bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unraveling population trends in Italy (1921–2021) with spatial econometrics
Authors: Alaimo Leonardo Salvatore , Ciaschini Clio , Mariani Francesca , Cudlinova Eva , Postigliola Michele , Strangio Donatella , Salvati Luca
Published: November 2023

Testing density-dependence and path-dependence in long-term population dynamics under differentiated local contexts contributes to delineate the changing role of socioeconomic forces at the base of regional disparities. Despite a millenary settlement history, such issue has been rarely investigated in Europe, and especially in highly divided countries such as those in the Mediterranean region. Using econometric modeling to manage spatial heterogeneity, our study verifies the role of selected drivers of population growth at ten times between 1921 and 2021 in more than 8000 Italian municipalities verifying density-dependent and path-dependent dynamics. Results of global and quantile (spatial) regressions highlight a differential impact of density and (lagged) population growth on demographic dynamics along the urban cycle in Italy. Being weakly significant in the inter-war period (1921–1951), econometric models totalized a high goodness-of-fit in correspondence with compact urbanization (1951–1981). Model’s fit declined in the following decades (1981–2021) reflecting suburbanization and counter-urbanization. Density-dependence and path-dependence were found significant and, respectively, positive or negative, with compact urbanization, and much less intense with suburbanization and counter-urbanization. A spatial econometric investigation of density-dependent and path-dependent mechanisms of population dynamics provided an original explanation of metropolitan cycles, delineating the evolution of socioeconomic (local) systems along the urban-rural gradient.
Discrete phase space-continuous time relativistic Klein–Gordon and Dirac equations, and a new non-singular Yukawa potential
Authors: Das Anadijiban , Chatterjee Rupak
Published: November 2023

This paper deals with the second quantization of interacting relativistic Fermionic and Bosonic fields in the arena of discrete phase space and continuous time. The mathematical formulation involves partial difference equations. The corresponding Feynman diagrams and a new $$S^{\#}$$

S
#

-matrix theory is developed. In the special case of proton-proton Møller scattering via an exchange of a neutral meson, the explicit second order element $$\langle f | S^{\#}_{(2)} |i \rangle $$

⟨
f
|

S

(
2
)

#

|
i
⟩

is deduced. In the approximation of very low external three-momenta, a new Yukawa potential is explicitly derived from $$\langle f | S^{\#}_{(2)} |i \rangle $$

⟨
f
|

S

(
2
)

#

|
i
⟩

. Moreover, it is rigorously proved that this new Yukawa potential is divergence-free. The mass parameter of the exchanged meson may be set to zero to obtain a type of scalar Boson exchange between hypothetical Fermions. This provides a limiting case of a new Coulomb type potential directly from the new singularity free Yukawa potential. A divergence-free Coulomb potential between two Fermions at two discrete points is shown to be proportional to the Euler beta function. Within this relativistic discrete phase space continuous time, a single quanta is shown to occupy the hyper-tori $$S^{1}_{n^1} \times S^{1}_{n^3} \times S^{1}_{n^3}$$

S

n
1

1

×

S

n
3

1

×

S

n
3

1

where $$S^{1}_{n}$$

S
n
1

is a circle of radius $$\sqrt{2n+1}$$

2
n
+
1

.
Loading of green-synthesized cu nanoparticles on Ag complex containing 1,3,5-triazine Schiff base with enhanced antimicrobial activities
Authors: Pormohammad Elham , Ghamari kargar Pouya , Bagherzade Ghodsieh , Beyzaei Hamid
Published: November 2023

The physicochemical properties of materials change significantly in nanometer dimensions. Therefore, several methods have been proposed for the synthesis of nanoparticles. Plant extracts and essential oils are applied as natural and economic resources to prepare nanomaterials especially metal nanoparticles. In this project, a green, simple and efficient method has been designed for the synthesis of Cu nanoparticles using Purple cabbage extract as a reducing and stabilizing agent. They were successfully loaded onto a new Ag complex containing 1,3,5-triazine Schiff base as ligand to form Cu@Ag-CPX nanocomposite. Phytochemical contents of extract were identified by standard qualitative analyses. The chemical structure of all synthesized compounds was characterized using spectral data. In FT-IR, coordination of C=N bond of Schiff base ligand to Ag+ ions shifted the absorption band from 1641 to 1632 cm−1. The UV–Vis spectrum of Cu@Ag-CPX nanocomposite shown the peak related to Cu nanoparticles in the region of around 251 nm. 5:7 molar ratio of Cu to Ag in Cu@Ag-CPX was determined using ICP-OES. The FESEM, TEM, and DLS techniques provided valuable insights into the morphology and size distribution of the nanocomposite, revealing the presence of rods and monodispersed particles with specific diameter ranges. These analyses of the nanocomposite displayed rods with diameters from 40 to 62 nm as well as monodispersed and uniform particles with average diameter of 45 nm, respectively. The presence of elements including carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, Cu and Ag was proved by EDX-EDS analysis. The XRD pattern of Cu@Ag-CPX shown the diffraction peaks of Cu and Ag particles at 2θ values of 10°–80°, and confirmed its crystalline nature. The inhibitory properties of the synthesized compounds were evaluated in vitro against four Gram-negative and two Gram-positive bacteria, as well as two fungal strains. The MIC, MBC and MFC values obtained from microdilution and streak plate sensitivity tests were ranged from 128 to 4096 µg ml−1. While Cu nanoparticles and Ag complexes were effective against some pathogens, they were not effective against all them. However, the growth of all tested microbial strains was inhibited by Cu@Ag-CPX nanocomposite, and makes it as a new promising antimicrobial agent. Modification of nanocomposite in terms of nanoparticle and complex can improve its blocking activities.
Mindsets and self-efficacy beliefs among individuals with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lo Carolyn J. , Lee Leonard , Yu Weichang , Tai E Shyong , Yew Tong Wei , Ding Isabel L.
Published: November 2023

Growth mindsets and self-efficacy beliefs have been known to predict and promote resilience, challenge seeking, and improved outcomes in areas such as education and intelligence. However, little is known about the role of these two potentially influential beliefs in the context of type 2 diabetes (T2D), specifically in terms of whether and in which domains (i.e., beliefs toward general life, general health, or condition-specific domains) these beliefs—or lack thereof—is prevalent among individuals with T2D. Given the lifelong challenges that individuals with diabetes often encounter with managing their disease, many may slip into a conceding negative belief that their diabetes is “too difficult to control” or simply “out of their hands,” inhibiting proactive self-management efforts. Results from our study (n = 893) revealed that individuals with T2D had a significantly lower growth mindset towards their blood glucose level and lower self-efficacy towards their general health, blood glucose, and cholesterol levels compared to those without T2D. Among participants with T2D, further analyses showed a pattern of higher HbA1c among those with lower growth mindsets and self-efficacy toward their general health or blood glucose level. These findings identify the belief-domains that may pose barriers to necessary self-care behaviors, informing future interventions to promote improved diabetes care and management.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses reveal that ABA increases the salt tolerance of rice significantly correlated with jasmonic acid biosynthesis and flavonoid biosynthesis
Authors: Han Chunning , Chen Guanjie , Zheng Dianfeng , Feng Naijie
Published: November 2023

Abscisic acid (ABA) has been shown to mitigate the deleterious effects of abiotic stresses and to regulate plant growth and development. Salinity is one of the important abiotic stresses affecting plant cell metabolism and physiology, which causes serious damages to crops. In this study, we investigated the protective role of exogenous ABA on leaves in response to salinity stress using rice seedlings (two leaf-one heart) subjected to three treatments: ZCK (control), ZS (50 mM NaCl), and ZSA (5 mg L–1 ABA + 50 mM NaCl). We carried out transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses to identify the molecular mechanisms by which ABA protects plants against salt stress. Results showed that 1159 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (916 up-regulated, 243 down-regulated) and 63 differentially accumulated metabolites (DAMs) (42 up-regulated, 21 down-regulated) were identified between the ZS and ZSA treatments, respectively. In addition, ABA pretreatment regulated the expression pattern of genes responsible for oxidation redox, starch and sucrose metabolism, and phenylpropanoid biosynthesis. The combined transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis revealed that 16 DEGs and 2 DAMs were involved in Flavonoid biosynthesis and 8 DEGs and 2 DAMs were involved alpha-Linolenic acid metabolism which are responsible for salinity stress tolerance through induced by exogenous ABA. Overall, ABA could enhance rice leaves growth and development mainly by regulating flavonoid biosynthesis and linoleic acid metabolism pathway.
Association of C-reactive protein with mortality in Covid-19 patients: a secondary analysis of a cohort study
Authors: Li Fei , He Mingjun , Zhou Mingchao , Lai Yuyao , Zhu Yongjie , Liu Ziji , Wang Yulong , Wang Yao
Published: November 2023

Our study aimed to explore the association between serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and COVID‐19 mortality. This is a retrospective cohort study of all patients admitted to 4 hospitals within the Montefiore Health System between March 1 and April 16, 2020, with SARS-CoV-2 infection. All-cause mortality were collected in 7 May 2020. The mortality risk was estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. Of the 3545 patients with a median age of 63.7 years, 918 (25.9%) died within the time of cohort data collection after admission. When the CRP was < 15.6 mg/L, the mortality rate increased with an adjusted HR of 1.57 (95% CI 1.30–1.91, P < 0.0001) for every 10 mg/L increment in the CRP. When the CRP was ≥ 15.6 mg/L, the mortality rate increased with an adjusted HR of 1.11 (95% CI 0.99–1.24, P = 0.0819) for every 10 mg/L increment in the CRP. For patients with COVID‐19, the association between the CRP and the mortality risk was curve and had a saturation effect. When the CRP was small, the mortality rate increased significantly with the increase of CRP. When CRP > 15.6 mg/L, with the increase of CRP, the mortality rate increases relatively flat.
Poly(ADP-ribosyl)ating enzymes coordinate changes in the expression of metabolic genes with developmental progression
Authors: Bordet Guillaume , Bamgbose Gbolahan , Tulin Alexei V.
Published: November 2023

Metabolism, known to be temporally regulated to meet evolving energy demands, plays a crucial role in shaping developmental pace. Recent studies have demonstrated that two key proteins PARP1 and PARG play a regulatory role in the transcription of both morphogenic and metabolic genes. Intriguingly, in Drosophila, the depletion of PARP1 or PARG proteins causes a developmental arrest before pupation, resulting in individuals unable to complete their development. This phenotype highlights the critical involvement of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ating enzymes in regulating the metamorphic process. In this study, we provide compelling evidence that these enzymes intricately coordinate transcriptional changes in both developmental and metabolic pathways during metamorphosis. Specifically, they promote the expression of genes crucial for pupation, while simultaneously negatively regulating the expression of metabolic genes before the transition to the pupal stage. Additionally, these enzymes suppress the expression of genes that are no longer required during this transformative period. Our findings shed light on the intricate interplay between poly(ADP-ribosyl)ating enzymes, developmental processes, and metabolic regulation before metamorphosis and highlight a new role of poly(ADP-ribosyl)ating enzymes in the global regulation of transcription.
Three-dimensional mapping of pipelines using laser ranging and a gyroscope
Authors: Cui Songtao , Liang Jie
Published: November 2023

Conventional underground gas pipeline equipment can only map straight pipelines at close distances. As such, a dual-robot mapping technique is proposed in this study, based on laser ranging and a gyroscope, for application to straight, bent, or sloped underground pipelines. This process is facilitated by two robots (a detecting vehicle and a mapping vehicle) alternately moving from the entrance to the exit of a pipe system. The two vehicles acquire data using individual distance sensors and a gyroscope, producing 3D maps of each section. Mapping results can then be produced for the entire pipeline by splicing images from multiple sections. Simulated validation experiments were conducted using horizontal straight, bent horizontal fixed turning radius, sloped uphill or downhill, and composite sections. Results showed this approach could effectively map different types of pipelines with inner diameters of 300–500 mm. Distance errors over 2000 m of travel were within 1 m, while the angular error was within 1.5°, demonstrating our approach to be highly accurate for complex pipeline system mapping.
Disorder-induced bulk photovoltaic effect in a centrosymmetric van der Waals material
Authors: Cheon Cheol-Yeon , Sun Zhe , Cao Jiang , Gonzalez Marin Juan Francisco , Tripathi Mukesh , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Luisier Mathieu , Kis Andras
Published: November 2023

Sunlight is widely seen as one of the most abundant forms of renewable energy, with photovoltaic cells based on pn junctions being the most commonly used platform attempting to harness it. Unlike in conventional photovoltaic cells, the bulk photovoltaic effect (BPVE) allows for the generation of photocurrent and photovoltage in a single material without the need to engineer a pn junction and create a built-in electric field, thus offering a solution that can potentially exceed the Shockley–Queisser efficiency limit. However, it requires a material with no inversion symmetry and is therefore absent in centrosymmetric materials. Here, we demonstrate that breaking the inversion symmetry by structural disorder can induce BPVE in ultrathin PtSe2, a centrosymmetric semiconducting van der Waals material. Homogenous illumination of defective PtSe2 by linearly and circularly polarized light results in a photoresponse termed as linear photogalvanic effect (LPGE) and circular photogalvanic effect (CPGE), which is mostly absent in the pristine crystal. First-principles calculations reveal that LPGE originates from Se vacancies that act as asymmetric scattering centers for the photo-generated electron-hole pairs. Our work emphasizes the importance of defects to induce photovoltaic functionality in centrosymmetric materials and shows how the range of materials suitable for light sensing and energy-harvesting applications can be extended.
Enhanced summertime PM2.5-suppression of O3 formation over the Eastern U.S. following the O3-sensitivity variations
Authors: Zhang Jie , Wang Junfeng , Catena Alexandra , Schwab Margaret J. , Ninneman Matthew , Felton Dirk , Schwab James
Published: November 2023

The PM2.5 suppression effect on tropospheric ozone production increased following the shift of the O3-sentivity towards more NOx-limited regimes, highlighting the potential utility of this effect for informing air pollution controls.
Ultrafine particle emissions from dry clutches: number concentration, size distribution and chemical composition
Authors: Hjelm Rikard , Lyu Yezhe , Mancini Alessandro , Tsyupa Bozhena , Tu Minghui , Olofsson Ulf , Wahlström Jens
Published: November 2023

Clutches in automobiles are shown to produce ultrafine particles, consisting of several metallic elements, which become airborne.
Design, synthesis and evaluation of 2-phenylpyrimidine derivatives as novel antifungal agents targeting CYP51
Authors: Gao Zixuan , Zhang Jiachen , Li Kejian , Sun Yixiang , Wu Xudong , Zhang Guoqi , Liu Rongrong , Liu Rui , Zhao Dongmei , Cheng Maosheng
Published: November 2023

We designed and synthesised a series of novel CYP51 inhibitors. Three rounds of structural optimisation and modification obtained compound C6 which showed superior antifungal activity.
Nanoscale investigations of femtosecond laser induced nanogratings in optical glasses
Authors: Xie Qiong , Shchedrina Nadezhda , Cavillon Maxime , Poumellec Bertrand , Lancry Matthieu
Published: November 2023

The intrinsic structure of nanogratings imprinted in silica by femtosecond laser direct writing is composed of light-aligned oblate nanopores. These nanogratings are at the origin of the strong form birefringence exploitable to write various optical devices.
Stress-independent delay time in yielding of dilute colloidal gels
Authors: Yamamoto Atsushi , Inui Takumi , Suzuki Daisuke , Urayama Kenji
Published: November 2023

Attractive poly(N-isopropyl acrylamide-co-fumaric acid) colloidal gels experience yielding under sufficiently high strain. Unlike other gels, the delay time for yielding is stress-independent, not decreasing with increasing stress.
Mechanisms of stress management in mitochondrial protein import
Authors: Mukhtar Maryam , Thakkur Krutika , Chacinska Agnieszka , Bragoszewski Piotr
Published: November 2023

Mitochondria are vital to the functions of eukaryotic cells. Most mitochondrial proteins are transported into the organelle following their synthesis by cytoplasmic ribosomes. However, precise protein targeting is complex because the two diverse lipid membranes encase mitochondria. Efficient protein translocation across membranes and accurate sorting to specific sub-compartments require the cooperation of multiple factors. Any failure in mitochondrial protein import can disrupt organelle fitness. Proteins intended for mitochondria make up a significant portion of all proteins produced in the cytosol. Therefore, import defects causing their mislocalization can significantly stress cellular protein homeostasis. Recognition of this phenomenon has increased interest in molecular mechanisms that respond to import-related stress and restore proteostasis, which is the focus of this review. Significantly, disruptions in protein homeostasis link strongly to the pathology of several degenerative disorders highly relevant in ageing societies. A comprehensive understanding of protein import quality control will allow harnessing this machinery in therapeutic approaches.
Hallmarks of ageing in human skeletal muscle and implications for understanding the pathophysiology of sarcopenia in women and men
Authors: Granic Antoneta , Suetterlin Karen , Shavlakadze Tea , Grounds Miranda D. , Sayer Avan A.
Published: November 2023

Ageing is a complex biological process associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Nine classic, interdependent hallmarks of ageing have been proposed involving genetic and biochemical pathways that collectively influence ageing trajectories and susceptibility to pathology in humans. Ageing skeletal muscle undergoes profound morphological and physiological changes associated with loss of strength, mass, and function, a condition known as sarcopenia. The aetiology of sarcopenia is complex and whilst research in this area is growing rapidly, there is a relative paucity of human studies, particularly in older women. Here, we evaluate how the nine classic hallmarks of ageing: genomic instability, telomere attrition, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, deregulated nutrient sensing, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, and altered intercellular communication contribute to skeletal muscle ageing and the pathophysiology of sarcopenia. We also highlight five novel hallmarks of particular significance to skeletal muscle ageing: inflammation, neural dysfunction, extracellular matrix dysfunction, reduced vascular perfusion, and ionic dyshomeostasis, and discuss how the classic and novel hallmarks are interconnected. Their clinical relevance and translational potential are also considered.
Newborn Hearing Screening in Québec, Canada
Authors: Trottenberg Gabriel , Funnell W. Robert J. , Motallebzadeh Hamid
Published: November 2023

Purpose:

This study discusses the history and current state of the newborn hearing screening program in Québec and aims to assess general challenges associated with establishing universal newborn hearing screening (UNHS) programs.

Method:

We reviewed the statistics of the occurrence and long-term effects of congenital hearing loss and the immediate and long-term benefits of UNHS and its limitations. The resources for this study included financial reports related to establishing UNHS in different health care systems; Canadian provincial, territorial, and federal regulations and publications; local and nationwide media; and interviews health care staff and program managers.

Results:

Because of its benefits and its cost-effectiveness, UNHS programs have been implemented in many health care systems around the world. Despite Canada's success in offering a wide array of health care services to its citizens, certain provinces trail behind others in developing UNHS programs. Although there have been recent improvements in the screening rate of the province of Québec, nearly half of all Québec newborns continue to not be screened for hearing loss. The reasons for the current low screening rate include delays in implementation, information-technology complications, operating costs, and lack of public awareness.

Conclusions:

For UNHS to be implemented in a timely fashion, those involved in the process should first understand what challenges may arise. Québec's experience with this process may provide useful lessons for other health care systems.
Synoptic maps from two viewpoints
Authors: Loeschl P. , Hirzberger J. , Solanki S. K. , Schou J. , Valori G.
Published: November 2023

Context. Over recent decades, various kinds of magnetic synoptic chart products have seen major improvements in observation cadence, resolution, and processing, but their creation is still limited by the 27.27 day rotation rate of the solar surface.

Aims. Co-observation from a second vantage point away from the Earth–Sun line with SO/PHI enables the creation of combined magnetic synoptic maps from observation periods that are significantly shorter than a typical Carrington rotation, and therefore provides a data product with magnetic information that is temporally more consistent.

Methods. We upgraded the SDO/HMI synoptic map pipeline in order for it to be compatible with SO/PHI observations at variable distances and a much lower and variable observation cadence. This enabled us to produce combined magnetic synoptic maps using SO/PHI data taken from the far side of the Sun.

Results. We present a pipeline to produce combined magnetic synoptic maps from simultaneous SO/PHI and SDO/HMI observations. Depending on the orbital position of SO/PHI, our combined synoptic maps can be produced up to 13 days faster than any other comparable data product currently available. This strongly reduces the time-lag between the observations that are used to build the map and thereby provides a more consistent map of the magnetic field across the solar surface.
Exploring Be phenomena in OBA stars: A mid-infrared search
Authors: Jian Mingjie , Matsunaga Noriyuki , Jiang Biwei , Yuan Haibo , Zhang Ruoyi
Published: November 2023

As early-type stars with a rotation speed close to their critical velocity, Be stars experience an event called the Be phenomenon. The material in their equator is ejected into outside space during the Be phenomenon and forms a circumstellar disk. The mechanism triggering these events remains poorly understood, and observations of these events are limited because the duration of these events ranges from months to years. Long-term epoch photometry in the infrared bands is expected to be ideal for detecting Be phenomena because the brightness variation is larger than that in the optical, and the effect of interstellar extinction is weaker as well. We conducted a systematic search for Be phenomena among Milky Way OBA stars in the mid-infrared. We examined the brightness and colour variations of known classical Be stars using the WISE W1 and W2 photometry bands to quantify their characteristics. Subsequently, we established a set of criteria to identify similar photometric variations in a large sample of OBA stars. We found 916 OBA stars that show Be phenomena in the past 13 yr, 736 of which are newly discovered. The peak-to-peak variations in magnitude and colour were found to be correlated, indicating that a decretion disk is common. The increase in colour was observed to be strongly correlated with the emission of the Hα line, providing further evidence of the association with circumstellar disks. The brightness variation of a star with Be phenomena can be up to 1.5 mag, and the colour variations can be up to 0.4 mag. The median durations for the disk build-up and decay phases are 474 and 524 days, respectively (durations shorter than 180 days are not sampled). The search for Be phenomena in the WISE bands greatly enlarges the number of stars showing disk variation, and it enables multi-band photometry analysis of these events with the help of current and future optical photometry surveys.
Relativistic electron beams accelerated by an interplanetary shock
Authors: Jebaraj I. C. , Dresing N. , Krasnoselskikh V. , Agapitov O. V. , Gieseler J. , Trotta D. , Wijsen N. , Larosa A. , Kouloumvakos A. , Palmroos C. , Dimmock A. , Kolhoff A. , Kühl P. , Fleth S. , Fedeli A. , Valkila S. , Lario D. , Khotyaintsev Yu. V. , Vainio R.
Published: November 2023

Context. Collisionless shock waves have long been considered to be among the most prolific particle accelerators in the universe. Shocks alter the plasma they propagate through, and often exhibit complex evolution across multiple scales. Interplanetary (IP) traveling shocks have been recorded in situ for over half a century and act as a natural laboratory for experimentally verifying various aspects of large-scale collisionless shocks. A fundamentally interesting problem in both heliophysics and astrophysics is the acceleration of electrons to relativistic energies (> 300 keV) by traveling shocks.

Aims. The reason for an incomplete understanding of electron acceleration at IP shocks is due to scale-related challenges and a lack of instrumental capabilities. This Letter presents the first observations of field-aligned beams of relativistic electrons upstream of an IP shock, observed thanks to the instrumental capabilities of Solar Orbiter. This study presents the characteristics of the electron beams close to the source and contributes to the understanding of their acceleration mechanism.

Methods. On 25 July 2022, Solar Orbiter encountered an IP shock at 0.98 AU. The shock was associated with an energetic storm particle event, which also featured upstream field-aligned relativistic electron beams observed 14 min prior to the actual shock crossing. The distance of the beam’s origin was investigated using a velocity dispersion analysis (VDA). Peak-intensity energy spectra were anaylzed and compared with those obtained from a semi-analytical fast-Fermi acceleration model.

Results. By leveraging Solar Orbiter’s high temporal resolution Energetic Particle Detector (EPD), we successfully showcase an IP shock’s ability to accelerate relativistic electron beams. Our proposed acceleration mechanism offers an explanation for the observed electron beam and its characteristics, while we also explore the potential contributions of more complex mechanisms.
Inanspruchnahme medizinischer und paramedizinischer Versorgung bei
Säuglingen mit exzessivem Schreien: Querschnittsanalyse und
Eltern-Survey
Authors: Kittel Jochen , Nonnenmacher Lena , Apfelbacher Christian , Seelbach-Göbel B. , Kabesch Michael , Melter Michael , Brandstetter Susanne ,   & KUNO-Kids study group
Published: November 2023

Hintergrund Bei Säuglingen kann es zu exzessiven Schreiphasen
kommen, welche diese, deren Familien und das Gesundheitssystem erheblich
belasten.

Ziel der Arbeit Ziel war zu untersuchen, wie häufig Eltern von
Säuglingen mit exzessivem Schreien Hilfe im medizinischen
und/oder paramedizinischen Versorgungssystem suchen und welche
Maßnahmen verordnet werden.

Material und Methoden Die KUNO-Kids Studie bildete die Grundlage. Familien
erhielten 4-Wochen nach Geburt ihres Kindes einen Fragebogen, mit dem exzessives
Schreien (nach modifizierten Wessel-Kriterien) gescreent wurde. Familien, die
für ihr Kind exzessives Schreien angaben, bearbeiteten einen
zusätzlichen Bogen zur Symptomatik/ Umgang mit dem exzessiven
Schreien sowie zur Inanspruchnahme verschiedener Leistungen. Die Daten wurden
mittels deskriptiver Statistik ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Für 238 Säuglinge lagen Fragebögen zum
exzessiven Schreien vor, 105 hiervon erfüllten die modifizierten
Wessel-Kriterien. 37 Kinder (36%) wurden wegen Weinens bzw. Quengelns
Kinderärzten/-innen vorgestellt. 57 (55%) bekamen
daraufhin Medikamente empfohlen. 51 (49%) der Eltern gaben an,
alternative Therapien in Anspruch genommen zu haben, am häufigsten
Osteopathie. 45 (43%) Eltern reagierten mit der Umstellung der
Ernährung des Kindes bzw. der Eigenen.

Diskussion Unsere Ergebnisse zeigen u. a. Probleme der Eltern im
Umgang mit dem exzessiven Schreien der Kinder auf. Es entsteht ein
erhöhter Betreuungsbedarf, der sich z. B. in häufiger
Inanspruchnahme von Kinderärzten/-innen und alternativen
Therapien zeigt. Es werden verschiedene Diagnosen für das Schreien
genannt, verfügbare Optionen wie simeticonhaltige Arzneimittel,
homöopathische und manuelle Therapien werden trotz fehlender Evidenz
verordnet.
Erfahrungen mit Diospyros kaki Creveld, dem Kakibaum
Authors: Moonen Resie
Published: November 2023

Vor über 20 Jahren wurde Diospyros kaki Creveld von Marijke Creveld als
neue Arznei in die Homöopathie eingeführt. In der Zwischenzeit
konnten einige klinische Erfahrungen gesammelt werden, und auch der
phythopharmakologische Kenntnisstand hat sich erweitert. Es wird eine Kasuistik
einer Patientin mit Brustkrebs vorgestellt, die im Verlauf der Behandlung eine
schwere Beeinträchtigung erfuhr, die mit dieser Arznei gut behandelt
werden konnte.
Die Arbeits- und Beschäftigungssituation von psychisch
erkrankten Menschen mit ambulanter Wohnunterstützung: Eine Auswertung
gemeindepsychiatrischer Routinedaten
Authors: Dehn Lorenz B , Suer Julia , Klein Rüdiger , Driessen Martin
Published: November 2023

Ziel der Studie Aufgrund bislang kaum vorliegender systematischer Daten
zur beruflichen Teilhabesituation schwer psychisch und
abhängigkeitserkrankter Menschen in der Eingliederungshilfe erfolgte
eine Auswertung gemeindepsychiatrischer Routinedaten.

Methodik Bezugsmitarbeitende füllten einen kurzen Erhebungsbogen
zu unterschiedlichen Berufs- und Beschäftigungsaspekten ihrer
Klient*innen mit wohnbezogener Assistenz in der eigenen
Häuslichkeit aus. Neben deskriptiven und explorativen Analysen dieser
Querschnittsdaten wurden zusätzlich auch die Gesamtergebnisse
früherer Erhebungsdurchgänge ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Es konnten N=1418 Personen (M=47.6 Jahre)
berücksichtigt werden, von denen rund 45% über keinerlei
Arbeit, Beschäftigung oder tagesgestaltendes Angebot verfügten.
Dieser Anteil ist im Verlauf der letzten Jahrzehnte nahezu unverändert
geblieben.

Schlussfolgerung Insgesamt besteht dringender Handlungsbedarf
bezüglich der Verbesserung von beruflichen Teilhabechancen für
schwer psychisch und abhängigkeitserkrankte Menschen.
Does corporate sustainability disclosure mitigate earnings management: empirical evidence from Jordan
Authors: Alodat Ahmad Yuosef , Al Amosh Hamzeh , Alorayni Osamah , Khatib Saleh F. A.
Published: November 2023

This paper aims to investigate the relationship between sustainability disclosure practices and earnings management in the Jordanian context. Based on an analysis of 66 non-financial firms listed on ASE, spanning the period of 2017–2020. The findings revealed that companies' compliance with the disclosure of sustainability improves their ethical behavior, which limits earnings management practices and increases the reliability of their financial statements. The findings have implications for regulators, corporate executives, practitioners, policymakers, top management, and business partners. More corporate sustainability practices present more trustworthy information and more sustainable performance of the economic. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first study to examine the relationship between the extent of sustainability disclosure and earnings management in Jordanian firms. Moreover, two models were used for earnings management, which adds value to the existing literature.
Ferroelectric passivation layer derived high performance AlGaN/GaN heterojunction field-effect transistor
Authors: Cong Zhezhe , Lu Xiaoli , He Yunlong , Cai Mingshuang , Wang Xu , Wang Ye , Ma Xiaohua , Hao Yue
Published: November 2023

The density of interface states is strongly related to the performance of AlGaN/GaN high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs) and is normally attributed to the degradation of the carrier mobility and gate leakage current. The density of interface states is optimized in conventional AlGaN/GaN HEMTs through the use of different passivation layers. However, different passivation layers may create more complex interface structures. In our previous work, ferroelectric polarization was used to regulate the carrier concentration in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs. Herein, we propose a ferroelectric passivation-layer-induced pure field effect modulation within the AlGaN/GaN heterojunction field-effect transistors. After positive poling, the interface trap density (Dit) decreases by 71% and current collapse is reduced. The output current (IDS) increases from 408 to 462 mA/mm and transconductance (gm) increases from 88 to 149 mS/mm. Simultaneously, the carrier mobility in the channel is also greatly improved after positive poling. When negative poling is applied, the gate leakage decreases and the breakdown voltage of the device increases by 55%. Our work provides a simple and effective way to study the density of interface states in GaN device design and optimization.
Damping of liquid sloshing by floating balls
Authors: Gurusamy Saravanan
Published: November 2023

Sloshing in partially filled containers is a key phenomenon for the design of offshore structures such as liquefied natural gas carriers, floating production storage and offloading platforms, crude oil carriers, and floating liquefied natural gas vessels, due to large sloshing force acting on container's walls. Hence, violent sloshing motion needs to be mitigated for the safe operation of the floating structures. This study is focused on the experimental investigation of a sloshing damping device based on floating balls. The free-surface sloshing waves are generated in a rectangular tank filled with water, the free-surface of which is covered by a layer of floating balls. Three important sloshing regimes, namely, shallow, intermediate, and finite-water depth sloshing, are considered for investigation. Frequency responses of sloshing with and without balls are obtained to comprehend the effects of floating balls on damping of sloshing odd modes (first, third, fifth, and ninth modes). Further, physical processes enhancing damping mechanisms are also investigated in detail. It is found that the floating balls dampen shallow-water sloshing effectively. Different motions of the balls, ball–ball interactions, motions of ball–liquid interfaces, and liquid shear-flow motion between the tank wall and balls cause the dominant mechanism of energy dissipation.
Enhancement of the stimulated Raman scattering of aqueous sulfuric acid solutions via cascaded resonance
Authors: Wang Haixin , Sun Chenglin , Ye Yangyang , Li Huihui , Liang Wei , Zhang Wei , Cai Chendong , Li Aijun , Fang Wenhui , Men Zhiwei
Published: November 2023

In the present study, we propose a scheme for generating multi-mode resonance-enhanced stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) of H2O in a low concentration (6.5 mol/L) sulfuric acid aqueous solution. The SRS of H2O exhibits a prominent vibrational feature peak at 3371 cm−1 and a secondary peak at 3325 cm−1. The closeness of the vibrational frequencies for the H–O stretching modes in different water structures allows for resonance interaction. The enhanced vibrational mode can serve as a “new starting point” for a cascaded resonance process, resulting in the generation of eight SRS Stokes signals with a normal distribution centered on the characteristic Raman peak at 3371 cm−1. This research holds potential implications for the development of multi-wavelength and significant frequency shift Raman lasers.
Volumetric photoacoustic imaging with symmetric spatial resolution in transverse plane from the asymmetric array using a virtual-transducer concept
Authors: Mao Qiuqin , Zhao Weiwei , Zou Zilong , Qian Xiaoqin , Tao Chao , Liu Xiaojun
Published: November 2023

Volumetric photoacoustic imaging based on the one-dimensional array has shown increasing applications for its low cost and convenient integration. However, due to the asymmetric angular detection aperture, the image obtained from such arrays faces challenges of asymmetric spatial resolution and artifacts. To address these issues, a virtual-transducer-based approach is proposed to achieve a volumetric image with symmetric resolution and low artifacts. By considering the asymmetric array as a symmetrical spherical-focused virtual transducer, the method ensures a symmetric angular detection aperture. The entire image reconstruction is then based on the equivalent symmetric data. Simulation and phantom experiment demonstrate excellent symmetric resolution and low artifact performance. The ratio of the average intensity between targets and artifacts is suppressed up to 25.09 dB. The in vivo experiment validates the biomedical practicability of the proposed method. This approach exhibits a general value and holds significant promise for low-cost, convenient, and high-quality volumetric photoacoustic imaging in biomedical applications.
Investigation on the compressibility characteristics of laminar flow in rotating channel
Authors: Che Junxin , You Ruquan , Chen Wenbin , Li Haiwang
Published: November 2023

In high-speed rotating channels, significant compressive effects are observed, resulting in distinct flow characteristics compared to incompressible flows. This study employs a finite volume method, based on the implicit formulation, to solve for low-speed compressible laminar flow in rotating channels using an orthogonal uniform grid. The governing equations include the full Navier–Stokes equations and the energy equation. The alterations in flow within rotating channel are primarily influenced by the compressive effects of centrifugal force and the compressibility of fluid within the flow's normal section. The first effect involves a reduction in the velocity due to centrifugal force, leading to an increasing influence of the Coriolis force compared to inertial forces. This trend change aligns closely with the increase in rotation speed. The second effect arises from the increase in the rotating Mach number and the Coriolis compression, resulting in slight density differences within the cross section. Strong centrifugal forces generate significant centrifugal additional force (buoyancy force). Consequently, under the same local rotation number, the velocity profiles of the mainstream experience considerable changes. Additionally, a higher rotating Mach number significantly impacts wall shear stress, with the leading side being notably affected. For instance, at cross-sectional Ro = 0.6 and MaΩ = 2.1, the dimensionless shear stress on the leading side decreased by 13%. Furthermore, while an increase in the rotating Mach number has minimal impact on the cross-sectional secondary flow structure, changes in mainstream velocity profiles influence secondary flow intensity, resulting in an enhanced velocity peak and a shift toward the trailing side.
Time modulation to manage and increase the power harvested from external vibrations
Authors: Nikzamir Alireza , Rouhi Kasra , Figotin Alexander , Capolino Filippo
Published: November 2023

We investigate how a single resonator with a time-modulated component extracts power from an external ambient source. The collected power is largely dependent on the precise modulation signal frequency choice. We focus on the power absorbed from external vibration using a mechanical resonator and how time modulation of the damper can make a significant difference in the amount of harvested power, leading to more than 10 times enhancement compared to an analogous system without time modulation. We also find that a narrow band pair of peak and dip in the spectrum of the absorbed power occurs because of the presence of an exceptional point of degeneracy (EPD). In this narrow frequency range, the delay between the damper modulating signal and the external vibrating signal largely affects the collected power. The high frequency-selectivity of EPD-induced power management could potentially be used in sensing and spectrometer applications.
Metabolically regulated spiking could serve neuronal energy homeostasis and protect from reactive oxygen species
Authors: Chintaluri Chaitanya , Vogels Tim P.
Published: November 2023

So-called spontaneous activity is a central hallmark of most nervous systems. Such non-causal firing is contrary to the tenet of spikes as a means of communication, and its purpose remains unclear. We propose that self-initiated firing can serve as a release valve to protect neurons from the toxic conditions arising in mitochondria from lower-than-baseline energy consumption. To demonstrate the viability of our hypothesis, we built a set of models that incorporate recent experimental results indicating homeostatic control of metabolic products—Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine diphosphate (ADP), and reactive oxygen species (ROS)—by changes in firing. We explore the relationship of metabolic cost of spiking with its effect on the temporal patterning of spikes and reproduce experimentally observed changes in intrinsic firing in the fruitfly dorsal fan-shaped body neuron in a model with ROS-modulated potassium channels. We also show that metabolic spiking homeostasis can produce indefinitely sustained avalanche dynamics in cortical circuits. Our theory can account for key features of neuronal activity observed in many studies ranging from ion channel function all the way to resting state dynamics. We finish with a set of experimental predictions that would confirm an integrated, crucial role for metabolically regulated spiking and firmly link metabolic homeostasis and neuronal function.
Identifying key spreaders in complex networks based on local clustering coefficient and structural hole information
Authors: Wang Hao , Wang Jian , Liu Qian , Yang Shuang-ping , Wen Jun-jie , Zhao Na
Published: November 2023

Identifying key spreaders in a network is one of the fundamental problems in the field of complex network research, and accurately identifying influential propagators in a network holds significant practical implications. In recent years, numerous effective methods have been proposed and widely applied. However, many of these methods still have certain limitations. For instance, some methods rely solely on the global position information of nodes to assess their propagation influence, disregarding local node information. Additionally, certain methods do not consider clustering coefficients, which are essential attributes of nodes. Inspired by the quality formula, this paper introduces a method called Structural Neighborhood Centrality (SNC) that takes into account the neighborhood information of nodes. SNC measures the propagation power of nodes based on first and second-order neighborhood degrees, local clustering coefficients, structural hole constraints, and other information, resulting in higher accuracy. A series of pertinent experiments conducted on 12 real-world datasets demonstrate that, in terms of accuracy, SNC outperforms methods like CycleRatio and KSGC. Additionally, SNC demonstrates heightened monotonicity, enabling it to distinguish subtle differences between nodes. Furthermore, when it comes to identifying the most influential Top-k nodes, SNC also displays superior capabilities compared to the aforementioned methods. Finally, we conduct a detailed analysis of SNC and discuss its advantages and limitations.
Comment on ‘Ultradense protium p(0) and deuterium D(0)and their relation to ordinary Rydberg matter: a review’ (2019 Physica Scripta
94 075005)
Authors: Hansen Klavs , Engelen Jos
Published: November 2023

The article by Holmlid and Zeiner-Gundersen (2019 Physica Scripta
94 075 005) contains a number of claims on the production and properties of a new state of matter, referred to as ultra-dense hydrogen (UDH). These claims are very far reaching as they include the observation of processes violating the conservation of baryon number (not observed before in spite of decades of dedicated efforts); furthermore the structure assigned to UDH is not consistent with quantum mechanics, in particular with the concept of kinetic energy operators and the Heisenberg indeterminacy relations. No independent experimental confirmation on production and properties of UDH has been published, whilst possible explanations in terms of instrumental artefacts have been put forward.
Eliciting calcium transients with UV nanosecond laser stimulation in adult patient-derived glioblastoma brain cancer cells in vitro
Authors: Mellor Nicholas G , Chung Sylvia A , Graham E Scott , Day Bryan W , Unsworth Charles P
Published: November 2023

Objective. Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common and lethal type of high-grade adult brain cancer. The World Health Organization have classed GBM as an incurable disease because standard treatments have yielded little improvement with life-expectancy being 6–15 months after diagnosis. Different approaches are now crucial to discover new knowledge about GBM communication/function in order to establish alternative therapies for such an aggressive adult brain cancer. Calcium (Ca2+) is a fundamental cell molecular messenger employed in GBM being involved in a wide dynamic range of cellular processes. Understanding how the movement of Ca2+ behaves and modulates activity in GBM at the single-cell level is relatively unexplored but holds the potential to yield opportunities for new therapeutic strategies and approaches for cancer treatment. Approach. In this article we establish a spatially and temporally precise method for stimulating Ca2+ transients in three patient-derived GBM cell-lines (FPW1, RN1, and RKI1) such that Ca2+ communication can be studied from single-cell to larger network scales. We demonstrate that this is possible by administering a single optimized ultra-violet (UV) nanosecond laser pulse to trigger GBM Ca2+ transients. Main results. We determine that 1.58 µJ µm−2 is the optimal UV nanosecond laser pulse energy density necessary to elicit a single Ca2+ transient in the GBM cell-lines whilst maintaining viability, functionality, the ability to be stimulated many times in an experiment, and to trigger further Ca2+ communication in a larger network of GBM cells. Significance. Using adult patient-derived mesenchymal GBM brain cancer cell-lines, the most aggressive form of GBM cancer, this work is the first of its kind as it provides a new effective modality of which to stimulate GBM cells at the single-cell level in an accurate, repeatable, and reliable manner; and is a first step toward Ca2+ communication in GBM brain cancer cells and their networks being more effectively studied.