bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital manufacturing and innovation
Authors: Stanko Michael A. , Rindfleisch Aric
Published: June 2023

Over the past decade, manufacturing has become increasingly digitized via an array of new technological developments. This digitization is transforming the way products are designed, created and consumed. However, relatively little is known about the impact of digital manufacturing upon innovation management. This special issue on Digital Manufacturing and Product Innovation begins to address this deficit via a collection of seven articles. Collectively, these articles cover a broad range of innovation‐related topics, ranging from digital twins to corporate makerspaces. In this opening article, we provide a brief overview of digital manufacturing and its relation to innovation, a review of prior research in this domain, a summary of the articles in this special issue, and an agenda for future research.
Bacillus subtilis extracellular protease production incurs a context‐dependent cost
Authors: Rosazza Thibault , Eigentler Lukas , Earl Chris , Davidson Fordyce A. , Stanley‐Wall Nicola R.
Published: June 2023

Microbes encounter a wide range of polymeric nutrient sources in various environmental settings, which require processing to facilitate growth. Bacillus subtilis, a bacterium found in the rhizosphere and broader soil environment, is highly adaptable and resilient due to its ability to utilise diverse sources of carbon and nitrogen. Here, we explore the role of extracellular proteases in supporting growth and assess the cost associated with their production. We provide evidence of the essentiality of extracellular proteases when B. subtilis is provided with an abundant, but polymeric nutrient source and demonstrate the extracellular proteases as a shared public good that can operate over a distance. We show that B. subtilis is subjected to a public good dilemma, specifically in the context of growth sustained by the digestion of a polymeric food source. Furthermore, using mathematical simulations, we uncover that this selectively enforced dilemma is driven by the relative cost of producing the public good. Collectively, our findings reveal how bacteria can survive in environments that vary in terms of immediate nutrient accessibility and the consequent impact on the population composition. These findings enhance our fundamental understanding of how bacteria respond to diverse environments, which has importance to contexts ranging from survival in the soil to infection and pathogenesis scenarios.
Inner bark vs sapwood is the main driver of nitrogen and phosphorus allocation in stems and roots across three tropical woody plant communities
Authors: Rosell Julieta A. , Marcati Carmen R. , Olson Mark E. , Lagunes Xanath , Vergilio Paula C. B. , Jiménez‐Vera Cipatli , Campo Julio
Published: June 2023

Nutrient allocation is central to understanding plant ecological strategies and forest roles in biogeochemical cycles. Thought to be mainly driven by environmental conditions, nutrient allocation to woody organs, especially to living tissues, is poorly understood.

To examine the role of differences in living tissues (sapwood, SW, vs inner bark, IB), organs, ecological strategies, and environmental conditions in driving nutrient allocation and scaling in woody plants, we quantified nitrogen and phosphorus in main stems and coarse roots of 45 species from three tropical ecosystems with contrasting precipitation, fire regime, and soil nutrients.

Nutrient concentration variation was mostly explained by differences between IB and SW, followed by differences between species and, in the case of phosphorus, soil nutrient availability. IB nutrient concentrations were four times those of SW, with root tissues having slightly higher concentrations than stem tissues. Scaling between IB and SW, and between stems and roots, was generally isometric. In cross‐sections, IB contributed half of total nutrients in roots and a third in stems.

Our results highlight the important role of IB and SW for nutrient storage, the coordination in nutrient allocation across tissues and organs, and the need to differentiate between IB and SW to understand plant nutrient allocation.
Salivary levels of Osteoprotegerin and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa ligand during orthodontic tooth movement—A prospective pilot study
Authors: Naoumova Julia , Olofsson Richard , Almståhl Annica , Cevik‐Aras Hülya
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to monitor changes in Osteoprotegerin (OPG) and receptor activator of nuclear factor‐kappa ligand (RANKL) levels in the saliva during orthodontic tooth movement (OTM).

Materials and Methods

Nine healthy females (15–20 y of age) with four pre‐molar extractions and fixed appliance were included. In total, 134 stimulated and 134 unstimulated saliva samples were collected: at baseline and then every 6–8 weeks at follow‐up appointments during the whole orthodontic treatment. Twelve age‐matched females with no active orthodontic treatment served as a control group. Saliva samples were analysed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (Elisa). The mean levels of OPG and RANKL were calculated according to the different orthodontic treatment stages: alignment, space closure and finishing. A mixed model analysis was used to compare the means of treatment stages. Baseline OPG levels were compared with the control group using an independent t‐test. OPG levels were measured in stimulated saliva due to low levels in unstimulated saliva.

Results

No significant difference was observed between baseline OPG values and the control group. OPG increased significantly at all treatment stages: alignment, space closure and finishing compared with baseline (P = 0.002, P = 0.039, P ≤ 0.001, respectively). The salivary levels of OPG increased gradually, except during space closure, reaching peak levels at finishing. RANKL was undetectable in stimulated and unstimulated saliva by sandwich Elisa during OTM.

Conclusions

This novel approach shows the changes in the levels of OPG in OTM and indicates how and when to sample saliva during orthodontic treatment to analyse bone remodelling.
Comparison between Ultrasound‐Guided Pericapsular Nerve Group Block and Local Infiltration Analgesia for Postoperative Analgesia after Total Hip Arthroplasty: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Ye Shuwei , Wang Liying , Wang Qiuru , Li Qianhao , Alqwbani Mohammed , Kang Pengde
Published: June 2023

Objectives

Pericapsular nerve group (PENG) blocking is a novel nerve block modality for analgesia after total hip arthroplasty (THA); however, its analgesic efficacy is unclear. We aimed to compare the analgesic effect of ultrasound‐guided PENG blocking and periarticular local infiltration analgesia after THA.

Methods

This study involved patients undergoing unilateral primary THA at our institution between October 2022 and December 2022. Based on a prospective double‐blind, randomized approach, patients were randomly divided into two groups: the PENG and infiltration groups. The former received ultrasound‐guided pericapsular nerve block before surgery while the latter received local anesthesia and local infiltration analgesia during surgery. The primary outcome was the amount of morphine used for rescue analgesia within 48 h after surgery and the visual analog scale (VAS) pain score at 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after surgery. Secondary outcomes consisted of postoperative hip function on the first and second postoperative days, including hip extension angle and flexion, as well as distance traveled by the patient. Tertiary outcomes included length of hospital stay and postoperative adverse reactions. The data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0. Using the appropriate statistical methodology, continuous and categorical data were analyzed, and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

There was no clear difference in morphine requirements during the first 24 hours postoperatively (5.8 ± 5.9 vs. 6.0 ± 6.3, p = 0.910), in the total postoperative morphine consumption (7.5 ± 6.3 vs. 7.8 ± 6.6, p = 0.889), and in the postoperative resting VAS pain scores (p > 0.05). However, the exercise VAS score in the PENG group was significantly higher than that in the infiltration group within 12 hours after surgery (6.1 + 1.2 vs. 5.4 + 1.0, p = 0.008). There was no significant difference in hip function, length of hospital stay, or incidence of complications between the two groups.

Conclusion

The analgesic effect and functional recovery of ultrasound‐guided pericapsular nerve block for THA was not superior to that of periarticular local infiltration analgesia.
How gubernatorial budgetary power and interest groups affect vertical fiscal imbalances in the US states: Focusing on fiscal centralization and decentralization
Authors: Kim Koomin
Published: June 2023

This study empirically examines the roles of gubernatorial budgetary power and interest groups in vertical fiscal imbalances across US states via a two‐step generalized method of moments estimation during a 22‐year period (1987–2008). States' share of intergovernmental transfers and the local share of intergovernmental transfers are often affected by interaction between governors and interest groups, as are expenditure centralization and revenue/expenditure centralization. Revenue decentralization and the local share of intergovernmental transfers are frequently influenced by cooperation between governors and interest groups via mutual support. Long‐term cooperation and gridlock each influence expenditure centralization, revenue/expenditure centralization, and revenue decentralization. Long‐term cooperation is not statistically significant in terms of the state and local shares of intergovernmental transfers; that is, governors and interest groups cooperate in pursuit of short‐term benefits rather than long‐term results. Long‐term political influence also has no impact, affirming a short‐term‐oriented political viewpoint.
Estimating statistical power for ERP studies using the auditory N1, Tb, and P2 components
Authors: Hall Lachlan , Dawel Amy , Greenwood Lisa‐Marie , Monaghan Conal , Berryman Kevin , Jack Bradley N.
Published: June 2023

The N1, Tb, and P2 components of the event‐related potential (ERP) are thought to reflect the sequential processing of auditory stimuli in the human brain. Despite their extensive use in biological, cognitive, and clinical neuroscience, there are no guidelines for how to appropriately power ERP studies using these components. In the present study, we investigated how the number of trials, number of participants, effect magnitude, and study design influenced statistical power. Using Monte Carlo simulations of ERP data from a passive listening task, we determined the probability of finding a statistically significant effect in 58,900 experiments repeated 1,000 times each. We found that as the number of trials, number of participants, and effect magnitude increased, so did statistical power. We also found that increasing the number of trials had a bigger effect on statistical power for within‐subject designs than for between‐subject designs, and that within‐subject designs required a smaller number of trials and participants to provide the same level of statistical power for a given effect magnitude than between‐subject designs. These results show that it is important to carefully consider these factors when designing ERP studies, rather than relying on tradition or anecdotal evidence. To improve the robustness and reproducibility of ERP research, we have built an online statistical power calculator (https://bradleynjack.shinyapps.io/ErpPowerCalculator), which we hope will allow researchers to estimate the statistical power of previous studies, as well as help them design appropriately‐powered studies in the future.
Impact of coastal island restoration engineering and subsequent tourism on migratory waterbirds: a 3‐year case from Southern China
Authors: Liu Junjie , Yi Chunfeng , Tang Shangbo , Zhang Wei , Wen Ke , Qin Chun , Huang Lichun , Liu Dongbo , Jiang Aiwu
Published: June 2023

Coastal engineering poses a significant threat to the survival of migratory waterbirds worldwide. However, the mechanisms through which engineering affects waterbirds are still unclear. To gain a better understanding of this issue, we conducted a three‐year survey of waterbirds on Shanxinsha Island, which underwent restoration engineering, along the East Asian–Australasian Flyway. We compared the seasonal migratory change among different species groups through and after the island restoration engineering. We observed a total monthly maximum count of 118,506 individuals from 61 waterbird species over the span of 38 months, including eight globally threatened species and five species that exceeded 1% of the flyway population. Throughout the survey periods, the average number of total waterbirds and small shorebirds observed during the migrating season decreased by 52.7 and 48.6%, respectively. The massive loss of high‐tide roosting areas was the primary factor contributing to this decline. The combined effects of increased vegetation and deeper water levels resulted in a 38.8% reduction in exposed tidal flat area, as determined through land cover verification and fractional vegetation cover calculations. While tourism activities exhibited fewer negative consequences compared to island restoration engineering, they had a greater impact on small breeding shorebirds. Our study showed that small shorebirds were particularly susceptible to island restoration engineering, whereas large shorebirds and swimming birds were more flexible in their use of roosting or foraging sites. We suggest that the impact of future coastal engineering requires more detailed assessment and monitoring, especially for small migratory shorebirds.
Perceived motor competence in early childhood predicts perceived and actual motor competence in middle childhood
Authors: Niemistö Donna , Barnett Lisa M. , Laukkanen Arto , Tolvanen Asko , Sääkslahti Arja
Published: June 2023

The study aims were to (1) identify perceived motor competence (PMC) and actual motor competence (AMC) profiles in children at two time points (early and middle childhood) 3 years apart, (2) explore transitions between the profiles from T1 to T2, and (3) investigate how PMC‐AMC profiles at T1 differ in their mean values for AMC and PMC variables at T2. PMC was assessed by the pictorial scale of Perceived Movement Skill Competence for young children (PMSC). At T1, AMC was measured with Test of Gross Motor Development–third version (TGMD‐3), and at T2, a shortened TGMD‐3 was used. To identify the PMC‐AMC profiles using latent profile analysis, the Mplus statistical package (version 8.7) was used. For aim 3, the Bolck‐Croon‐Hagenaars (BCH) method was used. There were 480 children (mean age 6.26 years, 51.9% boys) at T1, 647 children (mean age 8.76 years, 48.8% boys) at T2 (some children were too young to have the PMC assessment at T1), and 292 at both time points. For aim 1, three profiles were identified at each time point for each gender. Boys had two realistic profiles with medium and low levels of PMC‐AMC, and an overestimation profile. Girls had a medium realistic profile, an overestimation, and an underestimation profile. The PMC‐AMC profile in early childhood predicted the PMC‐AMC profile (aim 2) and AMC and PMC variables (aim 3) in middle childhood, especially if a child had low PMC in early childhood. Children with low PMC in early childhood are at risk of low PMC and less AMC development in middle childhood.
Implicit Resentment and the Gun Policy Preferences of White Americans
Authors: Dowd‐Arrow Benjamin , Hill Terrence D. , Tope Daniel , Uecker Jeremy
Published: June 2023

Although several studies have examined race differences in gun‐related attitudes, researchers are only beginning to explore how racial attitudes might contribute to the gun policy preferences of white Americans. While many white Americans tend to oppose firearm restrictions, it is unclear whether racialized policy preferences tend to support these leanings. Our analysis of national data from Wave 4 of the Baylor Religion Survey (n = 1,063) indicates that white Americans who report more implicit resentment are more likely to support policies that would increase the number of armed people in schools and allow more people to carry concealed firearms and less likely to support policies that would limit the possession of handguns, semiautomatic weapons, and high‐capacity magazines. Interestingly, white Americans who report more implicit resentment are also less likely to support policies that would expand gun safety programs and background checks that include mental health screenings. These associations persisted with adjustments for age, gender, race or ethnicity, education, household income, marital status, the presence of children, religious identity, religiosity, political orientation, region of residence, and urban residence. We conclude that implicit resentment is consistently associated with less restrictive and more precarious gun policy preferences among white Americans. These patterns are noteworthy because they support the same general conclusion: white Americans who report more implicit resentment tend to want more guns in society with fewer legal restrictions related to access and safety.
Romantic relationship quality during the COVID‐19 pandemic: The longitudinal associations with relationship loneliness and depression
Authors: Charvat Emily J. , Ogan Matthew , Kanter Jeremy B. , Monk J. Kale , Proulx Christine
Published: June 2023

The COVID‐19 pandemic created significant strain on both mental health and romantic relationships. Therefore, we examined longitudinal associations between romantic relationship quality, relationship loneliness, and depressive symptoms over 6 months of the COVID‐19 pandemic. We surveyed 122 couples (n = 244 individuals) in approximately May, September, and November 2020. Using a dyadic mediation model, findings indicated that relationship quality at Time 1 was positively associated with depression at Time 3 for men, but not for women. A significant indirect effect of relationship quality on depression via relationship loneliness at Time 2 was found for both men and women. Self‐mastery, or feeling in control of one's life circumstances, was an important covariate of women's depressive symptoms. Overall, these findings highlight relationship loneliness as particularly salient for mental health and demonstrate the importance of high‐quality relationships for promoting well‐being during stressful events, such as global pandemics.
Vaccine‐incentivized blood donation: A survey of public perceptions in Canada
Authors: Stoklosa Klaudiusz , Elfaki Lina A. , Ding Christina , Sachal Sukhmeet S. , Escuadro Robert Jasper G. , Tu Karen
Published: June 2023

Background and Objectives

Canadian blood donations declined during the start of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Conversely, vaccine demand outpaced supply during the initial stages of the COVID‐19 vaccine rollout in Canada. This study investigates public perceptions regarding vaccine‐incentivized blood donation, among COVID‐19 and future pandemics, in Canada.

Materials and Methods

A 19‐question survey was developed and distributed in person and online to Canadians during the third wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic. Participants were asked questions about demographics, blood donation eligibility, previous donations and sentiments towards vaccine‐incentivized blood donation. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

In total, 787 respondents completed the survey with representation from all sexes, ages, races, locations of residence and work employment. Overall, 176 (22%) participants self‐identified as working or living in healthcare settings, 511 (65%) were currently able to donate blood products, 247 (31%) previously donated blood and 48 (6%) donated blood during the COVID‐19 pandemic. With the exception of ineligible blood donors, many Canadians, particularly previous blood donors, were agreeable with this incentivization proposal. Many participants claimed they would donate blood products for vaccines during COVID‐19 and future pandemics but raised concerns about the equitableness of such approach.

Conclusion

Vaccine‐incentivized blood donation was viewed positively by many Canadians in our study. Future research must investigate the equity and feasibility of this strategy. In the interim, further strategies should be explored to encourage blood donation in Canada.
TiO2‐WO3 nanocube‐polyaniline hierarchical membrane for efficient removal of chromium in a photocatalytic membrane reactor
Authors: Rathna Thara , PonnanEttiyappan JagadeeshBabu , Sudhakar D. Ruben
Published: June 2023

In this article, the rational design of a physically coated TiO2‐WO3 nanocube‐polyaniline photocatalytic membrane (hierarchical) reactor for the efficient reduction of chromium (VI) under visible light is discussed. The incorporation of TiO2‐WO3 in the polyaniline (PANI) membrane provides excellent hydrophilicity and high photo‐corrosion resistance and facilitates the rapid permeation of water with a flux rate of 12 L/m2 h and higher Cr (VI) reduction. The exposure of bare PANI membranes in Cr (VI) solution leads to over‐oxidation of PANI membrane and eventually leads to the destruction of the membrane. The hierarchical photocatalytic coating improves the lifetime of the membrane by blocking it from deprotonation. The photocatalytic membrane could offer 79.30% Cr (VI) reduction under visible light irradiation in a photocatalytic membrane reactor. After several reduction cycles, the membrane showed good self‐cleaning ability. The present work suggests that TiO2‐WO3 nanocube‐coated PANI hierarchical membrane is a promising approach for the reduction and removal of Cr (VI) from wastewater.
Principal neurons in the olfactory cortex mediate bidirectional modulation of seizures
Authors: Wu Jing , Liu Penglai , Geng Chi , Liu Changyu , Li Jiaxin , Zhu Qiuju , Li Anan
Published: June 2023

Although the piriform cortex (PC) has been previously implicated as a critical node for seizure generation and propagation, the underlying neural mechanism has remained unclear. Here, we found increased excitability in PC neurons during amygdala kindling acquisition. Optogenetic or chemogenetic activation of PC pyramidal neurons promoted kindling progression, whereas inhibition of these neurons retarded seizure activities induced by electrical kindling in the amygdala. Furthermore, chemogenetic inhibition of PC pyramidal neurons alleviated the severity of kainic acid‐induced acute seizures. These results demonstrate that PC pyramidal neurons bidirectionally modulate seizures in temporal lobe epilepsy, providing evidence for the efficacy of PC pyramidal neurons as a potential therapeutic target for epileptogenesis.

image

Key points

While the piriform cortex (PC) is an important olfactory centre critically involved in olfactory processing and plays a crucial role in epilepsy due to its close connection with the limbic system, how the PC regulates epileptogenesis is largely unknown.

In this study, we evaluated the neuronal activity and the role of pyramidal neurons in the PC in the mouse amygdala kindling model of epilepsy.

PC pyramidal neurons are hyperexcited during epileptogenesis.

Optogenetic and chemogenetic activation of PC pyramidal neurons significantly promoted seizures in the amygdala kindling model, whereas selective inhibition of these neurons produced an anti‐epileptic effect for both electrical kindling and kainic acid‐induced acute seizures.

The results of the present study indicate that PC pyramidal neurons bidirectionally modulate seizure activity.
A Numerical Investigation of Rider Injury Risks During Falls Caused by E-Scooter–Stopper Impacts
Authors: Chontos Rafael , Grindle Daniel , Untaroiu Alexandrina , Doerzaph Zachary , Untaroiu Costin
Published: June 2023

Within the past decade, injuries caused by electric scooter (e-scooter) crashes have significantly increased. A primary cause is front wheel collisions with a vertical surface such as a curb or object, generically referred to as a “stopper.” In this study, various e-scooter-stopper crashes were simulated numerically across different impact speeds, approach angles, and stopper heights to characterize the influence of crash type on rider injury risk during falls. A finite element (FE) model of a standing Hybrid III anthropomorphic test device was used as the rider model after being calibrated against certification test data. Additionally, an FE model of an e-scooter was developed based on reconstructed scooter geometry. Forty-five FE simulations were run to investigate various e-scooter crash scenarios. Test parameters included impact speed (from 3.2 m/s to 11.16 m/s), approach angle (30 deg to 90 deg), and stopper height (52 mm, 101 mm, and 152 mm). Additionally, the perpendicular (90 deg) impact scenarios were run twice: once with Hybrid-III arm activation to mimic a rider attempting to break a fall with their hands and once without this condition. Overall, the risks of serious injury to the rider varied greatly; however, roughly half the impact scenarios indicated serious risk to the rider. This was expected, as the speeds tested were in the upper 25th percentile of reported scooter speeds. The angle of approach was found to have the greatest effect on injury risk to the rider, and was shown to be positively correlated with injury risk. Smaller approach angles were shown to cause the rider to land on their side, while larger approach angles caused the rider to land on their head and chest. Additionally, arm bracing was shown to reduce the risk of serious injury in two thirds of the impact scenarios.
Design and Mechanical Testing of a Novel Dual-Stiffness Ankle-Foot Orthosis
Authors: Nigro Luke , Arch Elisa S.
Published: June 2023

This study details the concept, design, and mechanical testing results of a novel dual-stiffness ankle-foot orthosis (DS-AFO). The DS-AFO utilizes two separate stiffness elements (rear struts) to yield an AFO with low stiffness properties about the ankle in the sagittal plane at small dorsiflexion angles, and higher stiffness at larger dorsiflexion angles. The motivation behind this DS-AFO follows from the existence of similar moment-angle (stiffness) properties of the healthy human ankle during walking, referred to as dual-stiffness natural ankle quasi-stiffness (DS-NAS). Crucial to the design of the DS-AFO is the ability to adjust both the stiffness and the dorsiflexion angle at which the net stiffness increases, referred to as the activation angle. Three different DS-AFO stiffness configurations were tested, each with three different activation angles, along with a standard single strut/stiffness AFO configuration. The DS-AFO was able to achieve distinct regions of low and high stiffness at every configuration. Additionally, altering the activation angle by ±1 deg generally did not result in different stiffness properties. This work is a step forward in AFOs with complex stiffness properties that can better approximate the mechanics of a healthy human ankle.
Automotive Silicon Carbide Power Module Cooling With a Novel Modular Manifold and Embedded Heat Sink
Authors: Osman Ammar , Moreno Gilberto , Myers Steve , Major Joshua , Feng Xuhui , Narumanchi Sreekant V. J. , Joshi Yogendra
Published: June 2023

The next generation of integrated power electronics packages will implement wide-bandgap devices with ultrahigh device heat fluxes. Although jet impingement has received attention for power electronics thermal management, it is not used in commercial electric vehicles (EVs) because of the associated pressure drop and reliability concerns. In this paper, we present a modular thermal management system designed for automotive power electronics. The system achieves superior thermal performance to benchmarked EVs while adhering to reliability standards and with low pumping power. The system utilizes a low-cost and lightweight plastic manifold to generate jets over an optimized heat sink, which is embedded in the direct-bonded-copper (DBC) substrate. The embedded heat sink concept leverages additive manufacturing to add elliptical pin fins to the DBC substrate. The heat sink geometry is optimized for submerged jet impingement using a unit-cell model and an exhaustive search algorithm. The model predictions are validated using unit-cell experiments. A full-scale power module model is then used to compare the DBC-embedded heat sink against direct DBC cooling and baseplate-integrated heat sinks for single-sided (SS) and double-sided (DS) cooling concepts. Using the SS and DS DBC-embedded cooling concepts, the models predict a thermal resistance that represents a reduction of 75% and 85% compared to the 2015 BMW i3, respectively, for the same water-ethylene glycol inverter flowrate. We have shown that an inverter with a 100-kilo-Watt-per-liter power density is achievable with the proposed design.
On definitions of signal duration, evaluated on close-range airgun signals
Authors: Müller Roel A. J. , Ainslie Michael A. , Halvorsen Michele B.
Published: June 2023

In impact assessments for underwater noise, the duration of a transient signal is often expressed by the 90%-energy signal duration τ90 %. Consequently, the rms sound pressure is computed over this duration. Using a large set of measurements on marine-seismic airgun signals, it is shown that τ90 % is often very close to the interval between the primary and secondary pulse (the bubble period) or a small integer multiple thereof. In this situation τ90 % is a measure of the duration of the relative silence between primary and secondary peaks, which is not the intended measure. Rarely, τ90 % quantifies the duration of the main peak, leading to a much lower value of τ90 %. Since the number of peaks included in τ90 % is sensitive to the nature of the signal, relatively small differences in the signal lead to large differences in τ90 %, causing instability in any metric based on τ90 %, e.g., the rms sound pressure. Alternative metrics are proposed that do not exhibit these weaknesses. The consequences for the interpretation of sound pressure level of a transient signal, and the benefits of using a more stable metric than τ90 % are demonstrated.
Non-negative aeroacoustic source contributions to radiated sound power
Authors: Eftekharian Esmaeel , Croaker Paul , Marburg Steffen , Liu Daipei , Kessissoglou Nicole
Published: June 2023

A new approach that determines the contribution of aeroacoustic sources to sound power is presented. The method combines the Lighthill source distribution with an acoustic impedance matrix constructed from radiation kernels of the free-field Green's function. To demonstrate the technique, the flow noise produced by a pair of co-rotating vortices is examined. Results are initially compared with those obtained using Möhring's analogy of two-dimensional vortex sound radiation. The contribution to sound power for each component of the Lighthill tensor is presented for a range of wave numbers and vortex separation distances. For acoustically compact cases, the aeroacoustic source contributions for the diagonal components of the Lighthill tensor show a similar trend observed in sound maps for longitudinal quadruples. In contrast to the acoustically compact cases where the central focal area is mostly unchanged with variation in Mach number, significant variation in the focal areas occurs for non-acoustically compact cases. Using the aeroacoustic source contribution technique, the nature and location of dominant flow noise sources to sound power can be identified.
Agricultural expansion raises groundwater and increases flooding in the South American plains
Authors: Houspanossian Javier , Giménez Raul , Whitworth-Hulse Juan I. , Nosetto Marcelo D. , Tych Wlodek , Atkinson Peter M. , Rufino Mariana C. , Jobbágy Esteban G.
Published: June 2023

Regional effects of farming on hydrology are associated mostly with irrigation. In this work, we show how rainfed agriculture can also leave large-scale imprints. The extent and speed of farming expansion across the South American plains over the past four decades provide an unprecedented case of the effects of rainfed farming on hydrology. Remote sensing analysis shows that as annual crops replaced native vegetation and pastures, floods gradually doubled their coverage, increasing their sensitivity to precipitation. Groundwater shifted from deep (12 to 6 meters) to shallow (4 to 0 meters) states, reducing drawdown levels. Field studies and simulations suggest that declining rooting depths and evapotranspiration in croplands are the causes of this hydrological transformation. These findings show the escalating flooding risks associated with rainfed agriculture expansion at subcontinental and decadal scales.
Reorientation of INO80 on hexasomes reveals basis for mechanistic versatility
Authors: Wu Hao , Muñoz Elise N. , Hsieh Laura J. , Chio Un Seng , Gourdet Muryam A. , Narlikar Geeta J. , Cheng Yifan
Published: June 2023

Unlike other chromatin remodelers, INO80 preferentially mobilizes hexasomes, which can form during transcription. Why INO80 prefers hexasomes over nucleosomes remains unclear. Here, we report structures of
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
INO80 bound to a hexasome or a nucleosome. INO80 binds the two substrates in substantially different orientations. On a hexasome, INO80 places its ATPase subunit, Ino80, at superhelical location –2 (SHL –2), in contrast to SHL –6 and SHL –7, as previously seen on nucleosomes. Our results suggest that INO80 action on hexasomes resembles action by other remodelers on nucleosomes such that Ino80 is maximally active near SHL –2. The SHL –2 position also plays a critical role for nucleosome remodeling by INO80. Overall, the mechanistic adaptations used by INO80 for preferential hexasome sliding imply that subnucleosomal particles play considerable regulatory roles.
A magnetic assembly approach to chiral superstructures
Authors: Li Zhiwei , Fan Qingsong , Ye Zuyang , Wu Chaolumen , Wang Zhongxiang , Yin Yadong
Published: June 2023

Colloidal assembly into chiral superstructures is usually accomplished with templating or lithographic patterning methods that are only applicable to materials with specific compositions and morphologies over narrow size ranges. Here, chiral superstructures can be rapidly formed by magnetically assembling materials of any chemical compositions at all scales, from molecules to nano- and microstructures. We show that a quadrupole field chirality is generated by permanent magnets caused by consistent field rotation in space. Applying the chiral field to magnetic nanoparticles produces long-range chiral superstructures controlled by field strength at the samples and orientation of the magnets. Transferring the chirality to any achiral molecules is enabled by incorporating guest molecules such as metals, polymers, oxides, semiconductors, dyes, and fluorophores into the magnetic nanostructures.
Emissions and energy impacts of the Inflation Reduction Act
Authors: Bistline John , Blanford Geoffrey , Brown Maxwell , Burtraw Dallas , Domeshek Maya , Farbes Jamil , Fawcett Allen , Hamilton Anne , Jenkins Jesse , Jones Ryan , King Ben , Kolus Hannah , Larsen John , Levin Amanda , Mahajan Megan , Marcy Cara , Mayfield Erin , McFarland James , McJeon Haewon , Orvis Robbie , Patankar Neha , Rennert Kevin , Roney Christopher , Roy Nicholas , Schivley Greg , Steinberg Daniel , Victor Nadejda , Wenzel Shelley , Weyant John , Wiser Ryan , Yuan Mei , Zhao Alicia
Published: June 2023

Economy-wide emissions drop 43 to 48% below 2005 levels by 2035 with accelerated clean energy deployment
Mapping RNA translation
Authors: Fan Rong
Published: June 2023

A new method maps the location of thousands of translating RNAs in cells and tissues
Consciousness hunt yields results but not clarity
Authors: Finkel Elizabeth
Published: June 2023

Two rival theories of how it emerges went head-to-head in brain-scanning experiments
Evidence for the Type IV Pilus Retraction Motor PilT as a Component of the Surface Sensing System in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Geiger C. J. , O’Toole G. A.
Published: June 2023

T4P are cellular appendages that allow
P. aeruginosa
to sense a surface, leading to the production of cAMP. This second messenger not only activates virulence pathways but leads to further surface adaptation and irreversible attachment of cells.
Tp47-Induced Monocyte-Derived Microvesicles Promote the Adherence of THP-1 Cells to Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells via an ERK1/2–NF-κB Signaling Cascade
Authors: Wang M. , Xie J.-W. , Zheng Y.-W. , Wang X.-T. , Yi D.-Y. , Lin Y. , Tong M.-L. , Lin L.-R.
Published: June 2023

Tp47-microvesicles promote the adhesion of THP-1 cells to HUVECs through the upregulation of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 expression, which is mediated by the activation of the ERK1/2 and NF-κB pathways. These findings provide insight into the pathophysiology of syphilitic vascular inflammation.
Comparative Genomic Analysis Reveals Genetic Diversity and Pathogenic Potential of Haemophilus seminalis and Emended Description of Haemophilus seminalis
Authors: Chen Xiaowei , Zhang Hanyun , Feng Junhui , Zhang Lei , Zheng Minling , Luo Haimin , Zhuo Huiyan , Xu Ning , Zhang Xuan , Chen Cha , Qu Pinghua , Li Youqiang
Published: June 2023

As a versatile opportunistic pathogen, the accurate identification of
Haemophilus
species is a challenge in clinical practice. In this study, we characterized the phenotypic and genotypic features of four
H. seminalis
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Supplemental Material: Pre- and postsettlement depositional processes and environments of the 3rd- to 5th-order White Clay Creek watershed, Piedmont Province, Pennsylvania and Delaware, USA
Authors: Pizzuto J.E. , et al.
Published: June 2023

Includes core logs, 14C dates and sample locations, sampling locations for gravels at Sites 1 and 3, measurements of dam and floodplain heights at extant dams, and analyses of percentage silt-clay and loss-on-ignition.
When does the placebo effect have an impact on network meta-analysis results?
Authors: Nikolakopoulou Adriani , Chaimani Anna , Furukawa Toshi A , Papakonstantinou Theodoros , Rücker Gerta , Schwarzer Guido
Published: June 2023

The placebo effect is the ‘effect of the simulation of treatment that occurs due to a participant’s belief or expectation that a treatment is effective’. Although the effect might be of little importance for some conditions, it can have a great role in others, mostly when the evaluated symptoms are subjective. Several characteristics that include informed consent, number of arms in a study, the occurrence of adverse events and quality of blinding may influence response to placebo and possibly bias the results of randomised controlled trials. Such a bias is inherited in systematic reviews of evidence and their quantitative components, pairwise meta-analysis (when two treatments are compared) and network meta-analysis (when more than two treatments are compared). In this paper, we aim to provide red flags as to when a placebo effect is likely to bias pairwise and network meta-analysis treatment effects. The classic paradigm has been that placebo-controlled randomised trials are focused on estimating the treatment effect. However, the magnitude of placebo effect itself may also in some instances be of interest and has also lately received attention. We use component network meta-analysis to estimate placebo effects. We apply these methods to a published network meta-analysis, examining the relative effectiveness of four psychotherapies and four control treatments for depression in 123 studies.
Additive benefit of rehabilitation on physical status, symptoms and mental health after hospitalisation for severe COVID-19 pneumonia
Authors: Asimakos Andreas , Spetsioti Stavroula , Mavronasou Aspasia , Gounopoulos Pantelis , Siousioura Dimitra , Dima Effrosyni , Gianniou Niki , Sigala Ioanna , Zakynthinos Georgios , Kotanidou Anastasia , Vogiatzis Ioannis , Katsaounou Paraskevi
Published: June 2023

Introduction

The potential additive benefits of rehabilitation beyond spontaneous recovery post-COVID-19 currently remain unknown.

Methods

In this prospective, interventional, non-randomised parallel assignment two-arm study, we investigated the effects of an 8-week rehabilitation programme (Rehab, n=25) added to usual care (UC) versus UC (n=27) on respiratory symptoms, fatigue, functional capacity, mental health and health-related quality of life in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, 6–8 weeks post-hospital discharge. The rehabilitation programme included exercise, education, dietary and psychological support. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory and heart failure were excluded from the study.

Results

At baseline, groups were not different in mean age (56 years), gender (53% female), intensive care unit admission (61%), intubation (39%), days of hospitalisation (25), number of symptoms (9) and number of comorbidities (1.4). Baseline evaluation was conducted at median (IQR) 76 (27) days after symptoms onset. Groups were not different regarding baseline evaluation outcomes. At 8 weeks, Rehab showed significantly greater improvement in COPD Assessment Test by a mean±SEM (95% CI) 7.07±1.36 (4.29–9.84), p <0.001andall three fatigue questionnaires: Chalder-Likert: 5.65±1.27 (3.04–8.25), p <0.001; bimodal: 3.04±0.86 (1.28–4.79), p=0.001; Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy: 6.37±2.09 (2.08–10.65), p=0.005 and Fatigue Severity Scale: 1.36±0.433 (0.47–2.25), p=0.004. At 8 weeks rehab also showed significantly greater improvment in Short Physical Performance Battery: 1.13±0.33 (0.46–1.79), p=0.002; Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)Anxiety: 2.93±1.01 (0.67–5.18), p=0.013; Beck Depression Inventory: 7.81±3.07 (1.52–14.09), p=0.017; Montreal Cognitive Assessment: 2.83±0.63 (1.5–4.14), p <0.001; EuroQol (EQ-5D-5L) Utility Index: 0.21±0.05 (0.1–0.32), p=0.001 and Visual Analogue Scale: 6.57±3.21 (0.2–13.16), p=0.043. Both groups significantly improved 6-min walking distance by approximately 60 m and pulmonary function measures, whereas post-traumatic stress disorder measurement IES-R (Impact of Event Scale, Revised) and HADS-Depression score were not different between groups at 8 weeks. A 16% attrition rate was observed in the rehabilitation group exhibiting a threefold increase in training workload. There were no adverse effects reported during exercise training.

Discussion

These findings highlight the added value of rehabilitation post-COVID-19 to amplify the natural course of physical and mental recovery that otherwise would remain incomplete with UC.
Quasilinear bessel polynomial collocation method for the solutions of nonlinear singular boundary value problems
Authors: Pathak Maheshwar , Joshi Pratibha
Published: June 2023

The Lane–Emden–Fowler-type equations along with boundary conditions form nonlinear singular boundary value problems. Analytical solutions to this type of problem are not easy, which draws the attention of the researchers toward their numerical solutions. Many methods have been used to provide numerical solutions to this type of problem. In this study, we have proposed the quasilinear Bessel polynomial collocation method (QBPCM) for the solution of these problems. The accuracy and efficiency of the QBPCM have been demonstrated by solving several nonlinear singular models that arise in real-life problems. It has been shown that the numerical results obtained by the proposed method have excellent agreement with the exact solutions and better accuracy than other methods.
An Approach Based on Machine Learning for the Cybersecurity of Blockchain-Based Smart Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) Networks
Authors: Alatawi Mohammed Naif
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a hybrid blockchain architecture for Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) systems, aiming to enhance their security and performance. The proposed approach combines artificial intelligence (AI) models with blockchain technology to create a safe and efficient healthcare system. The study focuses on addressing the challenges related to data storage, data management, real-time medical applications, and system precision in IoMT. Through experimental evaluations, the effectiveness of the proposed techniques in terms of communication overhead, transaction performance, and privacy preservation is demonstrated. The results highlight the potential of leveraging AI and blockchain to improve the overall functionality of IoMT systems.
Black hole entropy contributions from Euclidean cores
Authors: Boos Jens
Published: June 2023

The entropy of a Schwarzschild black hole, as computed via the semiclassical Euclidean path integral in a stationary phase approximation, is determined not by the on-shell value of the action (which vanishes), but by the Gibbons–Hawking–York boundary term evaluated on a suitable hypersurface, which can be chosen arbitrarily far away from the horizon. For this reason, the black hole singularity seemingly has no influence on the Bekenstein–Hawking area law. In this paper, we estimate how a regular black hole core, deep inside a Euclidean black hole of mass [Formula: see text] and generated via a UV regulator length scale [Formula: see text], affects the black hole entropy. The contributions are suppressed by factors of [Formula: see text]; demanding exact agreement with the area law as well as a self-consistent first law of black hole thermodynamics at all orders, however, demands that these contributions vanish identically via uniformly bounded curvature. This links the limiting curvature hypothesis to black hole thermodynamics.
MILLING PARAMETERS’ INFLUENCE ON MACHINABILITY IN MILLING OF CFRP COMPOSITES FUNCTIONALIZED WITH G AND GO
Authors: KILICKAP EROL , ÇELIK YAHYA HIŞMAN , DAVIM JOÃO PAULO
Published: June 2023

The use of carbon fiber-reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites having low weight and high strength provides the substantial energy savings in space and aerospace industry. The disadvantage of these composites is that the carbon fiber is not firmly bonded to the epoxy resin and the toughness of the produced materials is low. Graphene (G) and Graphene Oxide (GO) nanoparticles are used to functionalize CFRP composites. The CFRP composites functionalized with G and GO improve the strength of these composites by improving the fiber/matrix interface bond. In this study, the effect of type of nanoparticles, feed rate, cutting speed and number of flutes on machinability (cutting force, delamination factor and surface roughness) were experimentally investigated in the milling of CFRP composites, G-CFRP (CFRP functionalized with G) and GO-CFRP (CFRP functionalized with GO) nanocomposites. Cutting force, delamination factor, and surface roughness were found to be strongly impacted by feed rate, cutting speed, number of flutes, and type of nanoparticles. The increase in the number of flutes contributed to decrease of cutting force, delamination factor and surface roughness, while the increase in the feed rate caused to increase of them. By increasing cutting speed, surface roughness reduced, delamination factor and cutting force increased. In addition, compared to the CFRP composite, the cutting forces and surface roughness were higher, and delamination factor was lower in the CFRP composites functionalized with G and GO.
A note on Gorenstein projective and Gorenstein flat modules
Authors: Wang Xinxin
Published: June 2023

We prove that all Gorenstein projective modules are Gorenstein flat if and only each Gorenstein projective module has finite Gorenstein flat dimension. As applications, some characterizations of strongly CM-free rings are established and an affirmative answer to a question posed by Wang [Colloq. Math. 170 (2022) 1–13] is obtained.