bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Facilitating ambulatory heart rate variability analysis using accelerometry-based classifications of body position and self-reported sleep
Authors: Rietz Marlene , Schmidt-Persson Jesper , Gillies Banke Rasmussen Martin , Overgaard Sørensen Sarah , Rath Mortensen Sofie , Brage Søren , Lund Kristensen Peter , Grøntved Anders , Brønd Jan Christian
Published: April 2024

Objective. This study aimed to examine differences in heart rate variability (HRV) across accelerometer-derived position, self-reported sleep, and different summary measures (sleep, 24 h HRV) in free-living settings using open-source methodology. Approach. HRV is a biomarker of autonomic activity. As it is strongly affected by factors such as physical behaviour, stress, and sleep, ambulatory HRV analysis is challenging. Beat-to-beat heart rate (HR) and accelerometry data were collected using single-lead electrocardiography and trunk- and thigh-worn accelerometers among 160 adults participating in the SCREENS trial. HR files were processed and analysed in the RHRV R package. Start time and duration spent in physical behaviours were extracted, and time and frequency analysis for each episode was performed. Differences in HRV estimates across activities were compared using linear mixed models adjusted for age and sex with subject ID as random effect. Next, repeated-measures Bland–Altman analysis was used to compare 24 h RMSSD estimates to HRV during self-reported sleep. Sensitivity analyses evaluated the accuracy of the methodology, and the approach of employing accelerometer-determined episodes to examine activity-independent HRV was described. Main results. HRV was estimated for 31 289 episodes in 160 individuals (53.1% female) at a mean age of 41.4 years. Significant differences in HR and most markers of HRV were found across positions [Mean differences RMSSD: Sitting (Reference) − Standing (−2.63 ms) or Lying (4.53 ms)]. Moreover, ambulatory HRV differed significantly across sleep status, and poor agreement between 24 h estimates compared to sleep HRV was detected. Sensitivity analyses confirmed that removing the first and last 30 s of accelerometry-determined HR episodes was an accurate strategy to account for orthostatic effects. Significance. Ambulatory HRV differed significantly across accelerometry-assigned positions and sleep. The proposed approach for free-living HRV analysis may be an effective strategy to remove confounding by physical activity when the aim is to monitor general autonomic stress.
Training-free demonstration of a 5.4 T Nb3Sn Canted–Cosine–Theta accelerator dipole impregnated with paraffin wax
Authors: Arbelaez Diego , Teyber Reed , Rudeiros Fernández José Luis , Brouwer Lucas , Vallone Giorgio , Marchevsky Maxim , Turqueti Marcos , Pong Ian , Croteau Jean-François , Naus Michael , Caspi Shlomo , Ferracin Paolo , Prestemon Soren
Published: April 2024

Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory is pursuing stress-managed Nb3Sn Canted–Cosine–Theta (CCT) magnet technology for high field accelerator magnets. Although promising results have been reported, improvements in the training performance are desired. This work describes the fabrication and testing campaigns of two subscale Nb3Sn CCT magnets; a baseline impregnated with National High Magnetic Field Laboratory Mix-61 and a magnet impregnated with paraffin wax. The paraffin magnet reached the short sample limit of the conductor, to within the measurement uncertainty, with no training quenches inside the magnet. In contrast, the baseline magnet reached 80% of the short sample limit after approximately 20 quenches and exhibits some loss of memory after thermal cycles. Inter-layer flexible quench antennas combined with voltage tap data show that all quenches appear identical and originate from a region corresponding to the location of peak field in the cable. Although this success should be replicated at higher fields, these first test results demonstrate the potential for training free Nb3Sn accelerator magnets operating near the short-sample limit.
Suppression of thermal diffusion of vacancies across p

+

-n junction structures in diamond. Application to SnV centers by ion implantation
Authors: Santonocito S , Denisenko A , Schreck M , Pasquarelli A , Wrachtrup J
Published: April 2024

This work reports on defect engineering related to optical centers in diamond by ion implantation. In particular, we demonstrate that thermal diffusion of vacancies to a few micrometers in depth can be effectively suppressed provided these are electrically charged and located within the depletion region of an abrupt

p

+

-n junction. The observed effect is complementary to the observations in the previous study (Favaro et al 2017 Nat. Commun.
8 15409) showing that charging of implantation-induced vacancies at such junction structures in diamond inhibits the formation of vacancy complexes in proximity to the targeted optical centers. In the present work we first generate vacancies near the surface of a low nitrogen doped CVD diamond substrate by He and C ion implantation before these are diffused by annealing at

1200

∘

C

into the bulk. In the next step the depth distribution of NV centers generated by trapping of these vacancies is analyzed on a micron scale. For precise tuning of the implantation conditions we derived data on the boron and nitrogen doping by step etching of planar

p

+

resistors and

p

+

-n-

p

+

diode structures combined with electrical characterization and modeling. In the next step, tin-vacancy (SnV) centers were produced by 40 keV Sn implantation across the same junction structures at optimized conditions. In this way we observe an enhancement of the SnV yield and noticeable suppression of NV centers by diffusion and trapping of vacancies along the tracks of tin ions. Such ‘subsidiary’ NVs could significantly affect the emission of SnV and potentially other centers in the same spectral range.
Vectorization of the density matrix and quantum simulation of the von Neumann equation of time-dependent Hamiltonians
Authors: Kunold Alejandro
Published: April 2024

Based oh the properties of Lie algebras, in this work we develop a general framework to linearize the von Neumann equation rendering it in a suitable form for quantum simulations. Departing from the conventional method of expanding the density matrix in the Liouville space formed by matrices unit we express the von Neumann equation in terms of Pauli strings. This provides several advantages related to the quantum tomography of the density matrix and the formulation of the unitary gates that generate the time evolution. The use of Pauli strings facilitates the quantum tomography of the density matrix whose elements are purely real. As for any other basis of Hermitian matrices, this eliminates the need to calculate the phase of the complex entries of the density matrix. This approach also enables to express the evolution operator as a sequence of commuting Hamiltonian gates of Pauli strings that can readily be synthetized using Clifford gates. Additionally, the fact that these gates commute with each other along with the unique properties of the algebra formed by Pauli strings allows to avoid the use of Trotterization hence considerably reducing the circuit depth. The algorithm is demonstrated for three Hamiltonians using the IBM noisy quantum circuit simulator.
Enhanced photovoltaic response in WSe2 photodetector with asymmetric two-dimensional contacts
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Chen Sizhe , Yang Heng , Li Xianxu , Cao Rui , Wang Wenjie , Fan Sidi
Published: April 2024

Asymmetric contact pairs with different work functions provide an efficient method to extract photogenerated carriers in optoelectrical devices. Specifically, vertical optoelectrical devices based on two-dimensional (2D) materials utilize graphene layers as the bottom and top contacts. Whereas an additional terminal is required for electrostatic doping in either top or bottom graphene to enlarge the built-in electric field. Herein, we present an enhanced photovoltaic response in a vertical WSe2 photodetector utilizing asymmetric 2D contacts. A graphite layer and a degenerate SnSe2 are used as the top and bottom contacts, respectively, with a significant difference in their work functions. By establishing a large built-in electric field across the vertical WSe2 layer, a strong photovoltaic effect is achieved, resulting in an open-circuit voltage of 0.37 V and a short-circuit current of 0.42 μA under 532 nm illumination. The device shows high-performance photodetection characteristics, with a responsivity of 32.04 A W−1, external quantum efficiency of 7475%, and specific detectivity of 3.61 × 1012 Jones. Furthermore, the device can generate a maximum output electrical power of 70.9 nW, enabling a high-power conversion efficiency of 3.5%.
Investigation of crystalline and band alignment properties of NiO/GaN and Ni0.5Co0.5O/GaN heterojunctions using synchrotron radiation based techniques
Authors: Baraik Kiran , Roychowdhury Rijul , Bose Aniruddha , Mukherjee Chandrachur , Ganguli Tapas , Singh S D
Published: April 2024

Epitaxial layers of NiO and Ni0.5Co0.5O have been deposited on GaN templates using RF magnetron sputtering deposition technique. The epitaxial relationship in out-of-plane and in-plane directions for NiO and Ni0.5Co0.5O layers with respect to GaN is

[
111
]

NiO
(

Ni

0.5

Co

0.5

O
)

∥

[
0001
]

GaN

and

[

1

̅

10
]

NiO
(

Ni

0.5

Co

0.5

O
)

∥

[

1

̅

2

1

̅

0
]

GaN

,

respectively. The epi-layers are found to have two triangular domain structures oriented along [111] direction with an in-plane rotation of 60° with respect to each other. Photoelectron spectroscopy (PES) has been used to determine the valence band offset (∆EV) and the band alignment at the heterojunctions (HJs). The ∆EV at NiO/GaN and Ni0.5Co0.5O/GaN HJs are 1.2 ± 0.2 eV and 1.8 ± 0.2 eV, respectively. The conduction band offsets (∆EC) have also been estimated using the determined values of optical band gap (NiO: Eg = ∼ 3.5 eV; Ni0.5Co0.5O: Eg = ∼ 3.3 eV) from optical transmission measurements. The values of ∆EC are found to be 1.5 ± 0.2 eV and 1.9 ± 0.2 eV at NiO/GaN and Ni0.5Co0.5O/GaN HJs, respectively. A type-II band alignment is observed at both the HJs. Higher values of valence band and conduction band offsets are observed at Ni0.5Co0.5O/GaN HJ in comparison to NiO/GaN. These experimentally determined values of band offsets can be used to design wide band gap HJ based devices like photodetectors, where higher values of band off-set at the Ni0.5Co0.5O/GaN HJ can be utilized to confine the carriers.
Statistical investigation of the angular momentum dependence of the nuclear level density parameter
Authors: Canbula Bora
Published: April 2024

The nuclear level density (NLD) parameter is crucial for calculating cross-sections in nuclear physics, astrophysics, reactor design, and medical physics. Spin and parity, along with excitation energy, are fundamental properties of an excited nuclear level. Previous investigations into the NLD’s dependence on spin and parity have primarily used approximate methods like parity equidistribution and Gaussian distribution of spins. However, the specific impact of spin and parity on the NLD parameter, a key component in NLD formulation, has not been extensively studied. We examined the spin and parity dependence of the NLD parameter. Our findings demonstrate that the NLD parameter’s dependency on both excitation energy and angular momentum can be accurately characterized by a Laplace distribution, highlighting the complex interplay of these factors in nuclear physics.
A study on dust inertial Alfvén solitary waves in a magnetized dust-ion-electron plasma using sagdeev potential method
Authors: Choudhury Mamani
Published: April 2024

The propagation characteristics of arbitrary amplitude Dust Inertial Alfvén Solitary Wave (DIASW) has been studied in a three-component plasma consisting of magnetized cold dust, magnetized cold ions and electrons with Boltzmann distribution. The range of Mach number where solitary waves can be formed has been established analytically. To discuss the behaviors of the DIASWs, the Sagdeev potential method is used. Both rarefactive and compressive DIASWs travelling at sub and super-Alfvénic speeds are generated is this plasma model.
Decoherence and entropy generation at one loop in the inflationary de Sitter spacetime for Yukawa interaction
Authors: Bhattacharya Sourav , Joshi Nitin
Published: April 2024

The decoherence mechanism is believed to be possibly connected to the quantum to classical transition of the primordial cosmological perturbations in the early universe. In this paper, we extend our previous analysis on decoherence in a fermion and scalar quantum field theory coupled via the Yukawa interaction in the Minkowski spacetime, to the inflationary de Sitter background. We treat the scalar field as the system and the fermions as the environment, and both the fields are taken to be massless. We utilise a non-equilibrium effective field theory formalism, suitable for open quantum systems such as this. We assume that an observer measures only the Gaussian 2-point correlator for the scalar field, as the simplest realistic scenario.
In order to compute the von Neumann entropy generated at late times as a measure of the decoherence, we construct the one loop renormalised Kadanoff-Baym equation, which is the equation of motion satisfied by the 2-point correlators in the closed time path Schwinger-Keldysh formalism. These equations account to the self energy corrections. Using this, we next construct the one loop corrected statistical propagator for the scalar, which is related to its phase space area, to compute the von Neumann entropy.
We also compute the variation of the von Neumann entropy with respect to relevant parameters. We note the qualitative similarity between our findings and the scenario where both the system and the environment are scalars. Our result is also qualitatively similar to an earlier one found by using the influence functional technique for a massive Yukawa theory.
Research on secure communication technology based on phase conjugate feedback chaotic injection system
Authors: Fu Jingbo , Mu Penghua
Published: April 2024

This paper presents an experimental scheme using optical method instead of phase conjugate light. We have implemented a phase conjugate feedback semiconductor laser chaotic system based on the four-wave mixing principle through an established optical fiber experimental platform. Based on the high-dimensional wideband chaotic signals generated by this system, we propose a two-channel secure communication scheme based on phase conjugate feedback, and analyze its delay hiding mechanism and synchronization characteristics. The effects of parameter mismatch and injection strength on synchronization performance and communication quality are also considered. Our experimental results show that by adjusting the injection strength and frequency detuning parameters, the system can produce signals with time-delay signature completely suppressed, thus achieving high-quality and high-security communications.
Single-shot pump-probe technique by the combination of an echelon and a grating with a time window of 109 ps
Authors: Yu Tianchen , Yang Junyi , Li Zhongguo , Wu Xingzhi , Fang Yu , Yang Yong , Song Yinglin
Published: April 2024

In this study, using only a single pulse, pump-probe measurement with a large time window of more than 100 ps is implemented. A commercial grating is used to encode a time window of ∼56 ps in a single pulse; therefore, there is no need for machining customization. In addition, in this technique, the grating surface is accurately imaged, eliminating the image blur problem caused by phase differences in previous echelon-based techniques. Moreover, to make full use of the grating surface and obtain a larger time window, a simple reflection echelon is combined that matches the grating in the time window. This combination encoding strategy results in a total time window of ∼109 ps and maintains accurate imaging of the grating surface. This time window is an order of magnitude greater than the maximum reported values of the echelon encoding strategy and the angle beam encoding strategy. To demonstrate this single-shot pump-probe technique, the two-photon absorption process of ZnSe and the excited-state absorption process of a symmetrical phenoxazinium bromine salt were studied. The possibility of further improving the experimental setup is also discussed.
Development and external validation of a multimodal integrated feature neural network (MIFNN) for the diagnosis of malignancy in small pulmonary nodules (≤10 mm)
Authors: Yang Runhuang , Zhang Yanfei , Li Weiming , Li Qiang , Liu Xiangtong , Zhang Feng , Liang Zhigang , Huang Jian , Li Xia , Tao Lixin , Guo Xiuhua
Published: April 2024

Objectives. Current lung cancer screening protocols primarily evaluate pulmonary nodules, yet often neglect the malignancy risk associated with small nodules (≤10 mm). This study endeavors to optimize the management of pulmonary nodules in this population by devising and externally validating a Multimodal Integrated Feature Neural Network (MIFNN). We hypothesize that the fusion of deep learning algorithms with morphological nodule features will significantly enhance diagnostic accuracy. Materials and Methods. Data were retrospectively collected from the Lung Nodule Analysis 2016 (LUNA16) dataset and four local centers in Beijing, China. The study includes patients with small pulmonary nodules (≤10 mm). We developed a neural network, termed MIFNN, that synergistically combines computed tomography (CT) images and morphological characteristics of pulmonary nodules. The network is designed to acquire clinically relevant deep learning features, thereby elevating the diagnostic accuracy of existing models. Importantly, the network’s simple architecture and use of standard screening variables enable seamless integration into standard lung cancer screening protocols. Results. In summary, the study analyzed a total of 382 small pulmonary nodules (85 malignant) from the LUNA16 dataset and 101 small pulmonary nodules (33 malignant) obtained from four specialized centers in Beijing, China, for model training and external validation. Both internal and external validation metrics indicate that the MIFNN significantly surpasses extant state-of-the-art models, achieving an internal area under the curve (AUC) of 0.890 (95% CI: 0.848–0.932) and an external AUC of 0.843 (95% CI: 0.784–0.891). Conclusion. The MIFNN model significantly enhances the diagnostic accuracy of small pulmonary nodules, outperforming existing benchmarks by Zhang et al with a 6.34% improvement for nodules less than 10 mm. Leveraging advanced integration techniques for imaging and clinical data, MIFNN increases the efficiency of lung cancer screenings and optimizes nodule management, potentially reducing false positives and unnecessary biopsies. Clinical relevance statement. The MIFNN enhances lung cancer screening efficiency and patient management for small pulmonary nodules, while seamlessly integrating into existing workflows due to its reliance on standard screening variables.
Process parameters settings of friction stir welding using multi-response optimization for aluminum alloys
Authors: Pandav Appasaheb N , Patil Ratan A , Pandipati Suman
Published: April 2024

The defense and aerospace industries utilize the AA2050, an aluminum-lithium alloy of the third generation. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Taguchi-grey relational analysis (GRA) are utilized in this study to enhance the process constraints for friction stir welding (FSW). The quality of the weld can be influenced by various process factors such as the speed at which the weld is traversed, the speed at which the tool is rotated, the angle at which the tool is tilted, the diameter of the shoulder, and the shape of the tool pin. The combination of PCA and the well-known Taguchi-GRA approach enables the objective estimation of response weights. Here, a Taguchi L16 orthogonal array was designed, and sixteen tests were carried out using it. These experiments were conducted with various assessments including tensile strength, yield strength, elongation percentage, hardness of the weld zone, bending load, etc Through the utilization of Taguchi-GRA-PCA analysis, the most suitable process parameters were identified as a traverse speed (TS) of 160 mm min−1, a rotating speed (RS) of 900 rpm, a tilt angle (TA) of 2 degrees, a shoulder diameter (SD) of 16 mm, and with a straight square tool pin profile (TPP). ANOVA revealed the relevance of all five characteristics, with rotational speed being the most influential, accounting for 43.56% of the entire result. A confirmation experiment done under ideal conditions revealed a significant improvement in total weld quality of 19.06%.
Lethal combination for seedlings: extreme heat drives mortality of drought-exposed high-elevation pine seedlings
Authors: Hankin Lacey E , Barrios-Masias Felipe H , Urza Alexandra K , Bisbing Sarah M
Published: April 2024

Background and Aims

Hotter drought- and biotically driven tree mortality are expected to increase with climate change in much of the western USA, and species persistence will depend upon ongoing establishment in novel conditions or migration to track ecological niche requirements. High-elevation tree species might be particularly vulnerable to increasing water stress as snowpack declines, increasing the potential for adult mortality and simultaneous regeneration failures. Seedling survival will be determined by ecophysiological limitations in response to changing water availability and temperature.

Methods

We exposed seedlings from populations of Pinus longaeva, Pinus flexilis and Pinus albicaulis to severe drought and concurrent temperature stress in common gardens, testing the timing of drought onset under two different temperature regimes. We monitored seedling functional traits, physiological function and survival.

Key Results

The combined stressors of water limitation and extreme heat led to conservative water-use strategies and declines in physiological function, with these joint stressors ultimately exceeding species tolerances and leading to complete episodic mortality across all species. Growing conditions were the primary determinant of seedling trait expression, with seedlings exhibiting more drought-resistant traits, such as lower specific leaf area, in the hottest, driest treatment conditions. Water stress-induced stomatal closure was also widely apparent. In the presence of adequate soil moisture, seedlings endured prolonged exposure to high air and surface temperatures, suggesting broad margins for survival.

Conclusions

The critical interaction between soil moisture and temperature suggests that rising temperatures will exacerbate moisture stress during the growing season. Our results highlight the importance of local conditions over population- and species-level influences in shaping strategies for stress tolerance and resistance to desiccation at this early life stage. By quantifying some of the physiological consequences of drought and heat that lead to seedling mortality, we can gain a better understanding of the future effects of global change on the composition and distribution of high-elevation conifer forests.
Live vs video interaction: sensorimotor and visual cortical oscillations during action observation
Authors: Karimova Ekaterina D , Ovakimian Alena S , Katermin Nikita S
Published: April 2024

Increasingly, in the field of communication, education, and business, people are switching to video interaction, and interlocutors frequently complain that the perception of nonverbal information and concentration suffer. We investigated this issue by analyzing electroencephalogram (EEG) oscillations of the sensorimotor (mu rhythm) and visual (alpha rhythm) cortex of the brain in an experiment with action observation live and on video. The mu rhythm reflects the activity of the mirror neuron system, and the occipital alpha rhythm shows the level of visual attention. We used 32-channel EEG recorded during live and video action observation in 83 healthy volunteers. The ICA method was used for selecting the mu- and alpha-components; the Fourier Transform was used to calculate the suppression index relative to the baseline (stationary demonstrator) of the rhythms. The main range of the mu rhythm was indeed sensitive to social movement and was highly dependent on the conditions of interaction—live or video. The upper mu-range appeared to be less sensitive to the conditions, but more sensitive to different movements. The alpha rhythm did not depend on the type of movement; however, a live performance initially caused a stronger concentration of visual attention. Thus, subtle social and nonverbal perceptions may suffer in remote video interactions.
Distinct neural dynamics of the observed ostracism effect in decision-making under risk and ambiguity
Authors: Tao Ruiwen , Zhao Hanxuan , Zhang Can , Xu Sihua
Published: April 2024

Observational ostracism, as a form of social exclusion, can significantly affect human behavior. However, the effects of observed ostracism on risky and ambiguous decision-making and the underlying neural mechanisms remain unclear. This event-related potential study investigated these issues by involving participants in a wheel-of- fortune task, considering observed ostracism and inclusion contexts. The results showed that the cue-P3 component was more enhanced during the choice phase for risky decisions than for ambiguous decisions in the observed inclusion contexts but not in the observed ostracism contexts. During the outcome evaluation phase, feedback-related negativity amplitudes following both risky and ambiguous decisions were higher in the no-gain condition than in the gain condition in the observed inclusion context. In contrast, this effect was only observed following risky decisions in the observed ostracism context. The feedback-P3 component did not exhibit an observed ostracism effect in risky and ambiguous decision-making tasks. Risk levels further modulated the cue-P3 and feedback-related negativity components, while ambiguity levels further modulated the feedback-P3 components. These findings demonstrate a neural dissociation between risk and ambiguity decision-making during observed ostracism that unfolds from the choice phase to the outcome evaluation phase.
Longitudinal MRI of the developing ferret brain reveals regional variations in timing and rate of growth
Authors: Garcia Kara E , Wang Xiaojie , Santiago Sarah E , Bakshi Stuti , Barnes Anthony P , Kroenke Christopher D
Published: April 2024

Normative ferret brain development was characterized using magnetic resonance imaging. Brain growth was longitudinally monitored in 10 ferrets (equal numbers of males and females) from postnatal day 8 (P8) through P38 in 6-d increments. Template T2-weighted images were constructed at each age, and these were manually segmented into 12 to 14 brain regions. A logistic growth model was used to fit data from whole brain volumes and 8 of the individual regions in both males and females. More protracted growth was found in males, which results in larger brains; however, sex differences were not apparent when results were corrected for body weight. Additionally, surface models of the developing cortical plate were registered to one another using the anatomically-constrained Multimodal Surface Matching algorithm. This, in turn, enabled local logistic growth parameters to be mapped across the cortical surface. A close similarity was observed between surface area expansion timing and previous reports of the transverse neurogenic gradient in ferrets. Regional variation in the extent of surface area expansion and the maximum expansion rate was also revealed. This characterization of normative brain growth over the period of cerebral cortex folding may serve as a reference for ferret studies of brain development.
Links Between Daily Life and Laboratory Emotion Regulation Processes: The Role of Age and Cognitive Status
Authors: Growney Claire M , English Tammy
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study investigates how daily use of emotion regulation (ER) strategies predicts ER processes in the laboratory among young adults and cognitively diverse older adults.

Methods

Young adults (aged 21–34, n = 66), cognitively normal (CN) older adults (aged 70–83, n = 87), and older adults with researcher-defined mild cognitive impairment (MCI; aged 70–84; n = 58) completed an experience sampling procedure (7×/day for 9 days) reporting their distraction and reappraisal use in daily life. In a laboratory task inducing high-arousal negative emotion, they reported their (a) distraction and reappraisal use when instructed to reduce negative emotion and (b) ER success and perceptions when randomly assigned to regulate using distraction or reappraisal.

Results

Among CN older adults, a higher frequency of using a strategy in daily life predicted greater success deploying the strategy when instructed to do so but was unrelated to spontaneous strategy use in the laboratory. In contrast, among older adults with researcher-defined MCI, greater daily life strategy use predicted greater laboratory use, but not greater success. Daily strategy use in younger adults was unrelated to strategy use and success in the laboratory. Older adults with researcher-defined MCI experienced ER as more demanding but did not differ from non-impaired individuals in terms of perceived ER effort.

Discussion

Cognitively normal older adults may be better able to leverage their ER experience in novel contexts than younger adults. Older adults with MCI may be motivated to manage their emotions but experience more ER difficulty, perhaps in part due to reliance on default strategies.
Association of whole-person eigen-polygenic risk scores with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Kharaghani Amin , Tio Earvin S , Milic Milos , Bennett David A , De Jager Philip L , Schneider Julie A , Sun Lei , Felsky Daniel
Published: April 2024

Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease (LOAD) is a heterogeneous neurodegenerative disorder with complex etiology and high heritability. Its multifactorial risk profile and large portions of unexplained heritability suggest the involvement of yet unidentified genetic risk factors. Here we describe the “whole person” genetic risk landscape of polygenic risk scores for 2218 traits in 2044 elderly individuals and test if novel eigen-PRSs derived from clustered subnetworks of single-trait PRSs can improve the prediction of LOAD diagnosis, rates of cognitive decline, and canonical LOAD neuropathology. Network analyses revealed distinct clusters of PRSs with clinical and biological interpretability. Novel eigen-PRSs (ePRS) from these clusters significantly improved LOAD-related phenotypes prediction over current state-of-the-art LOAD PRS models. Notably, an ePRS representing clusters of traits related to cholesterol levels was able to improve variance explained in a model of the brain-wide beta-amyloid burden by 1.7% (likelihood ratio test P = 9.02 × 10−7). All associations of ePRS with LOAD phenotypes were eliminated by the removal of APOE-proximal loci. However, our association analysis identified modules characterized by PRSs of high cholesterol and LOAD. We believe this is due to the influence of the APOE region from both PRSs. We found significantly higher mean SNP effects for LOAD in the intersecting APOE region SNPs. Combining genetic risk factors for vascular traits and dementia could improve current single-trait PRS models of LOAD, enhancing the use of PRS in risk stratification. Our results are catalogued for the scientific community, to aid in generating new hypotheses based on our maps of clustered PRSs and associations with LOAD-related phenotypes.
A mixed-methods review and adaptation of a novel clinical pharmacy tool: The MA2VER2ICK Tool Study
Authors: O’Donovan C , Henman M , McManamly C , Seoighe A , Deasy E
Published: April 2024

Introduction

The MA2VER2ICK Tool[1] (see Figure 1) is a clinical pharmacy mnemonic developed in 2016 by the pharmacy department of Tallaght University Hospital, through a combination of literature searching and local expert consensus opinion. The intended purpose of the tool was to guide clinical pharmacists in pharmaceutical care planning. Since inception, the tool has not been formally evaluated. Locally, users report the tool as useful; although, there is scope for improvement, to better support clinical pharmacists.

Aim

Identify and gain consensus on suggestions to adapt the existing tool.

Methods

A two-stage mixed-methods approach was adopted. This comprised focus groups to facilitate idea generation and appraise contents of the existing tool, followed by a nominal group technique process[2] to agree the content and structure of the final tool. A purposive sample of clinical pharmacists were selected to participate in the focus groups and nominal group technique panel, based on responses to a screening questionnaire pre-circulated to all clinical pharmacists employed at the study site. Thematic analysis of the focus group transcripts was conducted by two independent researchers, with key themes and related recommendations to improve the tool identified. These recommendations were presented to the nominal group technique panel via an anonymous survey, where numerical rating scores were assigned over two rounds, with an intervening panel discussion. An increase in the mean rating score and convergence of the standard deviation indicated consensus for a recommendation.

Results

Two focus groups (5 participants each) of 45 minutes duration took place. Both focus groups resulted in similar findings, with seven major themes identified relating to adapting the tool. Overall, eight recommendations were formulated, with suggestions to adapt the content, structure, usability and application of the tool. Consensus agreement was reached on seven recommendations, each receiving a panel rating score > 90%. One recommendation was rejected, receiving a panel rating score < 30%.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that the MA2VER2ICK Tool is a comprehensive clinical pharmacy resource. Few amendments were required to the original tool, indicating user satisfaction with and the utility of the tool, together with a high degree of consensus for the adaptations made.

VTE: venous thromboembolism; Rx: prescription; CRP: C-reactive protein.

References

1. Pharmacy Department Clinical Induction Programme: Tallaght University Hospital; 2016 [cited 06 December 2023].

2. Bowling A. Research Methods in Health: Investigating Health and Health Services. 4th ed: McGraw Hill/Open University Press; 2014.
Nano vitamin E improved the antioxidant capacity of broiler chickens
Authors: Zhou Jinghui , Li Zhipeng , Guo Wei , Wang Yibing , Liu Rui , Huang Xinhuo , Li Yingge , Yang Xiaojun , Liu Le , Liu Yanli , Xu Xiurong
Published: April 2024

Vitamin E (VE) is a potent nutritional antioxidant that is critical in alleviating poultry oxidative stress. However, the hydrophobic nature and limited stability of VE restrict its effective utilization. Nanotechnology offers a promising approach to enhance the bioavailability of lipophilic vitamins. The objective of this experiment was to investigate the effects of different sources and addition levels of VE on the growth performance, antioxidant capacity, VE absorption site, and pharmacokinetics of Arbor Acres (AA) broilers. Three hundred and eighty-four 1-d-old AA chicks were randomly allocated into four groups supplemented with 30 and 75 IU/kg VE as regular or nano. The results showed that dietary VE sources had no significant impact on broiler growth performance. However, chickens fed 30 IU/kg VE had a higher average daily gain at 22 to 42 d and 1 to 42 d, and lower feed conversion ratio at 22 to 42 d than 75 IU/kg VE (P < 0.05). Under normal feeding conditions, broilers fed nano VE (NVE) displayed significantly higher superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) enzyme activities and lower malonic dialdehyde (MDA) concentration (P < 0.05). Similarly, NVE had a higher antioxidant effect in the dexamethasone-constructed oxidative stress model. It was found that nanosizing technology had no significant effect on the absorption of VE in the intestinal tract by examining the concentration of VE in the intestinal tract (P > 0.05). However, compared to broilers perfused with regular VE (RVE), the NVE group displayed notably higher absorption rates at 11.5 and 14.5 h (P < 0.05). Additionally, broilers perfused with NVE showed a significant increase in the area under the concentration versus time curve from zero to infinity (AUC0−∞), mean residence time (MRT0−∞), elimination half-life (t1/2z), and peak concentration (Cmax) of VE in plasma (P < 0.05). In summary, nanotechnology provides more effective absorption and persistence of VE in the blood circulation for broilers, which is conducive to the function of VE and further improves the antioxidant performance of broilers.
Back to the Present: How Direction of Mental Time Travel Affects Similarity and Saving
Authors: Christensen Katherine L , Hershfield Hal E , Maglio Sam J
Published: April 2024

Many consumers say they want to save for the future yet struggle to do so. This research examines this saving behavior problem from a persuasive messaging standpoint. With the goal of helping people take better care of their future selves, we build on a stream of research that has found that the way people view their identities over time affects the saving decisions they make. Although past research on similarity judgments across time almost exclusively starts with the present self and moves forward to the future self, such judgments could theoretically start at any point in time. Here, we explore the possibility of backward mental time travel, by asking people to start in the future and return to the present. A series of studies shows that mentally traveling from the future to the present—rather than the present to the future—increases perceived similarity between selves across time by reducing the uncertainty of the destination self. Lab studies and two large-scale experiments indicate that, as an important outcome of this novel intervention, mentally traveling from the future to the present has a small but positive impact, systematically increasing savings intentions and savings behavior.
Anxiety among youth with food allergy
Authors: Ho Sally , Cooke Frances , Ramos Ashley , McQuaid Elizabeth L , Sharma Hemant , Herbert Linda Jones
Published: April 2024

Objective

Anxiety is among the major psychological concerns for children living with food allergy (FA). Yet research exploring the variables driving anxiety symptoms in FA remains sparse, and most studies still utilize homogeneous samples to assess anxiety symptoms. The current study seeks to evaluate the rates of clinically significant anxiety symptoms among a diverse sample of youth with FA and examine whether a heightened risk perception of FA outcomes and FA burden (vs. FA medical history) is associated with anxiety in youth.

Methods

94 youth ages 10–14 and their parents were recruited from FA clinics at a mid-Atlantic children’s hospital. Both youth and parents completed demographic and FA medical history questionnaires, the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Emotional Disorders, and the Food Allergy Independent Measure as part of a longitudinal study about FA adjustment and adherence.

Results

Over a third (37%) of youth scored above clinical cut-offs for overall anxiety symptoms. At least 25% of youth reported clinically significant scores on panic disorder, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, separation anxiety, and school avoidance subscales. Perception of risk of adverse FA outcomes and burden—but not FA medical history–were associated with total anxiety, generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and school avoidance symptoms, but not social anxiety and separation anxiety. Having more FAs was associated with higher social anxiety scores but not with other anxiety subscales.

Conclusions

Youth with FA might benefit from psychosocial interventions that address FA risk perception management and promote appropriate FA vigilance to cope with anxiety symptoms.
When professionals become entrepreneurs: Identity construction of lawtech startup founders in Japan
Authors: Goto Masashi , Kotosaka Masahiro , Sako Mari
Published: April 2024

How do professionals develop their identity when they become digital venture founders, and how does such identity affect their venture strategy? This article examines this understudied yet important question. The recent wave of digitalization has created opportunities for various professionals to participate in creating new firms. However, studies of professions and entrepreneurship to date have narrowly focussed on professionals’ intrapreneurship efforts within professional service firms (PSFs). This inductive study of lawtech ventures in Japan examines the sources of Founder Social Identity (FSI). The study shows that founders’ professional role identity developed during prior work experience influences their identity work to become an entrepreneur; moreover, the resulting FSI shapes founders’ strategic decisions on market segment choice. This study highlights the significance of a distinct type of FSI, which we call ‘professional communitarian’, for professionals who engage in entrepreneurship beyond the boundary of PSFs.
Functional redundancy in tRNA dihydrouridylation
Authors: Sudol Claudia , Kilz Lea-Marie , Marchand Virginie , Thullier Quentin , Guérineau Vincent , Goyenvalle Catherine , Faivre Bruno , Toubdji Sabrine , Lombard Murielle , Jean-Jean Olivier , de Crécy-Lagard Valérie , Helm Mark , Motorin Yuri , Brégeon Damien , Hamdane Djemel
Published: April 2024

Dihydrouridine (D) is a common modified base found predominantly in transfer RNA (tRNA). Despite its prevalence, the mechanisms underlying dihydrouridine biosynthesis, particularly in prokaryotes, have remained elusive. Here, we conducted a comprehensive investigation into D biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis through a combination of genetic, biochemical, and epitranscriptomic approaches. Our findings reveal that B. subtilis relies on two FMN-dependent Dus-like flavoprotein homologs, namely DusB1 and DusB2, to introduce all D residues into its tRNAs. Notably, DusB1 exhibits multisite enzyme activity, enabling D formation at positions 17, 20, 20a and 47, while DusB2 specifically catalyzes D biosynthesis at positions 20 and 20a, showcasing a functional redundancy among modification enzymes. Extensive tRNA-wide D-mapping demonstrates that this functional redundancy impacts the majority of tRNAs, with DusB2 displaying a higher dihydrouridylation efficiency compared to DusB1. Interestingly, we found that BsDusB2 can function like a BsDusB1 when overexpressed in vivo and under increasing enzyme concentration in vitro. Furthermore, we establish the importance of the D modification for B. subtilis growth at suboptimal temperatures. Our study expands the understanding of D modifications in prokaryotes, highlighting the significance of functional redundancy in this process and its impact on bacterial growth and adaptation.
Presenteeism and sleep duration on workdays and days off
Authors: Takano Y , Okajima I , Ando T , Iwano S , Inoue Y
Published: April 2024

Background

Presenteeism refers to being present at work but experiencing reduced productivity due to health problems, and has been known to be related to sleep loss. Workers commonly sleep longer on days off than on workdays, and presenteeism may be reduced with extended sleep on days off.

Aims

This study aimed to determine the association between sleep duration both on workdays and days off and presenteeism.

Methods

The participants were 1967 workers who engaged in work for 5 days and rested for 2 days weekly. Sleep duration was classified into less than 6 hours (short; S), 6–8 hours (medium; M), and 9 hours or longer (long; L), for workdays and days off, respectively. Presenteeism was assessed using the World Health Organization Health and Work Performance Questionnaire.

Results

On both workdays and days off, compared to medium sleep duration, short sleep duration was significantly associated with increased odds of presenteeism. The odds of presenteeism were significantly increased for S-S (odds ratio [OR] 2.17, 95% confidence interval [CI]1.40–3.37), S-M (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.14–2.22), S-L (OR 2.71, 95% CI 1.05–7.00), and M-S (OR 6.82, 95% CI 2.71–17.17) combined sleep duration for workdays and days off, respectively, compared to an M-M (reference).

Conclusions

Sleep loss on workdays cannot be compensated for with longer sleep on days off. This study suggests that sufficient sleep duration on both workdays and days off is important for reducing presenteeism.
A Comparison of Recruitment Methods for a Remote, Nationwide Clinical Trial for COVID-19 Treatment
Authors: Hartman Katrina M , Patel Barkha , Rao Via , Hagen Aubrey A , Saveraid Hanna G , Fricton Regina , Lee Samuel , Snyder Andrew T , Pullen Matthew F , Boulware David R , Liebovitz David M , Belani Hrishikesh K , Niklas Jacinda M , Murray Thomas A , Cohen Ken , Thompson Jennifer L , Erickson Spencer M , Bramante Carolyn T
Published: April 2024

This study describes decentralized recruitment and enrollment for a COVID-19 treatment trial, while comparing 5 primary recruitment methods: search engine ads, paid advertising within a national testing company, paid advertising within a regional testing company, electronic health record messages, and word of mouth. These are compared across patient demographics, efficiency, and cost.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT04510194.
Zooplankton community structure and diel migration patterns vary over hours, days, and years in the pelagic and littoral zone of a eutrophic reservoir
Authors: Wander Heather L , Lewis Abigail S L , Howard Dexter W , Lofton Mary E , Woelmer Whitney M , Brown Bryan L , Carey Cayelan C
Published: April 2024

Zooplankton play an integral role as indicators of water quality in freshwater ecosystems, but exhibit substantial variability in their density and community composition over space and time. This variability in zooplankton community structure may be driven by multiple factors, including taxon-specific migration behavior in response to environmental conditions. Many studies have highlighted substantial variability in zooplankton communities across spatial and temporal scales, but the relative importance of space vs. time in structuring zooplankton community dynamics is less understood. In this study, we quantified spatial (a littoral vs. a pelagic site) and temporal (hours to years) variability in zooplankton community structure in a eutrophic reservoir in southwestern Virginia, USA. We found that zooplankton community structure was more variable among sampling dates over 3 years than among sites or hours of the day, which was associated with differences in water temperature, chlorophyll a, and nutrient concentrations. Additionally, we observed high variability in zooplankton migration behavior, though a slightly greater magnitude of DHM vs. DVM during each sampling date, likely due to changing environmental conditions. Ultimately, our work underscores the need to continually integrate spatial and temporal monitoring to understand patterns of zooplankton community structure and behavior in freshwater ecosystems.
Female innovative entrepreneurship and maternity risk
Authors: Core Fabrizio
Published: April 2024

This article documents the existence of an intensive margin of the gender gap in innovative entrepreneurship. Not only there are fewer women than men who become entrepreneurs, but female entrepreneurs also hold smaller equity stakes, make less substantial investments, and are less frequently appointed as firm executives compared to their male counterparts. Leveraging the context of emergency contraception deregulation in Italy and varying abortion service accessibility, I find that mitigating maternity risk narrows these gaps. Consequently, female-led firms become riskier and more attractive to venture capital investors during their early stages.