Ab initio probing of the electronic band structure and Fermi surface of fluorine-doped WO3 as a novel low-TC superconductor

First-principles calculations were performed to investigate the electronic structure and the Fermi surface of the newly discovered low-temperature superconductor: fluorine-doped WO3. We find that F doping provides the transition of the insulating tungsten trioxide into a metallic-like phase WO3-xFx, where the near-Fermi states are formed mainly from W 5d with admixture of O 2p orbitals. The cooperative effect of fluorine additives in WO3 consists in change of electronic concentration as well as the lattice constant. At probing their influence on the near-Fermi states separately, the dominant role of the electronic factor for the transition of tungsten oxyfluoride into superconducting state was established. The volume of the Fermi surface gradually increases with the increase of the doping. In the sequence WO3 \rightarrow WO2.5F0.5 the effective atomic charges of W and O ions decrease, but much less, than it is predicted within the idealized ionic model - owing to presence of the covalent interactions W-O and W-F.Comment: 8 pages, 4 figure

Validation of a new optical diagnosis training module to improve dysplasia characterization in inflammatory bowel disease: a multicenter international study

Background and Aims: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) increases risk of dysplasia and colorectal cancer. Advanced endoscopic techniques allow for the detection and characterization of IBD dysplastic lesions, but specialized training is not widely available. We aimed to develop and validate an online training platform to improve the detection and characterization of colonic lesions in IBD: OPtical diagnosis Training to Improve dysplasia Characterization in Inflammatory Bowel Disease (OPTIC-IBD). Methods: We designed a web-based learning module that includes surveillance principles, optical diagnostic methods, approach to characterization, and classifications of colonic lesions using still images and videos. We invited gastroenterologists from Canada, Italy, and the United Kingdom with a wide range of experience. Participants reviewed 24 educational videos of IBD colonic lesions, predicted histology, and rated their confidence. The primary endpoint was to improve accuracy in detecting dysplastic lesions after training on the platform. Furthermore, participants were randomized 1:1 to get additional training or not, with a final assessment occurring after 60 days. Diagnostic performance for dysplasia and rater confidence were measured. Results: A total of 117 participants completed the study and were assessed for the primary endpoint. Diagnostic accuracy improved from 70.8% to 75.0% (P = .002) after training, with the greatest improvements seen in less experienced endoscopists. Improvements in both accuracy and confidence were sustained after 2 months of assessment, although the group randomized to receive additional training did not improve further. Similarly, participants’ confidence in characterizing lesions significantly improved between before and after the course (P < .001), and it was sustained after 2 months of assessment. Conclusions: The OPTIC-IBD training module demonstrated that an online platform could improve participants’ accuracy and confidence in the optical diagnosis of dysplasia in patients with IBD. The training platform can be widely available and improve endoscopic care for people with IBD

Biologic and targeted synthetic DMARD safety in inflammatory arthritis: British Society for Rheumatology guideline scope

\ua9 The Author(s) 2025. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the British Society for Rheumatology. This guideline will provide up-to-date and evidence-based recommendations for the safe use of biologic and targeted synthetic DMARDs in individuals with inflammatory arthritis (IA) across the life course. Important updates from the 2019 iteration of this guideline will include the incorporation of newer pharmacotherapies (such as Janus kinase inhibitors) and an extension of the target clinical population to cover children and young people with IA. The guideline will be updated and produced in accordance with the British Society for Rheumatology protocol for developing clinical guidelines, updated 2023

The effect of intermolecular forces on diffusion in polymers

is proposed that since correlation function integral equation theories capture polymer-penetrant coupling effects the overall diffusion equation requires the simultaneous solution of a correlation function based polymer diffusion equation with only a random motion equation for the penetrant. It is demonstrated that a correlation function based theory is able to incorporate the mechanistic essence of both molecular models and free-volume theories whilst providing the possibility of interpretation of phenomenology at a more detailed level. The permeation of small molecules through polymer materials has been investigated both experimentally and theoretically. Experimentally the permeation of species from a Br sub 2 containing electrolyte through HDPE, LLDPE and PVDF has been examined using novel permeation cells. The effect of polymer and penetrant properties and environmental variables are discussed in conjunction with analyses of observed structural and dynamic features. Penetrant-induced changes such as crystal densification and activation of motional modes may enhance or hinder macromolecular mobility and therefore the solubility level and diffusion rate. Penetrant chemical potential and temperature dependencies are discussed in terms of the inter- and intramolecular interactions whilst investigation of the distance dependence reveals the importance of structural features at large lengthscales. Theoretically, integral equation theories describing hard-sphere chain correlation functions have been used to describe the polymer, and states corresponding to penetrant-free and penetrant saturated systems determined. Dynamic evolution between these two states has been achieved via hybrid Monte Carlo, the simulated dynamics representing the dynamic evolution of polyethylene exposed to a hypothetical, inert CH sub 2. It is determined that the diffusion process in polymers is primarily dependent upon the system topology with the penetrant chemical potential forming a boundary condition for diffusive behaviour. I