bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Keepin' It Real With Relationships: Cultural Humility and Therapeutic Relationships With Culturally/Linguistically Diverse Students
Authors: Scott R. Danielle
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

There is a significant racial, ethnic, and linguistic gap in professional representation in the field of speech-language pathology as compared to the rapidly diversifying special education student population, and this incongruence could have implications for the therapeutic relationship. The purpose of this article is to explore how school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) describe and define facilitating and impeding factors for establishing therapeutic relationships with culturally and linguistically diverse (CLD) students.

Method:

In this qualitative descriptive study, 17 school-based SLPs completed individual semistructured interviews. To enhance the trustworthiness of the study, six interview participants engaged in two member-checking focus groups, voting on the extent to which they agreed with the themes, and expanded on those themes with examples. A hybrid inductive–deductive thematic analysis was used to analyze the interview and focus group data.

Results:

Sixteen of the 17 school-based speech-language pathology participants represent racially/ethnically marginalized backgrounds; therefore, results are influenced by their lived experiences. Three themes emerged describing the nature of therapeutic relationships: critical components of therapeutic relationships, the strength of therapeutic relationships, and the therapeutic relationship as empowerment for CLD students. Four themes emerged to describe the factors facilitating and impeding therapeutic relationships: most valuable personality traits for SLPs, critical demand for speech-language pathology education, lacking cultural humility and rapport, and fostering relationships with cultural humility and rapport.

Conclusions:

School-based SLPs build and maintain therapeutic relationships with CLD students with cultural humility and rapport. Clinical and institutional implications are discussed.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.26824960
Effectiveness of an Educational Seminar for Older Adults With Hearing Loss
Authors: Gaeta Laura , Ahlquist Julia
Published: September 2024

Purpose:

Despite the recognized benefits of aural rehabilitation (AR), its adoption has been limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of group AR through an educational seminar for older adults with hearing loss, “Optimal Hearing,” evaluating the application of various patient-reported outcome measures.

Method:

Participants were older adults with hearing loss. The seminar covered content such as hearing loss and aging, audiogram interpretation, clear speech, lipreading, and hearing aids. Small group activities for personalized instruction also included: the Client Oriented Scale of Improvement (COSI), Communication Confidence Profile (CCP), and, a study-specific measure, the Optimum Hearing Questionnaire (OHQ).

Results:

Participants experienced significant improvements in various areas measured by the COSI. The CCP showed significant change in one item (confidence while conversing with friends in a noisy restaurant), while several items on the OHQ indicated significant changes postintervention.

Conclusion:

The findings suggest the potential clinical utility of these measures in group AR settings and the importance of individualized goal setting.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.26824111
Ageing and dynamics of the tailed radio galaxies in Abell 2142
Authors: Bruno L. , Venturi T. , Dallacasa D. , Brienza M. , Ignesti A. , Brunetti G. , Riseley C. J. , Rossetti M. , Gastaldello F. , Botteon A. , Rudnick L. , van Weeren R. J. , Shulevski A. , Lal D. V.
Published: September 2024

Context. Tailed radio galaxies are shaped by ram pressure that is due to the high-velocity motion of their host through the intracluster medium (ICM). Recent works have reported on the increasing complexity of the phenomenology of tailed galaxies, with departures from theoretical ageing models and novel evidence of re-energising mechanisms that are nonetheless unclear.

Aims. The nearby (z = 0.0894) galaxy cluster Abell 2142 hosts two tailed galaxies, namely T1 and T2, which exhibit peculiar morphological features. We aim to investigate the properties of T1 and T2 and constrain their spectral evolution, dynamics, and interactions with the ICM.

Methods. We combined data from LOw Frequency Array (LOFAR), upgraded Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (uGMRT), Very Large Array (VLA), and MeerKAT (from 30 MHz to 6.5 GHz) to carry out a detailed spectral analysis of T1 and T2. We analysed the surface brightness profiles, measured integrated and spatially resolved spectral indices. We performed a comparison with single injection ageing models. The Chandra X-ray data were used to search for discontinuities in the ICM properties in the direction of the targets.

Results. The spectral properties of T1 at low frequencies can be predicted by ageing models and provide constraints on the 3D dynamics of the host by assuming a constant velocity. However, a more complex scenario is suggested by the sharp transitions along sub-regions of the tail, local surface brightness enhancements, and a spectral shape at high frequencies that is not predicted by any of the models. This scenario may plausibly involve hydrodynamical instabilities and particle mixing. T2 exhibits unusual morphological and surface brightness features, and its spectral behaviour is not predicted by standard models. The effects of two active galactic nucleus (AGN) outburst events during the infall of T2 towards the cluster centre could potentially explain its characteristic properties.
Comprendre les dynamiques interdisciplinaires des communautés épistémiques à l’interface entre natures et sociétés : une étude comparative de l’Économie écologique, de la Résilience des systèmes sociaux et écologiques et de la Political Ecology
Authors: Arnauld de Sartre Xavier , Bousquet François , Petit Olivier , Vivien Franck-Dominique
Published: September 2024

À partir des années 1970, plusieurs groupes de chercheurs, dont ceux qui fondèrent la revue Natures Sciences Sociétés, ont eu l’idée qu’il était nécessaire, pour répondre à la question environnementale, de dépasser les frontières disciplinaires. Nous proposons de comparer ici trois de ces communautés interdisciplinaires que nous qualifions de communautés épistémiques – l’Économie écologique, la Résilience des systèmes sociaux et écologiques, et la Political Ecology –, en présentant leurs trajectoires, les dispositifs qui les structurent et l’appréhension de leur diversité interne. Nous montrons que, si toutes les trois suivent plus ou moins la même temporalité, elles partagent le même diagnostic sur la nature de la crise environnementale mais appréhendent différemment les débats internes quant aux moyens de résoudre cette crise. Nos analyses montrent différentes manières de faire de l’interdisciplinarité : la Résilience des systèmes sociaux et écologiques constitue une forme de communauté épistémique à la fois souple et structurée, quand la Political Ecology est traversée de questions sur l’utilité même de la science et son rapport au politique et à la critique. L’Économie écologique paraît pour sa part tiraillée entre plusieurs courants, qui se distinguent selon leur rapport à l’orthodoxie économique.
Der Stellenwert von Zertifizierungen und Zentren für Patienten bei
der Wahl des Krankenhauses – Ergebnisse einer Patientenbefragung
Authors: Berger Felix , Werner Jens , Matterne Uwe , Apfelbacher Christian , Schlitt Hans Jürgen , Hornung Matthias
Published: September 2024

Zielsetzung Erhebung der Faktoren, welche für Patienten Krankenhauswahl
wichtig sind, des Stellenwerts von Zertifizierungen und Zentren dabei und des
Wissensstands über ebendiese.

Methodik 2019 wurden 268 Patienten befragt. Eine deskriptive statistische
Auswertung sowie univariate und multivariate Tests wurden durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse 50,0% der Befragten gaben an, dass ihnen Zertifizierung und
Zentren bei der Krankenhauswahl wichtig sind. Im Vergleich zu anderen Faktoren,
die zur Krankenhauswahl führten, bewerteten 68% Zertifizierungen und Zentren als
eher wichtig. Nur 7,5% der Patienten konnten ein zertifiziertes Zentrum ihrer
Station korrekt benennen.

Schlussfolgerung Zertifizierungen und Zentren sind für Patienten wichtig,
aber nicht so wichtig wie beispielsweise die eigene Erfahrung. Bei einer
Wissensabfrage war das spezifische Wissen über die Zertifizierungen und Zentren
gering.
Prädiktoren für die Folgen eines Schlaganfalls: eine systematische
Literaturübersicht für GKV-Routinedatenanalysen
Authors: Aufenberg Birthe , Düvel Juliane , Morthorst Pia , Greiner Wolfgang
Published: September 2024

Zielsetzung Ermittlung unabhängiger Variablen (UVs) des
Schlaganfallrezidivs, der Mortalität und der Kosten nach Schlaganfall oder
transitorisch-ischämischer Attacke, abbildbar in Routinedaten der Gesetzlichen
Krankenversicherung.

Methodik Durchführung einer systematischen Literaturrecherche in PubMed
und Embase unter Anwendung festgelegter Auswahlkriterien.

Ergebnisse Von 1 982 Treffern wurden 23 eingeschlossen. Robuste UVs für
Rezidiv und Mortalität waren Alter, Schlaganfalltyp, Diabetes mellitus und
Vorhofflimmern. Bei Mortalität waren zudem Geschlecht, stationärer
Aufnahmezeitpunkt und Stroke Unit-Behandlung relevant. Für Kosten war die
Evidenzlage zu gering.

Schlussfolgerung Eine Übersicht zu UVs des Rezidivs und der Mortalität
wurde gegeben. Folgestudien sollten einheitliche Ansätze hinsichtlich
Schlaganfall- und Outcomedefinitionen sowie Evaluationszeiträumen wählen.
Pathophysiology of Hyponatremia in Preterm Infants with Relative Adrenal Insufficiency after the Early Neonatal Period
Authors: Akita Mitsuyo , Tomotaki Seiichi , Hanaoka Shintaro , Araki Ryosuke , Motokura Kouji , Tomobe Yutaro , Tomotaki Hiroko , Iwanaga Kougoro , Takita Junko , Kawai Masahiko
Published: September 2024

Objective Preterm infants often develop relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) not only within the early neonatal period but also beyond this period. RAI is commonly accompanied by hyponatremia, but the pathogenesis of hyponatremia with RAI has not been clarified. This study aimed to investigate the pathophysiology of hyponatremia in infants with RAI.

Study Design This is a single-centered retrospective cohort study. Preterm infants born at <30 weeks of gestation or birth weight <1,000 g were enrolled. They were divided into the RAI group and the non-RAI group. The data of serum and urine examination, the amount of sodium intake, and fractional excretion of sodium (FENa) were compared between the two groups. In the RAI group, data before and after the administration of hydrocortisone were also compared.

Results Sixteen infants in the RAI group and 35 infants in the non-RAI group were included in the analysis. In the RAI group, hyponatremia was common and preceded other clinical symptoms, such as oliguria and decreased blood pressure, therefore, hyponatremia with RAI was not likely to be caused by dilution due to oliguria. There was no difference in the FENa between the two groups (adjusted for postconceptional age at examination), therefore, it is not likely that hyponatremia with RAI was mainly caused by excessive renal sodium loss. Since sodium intake was rather higher in the RAI group than in the non-RAI group, it is unlikely that insufficient sodium supplementation was the cause of RAI. Hyponatremia with RAI was considered to be likely caused by vascular hyperpermeability.

Conclusion Hyponatremia is a common symptom among preterm infants with RAI and its pathogenesis can be vascular hyperpermeability.

Key Points
First-Trimester Cell-Free DNA Fetal Fraction and Birth Weight in Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Siegel Molly R. , James Kaitlyn , Bromley Bryann , Koelper Nathanael C. , Chasen Stephen T. , Griffin Laurie , Roman Ashley S. , Limaye Meghana , Ranzini Angela , Clifford Caitlin , Biggio Joseph R. , Subramaniam Akila , Seasely Angela R. , Page Jessica M. , Nicholas Sara S. , Idler Jay , Rao Rashmi , Shree Raj , McLennan Graham , Dugoff Lorraine ,   on behalf of the Twin cfDNA Study Consortium
Published: September 2024

Objective The relationship between fetal fraction and birth weight in twin gestations is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between first-trimester cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fetal fraction and birth weight <10th percentile in twin gestations.

Study Design This is a planned secondary analysis of the Twin cfDNA Study, a 17-center retrospective cohort of twin pregnancies screened for aneuploidy using cfDNA in the first trimester from December 2011 to February 2022, excluding those with positive screen results for chromosomal aneuploidy. cfDNA testing was performed by a single laboratory using massively parallel sequencing. Baseline characteristics and birth weight of pregnancies with normal fetal fraction were compared with those with low (<5%) and high (>95%) fetal fraction using univariable analyses and multivariable regression.

Results A total of 1,041 twin pregnancies were included. Chronic hypertension, elevated body mass index, and self-identified Black race were associated with fetal fraction <5th percentile. There was no difference in median fetal fraction between those with birth weight <10th percentile in at least one twin (median [interquartile range (IQR)] fetal fraction: 12.2% [9.8, 14.8] vs. those with normal birth weight (≥10th percentile) in both twins (median [IQR] fetal fraction: 12.3% [9.7, 15.2] for normal birth weight, p = 0.49). There was no association between high or low fetal fraction and birth weight <10th percentile for one (p = 0.45) or both (p = 0.81) twins, and there was no association between high or low fetal fraction and birth weight <5th percentile for one (p = 0.44) or both (p = 0.74) twins. The results were unchanged after adjustment for potential confounders.

Conclusion In this large cohort, there was no association between the extremes of cfDNA fetal fraction and birth weight <10th percentile, suggesting that first-trimester fetal fraction may not predict impaired fetal growth in twin gestations.

Key Points
Obstetrical Management of Severe Hypertriglyceridemia in Pregnancy: A Case Report
Authors: Madden Nigel , Kamal Nevin , Friedman Jared , Freaney Priya , Gerber Susan E. , Szmuilowicz Emily D.
Published: September 2024

Background Pregnant people with baseline hypertriglyceridemia are at increased risk of severe hypertriglyceridemia and the associated complications, yet there are no formal recommendations to guide management of these patients during pregnancy.

Case We report a case of a patient with presumed familial hypertriglyceridemia who was taken off triglyceride-lowering medications preconception and developed acute pancreatitis at 23 weeks of gestation. She was managed with a very-low-fat diet, exercise, fenofibrate, omega-3-fatty acids, pravastatin, insulin infusion, and plasmapheresis. She delivered at 33 weeks of gestation after presenting with a placental abruption and subcapsular liver hematoma associated with HELLP (hemolysis, elevated liver enzyme levels, and low platelet) syndrome.

Conclusion While rare in pregnancy, severe hypertriglyceridemia is associated with serious maternal risks. Preconception and antepartum obstetric management should incorporate shared decision-making considering both the potential fetal risks of treatment and the objective maternal risks of untreated disease.
Mepacrine Flow Cytometry Assay for the Diagnosis of Platelet δ-granule Defects: Literature Review on Methods—Towards a Shared Detailed Protocol
Authors: Khourssaji Mehdi , Bareille Marion , Alberio Lorenzo , Borgel Delphine , Fouassier Marc , Béné Marie-Christine , Lecompte Thomas , Mullier François
Published: September 2024

Accurate assessment of platelet secretion is essential for the diagnosis of inherited or acquired platelet function disorders and more specifically in identifying δ-storage pool disease. Mepacrine, a fluorescent dye, specifically accumulates in platelet δ-granules. The mepacrine flow cytometry (mepacrine FCM) assay has been used for more than half a century in the clinical laboratory as a diagnostic tool for platelet δ-granule disorders. The assay requires a small volume of blood, can be performed in thrombocytopenic patients, provides rapid assessment of δ-granule content and secretion, and, thus, enables differentiation between storage and release defects. There is however a broad heterogeneity in methods, reagents, and equipment used. Lack of standardization and limited data on analytical and clinical performances have led the 2022 ISTH SSC (International Society on Thrombosis and Haemostasis Scientific and Standardization Committee) Subcommittee on Platelet Physiology expert consensus to rate this assay as simple but of uncertain value. Yet, the data used by experts to formulate the recommendations were not discussed and even not mentioned. Guidance for laboratory studies of platelet secretion assay would be very helpful for clinical laboratories and health authorities especially considering the implications of the new In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation in Europe. The purpose of the present work was to review the reported methodologies for the mepacrine FCM assay and to offer an example of detailed protocol. This would help standardization and pave the way for more rigorous comparative studies.
Does Resurfacing the Patella Increase the Risk of Extensor Mechanism Injury within the First 2 Years after Total Knee Arthroplasty?
Authors: DeMik David E. , Lizcano Juan D. , Jimenez Emily , Mullen Kyle J. , Lonner Jess H. , Krueger Chad A.
Published: September 2024

Extensor mechanism injury (EMI) following total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a potentially catastrophic complication and may lead to significant morbidity or need for revision reconstructive procedures. Patellar resurfacing (PR), while commonly performed during TKA, reduces overall patella bone stock and may increase the risk of EMI after TKA. The purpose of this study was to assess if PR in elderly patients raises the risk for subsequent EMI.

The American Joint Replacement Registry (AJRR) was queried to identify Medicare patients ≥65 years old undergoing primary elective TKA for osteoarthritis between January 2012 and March 2020. Patient age, sex, and Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) were collected. Records were subsequently merged with Medicare claims records and evaluated for the occurrence of patella fracture, quadriceps tendon rupture, or patellar tendon rupture based on International Classification of Diseases 9 and 10 (ICD 9/10) diagnosis codes within 2 years of TKA. Patients were stratified based on whether PR occurred or not (NR). Logistic regression was used to determine the association between PR and EMI.

A total of 453,828 TKA were eligible for inclusion and 428,644 (94.45%) underwent PR. The incidence of PR decreased from 96.06% in 2012 to 92.35% in 2022 (p < 0.001). Patients undergoing PR were more often female (60.93 vs. 58.50%, p < 0.001) and had a lower mean CCI (3.09 [1.10] vs. 3.16 [1.20], p < 0.001). Odds for EMI did not differ based on whether PR was performed (odds ratio [OR]: 0.85, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.65–1.11, p = 0.2246). Increasing age (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 1.05–1.07, p < 0.0001]) and CCI (OR: 1.06, 95% CI: 0.95–1.19, p = 0.0009) were associated with EMI.

PR is commonly performed during TKA in the United States and was not found to increase odds for EMI within 2 years of TKA in patients ≥65 years old. Increased age and medical comorbidity were associated with higher odds for subsequent EMI.
Anatomy of Inferior Temporal Arteries in Relation to Middle Cranial Fossa Structures: A Postmortem Computed Tomography Angiography Study
Authors: Bubenikova Adela , Giammattei Lorenzo , Bruguier Christine , Dunet Vincent , Starnoni Daniele , Gonzalez-Lopez Pablo , George Mercy , Peters David , Cossu Giulia , Benes Vladimir , Messerer Mahmoud , Magnin Virginie , Grabherr Silke , Daniel Roy Thomas
Published: September 2024

Objective The inferior temporal arteries (ITAs), branches of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA), are critical vascular structures encountered during subtemporal surgical approaches. Anatomical data based on multiphase postmortem computed tomography angiography (MPMCTA) are provided as a tool for preoperative surgical planning to lower the risk of ITA injury.

Methods Adult (≥18 years) cases that underwent MPMCTA during 2015 to 2023 and whose cause of death did not involve the cerebral circulation were included in the study. Standardized measurements on four predefined coronal slices in relation to the posterior clinoid process (PCP) were established with references to projections in axial and sagittal planes. The main aim was to assess the presence, width, and course of anterior ITA (AITA), middle ITA (MITA), and posterior (PITA) particularly within the individual established quadrants of the middle cranial fossa.

Results A total of 74 hemispheres were studied among 37 patients with the mean age of 52 ± 20.2 years. PITA was present in 98.7% of studied hemispheres, followed by MITA in 90.7% and AITA in 89.2%. The course of PITA was straight (65.8%) or oblique (34.3%), with significant difference in mean width (p = 0.050), branching angle (p < 0.001), distance to tentorial hiatus (p < 0.001), and superior petrosal sinus (p < 0.001). A pattern of PITA loop was defined as a twisting of its course within the collateral sulcus. Significant relationship between the presence of AITA and MITA (p < 0.001) along with the co-presence of AITA and PITA (p = 0.029) was found.

Conclusion Knowledge of ITA characteristics and their relationship to surrounding anatomical structures is vital in subtemporal neurosurgical interventions. Preoperative inspection of the collateral sulcus and its relation to the surgical trajectory is critical to prevent PITA injury.
Developing PRISM: A Pragmatic Institutional Survey and Bench Marking Tool to Measure Digital Research Maturity of Cancer Centers
Authors: Albiñana Carlos Berenguer , Pallocca Matteo , Fenton Hayley , Sopwith Will , Eden Charlie Van , Akre Olof , Auranen Annika , Bocquet François , Borges Marina , Calvo Emiliano , Corkett John , Di Cosimo Serena , Gentili Nicola , Guérin Julien , Jor Sissel , Kazda Tomas , Kolar Alenka , Kuschel Tim , Lostes Maria Julia , Paratore Chiara , Pedrazzoli Paolo , Petrovic Marko , Raid Jarno , Roche Miriam , Schatz Christoph , Thonnard Joelle , Tonon Giovanni , Traverso Alberto , Wolf Andrea , Zedan Ahmed H. , Mahon Piers
Published: September 2024

Background Multicenter precision oncology real-world evidence requires a substantial long-term investment by hospitals to prepare their data and align on common Clinical Research processes and medical definitions. Our team has developed a self-assessment framework to support hospitals and hospital networks to measure their digital maturity and better plan and coordinate those investments. From that framework, we developed PRISM for Cancer Outcomes: PRagmatic Institutional Survey and benchMarking.

Objectives The primary objective was to develop PRISM as a tool for self-assessment of digital maturity in oncology hospitals and research networks; a secondary objective was to create an initial benchmarking cohort of >25 hospitals using the tool as input for future development.

Methods PRISM is a 25-question semiquantitative self-assessment survey developed iteratively from expert knowledge in oncology real-world study delivery. It covers four digital maturity dimensions: (1) Precision oncology, (2) Clinical digital data, (3) Routine outcomes, and (4) Information governance and delivery. These reflect the four main data types and critical enablers for precision oncology research from routine electronic health records.

Results During piloting with 26 hospitals from 19 European countries, PRISM was found to be easy to use and its semiquantitative questions to be understood in a wide diversity of hospitals. Results within the initial benchmarking cohort aligned well with internal perspectives. We found statistically significant differences in digital maturity, with Precision oncology being the most mature dimension, and Information governance and delivery the least mature.

Conclusion PRISM is a light footprint benchmarking tool to support the planning of large-scale real-world research networks. It can be used to (i) help an individual hospital identify areas most in need of investment and improvement, (ii) help a network of hospitals identify sources of best practice and expertise, and (iii) help research networks plan research. With further testing, policymakers could use PRISM to better plan digital investments around the Cancer Mission and European Digital Health Space.
The synergetic effect of economic complexity and governance on quality of life: policy thresholds
Authors: Hassanein Eslam A. , Samak Nagwa , Abdelaziz Salwa
Published: September 2024

This study aims to bridge the empirical research gap in governance-modulating effects on the link between a country’s productive structure and individuals’ well-being. In doing so, this study utilizes the economic complexity index to quantify a country’s productive structure and the social progress index to measure quality of life. The empirical strategy relies on the system-GMM approach, covering 75 developing countries from 2011 to 2021. The following conclusions were drawn from the empirical analysis. (1) Economic complexity and governance consistently and unconditionally improve quality of life. (2) Governance substantially modulates economic complexity to enhance quality of life, generating an overall positive net effect. (3) The results remain robust and consistent across several GMM specifications, regardless of whether the six governance indicators compiled by the World Bank were clustered using principal component analysis into four categories (i.e., general, political, economic, and institutional) or used individually. (4) Of the six governance indicators, government effectiveness, the rule of law, and control of corruption were found to be particularly significant, as were economic and institutional governance. (5) An additional threshold analysis was implemented to identify the critical governance levels that further improve quality of life. The thresholds for complementary policies are then established as follows: 0.8435, 1.846, and 1.717 for government effectiveness, rule of law, and corruption control, respectively, and 5.59, 3.14, and 3.32 for general, institutional, and economic governance, respectively. Consequently, economic complexity and governance are necessary and sufficient to improve well-being below these thresholds. Complementary policies are, however, necessary to sustain the overall positive impact beyond these thresholds. The findings of this study provide insights into complementary policies for leveraging economic development to improve the well-being of developing countries.
A traveling surface acoustic wave-based micropiezoactuator: A tool for additive- and label-free cell lysis
Authors: Agarwalla Sushama , Singh Sunil Kumar , Duraiswamy Suhanya
Published: September 2024

We propose a traveling surface acoustic wave (TSAW)-based microfluidic method for cell lysis that enables lysis of any biological entity, without the need for additional additives. Lysis of cells in the sample solution flowing through a poly (dimethyl siloxane) microchannel is enabled by the interaction of cells with TSAWs propagated from gold interdigitated transducers (IDTs) patterned onto a LiNbO3 piezoelectric substrate, onto which the microchannel was also bonded. Numerical simulations to determine the wave propagation intensities with varying parameters including IDT design, supply voltage, and distance of the channel from the IDT were performed. Experiments were then used to validate the simulations and the best lysis parameters were used to maximize the nucleic acid/protein extraction efficiency (>95%) within few seconds. A comparative analysis of our method with traditional chemical, physical and thermal, as well as the current microfluidic methods for lysis demonstrates the superiority of our method. Our lysis strategy can hence be used independently and/or integrated with other nucleic acid-based technologies or point-of-care devices for the lysis of any pathogen (Gram positives and negatives), eukaryotic cells, and tissues at low voltage (3 V) and frequency (33.17 MHz), without the use of amplifiers.
Robust low-carbon scheduling optimization for energy hub amidst bilateral uncertainties in source-side and load-side conditions
Authors: Yi Tao , Wen Xin
Published: September 2024

In the era of burgeoning renewable integration, the shift toward low-carbon energy hubs is a pivotal developmental trajectory. Amidst this paradigm, the operational challenges posed by the inherent uncertainty of variable renewable sources, such as wind and solar power, alongside stochastic load fluctuations, must be reckoned with. Herein, we present an innovative, economically viable low-carbon operational strategy that embraces fuzzy opportunity constraints, thereby accommodating the dual-sided uncertainty impact on energy hubs. First, an advanced optimization framework is developed for an energy hub that holistically couples electricity, cooling, gas, and heat sectors. Leveraging energy conversion technologies, it amplifies the complementary interaction among diverse energy sources and implements an integrated demand response model to mitigate load variability. Subsequently, ladder-type carbon trading and green certificate trading mechanisms are incorporated, designed to pare down both carbon emissions and operational expenditures. Addressing the unpredictability of grid-connected wind and solar resources, the model introduces fuzzy chance constraints. These transform rigid deterministic system limitations into more flexible constraints encapsulating fuzzy variables and employing trapezoidal fuzzy parameters to elucidate their nature. The robustness and practical utility of the proposed model are substantiated through meticulous case analyses.
Ultra-stable gold nanoparticles based on N-heterocyclic carbene interfacial compound
Authors: Kim Kyung Ho , Kim Yejin , Seo Sung Eun , Park Chul Soon , Kim Jinyoung , Kim Yu Kyung , Kim Hyoung-il , Park Yoo Min , Kwon Oh Seok
Published: September 2024

Interfacial chemicals for metal surface functionalization were developed for applications of high water dispersibility and environmental stability. Metal nanomaterials, i.e., gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), were synthesized by introducing various interfacial chemicals, to improve the hydrophilicity of biosensors, such as those used in fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and lateral flow assay (LFA), respectively. Previously, thiolated AuNPs (SH-AuNPs) exhibited colloidal instability by forming irreversible aggregates in extreme environmental conditions; this phenomenon led to limitations such as poor sensitivity and reproducibility, in terms of biosensor application fields. Therefore, the development of novel interfacial chemicals remained a challenge for AuNP-based biosensor applications. Here, we first synthesized and demonstrated an ultra-stable AuNP functionalization by introducing N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) compounds with a polyethylene glycol chain and azide terminal groups (NHC-AuNPs). The high binding energy of NHC-AuNPs compared with SH-AuNPs was demonstrated by density functional theory simulation, with NHC-AuNPs showing an unprecedented stability in extreme environmental conditions with varying ranges of pH, salts, and temperature; in particular, ultra-stability was observed in condition by freezing/thawing over 120 times. NHC-AuNPs were applied FRET and LFA biosensors and showed excellent sensing performances. Based on the results, NHC-AuNPs can be introduced for performance improvement in the development of diagnostic platforms to utilize in extreme environmental conditions.
Numerical investigation of wave induced thrust on a submerged hydrofoil
Authors: Xing Jingru , Stagonas Dimitris , Hart Phil , Zhang Chengchun , Yang Jianhui , Yang Liang
Published: September 2024

Submerged flapping hydrofoils have the capability to directly convert wave energy into thrust, offering a sustainable approach to marine propulsion. This research employs computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to analyze the propulsion mechanism of wave-induced flapping hydrofoils. Initially validated through established benchmarks and experimental results with foil in uniform flow, the CFD model was then applied to examine the generation of thrust by flapping hydrofoils in heading regular wave. The study reveals a distinct transition from drag to thrust, characterized by the patterns of vortex flow. For the first time, the influence of pitch stiffness on this propulsion process is extensively explored, identifying optimal wave conditions and pitch stiffness for the application of future eco-friendly marine systems.
pH effects on capture efficiency and deposition patterns in sessile droplet immunoassays: An XDLVO analysis
Authors: Rathaur Vidisha Singh , Gokhale Nachiket Aashish , Panda Siddhartha
Published: September 2024

Immunosensors are crucial for various applications, with capture efficiency and detection time as key performance parameters. Sessile droplets on functionalized substrates have demonstrated potential as micro-reactors for antibody–antigen binding, reducing detection time and analyte volume due to the presence of convective currents. Tuning the surface charges by adjusting buffer pH can modulate antigen capture efficiency. While the impact of pH has been studied on antibody–antigen binding in flow and non-flow systems, the use of sessile droplets and the specific impact of buffer pH on the capture efficiency of surface-functionalized antibodies remains understudied. Understanding how pH affects capture and deposition patterns is vital for optimizing immunosensor design. Additionally, the mechanisms governing internal flow within the droplet and dominant driving forces require further investigation. We investigated the effect of varying buffer pH on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) capture by anti-PSA functionalized polydimethylsiloxane substrates. Capture efficiency was measured using the Brown–Anson model applied to cyclic voltammetry, validated with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. pH significantly influenced PSA capture by surface-immobilized anti-PSA IgG. The extended Derjaguin–Landau–Verwey–Overbeek theory explained the interplay between pH and internal flow. Micro-particle image velocimetry (PIV) confirmed internal flow, primarily driven by Marangoni flow from solute concentration gradients. Controlling buffer pH in biosensors offers higher capture efficiency and desired deposition patterns. These insights advance immunosensor design and hold potential for biomedical and diagnostic applications.
Tunable long-lived exciton lifetime and high carrier mobilities in Group III A elements doped two-dimensional blue phosphorene: A time domain ab initio study
Authors: Liu Chang , Qiu Yanbo , Zhou Caifeng , Dong Hao
Published: September 2024

In this Letter, we combine first-principles calculations with the non-adiabatic molecular dynamics (NAMD) method to investigate the photocatalytic and excited-state properties of blue phosphorene (BlueP). Doping with Group III A elements not only maintains an appropriate bandgap and band edge positions for photocatalytic water splitting but also converts the indirect bandgap of BlueP to a direct bandgap, significantly enhancing photon absorption efficiency. The dopants effectively improve optical absorption in the visible and ultraviolet light regions, potentially enabling a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 22.3% in the photocatalytic water splitting process. In NAMD calculations, we consider the dynamics of the electron–hole pair recombination process between the valence band maximum and conduction band minimum. We demonstrate the regulatory impact of dopant elements, temperature, and non-adiabatic coupling strength on the exciton lifetime of doped BlueP through ab initio molecular dynamics and NAMD methods. This study reveals the relationship between the charge transfer mechanism and non-adiabatic coupling in low-dimensional materials, offering valuable insights into the excited-state properties of optoelectronic materials. Ultimately, our findings contribute to the development of tunable, long-lived exciton lifetimes and high carrier mobilities in doped BlueP, which hold significant potential for photocatalytic water splitting to generate hydrogen.
Effect of viscosity on wind-driven gravitation waves
Authors: Chaubet C. , Kern N. , Manna M. A.
Published: September 2024

We address the question of how viscosity impacts the growth of gravitation waves, such as those on the ocean, when they are driven by wind. There is so far no general rigorous theory for this energy transfer. We extend Miles' approach [J. W. Miles, “On the generation of surface waves by shear flows,” J. Fluid Mech. 3, 185–204 (1957)], using the same logarithmic wind profile, to incorporate bulk viscosity and derive modified growth rates. Exploiting the fact that water waves fall into the “weak viscosity” regime, we produce analytical expressions for the growth rate, which we solve using the numerical method proposed by Beji and Nadaoka [“Solution of Rayleigh's instability equation for arbitrary wind profiles,” J. Fluid Mech. 500, 65–73 (2004)]. Our results confirm that corrections to the growth rates are significant for wavelengths below a meter, and for weak to modest wind strengths. We show that all wave growth is suppressed, due to viscous effects, below a critical wind strength. We also show that the wave age corresponding to a developed sea is reduced by viscosity. We quantitatively characterize the zones, in terms of wind strength and wavelength, for which the wave growth is suppressed by viscosity.
Enhancing WEDM performance on Mg/FeCoCrNiMn HEA composites through ANN and entropy integrated COCOSO optimization
Authors: Gopal P. M. , Kavimani V. , Sudhagar S. , Barik Debabrata , Paramasivam Prabhu , Vemanaboina Harinadh
Published: September 2024

The aim of this experimental work is to find the ideal wire electric discharge machining (WEDM) parameter combination for processing a novel FeCoCrNiMn High Entropy Alloy (HEA)-reinforced magnesium composite. This composite is developed with varying weights of FeCoCrNiMn at 5%, 10%, and 15% through powder metallurgy. Experiments are performed to examine the effects of HEA and wire-EDM variables on surface roughness (Ra) and kerf width (KW) using Taguchi’s L27 orthogonal array. The hybrid ENTROPY-COCOSO (Combined Compromise Solution) methodology is used for multiple objective optimizations after the Taguchi method for optimization. The most significant constraints on Ra and KW are found to be pulse ON time and current. Wider kerfs and rougher surfaces are the result of longer pulse ON times and higher current. The ideal input parameters recommended by ENTROPY-COCOSO for minimal Ra and KW are 2 A of current, 20 µs of pulse ON time, 25 µs of pulse OFF time, and 4 mm/min of wire feed rate. To predict outcomes, both linear regression models and artificial neural networks (ANNs) are used, and the results are compared with experimental data. The results are validated by the fact that ANN predictions closely match experimental data with minimal deviation.
Pressure wavelet analysis of pitching oscillating airfoils in tandem configuration at low Reynolds number
Authors: Ghamkhar Kamran , Ebrahimi Abbas
Published: September 2024

In this paper, the flow field around a tandem arrangement of two identical oscillating NACA (National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics) 0012 airfoils was investigated using the continuous wavelet transform. Wind tunnel experiments were conducted on a test stand that provided a wide range of sinusoidal pitching motion with frequencies up to 10 Hz. This study aims to explore the flow physics of the tandem airfoils that oscillate with independent reduced frequencies. For this sake, experiments were performed at a reduced frequency of 0.15 for the front airfoil and five different reduced frequencies for the rear airfoil, ranging from 0.05 to 0.3. The chord-based Reynolds number was 6 × 104, and the horizontal distance between airfoils was equal to one chord length. The unsteady surface pressure was measured, and the wavelet transform was employed to analyze the pressure fluctuations. Findings indicate that the presence of the rear airfoil in the wake of the front airfoil prevents the formation of the laminar separation bubble. Also, the ratio of upstream/downstream airfoil reduced frequencies appears as one of the dominant frequencies of pressure fluctuations on the rear airfoil. Furthermore, when the reduced frequency ratio of the airfoils is lower than one, the normal force on the rear airfoil is often less than that experienced by an isolated single airfoil. Specifically, at equal reduced frequencies of 0.15 for both upstream/downstream airfoils, the maximum value of the normal force coefficient on the rear airfoil decreases by 30% compared to the single airfoil.
Inoculation of halotolerant plant-growth-promoting bacteria improved the growth of chia (Salvia hispanica L.) in saline and nonsaline soils
Authors: Yañez-Yazlle María Florencia , Locatelli Michelangelo , Acreche Martín Moises , Rajal Verónica Beatriz , Irazusta Verónica Patricia
Published: September 2024

Context Chia (Salvia hispanica L.), a nutrient-rich crop with potential application in different industries, is sensitive to salinity. Halotolerant plant-growth promoting bacteria could be a biotechnological strategy to increase chia’s salinity tolerance. Aims The aim of this study was to determine the morphological and physiological response of chia plants inoculated with free-living halotolerant plant-growth promoting bacteria and grown in saline soils under greenhouse conditions. Methods A total of 15 bacterial treatments were inoculated to plants potted in soils with three electrical conductivity levels: 0.5, 4, and 6 dS m−1. Mortality and morphological and physiological parameters were evaluated. The measured variables were used to calculate a relative growth index. Key results Bacterial inoculation had a positive effect on plants at 4 dS m−1. Plants inoculated with Pseudomonas sp. AN23, Kushneria sp. T3.7, and C6 (Halomonas sp. 3R12 + Micrococcus luteus SA211) exhibited the best morphological and physiological performance (51% longer shoots, up to 90% heavier roots and up to 400% higher photosynthetic rate than control plants). Moreover, plants inoculated with Kushneria sp. T3.7 and C5 (Halomonas sp. 3R12 + Pseudomonas sp. AN23) showed significant increase in stomatal conductance and transpiration rate (up to 12 times) and in proline production (up to 345 μg g−1 leaf fresh weight) with respect to control plants (8 μg g−1 leaf fresh weight) under saline conditions. Conclusions The analysed extremophilic plant-growth promoting bacteria enhanced growth and stress tolerance in chia, a salt-sensitive crop. Implications Free-living plant-growth promoting bacteria isolated from hypersaline environments have potential for bioinoculant formulation for salinity-sensitive crops.
Optimising seismic imaging design parameters via bilevel learning
Authors: Downing Shaunagh , Gazzola Silvia , Graham Ivan G , Spence Euan A
Published: September 2024

Full waveform inversion (FWI) is a standard algorithm in seismic imaging. It solves the inverse problem of computing a model of the physical properties of the earth’s subsurface by minimising the misfit between actual measurements of scattered seismic waves and numerical predictions of these, with the latter obtained by solving the (forward) wave equation. The implementation of FWI requires the a priori choice of a number of ‘design parameters’, such as the positions of sensors for the actual measurements and one (or more) regularisation weights. In this paper we describe a novel algorithm for determining these design parameters automatically from a set of training images, using a (supervised) bilevel learning approach. In our algorithm, the upper level objective function measures the quality of the reconstructions of the training images, where the reconstructions are obtained by solving the lower level optimisation problem—in this case FWI. Our algorithm employs (variants of) the BFGS quasi-Newton method to perform the optimisation at each level, and thus requires the repeated solution of the forward problem—here taken to be the Helmholtz equation. This paper focuses on the implementation of the algorithm. The novel contributions are: (i) an adjoint-state method for the efficient computation of the upper-level gradient; (ii) a complexity analysis for the bilevel algorithm, which counts the number of Helmholtz solves needed and shows this number is independent of the number of design parameters optimised; (iii) an effective preconditioning strategy for iteratively solving the linear systems required at each step of the bilevel algorithm; (iv) a smoothed extraction process for point values of the discretised wavefield, necessary for ensuring a smooth upper level objective function. The algorithm also uses an extension to the bilevel setting of classical frequency-continuation strategies, helping avoid convergence to spurious stationary points. The advantage of our algorithm is demonstrated on a problem derived from the standard Marmousi test problem.
Inserting colloidal quantum dots into GaN mesa-array subsurface porous structures through electrochemical etching for display color conversion application
Authors: Yang Shaobo , Chu Chun-Jui , Li Zong-Han , Chen Wei-Cheng , Feng Hsi-Yu , Yang C C
Published: September 2024

High-efficiency photon color conversion is an approach of great potential for implementing color display. Inspired by the observation of emission enhancement in a nanoscale cavity, a novel technique to fabricate an array of color converter by mixing colloidal quantum dots (QDs) with the electrolyte of an electrochemical etching (ECE) process is demonstrated. In this process, QDs flow with the electrolyte into the etched subsurface nanoscale porous structure (PS) and settle inside. Since the PS formation and hence QD insertion are controlled by the flow path of the applied electric current in the ECE process, this technique can be used for fabricating any graphic pattern. The nanostructure of such a QD-inserted mesa is examined to confirm QD insertion. Although only single-color mesa arrays are demonstrated in this paper, this technique can be used for fabricating a multiple-color mesa array if a QD or a light-emitting nanoparticle of higher thermal stability is available.
Realization of chiral two-mode Lipkin–Meshkov–Glick models via acoustics
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Wang Jing-Wei , Cao Lian-Zhen , Wang Guang-Hui , Shi Ze-Yun , Lü Dong-Yan , Huang Hai-Bo , Hu Chang-Sheng
Published: September 2024

The chirality-controlled two-mode Lipkin–Meshkov–Glick (LMG) models are mimicked in a potential hybrid quantum system, involving two ensembles of solid-state spins coupled to a pair of interconnected surface-acoustic-wave cavities. With the assistance of dichromatic classical optical drives featuring chiral designs, it can simulate two-mode LMG-type long-range spin-spin interactions with left-right asymmetry. For applications, this unconventional LMG model can not only engineer both ensembles of collective spins into two-mode spin-squeezed states but also simulate novel quantum critical phenomena and time crystal behaviors, among others. Since this acoustic-based system can generate ion-trap-like interactions without requiring any additional trapping techniques, our work is considered a fresh attempt at realizing chiral quantum manipulation of spin-spin interactions using acoustic hybrid systems.