with aminoglycoside activity, which could in turn affect treatment efficacy. Although the likelihood of OTC antibiotics and aminoglycosides being used at the same time might not be common, this research highlights one potential reason for OTC antibiotics’ usage to result in treatment failure and their contribution to AMR development.