bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Roles of Thomson and Rutherford in the Birth of Atomic Physics:The Interaction of Experiment and Theory
Authors: Hon Giora , Goldstein Bernard R.
Published: June 2024

The discovery of the electron in 1897 by J. J. Thomson meant that the atom was no longer the smallest unit of matter. This led to a set of responses both experimental and theoretical which consolidated a new branch of physics—atomic physics. What were the tools available at the time to address atomic physics and how were they deployed? The research begins with Thomson who sought to describe a structure of the atom that accommodates both mechanical and electromagnetic properties, but he had little experimental data to base it on. It was indeed an experimental finding which paved the way for the modern conception of the structure of the atom—Rutherford's scattering experiment. A complex relation between theory and experiment in a new domain of physics is uncovered. While the revolutionary discovery of the electron was the result of a classical propagation experiment, the discovery of the concentrated charge at the center of the atom was an outcome of a scattering experiment—a bombardment technique. This technique has turned out to be the hallmark of experimental atomic physics.
Entropy‐Driven Hydrated Eutectic Electrolytes with Diverse Solvation Configurations for All‐Temperature Zn‐ion Batteries
Authors: Qiu Meijia , Liang Yuxuan , Hong Jiahong , Li Jiale , Sun Peng , Mai Wenjie
Published: June 2024

Batteries always encounter uncontrollable failure or performance decay under extreme temperature environments, which is largely limited by the properties of electrolytes. Herein, an entropy‐driven hydrated eutectic electrolyte (HEE) with diverse solvation configurations is proposed to expand the operating temperature range of Zn‐ion batteries. The HEE possesses over 40 types of Zn2+ solvation structure with uniform distribution, contributing to its much higher solvation configurational entropy compared to the conventional aqueous counterpart (only 6 types). These effectively promote its anti‐freezing ability under ultralow temperatures, with a high ionic conductivity of 0.42 mS cm−1 even at a low temperature of −40 °C. Moreover, the entropy‐driven property can simultaneously enhance the thermal stability under a high temperature over +140 °C. Therefore, the HEE can enable full cells stably working over a wide temperature range of −40~+80 °C, performing over 1500 cycles with 100 % capacity retention at −40 °C and 1000 cycles with ~72 % capacity retention at +80 °C. This inspiring concept of entropy‐driven electrolyte with quantized solvation configurational entropy value has charming potential for designing future special batteries with excellent adaptability towards extreme temperature environments.
Self‐Adaptive Synthesis of Non‐Covalent Crosslinkers while Folding Single‐Chain Polymers
Authors: Qi Dawei , Shi Xuncheng , Lin Caihong , Holzhausen Ferdinand , Ville Liljeström , Sun Xun , Luo Jinghui , Pitkänen Leena , Zhu Ya , Rosenholm Jessica , Jalkanen Sirpa , Li Jianwei
Published: June 2024

Peptide folding is a dynamic process driven by non‐covalent cross‐linking leading to functional nanostructures for essential biochemical activities. However, replicating this process in synthetic systems is challenging due to the difficulty in mimicking nature‘s real‐time regulation of non‐covalent crosslinking for single‐chain polymer folding. Here, we address this by employing anionic dithiol building blocks to create macrocyclic disulfides as non‐covalent crosslinkers that adapted to the folding process. Initially, small macrocycles facilitated a low degree folding of a polycation. Then, this preorganized structure catalysed the production of larger macrocycles that enhanced the folding conversely. The self‐adaptive synthesis was verified through the encapsulation of an anticancer drug, showing an updated production distribution of non‐covalent crosslinkers and maximizing drug‐loading efficiency against drug‐resistant cancer in vitro. Our research advances the understanding of molecular systems by exploring species evolution via the structural dynamics of polymer folding. Additionally, adaptive synthesis enables controlled, sequential folding of synthetic polymers, with the potential to mimic protein functions.
A theoretical and experimental study on the degradation mechanism of polyglycolic acid under acidic, neutral, and basic conditions
Authors: Zhang Zongying , Peng Qiong , Shi Xiaofan , Niu He , Guo Peng , Li Zhewei , Lyu Mingfu , Lei Ming
Published: June 2024

In recent years, the development on sustainable and environmentally friendly materials has paid more and more attention. The polyglycolic acid (PGA), a biodegradable polymer, has emerged as a prime candidate due to its remarkable mechanical strength, rigidity, and gas barrier properties, which has been widely used in various practical applications. To gain insights into the PGA's behavior and properties under acidic and neutral and basic situations, a comprehensive theoretical and experimental study were performed to investigate PGA's hydrolysis behaviors in aqueous solutions. The density functional theory calculation was carried out to unveil the difference of PGA degradation mechanisms. The calculated results demonstrate that different degradation solutions play a significant impact on the degradation rates of PGA. Specifically, PGA degradation was the fastest in NaOH solution, followed by acidic solutions, with the slowest degradation observed in deionized water. Meanwhile, the experiments were performed and verified this preference of PGA degradation under basic condition. It was observed that the PGA experienced a greater degree of mass loss when exposed to basic condition, compared to those exposed to neutral and acidic environments. This work pointed out that the alkaline environment will facilitate the hydrolysis reaction of PGA.
Controlled assembly of gold nanoparticles: Methods and plasmon coupling properties
Authors: Yoon Sangwoon
Published: June 2024

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) exhibit excellent plasmonic properties, including bright color and generation of localized electric field, hot carriers, and heat. These properties are widely applied in biology, sensing, spectroscopy, catalysis, and medicine. More attractive is that these properties are tremendously enhanced when AuNPs are assembled and form nanogaps between the particles. Therefore, assembling AuNPs in a controlled fashion is a key step for the study and applications of plasmonic properties. In this Account, I will introduce my group's collective efforts that have been made for a decade to develop the best assembly method. I will describe the assembly procedure in detail and demonstrate the various nanoassemblies produced by the method. The controlled assembly allows us to systematically examine the relationship between the plasmonic properties and structural parameters of the nanogaps. Among many properties, I focus on plasmon coupling. To conclude, I will discuss the prospects of nanoassembly plasmonics.
Single‐Molecule Cross‐Plane Conductance of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbon Derivatives
Authors: Yang Zi‐Xian , Albalawi Shadiah , Zhao Shiqiang , Li Yao‐Guang , Zhang Hewei , Zou Yu‐Ling , Hou Songjun , Chen Li‐Chuan , Shi Jia , Yang Yang , Wu Qingqing , Lambert Colin , Hong Wenjing
Published: June 2024

In the cross‐plane single‐molecule junctions, the correlation between molecular aromaticity and conductance remained puzzling. Cross‐plane break junction (XPBJ) provides new insight into understanding the role of aromaticity and conjugation to molecules on charge transport through the planar molecules. In this work, we investigated the modulation of cross‐plane charge transport in pyrene derivatives by hydrogenation and substituents based on the XPBJ method that differs from those used in‐plane transport. We measured the electrical conductance of the hydrogenated derivatives of the pyrenes and found that hydrogenation reduces conductance, and the fully hydrogenated molecule has the lowest conductance. Conductance of pyrene derivatives increased after substitution by both electron‐donating and electron‐withdrawing groups. By calculating, the trend in decreased conductance of hydrogenated pyrene was found to be consistent with the change in aromaticity. Electron‐withdrawing substituents reduce the aromaticity of the molecule and narrow the HOMO‐LUMO gap, while electron‐donating groups increase the aromaticity but also narrow the gap. Our work reveals the potential of fine‐tuning the structure of the pyrene molecule to control the cross‐plane charge transport through the single‐molecule junctions.
One‐Pot Effective Approach to 2,5‐Diformylfuran From Carbohydrates Using MoS2‐Decorated Carbonaceous Sugarcane Bagasse
Authors: Hao Nguyen Trinh , Dinh Le Diep , Le Nguyen Dao Anh , Liang Chien‐Fu , Bich Phan Ha , Hoang Tran Phuong
Published: June 2024

Exploring the transformation of carbohydrates into valuable chemicals offers a promising and eco‐friendly method for utilizing renewable biomass resources. Developing a bi‐functional, sustainable heterogeneous catalyst is of utmost importance to attain a high level of selectivity for the desired product, 2,5‐diformylfuran (DFF), in this direct conversion process. In this study, we developed a highly effective catalytic system to convert diverse carbohydrates into DFF. Our approach involved utilizing a MoS2 catalyst supported by amorphous carbon derived from sulfonated sugarcane biomass. The MoS2@SBG‐SO3H composite was successfully synthesized using a facile and highly efficient method. The transformation of fructose into DFF achieved a significant yield of 70 % for 5 h at 160 °C using a one‐step and one‐pot reaction through dehydration and oxidation with oxygen. The oxidation of 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) into DFF using MoS2@SBG‐SO3H was obtained at 94 % DFF within 5 h; the activation energy was 38.3 kJ . mol−1. The catalyst displayed convenient recovery and reusability. The direct synthesis of DFF from various carbohydrates, such as sucrose, glucose, maltose, and lactose, resulted in favorable yields. Our research provides a quick, green, and efficient process for preparing carbon‐based solid acid catalysts and DFF.
Development of fatigue prediction system for bogie frame using a dynamic analysis model based on high‐speed and high‐precision stress estimation method
Authors: Yamazaki Yosuke , Fujimoto Takahiro , Shimokawa Yoshiyuki , Minami Hideki , Kondo Osamu , Iokibe Gaku , Nakagawa Junichi
Published: June 2024

Despite ensuring the integrity of bogie frames for railway vehicles via nondestructive inspections during periodic maintenance, the possibility of fatigue cracks occurring at locations other than the predetermined inspection points cannot be dismissed. Therefore, fatigue cracks can be prevented more efficiently by assessing the overall degree of fatigue damage to the entire bogie frame and determining the results via nondestructive inspections. In this study, dynamic stresses in the bogie frame during running were estimated via finite element dynamic analysis by using the axle box acceleration as input, and the degree of fatigue damage and life were calculated from the waveform of the estimated stresses. Furthermore, we developed a bogie frame fatigue prediction system based on a high‐speed and high‐precision stress calculation method. The developed system visualized the overall relative life.
Categorical data analysis using discretization of continuous variables to investigate associations in marine ecosystems
Authors: Solvang Hiroko Kato , Imori Shinpei , Biuw Martin , Lindstrøm Ulf , Haug Tore
Published: June 2024

Understanding and predicting interactions between predators and prey and their environment are fundamental for understanding food web structure, dynamics, and ecosystem function in both terrestrial and marine ecosystems. Thus, estimating the conditional associations between species and their environments is important for exploring connections or cooperative links in the ecosystem, which in turn can help to clarify such directional relationships. For this purpose, a relevant and practical statistical method is required to link presence/absence observations with biomass, abundance, and physical quantities obtained as continuous real values. These data are sometimes sparse in oceanic space and too short as time series data. To meet this challenge, we provide an approach based on applying categorical data analysis to present/absent observations and real‐number data. The real‐number data used as explanatory variables for the present/absent response variable are discretized based on the optimal detection of thresholds without any prior biological/ecological information. These discretized data express two different levels, such as large/small or high/low, which give experts a simple interpretation for investigating complicated associations in marine ecosystems. This approach is implemented in the previous statistical method called CATDAP developed by Sakamoto and Akaike in 1979. Our proposed approach consists of a two‐step procedure for categorical data analysis: (1) finding the appropriate threshold to discretize the real‐number data for applying an independent test; and (2) identifying the best conditional probability model to investigate the possible associations among the data based on a statistical information criterion. We perform a simulation study to validate our proposed approach and investigate whether the method's observation includes many zeros (zero‐inflated data), which can often occur in practical situations. Furthermore, the approach is applied to two datasets: (1) one collected during an international synoptic krill survey in the Scotia Sea west of the Antarctic Peninsula to investigate associations among krill, fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus), surface temperature, depth, slope in depth (flatter or steeper terrain), and temperature gradient (slope in temperature); (2) the other collected by ecosystem surveys conducted during August–September in 2014–2017 to investigate associations among common minke whales, the predatory fish Atlantic cod, and their main prey groups (zooplankton, 0‐group fish) in Arctic Ocean waters to the west and north of Svalbard, Norway. The R code summarizing our proposed numerical procedure is presented in S4S1.
Collaborative Systems Thinking Culture: A Path to Success for Complex Projects
Authors: Bouyaud Mickael , Davila‐Rendon Natalie , Deng Alex , Duprez Jean , Fraga Anabel , John Leema , Noguchi Ryan , Palmer Erika , Patel Jay , Romero Maria , Wolfgang Raymond , Wozniak Michael
Published: June 2024

The world is filled with hard and complex problems, oftentimes requiring involved solutions. In large organizations attempting to solve these types of problems, a mindset shift and key candidate methodologies centered on collaborative systems thinking culture (CSTC) can assist significantly. The paper explores the state of the practice, change involved with implementing systems thinking, impacts of a collaborative approach within an organization, as well as the seven phases that a reader can introduce into their organization to realize some of the benefits. The same approach was used to create this paper under collective authorship from cohort 6 of the INCOSE Technical Leadership Institute (TLI); an international group of individuals collaborating exclusively through virtual platforms. From writing papers to executing large technical programs, the CSTC approach will prepare technical teams for tackling challenging problems in an inclusive way with the intent to finish projects on time while also cultivating healthy systems engineering habits and practices. This lessens the reliance on corporate engineering procedures to drive collaborative behavior by fiat. Finally, blending CSTC into the fabric and culture of an organization is emphasized as being needed for the full benefit. That benefit includes saving programs by moving to a CSTC.
Future Trends Influencing Technical Leaders and Technical Leadership
Authors: West Timothy D. , Daida Midori , Silva Fabio , Jean Paul , Sharifi Nazanin
Published: June 2024

This paper summarizes the authors' reflections on global trends and key factors influencing systems engineering in the post‐COVID era. The discussion builds upon INCOSE's Systems Engineering Vision 2035, as well as multiple virtual workshops and peer discussions conducted by the authors as part of their experience in INCOSE's Technical Leadership Institute (TLI). The authors focus on three key factors affecting technical leaders and their technical leadership role: 1) the heightened societal awareness of environmental concerns along with the associated demand for more environmentally friendly products, 2) the increasingly interconnected, multicultural, multigenerational work environment, and 3) the increasing capability of advanced digital tools, techniques, and processes. The authors' analysis acknowledges the need for technical leaders to think green, build an inclusive work environment, welcome differing viewpoints, avoid stereotyping, and expand their virtual tradecraft. Ultimately technology changes how technical leaders do their jobs, but not the job itself. Leaders must still set the vision and direction of the organization, communicate that vision to their stakeholders, and provide the resources and support that the team needs to achieve the vision. Emerging technologies offer leaders new and innovative means to do this in a more inviting and inclusive manner.
Studies on Isocyanides and Related Compounds. Synthesis of 3‐Substituted 2‐Arylsulfonylamino‐3,4‐dihydro‐4‐oxoquinazolines via a Novel Three‐Component Reaction
Authors: Bossio Ricardo , Marcaccini Stefano , Pepino Roberto
Published: June 2024

The reaction between isocyanides 1,methyl anthranilate (2) and chloramines T (3a) or chloramines B (3b) occurred easily, in the presence of benzyltriethylammonium chloride to give the guanidines 4 which, upon heating, underwent a ring‐closure reaction to afford the title compounds 5.
Community pharmacists' experience, attitudes, and knowledge in providing care to lactating persons
Authors: Szabo Michelle M. , Baker Chelsea M. , Gaur Mudit , Nichols Molly A.
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Breastfed infants have been shown to have a lower incidence of common childhood infections and sudden infant death syndrome. Furthermore, breastfeeding people experience lower rates of post‐partum mood disorders. The majority of breastfeeding people stop breastfeeding earlier than they intend. Concern about medication use during lactation is one reason for early discontinuation. It is critical that community pharmacists are prepared to appropriately counsel lactating patients on the effects medications can have on their efforts to breastfeed.

Objectives

To (1) characterize community pharmacists' experience, attitudes, and knowledge regarding medication use during lactation and (2) identify factors impacting pharmacists' knowledge.

Methods

A 52‐item electronic survey was used to collect demographics, experiences, attitudes, and knowledge regarding medication use during lactation. Community pharmacists who precepted for a Big Ten College of Pharmacy were eligible to participate in the study. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Microsoft Excel. Multivariable linear regression was performed using R (version 3.6.1) to evaluate which factors influenced total knowledge scores.

Results

Forty‐eight of 1029 pharmacy preceptors (4.7%) completed the survey. The average total knowledge score for respondents was 51.3%. Most (80.0%) respondents agreed or strongly agreed they viewed themselves as valuable healthcare resources to breastfeeding patients. Most (82.5%) agreed or strongly agreed that patients who desire information about how medications can impact breastfeeding will directly ask for it. Fewer than 50% agreed or strongly agreed that pharmacy workflow supported them to look up lactation‐related information while working.

Conclusion

Pharmacists have low knowledge of medications' effects on milk supply despite their positive attitudes towards breastfeeding and belief they are valuable healthcare resources to their breastfeeding patients. Workflow barriers, expectations that patients will ask for lactation‐related information if desired, and gaps in education may be key contributors to lactating patients not getting the information they need regarding medication use.
Legal, safety, and practical considerations of compounded injectable semaglutide
Authors: Spitery Allison , Elder Mary J. , Farhat Nada , Mohammad Insaf , Lobkovich Alison
Published: June 2024

The use of long‐acting incretin‐based therapies, such as semaglutide, has increased in recent years due to their benefits for glycemic control in diabetes, cardiovascular risk reduction, and weight management. Ongoing drug shortages have led clinicians and patients to seek alternative routes for accessing these therapies, including the use of non‐United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)‐approved compounded incretin‐based therapy. This review paper describes the legal, safety, and practical considerations of compounded injectable semaglutide for diabetes and weight management. While this paper is specific to injectable semaglutide, the concepts described apply to all compounded injectable incretin‐based therapies. While there is a general recommendation against the use of non–FDA‐approved compounded incretin analogs, if clinicians elect to use compounded incretin‐based therapy, the potential harms and benefits for each patient must be considered, and patients must be properly educated on the correct administration of the product they receive.
Can artificial intelligence (AI) educate your patient? A study to assess overall readability and pharmacists' perception of AI‐generated patient education materials
Authors: Armstrong Drew , Paul Caroline , McGlaughlin Brent , Hill David
Published: June 2024

Introduction

Pharmacists are critical in providing safe and accurate education to patients on disease states and medications. Artificial intelligence (AI) has the capacity to generate patient education materials at a rapid rate, potentially saving healthcare resources. However, overall accuracy and comfort with these materials by pharmacists need to be assessed.

Objective

The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy, readability, and likelihood of using AI‐generated patient education materials for ten common medications and disease states.

Methods

AI (Chat Generative Pre‐Trained Transformer [ChatGPT] v3.5) was used to create patient education materials for the following medications or disease states: apixaban, Continuous Glucose Monitoring (CGM), the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) Diet, enoxaparin, hypertension, hypoglycemia, myocardial infarction, naloxone, semaglutide, and warfarin. The following prompt, “Write a patient education material for…” with these medications or disease states being at the end of the prompt, was entered into the ChatGPT (OpenAI, San Francisco, CA) software. A similar prompt, “Write a patient education material for…at a 6th‐grade reading level or lower” using the same medications and disease states, was then completed. Ten clinical pharmacists were asked to review and assess the time it took them to review each educational material, make clinical and grammatical edits, their confidence in the clinical accuracy of the materials, and the likelihood that they would use them with their patients. These education materials were assessed for readability using the Flesh‐Kincaid readability score.

Results

A total of 8 pharmacists completed both sets of reviews for a total of 16 patient education materials assessed. There was no statistical difference in any pharmacist assessment completed between the two prompts. The overall confidence in accuracy was fair, and the overall readability score of the AI‐generated materials decreased from 11.65 to 5.87 after reviewing the 6th‐grade prompt (p < .001).

Conclusion

AI‐generated patient education materials show promise in clinical practice, however further validation of their clinical accuracy continues to be a burden. It is important to ensure that overall readability for patient education materials is at an appropriate level to increase the likelihood of patient understanding.
Effects of amino‐ and dimethylamine‐groups on the fluorescent properties of novel flavone‐based derivatives with ESIPT behavior: A TD‐DFT study
Authors: Zhang Zhengyi , Fang Hua
Published: June 2024

In this work, the effects of different functional groups on the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer behavior and fluorescent features of 3‐hydroxy‐2‐(naphthalen‐2‐yl)‐4H‐chromen‐4‐one (HFN) are explored in detail. Three new compounds (HFN‐1, HFN‐2, and HFN‐3) are designed based on the HFN by introducing the electron‐donating groups (–NH2, –N(CH3)2). The mainly geometrical parameters of optimized configuration showed that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds of the studied compounds are enhanced in the excited (S1) state, confirming by the ground (S0) and excited states infrared spectra, electron densities and reduced density gradient isosurfaces. The S0 → S1 transitions of HFN derivatives are dominated by ππ* charge transfer transition. The introduction of electron‐donating group (–NH2, –N(CH3)2) weakens the intramolecular hydrogen bond, increases the excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer barrier and red‐shifts the absorption/fluorescence peak. The coexistence of –NH2 and –N(CH3)2 make the absorption and fluorescence wavelengths of HFN‐1/HFN‐2 red‐shift/blue‐shift.
Therapeutics of the future: Navigating the pitfalls of extracellular vesicles research from an osteoarthritis perspective
Authors: Karoichan Antoine , Boucenna Sarah , Tabrizian Maryam
Published: June 2024

Extracellular vesicles have gained wide momentum as potential therapeutics for osteoarthritis, a highly prevalent chronic disease that still lacks an approved treatment. The membrane‐bound vesicles are secreted by all cells carrying different cargos that can serve as both disease biomarkers and disease modifiers. Nonetheless, despite a significant peak in research regarding EVs as OA therapeutics, clinical implementation seems distant. In addition to scalability and standardization challenges, researchers often omit to focus on and consider the proper tropism of the vesicles, the practicality and relevance of their source, their low native therapeutic efficacy, and whether they address the disease as a whole. These considerations are necessary to better understand EVs in a clinical light and have been comprehensively discussed and ultimately summarized in this review into a conceptualized framework termed the nanodiamond concept. Future perspectives are also discussed, and alternatives are presented to address some of the challenges and concerns.
Towards IVDR‐compliance by implementing quality control steps in a quantitative extracellular vesicle‐miRNA liquid biopsy assay for response monitoring in patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Drees Esther E. E. , Groenewegen Nils J. , Verkuijlen Sandra A. W. M. , van Eijndhoven Monique A. J. , Ramaker Jip , Veenstra Pepijn , Hussain Mirjam , Groothuis‐Oudshoorn Catharina G. M. , de Jong Daphne , Zijlstra Josée M. , de Rooij Johan , Pegtel D. Michiel
Published: June 2024

Previously, we showed that quantification of lymphoma‐associated miRNAs miR‐155‐5p, ‐127‐3p and let‐7a‐5p levels in plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) report treatment response in patients with classic Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Prior to clinical implementation, quality control (QC) steps and validation are required to meet international regulatory standards. Most published EV‐based diagnostic assays have yet to meet these requirements. In order to advance the assay towards regulatory compliance (e.g., IVDR 2017/746), we incorporated three QC steps in our experimental EV‐miRNA quantitative real‐time reverse‐transcription PCR (q‐RT‐PCR) assay in an ISO‐13485 certified quality‐management system (QMS). Liposomes encapsulated with a synthetic (nematode‐derived) miRNA spike‐in controlled for EV isolation by automated size‐exclusion chromatography (SEC). Additional miRNA spike‐ins controlled for RNA isolation and cDNA conversion efficiency. After deciding on quality criteria, in total 107 out of 120 samples from 46 patients passed QC. Generalized linear mixed‐effect modelling with bootstrapping determined the diagnostic performance of the quality‐controlled data at an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.84 (confidence interval [CI]: 0.76–0.92) compared to an AUC of 0.87 (CI: 0.80–0.94) of the experimental assay. After the inclusion of QC steps, the accuracy of the assay was determined to be 78.5% in predicting active disease status in cHL patients during treatment. We demonstrate that a quality‐controlled plasma EV‐miRNA assay is technically robust, taking EV‐miRNA as liquid biopsy assay an important step closer to clinical evaluation.
High Performance Balanced Linear Polarization Photodetector Based on 2D ReS2
Authors: Hu Yibiao , He Jiajing , Yan Zhouyuan , Xu Chang , Li Xiaobo , Wei Ning , Wang Yan , Dong Ningning , Wang Jun
Published: June 2024

Conventional research on linear polarization photodetector for 2D materials has focused on the search for different anisotropic materials, combinations between materials, introducing plasmonic structures, and patterning 2D materials to improve performance. However, these methods provide limited improvement in polarization sensitivity. Here, a balanced photodetector structure is proposed that does not require an additional process and relies only on the presence of anisotropy in the material itself to substantially improve the polarization sensitivity. The balanced photodetector consists of two ReS2 photodetectors, where the single ReS2 photodetector exhibits excellent performance at 650 nm illumination, including a responsivity and detectivity of 0.28 A W−1 and 4.22 × 109 Jones. Benefiting from the anisotropy of ReS2, the single photodetector achieves excellent polarization sensitivity of 2.79 at 650 nm. The balanced photodetector system achieves an excellent performance of ≈20 dB linear polarization extinction ratio and 0.003° Hz−1/2 noise equivalent light polarization difference at 100 kHz. These performances can also be further optimized by adjusting the gate voltage. The results provide a basis for further development of high‐performance polarization photodetector for 2D materials.
A 31–36 GHz low noise‐variable gain amplifier with less than 0.37° RMS phase error and 0.4 dB gain step in 65‐nm CMOS
Authors: Kuai Yang , Yan Liwei , Liu Mingjie , Yang Fei
Published: June 2024

This article realizes a low noise‐variable gain amplifier (LN‐VGA) operating at the frequency range of 31–36 GHz. The LN‐VGA consists of two amplifier stages and a gain control stage. To achieve low noise and high gain, the two amplifier stages were implemented using a single‐ended inductive source‐degeneration cascaded with pseudo‐differential neutralization capacitors. Moreover, a symmetrical splitting cascode unit topology is proposed in the gain control stage to improve the precision of phase variation and gain step within the 3‐dB bandwidth. The LN‐VGA was fabricated using a 65‐nm CMOS process, demonstrating a gain control range of 15.2–21.2 dB with less than 2° phase variation and a minimum noise figure of 5.6 dB. The measured results show less than 0.37° rms phase error and a 0.4 dB gain step at 31–36 GHz. The chip occupies an area of 0.81 × 0.51 mm2 excluding pads and consumes 27 mW of power.
Components of hot and cold executive functions and their relations to different forms of stress resilience: A systematic review
Authors: Mecha Patricia , Rodriguez‐Morales Maria , Sanchez‐Lopez Alvaro
Published: June 2024

Increasing evidence points out that Executive Functions (i.e., EFs) may be core mechanisms for the generation of resilient responses to adversity. A systematic review testing the relations between either affective (hot) and/or non‐affective (cold) EFs (i.e., inhibition, flexibility and working memory updating) and resilience was conducted. A total of 449 articles were initially identified. After two steps of title‐and‐abstract (k = 449), and full‐text reading filtering (k = 67), 11 studies were reviewed. Three studies included cold measures of working memory and supported significant positive relations between higher working memory functioning and higher trait resilience levels. One study included cold measures of inhibition and another one both hot and cold measures, with only the first one supporting a positive relation between more efficient inhibition and higher trait resilience levels. Finally, 7 studies measured flexibility in its cold and/or hot dimensions and overall supported significant relations between higher flexibility and higher levels of trait, process and outcome resilience measures. These results support the role of EFs performance to promote different forms of resilience. This review allows to identify different issues that need to be addressed in future research and highlight the need to integrate the analysis of all hot and cold EFs components to understand their role in the generation of resilience.
Safety of percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy performed by intensivists versus surgeons: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Miller Asaf , Noy Roee , Simchon Omri , Gvozdev Natalia , Shkedy Yotam , Epstein Danny
Published: June 2024

Background

Percutaneous dilatational tracheostomy (PDT) is the preferred method for managing critically ill patients requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. We aimed to compare the safety of PDT performed by intensivists versus surgeons.

Methods

This retrospective, single center, cohort study included all the patients who underwent PDT from 2014 to 2023. Propensity score matching was performed to adjust the imbalances of covariates between the groups. The primary outcome was the occurrence of early complications after PDT. Secondary outcomes were the development of late complications of PDT and mortality directly related to tracheostomy.

Results

1685 consecutive patients with critical illness were included in the analysis. Of these, 1396 (82.8%) PDTs were performed by surgeons and 289 (17.2%) by intensivists with background residency training in internal medicine. Early complications were reported in 80 (5.7%) of the patients in the surgeon group and in 13 (4.5%) patients in the intensivist group (p = 0.40). Minor hemorrhage was the most common early complication. Secondary outcomes were comparable in both groups. In a propensity score‐matched cohort, the findings remained consistent.

Conclusions

This study suggests that PDT can be performed by intensivists, as well as surgeons, with the same safety profile. Our findings underscore the importance of incorporating PDT into the intensive care unit (ICU) training syllabus, ensuring the procedure is readily accessible with reliance on the expertise of ICU staff.
Narrative Analysis and Framing Analysis of Disinformation
Authors: Hellman Maria
Published: June 2024

This chapter situates the current study in narrative methodology and discusses how looking at the world as the telling of stories can help us to see how strategies of disinformation are discursively constructed, and how they become harmful. Framing analysis is also included in the method, however, to provide insights into how problems and solutions are defined and explained in the news coverage. Framing analysis enables a systematic and structured reading of the material, and therefore acts to provide an overview of the news content studied. A major part of the analysis concerns the identification and analysis of strategic narratives, and how these are constructed and take on meaning. Narrative analysis is the method selected. The chapter presents and discusses the narrative approach to the study of news coverage and the methodology used in the empirical analyses.
Obsessive Gender Concerns Leading Sweden Astray
Authors: Hellman Maria
Published: June 2024

This chapter presents a narrative analysis of the Russian state-affiliated news media RT and Sputnik’s coverage of Sweden from July 2019 to January 2021 with regard to gender. Using the method of analysis developed by Wagnsson and Barzanje (A framework for analysing antagonistic narrative strategies: A Russian tale of Swedish decline. Media, War and Conflict, 14(2), 239–257, 2021), the analysis projects how disinformation targeting a foreign country is constructed by RT and Sputnik. The analysis also pays attention to the use of storytelling techniques which contribute to distinguish disinformation from journalism. It demonstrates how a gender narrative is used to disinform and to denigrate Sweden as part of the Russian security strategy. RT and Sputnik explain how Sweden is weakened as a result of the feminization of politics and society and how preoccupation with gender issues causes tensions between Swedes, and between Swedes and the Swedish Muslim community. A number of sub-narratives were identified that taken together made up the narrative. These sub-narratives structure the presentation of the analysis and include: Sweden is unsafe for women; Feminized societal security; The armed forces, firefighters, and the police; Gender as an absurd Swedish obsession; Muslim traditions clash with feminism and gender equality; Women moving ahead: are they taking over? The vulgarity of women; and finally, The wounded (un)sexy space. Across these sub-narratives the most significant story telling techniques were the instigation of polarization combined with emotionality (i.e. emotionally charged coverage).
Liberalistic Defiance During a Pandemic
Authors: Hellman Maria
Published: June 2024

This chapter is an analysis of RT and Sputnik’s coverage of Sweden with regard to the Covid-19 pandemic. The results of the analysis show how the Russian state media used the pandemic to denigrate Sweden, highlight weaknesses and shortcomings in its social fabric, and expose its leadership as incompetent and the hypocritical self-perception and self-promotion of the Swedish nation as a well-functioning country with trusted institutions and loyal citizens as a myth. This narrative, which was prompted by the pandemic, during which the Swedish authorities embarked on a different path, and to many a controversial strategy, shows how a global crisis might affect disinformation and the construction of harmful narratives. More importantly, however, it demonstrates that the narratives were similar in content and format to the other news themes, which strengthens the thesis about disinformation as everyday practice. Even at times of crisis, the harmful narratives remain the same. We must therefore be cautious about talking in terms of disinformation “campaigns”, which would indicate that the disinformation is temporary and a result of external events.
One-Dimensional Percolation
Authors: Malthe-Sørenssen Anders
Published: June 2024

The percolation problem can be solved exactly in two limits: in the one-dimensional and the infinite dimensional cases. Here, we will first address the one-dimensional system. While the one-dimensional system does not allow us to study the full complexity of the percolation problem, many of the concepts and measures introduced to study the one-dimensional problem can generalized to higher dimensions.
Subset Geometry
Authors: Malthe-Sørenssen Anders
Published: June 2024

So far, we have studied the geometry of the percolation system. Now, we will gradually address the physics of processes that occur in a percolation system. We have addressed one physics-like property of the system, the density of the spanning cluster, and we found that we could build a theory for the density P as a function of the porosity (occupation probability) p of the system. In order to address other physical properties, we need to have a clear description of the geometry of the percolation system close to the percolation threshold. In this chapter, we will develop a simplified geometric description that will be useful, indeed essential, when we discuss physical process in disordered media. We will introduce various subsets of the spanning cluster—sets that play roles in specific physical processes.
Dreams and Consciousness
Authors: Ahrweiler Petra
Published: June 2024

Gabriel and Tilda’s first business trip in the new year brought them to Budapest in Hungary, one of Gabriel’s favourite cities. From the Liszt Ferenc airport, they went to the Science Academy’s Guest House by taxi. For Gabriel, it was a pleasure to help the academy do business because it was under heavy pressure from the Orbán government’s stupid antiscience policy, which was bleeding it out by denying it funding. When he told this Tilda, she accused him of having naïve views on politics. “Why is Orbán such a bad guy to use his state apparatus and violence? Are the others any better? Nobody can tell me that it is justice when the Americans simply kill a persona-non-grata like Al Badawi,” she said. Gabriel winced at that but said nothing. After work, Tilda and Gabriel walked around Fisherman’s Bastion for some basic Budapest sightseeing. They had a nice vegetarian/pescetarian meal in a little Italian restaurant sitting outside in the streets of Buda with some heaters above and a candle between them. Gabriel had black spaghetti with shrimp. However, most interesting, indeed, was the dinner talk.
An Alternative Society
Authors: Ahrweiler Petra
Published: June 2024

Arriving at Tucson, Arizona, USA, Gabriel and Tilda fetched their rental car. They had meetings both in Tucson and in Phoenix and had decided to establish Tucson as their base for flying in and out of Germany. Already in the morning after their arrival, they went off to Phoenix. It was a nice day. Tilda was driving. Sitting in the passenger seat, Gabriel was in high spirits while preparing some PowerPoint slides for their Phoenix partners. “The Phoenix workshop will use participatory formats and ‘energisers’ to get everybody going. I will teach you some dances,” he said eagerly. Tilda scowled. “Please don’t. I can do without,” she said.
Final Unity
Authors: Ahrweiler Petra
Published: June 2024

Breakfast took place in the dining hall of the monastery, a room called the refectory, where they had been the evening before. After breakfast, which consisted of rice with some vegetables and sauce and was taken in total silence with an amiably squatting congregation of about ten people, Gabriel and Tilda, like all other guests, helped with peeling and cutting vegetables for today’s meal on the open terrace of the dining hall. It was a lovely morning but looked a little like rain. After they were done, they had a work meeting with the prior, updating him about the new project, about the Indian case study as it stood in the moment and about the Indian project partners they would visit or had already visited in Chennai and Kerala. They also announced Ayaan’s visit for the day of their departure, who will talk about Shantivanam as a potential safe space for the project.
The Full-Void of Anxiety
Authors: Minozzo Ana C.
Published: June 2024

This chapter elaborates the notion of a ‘full-void’ in dialogue with the art practice of Lygia Clark. Key questions about the limits of psychoanalytic classic interpretations are posed, compelling the reader to be curious about the method of co-poiesis.
Sexual Dimorphism: The Interrelation of Shape and Color
Authors: Pokorný Šimon , Pavlovič Ondřej , Kleisner Karel
Published: June 2024

Sex-typicality displayed as sexual dimorphism of the human face is a key feature enabling sex recognition. It is also believed to be a cue for perceiving biological quality and it plays an important role in the perception of attractiveness. Sexual dimorphism of human faces has two main components: sexual shape dimorphism of various facial features and sexual color dimorphism, generally manifested as dimorphism of skin luminance, where men tend to be darker than women. However, very little is known about the mutual relationship of these two facets. We explored the interconnection between the dimorphism of face shape and dimorphism of face color in three visually distinct populations (Cameroonian, Czech, and Vietnamese). Our results indicated that populations which showed a significant dimorphism in skin luminance (Cameroon, Vietnam) had low levels of sexual shape dimorphism, while a population with higher levels of sexual shape dimorphism (Czech Republic) did not exhibit a significant dimorphism of skin luminance. These findings suggest a possible compensatory mechanism between various domains of sexual dimorphism in populations differing in the levels of shape and color dimorphism.
Meteorology Modulates the Impact of GCM Horizontal Resolution on Underestimation of Midlatitude Ocean Wind Speeds
Authors: Werapitiya Geethma , McCoy Daniel , Elsaesser Gregory , Field Paul , Rahimi Stefan
Published: June 2024

We utilize ocean 10‐m wind speed (U10m) from the microwave Multi‐sensor Advanced Climatology data set to examine the coupling between convective cloud and precipitation processes, synoptic state, and U10m and to evaluate the representation of U10m in global climate models (GCMs). We find that midlatitude U10m is underestimated by GCMs relative to observations. We examine two potential mechanisms to explain this model behavior: cold pool formation in cold air outbreaks (CAOs) associated with downdrafts that enhance U10m and sea surface temperature (SST) gradients affecting U10m through thermally forced surface winds at regional scales. When the effects of the CAO index (M) and SST gradients on U10m are accounted for, a relationship between GCM horizontal resolution and U10m appears. The strongest correlation between resolution and U10m is over the western boundary currents characterized by frequent CAOs atop strong SST gradients which drives the strongest surface fluxes on Earth.
Crustal Structure of Etna Volcano (Italy) From P‐Wave Anisotropic Tomography
Authors: Lo Bue R. , Rappisi F. , Firetto Carlino M. , Giampiccolo E. , Cocina O. , Vanderbeek B. P. , Faccenda M.
Published: June 2024

Several seismic tomographic studies have been carried out to outline the intricate interplay between tectonics and magma uprising at Etna volcano. Most of these studies assume a seismically isotropic crust. Here we employ a novel methodology that accounts for the anisotropic structure of the crust. Anisotropy patterns are consistent with the Etna structural trends, unveiling the depth extent of fault segments. A high‐velocity volume, deepening toward the northwest, identifies the subducting foreland units that appear to confine a low‐velocity anomaly, interpreted as the expression of magmatic fluids within the crust. A discontinuity, likely tectonic in origin, affects the subducting units and allows magma transfer from depth to the surface. This structural configuration may explain the presence of such a very active basaltic strato‐volcano within an atypical collisional geodynamic context.
Upper Limit of Outer Belt Electron Acceleration and Their Controlling Geomagnetic Conditions: A Comparison of Storm and Non‐Storm Events
Authors: Hua Man , Bortnik Jacob
Published: June 2024

We perform a comprehensive investigation of the statistical distribution of outer belt electron acceleration events over energies from 300 keV to ∼10 MeV regardless of storm activity using 6‐years of observations from Van Allen Probes. We find that the statistical properties of acceleration events are consistent with the characteristic energies of combined local acceleration by chorus waves and inward radial diffusion. While electron acceleration events frequently occur both at <2 MeV at L < 4.0 and at multi‐MeV at L > 4.5, significant acceleration events are confined to L > ∼4.0. By performing superposed epoch analysis of acceleration events during storm and non/weak storm events and comparing their geomagnetic conditions, we reveal the strong correlation (>0.8) between accumulated impacts of substorms as measured by time‐integrated AL (Int(AL)) and the upper flux limit of electron acceleration. While intense storms can provide favorable conditions for efficient acceleration, they are not necessarily required to produce large maximum fluxes.