bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamical pressure boundary condition for weakly compressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics
Authors: Zhang Shuoguo , Fan Yu , Wu Dong , Zhang Chi , Hu Xiangyu
Published: February 2025

This paper introduces a novel dynamical pressure boundary condition for the weakly compressible smoothed particle hydrodynamics simulation of channel flows. Unlike previous methods that rely on indirect approaches or ghost particles, our method integrates the boundary pressure directly into the SPH approximation of the pressure gradient on near-boundary particles. Additionally, we develop a meshfree bidirectional in-/outflow buffer by periodically relabeling buffer particles at each time step. This simple yet effective buffer enables the simulation of both unidirectional and bidirectional flows, especially those with mixed in-/outflow boundary conditions. We validate the accuracy and convergence of our method through benchmark cases involving unidirectional/bidirectional in-/outflows under constant and dynamic pressure or velocity conditions with available analytical solutions. Furthermore, we demonstrate its versatility in hemodynamic simulations by investigating generic carotid and aorta flows with the Windkessel model, paving the way for studying the cardiovascular system within a unified meshfree computational framework.
Hydroelastic performance of an ultra-large containership in irregular and freak waves
Authors: Zhang Wenjie , Zhuang Yuan , Wan Decheng , Wang Jianhua
Published: February 2025

Ship motions, local wave impact loads on ship bow and global wave-induced structural responses of a 20 000 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) containership are studied in irregular and freak waves. A two-way coupled CFD-MBD (computational fluid dynamics–multi body dynamics) method is adopted for the co-simulation of the interactions between flow field and structure model of an elastic ship beam. The fluid–structure interaction method is validated with experimental measurement in regular waves. It is found that the maximum value of the vertical bending moment response amplitude operator appears in the condition of λ/L=1.0. In the flow field, a potential-viscous flow coupled HOS-CFD (high order spectrum–CFD) method is applied in the simulation of the irregular and freak waves. The freak wave generated by HOS-CFD method shows good agreement with the HOS input data. It is found that the amplitude of pitch motion is most sensitive to the wave height of irregular waves. When the significant wave height of the irregular wave increases by 1.6 times, the VBM, heave, and pitch responses increase by about 2 times, 3.5 times, and 6 times, respectively. In addition, the cumulative distributions of hull motion, VBM amidship, and most sensor pressures are well fitted with Weibull distribution. In high sea states, bow slamming and green water are the main causes of high frequency responses of VBM.
Power-law rheology on mass transport of neutral solute induced by mixed electroosmotic flow through rough microtube with porous wall
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Gupta Himanshu , Ghangrekar Onkar , Sengupta Sourav , De Sirshendu
Published: February 2025

In this work, the mass transport properties of a neutral solute in a rough microtube with a porous wall under the combined influence of both pressure and electric fields for non-Newtonian power-law fluids are examined. This investigation explores the effect of various microtube roughness patterns, such as sinusoidal, triangular, and rectangular, as well as different flow behavior indices, on solute mass transport behavior. The Poisson–Boltzmann equation, Cauchy momentum equation, and species conservation equation were solved computationally for different roughness profiles to assess the distribution of electric potential, velocity, and concentration fields. Higher relative roughness amplitude (δ = 0.1) and roughness wavenumber (λ = 12) reduced the average cross-sectional velocity by 31% for the dilatant solution, leading to improved permeation. The influence of roughness parameters (δ and λ) and the flow behavior index (n) on solute permeation mass flux was quantified. For the dilatant case, solute mass flux was enhanced by employing rectangular, sinusoidal, and triangular roughness profiles compared to the smooth porous wall by 19%, 9%, and 8% for assisting flow and 16%, 13%, and 11% for opposing flow. In fact, the highest mass flux effectiveness (ξ) for solute delivery was observed for the dilatant fluid with rectangular roughness in assisting flow. It is anticipated that the results of this study will provide valuable insights for the design of specialized drug delivery systems using microfluidic channels and contribute to a better understanding of nutrient transport in physiological systems.
Aligning curriculum design with proficiency levels in a Chinese language program
Authors: Liu Yu , Moody Steve
Published: February 2025

This study evaluates the proficiency progress of Chinese L2 learners in a four-year Chinese language program using
the OPI and HSK assessments to explore benchmarks for proficiency-based program design. Findings indicated that students advanced
approximately one HSK level per year in reading and listening skills. In speaking, they advanced more than one sub-level per
semester; however, their progress slowed significantly upon reaching the ACTFL advanced level. Students completed the program
close to HSK level 5 in reading and listening and at the ACTFL advanced-mid level in speaking. A significant correlation between
HSK and OPI scores was found, suggesting that both assessments effectively measure language proficiency. The results also confirm
strong alignment between the curriculum and the program’s learning objectives in terms of proficiency achievement.
Fostering language and intercultural learning through a cross-institutional community-engaged project
Authors: Geng Ziyi , Cai Luoyi
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the development of intercultural competence (IC) in proficiency-based Chinese as a Foreign
Language classroom through a cross-institutional community-engaged project. Under the framework of NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements
of IC (NCSSFL-ACTFL, 2017), direct and indirect evidence from 28 learners from two
universities in the U.S. revealed improvement in IC when students investigated cultural perspectives and interacted with community
members and peers. Students’ positive attitudes toward this pedagogical approach, combined with language proficiency training and
IC development, further affirm the effectiveness of these initiatives in promoting online cultural exchange and community-engaged
learning. Additionally, students’ original degree of familiarity regarding certain cultural themes before the project emerged as a
significant factor in IC development.
Parametric solutions to the Kerr separatrix
Authors: Ng Tammy , Teo Edward
Published: February 2025

The Kerr separatrix is a boundary in parameter space that separates bound orbits from plunging orbits in the Kerr black hole space-time. Recently, Stein and Warburton found a polynomial equation for the location of the separatrix, for two different choices of inclination parameter. Following a method of Levin and Perez-Giz developed for the equatorial case, we use a correspondence between homoclinic orbits and unstable spherical orbits to derive explicit solutions to the separatrix polynomials. These solutions are parametrised in terms of the radius of the unstable spherical orbit.
Twist-angle modulation on bandgaps in twisted bilayer γ-graphyne and graphdiyne
Authors: Feng Lanting , Xu Weiyi , Luo Haoyu , Yu Guodong
Published: February 2025

In semiconductor technology, bandgap engineering is a cornerstone challenge that continues to evolve. By employing the full and low-energy tight-binding model, we focused on the effects of twist-angle on the bandgaps of twisted bilayer γ-graphyne and graphdiyne. Our results indicated that reducing the twist-angle from 21.79○ to 0.67○ can significantly narrow the bandgap by as much as 0.5 eV. Drawing on the concept of hybridization, this reduction in bandgap is elucidated by the average of the interlayer coupling on the valence band maximum state and conduction band minimum state. Our research presents a versatile approach to bandgap modulation in 2D semiconductors.
Generative Tandem Neural Network for Optimization of Nanophotonic Color Splitters
Authors: Acharige Didulani , Johlin Eric
Published: February 2025

Tandem neural networks have seen success in the inverse design of nanophotonic structures. However, unlike other generative inverse design approaches, these networks typically suffer from a significant limitation as they are single input single output networks with zero diversity. To address this limitation we propose a novel single input, multiple output tandem network specifically for the inverse design of color splitter nanophotonic structures. The color splitters can separate and redirect different colors of light into spatially separated pixels, thereby replacing the color filters used in digital cameras to mitigate absorptive losses. We additionally combine iterative transfer learning approaches to allow training on a small dataset of higher quality samples created through topology optimization, with the training based on a labeled dataset of just 128 labelled samples. The forward network is shown to work well in both interpolation and extrapolation, while a deficiency in the performance of the inverse network in extrapolation can be overcome by use of an additional genetic algorithm optimization. Overall, the tandem network combined with genetic optimization allows significant improvement in the performance of the nanophotonic structures, even compared to traditional gradient-based topology optimization. This technique promises more effective and resource-efficient approach at general optimization, marking a significant advance in the algorithmic design of nanophotonic devices.
Simulation and Optimization of MoS₂ Layers in Solar Cells Using SCAPS-1D: A Comparative Study with Experimental Results
Authors: Van Duong Phuc , Le Phuong Thi Phuong , Kim Cuc Nguyen Thi
Published: February 2025

MoS2 a two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (TMD), has garnered significant interest for its promising applications in semiconductors and solar cells due to its unique photovoltaic properties. This work investigates the role of MoS2 layers in enhancing solar cell performance, with a focus on layer optimization through both simulation and experimental validation. Using the SCAPS-1D simulation tool, we analyze and optimize key parameters such as layer thickness, defect density, band gap, temperature, and buffer layer, aiming to maximize photovoltaic performance. The impact of these parameters on critical performance metrics including power conversion efficiency (PCE), open-circuit voltage (Voc), short-circuit current density (Jsc), and fill factor (FF) is examined. Simulation results are compared with experimental data, highlighting key discrepancies and confirming the accuracy of the model. The study reveals that optimal layer parameters, including a thickness of 50 nm, acceptor density of 100x1018 cm⁻³, band gap of 1.2 eV, and a temperature of 300 K, result in a significant boost in solar cell efficiency. With these optimal parameters, the PCE reaches 21.06%, demonstrating a clear path toward high-performance solar cell design. This research bridges theoretical simulations and practical applications, offering valuable insights into the design and optimization of MoS2-based solar cells.
A precise fitting formula for gravitational wave spectra from the sound shell model
Authors: Guo Huai-ke , Hajkarim Fazlollah , Sinha Kuver , White Graham , Xiao Yang
Published: February 2025

Obtaining a precise form for the predicted gravitational wave (GW) spectrum from a phase transition is a topic of great relevance for beyond Standard Model (BSM) physicists. Currently, the most sophisticated semi-analytic framework for estimating the dominant contribution to the spectrum is the sound shell model; however, full calculations within this framework can be computationally expensive, especially for large-scale scans. The community therefore generally manages with fit functions to the GW spectrum, the most widely used of which is a single broken power law. We provide a more precise fit function based on the sound shell model: our fit function features a double broken power law with two frequency breaks corresponding to the two characteristic length scales of the problem — inter-bubble spacing and thickness of sound shells, the second of which is neglected in the single broken power law fit. Compared to previously proposed fits, we demonstrate that our fit function more faithfully captures the GW spectrum coming from a full calculation of the sound shell model, over most of the space of the thermodynamic parameters governing the phase transition. The physical origins of the fit parameters and their dependence on the thermodynamic parameters are studied in the underlying sound shell model: in particular, we perform a series of detailed scans for these quantities over the plane of the
strength of the phase transition (α) and the bubble wall velocity (vw
). Wherever possible, we comment on the physical interpretations of these scans. From a user-end perspective, we provide data files and scripts in Python and Mathematica that can be directly utilized by a front-end user to generate accurate GW spectra with our fit function, given initial inputs of α, vw
, β/H (nucleation rate parameter) and Tn
(nucleation temperature) for the relevant BSM scenario. https://github.com/SFH2024/precise-fit-fopt-gw.
Gravitational effects on fluid dynamics in cosmological first-order phase transitions
Authors: Jinno Ryusuke , Kume Jun'ya
Published: February 2025

Cosmological first-order phase transition (FOPT) sources the stochastic gravitational wave background (SWGB) through bubble collisions, sound waves, and turbulence.
So far, most studies on the fluid profile of an expanding bubble are limited to transitions that complete in a much shorter time scale than the cosmic expansion.
In this study, we investigate gravitational effects on the fluid profile beyond the self-similar regime.
For this purpose we combine a hydrodynamic scheme in the presence of gravity with a fluid computation scheme under energy injection from the bubble wall. By performing (1+1)d simulations of spherical bubble for constant wall velocities, we find that the fluid generally develops a thinner shell in our cosmological setup, which qualitatively agrees with previous studies discussing the late-time behavior of fluid in expanding spacetime.
We also observe reduction in the energy budget for the fluid kinetic energy. Furthermore, we find that the fluid profile develops sub-structure for accelerating bubble walls.
We also comment on the possible broadening of the SGWB spectral plateau.
Electropolymerized dopamine-based memristors using threshold switching behaviors for artificial current-activated spiking neurons
Authors: Zhong Bowen , Qin Xiaokun , Li Zhexin , Zheng Yiqiang , Liu Lingchen , Lou Zheng , Wang Lili
Published: February 2025

Memristors have a synapse-like two-terminal structure and electrical properties, which are widely used in the construction of artificial synapses. However, compared to inorganic materials, organic materials are rarely used for artificial spiking synapses due to their relatively poor memrisitve performance. Here, for the first time, we present an organic memristor based on an electropolymerized dopamine-based memristive layer. This polydopamine-based memristor demonstrates the improvements in key performance, including a low threshold voltage of 0.3 V, a thin thickness of 16 nm, and a high parasitic capacitance of about 1 μF∙mm−2. By leveraging these properties in combination with its stable threshold switching behavior, we construct a capacitor-free and low-power artificial spiking neuron capable of outputting the oscillation voltage, whose spiking frequency increases with the increase of current stimulation analogous to a biological neuron. The experimental results indicate that our artificial spiking neuron holds potential for applications in neuromorphic computing and systems.
Electrolyte-gated optoelectronic transistors for neuromorphic applications
Authors: Bi Jinming , Li Yanran , Lu Rong , Song Honglin , Jiang Jie
Published: February 2025

The traditional von Neumann architecture has demonstrated inefficiencies in parallel computing and adaptive learning, rendering it incapable of meeting the growing demand for efficient and high-speed computing. Neuromorphic computing with significant advantages such as high parallelism and ultra-low power consumption is regarded as a promising pathway to overcome the limitations of conventional computers and achieve the next-generation artificial intelligence. Among various neuromorphic devices, the artificial synapses based on electrolyte-gated transistors stand out due to their low energy consumption, multimodal sensing/recording capabilities, and multifunctional integration. Moreover, the emerging optoelectronic neuromorphic devices which combine the strengths of photonics and electronics have demonstrated substantial potential in the neuromorphic computing field. Therefore, this article reviews recent advancements in electrolyte-gated optoelectronic neuromorphic transistors. First, it provides an overview of artificial optoelectronic synapses and neurons, discussing aspects such as device structures, operating mechanisms, and neuromorphic functionalities. Next, the potential applications of optoelectronic synapses in different areas such as artificial visual system, pain system, and tactile perception systems are elaborated. Finally, the current challenges are summarized, and future directions for their developments are proposed.
Adaptive optoelectronic transistor for intelligent vision system
Authors: Wang Yiru , Liu Shanshuo , Zhang Hongxin , Cao Yuchen , Mu Zitong , Yi Mingdong , Xie Linghai , Ling Haifeng
Published: February 2025

Recently, for developing neuromorphic visual systems, adaptive optoelectronic devices become one of the main research directions and attract extensive focus to achieve optoelectronic transistors with high performances and flexible functionalities. In this review, based on a description of the biological adaptive functions that are favorable for dynamically perceiving, filtering, and processing information in the varying environment, we summarize the representative strategies for achieving these adaptabilities in optoelectronic transistors, including the adaptation for detecting information, adaptive synaptic weight change, and history-dependent plasticity. Moreover, the key points of the corresponding strategies are comprehensively discussed. And the applications of these adaptive optoelectronic transistors, including the adaptive color detection, signal filtering, extending the response range of light intensity, and improve learning efficiency, are also illustrated separately. Lastly, the challenges faced in developing adaptive optoelectronic transistor for artificial vision system are discussed. The description of biological adaptive functions and the corresponding inspired neuromorphic devices are expected to provide insights for the design and application of next-generation artificial visual systems.
Recent progress in organic optoelectronic synaptic transistor arrays: fabrication strategies and innovative applications of system integration
Authors: Guo Pu , Zhang Junyao , Huang Jia
Published: February 2025

The rapid growth of artificial intelligence has accelerated data generation, which increasingly exposes the limitations faced by traditional computational architectures, particularly in terms of energy consumption and data latency. In contrast, data-centric computing that integrates processing and storage has the potential of reducing latency and energy usage. Organic optoelectronic synaptic transistors have emerged as one type of promising devices to implement the data-centric computing paradigm owing to their superiority of flexibility, low cost, and large-area fabrication. However, sophisticated functions including vector-matrix multiplication that a single device can achieve are limited. Thus, the fabrication and utilization of organic optoelectronic synaptic transistor arrays (OOSTAs) are imperative. Here, we summarize the recent advances in OOSTAs. Various strategies for manufacturing OOSTAs are introduced, including coating and casting, physical vapor deposition, printing, and photolithography. Furthermore, innovative applications of the OOSTA system integration are discussed, including neuromorphic visual systems and neuromorphic computing systems. At last, challenges and future perspectives of utilizing OOSTAs in real-world applications are discussed.
Ultra-high reversible hydrogen storage capacity of Li3N by graphene wrapping
Authors: Bu Fanqi , Gu Mengyue , Liu Ting , Liu Siyuan , Ji Xin , Liu Xin , Ding Shujiang , Cheng Yonghong , Zhang Jinying
Published: February 2025

Li3N was a promising hydrogen storage material due to its extremely high hydrogen storage capacity. However, the poor kinetic properties as well as the cycling performance further limited its commercial application. Herein, graphene interface-enhanced Li3N (Li3N-Gra) was prepared by rolling transfer of microspheres. The onset dehydrogenation temperature of Li3N-8 wt.%Gra was as low as 211°C without any metal-based catalyst, which is 58°C lower than that of blank Li3N. About 4.14 wt.% H2 was released by Li3N-8 wt.% Gra at 300°C within 10 min. Specially, Li3N-8 wt.%Gra has been demonstrated to release 4.12 wt.% H2 at 300°C even after 40 cycles with 98.0% capacity retention. The drastically reduced Li3N particle size, elevated defect concentration, and abundant graphene interfaces together contributed to the improved Li3N-Gra kinetic performance. The stable and abundant graphene interfaces served as structural supports and spatial barriers, which effectively improved the cycling stability of Li3N. The method proposed in this work for obtaining graphene interface-enhanced Li3N by microsphere rolling transfer was expected to be applied to various hydrogen storage materials to improve their hydrogen storage properties.
Research on typical defects of Cu/Fe dissimilar metals vacuum welding-brazing and improvement measures
Authors: Deyun Liu , Yunyue Li , Mingyuan Zhao , Lanbing Sheng , Yuanxun Shen
Published: February 2025

Cu/Fe dissimilar metals are joined by welding-brazing in a vacuum furnace, and then typical defect formation mechanisms of the post-welded joints are observed and analyzed. As a result, it has been found that the major welding-brazing defects are elemental segregation, solidification cracks and poor fusion. It is worth noting that the causes of element segregation and slag inclusion are related to high welding-brazing temperature, impurity of raw materials, inadequate cleaning of materials before welding-brazing and volatilization of impurity metals in the chamber of the vacuum furnace. In addition, welding-brazing defects such as poor fusion and solidification crack are not only related to elemental segregation and slag inclusion, but also to other external factors such as excessive cooling rate and minor furnace leakage, etc., and the defects tend to occur at the interface near the Cu/Fe joint connection. By changing the welding-brazing process, it can effectively inhibit elemental segregation, reduce the slag inclusion and avoid poor fusion, solidification cracks and other interfacial welding-brazing defects, and ultimately obtain a good combination of copper and iron dissimilar metal joints, the shear strength has greatly increased compared to before improvement.
Compact multi-channel analyzer for SiPM detectors with real time on-board signal analysis
Authors: Kučera P. , Urban O. , Růžička O. , Vítek M. , Stašek P.M. , Holík M. , Klesa R. , Ahmadov F. , Sadigov A. , Mammadli A. , Abbasova Ch. , Pavlas O. , Slavíček T.
Published: February 2025

Multi-channel analysers (MCAs) play a crucial role in spectral measurements, especially in the context of Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) used for gamma spectroscopy. Most commercial MCAs, while highly accurate, remain cost-prohibitive for broader applications. This paper presents the design and implementation of a cost-effective MCA utilizing off-the-shelf components while achieving spectroscopy of gamma particles with reasonable resolution. The MCA board is built around the STM32G4 family microcontroller (MCU), which provides embedded analog components, timers, and high-resolution ADCs. This system is designed to reduce external component requirements, thereby decreasing costs and increasing system reliability. Experimental results demonstrate that the MCA can perform accurate real-time gamma radiation measurements with SiPM detectors. The device offers flexible connectivity options (USB, Ethernet, WiFi). The low-cost, accessible nature of the MCA opens up opportunities for educational and research applications in radiation detection.
Development of Hall probe magnetic field measurement system using computer vision and rotating stage
Authors: Hwang Jongmo , Kim Eun-San
Published: February 2025

This study presents a measurement system for Hall probe
accelerator magnets that incorporates a triple camera array for
alignment and a rotating stage to capture magnetic-field
harmonics. The camera array functions similarly to a total station,
combining features of a theodolite and range finder. A color marker
was used as a trace-mark target to position the Hall probe at the
mechanical center of the magnet. Techniques such as color-based
object tracking, stereo vision, Canny edge detection, and
Hough-transform algorithms were implemented to achieve this. In
conventional Cartesian coordinates, we measured the radial-direction
magnetic fields, denoted as Br, by calculating Bx, and
By. However, with the use of a rotating stage that allowed the
rotation of the Hall probe, we measured the Br directly in
cylindrical coordinates. Subsequently, we compared the harmonics of
both methods. Three identical 1T/m reference quadrupoles were
measured. The experimental results confirmed that the alignment of
the magnet and Hall probe achieved repeatability ranging within an
approximate value of 200 μm. The proposed camera array system
will be installed at Korea University's in-house Single Stretch Wire
magnet measurement system to assist magnet and wire alignments.
Spatial distribution of ammonium in the global marine boundary layer from Arctic to Antarctic
Authors: Sun Ningning , Shi Guitao , Hu Ye , Li Yilan , Wu Guangmei , Chen Zhenlou
Published: February 2025

Ammonium (NH4+) in the marine boundary layer (MBL) was measured during the Chinese Antarctic (2015–2016) and Arctic (2021) Research Expedition. A significant latitudinal gradient in NH4+ concentration was observed, and NH4+ was mainly in the fine-mode (< 2.1 μm) in the MBL. NH4+ showed the highest concentration in the coastal East Asia (CEA), followed by the coastal Southeast Asia and Australia (CSAA). Low NH4+ levels were detected in the open oceans, i.e., the Arctic Ocean (AO), the Southern Ocean (SO), and the western Pacific Ocean (WPO). In the AO, WPO, and SO regions, the air masses arriving at the sampling sites mainly originated from the open oceans, and the significant correlation with methanesulfonate (MSA) which is considered as the marker of marine biogenic sources and NH4+ suggests that marine emissions associated with marine primary productivity are likely an important source of NH4+. However, in the two near-continental regions of CEA and CSAA, elevated NH4+ concentrations are mainly dominated by dense human activities associated to continental air masses. The Neutralization Ratio (NR), defined as the extent to which acidic sulfate and nitrate compounds are neutralized by NH₄⁺, was much smaller than 1.0 (mean=0.07) in all samples, indicating that the transformation and generation of NH4+ are mainly controlled by the source (i.e., NH3 levels). In addition, there was a significant correlation between non-sea-salt SO42- (nssSO42-) and NH4+, suggesting that NH3 preferentially reacted with H2SO4 over HNO3 in the MBL, especially in areas with excessive acidity.
A new perspective on socioeconomic drought: A distributed and standardized index
Authors: Fangxiu Meng , Liu Suning , Han Zhiming , Wang Yao , Wu Rong , Shi Haiyun
Published: February 2025

In drought studies, a standardized index has better applicability, and a distributed index can improve our ability to identify the spatial aspects of droughts. However, for socioeconomic drought, none of the existing indices is both spatially distributed and standardized. To fill this gap, this study proposes a novel index, Distributed Standardized SocioEconomic Drought Index (DSSEDI), to accurately identify socioeconomic drought over time and space. Moreover, a high-precision, long-term gridded water demand dataset is developed as the basis of establishing this index. For the East River basin, DSSEDI accurately detected significant socioeconomic droughts in 2002, 2004-2005, 2009, and 2011, mostly during autumn-winter-spring. The Pearl River Delta was found to have significant population and economic vulnerability to droughts, with economic exposure peaking at $4.66 billion near Shenzhen during severe events. As a standardized index, it can be adaptable to other regions. Overall, this study provides a new perspective on socioeconomic drought by increasing spatial resolution of water demand data and accounting for the impacts of water conservation measures on observations during the establishment process of DSSEDI.
Evaluation of Image Quality and Fetal Dose Through Current Modulation CT-Scan Using Pregnancy Phantoms
Authors: Endarko Endarko , Jannah Fathul , Hariyanto Aditya Prayugo , Uniatunada Isfina , Anam Choirul , Budiarti Nurhanifa Tri
Published: February 2025

Computed Tomography (CT) is often required in special circumstances during pregnancy to determine internal medicine, specifically when information from other imaging techniques, such as ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), is still inadequate. In CT-Chest, abdomen, and pelvis (CAP) examination, direct irradiation of the fetal is necessary, indicating that the potential for fetal exposure must be considered. Therefore, this study evaluated the effects of current modulation on image quality and fetal absorbed dose in pregnant patients. Calculation using IndoseCT and film dosimeters were used with a 3D-printed anthropomorphic pregnant phantom thorax-abdomen-pelvic during the first and third trimesters of pregnancy. Image quality analysis and image noise were then measured by IndoseCT, while fetal dose analysis was performed using IndoseCT software, as well as through direct measurements with an XR-QA2 film dosimeter. Statistical tests were performed to compare the data obtained using both methods. The results showed that the use of current modulation increased the image noise. The fetal dose can be significantly reduced by adjusting the tube current and patient diameter without affecting image quality in the first and third trimesters. It was also revealed that the smallest diameter received the largest dose in both trimesters for nonmodulation. Although there were differences in the dose values obtained from the IndoseCT and measurements, the data patterns were not significantly different. Furthermore, based on these results, the dosage value was below the tolerance threshold for deterministic effects (i.e., <50 mGy).
Making the Invisible Real
Authors: Hartmann Catherine
Published: February 2025

How can a person learn to see a mountain as a divine mandala, especially when—to the ordinary eye—the mountain looks like a pile of rocks and snow? This is the challenge that the Tibetan pilgrimage tradition poses to pilgrims, who are told to overcome their ordinary perception to see the hidden reality of the holy mountain. This book analyzes how Tibetan pilgrimage literature texts approach this goal of transforming perception, and how the tradition creates and maintains wondrous sacred landscapes experienced by pilgrims as real. The book draws on multiple genres of Tibetan literature, including founding narratives of holy places, polemical debates about the value of pilgrimage, written guides to holy places, advice texts about the ethics of pilgrimage practice, and personal diaries, which date from the 1230s to the 1950s. It argues that the pilgrimage tradition develops practices of seeing that juxtapose pilgrims’ ordinary perception of the material world and their imaginative vision of the extraordinary sacred landscape. In other words, they juxtapose two understandings of reality: one, the ordinary reality pilgrims see every day, and the other, the deeper, extraordinary reality that pilgrimage texts claim lies beyond illusory ordinary perception. The pilgrimage tradition leads pilgrims back and forth between these two ways of seeing, weaving the ordinary perceived world and extraordinary imagined world together in their experience. These practices of seeing thus structure the pilgrim’s encounter with the material landscape, creating the conditions in which the extraordinary nature of the mountain is experienced as real and materially present.
How to See on Pilgrimage
Authors: Hartmann Catherine
Published: February 2025

This chapter asks what it means to see in Tibetan pilgrimage. While perception is often assumed to refer to passive reception of sense data from the external world, this chapter surveys Buddhist and Tibetan approaches to perception to argue for an understanding of vision as bridging the internal world of language, imagination, and affect with the external, physical world. Perception is an active and therefore malleable process that becomes an important tool for reshaping human experience of the world. The chapter demonstrates how Buddhists in various times and places have utilized that tool, developing practices that aim to replace or improve ordinary ways of seeing the world, thus situating Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage within a long lineage of Buddhist thought and practice centered on vision.
Opening Doors to Sacred Realms
Authors: Hartmann Catherine
Published: February 2025

This chapter focuses on an idealized account of how to transform perception by analyzing a work by the Drikung master Chökyi Drakpa (1595–1659), which purports to be the story of how he “opened the doors” (gnas sgo phye ba) of a holy mountain by obtaining a direct perception of the mountain as a divine mandala of Cakrasaṃvara, a tantric deity. It examines Chökyi Drakpa’s account of how he transformed his ordinary perception through skilled practices of reading signs in the landscape and cultivating the ability to see past surface appearances. This visionary activity forges a lasting interpenetration between the primordial realm of the deity and the temporal realm of the present day. This interpenetration allows future pilgrims, even those who cannot see the mountain as the mandala, to benefit from the connection between the worlds, and it allows some fortunate pilgrims to reenact Chökyi Drakpa’s vision of the mountain as mandala.
We should not fear assisted dying
Authors: Harwood Rowan H
Published: February 2025

The argument for allowing assisted dying (ad) is based on two principles: (i) respect for autonomy and (ii) adequate safeguards to avoid coercion or abuse. We should ensure that ad is accessible, equitable and regulated. It is wrong, without very good reason, to impose a set of beliefs on other people who do not hold those views. We should therefore not impose an obligation to go on living if an individual considers that it is associated with unwanted suffering, distress, dependency, indignity or cost. We should accept, and provide for, diversity and variation in people’s views on ad. The right to refuse life-prolonging therapies, or to have drugs to control distressing symptoms that incidentally shorten life, is well-established. The ethical distinction between these and ad is arguable. Worldwide, most people who choose to end their lives, are already close to death. Some people need protection from the possibility of their lives being ended when they did not intend or want it. However, older people are capable of making informed decisions on serious matters, with or without the support of others. To suggest otherwise is paternalistic and ageist. Multiple jurisdictions worldwide have developed and use effective safeguards. In these countries, ad is mostly welcomed and has not led to undue legal, social or human rights problems. Legal provision for ad is both desirable and necessary.
Three’s a Crowd: Essence, Concept, and Language in Jurisprudential Methodology
Authors: Liu Ziyu
Published: February 2025

This paper evaluates new developments in the debate on essentialism in jurisprudential methodology and contributes to this debate in the following ways: First, it interprets Hillary Nye’s challenge to Razian essentialism as an integration challenge of reconciling the metaphysics of law couched in terms of necessary truths with a proper epistemology to attain those truths. Second, drawing upon Julie Dickson’s recent defense of Razian essentialism and Frank Jackson’s account of conceptual analysis, it argues that Nye’s criticism—which exploits the potential gap between the nature of law and our concept of law—misses the mark, because it conflates two kinds of essentialism. Third, it sheds new light on the relation between Raz’s project of conceptual explanation and Frank Jackson’s project of conceptual analysis, by explaining why the congeniality between these two projects has been overlooked by both sides of the debate on Razian essentialism.
Functional neuroimaging in disorders of consciousness: towards clinical implementation
Authors: Kazazian Karnig , Monti Martin M , Owen Adrian M
Published: February 2025

Functional neuroimaging has provided several new tools for improving both the diagnosis and prognosis in patients with DoC. These tools are now being used to detect residual and covert awareness in behaviourally non-responsive patients with an acquired severe brain injury and predict which patients are likely to recover. Despite endorsement of advanced imaging by multiple clinical bodies, widespread implementation of imaging techniques such as functional MRI (fMRI), electroencephalography (EEG), and positron emission tomography (PET) in both acute and prolonged disorders of consciousness patients has been hindered by perceived costs, technological barriers, and lack of expertise needed to acquire, interpret, and implement these methods. In this review we provide a comprehensive overview of neuroimaging in DoC, the different technical approaches employed (i.e. fMRI, EEG, PET), the imaging paradigms used (active, passive, resting state) and the types of inferences that have been made about residual cortical function based on those paradigms (e.g., perception, awareness, communication). Next, we outline how these barriers might be overcome, discuss which select patients stand to benefit the most from these neuroimaging techniques, and consider when during their clinical trajectory imaging tests are likely to be most useful. Moreover, we make recommendations that will help clinicians decide which advanced imaging technologies and protocols are likely to be most appropriate in any particular clinical case. Finally, we describe how these techniques can be implemented in routine clinical care to augment current clinical tools and outline future directions for the field as a whole.
Could immunotherapy and regulatory T cells be used therapeutically to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease?
Authors: Abbott Victoria , Housden Benjamin E , Houldsworth Annwyne
Published: February 2025

Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive impairments are a growing problem in the healthcare world with the ageing population. There are currently no effective treatments available, however it has been suggested that targeting neuroinflammation may be a successful approach in slowing the progression of neurodegeneration. Reducing the destructive hyperinflammatory pathology to maintain homeostasis in neural tissue is a promising option to consider. This review explores the mechanisms behind neuroinflammation and the effectiveness of immunotherapy in slowing the progression of cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease patients. The key components of neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s disease researched are microglia, astrocytes, cytokines and CD8+ effector T cells. The role of oxidative stress on modulating regulatory T cells and some of the limitations of regulatory T cell-based therapies are also explored. Increasing regulatory T cells can decrease activation of microglia, proinflammatory cytokines and astrocytes, however it can also increase levels of inflammatory cytokines. There is a complex network of regulatory T cell interactions that reduce Alzheimer’s disease pathology which is not fully understood.

Exploring the current literature, further research into the use of immunotherapy in Alzheimer’s disease is vital to determine the potential of these techniques, however there is sufficient evidence to suggest that increasing regulatory T cells count does prevent Alzheimer’s disease symptoms and pathology in Alzheimer’s disease patients. Some exciting innovative therapies are muted to explore in the future. The function of regulatory T cells in the presence of reactive oxygen species, and oxidative stress should be investigated further in patients with neurogenerative disorders to ascertain if combination therapies could reduce oxidative stress while also enhancing regulatory T cells function. Could methods of immunotherapy infuse exogenous functional Tregs or enhance the immune environment in favour of endogenous regulatory T cells differentiation thus reducing neuroinflammation in neurodegenerative pathology, inhibiting the progression of Alzheimer’s disease?
Digital Papillary Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Haines Adrian , Cooke Abigail , Tso Simon
Published: February 2025

Digital papillary adenocarcinoma (DPA) is a rare adnexal tumour of sweat gland differentiation with metastatic potential, with an incidence of 0.10 per 1,000,000 person years in England. This patient viewpoint shares the journey and perspectives of Mr Haines who was diagnosed with DPA in 2019, fourteen years after initial presentation, and who alongside his family is still living with the uncertainty of his prognosis almost two decades later. By writing this piece, he hopes to be able to reach out to and connect with to others affected by this rare and under-researched cancer.
Infective endocarditis with perforation of the anterior mitral valve leaflet due to mild aortic regurgitation: A case report
Authors: Yamanaka Tetsuo , Higashitani Michiaki , Ichinohe Yoshimaro , Fukatsu Toru , Kunihara Takashi
Published: February 2025

Background

It has been reported that mechanical damage occurs when regurgitant flow from aortic regurgitation (AR) directly impinges on the anterior mitral valve leaflet (AML). However, only a few cases of mitral valve perforation have been reported. Previous reports suggest that AR in such cases tends to be grade 3 or higher and that hemodynamic damage to the mitral valve due to AR may be proportional to its severity. On the contrary, no cases of mitral valve perforation due to mild AR have been reported.

Case summary

In 2011, a 56-year-old man presented with mild AR towards the AML, revealed on a transthoracic echocardiogram. In 2016, 3 months before admission, the patient had been experiencing intermittent fevers of over 40 °C, which did not improve, and was referred to our hospital. A detailed examination revealed a vegetation on the AML where the aortic valve was displaced, and the site was perforated. The AR was mild to moderate. Blood cultures were positive for Streptococcus oralis. From these results, a definitive diagnosis of infective endocarditis (IE) was made. The patient had cerebral infarction and underwent semi-emergency surgery.

Discussion

This case indicates that even mild AR directed at the AML can damage the AML, raising IE risk. Consequently, mild AR deviation towards the AML should be considered a potential risk factor for AML IE.
Remnant cholesterol, plasma triglycerides and risk of cardiovascular disease events in young adults: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Aaseth Eirik , Halvorsen Sigrun , Helseth Ragnhild , Gravning Jørgen A
Published: February 2025

Aim

To investigate if elevated levels of cholesterol carried in triglyceride-rich lipoproteins, marked by remnant cholesterol or plasma triglycerides, are associated with increased risk of premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) events in young adults.

Methods

Prospective cohort study. In year 2000, all 30-year-old inhabitants living in Oslo, Norway, were invited to the “Oslo Health Study” including a clinical examination and routine blood tests. Follow-up with respect to CVD events (cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, non-fatal ischemic stroke, coronary revascularization, or hospitalization for unstable angina) was obtained by linkage with national mandatory registries through 2022. We estimated the risk of CVD events in relation to levels of remnant cholesterol and plasma triglycerides at inclusion using Cox regression analysis. The risk of CVD events in relation to LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels was estimated as comparison.

Results

A total of 5939 participants were included (median age 31 years, 56% women). During a median follow-up time of 22 years, a CVD event occurred in 107 (1.8%) participants. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) for CVD events per 0.5 mmol/L increase in remnant cholesterol concentrations was 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1-1.5). Per 1 mmol increase in plasma triglycerides and LDL-C concentrations, the aHR for CVD events was 1.2 (95% CI: 1.1-1.4) and 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1-1.6), respectively.

Conclusion

Already at 31 years of age, higher concentrations of remnant cholesterol and plasma triglycerides were associated with increased risk of premature CVD events. We suggest that remnant cholesterol or plasma triglycerides are included in the risk assessment of young adults.