bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electromyography and kinematics data of the hand in activities of daily living with special interest for ergonomics
Authors: Roda-Sales Alba , Jarque-Bou Néstor J. , Bayarri-Porcar Vicent , Gracia-Ibáñez Verónica , Sancho-Bru Joaquín L. , Vergara Margarita
Published: November 2023

This work presents a dataset of human hand kinematics and forearm muscle activation collected during the performance of a wide variety of activities of daily living (ADLs), with tagged characteristics of products and tasks. A total of 26 participants performed 161 ADLs selected to be representative of common elementary tasks, grasp types, product orientations and performance heights. 105 products were used, being varied regarding shape, dimensions, weight and type (common products and assistive devices). The data were recorded using CyberGlove instrumented gloves on both hands measuring 18 degrees of freedom on each and seven surface EMG sensors per arm recording muscle activity. Data of more than 4100 ADLs is presented in this dataset as MATLAB structures with full continuous recordings, which may be used in applications such as machine learning or to characterize healthy human hand behaviour. The dataset is accompanied with a custom data visualization application (ERGOMOVMUS) as a tool for ergonomics applications, allowing visualization and calculation of aggregated data from specific task, product and/or participants’ characteristics.
Delaying circadian sleep phase under ultradian light cycle causes time-of-day-dependent alteration of cognition and mood
Authors: Fuchs Fanny , Robin-Choteau Ludivine , Schneider Aline , Hugueny Laurence , Ciocca Dominique , Serchov Tsvetan , Bourgin Patrice
Published: November 2023

Light exerts powerful and pervasive effects on physiology and behaviour. These effects can be indirect, through clock synchronization and phase adjustment of circadian rhythms, or direct, independent of the circadian process. Exposure to light at inappropriate times, as commonly experienced in today’s society, leads to increased prevalence of circadian, sleep and mood disorders as well as cognitive impairments. In mice, exposure to an ultradian 3.5 h light/3.5 h dark cycle (T7) for several days has been shown to impair behaviour through direct, non-circadian, photic effects, a claim we challenge here. We first confirmed that T7 cycle induces a lengthening of the circadian period resulting in a day by day phase-delay of both activity and sleep rhythms. Spatial novelty preference test performed at different circadian time points in mice housed under T7 cycle demonstrated that cognitive deficit was restrained to the subjective night. Mice under the same condition also showed a modification of stress-induced despair-like behaviour in the forced swim test. Therefore, our data demonstrate that ultradian light cycles cause time-of-day-dependent alteration of cognition and mood through clock period lengthening delaying circadian sleep phase, and not through a direct photic influence. These results are of critical importance for the clinical applications of light therapy in the medical field and for today’s society to establish lighting recommendations for shift work, schools, hospitals and homes.
Effects of straw return with potassium fertilizer on the stem lodging resistance, grain quality and yield of spring maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Liu Jian , Fan Ya-fang , Sun Ji-ying , Gao Ju-lin , Wang Zhi-gang , Yu Xiao-fang
Published: November 2023

This experiment aimed to study the effects of straw return combined with potassium fertilizer on stem lodging resistance, grain quality, and yield of spring maize. The objective was to provide a scientific basis for the rational utilization of Inner Mongolia spring maize straw and potassium fertilizer resources. The test material used was ‘Xianyu 335’, and the study was conducted in three ecological regions from east to west of Inner Mongolia (Tumochuan Plain Irrigation Area, Hetao Plain Irrigation Area, and Lingnan Warm Dry Zone). A split-plot design was employed, with the straw return method as the main plot and potassium fertilizer dosage as the secondary plot. We determined the stem resistance index, grain quality, and yield. The results showed that both straw return and potassium application improved stem lodging resistance, grain quality, and maize yield. Combining straw return with the reasonable application of potassium fertilizer enhanced the effectiveness of potassium fertilizer, increased lodging resistance, maize yield, and improved grain quality and yield stability. Under the straw return treatment, with potassium application compared to no potassium application, significant increases were observed in maize plant height, stem diameter, dry weight of stems, stem compressive strength, stem bending strength, grain protein content, yield, straw potassium accumulation content, and soil available potassium content. These increases were up to 30.79 cm, 2.63 mm, 15.40 g, 74.93 N/mm2, 99.65 N/mm2, 13.68%, 3142.43 kg/hm2, 57.97 kg/hm2, and 19.80 mg/kg, respectively. Therefore, the interaction of straw return and potassium fertilizer was found to be the most effective measure for maintaining high-yield and stress-resistant cultivation, improving grain quality, and optimizing the management of straw and potassium fertilizer resources. This approach is suitable for promotion and application in the spring maize growing areas of Inner Mongolia.
Evolution characteristics of micromechanics provides insights into the microstructure of pharmaceutical tablets fabricated by bimodal mixtures
Authors: Zhao Mengtao , Luo Anqi , Zhou Yu , Liu Zeng , Wang Yuting , Luo Linxiu , Jiang Yanling , Tang Jincao , Lu Zheng , Guan Tianbing , Chen Libo , Sun Huimin , Dai Chuanyun
Published: November 2023

This research focuses on the evolution of mechanical behavior of bimodal mixtures undergoing compaction and diametrical compression. The clusters were built and discrete element method (DEM) was used to investigate the densification process and micromechanics of bimodal mixtures. Additionally, a more comprehensive investigate of the respective breakage of the bimodal mixtures has been carried out. On this basis, qualitative and quantitative analysis of the compressive force, force chain, contact bonds and density field evolution characteristics of the clusters are investigated during the compression process. The entire loading process of the clusters is divided into three stages: rearrangement, breakage and elastic–plastic deformation. Additionally, there are differences in the evolution of micromechanics behavior of different particles in the bimodal mixture, with pregelatinized starch breakage and deformation occurring before microcrystalline cellulose. With the tablet deformation, the fragmentation process of the tablet started at the point of contact and extended toward the center, and the curvature of the force chain increased. This approach may potentially hold a valuable new information relevant to important transformation forms batch manufacturing to advanced manufacturing for the oral solid dosage form.
Galectin-4 is associated with diabetes and obesity in a heart failure population
Authors: Dieden Anna , Gudmundsson Petri , Korduner Johan , Molvin John , Zaghi Amir , Nezami Zainu , Bachus Erasmus , Holm Hannes , Jujic Amra , Magnusson Martin
Published: November 2023

An association between high Galectin-4 (Gal-4) and prevalence of diabetes in subjects with heart failure (HF) has previously been reported. The purpose of this study was to confirm these findings, as well as to further investigate this association, in a Swedish HF population. In addition, a second aim was to explore Gal-4’s association with obesity and biomarkers of metabolism and heart failure. Gal-4 was measured using a proximity extension array technique in 324 hospitalized HF patients within the Swedish HeArt and bRain failure investigation trial cohort. Obesity was defined as BMI ≥ 30. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to explore associations between Gal-4 and diabetes/obesity, and linear regression models were used to explore the associations between Gal-4 and biomarkers. A total of 309 participants (29.1% female; mean age 74.8 years) provided complete data for the analysis of associations between Gal-4 and diabetes. Additionally, for the analysis of heart failure phenotype, complete data was available for 230 subjects. Gal-4 was positively associated with prevalent diabetes (OR 2.60; CI 95% 1.56–4.32). In multivariable models, Gal-4 levels were significantly associated with obesity, but only for subjects with diabetes (OR 2.48; 1.09–5.62). Additionally, Gal-4 demonstrated a significant association with the incretin Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), as well as with biomarkers of HF. In the stratified analyses, the association between Gal-4 and diabetes was prominent in patients with reduced ejection fraction (n = 160, OR 3.26; 95%CI 1.88–5.66), while it was not observed in those without (n = 70, 1.96 (0.75–5.10)). In this cross-sectional, observational study, higher Gal-4 levels in HF patients were associated with higher GIP levels. Further, increased levels of Gal-4 were associated with increased likelihood of diabetes, and obesity. This association was particularly pronounced in individuals with HF characterized by reduced ejection fraction. Additionally, Gal-4 levels were significantly elevated in heart failure patients with diabetes and obesity.
Research on evaluation index method of cloud-network convergence capability
Authors: Ma Tengteng , Chen Yuanmou , Wang Haobin , Xiong Xiaoming , Zhao Jing
Published: November 2023

There is no measurable and evaluable index system for cloud-network convergence that provides guidance and reference for the subsequent construction and development of cloud-network convergence. It is a big project to select and evaluate the indexes of cloud-network convergence, which requires suitable index selection and index evaluation schemes. Based on analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and entropy weight method, this paper proposes an improved AHP (i-AHP) index selection scheme and index evaluation scheme leveraging the years of experts’ experience, the geometric mean and the least square method. The improved weighted least square method (WLSM) is finally proved to be more stable for index evaluation scheme by adding abnormal data. In addition, the index weight obtained by the index evaluation scheme with WLSM are provided as a reference for the future development of cloud-network convergence. The simulation results show that the proposed scheme is superior to the existing index evaluation scheme and can avoid the weight deviation caused by the disturbance and fluctuation of abnormal data.
Exploring the relationship between air quality index and lung cancer mortality in India: predictive modeling and impact assessment
Authors: Singh Tamanpreet , Kaur Amandeep , Katyal Sharon Kaur , Walia Simran Kaur , Dhand Geetika , Sheoran Kavita , Mohanty Sachi Nandan , Khan M. Ijaz , Awwad Fuad A. , Ismail Emad A. A.
Published: November 2023

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in India is steadily deteriorating, leading to a rise in the mortality rate due to Lung Cancer. This decline in air quality can be attributed to various factors such as PM 2.5, PM 10, and Ozone (O3). To establish a relationship between AQI and Lung Cancer, several predictive models including Linear Regression, KNN, Decision Tree, ANN, Random Forest Regression, and XGBoost Regression were employed to estimate pollutant levels and Air Quality Index in India. The models relied on publicly available state-wise Air Pollution Dataset. Among all the models, the XGBoost Regression displayed the highest accuracy, with pollutant level estimations reaching an accuracy range of 81% to 98% during training and testing. The second-highest accuracy range was achieved by Random Forest. The paper also explores the impact of increasing pollution levels on the rising mortality rate among lung cancer patients in India.
Genetic determinants of severe COVID-19 in young Asian and Middle Eastern patients: a case series
Authors: Badla Beshr Abdulaziz , Hanifa Mohamed Samer , Jain Ruchi , Naofal Maha El , Halabi Nour , Yaslam Sawsan , Ramaswamy Sathishkumar , Taylor Alan , Alfalasi Roudha , Shenbagam Shruti , Khansaheb Hamda , Al Suwaidi Hanan , Nowotny Norbert , Popatia Rizwana , Al Khayat Abdulla , Alsheikh-Ali Alawi , Loney Tom , AlDabal Laila Mohamed , Abou Tayoun Ahmad
Published: November 2023

Studies of genetic factors associated with severe COVID-19 in young adults have been limited in non-Caucasian populations. Here, we clinically characterize a case series of patients with COVID-19, who were otherwise healthy, young adults (N = 55; mean age 34.1 ± SD 5.0 years) from 16 Asian, Middle Eastern, and North African countries. Using whole exome sequencing, we identify rare, likely deleterious variants affecting 16 immune-related genes in 17 out of 55 patients (31%), including 7 patients (41% of all carriers or 12.7% of all patients) who harbored multiple such variants mainly in interferon and toll-like receptor genes. Protein network analysis as well as transcriptomic analysis of nasopharyngeal swabs from an independent COVID-19 cohort (N = 50; 42% Asians and 22% Arabs) revealed that most of the altered genes, as identified by whole exome sequencing, and the associated molecular pathways were significantly altered in COVID-19 patients. Genetic variants tended to be associated with mortality, intensive care admission, and ventilation support. Our clinical cases series, genomic and transcriptomic findings suggest a possible role for interferon pathway genes in severe COVID-19 and highlight the importance of extending genetic studies to diverse populations to better understand the human genetics of disease.
Genome mining for macrolactam-encoding gene clusters allowed for the network-guided isolation of β-amino acid-containing cyclic derivatives and heterologous production of ciromicin A
Authors: Seibel Elena , Um Soohyun , Dayras Marie , Bodawatta Kasun H. , de Kruijff Martinus , Jønsson Knud A. , Poulsen Michael , Kim Ki Hyun , Beemelmanns Christine
Published: November 2023

β-Amino acid-containing macrolactams represent a structurally diverse group of bioactive natural products derived from polyketides; however we are currently lacking a comprehensive overview about their abundance across bacterial families and the underlying biosynthetic diversity. In this study, we employed a targeted β-amino acid-specific homology-based multi-query search to identify potential bacterial macrolactam producers. Here we demonstrate that approximately 10% of each of the identified actinobacterial genera harbor a biosynthetic gene cluster (BGC) encoding macrolactam production. Based on our comparative study, we propose that mutations occurring in specific regions of polyketide synthases (PKS) are the primary drivers behind the variation in macrolactam ring sizes. We successfully validated two producers of ciromicin A from the genus Amycolatopsis, revised the composition of the biosynthetic gene cluster region mte of macrotermycins, and confirmed the ciromicin biosynthetic pathway through heterologous expression. Additionally, network-based metabolomic analysis uncovered three previously unreported macrotermycin congeners from Amycolatopsis sp. M39. The combination of targeted mining and network-based analysis serves as a powerful tool for identifying macrolactam producers and our studies will catalyze the future discovery of yet unreported macrolactams.
Isotopic and magnetic proxies are good indicators of millennial-scale variability of the East Asian monsoon
Authors: Fuchs Louise , Guo Jingjing , Schefuß Enno , Sun Youbin , Guo Fei , Ziegler Martin , Peterse Francien
Published: November 2023

Past East Asian Monsoon variability has been reconstructed using oxygen isotopes of cave speleothems as well as proxy indicators from Chinese loess sequences. However, where the speleothem record is dominated by precession cycles, loess magnetic susceptibility primarily shows a glacial-interglacial pattern. Here we generate a ~ 130,000 years high resolution record of plant wax hydrogen isotopes from a loess section on the western Chinese Loess Plateau that can directly be compared with both speleothem oxygen isotopes and with magnetic susceptibility from the same section. We find that variations in our plant wax hydrogen isotope record follow the precessional pattern of the speleothem record as opposed to the glacial-interglacial changes in magnetic susceptibility. We propose that hydrogen isotopes mainly record precipitation during the growing season, whereas magnetic susceptibility represents an annual climate signal, including precipitation and temperature. Our findings imply that summer vs annual climate variability is driven by distinct orbital forcings.
Exploring the competitive dynamic enzyme allocation scheme through enzyme cost minimization
Authors: Qi Shanshan , Wang Gangsheng , Li Wanyu , Zhou Shuhao
Published: November 2023

Enzyme allocation (or synthesis) is a crucial microbial trait that mediates soil biogeochemical cycles and their responses to climate change. However, few microbial ecological models address this trait, particularly concerning multiple enzyme functional groups that regulate complex biogeochemical processes. Here, we aim to fill this gap by developing a COmpetitive Dynamic Enzyme ALlocation (CODEAL) scheme for six enzyme groups that act as indicators of inorganic nitrogen (N) transformations in the Microbial-ENzyme Decomposition (MEND) model. This allocation scheme employs time-variant allocation coefficients for each enzyme group, fostering mutual competition among the multiple groups. We show that the principle of enzyme cost minimization is achieved by using the substrate’s saturation level as the factor for enzyme allocation, resulting in an enzyme-efficient pathway with minimal enzyme cost per unit metabolic flux. It suggests that the relative substrate availability affects the trade-off between enzyme production and metabolic flux. Our research has the potential to give insights into the nuanced dynamics of the N cycle and inspire the evolving landscape of enzyme-mediated biogeochemical processes in microbial ecological modeling, which is gaining increasing attention.
Oceanic currents maintain the genetic structure of non-marine coastal taxa in the western Mediterranean Sea
Authors: Villastrigo Adrián , Orenes-Salazar Víctor , García-Meseguer Antonio José , Mirón-Gatón Juana María , Mourre Baptiste , Millán Andrés , Velasco Josefa
Published: November 2023

Coastal habitats are amongst the most dynamic on Earth, due to their simultaneous exposure to terrestrial, oceanic and atmospheric processes. Coastal taxa are therefore often ecologically specialised and adapted to withstand frequent shifts in sea level, wave exposure, temperature or salinity. This specialisation often resulting in significant cryptic diversity. Previous molecular studies have suggested that genetic differentiation in non-marine coastal organisms may be influenced by oceanic currents and fronts, but the extent to which such processes affect dispersal and evolution of such taxa remains unclear. Here we explore whether population genetic structure in two supralittoral rockpool beetle species (genus Ochthebius) can be predicted from the general circulation pattern of the marine currents and associated oceanic fronts. We simulated dispersal using a Lagrangian particle tracking model and compared this with population genetic structure inferred from COI (mitochondrial) and wingless (nuclear) genes applying linear models and Mantel tests. We show that a biophysical model based on oceanic currents and fronts in the western Mediterranean Sea is a much better predictor of observed population genetic structure than isolation by distance in both species. Our results show that oceanic processes, besides shaping contemporary population connectivity in fully marine organisms, also exert a meaningful influence on terrestrially-derived coastal taxa such as supralittoral rockpool beetles — the first time this mode of dispersal has been demonstrated in an insect.
Naked Clams to open a new sector in sustainable nutritious food production
Authors: Willer David F. , Aldridge David C. , Mehrshahi Payam , Papadopoulos Konstantinos P. , Archer Lorraine , Smith Alison G. , Lancaster Max , Strachan Alex , Shipway J. Reuben
Published: November 2023

The global population urgently requires alternative food sources that provide the micronutrient-rich profile of meat and fish but with lower environmental cost. We present a solution in the form of ‘Naked Clams’ (teredinids/shipworms) - a seldom researched group of bivalves, that feature tiny shells and live in and feed on wood, turning it into protein and essential nutrients. We report the first pilot system for Naked Clam aquaculture, the first nutritional profile and feeding efficacy assessment, and demonstrate value offered by microencapsulated feeds in fortifying Naked Clams. Naked Clams were rich in nutrients including vitamin B12 and monounsaturated fatty acids, and shared the high protein content of conventional bivalves such as blue mussels (Mytilus edulis). Microencapsulated algal feeds enriched the Naked Clams with essential PUFAs including EPA and DHA, with potential for further tailoring. Additional work is required, but this study represents a gateway to a new form of sustainable food production.
From construction to application of a new generation of interlocked molecules composed of heteroditopic wheels
Authors: Nandi Mandira , Bej Somnath , Jana Tarun , Ghosh Pradyut
Published: November 2023

In this feature article, we have outlined a comprehensive review on construction and chemical behaviour of heteroditopic wheels based new-generation interlocked molecules and their applications in different directions of contemporary research area.
5- and 10-oxocorroles from β-octaalkylcorroles
Authors: Di Zazzo Lorena , Nardis Sara , Caroleo Fabrizio , Pizzoli Francesco , Fronczek Frank R. , Smith Kevin M. , Berna Beatrice Berionni , Paolesse Roberto
Published: November 2023

5- and 10-oxocorrole species can be readily obtained by reaction of Zn ions with β-octaalkylcorrole.
Twist angle and electric gating controllable electronic structure of the two-dimensional stacked BP homo-structure
Authors: Yao Linwei , Yun Jiangni , Kang Peng , Zhao Hongyuan , Zhang Siyu , Zeng Liru , Bi Zhisong , Yan Junfeng , Zhao Wu , Zhang Zhiyong
Published: November 2023

The direct band semiconductor AB_B-P can be arranged as a type-II semiconductor. After the corner changes, there are modifications in the electronic structure's response to the external electric field.
Distribution, sources, and risk of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soils from rural communities around gas flaring points in the Niger Delta of Nigeria
Authors: Odali Eze W. , Iwegbue Chukwujindu M. A. , Egobueze Francis E. , Nwajei Godwin E. , Martincigh Bice S.
Published: November 2023

This study investigates the concentrations, sources, and ecological and human health risks from exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in soils of rural communities around gas flaring points in Delta State, Nigeria.
Pt single crystal surfaces in electrochemistry and electrocatalysis
Authors: Feliu Juan M. , Herrero Enrique
Published: November 2023

In this review, recent advances in the use of platinum single-crystal surfaces in electrochemistry are addressed.
Micropillar enhanced FRET-CRISPR biosensor for nucleic acid detection
Authors: Bao Mengdi , Dollery Stephen J. , Yuqing FNU , Tobin Gregory J. , Du Ke
Published: November 2023

High-aspect ratio micropillar arrays are fabricated to enhance the detection performance of FRET-CRISPR assay.
Enhancing the conductivity of plasma polymer functionalized electrodes using gold nanoparticles
Authors: Gheorghiu Alex , Yang Daisy , Li Tiexin , Dief Essam M. , Darwish Nadim , Priest Craig , MacGregor Melanie
Published: November 2023

Plasma deposited polyoxazoline thin films (POx) are a promising solution for the rapid, scalable, and substrate-independent immuno-functionalization of electrochemical biosensors.
The development of thymol–isatin hybrids as broad-spectrum antibacterial agents with potent anti-MRSA activity
Authors: Singh Atamjit , Kaur Kirandeep , Mohana Pallvi , Singh Karanvir , Sharma Aman , Prajapati Jignesh , Goswami Dweipayan , Khosla Neha , Kaur Uttam , Kaur Rajanbir , Kaur Rajinder , Rana Abhineet , Kour Sandeep , Ohri Puja , Arora Saroj , Chadha Renu , Singh Bedi Preet Mohinder
Published: November 2023

Triazole-tethered isatin-thymol hybrids are developed for targeting multidrug-resistant bacterial strains with efficacy against MRSA acting via CrtM inhibition. The most active hybrid showed bactericidal and antibiofilm efficacy against MRSA and was capable of rescuing larvae from in vivo infection.
A redox switchable ferrocene decorated n-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) palladium catalyst for cross coupling of arylboronic acid and acetic anhydride in phosphine, base and additive free conditions
Authors: Bora Debashree , Ali Abdul Aziz , Saha Biswajit
Published: November 2023

A phosphine, base and additive free cross-coupling of arylboronic acid is reported via C–O bond cleavage of acetic anhydride using a switchable ferrocene functionalized n-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) palladium complex.
A study on the reaction pathway and mechanism of urea alcoholysis by the disassociation and conjugation of groups
Authors: Wang Jie , Huang Jielin , Chen Songsong , Zhang Junping , Dong Li , Zhang Xiangping
Published: November 2023

The possible reaction pathway and mechanism of the formation of ethylene carbonate from urea and ethylene glycol is systematically studied according to the variation tendencies of a range of functional groups.
Study on inhibitory effects of AsA, ZnCl2, and BAPTA-AM on Cd2+-induced cell oxidative stress and cytotoxicity by scanning electrochemical microscopy (SECM) technology
Authors: Gao Ke , Du Yuying , Pan Na , Zhou Xuewei , Lu Liping , Wang Xiayan
Published: November 2023

Cadmium (Cd) can cause cell oxidative stress and cytotoxicity.
Self-assembly of colloids with competing interactions confined in spheres
Authors: Li Ningyi , Li Junhong , Qing Lijingting , Ma Shicheng , Li Yao , Li Baohui
Published: November 2023

Colloids with short-range attractive and long-range repulsive interactions under spherical confinement form various structures.
Inorganic/organic composite fluorinated interphase layers for stabilizing ether-based electrolyte in high-voltage lithium metal batteries
Authors: Ren Qimeng , Wang Qinglei , Su Li , Liu Guodong , Song Yan , Shangguan Xuehui , Li Faqiang
Published: November 2023

The synergistic effect strategy based on dual salt and fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) as a co-solvent induces more robust inorganic/organic composite (SEI/CEI) fluorinated interphase layers (SEI/CEI), providing ether-based electrolytes for high-voltage lithium metal batteries.
BaTa0.5Li0.5O2.5: a new highly oxygen deficient perovskite oxide-ion conductor
Authors: Xu Jungu , Cao Qin , Wang Lin , Ouyang Bin , Wei Tianjie , Hao Jiazheng , Chen Jie , He Lunhua , Liu Laijun , Huang Kevin
Published: November 2023

BaTa0.5Li0.5O2.5: a new highly oxygen deficient perovskite oxide-ion conductor with disordered oxygen vacancies is reported for the first time.
A Qualitative Study of Veterans' Perspectives on Tinnitus: An Invisible Wound
Authors: Clark Khaya D. , Coco Laura , Zaugg Tara , DeFrancesco Susan , Kaelin Christine , Henry James A. , Carlson Kathleen F.
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

Tinnitus is highly prevalent among U.S. military Veterans, yet referral to, and use of, tinnitus rehabilitation services to improve quality of life and functional status with tinnitus is low. Veterans with tinnitus often have other health issues that overlap or exacerbate the impact of tinnitus, potentially complicating referral and rehabilitative pathways. This qualitative study explores views on the daily impacts of tinnitus and experiences with tinnitus-related health care among Veterans. The goal of this research is to amplify the voices of Veterans regarding their experiences with tinnitus to illuminate the physiological and socioemotional sequelae associated with the condition and to increase clinician awareness of the complex, interdisciplinary rehabilitative needs among Veterans with bothersome tinnitus.

Method:

This qualitative study was part of a larger study about tinnitus and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Veterans were sampled to represent national Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) users with and without comorbid TBI, and who were or were not interested in tinnitus rehabilitation services. Forty Veterans with tinnitus were interviewed (32 men, eight women). Data were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach.

Results:

Major themes across the Veteran interviews included (a) functional effects of tinnitus on daily life, (b) tinnitus and other health conditions, (c) reactions to the lack of a cure for tinnitus, (d) strategies to improve quality of life and function, and (e) use of VA services for tinnitus.

Conclusions:

Our findings highlight that bothersome tinnitus negatively impacted various aspects of daily functioning, including communication, sleep, concentration, and mood, suggesting a need for audiologists to work closely with mental health services to improve quality of life and functional status for those negatively impacted by the condition. Future work is needed to obtain the viewpoints of clinicians and other health care partners to better understand the barriers and facilitators to providing evidence-based tinnitus treatment in VA and non-VA settings.
A new meteor shower from comet 46P/Wirtanen expected in December 2023
Authors: Vaubaillon J. , Ye Q.-Z. , Egal A. , Sato M. , Moser D. E.
Published: November 2023

Context. Comet 46P/Wirtanen is a near-Earth object (NEO) for which no associated meteor shower has ever been reported.

Aims. This study is aimed at improving our understanding of why there has been no observed shower activity for this NEO to date, as well as to consider whether any past activity could be uncovered from the post-prediction results.

Methods. The usual dynamic tools for meteoroid streams were used to describe the behavior of the particles ejected by the comet. The resulting modeled meteoroid stream was thoroughly inspected for collisions between the stream and the Earth.

Results. The results show a possible encounter forecast for December 12, 2023, between 8:00 and 12:30 UT. The slow entry velocity is typically known to cause dim meteors. The activity level of the shower is highly uncertain due to the absence of reported past showers.

Conclusions. Overall, the most optimal observations on the forecasted day would be achieved from Eastern Australia, New Zealand, and Oceania. These observations will help constrain the size distribution of meteoroids from comet 46P/Wirtanen in the millimeter range.
Diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis in an 83-year-old female
body donor with osteoporosis – protection or risk for the occurrence of
insufficiency fractures of the spine?
Authors: Schröder Guido , Götz Andreas , Kruse Josephine , Hiepe Laura , Büttner Andreas , Andresen Julian Ramin , Andresen Reimer , Schober Hans-Christof
Published: November 2023

Einleitung Die vorliegende Studie hatte das Ziel, Erkenntnisse über
Veränderungen in der Knochendichte und der kortikalen Dicke bei Patienten mit
diffuser idiopathischer skelettaler Hyperostose (DISH) und Osteoporose zu
gewinnen, um das Verständnis für Risikobereiche für das Auftreten von
Insuffizienzfrakturen am Achsenskelett zu verbessern.

Fallbeschreibung und Ergebnisse Eine weibliche 83-Jährige Körperspenderin
mit DISH und Osteoporose wurde mittels CT/QCT- sowie Mikro-CT-Bildgebung
untersucht. Die kortikale Dicke wurde an den Endplatten und der kortikalen
Schale von 15 Wirbelkörpern an 1800 Messpunkten ermittelt, um Unterschiede
zwischen den Wirbelsäulen Abschnitten festzustellen. Alle erhobenen Daten wurden
mit dem Softwarepaket SPSS, Version 24.0 (Armonk, New York: IBM Corp., USA)
analysiert. Es zeigte sich eine signifikant höhere kortikale Dicke in der
Brustwirbelsäule im Vergleich zur Hals- (p=0,001) und Lendenwirbelsäule
(p<0,001). Die Kortikalisdicke ist an der Hinterkante in den verschiedenen
Abschnitten am geringsten ausgeprägt. Der spongiöse Knochenmineralgehalt steigt
in den von DISH betroffenen Wirbelkörpern an. Obwohl die Halswirbelsäule nicht
von DISH betroffen war, fand sich dort die höchste Knochendichte der gesamten
Wirbelsäule.

Schlussfolgerungen Die signifikant höhere kortikale Dicke und der erhöhte
spongiöse Knochenmineralgehalt in der Brustwirbelsäule bei DISH könnte auf eine
erhöhte Stabilität und ein geringeres Frakturrisiko in diesem Bereich hinweisen.
Die hohe Knochendichte im HWS-Bereich scheint auch bei vorliegender Osteoporose
am Achsenskelett einen kritischen Frakturschwellenwert nicht zu
unterschreiten.
Behavioural biases in real estate investment: a literature review and future research agenda
Authors: Singh Akshita , Kumar Shailendra , Goel Utkarsh , Johri Amar
Published: November 2023

Psychological aspects of human nature cause behavioural biases and can lead to decisions that differ from what is expected based solely on rational analysis. The effects of behavioural biases on financial markets like stocks and mutual funds have been studied previously, but real estate has yet to receive much attention. The existing works in the real estate domain have focused on different biases, but no study has examined the works already done to provide concise documentation of these past works. Thus, this article is an earnest attempt to fill that gap. This paper reviews the articles which were sourced from Scopus and the Web of Science database, published between 1980 and 2022. The PRISMA model led to the inclusion of 86 articles for the review. Analysis revealed that anchoring bias, loss aversion, and herding bias have been studied extensively. On the other hand, biases like gambler’s fallacy, familiarity bias, framing bias, home bias, confirmation bias and mental accounting have been less explored. The paper identifies the substantial gaps in the existing studies, giving avenues for future exploration. The key ones are, firstly only a few biases have been studied extensively and many biases are less explored, particularly using primary data. This provides a vast available space for future work. Secondly, studies in developing countries are fewer, which needs to be addressed. Lastly, studies need to explore the interplay of different biases to create a more robust model that can explain the effect of these biases. The paper gives a conceptual understanding of different biases and what factors affect them. Also, it will help policymakers strategize their business and mitigate the negative effects of biases.
Construction of full-atomistic polymer amorphous structures using reverse-mapping from Kremer–Grest models
Authors: Nitta Hiroya , Ozawa Taku , Yasuoka Kenji
Published: November 2023

We propose a method to build full-atomistic (FA) amorphous polymer structures using reverse-mapping from coarse-grained (CG) models. In this method, three models with different resolutions are utilized, namely the CG1, CG2, and FA models. It is assumed that the CG1 model is more abstract than the CG2 model. The CG1 is utilized to equilibrate the system, and then sequential reverse-mapping procedures from the CG1 to the CG2 models and from the CG2 to the FA models are conducted. A mapping relation between the CG1 and the FA models is necessary to generate a polymer structure with a given density and radius of chains. Actually, we have used the Kremer–Grest (KG) model as the CG1 and the monomer-level CG model as the CG2 model. Utilizing the mapping relation, we have developed a scheme that constructs an FA polymer model from the KG model. In the scheme, the KG model, the monomer level CG model, and the FA model are successively constructed. The scheme is applied to polyethylene (PE), cis 1,4-polybutadiene (PB), and poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA). As a validation, the structures of PE and PB constructed by the scheme were carefully checked through comparison with those obtained using long-time FA molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. We found that both short- and long-range chain structures constructed by the scheme reproduced those obtained by the FA MD simulations. Then, as an interesting application, the scheme is applied to generate an entangled PMMA structure. The results showed that the scheme provides an efficient and easy way to construct amorphous structures of FA polymers.
Dispersion and spatial structure of coupled Alfvén and slow magnetosonic modes in the dipole magnetosphere
Authors: Petrashchuk Aleksandr V. , Mager Pavel N. , Klimushkin Dmitri Yu.
Published: November 2023

Numerical analysis of the coupling between the Alfvén and slow azimuthally small scale modes in the dipolar model of the magnetosphere is performed. The field line curvature, inhomogeneity both across the magnetic shells and along the field lines, and finite plasma pressure are taken into account. The field line curvature causes coupling Alfvén and slow modes, while the contribution from the fast mode is neglected due to the assumed small scale of the oscillations in the azimuthal direction. The plasma pressure decreases with distance from the Earth, which is a characteristic for the ring current region. The wave's transverse dispersion, that is, dependence of the radial wave vector kr on the frequency ω, was studied. It was found that the wave can exist in two frequency ranges. Both ranges are bounded by resonant frequency on one side and the cutoff frequency on the other. The higher frequency range corresponds to the Alfvén mode. However, its properties are modified due to the coupling with the slow mode. For example, the divergence of the plasma displacement and the magnetic field compressional component appear. In the slow magnetosonic region, in contrast, the cutoff frequency is always smaller than the resonant one. If the pressure gradient is strong and negative, the slow mode cutoff frequency can disappear, that is, the radial wave vector squared even for the zero frequency. It means that the kr value goes to zero at imaginary frequency. Mode structure along the field line for different plasma pressure values and its pressure gradients was calculated.
Signal quality enhanced and multicast transmission via cylindrical vector beams with adaptive optics compensation in free space optical communications
Authors: Zhang Hui , Xiao Xinyue , Gao Yaru , Li Jianghao , Hoenders Bernhard J. , Cai Yangjian , Yuan Yangsheng
Published: November 2023

Signal quality is critical in free space optical (FSO) communications. Many technologies and methods are applied to enhance the signal quality of an optical communication system, which might require one of the methods employing structured light. We introduce structured light of cylindrical vector beams with adaptive optics compensation to improve signal quality in FSO communications. The multiplexing/demultiplexing of coaxial cylindrical vector beams is used to increase the capacity of the communication channel. Adaptive optics compensation and cylindrical vector beams are applied to mitigate influence of the turbulent atmospheric disturbances and improve the signal quality. An optical vortex grating is employed to demultiplex signal beams and then send the signals to a receiver plane to measure the bit-error-rate. Consequently, the signal quality of the cylindrical vector beams multiplexing/demultiplexing in FSO communication systems improves.
Modeling the structure and thermodynamics of multicomponent and polydisperse hard-sphere dispersions with continuous potentials
Authors: Martínez-Rivera Jaime , Villada-Balbuena Alejandro , Sandoval-Puentes Miguel A. , Egelhaaf Stefan U. , Méndez-Alcaraz José M. , Castañeda-Priego Ramón , Escobedo-Sánchez Manuel A.
Published: November 2023

A model system of identical particles interacting via a hard-sphere potential is essential in condensed matter physics; it helps to understand in and out of equilibrium phenomena in complex fluids, such as colloidal dispersions. Yet, most of the fixed time-step algorithms to study the transport properties of those systems have drawbacks due to the mathematical nature of the interparticle potential. Because of this, mapping a hard-sphere potential onto a soft potential has been recently proposed [Báez et al., J. Chem. Phys. 149, 164907 (2018)]. More specifically, using the second virial coefficient criterion, one can set a route to estimate the parameters of the soft potential that accurately reproduces the thermodynamic properties of a monocomponent hard-sphere system. However, real colloidal dispersions are multicomponent or polydisperse, making it important to find an efficient way to extend the potential model for dealing with such kind of many-body systems. In this paper, we report on the extension and applicability of the second virial coefficient criterion to build a description that correctly captures the phenomenology of both multicomponent and polydisperse hard-sphere dispersions. To assess the accuracy of the continuous potentials, we compare the structure of soft polydisperse systems with their hard-core counterpart. We also contrast the structural and thermodynamic properties of soft binary mixtures with those obtained through mean-field approximations and the Ornstein–Zernike equation for the two-component hard-sphere dispersion.
Role of “positive phase bunching” effect for long-term electron flux dynamics due to resonances with whistler-mode waves
Authors: Vargas Alexander D. , Artemyev Anton V. , Zhang Xiao-Jia , Albert Jay
Published: November 2023

Resonant interactions with electromagnetic whistler-mode waves are a primary driver of energetic electron dynamics in the Earth's radiation belts. The most intense waves can resonate with electrons nonlinearly, and effects of such nonlinear resonant interactions significantly differ from the classical quasi-linear diffusion. There have been continuous efforts on the theoretical investigation and implementation of these effects into radiation belt models, but not all nonlinear effects have been revealed yet. The two most investigated effects are phase trapping and phase bunching, which are responsible for electron acceleration and precipitation into the Earth's atmosphere, respectively, i.e., for the first cyclotron resonance with waves generated at the equator and propagating to higher latitudes, phase trapping increases electrons' energy, whereas phase bunching decreases the electron pitch-angle (and magnetic moment). However, recent studies reported a new effect called positive phase bunching, which may increase the electron pitch-angle and move them away from the loss-cone. This paper aims to characterize possible contributions of this effect to long-term electron dynamics, including multiple resonant interactions. Using an iterated mapping technique, we show that although the positive phase bunching effect can modify electron trajectories, it does not change the average rate of electron mixing in phase space. Thus, this effect may be safely neglected in long-term simulations of radiation belt dynamics. We also discuss possible verification of the positive phase bunching effect using short (single resonance), bursty electron precipitation events.
Sterically attenuated electronic communication in cobalt complexes of meridional isoquinoline-derived ligands for applications in electrocatalysis
Authors: Reid Amelia G. , Moberg Megan E. , Koellner Connor A. , Machan Charles W. , Thornton Diana A. , Dickenson John C. , Stober Jeffry J. , Turner David A. , Tarring Travis J. , Brown Caleb A. , Harrison Daniel P.
Published: November 2023

The ability to synthetically tune the ligand frameworks of redox-active molecules is of critical importance to the economy of solar fuels because manipulating their redox properties can afford control over the operating potentials of sustained electrocatalytic or photoelectrocatalytic processes. The electronic and steric properties of 2,2′:6′,2″-terpyridine (Terpy) ligand frameworks can be tuned by functional group substitution on ligand backbones, and these correlate strongly to their Hammett parameters. The synthesis of a new series of tridentate meridional ligands of 2,4,6-trisubstituted pyridines that engineers the ability to finely tune the redox potentials of cobalt complexes to more positive potentials than that of their Terpy analogs is achieved by aryl-functionalizing at the four-position and by including isoquinoline at the two- and six-positions of pyridine (Aryl-DiQ). Their cobalt complex syntheses, their electronic properties, and their catalytic activity for carbon dioxide (CO2) reduction are reported and compared to their Terpy analogs. The cobalt derivatives generally experience a positive shift in their redox features relative to the Terpy-based analogs, covering a complementary potential range. Although those evaluated fail to produce any quantifiable products for the reduction of CO2 and suffer from long-term instability, these results suggest possible alternate strategies for stabilizing these compounds during catalysis. We speculate that lower equilibrium association constants to the cobalt center are intrinsic to these ligands, which originate from a steric interaction between protons on the pyridine and isoquinoline moieties. Nevertheless, the new Aryl-DiQ ligand framework has been engineered to selectively tune homoleptic cobalt complexes’ redox potentials.
Direct correlation between the built-in potential and the power conversion efficiency of NFA organic solar cells
Authors: Fadool Hela , Tessler Nir
Published: November 2023

While it is known that too low built-in potential is detrimental to cells' performance, there is no consensus regarding the importance of maximizing the internal electric field or the built-in potential for achieving the highest power conversion efficiency of non-fullerene acceptor (NFA) organic solar cells. We use one of the prototypical NFA bulk heterojunction solar cells to show a direct correlation between the built-in potential, the open circuit voltage, the fill factor, and the device's efficiency. This is achieved using statistical analysis of devices made of two different cathodes (Ag, Mg) and a simple, intuitive model for the solar cell's current–voltage characteristics. Designing device structures with enhanced built-in potential (internal electric field) is crucial for surpassing the 20% efficiency limit.
Diversity, evolution, and classification of the RNA-guided nucleases TnpB and Cas12
Authors: Altae-Tran Han , Shmakov Sergey A. , Makarova Kira S. , Wolf Yuri I. , Kannan Soumya , Zhang Feng , Koonin Eugene V.
Published: November 2023

The TnpB proteins are transposon-associated RNA-guided nucleases that are among the most abundant proteins encoded in bacterial and archaeal genomes, but whose functions in the transposon life cycle remain unknown. TnpB appears to be the evolutionary ancestor of Cas12, the effector nuclease of type V CRISPR-Cas systems. We performed a comprehensive census of TnpBs in archaeal and bacterial genomes and constructed a phylogenetic tree on which we mapped various features of these proteins. In multiple branches of the tree, the catalytic site of the TnpB nuclease is rearranged, demonstrating structural and probably biochemical malleability of this enzyme. We identified numerous cases of apparent recruitment of TnpB for other functions of which the most common is the evolution of type V CRISPR-Cas effectors on about 50 independent occasions. In many other cases of more radical exaptation, the catalytic site of the TnpB nuclease is apparently inactivated, suggesting a regulatory function, whereas in others, the activity appears to be retained, indicating that the recruited TnpB functions as a nuclease, for example, as a toxin. These findings demonstrate remarkable evolutionary malleability of the TnpB scaffold and provide extensive opportunities for further exploration of RNA-guided biological systems as well as multiple applications.