bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Radioport: a radiomics-reporting network for interpretable deep learning in BI-RADS classification of mammographic calcification
Authors: Pang Ting , Wong Jeannie Hsiu Ding , Ng Wei Lin , Chan Chee Seng , Wang Chang , Zhou Xuezhi , Yu Yi
Published: February 2024

Objective. Generally, due to a lack of explainability, radiomics based on deep learning has been perceived as a black-box solution for radiologists. Automatic generation of diagnostic reports is a semantic approach to enhance the explanation of deep learning radiomics (DLR). Approach. In this paper, we propose a novel model called radiomics-reporting network (Radioport), which incorporates text attention. This model aims to improve the interpretability of DLR in mammographic calcification diagnosis. Firstly, it employs convolutional neural networks to extract visual features as radiomics for multi-category classification based on breast imaging reporting and data system. Then, it builds a mapping between these visual features and textual features to generate diagnostic reports, incorporating an attention module for improved clarity. Main results. To demonstrate the effectiveness of our proposed model, we conducted experiments on a breast calcification dataset comprising mammograms and diagnostic reports. The results demonstrate that our model can: (i) semantically enhance the interpretability of DLR; and, (ii) improve the readability of generated medical reports. Significance. Our interpretable textual model can explicitly simulate the mammographic calcification diagnosis process.
Bridging the gap between surface physics and photonics
Authors: Laukkanen Pekka , Punkkinen Marko , Kuzmin Mikhail , Kokko Kalevi , Liu Xiaolong , Radfar Behrad , Vähänissi Ville , Savin Hele , Tukiainen Antti , Hakkarainen Teemu , Viheriälä Jukka , Guina Mircea
Published: February 2024

Use and performance criteria of photonic devices increase in various application areas such as information and communication, lighting, and photovoltaics. In many current and future photonic devices, surfaces of a semiconductor crystal are a weak part causing significant photo-electric losses and malfunctions in applications. These surface challenges, many of which arise from material defects at semiconductor surfaces, include signal attenuation in waveguides, light absorption in light emitting diodes, non-radiative recombination of carriers in solar cells, leakage (dark) current of photodiodes, and light reflection at solar cell interfaces for instance. To reduce harmful surface effects, the optical and electrical passivation of devices has been developed for several decades, especially with the methods of semiconductor technology. Because atomic scale control and knowledge of surface-related phenomena have become relevant to increase the performance of different devices, it might be useful to enhance the bridging of surface physics to photonics. Toward that target, we review some evolving research subjects with open questions and possible solutions, which hopefully provide example connecting points between photonic device passivation and surface physics. One question is related to the properties of the wet chemically cleaned semiconductor surfaces which are typically utilized in device manufacturing processes, but which appear to be different from crystalline surfaces studied in ultrahigh vacuum by physicists. In devices, a defective semiconductor surface often lies at an embedded interface formed by a thin metal or insulator film grown on the semiconductor crystal, which makes the measurements of its atomic and electronic structures difficult. To understand these interface properties, it is essential to combine quantum mechanical simulation methods. This review also covers metal-semiconductor interfaces which are included in most photonic devices to transmit electric carriers to the semiconductor structure. Low-resistive and passivated contacts with an ultrathin tunneling barrier are an emergent solution to control electrical losses in photonic devices.
Study of bending angle and shadow in a new Schwarzschild-like black hole affected by plasma and non-plasma mediums*
Authors: Ali Riasat , Xia Tiecheng , Awais Muhammad , Babar Rimsha
Published: February 2024

In this study, we analyze the models of the deflection angle of a new Schwarzschild-like black hole (BH) and employ the optical metric of the BH. To achieve this, we use the Gaussian curvature of the optical metric and the Gauss-Bonnet theorem, known as the Gibbons-Werner technique, to determine the deflection angle. Furthermore, we examine the deflection angle in the presence of a plasma medium and the effect of the plasma medium on the deflection angle. The deflection angle of the BH solution in the gauged super-gravity is computed using the Keeton-Petters approach. Utilizing the ray-tracing technique, we investigate the shadow of the corresponding BH and analyze the plots of the deflection angle and shadow to verify the influence of the plasma and algebraic thermodynamic parameters on the deflection angle and shadow.
Brownian oscillator with time-dependent strength: a delta function protocol
Authors: Plyukhin Alex V
Published: February 2024

We consider a classical Brownian oscillator of mass m driven from an arbitrary initial state by varying the stiffness k(t) of the harmonic potential according to the protocol

k
(
t
)
=

k
0

+
a
δ
(
t
)

, involving the Dirac delta function. The microscopic work performed on the oscillator is shown to be

W
=
(

a
2

/

2
m
)

q
2

−
a
q
v

, where q and v are the coordinate and velocity in the initial state. If the initial distribution of q and v is the equilibrium one with temperature T, the average work is

⟨
W
⟩
=

a
2

T

/

(
2
m

k
0

)

and the distribution f(W) has the form of the product of exponential and modified Bessel functions. The distribution is asymmetric and diverges as W → 0. The system’s response for t > 0 is evaluated for specific models.
Electric vehicle charging optimization strategy based on the mopso algorithm
Authors: Hu Haopeng , Wei Yunbing
Published: February 2024

Aiming at the problems of electric vehicle disorderly charging on grid load stability and charging cost, this study considers the grid load pressure and presents a multi-faceted optimized model for electric vehicle charging. The model is addressed by utilizing a particle swarm optimization algorithm designed for multiple objectives. The outcomes demonstrate that the charging framework built upon the multi-objective particle swarm algorithm has a fast convergence speed and can avoid the limitation of the local optimal solutions. Under the premise of reducing by managing the grid load fluctuation, the model effectively curbs the expense of vehicle charging while also minimizing peak-to-valley disparities in grid load.
Fuel Combination Optimization Model of Thermal Power Plant Based on New Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Cui Hailin
Published: February 2024

Influenced by the unbalanced state of particle swarm in the process of fuel combustion in thermal power plants, the fuel cost in the thermal power generation stage is relatively high. Therefore, a new particle swarm optimization model for fuel combination in thermal power plants is proposed. Combined with the combustion properties of different fuels, from the point of view of particle swarm optimization, in the process of carrying out specific particle swarm optimization simulation, the original particle swarm optimization algorithm is improved adaptively. A new particle swarm optimization algorithm is constructed by coupling it with a multiphase turbulence model. The fuel combustion performance of the power plant is analyzed by using its coupling. The optimization model of fuel combination in the thermal power plant is constructed by maximizing the energy release of fuel as the core, and the state of the fluid-particle field is taken as the constraint condition. In the test results, the design of the fuel combination optimization model can fully improve the energy release degree of fuel and reduce fuel consumption under the same power generation demand, which has a positive effect on power generation cost control.
Simulation Analysis of Electric Field on the Body Surface of Personnel Engaged in Interphase Live Working on 750 kV Double Circuit Transmission Lines on the Same Tower
Authors: Xingdong Bai , Minsheng Du , Zhangpeng Zhou , Feng Liu , Qiang Lv , Yongxin Zhang
Published: February 2024

This article focuses on the assistance of electric lifting devices for phase-to-phase live working. Taking a typical 750 kV double circuit vertical arrangement line on the same tower as the research object, a three-dimensional simulation model of a real tower conductor simulated human is established. The field strength on the human body surface is calculated and analyzed during the process of operators entering the equipotential (conductor) while riding the electric lifting device in order to determine the risk points of the operation and determine the safety protection measures for the human body. Through simulation, it is found that when simulating human entry (exit) and phase-down operations, the human body is located at different distances of 0.4 m-1.5 m directly below the conductor. When not wearing shielding clothing, the maximum field strength of the human head is much greater than the allowable value. If using shielding clothing with a shielding efficiency of 60 dB for safety protection, the surface field strength inside the worker’s clothing can be reduced to 2.25 kV/m, meeting the requirements of live working. Operators should pay attention to the electric field protection at each phase wire when using an electric lifting device to enter (exit) the interphase wire. Equipotential operators must wear a complete set of shielding clothing for 750 kV live working.
Study of high-power breakdown accompanied by sliding discharge mode in a three-dimensional sliding arc plasma igniter
Authors: Yongjian Ning , Qian Zhang , Tiantian Zhang , Ruilei Yang , Xueke Che
Published: February 2024

In order to improve the ignition reliability of a small-thrust rocket engine, a three-dimensional sliding arc igniter discharge characteristic research experimental system was constructed. The work gas flow rate and excitation parameters were changed, the plasma discharge characteristic and spectral characteristic parameters were measured, and the characteristics of the igniter discharge modes were investigated. The influence of the excitation parameters on the discharge modes was explored, and the effect of the discharge modes on the ignition performance of the igniter was analyzed as well as the mechanism of the discharge modes. The results show that the igniter has three different discharge modes during the discharge process, i.e., breakdown with sliding mode, high-power breakdown with sliding mode, and the transition state between the two modes, the shift of the discharge mode is mainly affected by the excitation power, and the igniter is in the breakdown with sliding mode when the excitation power is low, and in the high-power breakdown with sliding mode when the power is high. High-power breakdown with sliding mode has both breakdown with sliding and stable sliding characteristics in the early stage of the sliding arc movement for the breakdown with sliding and then transformed into sliding. Compared with the breakdown with sliding mode and high-power mode, the sliding arc discharge area is wider, the concentration of O * than the breakdown with sliding mode increased by 2.86 times, the electron temperature increased by 31.76%, and it can significantly improve plasma ignition effect, reduce the activation energy and enhance the performance of the igniter.
An Improved MP Algorithm for Power System Mode Identification
Authors: Meng Xuanren , Liu Mosi , Li Jinzhao , Zheng Kun
Published: February 2024

An improved matrix pencil (MP) algorithm for power system mode identification has been proposed in this paper. Aiming at the problem of inaccurate order determined by the singular value decomposition (SVD) step in traditional MP algorithms and the lack of Hankel structure in the reconstructed matrix, which leads to inaccurate identification under low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) condition, singular entropy order determination is introduced. An iterative algorithm is proposed to calculate a reconstructed matrix with both Hankel structure and rank-deficient attributes. This reconstruction matrix has a better approximation effect and improves the identification accuracy of the MP algorithm under low SNR. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm was verified by modal parameter identification of numerical signals and oscillation signals of the 4-machine and 2-area systems. The algorithm proposed in low SNR has higher accuracy than the traditional MP algorithm, and the reconstructed signal has a better fitting effect.
Zero crossing detection algorithm based on an MLP neural network for differential confocal microscopy
Authors: Wang Zhiyi , Wang Tingyu , Yang Yongqiang , Mi Xiaotao , Wang Jianli
Published: February 2024

Differential confocal microscopy is widely used because of its ultra-high axial resolution. The surface gradient results in light loss, which decreases the slope of the differential response signal at zero crossing. At this point, when the signal-to-noise ratio is fixed, the traditional linear fitting method to determine the position of zero crossing is subject to significant error influence. To solve these issues, this paper proposes a zero crossing detection algorithm based on a multilayer perceptron (MLP) neural network. Experimental results reveal that the proposed algorithm is more robust and capable of better zero crossing extraction. When numerical aperture (NA)=0.4, the average error is 16.9 nm, which is 55.4 % higher than that of the traditional linear fitting algorithm. The proposed algorithm has a high potential for use with the differential confocal sensor to measure unknown steep surfaces.
Sensorless control of submersible permanent magnet synchronous motor under long-line cable model
Authors: Yue Youjun , Zheng Lihua
Published: February 2024

In the process of oil production, the submerged oil motor works 1-3 km downhole and is connected to the inverter by a long-wire cable, which generates overvoltage at the motor end due to the problem of matching the impedance of the motor with the impedance of the power cable. The downhole environment is not suitable for the installation of precision devices, such as position sensors. To solve these problems, a sensorless control method of submerged oil motors based on a high-frequency voltage injection method is proposed. A motor terminal voltage and current observer under a long-wire cable model is designed to estimate the actual values of motor terminal voltage and current by collecting the voltage and current at the inverter terminal. A three-level inverter is used to provide energy to the submersible oil electric pump through the long-wire cable, which can effectively suppress the motor terminal overvoltage compared to the two-level inverter. The control algorithm is verified by modeling the whole system using simulation software.
Control Method for Inhibiting Chain Reaction of Commutation Failure
Authors: Ouyang Jinxin , Pang Mingyu , Pan Xinyu , Lei Xiao , Li Baowei
Published: February 2024

Due to the coupling effect between the DC/AC system as well as between different LCC-HVDC, the first commutation failure can cause a series of chain reactions, including successive commutation failure, overvoltage of the rectifier station, and subsequent commutation failure. The existing control methods for suppressing overvoltage or commutation failure cannot simultaneously meet the needs of the sending and receiving end grid of MIDC. It may expand the impact and scope of a single fault. Therefore, a commutation failure chain reaction suppression method is proposed based on the characterization of chain reaction boundary conditions. The effectiveness is verified by using the CIGRE standard test model.
Research on Multi-point Measurement System of Mine Gas Based on TDLA
Authors: Liu Yahui , Liu Xu , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Yuxi , Yin Chuanye
Published: February 2024

Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS) technology combines the advantages of wavelength modulation technology and direct absorption spectroscopy technology, and the system achieves highly sensitive and full-range detection of methane gas concentrations. In the system, only the pure optical methane probe is positioned under the mine, which establishes connectivity with the host computer on the surface through the optical fiber. This setup enables the simultaneous detection of 16 channels of methane gas through time-sharing multiplexing technology. Experimental results demonstrate a measurement error of less than ±6.0×10−4 at low concentrations (0∼1%) and within ±6% of the true value at high concentrations under normal temperature and pressure conditions. The full-range linear fit attains 0.9998. According to the one-fold standard deviation, the minimum detection lower limit of the system stands at 68.36 ppm and the measured gas concentrations across different channels of the methane probes remain consistent inhe same environment. This technology provides a new solution for continuous, accurate, and multi-point monitoring of mine gas.
Design of human lower limb motion data acquisition system based on multi-sensor
Authors: Pang Peng , Shi Yunling , Liu Gang , Tang Leilei
Published: February 2024

In order to protect the health of older people, a wearable lower extremity motion data acquisition system was designed. With STM32F103C8T6 as the core, the system uses an inertial attitude sensor to collect lower limb motion attitude information. In view of the large difference in plantar pressure data of different fall types, the distributed flexible film plantar pressure sensor is used to collect plantar pressure information as an auxiliary discrimination means, which can accurately distinguish the fall behavior from other behaviors, and carry out data transmission through the wireless module. The device is small in size, light in weight, low in power consumption, and wearable, which is easy to apply in the field of health monitoring, and can also be used as a reference for the implementation of corresponding protection strategies for active lower limb prosthetics.
Observer based fault diagnosis of aircraft active landing gear system
Authors: Sun Zhongzhou , Wu Zheng , Li Fanbiao
Published: February 2024

A landing gear system is vital in aircraft landing and taxiing. In this paper, an observer-based fault detection and fault reconstruction means is adopted for the aircraft’s active landing gear. Firstly, a six-degree-of-freedom (6-DOF) landing gear model is established by analysing the dynamics of the fuselage and landing gears. By analysing the fault mechanism of actuators and sensors, the fault model of actuators and sensors is established. Secondly, according to the above model, the unknown input observer (UIO) is designed to obtain the residuals, and the fault detection of actuators and sensors is realized according to the comparison between residuals and thresholds. On this basis, an adaptive unknown input observer (AUIO) is designed, through which the state values and fault values can be reconstructed. Finally, simulation experiments are tested under different fault types to prove the validity of the fault detection and reconstruction based on UIO and AUIO.
Research on vision control methods based on multi-sensor fusion
Authors: Wang Yi , Qu Fengrui , Wang Xijun , Zeng Songtao , Sun Qizhen , Li Mengyang , Ge Jiafei
Published: February 2024

This paper focuses on the application scenarios of electric power live line working robots, addressing tasks such as live wire stripping and live wire connection/disconnection. It utilizes Mixed Reality (MR) technology for rapid environment modeling and visual signal acquisition. Through the research on robot contact force sensing, real-time force feedback, and obstacle avoidance through the fusion of robot motion paths and environmental data, it establishes a novel electric power live line working robot system centered around dexterous dual arms at the operation end, force feedback teleoperation controllers, multi-sensor fusion acquisition systems, and robot motion planning and control technology. Through prototyping, a demonstration application is realized, showcasing a semi-autonomous electric power live line working robot system that employs remote operation combined with sensor-based MR for task execution. This teleoperation and Mixed Reality-based semi-autonomous electrified operation approach is poised to play a significant role in advancing and demonstrating the use of robots in the field of electrical grid operations.
Simulation study on firing parameters optimization of parallel salvo of active acoustic homing torpedo
Authors: Xu Zhaopeng , Zhang Yan , Cheng Fei
Published: February 2024

In the process of submarine anti-submarine warfare, single acoustic homing torpedo or parallel salvo acoustic homing torpedo to attack enemy submarine is usually used. According to the search sector of torpedo and the method of submarine avoiding torpedo maneuver, the model for submarine running out of search zone is established. Therefore, the necessity of using parallel salvo in anti-submarine warfare is verified. On this basis, the calculation model of firing parameters is established, and the simulation results show that the Optimization of firing parameters has great influence on the hit probability of parallel salvo. The research results have certain reference value for implementation.
Direct synthesis of WSe2/PtSe2 heterostructures
Authors: Minev N , Dimitrov D , Dimov D , Rafailov P , Napoleonov B , Videva V , Kovacheva D , Strijkova V , Avramova I , Dikov H , Marinova V
Published: February 2024

The results of a successful synthesis of a WSe2/PtSe2 heterostructures are presented. High quality crystalline films were achieved through a one–step selenization of a pre-deposited tungsten film with pre-deposited platinum as an underlayer. The role of the PtSe2 layer, formed during selenization, was to assists the growth of crystalline WSe2. The existence of WSe2 was confirmed using Raman spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). The crystallinity of the samples was investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). Surface measurements were performed using atomic force microscopy (AFM).
Investigation of optical properties of nanoparticle-dispersed polymer films
Authors: Kasarova S , Sultanova N , Kiryakova D , Nikolov I
Published: February 2024

Composite films of polystyrene and polymethyl methacrylate with added ZnO and ZrO2 nanoparticles have been prepared. Effective medium approximations have been applied to calculate final refractive indices. Results are compared to the experimental values of films with different thickness. Transparency of neat polymer and nanocomposite layers is also studied.
Influence of the pulse duration at the laser processing of nitride ceramics
Authors: Nedyalkov N , Dikovska A , Dilova T , Atanasova G
Published: February 2024

This paper presents results on laser ablation of AlN and Si3N4 ceramics by laser pulses with different duration. Three types of laser systems, a Nd:YAG one, operated at wavelength of 1064 nm and pulse duration of 15 ns, a Nd:YAG, operated at wavelength of 1064 nm and pulse duration of 10 ps, and a femtosecond laser system, operated at 800 nm, with a pulse duration of 75 fs, are used for experiments. Details on the ablation efficiency, surface morphology, and the chemical composition of the irradiated zones as a function of the pulse duration are given and discussed. It is demonstrated that the ablation rate (ablation depth per pulse) is highest for processing with nanosecond pulses and it is lowest for the femtosecond regime. The laser ablation results in significant change of the surface morphology, as its characteristics are influenced by the pulse duration. For all pulse durations conditions for formation of ripples structures are found. The ablation process is realized by decomposition of the ceramics and the composition of the remaining surface layer is governed by oxidation and carbonization.
Remote detection of the conductivity of current-carrying metallized traces
Authors: Taskova E , Stankova N , Petrov N , Ranev V , Nedyalkov N , Armyanov S , Andreeva C
Published: February 2024

The weak magnetic fields generated by a current-carrying metallized traces are detected in view of their applications in bionic systems and neural-electrode interface technologies. The traces are formed by femtosecond laser processing of the surface of polydimethylsiloxane polymer substrate and further functionalization by electroless metallization. The measurements are performed by means of magneto-optical spectroscopy involving two optical beams, serving as pump and probe, where the magnetic field sensor is 87Rb atoms confined in a paraffin-coated optical cell. The experimental results show the feasibility of remote detection of the conductivity of metallized nickel traces.
Co-sputtered CuO/TiO2 coatings with varying copper content deposited on Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Nikolova M P , Tzvetkov I
Published: February 2024

In this study, mosaic target material of titanium (Ti) and copper (Cu) was used to deposit CuO/TiO2 coatings on Ti6Al4V alloy. The aim was to examine the change in composition, structure and adhesion of the deposited films on titanium alloy when varying the titanium/copper (20:1, 41:1, 179:1, 418:1 and 837:1) ratio of the target material. The coatings were obtained by sputtering in a glow-discharge in a pure O2 atmosphere for a deposition time of 240 min. All coatings showed homogenous Cu distribution and the film thickness decreased with the reduction of Cu content in the composite target. Cu content in the coatings followed a power function of decrease with reduction of Ti-Cu content in the target while the increase of Ti showed logarithmic dependence. In all coatings, anatase and rutile TiO2 phases were detected whereas Cu atoms participated only in the formation of monoclinic CuO. TiO2-rich coatings demonstrated better adhesion to the Ti6Al4V alloy, whereas the critical loads of CuO-rich films were dependent on coating thickness.
Electron beam melting efficiency at multiple hafnium e-beam processing
Authors: Markov M , Stefanova V , Vutova K , Vassileva V , Tanaka T , Kakugawa K
Published: February 2024

The method of electron beam melting and vacuum refining has clear advantages over other metallurgical methods since it enables manufacturing of refractory and chemically active metals. This study focuses on the efficiency of removing impurities from technogenic hafnium under multiple electron beam melting. Assessments are performed on the efficiency of double and triple e-beam melting processing of refractory metal hafnium. The influence of different e-beam melting technological modes on the refining effectiveness is investigated. A highest hafnium purity of 99.2% was achieved after double and triple e-beam refinements of the investigated materials, with the highest process efficiency reaching 61.58% and 51.07%, respectively.
First experiments looking at the symmetry of the plasma formation phase of the dense plasma focus using d-dot probes
Authors: Blagoev A B , Yordanov V , Auluck S K H
Published: February 2024

The Dense Plasma Focus is being considered as the basis of sophisticated technologies such as an energy producing fusion machine, space propulsion for interplanetary and deep space missions and nanomaterial fabrication. However, there are problems with ensuring a reliable and reproducible operation of the device. It does not operate well immediately after the device is exposed to atmosphere and re-evacuated. A series of training shots is required after which the operation stabilizes until the vacuum chamber is opened again. Our previous work on numerical simulation of the formation phase shows that plasma behaviour on hydrodynamic time scales is difficult to predict because of simultaneous presence of many time scales and scale lengths. A systematic understanding of the role of the training shots in the formation process therefore requires a new experimental approach. This paper presents the first experiments looking at the symmetry of the discharge during its formation phase. The new diagnostic uses 3 d-dot probes symmetrically placed outside the squirrel cage cathode looking at the insulator through gaps between cathode rods. First results are presented and discussed.
Association between social vulnerability and place of death during the first 2 years of COVID-19 in Massachusetts
Authors: Charpignon Marie-Laure , Onofrey Shauna , Chen Yea-Hung , Rewegan Alex , Glymour Medellena Maria , Klevens R Monina , Majumder Maimuna Shahnaz
Published: February 2024

We investigated the relationship between individual-level social vulnerability and place of death during the infectious disease emergency of the COVID-19 pandemic in Massachusetts. Our research represents a unique contribution by matching individual-level death certificates with COVID-19 test data to analyse differences in distributions of place of death.
Impact of a pharmacy technician on an interprofessional antithrombotic stewardship program at an academic medical center
Authors: Hammonds William M , Bowman Emily A , Chiplinski Amber N , Keeting Tessa A , Pagenhardt Sarah M , Valdez Patricia , Street Ashley F , Caccamo Marco , O’Neil Daniel P , Peters Julie E , Stoffa Stephanie L
Published: February 2024

Purpose

The need for monitoring and standardization of anticoagulation management has garnered the attention of national organizations, driving the implementation of antithrombotic stewardship programs (ASPs). Established ASPs have highlighted interdisciplinary collaboration between physicians, nurses, and pharmacists and demonstrated financial benefits and positive patient care outcomes. While pharmacy technicians are key members of the pharmacy profession, they are rarely utilized to expand clinical programs. The aim of this report is to describe the impact of adding a pharmacy technician to an ASP at an academic medical center.

The departments of pharmacy and quality at West Virginia University Hospitals (WVUH) developed a business plan and financially justified an ASP. The ASP was implemented in January 2022 and consisted of 2 full-time clinical pharmacist specialists, 1 full-time clinical pharmacy technician, 2 full-time clinical nurse specialists, and 1 part-time physician medical director. The clinical pharmacy technician’s primary role was to review patients’ sequential compression device (SCD) compliance and newly started oral anticoagulants prior to discharge. The clinical nurse specialists educated patients newly started on oral anticoagulants within 24 hours of discharge and triaged any postdischarge medication access issues. The medical director provided high-level program oversight and acted as a clinical consultant on complex patient cases. In the first 6 months after the program’s implementation, the clinical pharmacy technician made 174 recommendations to the clinical pharmacist specialists regarding discharge transitions of care and assessed SCD compliance in 246 patients. Of the 246 patients assessed, 217 patients (88%) were deemed to be noncompliant.

Conclusion

The pharmacy department at WVUH successfully justified and implemented an interprofessional ASP at an academic medical center, which is the first ASP to date to incorporate a clinical pharmacy technician.
The potential of historical spy-satellite imagery to support research in ecology and conservation
Authors: Munteanu Catalina , Kraemer Benjamin M , Hansen Henry H , Miguel Sofia , Milner-Gulland E J , Nita Mihai , Ogashawara Igor , Radeloff Volker C , Roverelli Simone , Shumilova Oleksandra O , Storch Ilse , Kuemmerle Tobias
Published: February 2024

Remote sensing data are important for assessing ecological change, but their value is often restricted by their limited temporal coverage. Major historical events that affected the environment, such as those associated with colonial history, World War II, or the Green Revolution are not captured by modern remote sensing. In the present article, we highlight the potential of globally available black-and-white satellite photographs to expand ecological and conservation assessments back to the 1960s and to illuminate ecological concepts such as shifting baselines, time-lag responses, and legacy effects. This historical satellite photography can be used to monitor ecosystem extent and structure, species’ populations and habitats, and human pressures on the environment. Even though the data were declassified decades ago, their use in ecology and conservation remains limited. But recent advances in image processing and analysis can now unlock this research resource. We encourage the use of this opportunity to address important ecological and conservation questions.
Effect of thyroid hormone replacement therapy on mortality rate in patients undergoing total or hemithyroidectomy for benign multinodular goitre
Authors: Nordenström Erik , Ranstam Jonas , Bergenfelz Anders
Published: February 2024

Background

Thyroid surgery for benign non-toxic nodular goitre is a common endocrine surgical procedure. It is not known whether thyroid hormone replacement therapy following surgery for benign thyroid disease influences mortality or morbidity rates.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted using national registries in Sweden. Overall mortality and morbidity rates were compared for patients with or without thyroid hormone replacement therapy in patients operated on with hemithyroidectomy or total thyroidectomy for a diagnosis of benign non-toxic nodular goitre.

Results

Between 1 July 2006 and 31 December 2017, 5573 patients were included, 1644 (29.5%) patients were operated on with total thyroidectomy and 3929 patients with hemithyroidectomy. In the hemithyroidectomy group, 1369 (34.8%) patients were prescribed thyroid hormone replacement therapy in the follow-up. The patients who underwent hemithyroidectomy and did not use thyroid hormone replacement therapy in the follow-up had a standard mortality ratio of 1.31 (95% confidence interval, 1.09–1.54). The mortality ratio was not increased in patients who underwent total thyroidectomy or hemithyroidectomy and used thyroid hormone replacement therapy. The risk of death analysed by multivariable Cox regression for patients operated on with hemithyroidectomy without later thyroid hormone replacement therapy, adjusted for age and sex, showed an increased hazard ratio of 1.65 (1.19–2.30) compared with hemithyroidectomy with hormone replacement therapy.

Conclusion

Patients subjected to hemithyroidectomy without later hormone replacement therapy had a 30% higher risk of death compared with the normal Swedish population and a 65% increased risk of death compared with patients undergoing hemithyroidectomy with postoperative hormone replacement therapy.
Repeating themes of plastic genes and therapeutic schemes targeting the ‘tandem repeatome’
Authors: Hannan Anthony J
Published: February 2024

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Modification of Huntington’s disease by short tandem repeats’ by Hong et al. (https://doi.org/10.1093/braincomms/fcae016) in Brain Communications
A propensity-matched study of psoriasis and migraine in a nationally diverse cohort
Authors: Diaz Michael J , Haq Zaim , Abdi Parsa , Tran Jasmine T , Wei Aria , Forouzandeh Mahtab , Montanez-Wiscovich Marjorie E
Published: February 2024

Given shared pathophysiology components, high prevalence and similar risk profiles, we aimed to evaluate the relationship between psoriasis and migraine within a diverse population. Our results indicated that having psoriasis is predictive of having migraine disorders in adults, with generally exacerbated risk in non-White individuals.
Cognitive and neural mechanisms of voluntary versus forced language switching in Chinese–English bilinguals: an fMRI study
Authors: Geng Libo , Zhao Xinyu , Xu Qihui , Wu Haiyan , Hu Xueping , Liu Zhiyuan , Ming Lili , Xue Zixuan , Yue Chenyi , Yang Yiming
Published: February 2024

The ecological validity of bilingual code-switching has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Contrary to traditional studies that have focused on forced language switching, emerging theories posit that voluntary switching may not incur such a cost. To test these claims and understand differences between forced and voluntary switching, the present study conducted a systematic comparison through both behavioral and neural perspectives. Utilizing fMRI alongside picture-naming tasks, our findings diverge from prior work. Voluntary language switching not only demonstrated switching costs at the behavioral level but also significantly activated brain regions associated with inhibitory control. Direct comparisons of voluntary and forced language switching revealed no significant behavioral differences in switching costs, and both shared several common brain regions that were activated. On the other hand, a nuanced difference between the two types of language switching was revealed by whole-brain analysis: voluntary switching engaged fewer language control regions than forced switching. These findings offer a comprehensive view of the neural and behavioral dynamics involved in bilingual language switching, challenging prior claims that voluntary switching imposes no behavioral or neural costs, and thus providing behavioral and neuroimaging evidence for the involvement of inhibitory control in voluntary language switching.
Tricuspid transcatheter edge-to-edge repair in a 72-year-old patient with a left ventricular assist device and prior mitral edge-to-edge repair: a case report
Authors: Staubach Stephan , Sailer Michael , Koch Johannes , Maier Anatol , Jeron Andreas
Published: February 2024

Background

We report a case of a 72-year-old patient developing a significant tricuspid regurgitation (TR) 6 years after a left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation. The aim of this case is to demonstrate the feasibility of transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) of the tricuspid valve and the excellent clinical benefit in long-term follow-up in an LVAD patient.

Case summary

Our patient presented with recurrent acute heart failure syndrome. After a fulminant myocarditis in 2005, his previous treatment consisted of cardiac resynchronization therapy, TEER of the mitral valve, and LVAD (HeartMate III) implantation. At that point in time, his TR was only mild to moderate. Due to recurrent hospitalization despite optimized heart failure medication, we decided to treat the patient with a tricuspid TEER. His immediate post-interventional result and 1-year follow-up showed an excellent outcome with only minimal TR on transoesophageal echocardiogram.

Discussion

In general, TR improves after LVAD implantation. However, there are two possible pathophysiological mechanisms, which result in an increasing TR: firstly, supporting LV dysfunction may lead to a leftward shift of the interventricular septum with restriction of the tricuspid leaflets. Secondly, the increase of venous preload with LVAD support may result in an annular dilatation with secondary TR, particularly in patients with pre-existing right ventricular dysfunction. According to the data currently available, the unpredictable course of developing TR necessitates regular clinical examination and echocardiographic investigation. Treatment with TEER appears to be feasible and safe, with excellent 1-year results in patients with previously implanted LVADs.
Unusual optical coherence tomography findings resembling sea anemone tentacles after orbital atherectomy for nodular calcification lesions in a haemodialysis patient: a case report
Authors: Imamura Mayuko , Yunoki Kei , Miyahara Katsunori , Oka Takefumi
Published: February 2024

Background

Optical coherence tomography (OCT) can be used to characterize the details of calcified plaques because it allows high-resolution evaluation of coronary plaques, thrombi, and calcium.

Case summary

A 72-year-old man on haemodialysis who had stenosis with a severe calcified lesion at the left anterior descending artery underwent percutaneous coronary intervention. Pre-intervention OCT imaging identified a nodular calcification (NC) that protruded into the lumen of the left anterior descending artery. To treat this lesion, we performed orbital atherectomy using the Diamondback 360 coronary orbital atherectomy system. After ablation of the nodular lesions at low and high speed, OCT showed newly emerged granular and filamentous structures that resembled sea anemone tentacles (these represented calcified nodule-like OCT findings). These structures appeared to extend from the proximal part of the ablated small NC, and shifted distally after balloon dilatation. Stent implantation was performed to entirely cover these structures, with no resulting complications. However, early in-stent restenosis occurred at 4 months follow-up.

Discussion

A tentacle-like OCT appearance in calcified lesions has not been previously reported. This represents a very rare and interesting imaging finding that reflects the relationship and origins of NCs and calcified nodules. The maturity of the NC lesions and the lateral sanding style of the orbital atherectomy system may have contributed to this striking OCT finding.
The Genome of Plasmodium gonderi: Insights into the Evolution of Human Malaria Parasites
Authors: Cepeda Axl S , Mello Beatriz , Pacheco M Andreína , Luo Zunping , Sullivan Steven A , Carlton Jane M , Escalante Ananias A
Published: February 2024

Plasmodium species causing malaria in humans are not monophyletic, sharing common ancestors with nonhuman primate parasites. Plasmodium gonderi is one of the few known Plasmodium species infecting African old-world monkeys that are not found in apes. This study reports a de novo assembled P. gonderi genome with complete chromosomes. The P. gonderi genome shares codon usage, syntenic blocks, and other characteristics with the human parasites Plasmodium ovale s.l. and Plasmodium malariae, also of African origin, and the human parasite Plasmodium vivax and species found in nonhuman primates from Southeast Asia. Using phylogenetically aware methods, newly identified syntenic blocks were found enriched with conserved metabolic genes. Regions outside those blocks harbored genes encoding proteins involved in the vertebrate host-Plasmodium relationship undergoing faster evolution. Such genome architecture may have facilitated colonizing vertebrate hosts. Phylogenomic analyses estimated the common ancestor between P. vivax and an African ape parasite P. vivax-like, within the Asian nonhuman primates parasites clade. Time estimates incorporating P. gonderi placed the P. vivax and P. vivax-like common ancestor in the late Pleistocene, a time of active migration of hominids between Africa and Asia. Thus, phylogenomic and time-tree analyses are consistent with an Asian origin for P. vivax and an introduction of P. vivax-like into Africa. Unlike other studies, time estimates for the clade with Plasmodium falciparum, the most lethal human malaria parasite, coincide with their host species radiation, African hominids. Overall, the newly assembled genome presented here has the quality to support comparative genomic investigations in Plasmodium.
MUYSC: an end-to-end muography simulation toolbox
Authors: Peña-Rodríguez J , Jaimes-Teherán J , Dlaikan-Castillo K , Núñez L A
Published: February 2024

Muography is an imaging technique that relies on the attenuation of the muon flux traversing geological or anthropogenic structures. Several simulation frameworks help to perform muography studies by combining specialized codes: for muon generation through muon transport to muon detector performance. This methodology is precise but requires significant computational resources and time. We present an end-to-end python-based MUographY Simulation Code, which implements a muography simulation framework capable of rapidly estimating muograms of any geological structure worldwide. This framework considers the generated muon flux as the observation point; the energy loss of muons passing through the geological target; the integrated muon flux detected by the telescope and estimates the 3-D density distribution of the target using algebraic reconstruction techniques. The simulations ignore the relatively small muon flux variance caused by geomagnetic effects, solar modulation and atmospheric conditions. We validate the code performance by comparing our simulation results with data from other frameworks.
Shmal’tsovniki: Bounty Hunters in World War II Galicia, 1941–1944
Authors: Burds Jeffrey
Published: February 2024

Among the most notorious forms of collaboration with the German occupation of District Galicia were the so-called shmal’tsovniki (szmalcownicy) or marodëry (profiteers), bounty hunters who betrayed Jews to the German police for cash rewards, apartments, food, and a host of other incentives. In this study of post-Soviet Russian, Ukrainian, German, Israeli, and Polish sources, the author has traced the nefarious roles these local collaborators played in the Holocaust. He has endeavored to outline the political economy of genocide in Galicia, tracing the transformation of relations among neighbors into a predatory hunt for Jewish men, women, and children who had been driven into hiding to escape persecution and genocide. Archival documents and eyewitness testimonies reveal that bounty hunters preyed not just on Jews, but also on so-called Righteous Gentiles, typically well-meaning Poles or Ukrainians whose acts of kindness were sometimes turned against them in the morally inverted world of the German occupation. In this way, the German occupation authorities generated a mass culture of fear and suspicion that facilitated the rounding up and liquidation of remaining Jews.
Misunderstanding Myanmar through the lens of democracy
Authors: Brenner David
Published: February 2024

This article takes the 2021 military coup in Myanmar and its violent aftermath as a starting point for analysing the dominant lens through which western observers commonly narrate the country's politics as a struggle for democracy. It shows how focusing on questions of the political system is insufficient for explaining political processes and conflict dynamics, and how it risks sanitizing the country's past and presence of nationalism, ethnic conflict and genocide. A postcolonial reading suggests that finding solutions to conflict and authoritarianism in Myanmar demands questioning the role of the modern nation-state itself. This analysis contributes to recent research which has found that Conflict and Peace Studies develops theories from some conflicts over others, reflecting how western interests shape academic choices in a field that aims to inform policy and practice worldwide. This article contributes to this debate on knowledge production by arguing that this selectivity bias is not simply a function of general western interest (or lack thereof). It is also linked to the frames that govern our interest in and understanding of countries and regions worldwide. Studying ‘forgotten conflicts’ in the global South not only necessitates a turn to specialist literature, but also demands moving beyond Eurocentric frames of reference.