bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Leading through the uncertainty ofCOVID‐19: The joint influence of leader emotions and gender on abusive and family‐supportive supervisory behaviours
Authors: Shen Winny , Hentschel Tanja , Hideg Ivona
Published: April 2023

As COVID‐19 was a highly novel virus in 2019, it brought risks that are difficult to quantify and rampant uncertainty to the fore. We focus on how leaders navigate such an uncertain context. Drawing upon appraisal theories of emotions, we first argue that under the context of high uncertainty, leaders experience emotions relating to their perceptions of (un)controllability: anxiety and hope. We predict that these have differential behavioural consequences; leaders' anxiety about the pandemic relates to abusive supervision, whereas leaders' hope relates to family‐supportive supervision. Integrating research on gender roles, we theorize that counter to common stereotypes, men's leadership would be more affected by their emotions. At the same time, women would provide leadership behaviours needed by their followers irrespective of their emotions; namely, refraining from abusive and providing family‐supportive supervision. Our hypotheses were supported using a sample of 137 leader‐follower dyads in the early phases of the pandemic. Our research has significant implications for appraisal theories of emotions by demonstrating that the behaviours of women, compared to men, may be less affected by their emotions. These findings present a significant departure from previous literature by revealing an important boundary condition of appraisal theories of emotions.
Glass volume or shape influence the aroma attributes of Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine
Authors: Bai Yangyang , Zhang Wang , Li Yaole , Tan Jingxi , Han Fuliang
Published: April 2023

The enjoyment of the wine depends not only on the properties of wine itself, but also on the wine glasses. The present study was designed to investigate whether the glass volume or shape would influence aroma attributes of Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine. Sensory evaluation was conducted with a 12‐member panel. Three‐alternative forced‐choice (3‐AFC) tests were chosen to determine whether any difference in odors could be perceived among samples in glasses of two shapes (Bordeaux and Burgundy glasses) or in glasses of three volumes (350, 500, and 650 mL). Also, 12 participants evaluated their experience of “intensity,” “elegance,” and “overall aroma quality”, as well as descriptive analysis of the wine aroma. The results showed the wine was perceived as being more intense and more elegant in the glass with a smaller cuppa height and a bigger ratio between the maximum and opening diameter. These findings further support the idea that tasters' perceptions of wine aroma are influenced by the shape and volume of wine glasses, which are in part closely related to the parameters of the glasses.

Practical Applications

Investigating the effects of two major red wine glasses, Bordeaux and Burgundy glasses, on the aroma attributes of Cabernet Sauvignon dry red wine is very useful to match the wine with the appropriate glasses. In order to highlight the intensity and elegance of the wine aroma, it is essential to choose a glass with a smaller cuppa height and a bigger ratio between the maximum and opening diameter, which is practical and instructive for wine practitioners, connoisseurs, sommeliers, enthusiasts, and consumers with higher olfactory sensitivity.
Pre‐school wheeze hospital presentations: A demographic profile and review of clinical management
Authors: Walsh Eamon , Gangakhedkar Arun , Jelleyman Timothy , Grant Cameron C
Published: April 2023

Aim

Pre‐school wheeze is a common hospital presentation in Australasia. The aim of this study was to describe the regional hospital presentation and cost of pre‐school wheeze.

Methods

Audit of children diagnosed with pre‐school wheeze at two hospitals in Auckland, New Zealand from October 2017 to September 2019. Guideline adherence was determined.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐two children made 247 pre‐school wheeze hospital presentations. Pre‐school wheeze accounted for a larger proportion of acute hospital presentations for Māori versus non‐Māori children (rate ratio 1.76, 95% confidence intervals 1.32–2.31). Hospital representations with pre‐school wheeze occurred in 38/192 (20%) children. The proportion with a pre‐school wheeze representation was larger for Māori than non‐Māori (30% vs. 16%, P = 0.02). Pre‐school wheeze event median length of stay increased as household deprivation increased (P = 0.01). Clinical severity of 247 pre‐school wheeze episodes was mild (n = 64, 26%), moderate (n = 153, 62%) and severe (n = 30, 12%). Of 244 episodes, inhaled bronchodilators only were given for 149 (61%), oxygen for 54 (22%) and intravenous treatment for 41 (17%). Hospital guideline use was evident in 164/247 (66%) episodes. Neither clinical severity nor treatment intensity varied with child sex, age or ethnicity or household deprivation. The estimated median (interquartile range) direct medical costs of each pre‐school wheeze episode were NZ$1279 (NZ$774–2158).

Conclusions

In Auckland, pre‐school wheeze accounts for a larger proportion of acute hospital presentations for Māori compared with non‐Māori and Māori children have increased odds of pre‐school wheeze readmissions. Length of hospital stay for pre‐school wheeze episodes increased with household deprivation. In this audit pre‐school wheeze guideline adherence was poor.
The quality of beef in the conditions of the former Semipalatinsk Test Site
Authors: Duyssembayev Sergazy , Serikova Ainur , Ikimbayeva Nurgul , Balgabaikyzy Assem , Zhexenayeva Assel
Published: April 2023

The territory of the Semipalatinsk Nuclear Test Site represents vast areas of grassy steppes, their use as pastures seems promising. The purpose of work was to compare beef samples obtained from settlements belonging to different categories of radiation risk: Kokpekty village, Chagan urban‐type settlement, Krivinka village, Sarzhal village, three samples were examined from each settlement. Organoleptic analysis, radiometric determination of 137Cs, was used as criteria. Also, an analysis of the amino acid composition by the high‐performance liquid chromatograph method was carried out and a calculation of protein indicators was made: meat tenderness, amino acid usefulness, nutrition value. The organoleptic examination showed the compliance of all samples with the standards, with the exception of one sample from the Sarzhal village. The study of the specific activity of 137Cs showed a direct correlation between the category of radiation risk and the content of this radioisotope in meat from different zones. The availability of some deviations in the samples indicators obtained from the Sarzhal village indicates the need to approach the products control from this zone more carefully, and radioisotope analysis should become a decisive criterion in determining the safety profile of the product.
Extended time scales of carbonaceous chondrite aqueous alteration evidenced by a xenolith in LaPaz Icefield 02239 (CM2)
Authors: Lee Martin R. , Floyd Cameron , Martin Pierre‐Etienne , Zhao Xuchao , Franchi Ian A. , Jenkins Laura , Griffin Sammy
Published: April 2023

LaPaz Icefield (LAP) 02239 is a mildly aqueously altered CM2 carbonaceous chondrite that hosts a xenolith from a primitive chondritic parent body. The xenolith contains chondrules and calcium‐ and aluminum‐rich inclusions (CAIs) in a very fine‐grained matrix. The chondrules are comparable in mineralogy and oxygen isotopic composition with those in the CMs, and its CAIs are also mineralogically similar to the CM population apart for being unusually small and abundant. The presence of serpentine demonstrates that the xenolith has been aqueously altered, and its phyllosilicate‐rich matrix has a comparable oxygen isotopic composition to the matrices of CM meteorites. The xenolith's chondrules lack fine‐grained rims, whereas the xenolith itself has a fine‐grained rim that is petrographically and chemically comparable with the rims on coarse grained objects in LAP 02239 and other CM meteorites. These properties show that the xenolith's parent body was formed from similar materials to the CM parent body(ies). Following its lithification by aqueous alteration, a piece of the xenolith's parent body was impact‐ejected, acquired a fine‐grained rim while free‐floating in the protoplanetary disc, then was accreted along with rimmed chondrules and other materials to make the LAP 02239 parent body. Subsequent aqueous processing of the LAP 02239 parent body altered the fine‐grained rims on the xenolith, chondrules, and CAIs. The xenolith shows that the timespan of geological evolution of carbonaceous chondrite parent bodies was sufficiently long for some of them to have been aqueously altered before others had formed.
Election, Favoritism, and Freedom: Towards a Modern Jewish Theology of Matrilineal Descent
Authors: Isseroff Judah
Published: April 2023

This article offers an account of the broad theological contours of the Jewish practice of matrilineal descent. I make the case that matrilineality epitomizes God's contingent preference in favoring and electing Israel. I link Mara Benjamin's recent work to recuperate asymmetrical power relations for feminist theology to the asymmetrical relationship inherent in God's election of Israel. With Benjamin, I emphasize the importance of contingency, vulnerability, and favoritism for divine and parental love. I then read the opening parable in the tractate of Avodah Zarah for one Talmudic strategy for reckoning with the contingency of election. In Avodah Zarah, election's contingency is qualified by the concept of zekhut avot—the merit of the patriarchs. From here, I turn to the work of Jon Levenson for an account of the construction of zekhut avot in the Genesis stories. I show that the merit of the patriarchs is defined by the patriarchal encounter with the trial of favoritism. For the Israelites after Genesis, a decisive consequence of zekhut avot is that all of Jacob's (Israel's) descendants become beloved of God. The contingent transmission of the covenant thus transforms from inscrutable divine choice to the still‐contingent power of ancestry. The article closes with an interpretation of the rabbinic concept of zekhut imahot—the merit of the matriarchs. The preferred or preferring matriarch is decisive for determining the next beloved son in Genesis. The article argues that matriarchal merit is not tied to any essential construction of gender, but to the capacity to exercise freedom under conditions of providential silence. I contend that the practice of matrilineal descent re‐inscribes matriarchal merit for every generation of the Jewish people.
Engeletin ameliorates sevoflurane‐induced cognitive impairment by activating PPAR‐gamma in neonatal mice
Authors: Jiang Su , Xiong Ying , Wang Xinyan
Published: April 2023

Sevoflurane (SEV) is a commonly used anesthetic in pediatric surgery. Recent studies reported that repeated use of SEV contributes to cognitive impairment. Engeletin has been discovered to exert anti‐inflammatory effects in various diseases. However, the detailed roles and mechanisms of engeletin in SEV‐induced cognitive dysfunction of neonatal mice remain unclear. In this study, C57BL/6 neonatal mice were randomly divided into Ctrl, SEV, SEV + Engeletin (10 mg /kg), SEV + Engeletin (20 mg/kg), and SEV + Engeletin (40 mg/kg) groups. The Morris water maze (MWM) test suggested that engeletin treatment significantly improved SEV‐induced cognitive impairment in neonatal mice. Employing ELISA and Nissl staining analysis, engeletin reduced neuroinflammation and loss of nerve cells caused by SEV, respectively. The treatment of engeletin dramatically suppressed the activation of microglia and apoptosis induced by SEV in the hippocampus of neonatal mice. Furthermore, the inhibition of PPAR‐γ obviously reversed the abovementioned effects of engeletin in the hippocampus of newborn mice. In conclusion, this study verified that engeletin notably ameliorated SEV‐induced cognitive deficiencies in neonatal mice at least partially by mediating the expression of PPAR‐γ.
New chromosome counts on Rubiaceae from Africa and the Western Indian Ocean islands
Authors: Kiehn Michael , Berger Andreas
Published: April 2023

Cytological studies can provide important insights into circumscription and relationships within plant groups. Nevertheless, there is a considerable lack of cytological information, especially for large and complex groups such as the coffee family (Rubiaceae) and for plants from Africa and the Western Indian Ocean islands. In the present study, 110 new chromosome counts are reported, and one identification for a count published on generic level is provided for the area. Altogether cytological data on 98 species and subspecific taxa classified in 57 genera and 22 tribes are presented. These include first counts for 12 genera and 60 species. Based on a review of recent molecular phylogenetic studies, the significance of these results for the systematics of the Rubiaceae is briefly discussed.
Reflections on the relational ontology of medical assistance in dying
Authors: Pesut Barbara , Thorne Sally
Published: April 2023

Canadian nursing practice has been profoundly influenced by the legalization of medical assistance in dying in 2016, requiring that nurses navigate new and sometimes highly challenging experiences. Findings from our longitudinal studies of nurses' experiences suggest that these include deep emotional responses to medical assistance in dying, an urgency in orchestrating the perfect death, and a high degree of relational impact, both professionally and personally. Here we propose a theoretical explanation for these experiences based upon a relational ontology. Drawing upon the work of Wildman, we understand a relational ontology to be one in which relationships are more fundamentally central than the conceptual entities that provide the context to practice. It is in a relationship that conceptual entities, and their affiliated values, are created and recreated. Seen as causal, relationships have ontological status, with important implications for how we consider the concepts of death, suffering, and time in this context. From a conceptual perspective, suffering is primarily self‐defined based upon personal histories, time reflects the potential remaining until death, and death is primarily biological and amoral, although social discourses of a good and bad death surround the death trajectory. However, within a relational ontology of medical assistance in dying, these understandings shift. Death becomes primarily social rather than biological, suffering is shared, and time until death is now clearly delimited. Accordingly, nurses assume a profound responsibility for influencing outcomes that are authentically person‐centered. These understandings provide important insights into nurses' experiences, enabling us to recognize the causal effects, both intended and unintended, of nurses' relational practices amidst the complexities of assisted death. Drawing on such a perspective, we find implications for how we provide spaces for nurses to reflect on, and have conversations about, their experiences with some of the greatest mysteries of life—death, suffering, and time.
‘I want him to tell me he loves me’: A smart audio device, Tochie, for resident‐family connection in long‐term care
Authors: Hung Lillian , Yang Sophie Corinne , Lin Margaret Chen‐Mei , Chen Irene , Dong Kevin , Young Erika
Published: April 2023

Background

Older people living in long‐term care homes are particularly susceptible to loneliness and social isolation, which the COVID‐19 pandemic has exacerbated further. ‘Tochie’ is a smart audio device that allows family members to remotely record and send messages, such as daily reminders and comforting recordings, to their loved ones in LTC settings. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of using Tochie to improve resident‐family connections, and to investigate user experience, impact and lessons learned.

Methods

Participants included 10 residents, nine family members and six care staff from two LTC homes in British Columbia, Canada. A Tochie was provided to each resident to use with their family members over a 4‐week intervention period. The research team provided support and gathered feedback from family members and care staff through weekly phone and email correspondence. Qualitative descriptive design was used, including pre‐ and post‐intervention focus groups and interviews held via Zoom and phone to gather participants' experiences with Tochie. Themes were identified through thematic analysis.

Results

Three themes were identified: (1) Facilitating emotional connection, (2) Using the device in creative and personalised ways and (3) Structural challenges and supports. Based on these findings, recommendations for future research and practice are provided.

Conclusion

The COVID‐19 pandemic has prompted a rethinking of what it means to ‘stay in touch’ with loved ones in LTC settings. This study found that Tochie has opened up new opportunities for family connection and provided emotional support for residents. The results of this study offer valuable insights into the implementation of assistive technology in LTC homes to support resident care.
Facial atopic dermatitis is associated with sensitization to cow's milk, egg whites, and peanuts in children under 36 months
Authors: Polaskey Meredith Tyree , Bendelow Anne , Mukherji Janak , Buranosky Brooke , Silverberg Jonathan I. , Fishbein Anna
Published: April 2023

Atopic dermatitis (AD) in early childhood often precedes the development of food sensitization and allergy, but the role of treating AD to prevent food allergy remains poorly understood. Our objective was to assess the relationship between facial dermatitis and food sensitization to cow's milk, egg whites, and peanuts in early childhood, as aggressive treatment of facial dermatitis could serve as a potential opportunity for food sensitization prevention. By 3 years of age, food sensitization levels to cow's milk, egg whites, and peanuts were 48% greater in children with facial AD than in children with no facial involvement of their AD. Additional research is needed to determine if facial involvement of AD in infants and young children is associated with increased food allergy.
Four‐year‐old children's pretend play complexity during free play and story stem play and associations with maternal sensitivity
Authors: Stuart Anne C. , Roos Camilla O. , Smith‐Nielsen Johanne , Egmose Ida , Væver Mette S.
Published: April 2023

Theory and research have linked pretend play in early childhood with the development of language and theory of mind. In 102 mother–child dyads at 4.5 years, we examined whether (1) introducing a story stem (a play narrative with socioemotional dilemmas) in a mother–child play context increases pretend play complexity compared with mother–child free play; and (2) maternal sensitivity is associated with pretend play complexity. Further, we explored whether the story stem increased child pretend play complexity more in dyads with mothers with low sensitivity compared with highly sensitive mothers. Sensitivity was coded using Coding Interactive Behavior and pretend play complexity with a global, integrated measure of the developmental level and quantity of play. Using generalized estimating equations, we found that pretend play complexity was positively associated with introducing a story stem and maternal sensitivity. Mixed methodsancovashowed no significant interaction between play situation and maternal sensitivity. The findings stress the importance of maternal sensitivity and participation for play and how introducing a story stem may help promote child pretend play complexity.
Analysis of veterans crisis line data: Temporal factors associated with the initiation of emergency dispatches
Authors: Britton Peter C. , Bohnert Kipling M. , Denneson Lauren M. , Ganoczy Dara , Ilgen Mark A.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To identify temporal patterns of emergency dispatches as initiated by Veteran Crisis Line (VCL) responders and among moderate‐ and high‐risk contacts.

Methods

Incidence rate ratios (IRRs) were used to examine the incidence of emergency dispatches among all 1,437,543 VCL contacts across 2019–2020.

Results

Emergency dispatches were initiated in 57,077 (4.0%) contacts. IRRs were elevated during Labor Day, IRR (95% CI) = 1.33 (1.15–1.54), and Independence Day, IRR (95% CI) = 1.22 (1.05–1.43), weekends, Saturdays, IRR (95% CI) = 1.04 (1.01–1.08), Sunday (reference), and 6 pm to 11:59 pm, IRR (95% CI) = 1.06 (1.04–1.09). IRRs for moderate‐ and high‐risk contacts were higher on Memorial Day, IRR (95% CI) = 1.16 (1.00–1.33), Sunday (reference), and 6 pm to 11:59 pm (reference).

Conclusions

The initiation of emergency dispatches fluctuates over time and were highest during Labor Day and Independence Day, weekends, and evenings. Moderate‐ and high‐risk contact also fluctuate over time and were highest on Memorial Day, Sundays, and midnight to 5:59 am. VCL policy makers can use knowledge of temporal fluctuations to allocate public health resources for increased efficiency and greatest impact; however, additional research on temporal stability and generalizability is needed.
Constraining modes and rates of horizontal deformation along east Qinling fault system from rotated river basins
Authors: Li Wei , Xie Chao , Pang Wei
Published: April 2023

The planform rotation of river basins has been used as a marker of crustal strain and been used to assess the style and rates of on‐fault deformation. We use the geometry of river basins to evaluate horizontal deformation associated with the South China–North China relative block motion in the east Qinling mountains. The long‐time average slip rates of the Luonan fault and Shangdan fault are constrained as 0.31 mm/year and 0.3–0.6 mm/year, respectively. According to the latest GPS, we believe that a minor portion of the crustal strain of relative block motion between North China and South China was partitioned into the east Qinling strike‐slip fault system, leaving a major portion of deformation to be accommodated by southern North China (SNC). We conclude that the eastward extrusion of South China cannot explain the present deformation of the entire eastern China, and more attention should be paid into the SNC.
Natural ballistic gelatine ultrasound phantoms are suitable to be used for student education and can be produced cheaply and effectively
Authors: Phillips Henry , Franklin Chantelle , Brearley Jacqueline , Holmes Mark , Genain Marie‐Aude
Published: April 2023

Practical experience in ultrasonography at medical and veterinary schools is difficult to achieve using live models due to ethical considerations. A solution to this problem has been the creation of synthetic ultrasound phantoms that allow simulation of both ultrasound scans and ultrasound‐guided procedures. Whilst commercially available phantoms are expensive in a resource‐limited environment, it would be desirable to create affordable, reusable, homemade phantoms which could be used to aid student learning. Recent studies have indicated that ballistic gelatine is an excellent material for this. A prospective, experimental study was performed with three ultrasound phantoms for student use. Vascular, bladder, and liver parenchymal models were produced with a natural ballistic gel, along with instructions for their construction and maintenance. Model efficacy was evaluated by assessing students’ performance in completing a set of tasks when performing ultrasound on a dog. Group one received training with the models, group two received prior training without the models and the group three received no training. Entry and exit questionnaires assessed students’ confidence in ultrasound scanning having used the models. Student questionnaires showed that students enjoyed using the models and found them more useful than existing teaching aids. It was also found that the models produced better practical skills in students that trained with them, in comparison to existing teaching. The models were easy to make, produced good images, and are reusable.
A Worldwide Assessment of Quantitative Finance Research through Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Yu Feng , Yin Lianqian , Wang Guizhou
Published: April 2023

The field of quantitative finance has been rapidly growing in both academics and practice. This article applies bibliometric analysis to investigate the current state of quantitative finance research. A comprehensive dataset of 2,723 publications from the Web of Science Core Collection database, between 1992 to 2022, is collected and analyzed. CiteSpace and VOSViewer are adopted to visualize the bibliometric analysis. The article identifies the most relevant research in quantitative finance according to journals, articles, research areas, authors, institutions, and countries. The study further identifies emerging research topics in quantitative finance, e.g. deep learning, neural networks, quantitative trading, and reinforcement learning. This article contributes to the literature by providing a systematic overview of the developments, trajectories, objectives, and potential future research topics in the field of quantitative finance.
On the sharp constant in the Bianchi–Egnell stability inequality
Authors: König Tobias
Published: April 2023

This note is concerned with the Bianchi–Egnell inequality, which quantifies the stability of the Sobolev inequality, and its generalization to fractional exponents . We prove that in dimension the best constant
is strictly smaller than the spectral gap constant associated to sequences that converge to the manifold of Sobolev optimizers. In particular, cannot be asymptotically attained by such sequences. Our proof relies on a precise expansion of the Bianchi–Egnell quotient along a well‐chosen sequence of test functions converging to .
A tight squeeze: how do we make sense of small changes in microvascular diameter?
Authors: Davis Harvey , Attwell David
Published: April 2023

The brain is an energetically demanding tissue which, to function adequately, requires constant fine tuning of its supporting blood flow, and hence energy supply. Whilst blood flow was traditionally believed to be regulated only by vascular smooth muscle cells on arteries and arterioles supplying the brain, recent work has suggested a critical role for capillary pericytes, which are also contractile. This concept has evoked some controversy, especially over the relative contributions of arterioles and capillaries to the control of cerebral blood flow. Here we outline why pericytes are in a privileged position to control cerebral blood flow. First we discuss the evidence, and fundamental equations, which describe how the small starting diameter of capillaries, compared to upstream arterioles, confers a potentially greater control by capillary pericytes than by arterioles over total cerebral vascular resistance. Then we suggest that the faster time frame over which low branch order capillary pericytes dilate in response to local energy demands provides a niche role for pericytes to regulate blood flow compared to slower responding arterioles. Finally, we discuss the role of pericytes in capillary stalling, whereby pericyte contraction appears to facilitate a transient stall of circulating blood cells, exacerbating the effect of pericytes upon cerebral blood flow.

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Atmospheric pressure plasma treatment of chitosan-acrylic acid blends
Authors: Taaca Kathrina Lois M. , Prieto Eloise I. , Vasquez Magdaleno R.
Published: April 2023

This study explores the effect of atmospheric pressure plasma (APP) treatment on chitosan-acrylic acid (Cs-AA) blends. The experiment involves a custom-built APP setup used to modify a polymeric blend composed of natural (Cs) and synthetic (AA) polymers. Even with a low process temperature (<40  °C), reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) were observed in an air plasma plume. The interaction of plasma with the liquid surface was also observed. With de-ionized water as the test liquid, the operating parameters such as the treatment time and flow rate were shown to influence the pH and absorption spectrum of the liquid. The presence of RONS was investigated using optical emission spectroscopy coupled with principal component analysis. The analysis revealed that the air plasma contains the different N systems, NO, OH, H α, monatomic N, and monatomic O species. Varying the gas flow rate influences the production of NO and OH radicals while measuring plasma discharge in different conditions (ambient air, DI H 2O, Cs, and Cs-AA blend) affects the concentration of the N positive and negative systems. The effect of these RONS on the Cs-AA blends was also investigated by assessing the chemical structure, pH, and viscosity of the solution. In correlation with all of the findings, it was observed that plasma treatment could degrade pure Cs solution by dehydrogenation and glycosidic bond cleaving. However, the addition of AA reduces the degradation so that the AA radicals created by plasma form a complex with the Cs that reduces Cs fragmentation and chain entanglement, as observed in the reduction of viscosity. In summary, the rich reactive species created by plasma in the Cs-AA solution not only provided stable species but also introduced more Cs-AA complexes.
Shortened neural conduction time in young adults with tinnitus as revealed by chirp-evoked auditory brainstem response
Authors: Tan See Ling , Chen Yu-Fu , Liu Chieh-Yu , Chu Kuo-Chung , Li Pei-Chun
Published: April 2023

Tinnitus is generally considered to be caused by neuroplastic changes in the central nervous system, triggered by a loss of input from the damaged peripheral system; however, conflicting results on auditory brainstem responses (ABRs) to clicks have been reported previously in humans with tinnitus. This study aimed to compare the effect of tinnitus on ABRs to chirps with those to clicks in normal-hearing young adults with tinnitus. The results showed that the tinnitus group had no significantly poorer hearing thresholds (0.25–16 kHz), click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (1–16 kHz), and speech perception in noise (SPIN) than the control group. Although chirps evoked significantly larger wave I and V amplitudes than clicks, people with tinnitus had no significantly smaller wave I amplitudes for either stimulus. Nevertheless, adults with tinnitus exhibited significantly smaller interpeak interval (IPI) between waves I and V for chirps (IPI–chirp) but not for clicks. In addition, the IPI–chirp correlated significantly with the SPIN for individuals with tinnitus when the signal-to-noise ratio was low. The present results suggest that the chirp-evoked ABR may be a valuable clinical tool for objectively assessing the SPIN in individuals with tinnitus. Further studies should be conducted to investigate possible etiologies of tinnitus.
Detection and localization of Goliath grouper using their low-frequency pulse sounds
Authors: Altaher Ali Salem , Zhuang Hanqi , Ibrahim Ali K. , Ali Ali Muhamed , Altaher Ahmed , Locascio James , McCallister Michael P. , Ajemian Matthew J. , Chérubin Laurent M.
Published: April 2023

The goal of this paper is to implement and deploy an automated detector and localization model to locate underwater marine organisms using their low-frequency pulse sounds. This model is based on time difference of arrival (TDOA) and uses a two-stage approach, first, to identify the sound and, second, to localize it. In the first stage, an adaptive matched filter (MF) is designed and implemented to detect and determine the timing of the sound pulses recorded by the hydrophones. The adaptive MF measures the signal and noise levels to determine an adaptive threshold for the pulse detection. In the second stage, the detected sound pulses are fed to a TDOA localization algorithm to compute the locations of the sound source. Despite the uncertainties stemming from various factors that might cause errors in position estimates, it is shown that the errors in source locations are within the dimensions of the array. Further, our method was applied to the localization of Goliath grouper pulse-like calls from a six-hydrophone array. It was revealed that the intrinsic error of the model was about 2 m for an array spanned over 50 m. This method can be used to automatically process large amount of acoustic data and provide a precise description of small scale movements of marine organisms that produce low-frequency sound pulses.
Equations for finite-difference, time-domain simulation of sound propagation in moving media with arbitrary Mach numbers
Authors: Ostashev Vladimir E. , Van Renterghem Timothy
Published: April 2023

Finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) techniques for sound propagation have become increasingly popular. In moving media, such as the atmosphere, starting equations for FDTD calculations are often limited to low Mach numbers, which may result in significant errors. In this article, two coupled equations for the sound pressure and acoustic particle velocity are derived from the linearized fluid dynamic equations. These coupled equations are valid for arbitrary Mach numbers, in the high-frequency approximation, and can be used in FDTD calculations and other methods for sound propagation in moving media. For low Mach numbers, the equations derived are valid for arbitrary frequencies and are consistent with equations from the literature.
“It’s Easier to Play Alone”: A Survey Study of Gaming With Disabilities
Authors: Baltzar Pauliina , Hassan Lobna , Turunen Markku
Published: April 2023

Within gamers, disabled people remain an understudied minority. While research indicates that they actively play single-player games, we lack an understanding of their experience with multiplayer games. This study aims to answer the following research questions: (a) What kind of games do disabled people play? and (b) Why do disabled people not play multiplayer games? The questions are answered using survey data focusing on playing digital games as a person with disabilities. In total, 92 answers were analyzed. The findings suggest that disabled people play both single-player and multiplayer games and they play games for the same commonly reported reasons as players without disabilities do, although demographics seem to be a key differentiating factor among them in their playing habits, rather than disability differences. However, disabled people reported that they play single-player games more often. We identified four themes from our data that explain why multiplayer games are played less, which are: playing company and insecurity about one’s own skills, lack of relaxation while playing, lack of game accessibility, and lack of interest. Our results indicate that much more work is needed to ensure, especially the social, as well as the technical accessibility of multiplayer games.
Exploring Work-Time Affective States Through Ecological Momentary Assessment in an Office-Based Intervention to Reduce Occupational Sitting
Authors: Faulkner Guy , Weatherson Katie A. , Duncan Markus J. , Wunderlich Kelly B. , Puterman Eli
Published: April 2023

Background: The aim of this study was to examine whether a low-cost standing desk intervention that reduced occupational sitting was associated with changes in work-time cognitive–affective states in real time using ecological momentary assessments at the start and end of the trial. Methods: Forty-one office employees (91.7% female, mean age = 39.8 [10.1] y) were randomized to receive a low-cost standing desk or a waitlist control. Participants received 5 surveys each day for 5 workdays via smartphone application prior to randomization and at trial’s end. Ecological momentary assessment assessed current work-time psychological states (valence and arousal, stress, fatigue, and perceived productivity). Multilevel models assessed whether changes in work-time outcomes over the course of the intervention were significantly different between treatment groups. Results: There were no significant differences in outcomes between the groups except for fatigue, with the control group reporting a significant decrease in daily fatigue following the intervention (P < .001). The intervention group reported no significant changes in any of the work-time outcomes across the study period (P > .05). Conclusions: A low-cost standing desk intervention to reduce occupational sedentary behavior did not negatively impact work-time outcomes such as productivity and fatigue in the short term.
Adaptive tuning of human learning and choice variability to unexpected uncertainty
Authors: Lee Junseok K. , Rouault Marion , Wyart Valentin
Published: April 2023

Human value–based decisions are notably variable under uncertainty. This variability is known to arise from two distinct sources: variable choices aimed at exploring available options and imprecise learning of option values due to limited cognitive resources. However, whether these two sources of decision variability are tuned to their specific costs and benefits remains unclear. To address this question, we compared the effects of expected and unexpected uncertainty on decision-making in the same reinforcement learning task. Across two large behavioral datasets, we found that humans choose more variably between options but simultaneously learn less imprecisely their values in response to unexpected uncertainty. Using simulations of learning agents, we demonstrate that these opposite adjustments reflect adaptive tuning of exploration and learning precision to the structure of uncertainty. Together, these findings indicate that humans regulate not only how much they explore uncertain options but also how precisely they learn the values of these options.
Silicon flexoelectronic transistors
Authors: Guo Di , Guo Pengwen , Ren Lele , Yao Yuan , Wang Wei , Jia Mengmeng , Wang Yulong , Wang Longfei , Wang Zhong Lin , Zhai Junyi
Published: April 2023

It is extraordinarily challenging to implement adaptive and seamless interactions between mechanical triggering and current silicon technology for tunable electronics, human-machine interfaces, and micro/nanoelectromechanical systems. Here, we report Si flexoelectronic transistors (SFTs) that can innovatively convert applied mechanical actuations into electrical control signals and achieve directly electromechanical function. Using the strain gradient–induced flexoelectric polarization field in Si as a “gate,” the metal-semiconductor interfacial Schottky barriers’ heights and the channel width of SFT can be substantially modulated, resulting in tunable electronic transports with specific characteristics. Such SFTs and corresponding perception system can not only create a high strain sensitivity but also identify where the mechanical force is applied. These findings provide an in-depth understanding about the mechanism of interface gating and channel width gating in flexoelectronics and develop highly sensitive silicon-based strain sensors, which has great potential to construct the next-generation silicon electromechanical nanodevices and nanosystems.
Transmissible SARS-CoV-2 variants with resistance to clinical protease inhibitors
Authors: Moghadasi Seyed Arad , Heilmann Emmanuel , Khalil Ahmed Magdy , Nnabuife Christina , Kearns Fiona L. , Ye Chengjin , Moraes Sofia N. , Costacurta Francesco , Esler Morgan A. , Aihara Hideki , von Laer Dorothee , Martinez-Sobrido Luis , Palzkill Timothy , Amaro Rommie E. , Harris Reuben S.
Published: April 2023

Vaccines and drugs have helped reduce disease severity and blunt the spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). However, ongoing virus transmission, continuous evolution, and increasing selective pressures have the potential to yield viral variants capable of resisting these interventions. Here, we investigate the susceptibility of natural variants of the main protease [M
pro
; 3C-like protease (3CL
pro
)] of SARS-CoV-2 to protease inhibitors. Multiple single amino acid changes in M
pro
confer resistance to nirmatrelvir (the active component of Paxlovid). An additional clinical-stage inhibitor, ensitrelvir (Xocova), shows a different resistance mutation profile. Importantly, phylogenetic analyses indicate that several of these resistant variants have pre-existed the introduction of these drugs into the human population and are capable of spreading. These results encourage the monitoring of resistance variants and the development of additional protease inhibitors and other antiviral drugs with different mechanisms of action and resistance profiles for combinatorial therapy.
Aberrant cell state plasticity mediated by developmental reprogramming precedes colorectal cancer initiation
Authors: Bala Pratyusha , Rennhack Jonathan P. , Aitymbayev Daulet , Morris Clare , Moyer Sydney M. , Duronio Gina N. , Doan Paul , Li Zhixin , Liang Xiaoyan , Hornick Jason L. , Yurgelun Matthew B. , Hahn William C. , Sethi Nilay S.
Published: April 2023

Cell state plasticity is carefully regulated in adult epithelia to prevent cancer. The aberrant expansion of the normally restricted capability for cell state plasticity in neoplasia is poorly defined. Using genetically engineered and carcinogen-induced mouse models of intestinal neoplasia, we observed that impaired differentiation is a conserved event preceding cancer development. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) of premalignant lesions from mouse models and a patient with hereditary polyposis revealed that cancer initiates by adopting an aberrant transcriptional state characterized by regenerative activity, marked by
Ly6a
(Sca-1), and reactivation of fetal intestinal genes, including
Tacstd2
(Trop2). Genetic inactivation of Sox9 prevented adenoma formation, obstructed the emergence of regenerative and fetal programs, and restored multilineage differentiation by scRNA-seq. Expanded chromatin accessibility at regeneration and fetal genes upon Apc inactivation was reduced by concomitant Sox9 suppression. These studies indicate that aberrant cell state plasticity mediated by unabated regenerative activity and developmental reprogramming precedes cancer development.
Accelerated mafic weathering in Southeast Asia linked to late Neogene cooling
Authors: Bayon Germain , Patriat Martin , Godderis Yves , Trinquier Anne , De Deckker Patrick , Kulhanek Denise K. , Holbourn Ann , Rosenthal Yair
Published: April 2023

Arc-continent collision in Southeast Asia during the Neogene may have driven global cooling through chemical weathering of freshly exposed ophiolites resulting in atmospheric CO
2
removal. Yet, little is known about the cause-and-effect relationships between erosion and the long-term evolution of tectonics and climate in this region. Here, we present an 8-million-year record of seawater chemistry and sediment provenance from the eastern Indian Ocean, near the outflow of Indonesian Throughflow waters. Using geochemical analyses of foraminiferal shells and grain size–specific detrital fractions, we show that erosion and chemical weathering of ophiolitic rocks markedly increased after 4 million years (Ma), coincident with widespread island emergence and gradual strengthening of Pacific zonal sea-surface temperature gradients. Together with supportive evidence for enhanced mafic weathering at that time from re-analysis of the seawater
87
Sr/
86
Sr curve, this finding suggests that island uplift and hydroclimate change in the western Pacific contributed to maintaining high atmospheric CO
2
consumption throughout the late Neogene.
FERONIA and wall-associated kinases coordinate defense induced by lignin modification in plant cell walls
Authors: Liu Chang , Yu Hasi , Voxeur Aline , Rao Xiaolan , Dixon Richard A.
Published: April 2023

Altering the content or composition of the cell wall polymer lignin is a favored approach to valorize lignin toward biomaterial and chemical production in the biorefinery. However, modifying lignin or cellulose in transgenic plants can induce expression of defense responses and negatively affect growth. Through genetic screening for suppressors of defense gene induction in the low lignin
ccr1-3
mutant of
Arabidopsis thaliana
, we found that loss of function of the receptor-like kinase FERONIA, although not restoring growth, affected cell wall remodeling and blocked release of elicitor-active pectic polysaccharides as a result of the
ccr1-3
mutation. Loss of function of multiple wall-associated kinases prevented perception of these elicitors. The elicitors are likely heterogeneous, with tri-galacturonic acid the smallest but not necessarily the most active component. Engineering of plant cell walls will require development of ways to bypass endogenous pectin signaling pathways.
Gas-phase detection of oxirene
Authors: Wang Jia , Marks Joshua H. , Turner Andrew M. , Mebel Alexander M. , Eckhardt André K. , Kaiser Ralf I.
Published: April 2023

Oxirenes—highly strained 4π Hückel antiaromatic organics—have been recognized as key reactive intermediates in the Wolff rearrangement and in interstellar environments. Predicting short lifetimes and tendency toward ring opening, oxirenes are one of the most mysterious classes of organic transients, with the isolation of oxirene (
c
-C
2
H
2
O) having remained elusive. Here, we report on the preparation of oxirene in low-temperature methanol-acetaldehyde matrices upon energetic processing through isomerization of ketene (H
2
CCO) followed by resonant energy transfer of the internal energy of oxirene to the vibrational modes (hydroxyl stretching and bending, methyl deformation) of methanol. Oxirene was detected upon sublimation in the gas phase exploiting soft photoionization coupled with a reflectron time-of-flight mass spectrometry. These findings advance our fundamental understanding of the chemical bonding and stability of cyclic, strained molecules and afford a versatile strategy for the synthesis of highly ring-strained transients in extreme environments.
In situ amplification of spin echoes within a kinetic inductance parametric amplifier
Authors: Vine Wyatt , Savytskyi Mykhailo , Vaartjes Arjen , Kringhøj Anders , Parker Daniel , Slack-Smith James , Schenkel Thomas , Mølmer Klaus , McCallum Jeffrey C. , Johnson Brett C. , Morello Andrea , Pla Jarryd J.
Published: April 2023

The use of superconducting microresonators together with quantum-limited Josephson parametric amplifiers has enhanced the sensitivity of pulsed electron spin resonance (ESR) measurements by more than four orders of magnitude. So far, the microwave resonators and amplifiers have been designed as separate components due to the incompatibility of Josephson junction–based devices with magnetic fields. This has produced complex spectrometers and raised technical barriers toward adoption of the technique. Here, we circumvent this issue by coupling an ensemble of spins directly to a weakly nonlinear and magnetic field–resilient superconducting microwave resonator. We perform pulsed ESR measurements with a 1-pL mode volume containing 6 × 10
7
spins and amplify the resulting signals within the device. When considering only those spins that contribute to the detected signals, we find a sensitivity of

2.8
×
1

0
3

spins

/

Hz

for a Hahn echo sequence at a temperature of 400 mK. In situ amplification is demonstrated at fields up to 254 mT, highlighting the technique’s potential for application under conventional ESR operating conditions.