bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Labour market policies and support for populist radical right parties: the role of nostalgic producerism, occupational risk, and feedback effects
Authors: Bergman Matthew E.
Published: July 2022

One of the growing constituencies of populist movements has been those facing labour market risks. These individuals are hypothesized to be the most likely to find themselves in need of government protection or service provision as their occupations face challenges from abroad through global competition, domestically through competition from immigrant labour, or technologically from automation. Nations, however, vary in how their populations experience such risks. Some nations expend greater effort on job placement or retraining programmes. Others provide legislative protections for workers that shield them from the potential of lost employment. Using data from the latest three rounds of the European Social Survey, this paper seeks to examine how individual-level preferences towards populist radical right parties are mediated by the visibility/size of contemporary county-level efforts to ameliorate labour market risk in a sample of 14 West European nations. The analysis distinguishes whether occupational characteristics and/or government policies have a differential impact on supporting populist radical right parties. While labour market policies might be designed to mitigate labour market risk, for many individuals, they have the effect of intensifying support for populist parties.
Informal international law-making: A way around the deadlock of international humanitarian law?
Authors: Janssens Pauline Charlotte , Wouters Jan
Published: July 2022

Over the last two decades, international humanitarian law (IHL) has seen a stalling with regard to States’ willingness to adopt treaties or to be formally involved in the development of IHL. This raises the question of whether holding on to the doctrine of sources as laid down in Article 38 of the Statute of the International Court of Justice is the only way to meaningfully further develop IHL. Indeed, in recent years IHL instruments have often dispensed with certain formalities that are traditionally linked to (the formal sources of) international law; this phenomenon is also called “informal international law-making” (IIL). The present contribution will analyze IIL as an alternative way forward in light of the current “deadlock” caused by States’ unwillingness to conclude new IHL treaties or to recognize customary IHL. In this article, we will investigate and assess the opportunities, shortcomings and pitfalls offered by informality by looking into examples of IIL within IHL. More concretely, we will look into State practice in relation to (1) the Safe Schools Declaration, (2) the Tallinn Manual and Tallinn Manual 2.0, and (3) the Montreux Document. Most importantly, our findings will assess whether IIL can overcome one of its alleged main disadvantages: its lack of effectiveness.
Change Is the Only Constant
Authors:   The Editors
Published: July 2022

There’s no one way to be a geoscientist. Learn how more than a dozen professionals use Earth and space sciences as a wheelhouse for innovative and interesting careers.
Global genomic analyses of wheat powdery mildew reveal association of pathogen spread with historical human migration and trade
Authors: Sotiropoulos Alexandros G. , Arango-Isaza Epifanía , Ban Tomohiro , Barbieri Chiara , Bourras Salim , Cowger Christina , Czembor Paweł C. , Ben-David Roi , Dinoor Amos , Ellwood Simon R. , Graf Johannes , Hatta Koichi , Helguera Marcelo , Sánchez-Martín Javier , McDonald Bruce A. , Morgounov Alexey I. , Müller Marion C. , Shamanin Vladimir , Shimizu Kentaro K. , Yoshihira Taiki , Zbinden Helen , Keller Beat , Wicker Thomas
Published: July 2022

The fungusBlumeria graminisf. sp.triticicauses wheat powdery mildew disease. Here, we study its spread and evolution by analyzing a global sample of 172 mildew genomes. Our analyses show thatB.g. triticiemerged in the Fertile Crescent during wheat domestication. After it spread throughout Eurasia, colonization brought it to America, where it hybridized with unknown grass mildew species. Recent trade brought USA strains to Japan, and European strains to China. In both places, they hybridized with local ancestral strains. Thus, although mildew spreads by wind regionally, our results indicate that humans drove its global spread throughout history and that mildew rapidly evolved through hybridization.
Structural and mechanistic insights into the cleavage of clustered O-glycan patches-containing glycoproteins by mucinases of the human gut
Authors: Taleb Víctor , Liao Qinghua , Narimatsu Yoshiki , García-García Ana , Compañón Ismael , Borges Rafael Junqueira , González-Ramírez Andrés Manuel , Corzana Francisco , Clausen Henrik , Rovira Carme , Hurtado-Guerrero Ramon
Published: July 2022

Mucinases of human gut bacteria cleave peptide bonds in mucins strictly depending on the presence of neighboring O-glycans. The Akkermansia muciniphila AM0627 mucinase cleaves specifically in between contiguous (bis) O-glycans of defined truncated structures, suggesting that this enzyme may recognize clustered O-glycan patches. Here, we report the structure and molecular mechanism of AM0627 in complex with a glycopeptide containing a bis-T (Galβ1-3GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr) O-glycan, revealing that AM0627 recognizes both the sugar moieties and the peptide sequence. AM0627 exhibits preference for bis-T over bis-Tn (GalNAcα1-O-Ser/Thr) O-glycopeptide substrates, with the first GalNAc residue being essential for cleavage. AM0627 follows a mechanism relying on a nucleophilic water molecule and a catalytic base Glu residue. Structural comparison among mucinases identifies a conserved Tyr engaged in sugar-π interactions in both AM0627 and the Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron BT4244 mucinase as responsible for the common activity of these two mucinases with bis-T/Tn substrates. Our work illustrates how mucinases through tremendous flexibility adapt to the diversity in distribution and patterns of O-glycans on mucins.
TRPM7 deficiency exacerbates cardiovascular and renal damage induced by aldosterone-salt
Authors: Rios Francisco J. , Zou Zhi-Guo , Harvey Adam P. , Harvey Katie Y. , Camargo Livia L. , Neves Karla B. , Nichol Sarah E. F. , Alves-Lopes Rheure , Cheah Alexius , Zahraa Maram , Ryazanov Alexey G. , Ryazanova Lillia , Gudermann Thomas , Chubanov Vladimir , Montezano Augusto C. , Touyz Rhian M.
Published: July 2022

Hyperaldosteronism causes cardiovascular disease as well as hypomagnesemia. Mechanisms are ill-defined but dysregulation of TRPM7, a Mg2+-permeable channel/α-kinase, may be important. We examined the role of TRPM7 in aldosterone-dependent cardiovascular and renal injury by studying aldosterone-salt treated TRPM7-deficient (TRPM7+/Δkinase) mice. Plasma/tissue [Mg2+] and TRPM7 phosphorylation were reduced in vehicle-treated TRPM7+/Δkinase mice, effects recapitulated in aldosterone-salt-treated wild-type mice. Aldosterone-salt treatment exaggerated vascular dysfunction and amplified cardiovascular and renal fibrosis, with associated increased blood pressure in TRPM7+/Δkinase mice. Tissue expression of Mg2+-regulated phosphatases (PPM1A, PTEN) was downregulated and phosphorylation of Smad3, ERK1/2, and Stat1 was upregulated in aldosterone-salt TRPM7-deficient mice. Aldosterone-induced phosphorylation of pro-fibrotic signaling was increased in TRPM7+/Δkinase fibroblasts, effects ameliorated by Mg2+ supplementation. TRPM7 deficiency amplifies aldosterone-salt-induced cardiovascular remodeling and damage. We identify TRPM7 downregulation and associated hypomagnesemia as putative molecular mechanisms underlying deleterious cardiovascular and renal effects of hyperaldosteronism.
Soil inoculum identity and rate jointly steer microbiomes and plant communities in the field
Authors: Han Xu , Li Yingbin , Li Yuhui , Du Xiaofang , Li Bing , Li Qi , Bezemer T Martijn
Published: July 2022

Inoculation with soil from different ecosystems can induce changes in plant and soil communities and promote the restoration of degraded ecosystems. However, it is unknown how such inoculations influence the plant and soil communities, how much inoculum is needed, and whether inocula collected from similar ecosystems will steer soil and plant communities in different directions. We conducted a three-year soil inoculation experiment at a degraded grassland and used two different soil inocula both from grasslands with three inoculation rates. We measured the development of the soil and plant communities over a period of three years. Our results show that soil inoculation steers the soil microbiome and plant communities at the inoculated site into different directions and these effects were stronger with higher amount of soil used to inoculate. Network analyses showed that inoculation with upland meadow soil introduced more genera occupying the central position in the biotic network and resulted in more complex networks in the soil than inoculation with meadow steppe soil. Our findings emphasize that there are specific effects of donor soil on soil microbiomes as well as plant communities and that the direction and speed of development depend on the origin and the amount of soil inoculum used. Our findings have important implications for the restoration of biodiversity and ecosystem functioning in degraded grassland ecosystems.
Structural guidelines for stabilization of α-helical coiled coils via PEG stapling
Authors: Xiao Qiang , Jones Zachary B. , Hatfield Samantha C. , Ashton Dallin S. , Dalley Nicholas A. , Dyer Cody D. , Evangelista Judah L. , Price Joshua L.
Published: July 2022

Here we identify key criteria for designing PEG-stapled coiled coils with increased conformational and proteolytic stability.
OligoTRAFTACs: A generalizable method for transcription factor degradation
Authors: Samarasinghe Kusal T. G. , An Elvira , Genuth Miriam A. , Chu Ling , Holley Scott A. , Crews Craig M.
Published: July 2022

Targeted transcription factor degradation using oligonucleotide-based transcription factor targeting chimeras (TRAFTACs).
Introduction to the biomimetic design of interfacial materials for water overflow control
Authors: Liu Zhuoxing , Peng Jia , Yu Cunlong , Dong Zhichao
Published: July 2022

This feature article summarizes the current research on the control of overflow behavior.
Molecular recognition and spectral tuning of organic dyes in water by amide naphthotubes
Authors: Chen Zhao , Quan Mao , Dong Yi-Wei , Li Ming-Shuang , Wang Song-Meng , Zhao Lei-Min , Yang Liu-Pan , Wu Jishan , Jiang Wei
Published: July 2022

Molecular recognition and spectral tuning of organic dyes were achieved in water by amide naphthotubes. The association affinity is up to 4.5 × 107M−1, and great fluorescence enhancement was observed for styryl derivatives.
Theoretical design of platinum–sliver single atom alloy catalysts with CO adsorbate-induced surface structures
Authors: Hua Minghao , Tian Xuelei , Li Shuo , Shao Anchen , Lin Xiaohang
Published: July 2022

For highly dilute alloys, the amount of Pt monomers can be controlled by adjusting the concentration; an ordered structure can be observed which maximizes Pt monomers and homogeneous distribution on the surface.
Analysis of the effect of abiotic stressors on BVOC emissions from urban green infrastructure in northern Germany
Authors: Feldner J. , Ramacher M. O. P. , Karl M. , Quante M. , Luttkus M. L.
Published: July 2022

Drought stress was identified as the most important abiotic stressor that modulates emissions of biogenic volatile compounds in a Northern European city. Isoprene concentrations were reduced by 65% under drought stress during the growing period compared to non-stress conditions.
Density functional theory based computational investigations on the stability of highly active trimetallic PtPdCu nanoalloys for electrochemical oxygen reduction
Authors: Wang Lichang , Ore Rotimi M. , Jayamaha Peshala K. , Wu Zhi-Peng , Zhong Chuan-Jian
Published: July 2022

The stability of highly active trimetallic PtPdCu nanoalloys for electrochemical oxygenation reduction is a result of closed-loop oscillation processes among dissolution, deposition, and Cu diffusions between the inner layers and the surface layer.
An environmentally responsible route to tezacaftor, a drug for treatment of cystic fibrosis prepared in water via ppm Au catalysis as entry to 2-substituted indoles
Authors: Fleck Nico , Thomas Rohan M. , Müller Marcel , Grimme Stefan , Lipshutz Bruce H.
Published: July 2022

An environmentally responsible synthesis of tezacaftor, a drug approved in 2018 currently in use for treatment of cystic fibrosis, is described utilizing chemistry in water enabled by the nonionic surfactant TPGS-750-M.
White light emission generated by two stacking patterns of a single organic molecular crystal
Authors: Nakagawa Yuma , Kinoshita Kuon , Kasuno Megumi , Nishimura Ryo , Morimoto Masakazu , Yokojima Satoshi , Hatakeyama Makoto , Sakamoto Yuki , Nakamura Shinichiro , Uchida Kingo
Published: July 2022

In this study, a new type of single-molecule white luminescence is presented. This luminescence is accomplished by dual emission from two different stacking patterns having different overlapping areas in the crystal.
Recent advances in nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for rheumatoid arthritis treatment
Authors: Nasra Simran , Bhatia Dhiraj , Kumar Ashutosh
Published: July 2022

Nanotechnology has increasingly emerged as a promising tool for exploring new approaches, from treating complex conditions to early detection of the onset of multiple disease states.
Phosphorus–nitrogen compounds. Part 64. Comparative reactions of spiro and ansa (N/O) cyclotetraphosphazenes with bulky (4-fluorobenzyl) N/N and N/O donor type bidentate reagents: structure, stereogenic properties and cytotoxic activity studies
Authors: Elmas Gamze , Binici Arzu , Yakut Mehtap , Okumuş Aytuğ , Kılıç Zeynel , Çoşut Bünyemin , Hökelek Tuncer , Çerçi Nebahat Aytuna , Açık Leyla
Published: July 2022

Novel inorganic–organic hybrid multiheterocyclic-spiro and ansa cyclotetraphosphazenes were synthesized. The spectral, crystallographic, and stereogenic properties, and the cytotoxic activities of the compounds were presented.
Ppb-level, dual channel sensing of cyanide and bisulfate ions in an aqueous medium: computational rationalization of the ion-dependent ICT mechanism
Authors: Paul Suvendu , Fernandes Rikitha S. , Dey Nilanjan
Published: July 2022

In this report, three oxidized diindolylarylmethane (DIAM)-based chromogenic probes (designated as 1, 2, and 3) have been developed for the simultaneous and dual-channel detection of cyanide (LOD: 6.2 ppb) and bisulfate (LOD: 8.7 ppb) ions at pH 7.4.
Population and coherence dynamics in large conjugated porphyrin nanorings
Authors: Bressan Giovanni , Jirasek Michael , Roy Palas , Anderson Harry L. , Meech Stephen R. , Heisler Ismael A.
Published: July 2022

Pump wavelength-dependent, ultrafast excited state dynamics arising from inhomogeneous broadening and ground and excited state nuclear wavepackets were observed for a series of Zn porphyrin nanorings made of 10 to 40 repeating units.
Inhibition of NEDD8 NEDDylation induced apoptosis in acute myeloid leukemia cells via p53 signaling pathway
Authors: Chen Yanli , Sun Ling
Published: July 2022

MLN4924 is a potent and selective small-molecule inhibitor of NEDD8-activating enzyme, which showed antitumor effect in several types of malignant tumor types. However, the mechanism of action of MLN4924 in acute myeloid leukemia (AML) requires further investigation. Real-time fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) was conducted to detect the mRNA levels of genes. Gene expression was knocked down by short hairpin RNA (shRNA). Moreover, the protein expression was detected by Western blotting (WB) assay. The proliferation and apoptosis of AML cells were measured by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) assay and flow cytometry (FCM). In the present study, we observed that the mRNA expression levels of NEDD8, UBA3, UBE2M and RBX1 in AML patients were up-regulated compared with healthy controls, which were correlated with worse overall survival (OS) of patients. Besides, knockdown of UBA3, UBE2M and RBX1 inhibited the NEDDylation of CULs and increased the protein expression of p53 and p21 in MOLM-13 cell line. In AML cells, MLN4924 inhibited cell proliferation, promoted cell apoptosis, and induced cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. As revealed by experiments in vivo and in vitro, the NEDDylation of CULs was significantly inhibited and the p53 signaling pathway was activated after MLN4924 treatment. So, we concluded that NEDD8, UBA3, UBE2M and RBX1 may serve as the prognostic biomarkers and novel therapeutic targets for AML. Inhibition of the NEDDylation pathway resulted in an anti-leukemia effect by activating the p53 signaling pathway.
Preference for Combinations of Hearing Aid Signal Processing
Authors: Rallapalli Varsha , Schauer Jacob , Souza Pamela
Published: July 2022

Purpose:

The purpose of this study was to determine how
multiple
types of signal processing activated
together
influence listeners' preferences.

Method:

Participants were adults with mild to moderately severe sensorineural hearing loss. Stimuli were spatialized low-context sentences mixed with six-talker babble at 3 and 8 dB signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs). Stimuli were processed with three common hearing aid processing algorithms: wide dynamic range compression (WDRC), frequency compression (FC), and digital noise reduction (DNR). A full-factorial design with two levels for each algorithm (WDRC & DNR: mild versus strong; FC: ON versus OFF; clinically relevant ranges) was evaluated. Preference was measured using a paired-comparison task within a choice-based conjoint analysis framework. Remote data collection methods were used. A signal fidelity metric quantified the acoustic effects across conditions.

Results:

At 3 dB SNR, participants preferred a combination of Slow WDRC and Mild DNR, although the mean preference was small (odds ratio close to 1). At both SNRs when Strong DNR was used, Fast WDRC was preferred over Slow WDRC. This may be related to signal fidelity, which was lower for the combination of Fast WDRC and Mild DNR and higher for the combination of Slow WDRC and either Mild DNR or Strong DNR. There was no effect of FC on preference or signal fidelity.

Conclusions:

WDRC and DNR together influenced both listeners' preferences and signal fidelity in the investigated listening conditions. On average, the small effect sizes suggest that minor fine-tuning adjustments to hearing aid algorithms may not result in a substantial change in clinical outcomes.
Quantitative damping reshaping method based on equivalent RLC circuits using an active damper
Authors: Li Fei , Feng Qiang , Wang Yichao , Wang Hanyu , Ma Mingyao , Zhang Xing
Published: July 2022

Large scale power electronic converters in renewable energy power system (REPS) constitute a complex multi‐scale high‐order non‐linear network. Harmonic amplitude amplification of specific frequency (e.g. harmonic resonance) often occurs in stable REPS, threatening the normal operation of the system. The impedance reshaping methods based on the stability margin cannot quantitatively assess the risk of harmonic resonance, so that the reshaped system damping may be in a state of under‐ or over‐damped. This paper proposes a harmonic damping concise estimation (HDCE) method based on the one port equivalent RLC impedance model, which quantitatively describes the magnitude of harmonic damping of the system. Aiming at the harmonic damping of the system in an ideal power network, a method of quantitative reshaping of system damping based on HDCE using active damper is proposed, which ensures that the reshaped system is neither under‐damped nor over‐damped. The harmonic resonance is suppressed effectively while the current stress of the active damper is kept as small as possible. Simulation and experimental results verify the correctness of these analytical and quantitative damping reshaping methods.
COVID-19 und bipolare affektive Störung: Subjektive
Veränderung der Lebensstilvariablen während des ersten Lockdowns
in der COVID-19-Pandemie in Österreich
Authors: Ortner Jennifer , Bengesser Susanne A. , Wagner-Skacel Jolana , Fellendorf Frederike T. , Fleischmann Eva , Ratzenhofer Michaela , Lenger Melanie , Queissner Robert , Tmava-Berisha Adelina , Platzer Martina , Maget Alexander , Pilz René , Birner Armin , Reininghaus Eva , Dalkner Nina
Published: July 2022

Hintergrund Die COVID-19-Pandemie mit ihren Schutzmaßnahmen
(z. B. Lockdown) hat einen weitreichenden Einfluss auf die
Befindlichkeit aller Menschen. Das Ziel dieser Studie war es,
Lebensstilvariablen während des ersten österreichischen
Lockdowns bei Patient*innen mit bipolarer Erkrankung im Vergleich zu
einer gesunden Kontrollgruppe zu untersuchen und subjektive
Veränderungen durch die Pandemie zu erheben.

Methode Anfang April 2020 wurde eine Online-Befragung mit 75
Teilnehmer*innen (35 Patient*innen und 40 Kontrollpersonen) mit
standardisierten Fragebögen (Beck Depression Inventory-2, Food Craving
Inventory, Altman Self Rating Mania Scale) sowie nicht-standardisierten
COVID-19-spezifischen Fragen zum Thema „Psychische Belastung und
Auswirkungen der COVID-19-Pandemie bei bipolarer Störung“ per
LimeSurvey durchgeführt.

Ergebnisse Beide Gruppen gaben an, dass sich die Pandemie negativ auf ihre
psychische Gesundheit ausgewirkt habe. Die Studienteilnehmer*innen mit
bipolarer Störung zeigten signifikant höhere Werte im Beck
Depression Inventory-2 (p<0,001), in der emotionalen Belastung durch die
räumliche Distanzierung (p=0,003) und signifikant niedrigere
Werte im Kraftsport (p=0,039) sowie im Sport generell (p=0,003)
im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe. Außerdem rauchten Patient*innen
mit bipolarer Erkrankung während dieser Zeit kompensatorisch mehr als
Personen der Kontrollgruppe. Personen mit bipolarer Störung gaben mit
42,9% häufiger an, während der Pandemie weniger
leistungsfähig zu sein, und 22,9% verzeichneten eine
Gewichtszunahme im Vergleich zu vor der Pandemie. Die Kontrollgruppe war
hingegen mit 17,5% weniger leistungsfähig und 5,0%
berichteten über eine Gewichtszunahme. Ein Vergleich mit
Prä-Pandemie-Daten zeigte jedoch eine Abnahme im Food Craving in beiden
Gruppen.

Konklusion Diese Studie lieferte erste Hinweise auf die psychische
Belastung und auf die ungünstigen Auswirkungen auf den Lebensstil von
Menschen mit einer bipolaren Störung zu Beginn der COVID-19-Pandemie.
Eine psychiatrische Betreuung und Erste-Hilfe-Maßnahmen für
Patient*innen mit psychischer Störung wären gerade in
Krisenzeiten wichtig, um einen gesunden Lebensstil zu pflegen und so
ungünstigen Entwicklungen gegenzusteuern.
Litigation in Septorhinoplasty Surgery: A Pan-Specialty Review of National Health Service (the United Kingdom) Data
Authors: Ross Talisa , Arwyn-Jones James , Navaratnam Annakan V. , Pendolino Alfonso L. , Randhawa Premjit S. , Andrews Peter , Saleh Hesham A.
Published: July 2022

Success in septorhinoplasty surgery can be difficult to assess due to a lack of objective and measurable outcomes. If patients' expectations are not met, it places surgeons performing septorhinoplasty at risk of litigation which can be stressful and costly. The National Institute of health (NHS) Resolution is a government-funded organization in the United Kingdom that provides expertise to the NHS on resolving patient concerns. Data were requested from NHS Resolution for claims involving septorhinoplasty surgery over a period of 5 years between April 2015 and April 2020. Rhinoplasty claims performed by all specialties were included. Data included the claim status, incident details, alleged injury, damages claimed, and damages paid. A total of 31 claims were identified by the study, equating to a total cost of £1,347,336.10. Of the 31 claims for rhinoplasty or septorhinoplasty, 9 cases were open (29%, £962,361.00) and 22 cases were closed (71%, £384,975.10). The common causes for claims were “intraoperative problems (32%),” “failure to warn–informed consent (19%),” and “foreign body left in situ (13%).” The most common injuries were “cosmetic disfigurement (39%),” “unnecessary pain (29%),” and “additional/ unnecessary operation (29%).” This study highlights the need for improved awareness of clinical negligence claims among surgeons who perform septorhinoplasty. Results are applicable to all specialties who perform the procedure. The study highlights the importance of assessing patients' motives and expectations prior to surgery and emphasizes the need for a well-documented rigorous consent process.
Photochemical Decarboxylative Formylation of Indoles with Aqueous Glyoxylic Acid
Authors: Nagarajan Rajagopal , Dinesh Votarikari
Published: July 2022

A direct metal- and oxidant-free photochemical decarboxylative formylation of indoles with 50% aqueous glyoxylic acid proceeds in good to moderate yields.
Synthesis of 3-Aryl-Substituted 4-Aminopyrazoles from Acetophenones
Authors: Stumpf Andreas , Xu Di , Tuck Tyler A. , Zhang Haiming
Published: July 2022

A synthetic methodology for a protecting-group-free formation of 3-aryl-substituted 4-aminopyrazoles from acetophenones via a telescoped oximation and hydrazine condensation of 1,3-ketoaldehydes to generate nitrosopyrazoles, and copper-catalyzed NaBH4 reduction of the nitroso group, was demonstrated. The synthesis tolerates a broad scope of substrates with a variety of substituents on the phenyl ring to afford the desired products.
APSO Standards: Implementing Hearing Aid Needs Assessments and Measuring Related Outcomes
Authors: Arnold Michelle L. , Sanchez Victoria A.
Published: July 2022

The proportion of individuals who pose to benefit from the use of hearing aids is much smaller than those who adopt them. Likewise, many adults who try hearing devices abandon using them after a short period of time. Most factors related to hearing aid use are unrelated to a patient's hearing loss severity. Hearing loss treatment requires more than the provision of hearing aids as a sole intervention. Adoption rates could be improved through the implementation of evidence-based clinical protocols which maximize patients' success. Recently, the Audiology Practice Standards Organization (APSO) released evidence-based, formal standards of practice addressing hearing aid selection, fitting, and rehabilitation for adult and geriatric patients. Notably, the standards acknowledge the importance of an amplification needs assessment, including hearing aid outcomes measurement. In this brief narrative, we describe Standards 3 and 14 (Needs Assessment and Hearing Aid Outcomes Measurement) and offer an example of the clinical implementation of a comprehensive needs assessment and hearing aid outcomes measurement currently being used in a multisite, longitudinal clinical trial.
Hearing Aid Fitting Orientation and the APSO Standard
Authors: Phelan Jennifer , Lee Jeewon Jenny
Published: July 2022

The Audiology Practice Standards Organization (APSO) which was formed in 2017 set out to compile basic services that audiologists within the field should adhere to in their practice. The second standard of the APSO is the Hearing Aid Fitting Standard for Adult and Geriatric Patients. Among the services outlined for an adult hearing aid fitting, orientation is discussed. A hearing aid fitting orientation needs to be device- and patient-centered while also covering various aspects of hearing aid orientation that supports patient's success during the process. This article discusses APSO Standard 12 regarding hearing aid orientation and details how this standard can be implemented in the clinic.
Colchicine as a Modulator of Platelet Function: A Systematic Review
Authors: Reddel Caroline J. , Pennings Gabrielle J. , Chen Vivien M. , Gnanenthiran Sonali , Kritharides Leonard
Published: July 2022

The microtubule inhibitor and anti-inflammatory agent colchicine is used to treat a range of conditions involving inflammasome activation in monocytes and neutrophils, and is now known to prevent coronary and cerebrovascular events. In vitro studies dating back more than 50 years showed a direct effect of colchicine on platelets, but as little contemporary attention has been paid to this area, we have critically reviewed the effects of colchicine on diverse aspects of platelet biology in vitro and in vivo. In this systematic review we searched Embase, Medline, and PubMed for articles testing platelets after incubation with colchicine and/or reporting a clinical effect of colchicine treatment on platelet function, including only papers available in English and excluding reviews and conference abstracts. We identified 98 relevant articles and grouped their findings based on the type of study and platelet function test. In vitro, colchicine inhibits traditional platelet functions, including aggregation, clotting, degranulation, and platelet-derived extracellular vesicle formation, although many of these effects were reported at apparently supraphysiological concentrations. Physiological concentrations of colchicine inhibit collagen- and calcium ionophore-induced platelet aggregation and internal signaling. There have been limited studies of in vivo effects on platelets. The colchicine-platelet interaction has the potential to contribute to colchicine-mediated reduction in cardiovascular events, but there is a pressing need for high quality clinical research in this area.
Cardiovascular Risk Predictors High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor-1 in Women with Lean Phenotype of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome: A Prospective Case-Control Study
Authors: Shah Ashok K. , Yadav Birendra K. , Shah Amrendra K. , Suri Arpita , Deo Saurabh K.
Published: July 2022

Objective Accumulating evidence suggests increased cardiovascular risk in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) due to a cluster of factors, such as obesity, lipid abnormalities, impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and hypertension. Markers such as high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) can provide an adjunctive method for the assessment of cardiovascular risk and can indicate future coronary heart diseases in women with lean PCOS.

Materials and Methods In this prospective case-control study, women clinically diagnosed with PCOS (n = 25) with normal body mass index (BMI) and age and BMI-matched healthy controls (n = 75) were enrolled. The quantitative data were expressed as mean ± standard deviation (SD). Unpaired Student's t-test was used to compare the values (PCOS vs. controls) and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to elucidate the relationship between the variables.

Results The mean level of fasting blood sugar, serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), hs-CRP, and PAI-1 were significantly increased in PCOS patients (p < 0.000) compared with the control patients. Of the reported cases, 54.16% had hs-CRP levels greater than 3 mg/L. When the cases were further divided into normal (n = 20) and IGT (n = 5), hs-CRP values were significantly higher in IGT group as compared with normal glucose tolerance (NGT) group. On bivariate correlation analysis, hs-CRP had significant correlations with PAI-1 (r = 0.41, p < 0.000), waist-to-hip ratio (WHR; r = 0.23, p = 0.02), fasting blood sugar (FBS; r = 0.26, p = 0.009), LDL (r = 0.20, p = 0.03), TSH (r = 0.42, p < 0.000), and LH-to-FSH ratio (r = 0.24, p = 0.01).

Conclusion Women with lean phenotype of PCOS suffer from many metabolic abnormalities such as abdominal obesity, dyslipidemia, hyperandrogenemia, and insulin resistance. The findings of the study suggest that environment of ongoing low-grade inflammation due to infiltration further exacerbates the metabolic derangements and cardiovascular risk. The investigations as hs-CRP and PAI-1 will help in early identification, diagnosis, and management of cardiovascular diseases associated with lean type of PCOS. These markers can prove to be beneficial in monitoring any unfavorable changes in cardiometabolic profile of such patients.
Contiguous Lumbar Vertebral Involvement with Vertebral Collapse in Giant Cell Tumor: A Usual Tumor with an Unusual Presentation
Authors: Soni Ankita , Dhanota Devinderpal Singh , Tyagi Ruchita , Chaudhary Ashwani Kumar , Kaur Harpreet , Sood Neena
Published: July 2022

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is a primary bone tumor of long bones, which can rarely involve the vertebrae. Contiguous vertebral involvement by GCT is a rare presentation and poses a diagnostic dilemma on imaging. We report a case of GCT involving three contiguous lumbar vertebrae causing vertebral collapse along with a large soft tissue component. Considering the site and clinical presentation, possibilities of a round cell tumor with large extraosseous soft tissue component and malignant neurogenic tumor were suggested on initial radiological examination but histopathology confirmed the diagnosis of GCT. It is important to diagnose this entity correctly because of totally different lines of management. In our case, initial surgical management was excluded in view of high surgical morbidity and, thereby, adjuvant therapy with denosumab was planned.
Vancomycin-Induced Maturation Arrest with Reactive Promyelocyte Proliferation: A Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenge
Authors: Jamal Iffat , Shuchismita Shuchismita , Choudhary Vijayanand
Published: July 2022

Drug-induced leukopenia is a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. A detailed clinical history is a must to come to a right diagnosis. Certain drugs are known to cause bone marrow suppression, leukopenia, myeloid maturation arrest, and reactive promyelocyte proliferation. Here, we report an unusual case of vancomycin-induced maturation arrest with marked promyelocyte proliferation in a 47-year-old male patient who was being treated for novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection. Most times, this reactive promyelocyte proliferation is confused with neoplastic promyelocytes, leading to incorrect diagnosis and management.
High-frequency permeability of porous media with thin constrictions. I. Wedge-shaped porous media
Authors: Langlois V.
Published: July 2022

In this series of publications, the high-frequency behavior of the dynamic permeability of porous media with thin constriction is investigated. In Part I, the classical theory of Johnson et al. [“Theory of dynamic permeability and tortuosity in fluid saturated porous media,” J. Fluid Mech. 176, 379 (1987)] for soft-curved pore geometries is recalled. For wedge-shaped pore geometries, numerical computations (by finite element method) and analysis by Cortis et al. [“Influence of pore roughness on high-frequency permeability,” Phys. Fluids 15, 1766 (2003)] are revisited and confirmed, while leading to important new conclusions. Because the electric field is singular at the tip of wedges, the original model developed by Johnson et al., which links the viscous fluid flow problem to the electrical conduction problem, is inappropriate for describing the high-frequency behavior of the viscous fluid flow through wedge-shaped porous media. In particular, in the case of small wedge angles, we show that the real part of the dynamic permeability behaves in the high-frequency regime as ℜ(k(ω))∝ω−(3/2)(ln (ω)+constant), which differs from the predictions of the Johnson et al. model [ℜ(k(ω))∝ω−(3/2)]. However, our results show that the classical Johnson et al. high frequency limit can be a good approximation of the viscous fluid flow if the electrical conduction problem is solved over a fluid domain truncated by a boundary layer having a thickness comparable to the viscous skin depth. In Part II, we consider foam with perforated membranes involving different microstructural characteristic lengths: pore size, membrane aperture size, and membrane thickness. We assess the validity domain of the Johnson et al. approximation and test our modified high-frequency approximation for such porous materials.
First high radiant energy xenon-pipe-based x-ray source on LMJ
Authors: Primout M. , Jacquet L. , Lecherbourg L. , Videau L. , Masson-Laborde P.-E. , Villette B. , Legay G. , Le-Deroff L.
Published: July 2022

We report on the performance of the highest radiant energy x-ray source at the LaserMegaJoule facility (LMJ) for testing material properties under irradiation. This radiation source was produced by the L-shell emission of xenon contained in a gas-pipe. The target was an epoxy ortho-cylinder tube with a diameter of 3 mm and a 50-μm thickness wall containing xenon gas at 1.2 atm. For this proof of principle shot, the LaserMegaJoule facility delivered a total energy of around 90 kJ of 351 nm laser and a total power of 30 TW. Thirty-two beams, divided into eight beamlets each, are arranged into two cones. The laser pulses were nearly flat, with a duration of 3 ns and a power range of 3.5–5 TW for each quadruplet. Two broadband spectrometers, DMX (DP4) and miniDMX (DP11), have been used to characterize the x-ray emission up to 10 keV. Radiant energy up to 0.5 kJ/sr has been recorded in the xenon L-shell band between 3 and 6 keV. This was the highest energy ever delivered for creating an x-ray source on the LMJ. Even though the target was axisymmetric, the strong asymmetric laser irradiation (nor axi or bottom/top symmetric) required full 3D radiation-hydrodynamic calculations to retrieve the radiant energy measured by broad band spectrometers. The main purpose of this work was to benchmark our 3D hydrorad code and the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium model by using newly developed x-ray spectrometers.
Two-dimensional dopant potential mapping in a fin field effect transistor by off-axis electron holography
Authors: Gribelyuk Michael A. , Mehta Sanjay , Johnson Jeffrey B. , Kimball Lee
Published: July 2022

Progress in the development of nanometer scaled Fin Field Effect Transistor (FinFET) devices is affected by a lack of understanding of relevant dopant diffusion phenomena due to limited experimental data. In particular, 2D dopant potential mapping by electron holography in 3D FinFET devices has been challenged by the overlap of electrically active fins, metal films, and dielectric films in the electron beam direction. This paper presents methodology on how to map dopant potential in modern FinFET devices. A custom-device structure was developed, which preserved all essential features of the device manufacturing process. The dopant reconstruction method is suggested to account for the presence of materials other than silicon fin between fins. A comparison of lateral dopant potential profiles with device simulations offers agreement within 0.32 V. Compositional non-uniformity of materials between fin devices is identified as the main limiting factor. A further reduction of compositional non-uniformity should allow for quantitative 2D dopant potential mapping with high sensitivity to probe the effects of dopant segregation, deactivation, and diffusion kinetics in 3D FinFET devices at the nanometer scale.
Ordinary differential equations for the adjoint Euler equations
Authors: Peter J. , Désidéri J.-A.
Published: July 2022

Ordinary differential equations are derived for the adjoint Euler equations first using the method of characteristics in 2D. For this system of partial-differential equations, the characteristic curves appear to be the streamtraces and the well-known C+ and C− curves of the theory applied to the flow. The differential equations satisfied along the streamtraces in 2D are then extended and demonstrated in 3D by linear combinations of the original adjoint equations. These findings extend their well-known counterparts for the direct system and should serve analytical and possibly numerical studies of the perfect-flow model with respect to adjoint fields or sensitivity questions. In addition to the analytical theory, the results are demonstrated by the numerical integration of the compatibility relationships for discrete 2D flow fields and dual-consistent adjoint fields over a very fine grid about an airfoil.
Cross-scale investigation of the size effect on thermal conductivity of monolayer graphene
Authors: Wang Jie , Li Chao , Sheng Yunhe , Su Yu , Yang Lina
Published: July 2022

It is known that the intrinsic thermal conductivity of a monolayer graphene highly depends on its in-plane dimensions which are at nanoscale. However, it remains not very clear how the thermal conductivity is quantitatively affected as the considered in-plane size undergoes a cross-scale variation, especially when temperature influence is involved. In this study, based on the ballistic-diffusion approximation theory, we propose a cross-scale model that can be used to calculate the thermal conductivity of monolayer graphene with prescribed length and width at selected temperatures by considering the temperature-dependent diffusive thermal conductivity (fitted from equilibrium molecular dynamics simulations). Then, the effects of the length, width, and temperature on the thermal conductivity of square-shaped and rectangular-shaped graphene are investigated separately. It shows that as the graphene length increases from the nanoscale to microscale, the thermal transport in square graphene will experience these three phonon thermal transport regimes in sequence (ballistic, quasi ballistic, and diffusive), corresponding to a rapid rise of the thermal conductivity, then a slower increase, and, eventually, a near-constant value, respectively. As the rectangular graphene gradually becomes square, the difference in the thermal conductivity in length and width directions will vanish due to the weakening of the boundary scattering. In addition, the thermal conductivity significantly drops with temperature increases because of the strong Umklapp scattering caused by high temperature.
Realization of the skyrmionic logic gates and diodes in the same racetrack with enhanced and modified edges
Authors: Shu Yun , Li Qianrui , Xia Jing , Lai Ping , Hou Zhipeng , Zhao Yonghong , Zhang Degang , Zhou Yan , Liu Xiaoxi , Zhao Guoping
Published: July 2022

Magnetic skyrmions are topological quasiparticles with nanoscale size and high mobility, which have potential applications in information storage and spintronic devices. Here, we computationally investigate the dynamics of isolated skyrmions in a ferromagnetic racetrack, where magnetic properties of the edges are enhanced and modified, forming a channel with lower magnetic anisotropy for skyrmion motion. It is found that the rectangular notch at the edge can have a pinning effect on the skyrmion and enrich the dynamics of the skyrmion. Based on the racetrack with modified edges and the notch, we design a racetrack that realizes the skyrmionic logic AND, OR, and NOT gates as well as the diode in the same magnetic racetrack. It is found that the driving current density could be much smaller than those used in previous designs of skyrmion-based logic gates. By slightly altering the shape of the racetrack, we also design the NAND and NOR gates. Finally, we study the feasibility of our design at finite temperatures. Our results may contribute to the design of nonvolatile spintronic devices with integrated multiple functions and ultra-low energy consumption.
Measurements and numerical calculations of thermal conductivity to evaluate the quality of β-gallium oxide thin films grown on sapphire and silicon carbide by molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Vaca Diego , Barry Matthew , Yates Luke , Nepal Neeraj , Katzer D. Scott , Downey Brian P. , Wheeler Virginia , Nyakiti Luke , Meyer David J. , Graham Samuel , Kumar Satish
Published: July 2022

We report a method to obtain insight into lower thermal conductivity of β-Ga2O3 thin films grown by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) on c-plane sapphire and 4H-SiC substrates. We compare experimental values against the numerical predictions to decipher the effect of boundary scattering and defects in thin-films. We used time domain thermoreflectance to perform the experiments, density functional theory and the Boltzmann transport equation for thermal conductivity calculations, and the diffuse mismatch model for thermal boundary conductance predictions. The experimental thermal conductivities were approximately three times smaller than those calculated for perfect Ga2O3 crystals of similar size. When considering the presence of grain boundaries, gallium and oxygen vacancies, and stacking faults in the calculations, the crystals that present around 1% of gallium vacancies and a density of stacking faults of 106 faults/cm were the ones whose thermal conductivities were closer to the experimental results. Our analysis suggests the level of different types of defects present in the Ga2O3 crystal that could be used to improve the quality of MBE-grown samples by reducing these defects and, thereby, produce materials with higher thermal conductivities.
The chemistry of AlF and CaF production in buffer gas sources
Authors: Liu X. , Wang W. , Wright S. C. , Doppelbauer M. , Meijer G. , Truppe S. , Pérez-Ríos J.
Published: July 2022

In this work, we explore the role of chemical reactions on the properties of buffer gas cooled molecular beams. In particular, we focus on scenarios relevant to the formation of AlF and CaF via chemical reactions between the Ca and Al atoms ablated from a solid target in an atmosphere of a fluorine-containing gas, in this case, SF6 and NF3. Reactions are studied following an ab initio molecular dynamics approach, and the results are rationalized following a tree-shaped reaction model based on Bayesian inference. We find that NF3 reacts more efficiently with hot metal atoms to form monofluoride molecules than SF6. In addition, when using NF3, the reaction products have lower kinetic energy, requiring fewer collisions to thermalize with the cryogenic helium. Furthermore, we find that the reaction probability for AlF formation is much higher than for CaF across a broad range of kinetic temperatures.
Ultra-small size (1–20
μ
m) blue and green micro-LEDs fabricated by laser direct writing lithography
Authors: Yu Luming , Lu Boyang , Yu Ping , Wang Yang , Ding Guojian , Feng Qi , Jiang Yang , Chen Hong , Huang Kai , Hao Zhibiao , Yu Jiadong , Luo Yi , Sun Changzheng , Xiong Bing , Han Yanjun , Wang Jian , Li Hongtao , Wang Lai
Published: July 2022

Ultra-small micro-LEDs are essential for next-generation display technology. However, micro-LEDs below 5 μm have been seldom reported. In this work, we demonstrate InGaN-based blue and green micro-LEDs from 1 to 20 μm by using laser direct writing lithography. The 1-μm blue micro-LEDs show a peak external quantum efficiency of 13.02%, which is 9.57% for green ones. By characterizing the size-dependent external quantum efficiency and simply assuming that this variety is dominantly determined by the dry-etching induced dead zone, we deduce that the dead zone sizes of carrier injection at the edge of chips are 0.18 and 0.15 μm in blue and green ones, respectively. A time-resolved photoluminescence measurement also shows that carrier lifetime reduction at the edge of blue ones is more serious than that of green ones, reflecting the easier carrier lateral diffusion in the former than the latter. These results exhibit the ability of laser direct writing lithography on micro-LED fabrication and also provide a reference for predicting the limit of their chip size scaling-down.