bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Dynamics of interacting skyrmions in magnetic nano-track
Authors: Al Saidi W , Sbiaa R , Bhatti S , Piramanayagam S N , Al Risi S 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Controlling multiple skyrmions in nanowires is important for their implementation in racetrack memory or neuromorphic computing. Here, we report on the dynamical behavior of two interacting skyrmions in confined devices with a comparison to a single skyrmion case. Although the two skyrmions shrink near the edges and follow a helical path, their behavior is different. Because the leading skyrmion is between the edge and the trailing one, its size is reduced further and collapses at a lower current density compared to the single skyrmion case. For higher current density, both skyrmions are annihilated with a core-collapse mechanism for the leading one followed by a bubble-collapse mechanism for the trailing one.
Controlling the charge of dust particles in a plasma afterglow by timed switching of an electrode voltage
Authors: Chaubey Neeraj , Goree J 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
A method is demonstrated for controlling the charge of a dust particle in a plasma afterglow, allowing a wider range of outcomes than an earlier method. As in the earlier method, the dust particles are located near an electrode that has a DC voltage during the afterglow. Here, that DC voltage is switched to a positive value at a specified delay time, instead of maintaining a constant negative voltage as in the earlier method. Adjusting the timing of this switching allows one to control the residual charge gradually over a wide range that includes both negative and positive values of charge. For comparison, only positive residual charges were attained in the earlier method. We were able to adjust the residual charge from about −2000 e to +10 000 e, for our experimental parameters (8.35 µm particles, 8 mTorr argon pressure, and a DC voltage that was switched from −150 V to +125 V within the first two milliseconds of the afterglow). The plasma conditions near the dust particles changed from ion-rich to electron-rich, when the electrode was switched from cathodic to anodic. Making this change at a specified time, as the electrons and ions decay in the afterglow, provides this control capability. These results also give insight into the time development of a dust particle’s charge in the afterglow, on a sub-millisecond time scale.
Charge transport and dielectric characteristics of Sm
x
Bi1−x
FeO3 thin films from the perspective of grain and grain boundary properties
Authors: Minussi F B , Borges F V A , Araújo E B 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
Samarium-substituted bismuth ferrite (Sm
x
Bi1−x
FeO3) compositions comprise a system of important materials due to their combination of multiferroic properties. Several dielectric and charge transport reports in literature can be found in this system. However, as a typical polycrystalline electroceramic, their grains and grain boundaries (GBs) are expected to possess very different properties. To this date, these distinctions have not been determined for this system. In this work, through measurements via impedance spectroscopy on Sm
x
Bi1−x
FeO3 thin films, we show that using a brick layer model allows the separation of the electrical properties of grains and GBs. Results indicate that grains have dielectric permittivity and electrical conductivity much higher than GBs. Their properties mostly control the characteristics observed in the studied thin films. The introduction of samarium reduces the electrical conductivity and increases the activation energies for charge transport in grains and GBs. In turn, dielectric permittivity is reduced in grains and subtly increased in GBs.
Automatic slice thickness measurement on three types of Catphan CT phantoms
Authors: Anam Choirul , Naufal Ariij , Sutanto Heri , Arifin Zaenal , Hidayanto Eko , Tan Li K , Wong Jeannie H D , Ng Kwan H , Shahrudin Sharizan , Zain Azleen M , Ahmad Faizah , Dougherty Geoff 
Published: May 2023

AbstractObjective. To develop an algorithm to measure slice thickness running on three types of Catphan phantoms with the ability to adapt to any misalignment and rotation of the phantoms.Method. Images of Catphan 500, 504, and 604 phantoms were examined. In addition, images with various slice thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 10.0 mm, distance to the iso-center and phantom rotations were also examined. The automatic slice thickness algorithm was carried out by processing only objects within a circle having a diameter of half the diameter of the phantom. A segmentation was performed within an inner circle with dynamic thresholds to produce binary images with wire and bead objects within it. Region properties were used to distinguish wire ramps and bead objects. At each identified wire ramp, the angle was detected using the Hough transform. Profile lines were then placed on each ramp based on the centroid coordinates and detected angles, and the full-width at half maximum (FWHM) was determined for the average profile. The slice thickness was obtained by multiplying the FWHM by the tangent of the ramp angle (23°).Results. Automatic measurements work well and have only a small difference (<0.5 mm) from manual measurements. For slice thickness variation, automatic measurement successfully performs segmentation and correctly locates the profile line on all wire ramps. The results show measured slice thicknesses that are close (<3 mm) to the nominal thickness at thin slices, but slightly deviated for thicker slices. There is a strong correlation (R2= 0.873) between automatic and manual measurements. Testing the algorithm at various distances from the iso-center and phantom rotation angle also produced accurate results.Conclusion. An automated algorithm for measuring slice thickness on three types of Catphan CT phantom images has been developed. The algorithm works well on various thicknesses, distances from the iso-center, and phantom rotations.
Diagnostic accuracy of the 3-minute diagnostic interview for confusion assessment method-defined delirium in delirium detection: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ma Rui , Zhao Jin , Li Cui , Qin Yunlong , Yan Jipeng , Wang Yuwei , Yu Zixian , Zhang Yumeng , Zhao Yueru , Huang Boyong , Sun Shiren , Ning Xiaoxuan 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Background
Delirium is a common complication clinically and is associated with the poor outcomes, yet it is frequently unrecognised and readily disregarded. Although the 3-minute diagnostic interview for confusion assessment method-defined delirium (3D-CAM) has been used in a variety of care settings, a comprehensive evaluation of its accuracy in all available care settings has not been performed.

Objective
This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic test accuracy of the 3D-CAM in delirium detection through a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods
We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL (EBSCO) and ClinicalTrials.gov published from inception to 10 July 2022. The quality assessment of the diagnostic accuracy studies-2 tool was applied to evaluate methodological quality. A bivariate random effects model was used to pool sensitivity and specificity.

Results
Seven studies with 1,350 participants and 2,499 assessments were included, which were carried out in general medical wards, intensive care units, internal medical wards, surgical wards, recovery rooms and post-anaesthesia care units. The prevalence of delirium ranged from 9.1% to 25%. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.92 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.87–0.95) and 0.95 (95% CI 0.92–0.97), respectively. The pooled positive likelihood ratio was 18.6 (95% CI 12.2–28.2), the negative likelihood ratio was 0.09 (95% CI 0.06–0.14) and the diagnostic odds ratio was 211 (95% CI 128–349). Moreover, the area under the curve was 0.97 (95% CI 0.95–0.98).

Conclusions
The 3D-CAM has good diagnostic accuracy for delirium detection in different care settings. Further analyses illustrated that it had comparable diagnostic accuracy in older adults and patients with dementia or known baseline cognitive impairment. In conclusion, the 3D-CAM is recommended for clinical delirium detection.
GIL: a python package for designing custom indexing primers
Authors: Mateyko Nicholas , Tariq Omar , Chen Xinyi E , Cheney Will , Salaudeen Asfar Lathif , Luthra Ishika , Nikpour Najmeh , Rafi Abdul Muntakim , Kamali Dehghan Hadis , Jensen Cassandra , de Boer Carl 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Summary
Generate Indexes for Libraries (GIL) is a software tool for generating primers to be used in the production of multiplexed sequencing libraries. GIL can be customized in numerous ways to meet user specifications, including length, sequencing modality, color balancing, and compatibility with existing primers, and produces ordering and demultiplexing-ready outputs.

Availability and implementation
GIL is written in Python and is freely available on GitHub under the MIT license: https://github.com/de-Boer-Lab/GIL and can be accessed as a web-application implemented in Streamlit at https://dbl-gil.streamlitapp.com.
Sudden cardiac death after heart transplantation: a population-based study
Authors: Bonnet Guillaume , Coutance Guillaume , Aubert Olivier , Waldmann Victor , Raynaud Marc , Asselin Anouk , Bories Marie-Cécile , Guillemain Romain , Bruneval Patrick , Varnous Shaida , Leprince Pascal , Achouch Paul , Marijon Eloi , Loupy Alexandre , Jouven Xavier 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Aims
The epidemiology of sudden cardiac death (SCD) after heart transplantation (HTx) remains imprecisely described. We aimed to assess the incidence and determinants of SCD in a large cohort of HTx recipients, compared with the general population.

Methods and results
Consecutive HTx recipients (n = 1246, 2 centres) transplanted between 2004 and 2016 were included. We prospectively assessed clinical, biological, pathologic, and functional parameters. SCD was centrally adjudicated. We compared the SCD incidence beyond the first year post-transplant in this cohort with that observed in the general population of the same geographic area (registry carried out by the same group of investigators; n = 19 706 SCD). We performed a competing risk multivariate Cox model to identify variables associated with SCD. The annual incidence of SCD was 12.5 per 1,000 person-years [95% confidence interval (CI), 9.7–15.9] in the HTx recipients cohort compared with 0.54 per 1,000 person-years (95% CI, 0.53–0.55) in the general population (P &lt; 0.001). The risk of SCD was markedly elevated among the youngest HTx recipients with standardized mortality ratios for SCD up to 837 for recipients ≤30 years. Beyond the first year, SCD was the leading cause of death. Five variables were independently associated with SCD: older donor age (P = 0.003), younger recipient age (P = 0.001) and ethnicity (P = 0.034), pre-existing donor-specific antibodies (P = 0.009), and last left ventricular ejection fraction (P = 0.048).

Conclusion
HTx recipients, particularly the youngest, were at very high risk of SCD compared with the general population. The consideration of specific risk factors may help identify high-risk subgroups.
Anelastic response of the Earth's crust underneath the Canary Islands revealed from ocean tide loading observations
Authors: Arnoso Jose , Bos Machiel S , Benavent Maite , Penna Nigel T , Sainz-Maza Sergio 
Published: May 2023

SUMMARY
We report on the analysis of M2 ocean tide loading (OTL) kinematic GPS vertical displacement and tidal gravity measurements using 26 GPS and four gravimetric sites across the Canary Islands archipelago. In this region, the standard deviation among recent ocean tide models is lower than 0.4 cm in amplitude and 0.3° in phase, which are suitably accurate for displacement modelling. However, for gravity we need to model regional ocean tides to achieve enough accuracy in the loading calculations. Particularly, this study improves the predicted OTL gravity variations when global ocean models are replaced with the regional model CIAM2 which assimilates local tide gauge data. These small ocean tide model errors allow us to use the differences between observed and predicted OTL values to study the elastic and anelastic properties of the solid Earth around the Canary Islands. In the prediction of OTL, we first used the recent elastic STW105 and S362ANI seismic models, obtaining average observed minus predicted residuals of 1.2–1.3 mm for vertical displacement and 3 nm s−2 for gravity. After the STW105 and S362ANI models were adjusted for anelasticity, by considering a constant quality factor Q at periods ranging from 1 s to 12.42 hr, the average misfit between observations and predicted OTL values reduced to 0.7–0.8 mm for vertical displacement and to 1 nm s−2 for gravity. However, the average vertical displacement misfit is made up from site misfits less than 0.5 mm in western islands but for the easternmost islands of Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, they still reach up to nearly 2 mm at some sites, which still exceeds the uncertainty in the GPS observations. It is hypothesized that mantle upwelling underneath the Canary Islands, creating spatial variations in the elastic properties, causes the large residuals observed in the eastern islands. We reduced the shear modulus by up to 35 per cent in the upper mantle layer of 24.4–220 km depth. This produced residual observed minus model differences of about 0.7 mm for the sites on Lanzarote and Fuerteventura, comparable to the results obtained for the GPS sites across the rest of the archipelago, whose residuals in turn were also slightly reduced through the VS velocity and shear modulus reductions (by 0.2 mm on average).
Role of fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography in selecting candidates for a minimally invasive approach for thymic epithelial tumour resection
Authors: Akamine Takaki , Nakagawa Kazuo , Ito Kimiteru , Watanabe Hirokazu , Yotsukura Masaya , Yoshida Yukihiro , Yatabe Yasushi , Kusumoto Masahiko , Watanabe Shun-Ichi 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
We evaluated the potential of preoperative fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography to predict invasive thymic epithelial tumours in patients with computed tomography-defined clinical stage I thymic epithelial tumours ≤5 cm in size who are generally considered to be candidates for minimally invasive approaches.

METHODS
From January 2012 to July 2022, we retrospectively analysed patients who exhibited tumour-node-metastasis (TNM) clinical stage I thymic epithelial tumours with lesion sizes ≤5 cm as determined by computed tomography. All patients underwent fluorine-18-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography preoperatively. We analysed the association of maximum standardized uptake values with both the World Health Organization histological classification and the TNM staging classification.

RESULTS
A total of 107 patients with thymic epithelial tumours (thymomas, 91; thymic carcinomas, 14; carcinoids, 2) were evaluated. Nine patients (8.4%) were pathologically upstaged: TNM pathological stage II in 3 (2.8%), III in 4 (3.7%) and IV in 2 (1.9%). Among these 9 upstaged patients, 5 had thymic carcinoma with stage III/IV, 3 had type B2/B3 thymoma with stage II/III and 1 had type B1 thymoma with stage II. Maximum standardized uptake values were a predictive factor that distinguished pathological stage &gt;I thymic epithelial tumours from pathological stage I [best cut-off value, 4.2; area under the curve = 0.820] and thymic carcinomas from other thymic tumours (best cut-off value, 4.5; area under the curve = 0.882).

CONCLUSIONS
Thoracic surgeons should carefully determine the surgical approach for high fluorodeoxyglucose-uptake thymic epithelial tumours and keep in mind the issues associated with thymic carcinoma and potential combined resections of neighbouring structures.
Mitral repair versus replacement: 20-year outcome trends in the UK (2000–2019)
Authors: Al-Zubaidi Fadi , Pufulete Maria , Sinha Shubhra , Kendall Simon , Moorjani Narain , Caputo Massimo , Angelini Gianni D , Vohra Hunaid A 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Using a large national database, we sought to describe outcome trends in mitral valve surgery between 2000 and 2019.

METHODS
The study cohort was split into mitral valve repair (MVr) or replacement, including all patients regardless of concomitant procedures. Patients were grouped by four-year admission periods into groups (A to E). The primary outcome was in hospital mortality and secondary outcomes were return to theatre, postoperative stroke and postoperative length of stay. We investigated trends over time in patient demographics, comorbidities, intraoperative characteristics and postoperative outcomes. We used a multivariable binary logistic regression model to assess the relationship between mortality and time. Cohorts were further stratified by sex and aetiology.

RESULTS
Of the 63 000 patients in the study cohort, 31 644 had an MVr and 31 356 had a replacement. Significant demographic shifts were observed. Aetiology has shifted towards degenerative disease; endocarditis rates in MVr dropped initially but are now rising (period A = 6%, period C = 4%, period E = 6%; P &lt; 0.001). The burden of comorbidities has increased over time. In the latest time period, women had lower repair rates (49% vs 67%, P &lt; 0.001) and higher mortality rates when undergoing repair (3% vs 2%, P = 0.001) than men. Unadjusted postoperative mortality dropped in MVr (5% vs 2%, P &lt; 0.001) and replacement (9% vs 7%, P = 0.015). Secondary outcomes have improved. Time period was an independent predictor for reduced mortality in both repair (odds ratio: 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.28–0.61, P &lt; 0.001) and replacement (odds ratio: 0.50, 95% confidence interval: 0.41–0.61, P &lt; 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS
In-hospital mortality has dropped significantly over time for mitral valve surgery in the UK. MVr has become the more common procedure. Sex-based discrepancies in repair rates and mortality require further investigation. Endocarditis rates in MVS are rising.
On the Center Conjecture for the Cyclotomic KLR Algebras
Authors: Hu Jun , Lin Huang 
Published: May 2023

Abstract
The center conjecture for the cyclotomic KLR algebras $\mathscr{R}_{\beta }^{\Lambda }$ asserts that the center of $\mathscr{R}_{\beta }^{\Lambda }$ consists of symmetric elements in its KLR $x$ and $e(\nu )$ generators. In this paper, we show that this conjecture is equivalent to the injectivity of some natural map $\overline{\iota }_{\beta }^{\Lambda ,i}$ from the cocenter of $\mathscr{R}_{\beta }^{\Lambda }$ to the cocenter of $\mathscr{R}_{\beta }^{\Lambda +\Lambda _{i}}$ for all $i\in I$ and $\Lambda \in P^{+}$. We prove that the map $\overline{\iota }_{\beta }^{\Lambda ,i}$ is given by multiplication with a center element $z(i,\beta )\in \mathscr{R}_{\beta }^{\Lambda +\Lambda _{i}}$ and we explicitly calculate the element $z(i,\beta )$ in terms of the KLR $x$ and $e(\nu )$ generators. We present explicit monomial bases for certain bi-weight spaces of the defining ideal of $\mathscr{R}_{\beta }^{\Lambda }$. For $\beta =\sum _{j=1}^{n}\alpha _{i_{j}}$ with $\alpha _{i_{1}},\cdots , \alpha _{i_{n}}$ pairwise distinct, we construct an explicit monomial basis of $\mathscr{R}_{\beta }^{\Lambda }$, prove the map $\overline{\iota }_{\beta }^{\Lambda ,i}$ is injective, and thus verify the center conjecture for these $\mathscr{R}_{\beta }^{\Lambda }$.
(002) The Effects of Vaginal Testosterone versus Placebo on Female Sexual Function: Interim Analysis of the PIVoT Trial (Prevention of Recurrent Urinary Tract Infection using Vaginal Testosterone)
Authors: Martinez M , Sandozi A , Vafina L , Kaplan-marans E , Lee J , Khurgin J , Lee A , Polland A 
Published: May 2023

Abstract

Introduction
Post-menopasual women experience changes in vaginal flora and vaginal atrophy that have been associated with declining estrogen levels. These changes to the vaginal microenvironment often lead to significant genital pain and discomfort during sexual intercourse. Vaginal estrogen treats atrophy thereby restoring flora, which prevents UTIs and improves sexual function in post-menopausal women. While estrogen is effective, some patients have contraindications or are unwilling to use it. Vaginal testosterone cream (VT) has been shown to improve vaginal atrophy, however, its effects on overall vaginal health and sexual function have not been fully described.

Objective
The purpose of this study was to determine if VT is more effective than placebo cream in restoring the vaginal flora, improving the vaginal health index (VHI), and the sexual function of postmenopausal women with recurrent UTIs.

Methods
This is an interim analysis of a randomized, double- blind placebo-controlled pilot study enrolling postmenopausal women with recurrent UTIs. Vaginal health index (VHI) and swab to assess flora via DNA sequencing were collected. Patients were randomized to VT or placebo. Female sexual function index (FSFI) questionnaires were administered at baseline, one month, and nine months post treatment.

Results
A total of 44 women have been enrolled. Average VHI at enrollment was 13.66 +/− 0.4. There was no difference in baseline characteristics among the groups. Results show an improvement in female sexual function index scores in both groups from baseline. In the VT arm, improvements were seen in the desire (2.18 to 2.85), lubrication (1.74 to 2.175), orgasm (1.64 to 2.5) and pain (0.91 to 1.3) domains of the FSFI. Interestingly, improvements in all domains were seen in the placebo group, however, more patients in this group reported being sexually active. In terms of VHI, there was a statistically significant increase in VHI scores at 9 months post-treatment with VT (14.65 +/−4.20 to 17.50 +/− 4.43, p = 0.04). This increase in vaginal health index was not observed in the placebo arm.

Conclusions
Initial data demonstrates improvement in vaginal pH and VHI after 9 months of treatment with VT. Improvement in sexual function scores were also seen in both the treatment and the placebo groups. Higher patient enrollment and longer treatment follow up will be valuable in understanding the effects of VT versus placebo on sexual function among postmenopausal women.

Disclosure
No