bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arrhythmic sudden death survival prediction using deep learning analysis of scarring in the heart
Authors: Popescu Dan M. , Shade Julie K. , Lai Changxin , Aronis Konstantinos N. , Ouyang David , Moorthy M. Vinayaga , Cook Nancy R. , Lee Daniel C. , Kadish Alan , Albert Christine M. , Wu Katherine C. , Maggioni Mauro , Trayanova Natalia A.
Published: April 2022

Sudden cardiac death from arrhythmia is a major cause of mortality worldwide. In this study, we developed a novel deep learning (DL) approach that blends neural networks and survival analysis to predict patient-specific survival curves from contrast-enhanced cardiac magnetic resonance images and clinical covariates for patients with ischemic heart disease. The DL-predicted survival curves offer accurate predictions at times up to 10 years and allow for estimation of uncertainty in predictions. The performance of this learning architecture was evaluated on multi-center internal validation data and tested on an independent test set, achieving concordance indexes of 0.83 and 0.74 and 10-year integrated Brier scores of 0.12 and 0.14. We demonstrate that our DL approach, with only raw cardiac images as input, outperforms standard survival models constructed using clinical covariates. This technology has the potential to transform clinical decision-making by offering accurate and generalizable predictions of patient-specific survival probabilities of arrhythmic death over time.
A pandemic-induced environmental dilemma of disposable masks: solutions from the perspective of the life cycle
Authors: Chen Zigu , Zhang Weican , Yang Hang , Min Ke , Jiang Jie , Lu Dawei , Huang Xiu , Qu Guangbo , Liu Qian , Jiang Guibin
Published: April 2022

Massive use of disposable masks and mismanagement could raise emerging environmental and bio-safety concerns.
Oligosaccharides derived from Lycium barbarum ameliorate glycolipid metabolism and modulate the gut microbiota community and the faecal metabolites in a type 2 diabetes mouse model: metabolomic bioinformatic analysis
Authors: Liu Hao , Zhang Zheng , Li Jianpeng , Liu Wei , Warda Mohamad , Cui Bo , Abd El-Aty A. M.
Published: April 2022

This study investigated how Lycium barbarum oligosaccharides improve glycolipid metabolism and modulate the gut microbial community and faecal metabolites in a mouse model of type 2 diabetes.
Sulfonated NbS2-based proton-exchange membranes for vanadium redox flow batteries
Authors: Beydaghi Hossein , Bellani Sebastiano , Najafi Leyla , Oropesa-Nuñez Reinier , Bianca Gabriele , Bagheri Ahmad , Conticello Irene , Martín-García Beatriz , Kashefi Sepideh , Serri Michele , Liao Liping , Sofer Zdeněk , Pellegrini Vittorio , Bonaccorso Francesco
Published: April 2022

Novel proton-exchange membranes (PEMs) based on sulfonated poly(ether ether ketone) (SPEEK) and two-dimensional sulfonated niobium disulphide (S-NbS2) nanoflakes are synthesized and used for vanadium redox flow batteries (VRFBs).
Influence of zirconia addition in TiO2 and TiO2–CeO2 aerogels on the textural, structural and catalytic properties of supported vanadia in chlorobenzene oxidation
Authors: Gannoun Chiraz , Ghorbel Abdelhamid , Gaigneaux Eric M.
Published: April 2022

Chlorobenzene conversion over vanadia supported catalysts.
Change in local conformation of polymer chains at film surface attached to solid surface
Authors: Harada Rei , Kawaguchi Daisuke , Yamamoto Satoru , Tanaka Keiji
Published: April 2022

The conformational relaxation of polystyrene in response to the change in the contact medium from the air to the solid was discussed by sum-frequency generation spectroscopy and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation.
Defining inkjet printing conditions of superconducting cuprate films through machine learning
Authors: Queraltó Albert , Pacheco Adrià , Jiménez Nerea , Ricart Susagna , Obradors Xavier , Puig Teresa
Published: April 2022

Machine learning provided helpful insights of the relation between the parameters that contribute to optimize the inkjet printing deposition of REBCO superconductors fabricated by the transient liquid assisted growth (TLAG-CSD) method.
The N-terminal autoinhibitory module of the A1 domain in von Willebrand factor stabilizes the mechanosensor catch bond
Authors: Zhao Yunduo Charles , Wang Haoqing , Wang Yao , Lou Jizhong , Ju Lining Arnold
Published: April 2022

The N-AIM of VWF-A1 forms a Rotini-like structure, therefore partially autoinhibit VWF-A1–GPIbα interaction. The N-AIM acts as a defending sword to protect and stabilize the VWF-A1 structure under harsh environments.
PFAS on atmospheric aerosol particles: a review
Authors: Faust Jennifer A.
Published: April 2022

PFAS are detected in particulate matter around the world.
Post-exfoliation functionalisation of metal–organic framework nanosheets via click chemistry
Authors: Nicks Joshua , Foster Jonathan A.
Published: April 2022

Click chemistry was used to post-synthetically functionalise the surface of metal–organic framework nanosheets (MONs) with a wide range of different groups to tune their surface properties and enable their use in sensing applications.
Phase transition and nanomechanical properties of refractory high-entropy alloy thin films: effects of co-sputtering Mo and W on a TiZrHfNbTa system
Authors: Cheng Changjun , Zhang Xiaofu , Haché Michel J. R. , Zou Yu
Published: April 2022

Based on magnetron co-sputtering, Mo/W additions result in the phase transition of TiZrHfNbTa high-entropy alloy from nanocrystalline to amorphous structures, leading to an obvious increase in hardness with a slight increase in the elastic modulus.
Fluorescent annulated imidazo[4,5-c]isoquinolinesviaa GBB-3CR/imidoylation sequence – DNA-interactions in pUC-19 gel electrophoresis mobility shift assay
Authors: Stahlberger M. , Steinlein O. , Adam C. R. , Rotter M. , Hohmann J. , Nieger M. , Köberle B. , Bräse S.
Published: April 2022

Modular, sequential synthetic route involving a GBB-3CR and an imidoylative Hartwig–Buchwald amination towards fluorescent polyheterocycles. Investigation of DNA-interactions in a pUC-plasmid electrophoresis mobility shift assay.
Quantification of photooxidative defects in weathered microplastics using13C multiCP NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Mauel Anika , Pötzschner Björn , Meides Nora , Siegel Renée , Strohriegl Peter , Senker Jürgen
Published: April 2022

We demonstrate an efficient strategy to characterise weathering-induced photooxidative defects in microplastics. The central13C cross polarisation NMR spectra offer high resolution and are quantitative when combined with multiple excitation.
Synthesis of hollow core–shell ZnFe2O4@C nanospheres with excellent microwave absorption properties
Authors: Hao Huimin , Wang Liming , Xu Lihui , Pan Hong , Cao Liuqi , Chen Kouqin
Published: April 2022

The hollow core–shell structure ZnFe2O4@C in this work has excellent EM absorption performance.
Promoting effects of indium doped Cu/CeO2 catalysts on CO2 hydrogenation to methanol
Authors: Rossi Marco A. , Vieira Luiz H. , Rasteiro Letícia F. , Fraga Marco A. , Assaf José M. , Assaf Elisabete M.
Published: April 2022

Combining catalyst modification by indium doping and chemometric optimization, the Cu/CeO2 system showed high selectivity to methanol (99.3%) with no CO formation during CO2 hydrogenation.
Favorably adjusting the pore characteristics of copper sulfide by template regulation for vapor-phase elemental mercury immobilization
Authors: Zheng Wei , Yang Zequn , Yang Jianping , Qu Wenqi , Feng Yong , Jiang Shaojian , Zhao Shilin , Shih Kaimin , Li Hailong
Published: April 2022

Use of copper sulfide (CuS) is an effective solution to address the ecosystem concerns about mercury under the restriction of the Minamata Convention on Mercury, and to mitigate the intensive elemental mercury (Hg0) pollution worldwide.
Prediction of high Curie-temperature intrinsic ferromagnetic semiconductors and quantum anomalous Hall states in XBr3 (X = Cu, Ag, Au) monolayers
Authors: Liu Xiaojuan , Zhang Jiayong , Wang Yao , Bao Hairui , Qi Yang , Yang Zhongqin
Published: April 2022

XBr3 (X = Cu, Ag, Au) monolayers are all found to be ferromagnetic semiconductors with high Curie temperatures (up to 149 K), dominated by super-exchange coupling. A topologically nontrivial state with a chiral edge state is obtained in CuBr3.
How to Use the Index of Productive Syntax to Select Goals and Monitor Progress in Preschool Children
Authors: Roberts Jenny A. , Altenberg Evelyn P. , Ferrugio Hannah R. , Rosenberg Jenna E.
Published: April 2022

Purpose:

Syntax assessment and treatment is a major focus of speech-language pathologists who work with young children with language needs. The Index of Productive Syntax (IPSyn) provides an efficient method for the assessment of syntax of preschool-age children. The purpose of this tutorial is to illustrate how to hand-score an IPSyn from language sample transcripts and use this information to formulate appropriate syntactic goals.

Method:

We describe general methods and tips for facilitating hand-scoring. Two case study transcripts of a late talker at 36 and 48 months are provided. One case study transcript is fully scored in IPSyn with detailed explanations; the second case study is provided as a practice example with an IPSyn answer key. Relevant sample probes are provided to assist in the goal of obtaining a representative set of language structures.

Results:

We show how the IPSyn can be scored, subscale by subscale, and can highlight developmental stages of syntax following Brown's stages of grammatical development. We illustrate how the visual snapshot developmental nature of the instrument makes it ideal for deriving goals.

Conclusion:

The IPSyn is a practical and valuable tool for the assessment of syntax of preschool-age children.
The R136 star cluster dissected with Hubble Space Telescope/STIS
Authors: Brands Sarah A. , de Koter Alex , Bestenlehner Joachim M. , Crowther Paul A. , Sundqvist Jon O. , Puls Joachim , Caballero-Nieves Saida M. , Abdul-Masih Michael , Driessen Florian A. , García Miriam , Geen Sam , Gräfener Götz , Hawcroft Calum , Kaper Lex , Keszthelyi Zsolt , Langer Norbert , Sana Hugues , Schneider Fabian R. N. , Shenar Tomer , Vink Jorick S.
Published: April 2022

Context. The star cluster R136 inside the Large Magellanic Cloud hosts a rich population of massive stars, including the most massive stars known. The strong stellar winds of these very luminous stars impact their evolution and the surrounding environment. We currently lack detailed knowledge of the wind structure that is needed to quantify this impact.

Aims. Our goal is to observationally constrain the stellar and wind properties of the massive stars in R136, in particular the wind-structure parameters related to wind clumping.

Methods. We simultaneously analyse optical and ultraviolet spectroscopy of 53 O-type and three WNh-stars using the Fastwind model atmosphere code and a genetic algorithm. The models account for optically thick clumps and effects related to porosity and velocity-porosity, as well as a non-void interclump medium.

Results. We obtain stellar parameters, surface abundances, mass-loss rates, terminal velocities, and clumping characteristics and compare them to theoretical predictions and evolutionary models. The clumping properties include the density of the interclump medium and the velocity-porosity of the wind. For the first time, these characteristics are systematically measured for a wide range of effective temperatures and luminosities.

Conclusions. We confirm a cluster age of 1.0–2.5 Myr and derived an initial stellar mass of ≥250 M⊙ for the most massive star in our sample, R136a1. The winds of our sample stars are highly clumped, with an average clumping factor of fcl = 29 ± 15. We find tentative trends in the wind-structure parameters as a function of the mass-loss rate, suggesting that the winds of stars with higher mass-loss rates are less clumped. We compare several theoretical predictions to the observed mass-loss rates and terminal velocities and find that none satisfactorily reproduce both quantities. The prescription of Krtička & Kubát (2018) matches the observed mass-loss rates best.
Modeling the signatures of interaction in Type II supernovae: UV emission, high-velocity features, broad-boxy profiles
Authors: Dessart L. , John Hillier D.
Published: April 2022

Because mass loss is a fundamental phenomenon in massive stars, an interaction with circumstellar material (CSM) should be universal in core-collapse supernovae (SNe). Leaving aside the extreme CSM density, extent, or mass typically encountered in Type IIn SNe, we investigate the diverse long-term radiative signatures of an interaction between a Type II SN ejecta and CSM corresponding to mass-loss rates up to 10−3 M⊙ yr−1. Because these CSM are relatively tenuous and optically thin to electron scattering beyond a few stellar radii, radiation hydrodynamics is not essential and one may treat the interaction directly as an additional power source in the non-local thermodynamic equilibrium radiative transfer problem. The CSM accumulated since shock breakout forms a dense shell in the outer ejecta and leads to high-velocity absorption features in spectral lines, even for a negligible shock power. In addition to Balmer lines, such features may appear in Na I D and He I lines, among others. A stronger interaction strengthens the continuum flux (preferentially in the UV), quenches the absorption of P-Cygni profiles, boosts the Mg IIλλ 2795,  2802 doublet, and fosters the production of a broad-boxy Hα emission component. The rise in ionization in the outer ejecta may quench some lines (e.g., the Ca II near-infrared triplet). The interaction power emerges preferentially in the UV, in particular at later times, shifting the optical color to the blue, but increasing the optical luminosity modestly. Strong thermalization and clumping seem to be required to make an interaction superluminous in the optical. The UV range contains essential signatures that provide critical constraints to infer the mass-loss history and inner workings of core-collapse SN progenitors at death.
Oligometastatic disease in biochemical recurrence of prostate cancer: Prevalence on PSMA PET/CT and consecutive metastasis-directed therapy – Experience at a tertiary referral center
Authors: Müller Peter J. , Dietlein Markus , Kobe Carsten , Heidenreich Axel , Drzezga Alexander
Published: April 2022

Aim The aim of our study was to address the prevalence of oligometastatic recurrent prostate cancer (PCa) on PSMA-PET and the associated practice of metastasis-directed therapy (MDT). Next, we aimed to determine a PSA threshold below which most patients had local and/or oligometastatic recurrence on PSMA-PET.

Methods One hundred and ten consecutive patients with biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy (RP) ± radiation were referred for 68Ga-PSMA-11 or 18F-DCFPyL PET/CT. We correlated the location and number of PSMA-positive lesions against the treatment choice after imaging. Detection rates were stratified by PSA levels at the time of PET/CT. The study design was monocentric retrospective.

Results Thirty-four patients (30.9%) had a PSMA-negative scan, while 17 (15.5%) had local recurrence and 59 (53.6%) had metastatic recurrence on PSMA-PET. ROC analysis revealed a cut-off of ≤3 metastatic lesions on PSMA-PET for the steering of treatment decisions towards MDT rather than solely systemic therapy (AUC: 0.88). Defined as 3 or fewer metastatic lesions, oligometastatic recurrent PCa was found in up to 30% (33/110) of all patients. At PSA levels below 3.5 ng/ml, the rate of PSMA-positive disease that was locally confined or oligometastatic was 76% (45/59), dropping significantly to 29.4% (5/17) above this threshold (p<0.001) as polymetastatic findings became more frequent.

Conclusion The detection of ≤3 oligometastases on PSMA-PET encouraged the consecutive pursuit of MDT instead of systemic therapy alone. PSMA-PET predominantly captured patients at recurrence stages amenable to localized treatment when initiated at PSA levels below 3.5 ng/ml.
Left pulmonary aplasia with multiloculated effusion and pericardial defects in a young adult: a case report
Authors: Dantis Klein , Thippanahalli Ganga Ranganath , Sahu Dibakar
Published: April 2022

Pulmonary aplasia is a rare developmental lung anomaly with unknown etiology. Multiloculated effusion and pericardial defects are even less common with no cases reported up until now. Here, we report the first case of an unusual presentation of a 25-year-old female with recurrent cough for four months, who was diagnosed with left pulmonary aplasia with multiloculated effusion and partial pericardial defects, and who underwent uniportal thoracoscopic drainage and pleurectomy.
Hohe klinische Wertigkeit der Skelettszintigrafie beim Staging des Mammakarzinoms
Authors: Eilsberger Friederike , Girmond Clara , Boekhoff Jelena , Librizzi Damiano , Luster Markus , Pfestroff Andreas
Published: April 2022

Hintergrund Die Skelettszintigrafie ist eine sensitive Methode für die Darstellung von Knochenmetastasen. Trotz der festen Etablierung in die klinische Routine gibt es kaum Daten aus größeren homogenen Kollektiven zur Wertigkeit der Skelettszintigrafie im Rahmen des Stagings.

Ziel Ziel unserer Arbeit war die Evaluierung der Real-Life-Performance der Skelettszintigrafie als Staginguntersuchung bei Patientinnen mit der Erstdiagnose eines Mammakarzinoms.

Patienten und Methoden Wir werteten retrospektiv die Daten der im Jahr 2015 in unserer Klinik mittels Skelettszintigrafie untersuchten Patientinnen aus. Zusätzlich wurde über einen Zeitraum von 30 Monaten evaluiert, ob sich im Verlauf diese Ergebnisse bestätigten; hierzu wurden anschließende Untersuchungen ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse 207/258 Patientinnen zeigten in der initialen Skelettszintigrafie keine verdächtigen Befunde, bei 48 zeigte sich ein unklarer Befund, weshalb bei 42 Patientinnen weitere Diagnostik angeschlossen wurde. Im Follow-up wurden bei 4 Patientinnen neue Skelettmetastasen gefunden, diese hatten alle in der Primärdiagnostik Szintigrafiebefunde, die als „unklar“ gewertet wurden. Es ergab sich je nach Wertung des Ereignisses (metastasenverdächtig/metastasenverdächtig und unklar) eine Sensitivität von 37,5%/100%, eine Spezifität von 100%/80%, ein positiv prädiktiver Wert von 100%/15,7% und ein negativ prädiktiver Wert von 98%/100%.

Schlussfolgerung Mittels der Skelettszintigrafie und weiterer Abklärung konnte in 99,2% der vollständig untersuchten Patientinnen ein klinisch aussagekräftiger Befund erhoben werden, welcher sich im Follow-up bestätigte. Dieses Ergebnis zeigt die gute Real-Life-Performance der Skelettszintigrafie als Staginguntersuchung bei Patientinnen mit erstdiagnostiziertem Mammakarzinom.
Artificial intelligence-based assessments of colonoscopic withdrawal technique: a new method for measuring and enhancing the quality of fold examination
Authors: Liu Wei , Wu Yu , Yuan Xianglei , Zhang Jingyu , Zhou Yao , Zhang Wanhong , Zhu Peipei , Tao Zhang , He Long , Hu Bing , Yi Zhang
Published: April 2022

Background This study aimed to develop an artificial intelligence (AI)-based system for measuring fold examination quality (FEQ) of colonoscopic withdrawal technique. We also examined the relationship between the system’s evaluation of FEQ and FEQ scores from experts, and adenoma detection rate (ADR) and withdrawal time of colonoscopists, and evaluated the system’s ability to improve FEQ during colonoscopy.

Methods First, we developed an AI-based system for measuring FEQ. Next, 103 consecutive colonoscopies performed by 11 colonoscopists were collected for evaluation. Three experts graded FEQ of each colonoscopy, after which the recorded colonoscopies were evaluated by the system. We further assessed the system by correlating its evaluation of FEQ against expert scoring, historical ADR, and withdrawal time of each colonoscopist. We also conducted a prospective observational study to evaluate the systemʼs performance in enhancing fold examination.

Results The system’s evaluations of FEQ of each endoscopist were significantly correlated with expertsʼ scores (r = 0.871, P < 0.001), historical ADR (r = 0.852, P = 0.001), and withdrawal time (r = 0.727, P = 0.01). For colonoscopies performed by colonoscopists with previously low ADRs (< 25 %), AI assistance significantly improved the FEQ, evaluated by both the AI system (0.29 [interquartile range (IQR) 0.27–0.30] vs. 0.23 [0.17–0.26]) and experts (14.00 [14.00–15.00] vs. 11.67 [10.00–13.33]) (both P < 0.001).

Conclusion The system’s evaluation of FEQ was strongly correlated with FEQ scores from experts, historical ADR, and withdrawal time of each colonoscopist. The system has the potential to enhance FEQ.
Similarities between Severe Tinnitus and Chronic Pain
Authors: Moller Aage R.
Published: April 2022

The symptoms and signs of severe tinnitus and chronic pain have many similarities and similar hypotheses have been presented regarding how the symptoms are generated. Pain and tinnitus have many different forms. The severity of the symptoms of both varies within wide limits, and it is not likely that all forms have the same pathology. Some individuals with severe tinnitus perceive sounds to be unpleasant or painful. This may be similar to what is known as allodynia, which is a painful sensation of normally innocuous stimulation of the skin. Many individuals with chronic pain experience a worsening of their pain from repeated stimulation (the "wind-up" phenomenon). This is similar to the increasingly unpleasant feeling from sounds that are repeated that many individuals with severe tinnitus experience. There are also similarities in the hypotheses about the generation of pain and tinnitus. Although less severe tinnitus may be generated in the ear, it is believed that severe tinnitus in many cases is caused by changes in the nervous system that occur as a result of neural plasticity. Acute pain caused by tissue injury is generated at the site of injury but chronic pain is often generated in the central nervous system, yet another similarity between chronic pain and severe tinnitus. The changes in the nervous system consist of altered synaptic efficacy including opening of dormant synapses. For pain, this is believed to occur in the wide dynamic range neurons of the spinal cord and brain stem. Less is known about the anatomic location of the changes that cause severe tinnitus but there are indications that it may be the inferior colliculus. It is also possible that other auditory systems than the classical ascending pathways may be involved in severe tinnitus.

Abbreviations: DRG = dorsal root ganglion, GABA = gamma amino butyric acid, HFS = hemifacial spasm, HTM = high threshold mechanoreceptors, IC = inferior colliculus, LTM = low threshold mechanoreceptor, TGN = trigeminal neuralgia, WDR = wide dynamic range neurons
Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT) as a Method for Treatment of Tinnitus and Hyperacusis Patients
Authors: Jastreboff Pawel J. , Jastreboff Margaret M.
Published: April 2022

The aim of this paper is to provide information about the neurophysiologic model of tinnitus and Tinnitus Retraining Therapy (TRT). With this overview of the model and therapy, professionals may discern with this basic foundation of knowledge whether they wish to pursue learning and subsequently implement TRT in their practice. This paper provides an overview only and is insufficient for the implementation of TRT.

Abbreviations: DPOAE = distortion product otoacoustic emission, IHC = inner hair cells, LDL = loudness discomfort level, OHC = outer hair cells, THT = Tinnitus Habituation Therapy, TRT = Tinnitus Retraining Therapy
Assessing Growth of Loudness in Children by Cross-Modality Matching
Authors: Serpanos Yula Cherpelis , Gravel Judith S.
Published: April 2022

This study examined the clinical feasibility, validity, and reliability of loudness growth assessment using cross-modality matching (CMM) between line length and loudness in 16 children 4 to 12 years old with normal hearing or bilateral sensorineural hearing losses ranging from moderate to severe in degree. Eight adult listeners with normal hearing were used as a comparison group. Loudness growth functions and real-ear measures were obtained for 500–Hz and 2000-Hz narrowband noise stimuli for each individual. No significant differences were found between the loudness slope values for the adults and children with normal hearing. Loudness growth functions of the children with sensorineural hearing loss were significantly steeper (larger) than the slopes obtained from children with normal hearing. The numeric slope value of the loudness growth function became larger and more variable as children's hearing threshold increased and differed for children with similar thresholds. The loudness functions obtained for retested participants at two different test sessions were highly correlated. Real-ear measurements revealed that for equivalent input stimulus levels, significantly higher stimulus levels were present in the ear canals of children versus adults. Although adults and children with normal hearing had similar overall rates of loudness growth, discrete points along the loudness growth function were judged to be louder by the children. This preliminary study suggests that measures of loudness growth using CMM between line length and loudness are feasible, valid, and reliable in children with normal hearing or sensorineural hearing loss. The individual variability noted in slope values for children with hearing loss attests to the importance of subjective assessments of loudness. The protocol used in this study may have potential as a clinical tool for selecting and fitting amplification technology for children with hearing loss as young as 6 years.

Abbreviations: CMM = cross-modality matching, HI = hearing impairment, LDL = loudness discomfort level, MCL = most comfortable loudness, NBN = narrowband noise, NH = normal hearing
Articulation Index and Hearing Handicap
Authors: Holcomb Lisa M. , Nerbonne Michael A. , Konkle Dan F.
Published: April 2022

This investigation examined the relationship between perceived hearing handicap and the Articulation Index (Al) and the extent to which this relationship was influenced by the variables age, gender, degree of hearing loss, and audiometric slope. Subject age, gender, pure-tone thresholds, and scores for the Self-Assessment of Communication (SAC) and the' Significant Other Assessment of Communication (SOAC) were extracted retrospectively from 373 patient files (194 males, 179 females). Correlation analysis revealed a significant (p < .01) negative relationship between AI values and both measures of hearing handicap, and also indicated that SAC/SOAC total scores correlated significantly (p > .01) with each other. Partial correlation analyses revealed that degree of hearing loss was the only variable under study that had substantial influence on the strength of ΑΙ/hearing handicap correlations.

Abbreviations: Al = Articulation Index, SAC = Self-Assessment of Communication, SOAC = Significant Other Assessment of Communication
Preferred Listening Levels of Children Who Use Hearing Aids: Comparison to Prescriptive Targets
Authors: Scollie Susan D. , Seewald Richard C. , Moodie K. Shane , Dekok Kate
Published: April 2022

The preferred listening levels (PLLs) of children with sensorineural hearing loss were elicited using conversation-level speech, heard through the children's own hearing aids. All hearing aids were fitted using the desired sensation level (DSL) method. Comparisons were made between the PLL and targets from the following prescriptive formulae: DSL version 4.1 and two versions of the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) procedure, including NAL revised for severe-profound losses (NAL)-RP and NAL nonlinear NAL/NL1. Results for this sample of children indicated that the PLL was similar to the DSL targets, and that, on average, NAL-RP/NL1 targets recommended less gain than that preferred by the majority of children in this study. The implications of factors such as acclimatization, test levels, and clinical procedures on these results are discussed.

Abbreviations: ANOVA = analysis of variance, BLS = binaural loudness summation, BTE = behind the ear, DSL = desired sensation level, LDL = loudness discomfort level, MCL = most comfortable level, NAL = National Acoustics Laboratories, PLL = preferred listening level, POGO = prescription of gain and output, RECD = real-ear-to-coupler difference, SPL = sound pressure level, SSPL = saturation sound pressure level, WDRC = wide dynamic range compression
Organizational resilience and internal branding: investigating the effects triggered by self-service technology
Authors: Biedenbach Galina , Biedenbach Thomas , Hultén Peter , Tarnovskaya Veronika
Published: April 2022

The majority of studies on internal brand equity examine its various dimensions and relationships between them. While prior research specifies organizational practices relevant for successful internal branding, the insights about the impact of essential organizational factors on internal brand equity are still limited. This study focuses on organizational resilience that is vital for the existence of organizations not only during a crisis, but also during everyday operations. The main purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of organizational resilience on internal brand equity considering the effects triggered by self-service technology (SST) in retailing. Since retailing had been significantly transformed by technological innovations over the past decade, we explore the effects of employees’ perceptions about performance of SST. The results of a survey conducted among retail employees in Sweden demonstrate that organizational resilience and employees’ perceptions about technological innovations are critical for enhancing internal brand equity, which includes brand orientation, internal brand knowledge, internal brand involvement, and internal brand commitment.
Data processing of wave propagation in viscoelastic split Hopkinson pressure bar
Authors: Chen Jiangping , Tao Weijun , Huan Shi , Xu Chong
Published: April 2022

In this study, the polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) bar was taken as an example to study the data processing of the viscoelastic Split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) during shock wave propagation. First, SHPB tests of the PMMA bar were conducted, and the strain data measured at the position of the strain gauges on the viscoelastic PMMA bar were processed by using the improved Lagrange analysis method (LAM) to obtain the full-field strain, particle velocity, and stress data. Then, the Zhu–Wang–Tang dynamic viscoelastic constitutive model was adopted, and the parameters were calibrated to determine the dynamic constitutive equation of the PMMA bar. By combining the characteristics method and the dynamic constitutive equation, numerical simulation was conducted to obtain the physical quantity data at each point on the PMMA bar, so as to realize the closed-loop test. By comparing the data obtained by the improved LAM with the data obtained by the characteristics method, it was found that the improved LAM can improve the calculation accuracy at the later loading stage and was more consistent with the actual situation, and the validity of data processing and the applicability of the dynamic constitutive equation at the early loading stage were verified as well. The improved LAM can be extended to the propagation calculation of the attenuation wave in SHPB tests of soft materials or low density materials.
The role of decomposer communities in managing surface fuels: a neglected ecosystem service
Authors: Gibb H. , Grubb J. J. , Decker O. , Murphy N. , Franks A. E. , Wood J. L.
Published: April 2022

Surface fuel loads are a key driver of forest fires and the target of hazard reduction burns to reduce fire risk. However, the role of biota in decomposition, or feedbacks between fire and decomposer communities are rarely considered. We review the evidence that decomposer organisms play an important role in surface fuel regulation and how this role is affected by fire. First, we outline the contribution of decomposer organisms to the breakdown of surface fuels. Next, we consider the three distinct phases through which fire regulates decomposer communities and how this may affect decomposition and future fire regimes. Finally, we consider interactions between global change and decomposer–fire feedbacks and the implications for fire management. Evidence indicates that decomposer organisms are important in regulating surface fuels and we propose that the biological basis and dynamic nature of fuel load control require greater attention. This includes better understanding of functional redundancy among decomposer organisms, the impacts of global change on the biota that drive decomposition and the factors that limit decomposer persistence and recolonisation following fires. By filling these knowledge gaps, we will be better armed to conserve and manage these functionally critical taxa in fire-prone ecosystems in a changing world.
MOSPD2 is an endoplasmic reticulum–lipid droplet tether functioning in LD homeostasis
Authors: Zouiouich Mehdi , Di Mattia Thomas , Martinet Arthur , Eichler Julie , Wendling Corinne , Tomishige Nario , Grandgirard Erwan , Fuggetta Nicolas , Fromental-Ramain Catherine , Mizzon Giulia , Dumesnil Calvin , Carpentier Maxime , Reina-San-Martin Bernardo , Mathelin Carole , Schwab Yannick , Thiam Abdou Rachid , Kobayashi Toshihide , Drin Guillaume , Tomasetto Catherine , Alpy Fabien
Published: April 2022

Membrane contact sites between organelles are organized by protein bridges. Among the components of these contacts, the VAP family comprises ER–anchored proteins, such as MOSPD2, that function as major ER–organelle tethers. MOSPD2 distinguishes itself from the other members of the VAP family by the presence of a CRAL-TRIO domain. In this study, we show that MOSPD2 forms ER–lipid droplet (LD) contacts, thanks to its CRAL-TRIO domain. MOSPD2 ensures the attachment of the ER to LDs through a direct protein–membrane interaction. The attachment mechanism involves an amphipathic helix that has an affinity for lipid packing defects present at the surface of LDs. Remarkably, the absence of MOSPD2 markedly disturbs the assembly of lipid droplets. These data show that MOSPD2, in addition to being a general ER receptor for inter-organelle contacts, possesses an additional tethering activity and is specifically implicated in the biology of LDs via its CRAL-TRIO domain.
Filling in the gaps: SNX-RGS proteins as multiorganelle tethers
Authors: Hariri Hanaa , Henne W. Mike
Published: April 2022

SNX-RGS proteins are molecular tethers localized to multiple interorganelle contact sites that exhibit roles in cellular metabolism. Here, we highlight recent findings on these proteins and discuss their emerging roles in metabolism, human disease, and lipid trafficking.
Hybridization bond states and band structure of graphene: a simple approach
Authors: Pérez Mario , Elías Janet , Sosa Modesto , Vallejo Miguel
Published: April 2022

This article reviews the basic theoretical aspects of graphene in order to contribute to making teaching easier and more understandable for those who still cannot understand it in an abstract way. This work presents the basic aspects of sp2 hybridization concepts from a quantum approach, which consists in obtaining the states for the sigma bonds from carbon atoms orientation close to another carbon atom that is our reference point in the crystal lattice. Furthermore, we calculate the band structure of graphene by using the tight-binding model, which can give us a good approximation to the energy levels as a function of the wave vector. This is for students interested in solid-state topic and it is approached in a simple and understandable way step by step to finally obtain the bands structure of the primitive cell of graphene monolayer. Additionally, we calculate the high symmetry points of the first Brillouin zone and the analysis around K points to obtain the well-known Dirac cones. The intention of this work is to show that this topic can be less abstract than it seems.
Spoof surface plasmonics: principle, design, and applications
Authors: Cheng Zhang Wen , Wang Meng , You Zi Hua , Ma Hui Feng , Cui Tie Jun
Published: April 2022

Surface plasmon polaritons (SPPs) are interactions between incident electromagnetic waves and free electrons on the metal–dielectric interface in the optical regime. To mimic SPPs in the microwave frequency, spoof SPPs (SSPPs) on ultrathin and flexible corrugated metallic strips were proposed and designed, which also inherit the advantages of lightweight, conformal, low profile, and easy integration with the traditional microwave circuits. In this paper, we review the recent development of SSPPs, including the basic concept, design principle, and applications along with the development from unwieldy waveguides to ultrathin transmission lines. The design schemes from passive and active devices to SSPP systems are presented respectively. For the passive SSPP devices, the related applications including filters, splitters, combiners, couplers, topological SSPPs, and radiations introduced. For the active SSPP devices, from the perspectives of transmission and radiation, we present a series of active SSPP devices with diversity and flexibility, including filtering, amplification, attenuation, nonlinearity, and leaky-wave radiations. Finally, several microwave systems based on SSPPs are reported, showing their unique advantages. The future directions and potential applications of the ultra-thin SSPP structures in the microwave and millimeter-wave regions are discussed.
An ameliorated African vulture optimization algorithm to diagnose the rolling bearing defects
Authors: Vashishtha Govind , Chauhan Sumika , Kumar Anil , Kumar Rajesh
Published: April 2022

In this work, a novel bearing fault identification scheme making use of deep learning has been proposed. Initially, the raw vibration signal is passed through a time-varying filter based empirical mode decomposition (TVF-EMD) to obtain different modes. Filter parameters of TVF-EMD are optimized by a newly developed optimization algorithm i.e. ameliorated African vulture optimization algorithm The Kernel estimate for mutual information has been considered as the fitness index for the developed optimization algorithm. The mode having the least value of fitness index is known as a prominent mode from which sensitive features representing different bearing conditions are extracted. These extracted features help in preparing the data matrix which is further utilised to build fuzzy-based classification models. The results obtained revealed that the linguistic hedge neuro-fuzzy classifier obtained maximum performance with the least computational time. The comparison of the developed method has also been done with other classification models viz., KNN, SVM, ELM and random forest that revealed the superiority of the developed method.
Progress and challenges in layered two-dimensional hybrid perovskites
Authors: Mohanty Prajna Parimita , Ahuja Rajeev , Chakraborty Sudip
Published: April 2022

Dimensionality is the game-changer property of a material. The optical and electronic properties of a compound get dramatically influenced by confining dimensions from 3D to 2D. The bulk 3D perovskite materials have shown remarkable up-gradation in the power conversion efficiency, hence grabbing worldwide attention. But instability against moisture, temperature, and ion migration are the factors constantly back-stabbing and hindering from full-scale commercialization. 2D perovskite material has emerged as an excellent bridging entity between structural-chemical stability, and viable commercialization. Organic–inorganic 2D perovskite materials come with a layered structure in which a large organic cation layer as a spacer is sandwiched between two inorganic metal halide octahedra layers. Moreover, hydrophobic spacer cations are employed which isolate inorganic octahedral layers from water molecules. Hydrophobic spacer cations protect the authentic structure from being degraded. These layered structures occur in two phases namely the Ruddlesden–Popper phase and Dion–Jacobson phase, depending on the spacer cation types. Alternating inorganic and organic layers form multiple quantum wells naturally, along with spin–orbit-coupling gives Rashba splitting. 2D perovskite materials are coming up with interesting chemical, physical properties like exciton dynamics, charge carrier transport, and electron–phonon coupling as a result of the quantum confinement effect. Despite appreciable stability, limited charge transport and large bandgap are limiting the application of 2D perovskite materials in solar cells. These limitations can be overcome by using the concept of 2D/3D multidimensional hybrid perovskites, which includes the long-term stability of 2D perovskite and the high performance of 3D perovskite at the same time. Here in this perspective, we have given brief insight on structural versatility, synthesis techniques, some of the unique photophysical properties, potential device fabrication, and recent advancements in the 2D structure to stand against degradation. Certain shortcomings and future outlooks are also discussed to make the perspective more informative.
Unconventional VTC of subthreshold inverter with MFMIS negative capacitance transistor: An analytical modelling framework with implications for ultralow power logic design
Authors: Semwal Sandeep , Kranti Abhinav
Published: April 2022

The present reports an analytical modelling framework to provide insights into subthreshold logic design using metal-ferroelectric-metal–insulator-semiconductor (MFMIS) negative capacitance field effect transistor (NCFET). It is shown that the proposed model is effective in predicting supply voltage (V
DD) dependent hysteresis as well as hysteresis-free voltage transfer characteristics (VTC) through the analytically obtained positive (hysteresis-free) and negative (hysteresis) values of gain (−dV
O/dV
IN) in NCFET based subthreshold inverter. The proposed subthreshold drain current model for NCFET has been extended to obtain closed-form analytical expressions of figures of merit of a subthreshold inverter such as nominal high and low output voltages, threshold logic voltage, and DC gain. The model while successfully capturing characteristics of MFMIS NCFETs is able to predict the occurrence of hysteresis in VTC due to negative differential resistance in the output characteristics of NCFET. Results show that an optimally designed MFMIS NCFET based inverter can achieve similar values of DC gain as exhibited by conventional MOSFET at ∼×(3–6) times lower supply voltages (V
DD) along with an improvement in static and dynamic power dissipation. Results showcase an analytical modelling framework and its implications for reducing V
DD for ultralow power subthreshold logic design with NCFETs.
Soft fabric muscle based on thin diameter SMA springs
Authors: Choi Kyungjun , Park Seong Jun , Won Mooncheol , Park Cheol Hoon
Published: April 2022

This study proposes fabric muscles based on shape memory alloy (SMA) springs coiled with a thin diameter SMA wire of 80

μ
m

to improve heat dissipation under natural convection and forced air cooling. A new structure and its fabrication process are developed to create soft and flexible fabric muscles capable of supplying current and withstanding high external force, using a large number of thin SMA spring bundles. A total of 250 bundles of SMA springs weighing only 3.2 g constitute the fabric muscle that can lift a 1500 times-heavier mass, where each strand behaved like a muscle fiber. The fabric muscle generates a blocking force of up to 56.54 N and a power density of 2072 W kg−1. In addition, an air-cooling structure similar to a showerhead is proposed to further improve the actuation speed of the fabric muscles and maintain the flexibility of the fabric muscles. The fabric muscle with forced air cooling is cooled 40.5% faster than that with natural cooling. Finally, the results confirm that forced cooling can drive the muscle with a cycle of 5.5 s.
Cascading failures in isotropic and anisotropic spatial networks induced by localized attacks and overloads
Authors: Perez Ignacio A , Ben Porath Dana Vaknin , La Rocca Cristian E , Buldyrev Sergey V , Braunstein Lidia A , Havlin Shlomo
Published: April 2022

Cascading failures are catastrophic processes that can destroy the functionality of a system, thus, understanding their development in real infrastructures is of vital importance. This may lead to a better management of everyday complex infrastructures relevant to modern societies, e.g., electrical power grids, communication and traffic networks. In this paper we examine the Motter–Lai model (2002 Phys. Rev. E 66 065102) of cascading failures induced by overloads in both isotropic and anisotropic spatial networks, generated by placing nodes in a square lattice and using various distributions of link lengths and angles. Anisotropy has not been earlier considered in the Motter–Lai model and is a real feature that may affect the cascading failures. This could reflect the existence of a preferred direction in which a given attribute of the system manifests, such as power lines that follow a city built parallel to the coast. We analyze the evolution of the cascading failures for systems with different strengths of anisotropy and show that the anisotropy causes a greater spread of damage along the preferential direction of links. We identify the critical linear size, l
c, for a square shaped localized attack, which satisfies with high probability that above l
c the cascading disrupts the giant component of functional nodes, while below l
c the damage does not spread. We find that, for networks with any characteristic link length, their robustness decreases with the strength of the anisotropy. We show that the value of l
c is finite and independent of the system size (for large systems), both for isotropic and anisotropic networks. Thus, in contrast to random attacks, where the critical fraction of nodes that survive the initial attack, p
c, is usually below 1, here p
c = 1. Note that the analogy to p
c = 1 is also found for localized attacks in interdependent spatial networks (Berezin et al 2015 Sci. Rep.
5 8934). Finally, we measure the final distribution of functional cluster sizes and find a power-law behavior, with exponents similar to regular percolation. This indicates that, after the cascade which destroys the giant component, the system is at a percolation critical point. Additionally, we observe a crossover in the value of the distribution exponent, from critical percolation in a two-dimensional lattice for strong spatial embedding, to mean-field percolation for weak embedding.
Hidden continuous quantum phase transition without gap closing in non-Hermitian transverse Ising model
Authors: Yang Fei , Wang Heng , Yang Meng-Lei , Guo Cui-Xian , Wang Xiao-Ran , Sun Gao-Yong , Kou Su-Peng
Published: April 2022

Continuous phase transition in quantum matters is a significant issue in condensed matter physics. In general, the continuous quantum phase transitions in many-body systems occur with gap closing. On the other hand, non-Hermitian systems could display quite different properties as their Hermitian counterparts. In this paper, we show that a hidden, continuous quantum phase transition occurs without gap closing in non-Hermitian transverse Ising model. By using a projected Jordan–Wigner transformation, the one-dimensional (1D) non-Hermitian transverse Ising model with ferromagnetic order is mapped on to 1D non-Hermitian Kitaev model with topological superconducting order and becomes exactly solvable. A hidden, continuous quantum phase transition is really normal–abnormal transition for fermionic correlation in the 1D non-Hermitian Kitaev model. In addition, similar hidden, continuous quantum phase transition is discovered in two-dimensional non-Hermitian transverse Ising model and thus becomes a universal feature in certain non-Hermitian many-body systems.