bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
An innovative methodology for monitoring the sacrificial layer removal process in MEMS structures
Authors: Barati Hamed , Barazandeh Farshad , Jabari Alireza , Akbari Mohammad 
Published: February 2024

AbstractThe sacrificial layer is a key component for the fabrication of a released structure in the MEMS sensors and actuators. Wet etching is a practical microfabrication process that minimizes costs compared to dry etching. Since the sacrificial layer exists between the structural layer and the substrate, characterization of the etching process is unavailable to observe and evaluate directly. This research, for the first time, presents a methodology for monitoring sacrificial layer removal. It takes advantage of using a transparent substrate (during process development) to observe the removal process from the backside. This method can be used as a separate test during surface micromachining to monitor and optimize the release process of the MEMS device. To evaluate the efficiency of the method, the copper sacrificial layer was selected. The removal process was investigated for typical structures used in MEMS sensors and actuators including the etch-holes, the cantilever beams, comb fingers, and the pads. The experimental test showed the removal of the sacrificial layer, the non-uniformity of the etching, and all the veritable chemical reactions and phenomena under the structural layer. In addition, the etch-rate were obtained in the order of 0.35–5.5μm min−1for various structural features. The procedure developed in this research is an approach to the process monitoring of the sacrificial layer removal. Therefore, it can be used to organize the quality control in the released structures of MEMS and optimization in batch processing. This method can be adopted for non-metallic sacrificial layers and dry etching as well.
Analytical solutions of equatorial geodesic motion in Kerr spacetime*
Authors: Liu 刘 Yan 岩 , Sun 孙 Bing 兵 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The study of Kerr geodesics has a long history, particularly for those occurring within the equatorial plane, which are generally well-understood. However, when compared with the classification introduced by one of the authors [Phys. Rev. D 105, 024075 (2022)], it becomes apparent that certain classes of geodesics, such as trapped orbits, still lack analytical solutions. Thus, in this study, we provide explicit analytical solutions for equatorial timelike geodesics in Kerr spacetime, including solutions of trapped orbits, which capture the characteristics of special geodesics, such as the positions and conserved quantities of circular, bound, and deflecting orbits. Specifically, we determine the precise location at which retrograde orbits undergo a transition from counter-rotating to prograde motion due to the strong gravitational effects near a rotating black hole. Interestingly, the trajectory remains prograde for orbits with negative energy despite the negative angular momentum. Furthermore, we investigate the intriguing phenomenon of deflecting orbits exhibiting an increased number of revolutions around the black hole as the turning point approaches the turning point of the trapped orbit. Additionally, we find that only prograde marginal deflecting geodesics are capable of traversing through the ergoregion. In summary, our findings present explicit solutions for equatorial timelike geodesics and offer insights into the dynamics of particle motion in the vicinity of a rotating black hole.
A two-layer Timepix3 stack for improved charged particle tracking and radiation field decomposition
Authors: Smolyanskiy P. , Bacak M. , Bergmann B. , Broulím P. , Burian P. , Čelko T. , Garvey D. , Gunthoti K. , Infantes F.G. , Mánek P. , Manna A. , Mráz F. , Mucciola R. , Pospíšil S. , Sitarz M. , Urban O. , Vykydal Z. , Wender S.A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
We characterize a novel instrument designed for radiation field decomposition and particle
trajectory reconstruction for application in harsh radiation environments. The device consists of
two Timepix3 assemblies with 500 µm thick silicon sensors in a face-to-face geometry. These
detectors are interleaved with a set of neutron converters: 6LiF for thermal neutrons,
polyethylene (PE) for fast neutrons above 1 MeV, and PE with an additional aluminum recoil proton
filter for neutrons above ∼4 MeV. Application of the coincidence and anticoincidence
technique together with pattern recognition allows improved separation of charged and neutral
particles, their discrimination against γ-rays and assessment of the overall directionality
of the fast neutron field. The instrument's charged particle tracking and separation capabilities
were studied at the Danish Center for Particle Therapy (DCPT), the Proton Synchrotron, and Super
Proton Synchrotron with protons (50–240 MeV), pions (1–10 GeV/c and 180 GeV/c). After developing
temporal and spatial coincidence assignment methodology, we determine the relative amount of
coincident detections as a function of the impact angle, present the device's impact angle
resolving power (both in coincidence and anticoicidence channels). The detector response to
neutrons was studied at the Czech Metrology Institute (CMI), at n_ToF and the Los Alamos Neutron
Science Center (LANSCE), covering the entire spectrum from thermal up to 600 MeV. The measured
tracks were assigned to their corresponding neutron energy by application of the time of flight
technique. We present the achieved neutron detection efficiency as a function of neutron kinetic
energy and demonstrate how the ratio of events found below the different converters can be used to
assess the hardness of the neutron spectrum. As an application, we determine the neutron content
within a PMMA phantom just behind the Bragg-peak during clinical irradiation condition with
protons of 160 MeV.
A scanning device for spatial quantum efficiency measurements of photomultipliers tubes
Authors: Migliozzi P. , Mollo C.M. , Simonelli A. 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This paper presents a quantum efficiency measurement setup based on a 2D motorized stage, a wide spectrum xenon lamp, a beam splitter system, and two calibrated photo-diodes for measuring the quantum efficiency (QE) of photomultiplier tubes (1 to 10 inches).
We will demonstrate the effectiveness of technical refinements on the measurements procedures over some existing setups already shown in literature.
The large area covered by the 2D stages permit to study the quantum efficiency of PMTs with diameter up to ten inches.
The results obtained will show the high precision and accuracy in characterizing the quantum efficiency versus wavelength over the range of 250 nm to 1100 nm and along the photo-catode surface. The setup monitors the light intensity synchronously with the output current yield from photosensors under test. This ensures the accuracy and repeatability of the measurements. The motorized stage allows precise positioning of the light source with respect to the active area. The emission spectrum of the xenon lamp provides a broad range of illumination in terms of dynamics and wavelength span.
An ecological study of PM2.5 and black carbon and acute hemorrhagic stroke: a long term effect study
Authors: Kongbunkiat Kannikar , Pattanapipitpaisal Pipat , Seoratanaphunt Suphasit , Peansukwech Udomlack , Vorasoot Nisa , Kasemsap Narongrit , Tiamkao Somsak , Chotmongkol Verajit , Nakaphan Thanat , Sawanyawisuth Kittisak 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Both PM2.5 and black carbon particle are associated with acute ischemic stroke. There is limited data on the correlation of long term effects of PM2.5 and black carbon on acute hemorrhagic stroke with a large sample size. This was an ecological study. Numbers of acute hemorrhagic stroke who were admitted and reimbursed from the national database of Thailand were collected. Data of PM2.5 and black carbon were collected. Poisson regression analysis adjusted by physical factors and regions was used to evaluate the association between PM2.5 and black carbon on acute hemorrhagic stroke. There were 82,389 patients diagnosed as acute hemorrhagic stroke throughout Thailand. The median of PM2.5 of all provinces was 29.19 microgram m−3, while black carbon had the median of 1.17 microgram m−3. PM 2.5 was significantly associated with numbers of acute hemorrhagic stroke with an adjusted coefficient of 0.019 (p < 0.001), while black carbon was also had significant adjusted coefficient of 0.199 (p < 0.001). Both PM2.5 and black carbon particle were associated with acute hemorrhagic stroke in a long term fashion by an ecological study of the national database.
Pledging after nudging improves uptake of plant-based diets: a field experiment in a German university cafeteria
Authors: Thamer Philipp , Banerjee Sanchayan , John Peter 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Meat-based diets are carbon-intensive and incompatible with Paris climate targets. Reducing meat consumption is essential to mitigate climate change. Behavioural nudges, which present structured choices to citizens, have been increasingly used to reduce meat demand. But they face ethical challenges and limits when scaling up. We test if encouraging people to reflect after nudging improves the effectiveness of a nudge. We design and administer a novel randomised controlled trial in a German university cafeteria, lasting for five weeks (N

participants
= 129,N

meals
= 645). In week 1, we measure baseline dietary behaviours. In week 2, we introduce a labelling nudge in the cafeteria. Subsequently, in weeks 3 & 4, we assign participants randomly to three experimental conditions: a control group that continues to receive the labelling nudge and two treatment groups that get the labelling nudge with an opportunity to reflect, either on the nudge (nudge+ 1) or their own preferences (nudge+ 2). All treatments are discontinued in week 5. In the pooled sample, controlling for period fixed effects, we find that the labelling nudge is not associated with meaningful changes in meat-demand over time. Nonetheless, being encouraged to reflect reduces meat-demand significantly compared to the nudge—the nudge+ 1 reduces chances of buying a meat-based item in the cafeteria by 5% (μ = −0.25, 95% CI = [−0.49,−0.36]) whereas the nudge+ 2 reduces it by 7% (μ = −0.35, 95% CI = [−0.61,−0.08]). These treatment effects attenuate when the interventions are discontinued. We recommend that combining reflection with nudging can improve the uptake of climate-friendly diets, at least in the short-term.
Towards sustainable and ecofriendly polymer composite materials from bast fibers: a systematic review
Authors: Santos Thiago F , Santos Caroliny M , Aquino Marcos S , Suyambulingam Indran , Kamil Hussein Emad , Verma Akarsh , Rangappa Sanjay Mavinkere , Siengchin Suchart , Nascimento J H O 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
This systematic review focuses on the exploration and advancement of sustainable and eco-friendly polymer composite materials derived from bast fibers. Bast fibers, obtained from the phloem of certain plants like flax, hemp, jute, and kenaf, represent a renewable and environmentally benign resource. Their integration into polymer based composites has gained significant attention due to the growing environmental concerns and the need for sustainable material development. The importance of this study lies in its comprehensive examination of bast fibers as viable alternatives to the synthetic fibers in polymer composite materials. By harnessing the natural strength, light weight, and biodegradability of bast fibers, this review contributes to the creation of materials that are not only environmentally sustainable but also possess enhanced mechanical properties suitable for various industrial and domestic applications.
Secondary Bilateral Cleft Rhinoplasty: Achieving an Aesthetic Result
Authors: Saito Takafumi , Lo Chi-Chin , Tu Junior Chun-Yu , Hattori Yoshitsugu , Chou Pang-Yun , Lo Lun-Jou 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Secondary rhinoplasty in patients with bilateral cleft lip poses ongoing challenges and requires a reliable method for achieving optimal outcomes.

Objectives
The purpose of this study was to establish a safe and effective method for secondary bilateral cleft rhinoplasty.

Methods
A consecutive series of 92 skeletally matured patients with bilateral cleft lip and nasal deformity were included. All had undergone secondary open rhinoplasty, performed by a single surgeon with a bilateral reverse-U flap and septal extension graft, between 2013 and 2021. Medical records of these 92 patients were reviewed to assess the clinical course. A 3-dimensional (3D) anthropometric analysis and panel assessment of 32 patients were performed to evaluate the aesthetic improvement, with an age-, sex-, and ethnicity-matched normal control group for comparisons.

Results
The methods showed statistically significant improvement in addressing a short columella (columellar height), short nasal bridge (nasal bridge length), de-projected nasal tip (nasal tip projection, nasal dorsum angle), poorly defined nasal tip (nasal tip angle, dome height, and panel assessment), and transversely oriented nostrils (columellar height, alar width, nostril type). Importantly, these improvements were accompanied by a low complication rate of 4%. However, upper lip deficiency over the upper lip angle and labial-columellar angle remained without significant improvement.

Conclusions
In this study we described effective secondary rhinoplasty, which was composed of a bilateral reverse-U flap and septal extension graft, with acceptable outcome. The 3D anthropometric analysis and panel assessment clarified that our rhinoplasty procedure could bring the nasal morphology in these patients closer to the normal data.

Level of Evidence: 3
Neural correlates of object identity and reward outcome in the sensory cortical-hippocampal hierarchy: coding of motivational information in perirhinal cortex
Authors: Fiorilli Julien , Marchesi Pietro , Ruikes Thijs , Huis in ‘t Veld Gerjan , Buckton Rhys , Quintero Mariana D , Reiten Ingrid , Bjaalie Jan G , Pennartz Cyriel M A 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Neural circuits support behavioral adaptations by integrating sensory and motor information with reward and error-driven learning signals, but it remains poorly understood how these signals are distributed across different levels of the corticohippocampal hierarchy. We trained rats on a multisensory object-recognition task and compared visual and tactile responses of simultaneously recorded neuronal ensembles in somatosensory cortex, secondary visual cortex, perirhinal cortex, and hippocampus. The sensory regions primarily represented unisensory information, whereas hippocampus was modulated by both vision and touch. Surprisingly, the sensory cortices and the hippocampus coded object-specific information, whereas the perirhinal cortex did not. Instead, perirhinal cortical neurons signaled trial outcome upon reward-based feedback. A majority of outcome-related perirhinal cells responded to a negative outcome (reward omission), whereas a minority of other cells coded positive outcome (reward delivery). Our results highlight a distributed neural coding of multisensory variables in the cortico-hippocampal hierarchy. Notably, the perirhinal cortex emerges as a crucial region for conveying motivational outcomes, whereas distinct functions related to object identity are observed in the sensory cortices and hippocampus.
Structural and functional abnormalities in first-episode drug-naïve pediatric idiopathic generalized epilepsy
Authors: Deng Dingmei , Sun Hui , Wang Yuting , Guo Xin , Yuan Yizhi , Wang Jiaojian , Qiu Lihua 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate brain structure and corresponding static and dynamic functional connectivity (sFC & dFC) abnormalities in untreated, first-episode pediatric idiopathic generalized epilepsy (IGE), with the goal of better understanding the underlying pathological mechanisms of IGE. Thirty-one children with IGE and 31 age-matched healthy controls (HC) were recruited. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (sMRI) data were acquired, and voxel-based morphometry (VBM) analysis were performed to reveal abnormal gray matter volume (GMV). Moreover, sFC and dFC analyses were conducted using the brain areas exhibiting abnormal GMV as seed regions to explore abnormal functional couplings. Compared to HC, the IGE group exhibited increased GMV in left middle cingulate cortex (MCC) and right parahippocampus (ParaHipp). In addition, the analyses of dFC and sFC with MCC and ParaHipp as seeds revealed more extensive functional connectivity (FC) changes in dFC. Notably, the structurally and functionally abnormal brain areas were primarily localized in the default mode network (DMN). However, our study did not find any significant associations between these altered neuroimaging measurements and clinical outcomes. This study uncovered microstructural changes as well as corresponding sFC and dFC changes in patients with new-onset, untreated pediatric IGE. The affected brain regions were primarily located within the DMN, highlighting the DMN’s crucial role in the development of pediatric IGE.
Primary autonomic failure: a complex case of orthostatic hypotension in a hypertensive elderly patient
Authors: El-Mhadi Samah , Mouine Najat , Benjelloun Halima , Aboudrar Souad , El Bakkali Mustapha 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Primary autonomic failure (PAF) or Bradbury Eggleston syndrome is a neurodegenerative disorder of the autonomic nervous system characterized by orthostatic hypotension.

Case summary
We report the case of a 76-year-old patient with a history of hypertension, who presented with exercise-induced fatigue. He exhibited systolic hypertension and resting bradycardia in the supine position, with orthostatic hypotension without reactive tachycardia, suggesting dysautonomia. Neurological examination was unremarkable. The patient underwent cardiovascular autonomic testing, revealing evidence of beta-sympathetic deficiency associated with neurogenic orthostatic hypotension. Causes of secondary dysautonomia were excluded. The patient was diagnosed with PAF. Even if managing the combination of supine hypertension and orthostatic hypotension was challenging, significant improvements in functional and haemodynamic status were observed with a personalized management approach.

Discussion
Throughout this case report, we emphasize the critical need for an evaluation of autonomic function and blood pressure’s dynamics in hypertensive patients experiencing orthostatic symptoms, enabling the implementation of tailored therapeutic strategies.
Splicing analysis of 24 potential spliceogenic variants in MMR genes and clinical interpretation based on refined ACMG/AMP criteria
Authors: Bouras Ahmed , Lefol Cedrick , Ruano Eric , Grand-Masson Chloé , Auclair-Perrossier Jessie , Wang Qing 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
Lynch syndrome (LS) is a common hereditary cancer syndrome caused by heterozygous germline pathogenic variants in DNA mismatch repair (MMR) genes. Splicing defect constitutes one of the major mechanisms for MMR gene inactivation. Using RT-PCR based RNA analysis, we investigated 24 potential spliceogenic variants in MMR genes and determined their pathogenicity based on refined splicing-related American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics/Association for Molecular Pathology (ACMG/AMP) criteria. Aberrant transcripts were confirmed in 19 variants and 17 of which were classified as pathogenic including 11 located outside of canonical splice sites. Most of these variants were previously reported in LS patients without mRNA splicing assessment. Thus, our study provides crucial evidence for pathogenicity determination, allowing for appropriate clinical follow-up. We also found that computational predictions were globally well correlated with RNA analysis results and the use of both SPiP and SpliceAI software appeared more efficient for splicing defect prediction.
Mutual legitimation attempts: the United Nations and China's Belt and Road Initiative
Authors: Haug Sebastian 
Published: February 2024

Abstract
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has become a hallmark of China's global rise. While the BRI has unfolded as a global platform focused on bilateral relations, the Chinese government has also tried to expand links between the BRI and international organizations, notably the United Nations. Available evidence about UN–BRI relations suggests, however, that an initial honeymoon phase with mushrooming projects and public endorsements was followed by a sharp decline in engagement. This article argues that a focus on inter-governor legitimation attempts helps understand the rise and fall of UN–BRI relations. Based on publicly available evidence, internal documentation and stakeholder interviews, it shows how legitimation informed motivations on both sides to invest in UN–BRI relations, and how western opposition subsequently led to UN entities reducing their engagement. Empirically, the article contributes to the literature on China's global role, evolving power relations at the UN, and the proliferation of geopolitically motivated flagship initiatives across UN member states. Conceptually, it speaks to the expanding debate about legitimation in world politics through a more systematic engagement with relational legitimation dynamics. A focus on one-sided or mutual legitimation attempts offers a conceptual tool for analysing how interactions among global governors and their audiences unfold, and how international organizations try (and fail) to strengthen their resilience in light of an increasingly polarized membership.
Ketone Supplementation Dampens Subjective and Objective Responses to Alcohol: Evidence From a Preclinical Rat Study and a Randomized, Cross-Over Trial in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Li Xinyi , Shi Zhenhao , Todaro Dustin R , Pond Timothy , Byanyima Juliana I , Vesslee Sianneh A , Reddy Rishika , Nanga Ravi Prakash Reddy , Kass Gabriel , Ramchandani Vijay , Kranzler Henry R , Vendruscolo Janaina C M , Vendruscolo Leandro F , Wiers Corinde E 
Published: February 2024

Abstract

Background
Previous preclinical and human studies have shown that a high-fat ketogenic diet and ketone supplements (KS) are efficacious in reducing alcohol craving, alcohol consumption, and signs of alcohol withdrawal. However, the effects of KS on alcohol sensitivity are unknown.

Methods
In this single-blind, cross-over study, 10 healthy participants (3 females) were administered a single, oral dose of a KS (25 g of ketones from D-β-hydroxybutyric acid and R-1,3-butanediol) or placebo 30 minutes before an oral alcohol dose (0.25 g/kg for women; 0.31 g/kg for men). Assessments of breath alcohol concentration and blood alcohol levels (BAL) and responses on the Drug Effect Questionnaire were repeatedly obtained over 180 minutes after alcohol consumption. In a parallel preclinical study, 8 Wistar rats (4 females) received an oral gavage of KS (0.42 g ketones/kg), water, or the sweetener allulose (0.58 g/kg) followed 15 minutes later by an oral alcohol dose (0.8 g/kg). BAL was monitored for 240 minutes after alcohol exposure.

Results
In humans, the intake of KS before alcohol significantly blunted breath alcohol concentration and BAL, reduced ratings of alcohol liking and wanting more, and increased disliking for alcohol. In rats, KS reduced BAL more than either allulose or water.

Conclusion
KS altered physiological and subjective responses to alcohol in both humans and rats, and the effects were likely not mediated by the sweetener allulose present in the KS drink. Therefore, KS could potentially reduce the intoxicating effects of alcohol.