bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Density functional theory from spherically symmetric densities: Ground and excited states of Coulomb systems
Authors: Nagy Á.
Published: July 2024

Recently, Theophilou [J. Chem. Phys. 149, 074104 (2018)] proposed a peculiar version of the density functional theory by showing that the set of spherical averages of the density around the nuclei determines uniquely the external potential in atoms, molecules, and solids. Here, this novel theory is extended to individual excited states. The generalization is based on the method developed in the series of papers by Ayers, Levy, and Nagy [Phys. Rev. A 85, 042518 (2012)]. Generalized Hohenberg–Kohn theorems are proved to the set of spherically symmetric densities using constrained search. A universal variational functional for the sum of the kinetic and electron–electron repulsion energies is constructed. The functional is appropriate for the ground state and all bound excited states. Euler equations and Kohn–Sham equations for the set are derived. The Euler equations can be rewritten as Schrödinger-like equations for the square root of the radial densities, and the effective potentials in them can be expressed in terms of wave function expectation values. The Hartree plus exchange–correlation potentials can be given by the difference of the interacting and the non-interacting effective potentials.
Prototype development of a three-stage, high-precision, low-jitter, wide-range digital delay generator fully utilizing on-chip resources
Authors: Liu Jinxin , Deng Peipei , Liu Juan , Wang Ying
Published: July 2024

This paper introduces the design and implementation of a prototype Digital Delay Generator (DDG) characterized by high precision, low jitter, and a wide delay range, fully realized within a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA). The DDG’s architecture is based on an innovative combination of an embedded time-to-digital converter (TDC) and Multi-stage Time Interpolation (MTI) delay logic. The paper explores the factors influencing delay jitter during external trigger mode and carefully selects the optimal design approach for each element. The embedded TDC, which undergoes automatic calibration, accurately measures the time difference between the arrival of an external trigger and the FPGA’s internal clock signal. When paired with the MTI delay logic, this allows for highly precise control over delay durations. A key aspect of this design is its sole dependence on the FPGA’s built-in resources, ensuring simplicity in implementation and adaptability to various applications. Evaluation of the prototype has shown promising results, demonstrating a delay resolution as fine as 20 ps and maintaining a low jitter of 105 ps peak-to-peak (20 ps rms) when operated in the externally triggered mode.
Valley-Hall photonic crystal waveguides under non-Hermitian active defect
Authors: Jayaram Shrinivas , Tan Yi Ji , Navaratna Nikhil , Tan Thomas CaiWei , Chong Yidong , Singh Ranjan
Published: July 2024

Photonic transport facilitated by topological protection is a proposed advantage of photonic topological waveguides based on valley photonic crystals (VPCs). Although topological protection significantly suppresses backscattering in these waveguides, it is often desirable to achieve active control over the transmission characteristics. We utilize photoexcited carriers in silicon to implement an active defect—a local, actively tunable, dissipative non-Hermitian perturbation in the path of a terahertz VPC waveguide—and systematically characterize the transport characteristics. We study waveguides constructed from different VPC interfaces (zigzag and bearded) and show that the high group index VPC waveguide modes are more strongly modulated by the phototunable defect. In both the waveguides, the faster modes exhibit approximately linear variation in transmission loss with increase in defect through enhanced photocarrier generation. However, for slower modes, the transmission loss varies nonlinearly, indicative of enhanced interaction with the active defect. We are able to model this behavior in terms of a group delay dependent loss. Our study not only highlights the superior performance of low index VPC waveguide modes but also paves the way for the systematic development of on-chip modulators based on active defects.
Toward land restoration transitions: elevating regional voices and the provenance of co-benefits in Queensland rangelands
Authors: Dumbrell Nikki P. , Robinson Catherine J. , Ricketts Katie D. , Urzedo Danilo , Walker Lisa , Bond Anthelia J.
Published: July 2024

Land management changes are and will continue to play a substantial role in national and global strategies towards decarbonisation goals. Yet, roles for land managers and their communities to co-create opportunities for just transitions are not well represented or accounted for in policy instruments or markets, including those for carbon offsets. Understanding regional context is critical to identify strategies for land management changes to underpin just transitions. We outline a mixed-methods approach involving an analysis of socio-economic data and a critical review of regional plans to identify the benefit aspirations that communities have articulated, and the drivers of transitions already at play to understand how land sector carbon abatement projects could support regional transitions. This approach is demonstrated using a case study region in Queensland, Australia. The case study region hosts land sector carbon abatement projects under a national policy that incentivises least cost abatement and under a state policy that incentivises land sector carbon abatement with bundled environmental and social co-benefits. The results show that across sectors and locations, communities are seeking economic, cultural, and social outcomes that can be delivered as co-benefits of land management changes for carbon abatement. Our analysis shows that the value of multiple co-benefits is place-specific and dependent on the provenance of land management changes and broader regional conditions. By understanding regional contexts and aspirations, it is possible to identify how and where land sector carbon abatement investments can be negotiated between investors and communities to support just transitions to low-carbon futures.
HaloTag as a substrate-based macroautophagy reporter
Authors: Xiao Qiang , Cruz Gabrielle , Botham Rachel , Fox Susan G. , Yu Anan , Allen Seth , Morimoto Richard I. , Kelly Jeffery W.
Published: July 2024

Macroautophagy is a conserved cellular degradation pathway that, upon upregulation, confers resilience toward various stress conditions, including protection against proteotoxicity associated with neurodegenerative diseases, leading to cell survival. Monitoring autophagy regulation in living cells is important to understand its role in physiology and pathology, which remains challenging. Here, we report that when HaloTag is expressed within a cell of interest and reacts with tetramethylrhodamine (TMR; its ligand attached to a fluorophore), the rate of fluorescent TMR-HaloTag conjugate accumulation in autophagosomes and lysosomes, observed by fluorescence microscopy, reflects the rate of autophagy. Notably, we found that TMR-HaloTag conjugates were mainly degraded by the proteasome (~95%) under basal conditions, while lysosomal degradation (~10% upon pharmacological autophagy activation) was slow and incomplete, forming a degraded product that remained fluorescent within a SDS-PAGE gel, in agreement with previous reports that HaloTag is resistant to lysosomal degradation when fused to proteins of interest. Autophagy activation is distinguished from autophagy inhibition by the increased production of the degraded TMR-HaloTag band relative to the full-length TMR-HaloTag band as assessed by SDS-PAGE and by a faster rate of TMR-HaloTag conjugate lysosomal puncta accumulation as observed by fluorescence microscopy. Pharmacological proteasome inhibition leads to accumulation of TMR-HaloTag in lysosomes, indicating possible cross talk between autophagy and proteasomal degradation.
Deformation theory and nonlinear dynamic behavior of PVC gel actuators
Authors: Du Zhuoao , Luo Bin , Chen Zhigang , Zhu Meiyu , Zhu Kejun , Wang Yanjie
Published: July 2024

Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) gel generates complex nonlinear vibration behavior under an alternating current voltage excitation, which has potential application as a dynamic electromechanical actuator. However, there are few studies on the deformation theory of PVC gel actuators, especially the dynamic nonlinear response theory. In this paper, a complex dynamic model is established according to the electrodeformation mechanism of PVC film, and the nonlinear dynamic behavior of the actuator is numerically studied by a differential equation. The effects of applied voltage amplitude, voltage frequency, dibutyl adipate content, mechanical tension, and bias voltage on the dynamic properties of PVC film were analyzed under the condition of equal biaxial tension. The variation of amplitude and the generation and disappearance of the beat frequency during vibration are analyzed by using time-domain characteristics. The degree of PVC actuator nonlinearity as well as vibration stability and periodicity is also reflected based on the phase path and Poincare map. Finally, the law of influence of external condition parameters on the dynamic response of the PVC actuator is obtained.
Evolution and persistence of SiO emission in nanosecond laser ablation plumes
Authors: Shaik A K , Phillips M C , Harilal S S
Published: July 2024

Analyzing laser-produced plasmas in a controlled oxygen-containing environment provides insight into the formation and evolution of molecular species through gas-phase oxidation. This study explores the role of ambient pressure and oxygen availability in forming SiO molecular species in laser ablation plumes. The self-emission emanating during the reactive ablation of Si targets was characterized by optical emission spectroscopy and optical time-of-flight techniques. Our results showed that the SiO species formation was greatly influenced by both the ambient pressure and oxygen availability. The intensity and the persistence of SiO emission bands are lower at higher oxygen concentrations, indicating they are depopulated by the formation of more complex silicon oxides. The oxygen partial pressure effects on plume chemistry showed that SiO formation is favored even with a minimal oxygen concentration in the environment.
Conflux of spin Nernst and spin Hall effect in ZnCu2SnSe4 Topological Insulator
Authors: Sharma Shivam , De Sarkar Abir
Published: July 2024

A comprehensive exploration of the intriguing phenomena known as the spin Nernst effect (SNE) and the spin Hall effect (SHE) within the context of nonmagnetic strong topological insulator

ZnCu
2

SnSe
4

, has been carried out employing first-principles calculations. Our theoretical calculations unveil significantly large intrinsic spin Nernst conductivity (SNC) and spin Hall conductivity (SHC) in the bulk topological insulator

ZnCu
2

SnSe
4

. Delving deeper into the intricacies of our findings, we elucidate how the inverted band order in the topological materials drastically influences the spin Berry curvature, consequently exerting a profound impact on SHC and SNC. Detailed analyses reveal that the contribution from the bulk to the generation of pure spin current in a topological insulator is comparable to that of a surface. This underscores the potential role of topological insulators in the development of spin-switching devices. We present compelling evidence that

ZnCu
2

SnSe
4

holds immense promise as an optimal candidate for the generation of pure spin currents, achieved through the application of both thermal gradients and electric fields. This, in turn, opens up exciting avenues for its utilization in the realms of spin-caloritronics, spin-orbitronics, and spintronics.
Few-mode optical fiber-based flexible pressure feedback tentacle doped with fluorescence temperature pointer
Authors: Qin Xiangju , Yang Kunshan , Liang Ying , Fan Hailong , Du Xiu , Liang Hu , Xu Yuan , Kong Lingxin , Zhao Dawei
Published: July 2024

In this paper, a flexible fiber pressure feedback whisker is proposed, which consists of a water droplet shaped polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) elastomer with an embedded balloon shaped few mode fiber. The mechanical sensing performance of the device was analyzed and optimized using a combination of finite element method and beam propagation method (BPM). The built-in cladding corroded few-mode fiber increases pressure sensitivity by more than four times. The collection efficiency of fluorescence signal is improved by cladding corrosion. The PDMS elastomer was doped with upconversion nanoparticles NaYF4:Yb, Er@NaYF4 in order to achieve temperature measurement by fluorescence intensity ratio technology. The combination of fluorescence signal and interference spectrum can not only achieve real-time and accurate pressure detection at different temperatures, but also incorporate fluorescent materials into flexible bionic skin for temperature self-compensation, which has potential application value for the development of bionic fiber micro-nano sensing and control devices.
Dynamic process monitoring based on parallel latent regressive models
Authors: Tong Chudong , Chen Long , Luo Lijia
Published: July 2024

To comprehensively characterize the underlying time-serial behaviors in a dataset obtained from normal operating conditions, a novel modeling algorithm with the goal of constructing parallel latent regressive models (PLRMs) is proposed for dynamic process monitoring. Instead of exploiting the time-serial variation in a given dataset through covariance or correlation, a directly derived LRM is considered to understand the time-serial behavior inherited from the extracted latent variable. More importantly, the direct derivation of latent regressive relationships is not restricted to just estimating the current from the past. In contrast, a more comprehensive regressive modeling strategy based on multiple LRMs in parallel is considered, with respect to a straightforward argument that a latent variable can be estimated by its time-serial neighbors, including the past and future, within consecutive sampling time steps. Consequently, more comprehensive dynamic behavior can be uncovered from the given dataset. Next, salient performance achieved by the proposed PLRMs-based dynamic process monitoring approach can be expected, as demonstrated through comparisons with counterparts.
Infrared photodetectors based on wide bandgap two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides via efficient two-photon absorption
Authors: Chen Tong , Zheng Zhaoqiang , Li Kunle , Li Yalong , Chen Shanshan , Yang Yibin , Tao Lili , Feng Xing , Zhao Yu
Published: July 2024

Two-dimensional (2D) transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) have attracted considerable attention due to their outstanding optoelectronic properties and ease of integration, making them ideal candidates for high-performance photodetectors. However, the excessive width of the bandgap in some 2D TMDs presents a challenge for achieving infrared photodetection. One approach to broaden the photoresponse wavelength range of TMDs is through the utilization of two-photon absorption (TPA) process. Unfortunately, the inefficiency of TPA hinders its application in infrared photodetection. In this study, we propose the design of two photodetectors utilizing high TPA coefficient materials, specifically ReSe2 and MoS2, to exploit their TPA capability and extend the photoresponse to the near-infrared region at 1550 nm. The ReSe2 photodetector demonstrates an unprecedented responsivity of 43 μA W−1, surpassing that of current single-material TPA photodetectors. Similarly, the MoS2 photodetector achieves a responsivity of 18 μA W−1, comparable to state-of-the-art TPA photodetectors. This research establishes the potential of high TPA coefficient 2D TMDs for infrared photodetection.
Reduced thermal conductivity and enhanced TE performance in CrSb2 via Fe-Bi co-substitution
Authors: Bano Sahiba , Sk Shamim , Aizawa Takashi , Mori Takao
Published: July 2024

The efficiency of thermoelectric (TE) technology relies on the performance of TE materials. Substitution with heavy elements is an effective strategy in TE for enhancing phonon scattering without much affecting electrical transport properties. However, selecting suitable dopants to achieve a high TE figure-of-merit (ZT) poses a significant challenge. Thus, in this study, the efficacy of combined (Fe and Bi) co-substitution in CrSb2 is investigated as a promising strategy to enhance ZT by lowering thermal conductivity. A series of co-substituted Cr1−x
Fe
x
BiySb2−y
(x = 0, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1 and y = 0.10, 0.15, 0.20,0.25) samples were synthesized via furnace reaction followed by spark plasma sintering technique. Phase analysis and temperature dependence TE transport properties were systematically studied on synthesized samples. Furthermore, to analyze the impact of disorder induced by Bi/Fe substitution, electronic structure calculation was performed using the projector augmented-wave method. Notably, Cr0.75Fe0.25Bi0.15Sb1.85 exhibited a low thermal conductivity of ∼2.5 W m−1 K−1 at 300 K, which reduced to half compared to that of pristine CrSb2 (∼5 W m−1 K−1). This reduction is attributed to the introduction of significant mass fluctuations and point defects along with the presence of Bi at grain boundaries by co-substitution. Consequently, a remarkable 90% enhancement in ZT (∼0.021) at 350 K was achieved for Cr0.75Fe0.25Bi0.15Sb1.85 compared to that of pristine CrSb2 (ZT ∼ 0.012). This study can provide valuable insights into the rational design of effective dopants in other TE materials also.
Investigations into the robustness of the peak turn-on current slope method for junction temperature sensing in p-GaN HEMTs
Authors: Lu Weihao , Li Sheng , Ye Ran , Mao Weixiong , Zhang Zikang , Ma Yanfeng , Li Mingfei , Wei Jiaxing , Zhang Long , Ma Jie , Liu Siyang , Sun Weifeng
Published: July 2024

In this paper, the robustness of a junction temperature sensing method using the peak of the turn-on current slope for enhanced p-GaN high-electron-mobility transistors is investigated in detail. With the help of a repetitive hard-switching test platform, compared to other temperature-sensitive electrical parameters, it is found that the maximum slope of the flowing current at the turn-on transition shows no trend in degradation, regardless of the applied switching stress. This parameter decreases solely with the increase in junction temperature, showing excellent temperature-dependent linearity. Furthermore, the applicability of this method to the detection of junction temperature under different external gate resistances and drain voltages is verified. The sensed junction temperatures are carried over to calculate the thermal resistance, which is also extracted by advanced thermal characterization test equipment as a reference. Therefore, based on the versatility, convenience and accuracy, the peak of the rising drain current slope has been proven to be the preferred alternative in system applications to detect junction temperatures.
Validation of a synthetic fast ion loss detector model for Wendelstein 7-X
Authors: LeViness A. , Lazerson S.A. , Jansen van Vuuren A. , Rueda-Rueda J. , Beurskens M. , Bozhenkov S. , Brunner K.J. , Ford O.P. , Fuchert G. , Garcìa-Muñoz M. , Isobe M. , Killer C. , Knauer J. , Ogawa K. , Pablant N. , Pasch E. , Poloskei P. , Romba T. ,   the W7-X Team
Published: July 2024

We present the first validated synthetic diagnostic for fast ion loss detectors (FILDs) in the Wendelstein 7-X (W7-X) stellarator. This model has been developed on, and validated against experimental data from, a FILD provided by the National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS-FILD), with potential future applicability to the existing Faraday Cup FILD (FC-FILD) on W7-X as well as the scintillating FILD (S-FILD) currently under development. A workflow combining Monte Carlo codes BEAMS3D and ASCOT5 is used to track fast ions produced by neutral beam injection from the moment of ionization until they are thermalized or lost from the last closed flux surface, and from there to a virtual plane which serves as a projection of the entrance aperture to the FILD. Simulations in ASCOT5 are analyzed via a geometric method to determine the probability of transmission through the FILD aperture and onto the detector as a function of normalized momentum, pitch angle, gyrophase, and position at the virtual plane. This probability is then applied to the simulated ions arriving from the plasma, producing a simulated signal from a computationally tractable number of simulated fast ions. Simulated signals are presented for two W7-X experiments with neutral beam injection and quantitatively compared with experimental measurements from the NIFS-FILD diagnostic. An estimate of the frequency of charge-exchange with neutral particles in the edge is performed, and it is found that this process may have a significant impact on the measured signals.
Religious Music for Godless Ears
Authors: Ridley Aaron
Published: July 2024

This essay sets out from two thoughts, one an empirical observation, the other a worry. The observation is that many atheists regard certain pieces of religious music as among the greatest works of art. The worry is that there must be something compromised in the atheists’ experience of such works. Taken together, these thoughts seem to point to the sceptical conclusion that the high regard in which many atheists hold religious works must itself be compromised. Most of the essay is devoted to clarifying the initial worry through the investigation of a series of attempts to avoid the sceptical conclusion, before it is argued that, for at least one sort of atheist, there is, after all, a mode of engagement with great religious music that might afford an experience of it which would underwrite the judgement that the work is, indeed, great.
Additional Women Philosophers of Art
Authors: Stone Alison
Published: July 2024

The chapter introduces six further women not included in the book’s main narrative. Maria Callcott provided a history and taxonomy of painting. Mary Merrifield wrote mainly on the technical side of art, but also wrote some philosophical essays, for instance arguing that fashion could become a fine art. Sarah Stickney Ellis argued in The Beautiful in Nature and Art that art beauty must be based on natural beauty. Elizabeth Eastlake’s philosophical writings on art included an evaluation of photography and a highly critical engagement with Ruskin. Clementina Anstruther-Thomson was interested in artworks’ physical effects on us, while Constance Naden argued that beauty was nothing objective but that we have naturally and socially evolved to find certain phenomena beautiful.
Social disparity is associated with an increased risk of acute and chronic pancreatitis
Authors: Becker Ulrik , Timmermann Amalie , Ekholm Ola , Drewes Asbjørn Mohr , Novovic Srdan , Nøjgaard Camilla , Olesen Søren Schou , Tolstrup Janne Schurmann
Published: July 2024

Aim

To study social disparity in acute pancreatitis (AP) and chronic pancreatitis (CP).We also aimed at exploring whether an interaction exists between alcohol intake and socioeconomic factors.

Methods

Prospective cohort study based on data from 271 696 men and women participating in the Danish National Health Surveys 2010, and 2013. Information on alcohol and smoking parameters, body mass index (BMI), diet, and education, were self-reported and information on family income was obtained from administrative registers. Outcome variables (acute and chronic pancreatitis) were obtained from national health registers.

Results

The incidence rate ratio (IRR) of developing AP and CP increased with decreasing family income. Compared to participants in the highest income quintile, participants in the lowest income quintile had 43 (95% CI: 14–80%), 99 (95% CI: 26–214%), and 56% (95% CI: 26–94%) higher incidence rates of AP, CP, and all pancreatitis, respectively. The associations persisted after adjustment for alcohol intake, smoking, BMI, and diet.

Likewise, participants with only primary school education had an IRR for an AP of 1.30 (95% CI: 1.06–1.59) compared to those with higher education after adjustment for baseline year, age, and sex. We found no interactions between alcohol intake and income or between alcohol intake and education in relation to neither AP, CP, nor all pancreatitis.

Conclusion

This large prospective population study showed a significant social disparity in incidence rates of pancreatitis by family income, with higher rates among those with the lowest income and education independent of risk factors such as alcohol intake, smoking, BMI, and diet.
Epigenomics coverage data extraction and aggregation in R with tidyCoverage
Authors: Serizay Jacques , Koszul Romain
Published: July 2024

The tidyCoverage R package provides a framework for intuitive investigation of collections of genomic tracks over genomic features, relying on the principle of tidy data manipulation. It defines two data structures, CoverageExperiment and AggregatedCoverage classes, directly extending the SummarizedExperiment fundamental class, and introduces a principled approach to exploring genome-wide data. This infrastructure facilitates the extraction and manipulation of genomic coverage track data across individual or multiple sets of thousands of genomic loci. This allows the end user to rapidly visualize track coverage at individual genomic loci or aggregated coverage profiles over sets of genomic loci. tidyCoverage seamlessly combines with the existing Bioconductor ecosystem to accelerate the integration of genome-wide track data in epigenomic analysis workflows. tidyCoverage emerges as a valuable tool, contributing to the advancement of epigenomics research by promoting consistency, reproducibility, and accessibility in data analysis.

Availability and implementation

tidyCoverage is an R package freely available from Bioconductor ≥ 3.19 (https://www.bioconductor.org/packages/tidyCoverage) for R ≥ 4.4. The software is distributed under the MIT License and is accompanied by example files and data.
Imparting chiroptical property to achiral azobenzene derivative via incorporation into chiral-controlled helical nanofibers
Authors: Ito Tomoki , Nakagawa Makoto , Kawai Takeshi
Published: July 2024

Chiral transcription from chiral to achiral organic molecules is a fundamental research area in supramolecular chemistry, organic chemistry, and nanoscience. In this study, we demonstrated that chiral transcription of an achiral azobenzene derivative (Azo) can be achieved by embedding it within helically controlled nanofibers. Helical nanofibers were produced via supramolecular assembly of water-insoluble D-12-hydroxystearic acid (D-HSA) as a chiral source and a water-soluble long-chain amidoamine derivative (C18AA) in water. Azo-incorporated helical nanofibers exhibited a circular dichroism (CD) peak at 350 nm, which was assigned to the π−π* transition band of trans-azobenzene chromophore, suggesting a chiral arrangement of Azo molecules in the nanofibers. Because the nanofibers are dispersed in water and Azo is not soluble in water, the selection of an organic solvent to dissolve Azo is important for the incorporation of Azo molecules. When water-immiscible toluene was used as the solvent, Azo incorporation did not occur, because contact between the nanofibers and Azo was inhibited; however, when water-miscible methanol was used, incorporation was achieved. The incorporation of Azo gradually occurred in the pre-assembled C18AA + D-HSA nanofibers, but co-assembly did not occur during the formation of the C18AA + D-HSA nanofibers. We also showed that Azo-containing nanofibers can undergo a reversible thermal phase transition between gel-to-sol states, switching the CD signal of Azo on and off. Furthermore, trans–cis-photoisomerization of Azo embedded in the nanofibers eliminated the CD peak of the trans-isomer, and no new CD peak corresponding to the cis-isomer appeared.
How should medical society face patient feedback in online review platforms?
Authors: Kaneda Yudai , Ozaki Akihiko , Tachibana Kazunoshin , Wada Masahiro , Gonda Kenji , Tanimoto Tetsuya , Shimmura Hiroaki , Jakovljevic Mihajlo
Published: July 2024

In the medical field, the importance of online reviews is escalating. However, the complexity of responding to these reviews is profound, as such anonymous critiques may encompass not only emotionally distressing content but also potentially malicious criticisms directed at healthcare professionals. While recognizing the vital role of patient feedback, there exists a necessity for a collective approach to managing online commentary. This effort seeks to strike a balance between patient satisfaction and the safeguarding of healthcare practitioners and administrative staff. We believe the global medical community must establish guidelines to effectively handle such scenarios, thereby contributing to the sustainability of patient-centered services.
Markets and morality: how markets shape our (dis)regard for others
Authors: Chen Daniel L , Reinhart Eric
Published: July 2024

Scholars since Hume and Smith have debated possible causal connections between market experiences and moral beliefs. Here, we study the impact of market interactions on utilitarian versus deontological values, charitable donations, and whether individuals have differential in-group/out-group moral views. We randomly assign workers residing across several nations of varying income levels to different market conditions and found that, in low-income nations, tournament-based compensation increased deontological commitments, especially toward out-group members, and donations by productive workers, but decreased donations by less productive workers. In higher-income nations, the effect on deontological commitments reversed, while effects on out-group attitudes and donations became insignificant. These findings suggest that if utilitarian attitudes lead to more market-oriented policies, then multiple steady states arise wherein some countries sustain high levels of utilitarian attitudes and economic growth alongside progressively weakening deontological commitments and interpersonal regard for others, putting economic rationality and liberal moral development at odds.
Walking fingerprinting
Authors: Koffman Lily , Crainiceanu Ciprian , Leroux Andrew
Published: July 2024

We consider the problem of predicting an individual’s identity from accelerometry data collected during walking. In a previous paper, we transformed the accelerometry time series into an image by constructing the joint distribution of the acceleration and lagged acceleration for a vector of lags. Predictors derived by partitioning this image into grid cells were used in logistic regression to predict individuals. Here, we (a) implement machine learning methods for prediction using the grid cell-derived predictors; (b) derive inferential methods to screen for the most predictive grid cells while adjusting for correlation and multiple comparisons; and (c) develop a novel multivariate functional regression model that avoids partitioning the predictor space. Prediction methods are compared on two open source acceleometry data sets collected from: (a) 32 individuals walking on a 1.06 km path; and (b) six repetitions of walking on a 20 m path on two occasions at least 1 week apart for 153 study participants. In the 32-individual study, all methods achieve at least 95% rank-1 accuracy, while in the 153-individual study, accuracy varies from 41% to 98%, depending on the method and prediction task. Methods provide insights into why some individuals are easier to predict than others.
A Mixed Methods Approach to Understand Mother-Father Relationship and Perceived Stress Among Black Pregnant Women
Authors: Wheeler Jenna M. , LaManna Jacqueline , Esparza Lindsey , Khalil Dalia , Davis Jean W. , Xie Rui , Misra Dawn P. , Giurgescu Carmen , Kavanaugh Karen
Published: July 2024

Background:

Black women in the United States report moderate to high levels of perceived stress during pregnancy. Though lower levels of involvement and support from father of the baby (FOB) and higher levels of conflict have been associated with higher levels of maternal perceived stress, it is not clear how Black pregnant women experience the mother-father relationship and its influence on perceived stress.

Purpose:

To examine and describe the mother-father relationship and its role in experiences of perceived stress from the perspective of Black pregnant women.

Methods:

Using a convergent, mixed methods approach with ideal-type analysis, we conducted a secondary analysis of data among 60 Black pregnant women enrolled in the Biosocial Impact on Black Births study. Women completed online self-report questionnaires and participated in a semi-structured interview by telephone.

Results:

Participants who reported more conflict with FOB also reported higher levels of perceived stress (ρ(47) = .431, P= .002). Themes (importance, communication, support, conflict, satisfaction, and stress) emerged from the data. Five distinct mother-father relationship typologies were identified following an ideal-type analysis of the combined dataset: Cared For; Managing Expectations; Just Friends, For the Kids; It’s Complicated; and Can’t be Bothered.

Conclusions:

These findings are an innovative exemplar of ideal-type analysis and provide a deeper understanding of the nuance and dynamics within the mother-father relationship and how it influences perceived stress among Black pregnant women.

Implications:

Clinicians must recognize the significance of the mother-father relationship and, when appropriate, encourage paternal involvement or intervene if there is conflict during pregnancy.
Impact of Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy on Ventricular Arrhythmias and Survival After Durable Left Ventricular Assist Device Implantation
Authors: Oates Connor P. , Lawrence Luke L. , Bigham Grace E. , Meda Namratha S. , Basyal Binaya , Rao Sriram D. , Hadadi Cyrus A. , Najjar Samer S. , Shah Manish H. , Sheikh Farooq H. , Lam Phillip H.
Published: July 2024

The impact of cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) in patients receiving durable left ventricular assist device (LVAD) implantation remains unclear and there is no consensus regarding postoperative management. We sought to determine the impact of postoperative management of CRT on clinical outcomes following LVAD implantation. A total of 789 patients underwent LVAD implantation at our institution from 2007 to 2022 including 195 patients (24.7%) with preoperative CRT. Patients with preoperative CRT were significantly older and more frequently received an LVAD as destination therapy compared to patients without preoperative CRT. After LVAD implantation, 85 patients had CRT programmed “off” and 74 patients had CRT programmed “on.” The risk of mortality was significantly increased amongst patients with preoperative CRT that was turned “on” following LVAD implantation compared to patients with preoperative CRT turned “off” following implant (subdistribution hazard ratio [sdHR] = 1.54; 1.06–2.37 95% confidence interval [CI]; p = 0.036). There was no significant difference between incidence of ventricular arrhythmias in patients with and without postoperative CRT “on” (35.1% vs. 48.2%; p = 0.095). Additional clinical trials are warranted to determine the best CRT programming strategy following LVAD implantation.
Integration of Entrustable Professional Activities in a Competency-Based Clinical Assessment Tool in a Nurse Practitioner Program
Authors: Anthamatten Angelina , Pitts Courtney
Published: July 2024

Background:

Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) are used in competency-based clinical assessment.

Problem:

Faculty in a Family Nurse Practitioner program aimed to improve their clinical assessment tool to more effectively measure students’ clinical performance, outline expectations, track progress, and document evidence related to clinical competence.

Approach:

EPAs that aligned with the American Association of Colleges of Nursing Essentials and National Organization of Nurse Practitioner (NP) Faculties Core NP Competencies were integrated into a clinical assessment tool. Student performance expectations at different points in the program were outlined. Students documented each time they performed an EPA during clinical experiences.

Outcome:

The EPA-based clinical assessment tool captured valuable information about student performance during clinical experiences and contributed to evidence related to competencies.

Conclusions:

EPAs can be used to assess clinical performance and document evidence of competence and readiness for practice. Tracking the frequency of EPA performance was essential to ensure students had sufficient practice.
Faculty Development Needs and Approaches to Support Course Examination Development in Nursing Programs
Authors: Hensel Desirée , Moorman Margaret , Stuffle Megan E. , Holtel Elizabeth A.
Published: July 2024

Background:

Many nursing faculty lack formal training in item writing and test construction.

Purpose:

This integrative review synthesizes the evidence to gain a comprehensive understanding of the developmental needs and interventions employed to help nursing faculty gain skills to develop course examinations.

Methods:

Original research and non-research reports published since 2012 were included. Independent quality appraisals were completed based on the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence-based Practice Model. Data were analyzed using the constant comparison method.

Results:

Nineteen reports met inclusion criteria. Themes related to test development skills were standards support practice, educational preparation, evolving technologies, and writing for clarity. Themes related to faculty development were continuous improvement, professional development plans, peer and expert collaboration, and up-to-date resources.

Conclusions:

Nursing programs need to establish methods to ensure faculty use best practices and are competent in test development. Nursing needs future research to understand optimal faculty development approaches.
Multimodal AI Combining Clinical and Imaging Inputs Improves Prostate Cancer Detection
Authors: Roest Christian , Yakar Derya , Rener Sitar Dorjan Ivan , Bosma Joeran S. , Rouw Dennis B. , Fransen Stefan Johannes , Huisman Henkjan , Kwee Thomas C.
Published: July 2024

Objectives

Deep learning (DL) studies for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa) on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) often overlook potentially relevant clinical parameters such as prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, and age. This study explored the integration of clinical parameters and MRI-based DL to enhance diagnostic accuracy for csPCa on MRI.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 932 biparametric prostate MRI examinations performed for suspected csPCa (ISUP ≥2) at 2 institutions. Each MRI scan was automatically analyzed by a previously developed DL model to detect and segment csPCa lesions. Three sets of features were extracted: DL lesion suspicion levels, clinical parameters (prostate-specific antigen, prostate volume, age), and MRI-based lesion volumes for all DL-detected lesions. Six multimodal artificial intelligence (AI) classifiers were trained for each combination of feature sets, employing both early (feature-level) and late (decision-level) information fusion methods. The diagnostic performance of each model was tested internally on 20% of center 1 data and externally on center 2 data (n = 529). Receiver operating characteristic comparisons determined the optimal feature combination and information fusion method and assessed the benefit of multimodal versus unimodal analysis. The optimal model performance was compared with a radiologist using PI-RADS.

Results

Internally, the multimodal AI integrating DL suspicion levels with clinical features via early fusion achieved the highest performance. Externally, it surpassed baselines using clinical parameters (0.77 vs 0.67 area under the curve [AUC], P < 0.001) and DL suspicion levels alone (AUC: 0.77 vs 0.70, P = 0.006). Early fusion outperformed late fusion in external data (0.77 vs 0.73 AUC, P = 0.005). No significant performance gaps were observed between multimodal AI and radiologist assessments (internal: 0.87 vs 0.88 AUC; external: 0.77 vs 0.75 AUC, both P > 0.05).

Conclusions

Multimodal AI (combining DL suspicion levels and clinical parameters) outperforms clinical and MRI-only AI for csPCa detection. Early information fusion enhanced AI robustness in our multicenter setting. Incorporating lesion volumes did not enhance diagnostic efficacy.
Pseudomonas paeninsulae sp. nov. and Pseudomonas svalbardensis sp. nov., isolated from Antarctic intertidal sediment and Arctic soil, respectively
Authors: Ge Hui-Yan , Zhang Yi-He , Hu Yong-Qiang , Li Hui-Rong , Han Wei , Du Yu , Hu Ting , Luo Wei , Zeng Yin-Xin
Published: July 2024

Two Gram-stain-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped, non-endospore-forming and motile bacterial strains, designated IT1137T and S025T, were isolated from an intertidal sediment sample collected from the Fildes Peninsula (King George Island, Maritime Antarctica) and a soil sample under red snow in the Ny-Ålesund region (Svalbard, High Arctic), respectively. The 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity values grouped them in the genus Pseudomonas. The two strains were characterized phenotypically using API 20E, API 20NE, API ZYM and Biolog GENIII tests and chemotaxonomically by their fatty acid contents, polar lipids and respiratory quinones. Multilocus sequence analysis (concatenated 16S rRNA, gyrB, rpoB and rpoD sequences), together with genome comparisons by average nucleotide identity and digital DNA–DNA hybridization, were performed. The results showed that the similarity values of the two isolates with the type strains of related Pseudomonas species were below the recognized thresholds for species definition. Based on polyphasic taxonomy analysis, it can be concluded that strains IT1137T and S025T represent two novel species of the genus Pseudomonas, for which the names Pseudomonas paeninsulae sp. nov. (type strain IT1137T=PMCC 100533T=CCTCC AB 2023226T=JCM 36637T) and Pseudomonas svalbardensis sp. nov. (type strain S025T=PMCC 200367T= CCTCC AB 2023225T=JCM 36638T) are proposed.
Resurgence of influenza with increased genetic diversity of circulating viruses during the 2022–2023 season
Authors: Korsun Neli , Trifonova Ivelina , Madzharova Iveta , Christova Iva
Published: July 2024

Introduction. After two seasons of absence and low circulation, influenza activity increased significantly in the winter of 2022–2023. This study aims to characterize virological and epidemiological aspects of influenza infection in Bulgaria during the 2022–2023 season and perform a phylogenetic/molecular analysis of the hemagglutinin (HA) and neuraminidase (NA) sequences of representative influenza strains.

Hypothesis/Gap Statement. Influenza A and B viruses generate new genetic groups/clades each season, replacing previously circulating variants. This results in increased antigenic distances from current vaccine strains. Strengthening existing influenza surveillance is essential to meet the challenges posed by the co-circulation of influenza and SARS-CoV-2.

Methodology. We tested 2713 clinical samples from patients with acute respiratory illnesses using a multiplex real-time RT-PCR kit (FluSC2) to detect influenza A/B and Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2(SARS-CoV-2) simultaneously. Representative Bulgarian influenza strains were sequenced at the WHO Collaborating Centres in London, UK, and Atlanta, USA.

Results. Influenza virus was detected in 694 (25.6 %) patients. Of these, 364 (52.4 %), 213 (30.7 %) and 117 (16.9 %) were positive for influenza A(H1N1)pdm09, A(H3N2) and B/Victoria lineage virus, respectively. HA genes of the 47 influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viruses fell into clades 5a.2. and 5a.2a.1 within the 6B.5A.1A.5a.2 group. Twenty-seven A(H3N2) viruses belonging to subclades 2b, 2a.1, 2a.1b and 2a.3a.1 within the 3C.2a1b.2a.2 group were analysed. All 23 sequenced B/Victoria lineage viruses were classified into the V1A.3a.2 group. We identified amino acid substitutions in HA and NA compared with the vaccine strains, including several substitutions in the HA antigenic sites.

Conclusion. The study’s findings showed genetic diversity among the influenza A viruses and, to a lesser extent, among B viruses, circulating in the first season after the lifting of anti-COVID-19 measures.
Mapping the peripheral immune landscape of Parkinson’s disease patients with single-cell sequencing
Authors: Moquin-Beaudry Gael , Andriamboavonjy Lovatiana , Audet Sebastien , Hamilton Laura K , Duquette Antoine , Chouinard Sylvain , Panisset Michel , Tetreault Martine
Published: July 2024

Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is most recognized for its impact on the central nervous system. However, recent breakthroughs underscore the crucial role of interactions between central and peripheral systems in PD’s pathogenesis. The spotlight is now shifting as we explore beyond the central nervous system, discovering that peripheral changes such as inflammatory dysfunctions may predict the rate of disease progression and severity. Despite more than 200 years of research on PD, reliable diagnostic or progression biomarkers and effective disease-modifying treatments are still lacking. Additionally, the cellular mechanisms that drive changes in immunity are largely unknown. Thus, understanding peripheral immune signatures could lead to earlier diagnosis and more effective treatments for PD. Here, we sought to define the transcriptomic alterations of the complete peripheral immune cell compartment by single-cell RNA- and T-cell receptor-sequencing with hopes of uncovering PD signatures and potential peripheral blood biomarkers.

Following transcriptional profiling of 78 876 cells from 10 healthy controls and 14 PD donors, we observed five major classes of immune cell types; myeloid (monocytes, dendritic cells) and lymphoid (T, B, natural killer) cells from which we identified 38 cellular subtypes following bioinformatic re-clustering. Comparing immune cell subtypes and phenotypes between PD patients and healthy controls revealed notable features of PD: 1) a significant shift of classical CD14+monocytes towards an activated CD14+/CD83+state, 2) changes in lymphocyte subtype abundance, including a significant decrease in CD4+naive and mucosal-associated invariant T-cells subtypes, along with an increase in CD56+natural killer cells, 3) the identification by T-cell receptor sequencing of several PD specific T-cell clones shared between multiple patients, suggesting the implication of common epitopes in PD pathogenesis, 4) a notable increase in the expression of activation signature genes, including the AP-1 stress-response transcription factor complex, across all PD cell types. This signal was not present in atypical parkinsonism patients with multiple systems atrophy or progressive supranuclear palsy.

Overall, we present a comprehensive atlas of peripheral blood mononuclear cells from control and PD patients which should serve as a tool to improve our understanding of the role the immune cell landscape plays in PD pathogenesis.