bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of cell interaction and bacterial adhesion on titanium of different composition, structure and surfaces with various laser treatment
Authors: Nekleionova Anna , Moztarzadeh Jana , Wiesnerova Lucie , Dvorakova Jana , Martinek Karel , Kulda Vlastimil , Hradil David , Duchek Michal , Babuska Vaclav 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Titanium and its alloys are commonly used in modern implantology. Cell viability on the surface of titanium implants depends on the surface topography, roughness, and wettability. Laser treatment is a successful method to control the surface morphology. The aim of this study was to comprehensively investigate the effects of laser ablation on titanium surfaces and their interactions with cells and bacteria. Cell adhesion, proliferation, and bacterial retention on smooth and laser-textured samples of commercially pure and nanostructured titanium of two grades were evaluated. Femtosecond laser treatment effectively enhances the wettability. Titanium grade four exhibits superior adhesion and proliferation rates when compared to titanium grade two. The cytotoxicity of nanostructured titanium is significantly lower, regardless of the surface treatment. Laser treatment resulted in increased short-term cell proliferation on grade two titanium and long-term cell proliferation on nanostructured grade two titanium only. Although the laser ablation has a limited effect on bacterial adhesion, the coverage of less than 1% in most samples indicates that the material itself has an antibacterial effect on the bacterial strain Streptococcus oralis. These findings provide valuable insights into how different material structures and surface treatments can affect cellular response and antibacterial properties for potential use in dental implantology.
Sequential optimal selections of single-qubit gates in parameterized quantum circuits
Authors: Wada Kaito , Raymond Rudy , Sato Yuki , Watanabe Hiroshi C 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
In variational quantum algorithms, it is important to balance conflicting requirements of expressibility and trainability of a parameterized quantum circuit (PQC). However, appropriate PQC designs are not necessarily trivial. Here, we propose an algorithm for optimizing the PQC structure, where single-qubit gates are sequentially replaced by the optimal ones via diagonalization of a matrix whose elements are evaluated on slightly modified circuits. This replacement leads to a better approximation of target states with limited circuit depth. Furthermore, we clarify the existence of a barren plateau in the sequential optimization in terms of the spectrum concentration of the matrix, which defines the cost landscape with respect to changes in the target gate. Then, we rigorously show the concentration is no faster than polynomials in the number of qubits when an n-qubit PQC depth is

O
(
log
⁡

n

)

using local observables. Finally, numerical experiments are provided to show the convergence of our method which is faster than classical optimizers on both simulators and a real device. Our results provide evidences for sequential optimizers as better alternatives to optimize PQCs on near-term quantum devices.
Controlled phase distribution of quasi-2D perovskite enables improved electroluminescence
Authors: Kim Ga-Yeong , Jung Chan-Woo , Chin Sang-Hyun , Jeong Woo Hyeon , Lee Bo Ram , Kim Ji-Hee , Lee Jin-Wook 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Quasi-two-dimensional (quasi-2D) perovskites are increasingly explored for integration into light-emitting diodes (LEDs) as light-emissive layers. However, the quasi-2D perovskite films likely exhibit non-uniform dimensional phase distribution and irregular internal crystal structures. These characteristics are known to contribute to undesirable effects, including non-radiative recombination losses and radiative recombination in perovskites of various dimensions, impeding the realization of efficient electroluminescence and high color purity in LEDs. In this study, we present an investigation on the correlation between the dimensional distribution of quasi-2D perovskites and charge carrier behavior by modulating anti-solvent dripping during the film fabrication processes. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the impact of controlled dimensional distribution on charge injection and recombination processes associated with the performance of quasi-2D perovskite LEDs. Our work emphasizes the crucial role played by controlled dimensionality in quasi-2D perovskites in realizing efficient and stable perovskite-based LEDs.
The effect of heterogeneous distributions of social norms on the spread of infectious diseases
Authors: Vilone Daniele , Vriens Eva , Andrighetto Giulia 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus, suddenly erupted in China at the beginning of 2020 and soon spread worldwide. This has resulted in an outstanding increase on research about the virus itself and, more in general, epidemics in many scientific fields. In this work we focus on the dynamics of the epidemic spreading and how it can be affected by the individual variability in compliance with social norms, i.e. in the adoption of preventive social norms by population’s members, which influences the infectivity rate throughout the population and through time. By means of theoretical considerations, we show how such heterogeneities of the infection rate make the population more resistant against the epidemic spreading. Finally, we depict possible empirical tests aimed to confirm our results.
Closed-loop Koopman operator approximation
Authors: Dahdah Steven , Forbes James Richard 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This paper proposes a method to identify a Koopman model of a feedback-controlled system given a known controller. The Koopman operator allows a nonlinear system to be rewritten as an infinite-dimensional linear system by viewing it in terms of an infinite set of lifting functions. A finite-dimensional approximation of the Koopman operator can be identified from data by choosing a finite subset of lifting functions and solving a regression problem in the lifted space. Existing methods are designed to identify open-loop systems. However, it is impractical or impossible to run experiments on some systems, such as unstable systems, in an open-loop fashion. The proposed method leverages the linearity of the Koopman operator, along with knowledge of the controller and the structure of the closed-loop (CL) system, to simultaneously identify the CL and plant systems. The advantages of the proposed CL Koopman operator approximation method are demonstrated in simulation using a Duffing oscillator and experimentally using a rotary inverted pendulum system. An open-source software implementation of the proposed method is publicly available, along with the experimental dataset generated for this paper.
Advanced iontronic spiking modes with multiscale diffusive dynamics in a fluidic circuit
Authors: Kamsma T M , Rossing E A , Spitoni C , van Roij R 
Published: April 2024

AbstractFluidic iontronics is emerging as a distinctive platform for implementing neuromorphic circuits, characterised by its reliance on the same aqueous medium and ionic signal carriers as the brain. Drawing upon recent theoretical advancements in both iontronic spiking circuits and in dynamic conductance of conical ion channels, which form fluidic memristors, we expand the repertoire of proposed neuronal spiking dynamics in iontronic circuits. Through a modelled circuit containing channels that carry a bipolar surface charge, we extract phasic bursting, mixed-mode spiking, tonic bursting, and threshold variability, all with spike voltages and frequencies within the typical range for mammalian neurons. These features are possible due to the strong dependence of the typical conductance memory retention time on the channel length, enabling timescales varying from individual spikes to bursts of multiple spikes within a single circuit. These advanced forms of neuronal-like spiking support the exploration of aqueous iontronics as an interesting platform for neuromorphic circuits.
Prediction of ambulance transport system collapse under extremely high temperatures induced by climate change
Authors: Oka Kazutaka , Honda Yasushi , Hijioka Yasuaki 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The heat-related health impacts of extremely high temperatures have become increasingly severe worldwide. Quantitative information on these impacts is necessary to plan and implement adaptation measures. The present study aimed to predict the number of heatstroke ambulance calls (HAC) and ambulance occupancy rate of patients with heatstroke (AORPH) under extremely high temperatures in Tokyo, Japan. Extremely high temperatures were defined as the annual highest value of daily maximum temperature that occurs once every 30 y (30 y temp) or 50 y (50 y temp). Combinations of three greenhouse gas (GHG) emission scenarios and five climate models were adopted to predict the impacts during the base years (1985–2014), mid-21st century (2021–2050), and late 21st century (2071–2100). Furthermore, two types of populations were adopted: fixed and changing. In the case of 50 y temp, the HAC during the peak hour in the base years ranged from 52 to 130 persons across the climate models. In the case of a fixed population, in the late 21st century it ranged from 123 to 2618 persons across the climate models and GHG scenarios. In the case of a changing population, the corresponding values in late 21st century ranged from 128 to 3078 persons. The AORPH during the peak hour ranged from 32% to 80% during the base years for 50 y temp, assuming that all ambulances were dispatched for heatstroke only. In the late 21st century, it ranged from 75% to 1605% in the fixed population case. With population change, the corresponding values in late 21st century ranged from 83% to 1781%. In many scenarios, not all patients with heatstroke could be transported (AORPH > 100%) even if all ambulances have been dispatched. Therefore, adaptation measures that mitigate such an ambulance transport system collapse must be planned and implemented.
Physical and Computational Description
Authors: Anderson Neal G , Piccinini Gualtiero 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This chapter examines physical and computational descriptions and their respective targets. It introduces the elements of physical description and a classification of physical descriptions by their granularity, specificity, and completeness. Depending on their level of granularity, physical descriptions may be microscopic or macroscopic. Depending on their degree of specificity, physical descriptions may be structural or constitutive. Finally, physical descriptions may be complete or partial. The chapter similarly introduces the elements of formal definitions of computations and highlights similarities and differences between physical and computational descriptions in preparation for their hybridization in physical-computational descriptions of physical computing systems. The key difference is that a physical system may possess features not captured by some of its physical descriptions, whereas a formally defined computing system is completely specified by its formal computational description.
Methodology in Metaethics
Authors: Bengson John , Cuneo Terence , Shafer-Landau Russ 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This chapter makes explicit ideas about method and data that figure centrally in the book’s inquiry into the central questions of metaethics. The discussion has four main sections. The first presents the methodology employed throughout the book. At its heart is the ‘Tri-Level Method,’ according to which theory construction occurs at three levels: at level one, theories are called to handle relevant data; at level two, to substantiate claims made when handling data, while also integrating these claims with our best picture of the world; and at level three, to determine (if necessary) whether the resulting theory is theoretically more virtuous than rival ones. The chapter’s second section characterizes philosophical data. The third identifies core metaethical data, as they pertain to the metaphysics and normativity of morality. The fourth elucidates the ideological resources—concepts, properties, truths, facts, grounding, and essence—upon which the book draws.
Moral Reality
Authors: Bengson John , Cuneo Terence , Shafer-Landau Russ 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Moral Realism is committed to the existence of moral truths and facts. Can this commitment be defended and explained? Chapter 4 endeavors to do both. It presents a distinctive defense of the existence of moral truths and facts centering on the idea that there are ‘moral fixed points.’ These are platitudes such as: protecting one’s children from lethal danger is morally required, and recreationally slaughtering fellow persons is morally prohibited. This chapter contends that these and other moral fixed points are moral truths and facts that hold fully in virtue of the essences of the non-normative concepts or properties that figure in their antecedents. It follows that if these non-normative concepts and properties are satisfied or instantiated, then there are moral truths and facts. A distinctive feature of this defense is its capacity to undergird an explanation of the existence of such facts and truths. In addition to providing this defense and explanation, the chapter employs an epistemic procedure—‘Pricean reflection,’ inspired by Richard Price—to support the claims about the moral essences of certain non-normative properties advanced by the Essentialist Thesis.
Categoricity without Alienation
Authors: Bengson John , Cuneo Terence , Shafer-Landau Russ 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
The idea that there are categorical moral reasons has been the subject of many critiques. This chapter discusses and replies to three important objections, each inspired by the idea—dubbed the Non-Alienation thesis—that something qualifies as a practical reason only if the agents to whom it applies are not alienated from it. The first objection claims that reasons must be capable of motivating those to whom they apply; categorical moral reasons (it is alleged) are motivationally inert; so there are no such reasons. The second objection is based on a version of reasons internalism according to which something qualifies as a practical reason for an agent only if it would be aptly cited in a context of idealized conversation with her; categorical reasons are (allegedly) never apt for such citation; so categorical moral reasons don’t exist. The third objection claims that something is a practical reason for an agent to φ just because φing promotes the satisfaction of her desires; if that is the case, there are no categorical moral reasons; so there are no such reasons. The chapter shows all three objections to be mistaken. The upshot is that categorical moral reasons are a friend rather than foe of the Non-Alienation thesis.
Why Be Moral?
Authors: Bengson John , Cuneo Terence , Shafer-Landau Russ 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
This chapter addresses four challenges to morality’s authority. The first casts doubt on the comparative importance of moral reasons vis-à-vis those implied by other familiar normative systems, such as those associated with etiquette or social clubs. If strong moral reasons typically play second fiddle to such rivals, then morality would indeed be sapped of its authority. Likewise if religious duties of certain kinds take precedence over even the strongest moral considerations. This possibility, suggested by Kierkegaard’s treatment of ethics in Fear and Trembling, represents the second challenge. The third alleges that realists have no answer to the “normative question” of why we should, from a first-personal perspective, take morality at all seriously. At issue is not whether strong moral reasons exist, but whether they earn their grip on an agent who is thinking about how best to live; their failure to do so would be tantamount to a crisis of authority. All three varieties of ‘intramural skepticism’ contrast with an ‘extramural’ sort that queries the relation between strong moral reasons and what some philosophers call “schmeasons,” which are allegedly implied by so-called schmoral systems. If there were no way to make good on the superiority of strong moral reasons over these competitors, then morality’s authority would likewise be jeopardized. This is the fourth challenge.
The Principle of Befittingness
Authors: Bengson John , Cuneo Terence , Shafer-Landau Russ 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
What is it for an action to be morally required or prohibited? This chapter answers that question by enlisting the Principle of Befittingness: an act is morally required if, only if, and because it is befitting; an act is morally prohibited if, only if, and because it is unbefitting. The chapter defends this principle by revealing its explanatory power—among other important explananda, the Principle of Befittingness helps to explain why actions instantiate deontic properties, why there are strong moral reasons, and why instantiations of those properties give these reasons. The Principle of Befittingness is also able to systematize other, more familiar candidate fundamental deontic principles (consequentialist, deontological, and so forth). The chapter proceeds to locate the befittingness properties and strong moral reasons in the essence of moral requirement and prohibition. For instance, what it is for an action to be morally required is for it to be befitting, and for there to be strong moral reasons to perform it. This claim plays a crucial role in the argument for nonnaturalism developed in Chapter 13.
Endoscopic Primary Breast Augmentation With Loco-Regional Anesthesia: Preliminary Experience of 200 Consecutive Patients
Authors: Antonino Araco 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Breast augmentation with implants recorded over 1.6 billion procedures globally in 2022. To reduce surgical trauma and complications and facilitate a fast recovery, we employ an ultrasound-guided local–regional anesthesia technique, the creation of a partial submuscular implant pocket by direct endoscopic visualization and minimal skin access on the mammary fold.

Objectives
The aim in this study is to evaluate whether breast augmentation performed in endoscopy under local–regional anesthesia reduces postoperative recovery time, reduces complications, and increases patient satisfaction.

Methods
Patients provided their consent through a signed form. We set strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. We prospectively evaluated postoperative pain and recovery times, the rate of complications, and patient satisfaction at 12 months postsurgery.

Results
Between January 2021 and September 2022, 200 patients met the inclusion criteria. The average operation time was 54.2 min. Patients were discharged from the hospital within 2 to 3 h. Eighty-nine percent of patients expressed great satisfaction with the result. None of the patients experienced postsurgical complications.

Conclusions
In our initial study, we showed that endoscopic breast augmentation conducted under localized anesthesia is safe. It allows for quick recovery postsurgery and swift resumption of everyday activities. The overall complication risk is less than what has been reported in scientific studies for the classic dual-plane technique. Moreover, this approach yields excellent patient satisfaction. Additional prospective and randomized studies will be required to enhance the scientific validity of this technique. Moreover, a larger patient cohort will be essential to stratify the risks associated with varying prosthetic volumes.

Level of Evidence: 4
Value of dynamic computed tomography myocardial perfusion in CAD: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kawaguchi Yuma , Kato Shingo , Horita Nobuyuki , Utsunomiya Daisuke 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Aims
Dynamic stress computed tomography (CT) perfusion is a non-invasive method for quantifying myocardial ischaemia by assessing myocardial blood flow (MBF). In this meta-analysis, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of dynamic CT perfusion for the detection of significant coronary artery disease (CAD) across various CT scanners, obese patients, and its prognostic value.

Methods and results
We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and Cochrane library for published studies evaluating the accuracy of CT myocardial perfusion in diagnosing functional significant ischaemia by invasive fractional flow reserve. The diagnostic performance of dynamic CT perfusion in detecting ischaemia was evaluated using a summary receiver operating characteristic (sROC) curve. A total of 23 studies underwent meta-analysis. In myocardial region without ischaemia, MBF was measured at 1.39 mL/min/g [95% confidence interval (CI) 1.25–1.54], while in region with ischaemia, it was 0.92 mL/min/g (95% CI 0.83–1.01) (P &lt; 0.001). On the patient-based analysis, the area under the sROC curve of CT-MBF was 0.92, with a sensitivity of 0.82 and specificity of 0.86. Differences in CT type (dual source vs. single source), and body mass index did not significantly affect the diagnostic performance. The pooled hazard ratio of dynamic CT perfusion for predicting adverse events was 4.98 (95% CI 2.08–11.93, P ≤ 0.001, I2 = 61%, P for heterogeneity = 0.07).

Conclusion
Dynamic CT perfusion has high diagnostic performance in the quantitative assessment of ischaemia and detection of functional myocardial ischaemia as defined by invasive FFR and may be useful in risk stratification of CAD patients.
Clinical impact of stellate ganglion phototherapy on ventricular tachycardia storm requiring mechanical circulatory support devices: a case report
Authors: Takahashi Kei , Egami Yasuyuki , Nishino Masami , Tanouchi Jun 
Published: April 2024

Abstract

Background
Ventricular arrhythmias are a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in patients with ischaemic heart disease. When pharmacologic therapies, catheter ablation (CA), and implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) are ineffective, stellate ganglion blockade (SGB), sympathectomy, and renal sympathetic denervation are considered. However, they are invasive for patients with high bleeding risk. We present a case of successfully recovering from haemodynamically unstable ventricular tachycardia (VT) storm with stellate ganglion phototherapy (SGP) in a non-invasive manner.

Case summary
A 73-year-old male presented to the emergency department with chief complaint of general malaise, resulting from VT storm associated with ischaemic cardiomyopathy. He had a history of CA and implantation of ICD. Despite multiple electrical cardioversions, pharmacologic therapies, and deep sedation with mechanical circulatory support (MCS), VT storm was not controlled. Thereafter, we irradiated the patient’s neck with SGP to inhibit sympathetic neurological activity, which suppressed VT storm and dramatically improved his haemodynamic status.

Discussion
It has been reported that SGP is an alternative to SGB for refractory VT storm. Stellate ganglion phototherapy was easy and non-invasive to perform because we just irradiated the patient’s neck with the near-infrared light for 5 min per day. If conventional therapies are ineffective in suppressing VT storm, SGP may be considered as a next step, especially for patients with high bleeding risk. However, since the effect of a single SGP lasts only 1–2 days, it should be performed as a bridge therapy to CA or sympathectomy. Stellate ganglion phototherapy may be effective in suppressing VT storm that requires MCS devices.