bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Application of adaptive inverse compensation feedforward—MPC feedback control to AFM piezoelectric micro-positioning platform
Authors: Xinliang Liu , Zhengxun Song , Chen Li , Liguo Tian , Guoliang Wang
Published: May 2024

As the integral constituent of atomic force microscope (AFM), piezoelectric micro-positioning platform (PMP) plays an pivotal role in AFM working accuracy. However, the PMP platform has hysteretic nonlinear characteristics, which bring challenges to high-precision positioning applications, especially in large travel applications. In this paper, the nonlinear Prandtl–Ishlinskii (P–I) model and the linear auto-regressive with extra inputs dynamic model are cascaded to form the Hammerstein model to characterize the dynamic characteristics of PMP, and the mixed algorithm of the beetle antennae search-differential evolution is designed to identify the parameters of the established model. In order to eliminate the hysteresis effect, a compound controller based on adaptive inverse compensation is proposed, which is composed of feedforward controller of P–I inverse model and model prediction controller feedback controller. As the compound controller depends on modeling accuracy, the tracking error caused by model mismatch is improved by adaptive mechanism. The experimental tracking results of sinusoidal signals and triangular signals of different frequencies show that the proposed method can improve the tracking performance of PMP and verify its effectiveness.
A mechanical antenna for long-wave communication by integrating piezoelectric material and magnets
Authors: Wang Jishuo , Zhao Chaoyang , Zhang Miao , Liao Xiaobo , Yang Yaowen , Yuan Weifeng
Published: May 2024

The Chu’s limit imposes a significant challenge for traditional antennas operating at extremely low frequencies, as they require a large size due to the long operating wavelength, thus limiting their applicability. To reduce the antenna size, this paper proposes a vibrating beam system for long-wave communication that leverages the inverse piezoelectric effect, vibration theory, and Maxwell’s equations. A prototype utilizing beam structures is developed and examined experimentally. Furthermore, the frequency modulation of the vibrating beam system and signal transfer protocol are investigated in detail. The experimental results demonstrate that exciting different vibration modes of the vibrating beam system leads to varied electromagnetic signals in specific rules, enabling long-wave communications and ensuring confidentiality. This work offers valuable insights into the potential of local information exchange among close-range platforms. It also highlights the promising approach of integrating piezoelectric material and magnets within the vibrating beam system, showcasing their potential towards practical applications in long-wave communication.
Effect of trapezoidal plasma density region in bubble wakefield acceleration
Authors: Malik Hitendra K , Kumar Sonu , Singh Dhananjay K
Published: May 2024

In the process of bubble wakefield acceleration highly nonlinear region is developed inside plasma, which intuitively suggests that nonuniform plasma density having gradients may be more suited to achieve large nonlinearity in the system. Moreover, when an intense laser pulse propagates in a plasma, it is subjected to various instabilities and these instabilities can be controlled by plasma density profiles which effectively control the energy and flux of the accelerated particles. Considering all these points we investigate in the present work the scaling effect of up-ramp and down-ramp regions in plasma density profile on the bubble wakefield. These regions are separated by a plateau region (maximum density) enabling the density to have trapezoidal profile. With this density profile, the bubble wakefield acceleration is examined considering four different lengths of up-ramp and plateau regions keeping a constant down-ramp length. Increasing steepness of up-ramp length (larger density gradient), i.e., lowering the length of up-ramp and increasing the plateau length creates a bubble having higher wakefield strength, resulting into higher accumulation of plasma electrons at its tail and higher energy spectrum with higher kinetic energy gradient and Poynting flux of accelerated electrons.
A study on variable-order delay fractional differential equations: existence, uniqueness, and numerical simulation via a predictor corrector algorithm
Authors: Rabhi Lahcene , Zerari Amina , Odibat Zaid , Shawagfeh Nabil
Published: May 2024

In this study, we adapted a predictor-corrector technique to simulate delay differential equations incorporating variable-order Caputo-type fractional derivatives. We addressed the existence and uniqueness of solutions for the studied models. Then, we presented numerical simulation of some delay differential equations with variable-order fractional derivatives to demonstrate the efficiency of the used technique. Various periodic and chaotic characteristics of the studied models are observed for some variable-orders from the performed graphical simulations. The used technique can be modified and extended to handle different classes of initial value problems which involve variable-order fractional derivatives.
Global bifurcation in a diffusive Beddington-DeAngelis predator–prey model with population flux by attractive transition
Authors: Mohan Nishith , Padhi Seshadev
Published: May 2024

The study involves examining the global bifurcation structure associated with the nonconstant steady states of a reaction-diffusion predator-prey system where both the species interact in accordance with the Beddington DeAngelis response and the movement flux of the predator incorporates attractive transition. We consider the magnitude of population flux by attractive transition as the bifurcation parameter and employ the Crandall-Rabinowitz bifurcation theorem to study the global bifurcation structure associated with the problem. We have also derived some a priori estimates associated with the problem and carried out numerical simulations to support our theoretical results. This work can be regarded as the first step towards inclusion of population flux by attractive transition in scenarios where interactions are governed by complex functional responses.
Reliability evaluation of IGBT power module on electric vehicle using big data
Authors: Liu Li , Tang Lei , Jiang Huaping , Wei Fanyi , Li Zonghua , Du Changhong , Peng Qianlei , Lu Guocheng
Published: May 2024

There are challenges to the reliability evaluation for insulated gate bipolar transistors (IGBT) on electric vehicles, such as junction temperature measurement, computational and storage resources. In this paper, a junction temperature estimation approach based on neural network without additional cost is proposed and the lifetime calculation for IGBT using electric vehicle big data is performed. The direct current (DC) voltage, operation current, switching frequency, negative thermal coefficient thermistor (NTC) temperature and IGBT lifetime are inputs. And the junction temperature (T
j) is output. With the rain flow counting method, the classified irregular temperatures are brought into the life model for the failure cycles. The fatigue accumulation method is then used to calculate the IGBT lifetime. To solve the limited computational and storage resources of electric vehicle controllers, the operation of IGBT lifetime calculation is running on a big data platform. The lifetime is then transmitted wirelessly to electric vehicles as input for neural network. Thus the junction temperature of IGBT under long-term operating conditions can be accurately estimated. A test platform of the motor controller combined with the vehicle big data server is built for the IGBT accelerated aging test. Subsequently, the IGBT lifetime predictions are derived from the junction temperature estimation by the neural network method and the thermal network method. The experiment shows that the lifetime prediction based on a neural network with big data demonstrates a higher accuracy than that of the thermal network, which improves the reliability evaluation of system.
Dual-Schottky-junctions coupling device based on ultra-long β-Ga2O3 single-crystal nanobelt and its photoelectric properties
Authors: Chen Haifeng , Han Xiaocong , Wu Chenlu , Liu Zhanhang , Wang Shaoqing , Liu Xiangtai , Lu Qin , Jia Yifan , Wang Zhan , Guan Yunhe , Li Lijun , Hao Yue
Published: May 2024

High quality β-Ga2O3 single crystal nanobelts with length of 2−3 mm and width from tens of microns to 132 μm were synthesized by carbothermal reduction method. Based on the grown nanobelt with the length of 600 μm, the dual-Schottky-junctions coupling device (DSCD) was fabricated. Due to the electrically floating Ga2O3 nanobelt region coupling with the double Schottky-junctions, the current I
S2 increases firstly and rapidly reaches into saturation as increase the voltage V
S2. The saturation current is about 10 pA, which is two orders of magnitude lower than that of a single Schottky-junction. In the case of solar-blind ultraviolet (UV) light irradiation, the photogenerated electrons further aggravate the coupling physical mechanism in device. I
S2 increases as the intensity of UV light increases. Under the UV light of 1820 μW/cm2, I
S2 quickly enters the saturation state. At V
S2 = 10 V, photo-to-dark current ratio (PDCR) of the device reaches more than 104, the external quantum efficiency (EQE) is 1.6 × 103%, and the detectivity (D*) is 7.5 × 1012 Jones. In addition, the device has a very short rise and decay times of 25−54 ms under different positive and negative bias. DSCD shows unique electrical and optical control characteristics, which will open a new way for the application of nanobelt-based devices.
LHC Upgrades in preparation of Run 3
Authors: Arduini G. , Baglin V. , Bartosik H. , Bottura L. , Bracco C. , Bradu B. , Bregliozzi G. , Brodzinski K. , Bruce R. , Calviani M. , Chiggiato P. , Cruikshank P. , Claudet S. , Delikaris D. , Fartoukh S. , Garion C. , Himmerlich M. , Hostettler M. , Iadarola G. , Kostoglou S. , Le Naour S. , Lechner A. , Lefevre T. , Mether L. , Papaphilippou Y. , Petit V. , Pojer M. , Poyet A. , Redaelli S. , Rodriguez Mateos F. , Rumolo G. , Salvant B. , Sanchez Galan F. , Siemko A. , Solfaroli-Camillocci M. , Sterbini G. , Taborelli M. , Tavian L. , Timko H. , Tock J.-Ph. , Verweij A. , Wendt M. , Wenninger J. , Wollmann D. , Yin Vallgren Ch.
Published: May 2024

The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) Long Shutdown 2
(2019–2021), following LHC Run 2, was primarily dedicated to the
upgrade of the LHC Injectors but it included also a signiﬁcant
amount of activities aimed at consolidation of the LHC machine
components, removal of known limitations and initial upgrades in
view of the High-Luminosity LHC (HL-LHC) to favour the intensity
ramp-up during Run 3 (2022–2025). An overview of the major
modifications to the accelerator and its systems is followed by a
summary of the results of the superconducting magnet training
campaign to increase the LHC operation energy beyond the maximum
value of 6.5 TeV reached during Run 2. The LHC configuration and
the scenarios for proton and ion operation for Run 3 are presented
considering the expected performance of the upgraded LHC Injectors
and the proton beam intensity limitations resulting from the heat
load on the cryogenic system due to beam-induced electron cloud and
impedance.
Response of salt intrusion in a tidal estuary to regional climatic forcing
Authors: Liu Jinliang , Hetland Robert , Yang Zhaoqing , Wang Taiping , Sun Ning
Published: May 2024

Salinity distribution in a large tidal estuary is subject to estuarine adjustment under the influences of multiple physical drivers such as freshwater pulses and sea level rise, and is crucial to upstream water quality, aquaculture, and ecosystem functions of the estuary. To better understand the estuarine salinity response to climate change, the unstructured-grid Finite Volume Community Ocean Model was implemented to simulate the salt intrusion in the Delaware Bay Estuary. The model was first validated by multiple observational data sets and subsequently applied in an idealized setting to examine the response of salt front to freshwater pulses in high flow conditions, followed by a long-term drought condition supported by a multi-decadal streamflow drought analysis in the estuary. The model results showed that after the freshwater pulses the salt front location moved further upstream with sea level rise. Under the simulated long-term drought condition, the adjustment timescale of salt intrusion varies nonlinearly with sea level rise. With a significant increase in sea level rise, the adjustment timescale starts to decrease. This shift suggests a transition into a different regime where the estuary becomes more stratified, as indicated by an increasing bulk Simpson number with rising sea levels.
Nature-based solutions for effective flood mitigation: potential design criteria
Authors: Chappell N A , Beven K J
Published: May 2024

Few studies attempt to measure changes to discharge hydrographs during floods resulting from nature-based Solutions (NbS) for risk mitigation. The Q-NFM project in the UK has sought to measure and compare such changes for a wide range of NbS pilots applied to managed grasslands and woodlands. Also measured were underlying shifts in key hydrological processes leading to flood hydrograph changes of enhanced evaporation, hillslope-, channel- and floodplain-storage, and infiltration. How well particular NbS pilots changed these processes to reduce flood hydrographs was found to depend on the attributes of the NbS features and scheme. This learning is presented for the first time to highlight, with supporting evidence, seven potential criteria to help practitioners of flood risk management to improve existing and future designs of NbS for more effective flood mitigation within temperate grassland and woodland environments.
Climate deterioration and subsistence economy in prehistoric Southern Iberia: an evaluation of potential links based on regional trajectories
Authors: Schirrmacher Julien , Almeida Nelson J , Stika Hans-Peter , Weinelt Mara
Published: May 2024

The potential impact of climatic deterioration on societal breakdowns in prehistory is often based on the mere coincidence of archaeological and palaeoclimatological proxies. For a more profound discussion, climate-sensitive archaeological parameters need to be identified. As agriculture and livestock are significantly affected by the recent climate crisis, the analysis of archaeobotanical and archaeozoological remains can deepen our understanding of this topic. Here, we analyze regional trajectories in subsistence and seasonal precipitation variability across southern Iberia focusing on well-known prehistoric breakdowns around 2200 and 1600 BCE. Results suggest that the ratios of the importance of sheep/goat versus swine and sheep/goat versus cattle, respectively, may serve as a proxy for prehistoric mobility. The importance of hunting deer represents a proxy for societal turnover. While no direct link is evident between climate deterioration and the archaeozoological data, archaeobotanical data reveals a potential relation to precipitation variability. In particular, a close connection to reductions in cold-season precipitation in south-east Iberia appears likely for the ratio between barley and naked wheat. The increased importance of drought-tolerant barley correlates with a trend to reduced cold-season precipitation levels after ca. 2700 BCE. We hypothesize that prehistoric people in south-east Iberia cultivated more barley in order to adapt to periods of drier cold-season climate.
Changes in HCFC emissions from foam sector in eastern China from 2000-2019
Authors: Zhang Dayu , Wu Jing , Liu Zehua , Wang Tong , Hu Dongmei , Peng Lin
Published: May 2024

Hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs) are greenhouse gases and ozone-depleting substances, and existing HCFC emission studies lack a comprehensive study of multiple HCFCs in a single consumption sector. China is a large producer and consumer of HCFCs. The HCFC bank in foam sector in 2019 accounted for 91.3% of the national total, and foam sector was also the second largest source of HCFC emissions. Therefore, the estimation of HCFC emissions and banks for the foam sector is quite important. In this study, the multiple HCFC emission inventory for foam sector in eastern China from 2000 to 2019 was first established by using the bottom-up method. The results showed that the HCFC emissions and bank were 14.9 kt and 453.5 kt in 2019. HCFC-141b used in the polyurethane (PU) foam sector had the largest annual emissions, cumulative emissions, and bank due to its high consumption. The total emissions of HCFC-22 and HCFC-142b used in the extruded polystyrene (XPS) foam sector were similar to those of HCFC-141b. The HCFC emissions from the foam sector were mainly distributed among the three provinces of Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shandong. The cumulative GWP- and ODP-weighted emissions of HCFCs were 240.6 Mt CO2-eq and 14.3 kt CFC-11-eq, respectively. The results showed that in order to response to climate change or ozone depletion, we should prioritize the emission reduction of HCFC-22 and XPS foam sector, or HCFC-141b and PU foam sector.
Landscape characteristics govern the impacts of beaver ponds on surface water methylmercury concentrations in boreal watersheds
Authors: Lam W Y , Mackereth R W , Mitchell C P J
Published: May 2024

Studies in boreal regions concerning the bioaccumulative neurotoxin methylmercury (MeHg) in natural wetlands and experimental reservoirs have shown that these waterbodies contribute to high MeHg levels in underlying sediments, inundated vegetation, and aquatic organisms. Beaver ponds are natural reservoirs that are ubiquitous in the Canadian boreal region and have been reported to increase downstream MeHg concentrations. However, the reported impacts of beaver ponds on stream MeHg vary widely across a limited number of studies, and factors influencing this variation are not well understood. To quantify the effect of beaver ponds on stream mercury concentrations, water samples were taken upstream and downstream of 10 in-channel beaver impoundments in northwestern Ontario, Canada. The downstream:upstream MeHg concentration ratios were related to pond and landscape characteristics to examine potential factors that play a role in determining the effect of beaver ponds on stream MeHg concentrations. Overall, MeHg concentrations were 1.6 times greater downstream of the beaver ponds, though this increase was not consistent; downstream concentrations up to 12 times greater and up to 5 times less were also observed. Landscape characteristics that can be readily obtained from existing spatial datasets or quantified using remote sensing techniques emerged as better predictors of downstream:upstream MeHg concentrations than site-specific stream chemistry parameters or pond characteristics that are more difficult to ascertain, with drier landscapes indicative of lower background MeHg export being more likely to exhibit greater increases in MeHg downstream of a beaver pond. These results suggest that the effects of beaver ponds on surface water MeHg concentrations are generally small but highly variable, and that the magnitude of the pond’s influence on stream MeHg are lessened in landscapes already conducive to higher MeHg concentrations.
How Spinoza Became a Dialectical Materialist
Authors: Matysik Tracie
Published: May 2024

The purpose of this chapter is not to pin down the provenance of the term “dialectical materialism” itself but to note ways that traces of Spinoza swirled in the mix as it was formulated. Dietzgen acknowledged explicitly the importance of Spinoza for proper thinking, seeing Spinoza as the one figure who managed to avoid the pitfalls of both idealism and a limited, flattened conception of materialism. Plekhanov went so far as to describe the thought of Marx and Engels—as well as that of Feuerbach—as a species of Spinozism. Engels explicitly described Spinoza as a “dialectical” thinker. In articulating their notions of dialectical materialism, these three—like both their predecessors and their successors—mobilized Spinoza’s thought primarily as an instrument of critique. Each stumbled over related questions concerning just what kind of creatures humans are and whether and how they are really able to effect liberation.
The Diversity of Sciences
Authors: Shields Christopher
Published: May 2024

Aristotle observes, plausibly, that if there were a single, univocal account of goodness, there would be, or could be, a single science of goodness. Yet there is no, perhaps could be no, single science of goodness. So, goodness is not univocal. Aristotle seems right to report that there is no single science of goodness. What this observation portends is, though, another matter. The more demanding question where goodness is concerned is rather a modal question: granted that there is no science of goodness, could there be? We cannot both base an argument for the non-univocity of goodness on the fact that we observe no science of goodness and then also deny the possibility of a science of goodness on its putative non-univocity.
Endothelin-1, Extracellular Volume Overload, and Hemodynamics in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Horvit Andrew , Jeon-Slaughter Haekyung , Sian Jaspreet , Roehm Bethany , Van Buren Peter Noel
Published: May 2024

BACKGROUND

Extracellular volume (ECV) overload and endothelial cell dysfunction are mortality risk factors in hemodialysis (HD) patients. Endothelin-1 (ET-1), an endothelium-derived vasoconstrictive peptide, is associated with poor outcomes in HD patients. We hypothesized there would be associations between ET-1 and ECV overload in hypertensive HD patients.

METHODS

We obtained pre-HD ET-1, ECV/weight (bioimpedance spectroscopy), pre-HD hemodynamics, and ambulatory blood pressure (BP) in an HD cohort. Following appropriate transformations, we conducted correlation and linear regression analyses idendifying associations between ET-1, ECV overload, total peripheral resistance index (TPRI), cardiac index (CI), and ambulatory BP.

RESULTS

Among 66 patients, median ET-1 was 1.93 (1.49–2.56) pg/ml. Median pre-HD ECV/weight, median TPRI, mean CI, and mean systolic ambulatory BP were 0.25 (0.22–0.30) l/kg, 3,161 (2,711–3,642) dynes × s/cm−5/m2, 2.92 (0.6) l/min/m2, and 143 (14) mm Hg, respectively. After reciprocal-transformation, ET-1 correlated with reciprocal-transformed ECV/weight (r = 0.3, P = 0.01), log-transformed TPRI (r = −0.3, P = 0.006), CI (r = 0.3, P = 0.009), and ambulatory BP (r = −0.3, P = 0.02). These associations persisted in linear regression analysis (β = 0.15, P = 0.002; β = −0.8, P = 0.002; β = 0.2, P = 0.002; β = −19, P = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

In hypertensive HD patients, ET-1 associates with ECV overload higher TPRI and ambulatory BP, and lower CI. Further research is necessary to determine if ECV reduction lowers ET-1 or if pharmacologic ET-1 antagonism can improve outcomes in HD patients with refractory ECV overload.
ASHP National Survey of Pharmacy Practice in Hospital Settings: Operations and Technology — 2023
Authors: Schneider Philip J , Pedersen Craig A , Ganio Michael C , Scheckelhoff Douglas J
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Results of the 2023 ASHP National Survey of Pharmacy Practice in Hospital Settings are presented.

Methods

Pharmacy directors at 1,497 general and children’s medical-surgical hospitals in the United States were surveyed using a mixed-mode method of contact by email and mail. Survey completion was online using Qualtrics. IQVIA supplied data on hospital characteristics; the survey sample was drawn from IQVIA’s hospital database.

Results

The response rate was 21.6%. Inpatient pharmacists independently prescribe medications in 26.7% of hospitals. Advanced analytics are used in 5.7% of hospitals. Basic analytics are used in 87.3% of hospitals. Pharmacists work in ambulatory or primary care clinics in 54.2% of hospitals operating outpatient clinics. Most hospitals (86.1%) use automated dispensing cabinets as the primary method of maintenance dose distribution. Machine-readable coding is used in 73.6% of hospitals to verify doses during dispensing in the pharmacy. Autoverification functionality in the electronic health record system is used in 73.4% of hospitals. Most hospitals report some integration of pharmacy services to optimize patient care transitions (60.0%), while 24.9% report no integration. Traditional technician activities still predominate, but more advanced roles are emerging. Technologies to assist sterile product preparation are used in 62.8% of hospitals.

Conclusion

Drug distribution continues to trend toward decentralized models with medications available closer to patients. Technologies are enabling this transition to occur without a significant negative impact on patient safety. The pharmacy workforce is stable, and more advanced responsibilities are being assigned to pharmacy technicians, enabling pharmacists to increase their clinical role.
Expansion of Renuvion Application to Areas Beyond the Submental Region: Review and Experience
Authors: Driscoll Cassandra R , Davidson Amelia L , Marturano Matthew N , Kortesis Bill G , Bharti Gaurav
Published: May 2024

Background

Minimally invasive and consistent skin redraping following liposuction remains an elusive goal. With the application of Renuvion (Apyx Medical, Clearwater, FL), helium induced cold atmospheric plasma provides coagulation, collagen contraction, and subsequent skin tightening, making this elusive goal attainable.

Objectives

The objective of this study is to evaluate energy settings, and the safety profile of Renuvion in an effort to achieve optimal cosmesis through the improvement of skin laxity.

Methods

A retrospective review at a single site evaluated cases of Renuvion between March 2020 and May 2022. Energy settings, use of concomitant VASER (Solta Medical, Bothwell, WA) liposuction frequency, and adverse events were analyzed.

Results

In total, 180 patients were evaluated, of whom 135 (75%) underwent concomitant VASER liposuction. Renuvion was used on the abdomen (47.8%), thighs (45.6%), arms (27.2%), submental region (25%), hip rolls (21.2%), and back (19.4%). Among the entire cohort, there were a total of 24 (13.3%) complications. The complications consisted of 3 (12.5%) hematomas, 1 (4.2%) burn, 6 (25%) persistent skin laxity with 2 returned operating room (OR) treatments, 4 (16.7%) seromas, 9 (37.5%) postoperative lymphedema that self-resolved, and 1 (4.2%) self-limited neuralgia. There were no complications that required an immediate return to the OR.

Conclusions

Renuvion utilization with or without VASER has a relatively high complication rate—with minor complications as the most common—relatively safe barring proper patient selection, which can be mitigated with proper patient selection.

Level of Evidence: 4
Hidradenitis suppurativa, systemic inflammatory response syndrome and sepsis: a database study
Authors: Ehizogie Edigin , Maghari Ibrahim , Lo Serigne , Albrecht Joerg
Published: May 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) has unclear pathophysiology and aetiology, but it is not an infectious disease. However, HS is frequently mistaken for an infection and patients with HS are treated for recurrent bacterial abscesses or admitted for sepsis. A systematic literature search that is published as a separate paper did not identify an index case that demonstrates that sepsis can originate in an HS lesion. However, because patients with HS get admitted for sepsis anyway, we wanted to characterize them.
A novel simplified transperineal prostate biopsy guided by perineal ultrasound
Authors: Xiao Yang , Zeng Yating , Han Lina , Lin Guobin , Ke Helin , Xu Shaodan , Lyu Guorong , Li Shilin
Published: May 2024

Background

Prostate biopsies are mainly performed through transrectal or perineal approaches, while ultrasound probes are located in the rectum for guidance. However, reports on the use of perineal ultrasound-guided transperineal prostate biopsy (PG-TPPB) are few.

Methods

A retrospective case-control study was designed. A total of 111 patients who underwent PG-TPPB from February 2019 to December 2020 were investigated retrospectively. Simultaneously, 188 patients who underwent transrectal prostate biopsy (TRPB) were included as control. The prostate cancer detection rates (PCDR), complication rates, and application values were compared between the 2 groups.

Results

The overall PCDR in the PG-TPPB and TRPB groups were 33.3% (37/111) and 39.9% (75/188), respectively (P = .258). There was no significant difference in the PCDR between the 2 groups under each prostate-specific antigen level (all P > .05). The single-needle PCDR in the PG-TPPB and TRPB groups were 21.5% (277/1 287) and 24.0% (513/2 134), respectively (P = .091). The incidence of complications in the PG-TPPB group was significantly lower than that in the TRPB group (8.1% vs 21.3%, P = .003).

Conclusions

The PCDRs of PG-TPPB and TRPB were the same. However, the postoperative complication rate of PG-TPPB was significantly lower than that of TRPB. Moreover, PG-TPPB required simpler equipment and did not require enema administration, which is suitable for patients with rectal contraindications.

Advances in knowledge

The reports on PG-TPPB are few. Our study indicated that PG-TPPB reduced the postoperative complication rate. Moreover, PG-TPPB required simpler equipment. Importantly, PG-TPPB is suitable for patients with rectal contraindications.
From pixels to prognosis: unlocking the potential of deep learning in fibrotic lung disease imaging analysis
Authors: de la Orden Kett Morais Sean R , Felder Federico N , Walsh Simon L F
Published: May 2024

The licensing of antifibrotic therapy for fibrotic lung diseases, including idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), has created an urgent need for reliable biomarkers to predict disease progression and treatment response. Some patients experience stable disease trajectories, while others deteriorate rapidly, making treatment decisions challenging. High-resolution chest CT has become crucial for diagnosis, but visual assessments by radiologists suffer from low reproducibility and high interobserver variability. To address these issues, computer-based image analysis, called quantitative CT, has emerged. However, many quantitative CT methods rely on human input for training, therefore potentially incorporating human error into computer training. Rapid advances in artificial intelligence, specifically deep learning, aim to overcome this limitation by enabling autonomous quantitative analysis. While promising, deep learning also presents challenges including the need to minimize algorithm biases, ensuring explainability, and addressing accessibility and ethical concerns. This review explores the development and application of deep learning in improving the imaging process for fibrotic lung disease.
Brain network changes and cognitive function after cardiac arrest
Authors: Zarifkar Pardis , Wagner Mette Kirstine , Fisher Patrick MacDonald , Stenbæk Dea Siggaard , Berg Selina Kikkenborg , Knudsen Gitte Moos , Benros Michael E , Kondziella Daniel , Hassager Christian
Published: May 2024

Survival rates after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest have improved over the past two decades. Despite this progress, long-term cognitive impairment remains prevalent even in those with early recovery of consciousness after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest; however, little is known about the determinants and underlying mechanisms. We utilized the REcovery after cardiac arrest surVIVAL cohort of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors who fully regained consciousness to correlate cognition measurements with brain network changes using resting-state functional MRI and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment at hospital discharge and a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment at three-month follow-up. About half of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors displayed cognitive impairments at discharge, and in most, cognitive deficits persisted at three-month follow-up, particularly in the executive and visuospatial functions. Compared to healthy controls, out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors exhibited increased connectivity between resting-state networks, particularly involving the frontoparietal network. The increased connectivity between the frontoparietal and visual networks was associated with less favourable cognitive outcomes (β = 14.0, P = 0.01), while higher education seemed to confer some cognitive protection (β = −2.06, P = 0.03). In sum, the data highlight the importance of subtle cognitive impairment, also in out-of-hospital cardiac arrest survivors who are eligible for home discharge, and the potential of functional MRI to identify alterations in brain networks correlating with cognitive outcomes.
Awareness of strengths and weaknesses of cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging: results from a questionnaire survey
Authors: Zieschang Victoria , Beyer Rebecca Elisabeth , Müller Maximilian Leo , Trautmann Frederike , Kühne Titus , Nagel Eike , Rolf Andreas , Schuster Andreas , Korosoglou Grigorios , Steen Henning , Yilmaz Ali , Petersen Steffen E , Remppis Bjoern Andrew , Thiede Gisela , Nolden Anna Clara , Kelle Sebastian
Published: May 2024

Aims

Extensive research has established cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) as a powerful tool for diagnosing and monitoring various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). However, CMR has yet to reach its full potential in routine clinical care, which is mainly due to reimbursement issues. Among other factors, overcoming this gap requires adequate awareness among healthcare professionals and potential patients, the extent of which is currently unknown. Therefore, we conducted a survey to assess awareness and identify knowledge gaps regarding the clinical role and socio-economic factors associated with CMR.

Methods and results

One hundred forty-four subjects not involved in direct patient care were enrolled at a German health conference and completed a 24-item survey, including procedural, clinical, and socio-economic questions about CMR. Respondents were well aware of the socio-economic impact of CVD. Common CMR indications were correctly identified by most participants, but only 22.9% knew the full spectrum. Participants underestimated the modality’s benefits, such as absence of ionizing radiation and rare allergic reactions to contrast agents (only 70.9% and 37.6% correct answers, respectively). Respondents estimated the therapeutic guidance of CMR to be high (50.7% voted impact > 50%) and the annual demand to be increasing (89.9%). Attitudes towards CMR were generally positive, with 77.1% of participants willing to travel >25 km and 60.4% willing to pay >125 Euros to have a CMR examination.

Conclusion

Despite great interest in CMR, significant knowledge gaps hinder its optimal use in clinical practice. The development and implementation of awareness and education strategies are needed to realize the full clinical potential of CMR.
Core outcome set for cardio-oncology: development of a set of outcomes for the cardiovascular assessment and monitoring of cancer patients and survivors
Authors: Manderlier Bénédicte , von Kemp Berlinde , Beeckman Katrien , Cosyns Bernard , Van den Bussche Karen ,   cardio-oncology expert panel, Clark Robyn A , Foote Jonathon , Hendriks Jeroen , Gevaert Sofie , Moonen Marie , Nijst Petra , De Bolle Julie , Luchian Maria Luiza , Van der Hoogerstraete Marc , De Dobbeleer Mathilde , De Laet Nancy , Thavendiranathan Paaladinesh , Borregaard Britt , Thuny Franck , Cautela Jennifer , Ederhy Stephane , Venturini Elio , de Boer Rudolf , Teske Arco , Koop Yvonne , Szmit Sebastian , López Teresa , Zamorano Jose L , Hema Andrii , Lyon Alexander
Published: May 2024

Aims

There is an increasing awareness of the evidence-based selection of outcomes to be measured in clinical trials and clinical practice. Currently, there is no core outcome set (COS) for cardio-oncology, which may hinder the (inter)national comparison of the effectiveness of research and the quality of cardio-oncology care. The aim of this study is to develop a standard and pragmatic patient-centred outcome set to assess and monitor cancer patients and survivors at risk of or with cardiovascular diseases.

Methods and results

A list of outcome domains was generated through a review of registries and guidelines, and six patient interviews. The project team reviewed and refined the outcome domains prior to starting a two-round Delphi procedure conducted between January and June 2022. The panellists, including healthcare providers and researchers, were invited to rate the importance of the outcomes. Twenty-six experts from 11 countries rated a list of 93 outcomes (round 1) and 63 outcomes (round 2) to gain consensus on a list of outcome measures, and of demographic factors, health status, and treatment variables. The final COS includes 15 outcome measures, reflecting four core areas: life impact (n = 2), pathophysiological manifestations (n = 9), resource use/economic impact (n = 1), and mortality/survival (n = 3). Next, 6 demographic factors, 21 health status, 3 cardiovascular, and 9 cancer variables were included.

Conclusions

This is the first international development of a COS for cardio-oncology. This set aims to facilitate (inter)national comparison in cardio-oncology care, using standardized parameters and meaningful patient-centred outcomes for research and quality of care assessments.
Advertising and Content Differentiation: Evidence from YouTube
Authors: Kerkhof Anna
Published: May 2024

Many media outlets depend on advertising revenue to finance their operations, but the effect of advertising on media outlets’ content choices is largely unexplored. This paper exploits two institutional features from YouTube to show that an exogenous increase in the feasible amount of advertising induces YouTubers to differentiate their video content from their competitors. A plausible mechanism is that YouTubers avoid competition: viewers typically perceive advertising as a nuisance and therefore as an implicit price they have to pay; thus, they could switch to a competitor if a YouTuber increased her advertising quantity. This is less likely, however, if the YouTuber differentiates her content from the mainstream and moves to a niche.
Cardioneuroablation for vasovagal syncope: insights on patients’ selection, centre settings, procedural workflow and endpoints—results from an European Heart Rhythm Association survey
Authors: Penela Diego , Berruezo Antonio , Roten Laurent , Futyma Piotr , Richter Sergio , Falasconi Giulio , Providencia Rui , Chun Julian
Published: May 2024

Aims

Cardioneuroablation (CNA) is a catheter-based intervention for recurrent vasovagal syncope (VVS) that consists in the modulation of the parasympathetic cardiac autonomic nervous system. This survey aims to provide a comprehensive overview of current CNA utilization in Europe.

Methods and results

A total of 202 participants from 40 different countries replied to the survey. Half of the respondents have performed a CNA during the last 12 months, reflecting that it is considered a treatment option of a subset of patients. Seventy-one per cent of respondents adopt an approach targeting ganglionated plexuses (GPs) systematically in both the right atrium (RA) and left atrium (LA). The second most common strategy (16%) involves LA GP ablation only after no response following RA ablation. The procedural endpoint is frequently an increase in heart rate. Ganglionated plexus localization predominantly relies on an anatomical approach (90%) and electrogram analysis (59%). Less utilized methods include pre-procedural imaging (20%), high-frequency stimulation (17%), and spectral analysis (10%). Post-CNA, anticoagulation or antiplatelet therapy is prescribed, with only 11% of the respondents discharging patients without such medication. Cardioneuroablation is perceived as effective (80% of respondents) and safe (71% estimated <1% rate of procedure-related complications). Half view CNA emerging as a first-line therapy in the near future.

Conclusion

This survey offers a snapshot of the current implementation of CNA in Europe. The results show high expectations for the future of CNA, but important heterogeneity exists regarding indications, procedural workflow, and endpoints of CNA. Ongoing efforts are essential to standardize procedural protocols and peri-procedural patient management.
Efficacy and safety of pulsed field ablation for accessory pathways: a pilot study
Authors: Shen Caijie , Jia Zhenyu , Yu Yibo , Feng Mingjun , Du Xianfeng , Fu Guohua , Yu Lipu , Wu Tao , Jiang Yongxing , Jin He , Zhuo Weidong , Gao Fang , Wang Binhao , Chen Si , Dai Jiating , Fang Renyuan , Chu Huimin
Published: May 2024

Aims

Radiofrequency ablation is used as a first-line therapy for accessory pathways (APs). However, data regarding the effects of pulsed field ablation (PFA) on APs are limited. We sought to evaluate the acute procedural and 6-month success and safety of PFA in a cohort of patients with APs.

Methods and results

A focal contact force–sensing PFA catheter was used for patients with APs. Pulsed field ablation generator generated a bipolar and biphasic waveform (±1000 V) with a duration of 100 ms from the tip of the PFA catheter. A 100% acute procedural success was achieved in 10 conscious patients with APs (7 left anterolateral, 2 left inferolateral, and 1 right posteroseptal APs) including 6 (60%) patients after an initial application. The average total ablation time was 6.3 ± 4.9 s for 4.7 ± 1.8 ablation sites (ASs), including 3.1 ± 2.4 s at targets and 3.2 ± 2.9 s at 3.2 ± 2 bolus ASs. The mean skin-to-skin time was 59.3 ± 15.5 min, and PFA catheter dwell time was 29.4 ± 7.8 min. One patient encountered transient sinus arrest during PFA due to parasympathetic overexcitation. Sinus rhythm was restored in all patients without any significant adverse events during the short-term follow-up.

Conclusion

Pulsed field ablation of APs was feasible, effective, and safe. Its efficiency was remarkable for its ultrarapid termination of AP conduction. Further studies are warranted to prove whether utilization of PFA with current parameters can extend to manifold AP ablation.
Paid Caregiving in Dementia Care Over Time: Paid Caregiver, Family Caregiver, and Geriatrician Perspectives
Authors: Reckrey Jennifer M , Watman Deborah , Perez Sasha , Franzosa Emily , Ornstein Katherine A , Tsui Emma
Published: May 2024

Background and Objectives

As long-term care increasingly moves from facilities to the community, paid caregivers (e.g., home health aides, other home care workers) will play an increasingly important role in the care of people with dementia. This study explores the paid caregiver role in home-based dementia care and how that role changes over time.

Research Design and Methods

We conducted individual, longitudinal interviews with the paid caregiver, family caregiver, and geriatrician of 9 people with moderate-to-severe dementia in the community; the 29 total participants were interviewed on average 3 times over 6 months, for a total of 75 interviews. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed with structured case summaries and framework analysis.

Results

Paid caregivers took on distinct roles in the care of each client with dementia. Despite changes in care needs over the study period, roles remained consistent. Paid caregivers, family caregivers, and geriatricians described the central role of families in driving the paid caregiver role. Paid and family caregivers collaborated in the day-to-day care of people with dementia; paid caregivers described their emotional relationships with those they cared for.

Discussion and Implications

Rather than simply providing functional support, paid caregivers provide nuanced care tailored to the needs and preferences of not only each person with dementia (i.e., person-centered care), but also their family caregivers (i.e., family-centered care). Deliberate cultivation of person-centered and family-centered home care may help maximize the positive impact of paid caregivers on people with dementia and their families.
Illuminating mitochondrial translation through mouse models
Authors: Hughes Laetitia A , Rackham Oliver , Filipovska Aleksandra
Published: May 2024

Mitochondria are hubs of metabolic activity with a major role in ATP conversion by oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The mammalian mitochondrial genome encodes 11 mRNAs encoding 13 OXPHOS proteins along with 2 rRNAs and 22 tRNAs, that facilitate their translation on mitoribosomes. Maintaining the internal production of core OXPHOS subunits requires modulation of the mitochondrial capacity to match the cellular requirements and correct insertion of particularly hydrophobic proteins into the inner mitochondrial membrane. The mitochondrial translation system is essential for energy production and defects result in severe, phenotypically diverse diseases, including mitochondrial diseases that typically affect postmitotic tissues with high metabolic demands. Understanding the complex mechanisms that underlie the pathologies of diseases involving impaired mitochondrial translation is key to tailoring specific treatments and effectively targeting the affected organs. Disease mutations have provided a fundamental, yet limited, understanding of mitochondrial protein synthesis, since effective modification of the mitochondrial genome has proven challenging. However, advances in next generation sequencing, cryoelectron microscopy, and multi-omic technologies have revealed unexpected and unusual features of the mitochondrial protein synthesis machinery in the last decade. Genome editing tools have generated unique models that have accelerated our mechanistic understanding of mitochondrial translation and its physiological importance. Here we review the most recent mouse models of disease pathogenesis caused by defects in mitochondrial protein synthesis and discuss their value for preclinical research and therapeutic development.
Coordinating mitochondrial translation with assembly of the OXPHOS complexes
Authors: Kremer Laura S , Rehling Peter
Published: May 2024

The mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) system produces the majority of energy required by cells. Given the mitochondrion’s endosymbiotic origin, the OXPHOS machinery is still under dual genetic control where most OXPHOS subunits are encoded by the nuclear DNA and imported into mitochondria, while a small subset is encoded on the mitochondrion’s own genome, the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA). The nuclear and mtDNA encoded subunits must be expressed and assembled in a highly orchestrated fashion to form a functional OXPHOS system and meanwhile prevent the generation of any harmful assembly intermediates. While several mechanisms have evolved in eukaryotes to achieve such a coordinated expression, this review will focus on how the translation of mtDNA encoded OXPHOS subunits is tailored to OXPHOS assembly.
When inequality means equity: horizontal wage dispersion and the propensity to leave current employment across different organizational settings
Authors: Failla Virgilio , Foss Nicolai J , Melillo Francesca , Reichstein Toke
Published: May 2024

Extant research holds that horizontal wage dispersion (i.e., wage dispersion within a hierarchical level in a firm) induces employees to leave their employment. Based on social comparison theory, we nuance this by theoretically and empirically uncovering contingencies under which horizontal wage dispersion is associated with employees staying in their current employment. Specifically, we focus on firm size and decentralization as relevant organizational contingencies. In large as opposed to small firms, employees’ productivity may vary significantly within hierarchical levels, causing employees to consider high horizontal wage dispersion as equitable. In decentralized firms, there is more delegation of responsibilities to employees at lower levels in the hierarchy, creating more room for individual differentiation in terms of contributions and thus legitimizing horizontal wage dispersion. Our empirical analysis based on matched employer–employee data from Denmark strongly supports our predictions. Our study reveals the organizational contingencies where horizontal wage dispersion can be used as a retention tool.