bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
RNA targeting unleashes indiscriminate nuclease activity of CRISPR–Cas12a2
Authors: Bravo Jack P. K. , Hallmark Thomson , Naegle Bronson , Beisel Chase L. , Jackson Ryan N. , Taylor David W.
Published: January 2023

Cas12a2 is a CRISPR-associated nuclease that performs RNA-guided, sequence-nonspecific degradation of single-stranded RNA, single-stranded DNA and double-stranded DNA following recognition of a complementary RNA target, culminating in abortive infection1. Here we report structures of Cas12a2 in binary, ternary and quaternary complexes to reveal a complete activation pathway. Our structures reveal that Cas12a2 is autoinhibited until binding a cognate RNA target, which exposes the RuvC active site within a large, positively charged cleft. Double-stranded DNA substrates are captured through duplex distortion and local melting, stabilized by pairs of ‘aromatic clamp’ residues that are crucial for double-stranded DNA degradation and in vivo immune system function. Our work provides a structural basis for this mechanism of abortive infection to achieve population-level immunity, which can be leveraged to create rational mutants that degrade a spectrum of collateral substrates.
Graph partitioning MapReduce-based algorithms for counting triangles in large-scale graphs
Authors: Sharafeldeen Ahmed , Alrahmawy Mohammed , Elmougy Samir
Published: January 2023

Counting number of triangles in the graph is considered a major task in many large-scale graph analytics problems such as clustering coefficient, transitivity ratio, trusses, etc. In recent years, MapReduce becomes one of the most popular and powerful frameworks for analyzing large-scale graphs in clusters of machines. In this paper, we propose two new MapReduce algorithms based on graph partitioning. The two algorithms avoid the problem of duplicate counting triangles that other algorithms suffer from. The experimental results show a high efficiency of the two algorithms in comparison with an existing algorithm, overcoming it in the execution time performance, especially in very large-scale graphs.
Strain evolution and confinement effect in InAs/AlAs short-period superlattices studied by Raman spectroscopy
Authors: Zhao Yinan , Lu Kechao , Yao Jinshan , Ning Jiqiang , Chen Baile , Lu Hong , Zheng Changcheng
Published: January 2023

Raman spectra of two series of InAs/AlAs short-period superlattices were measured at room temperature to investigate the impact of strain on the phonon modes taking into consideration the confinement effect and interface mode. The evolution of strain in the InAs layer and the AlAs layer was studied in (InAs)2/(AlAs)2superlattices grown at various temperatures (400–550 °C). While the strain existed in the AlAs layer remained almost constant, the strain in the InAs layer varied significantly as the growth temperature increased from 500 to 550 °C. The confinement effect on the optical phonons was analyzed based on results from (InAs)n/(AlAs)ngrown at 450 °C (n = 2, 3, 4, and 5). Additionally, the confinement effect was found to be stronger in shorter periods with higher interface quality. The interface phonon modes were resolved between the longitudinal optical and transverse optical phonon modes, which assist in the rough estimation of the thickness of the layers. The disorder-activated acoustic phonon modes at the low-frequency side were also addressed.
Prevalence of pre-eclampsia and adverse pregnancy outcomes in women with pre-existing cardiomyopathy: a multi-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Ormesher Laura , Vause Sarah , Higson Suzanne , Roberts Anna , Clarke Bernard , Curtis Stephanie , Ordonez Victoria , Ansari Faiza , Everett Thomas R. , Hordern Claire , Mackillop Lucy , Stern Victoria , Bonnett Tessa , Reid Alice , Wallace Suzanne , Oyekan Ebruba , Douglas Hannah , Cauldwell Matthew , Reddy Maya , Palmer Kirsten , Simpson Maggie , Brennand Janet , Minns Laura , Freeman Leisa , Murray Sarah , Mary Nirmala , Castleman James , Morris Katie R. , Haslett Elizabeth , Cassidy Christopher , Johnstone Edward D. , Myers Jenny E.
Published: January 2023

Pre-eclampsia is associated with postnatal cardiac dysfunction; however, the nature of this relationship remains uncertain. This multicentre retrospective cohort study aimed to determine the prevalence of pre-eclampsia in women with pre-existing cardiac dysfunction (left ventricular ejection fraction < 55%) and explore the relationship between pregnancy outcome and pre-pregnancy cardiac phenotype. In this cohort of 282 pregnancies, pre-eclampsia prevalence was not significantly increased (4.6% [95% C.I 2.2–7.0%] vs. population prevalence of 4.6% [95% C.I. 2.7–8.2], p = 0.99); 12/13 women had concurrent obstetric/medical risk factors for pre-eclampsia. The prevalence of preterm pre-eclampsia (< 37 weeks) and fetal growth restriction (FGR) was increased (1.8% vs. 0.7%, p = 0.03; 15.2% vs. 5.5%, p < 0.001, respectively). Neither systolic nor diastolic function correlated with pregnancy outcome. Antenatal ß blockers (n = 116) were associated with lower birthweight Z score (adjusted difference − 0.31 [95% C.I. − 0.61 to − 0.01], p = 0.04). To conclude, this study demonstrated a modest increase in preterm pre-eclampsia and significant increase in FGR in women with pre-existing cardiac dysfunction. Our results do not necessarily support a causal relationship between cardiac dysfunction and pre-eclampsia, especially given the population’s background risk status. The mechanism underpinning the relationship between cardiac dysfunction and FGR merits further research but could be influenced by concomitant ß blocker use.
Enhancing grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) with levy flight for engineering applications
Authors: Wu Lei , Wu Jiawei , Wang Tengbin
Published: January 2023

The grasshopper optimization algorithm (GOA) is a meta-heuristic algorithm proposed in 2017 mimics the biological behavior of grasshopper swarms seeking food sources in nature for solving optimization problems. Nonetheless, some shortcomings exist in the origin GOA, and GOA global search ability is more or less insufficient and precision also needs to be further improved. Although there are many different GOA variants in the literature, the problem of inefficient and rough precision has still emerged in GOA variants. Aiming at these deficiencies, this paper develops an improved version of GOA with Levy Flight mechanism called LFGOA to alleviate the shortcomings of the origin GOA. The LFGOA algorithm achieved a more suitable balance between exploitation and exploration during searching for the most promising region. The performance of LFGOA is tested using 23 mathematical benchmark functions in comparison with the eight well-known meta-heuristic algorithms and seven real-world engineering problems. The statistical analysis and experimental results show the efficiency of LFGOA. According to obtained results, it is possible to say that the LFGOA algorithm can be a potential alternative in the solution of meta-heuristic optimization problems as it has high exploration and exploitation capabilities.
Study on adsorption of hexavalent chromium by composite material prepared from iron-based solid wastes
Authors: Qi Jiamin , Li Bin , Zhou Pengxiang , Su Xintai , Yang Di , Wu Jinxiong , Wang Zixuan , Liang Xiangjing
Published: January 2023

A new adsorbent with chromium removal function was synthesized by carbon thermal method using iron-containing waste Fenton sludge and carbon-containing solid waste fly ash to treat high pH scoring wastewater generated from industrial processes. The results showed that the adsorbent used T = 273.15 K, pH = 10, t = 1200 min, C0 = 100 mg/L, had a removal rate of Cr(VI) of more than 80%, and the adsorption capacity could reach 393.79 mg/g. The characterization results show that the synthesized mesoporous nitrogen-doped composite material has a large specific surface area and mesoporous structure, and the surface of the material is rich in oxygen-containing functional groups and active sites. Compared with other studies, the adsorption capacity of the material is larger, which indicates that the removal effect of Cr(VI) in this study is better. The adsorption kinetic results show that the adsorption follows a pseudo second kinetic model, and the adsorption process is a chemisorption involving electron sharing or electron exchange. This experiment designed a simple method to synthesize mesoporous nitrogen-doped composites using industrial solid waste, with raw materials from cheap and easily available industrial solid waste, and solved the dual problems of heavy metals in wastewater and solid waste, providing a new idea for the resource utilization of Fenton sludge while not producing secondary pollution.
Characterization of metabolic reprogramming by metabolomics in the oncocytic thyroid cancer cell line XTC.UC1
Authors: Kurashige Tomomi , Shimamura Mika , Hamada Koichiro , Matsuse Michiko , Mitsutake Norisato , Nagayama Yuji
Published: January 2023

Oncocytic thyroid cancer is characterized by the aberrant accumulation of abnormal mitochondria in the cytoplasm and a defect in oxidative phosphorylation. We performed metabolomics analysis to compare metabolic reprogramming among the oncocytic and non-oncocytic thyroid cancer cell lines XTC.UC1 and TPC1, respectively, and a normal thyroid cell line Nthy-ori 3-1. We found that although XTC.UC1 cells exhibit higher glucose uptake than TPC1 cells, the glycolytic intermediates are not only utilized to generate end-products of glycolysis, but also diverted to branching pathways such as lipid metabolism and the serine synthesis pathway. Glutamine is preferentially used to produce glutathione to reduce oxidative stress in XTC.UC1 cells, rather than to generate α-ketoglutarate for anaplerotic flux into the TCA cycle. Thus, growth, survival and redox homeostasis of XTC.UC1 cells rely more on both glucose and glutamine than do TPC1 cells. Furthermore, XTC.UC1 cells contained higher amounts of intracellular amino acids which is due to higher expression of the amino acid transporter ASCT2 and enhanced autophagy, thus providing the building blocks for macromolecules and energy production. These metabolic alterations are required for oncocytic cancer cells to compensate their defective mitochondrial function and to alleviate excess oxidative stress.
Nutrient patterns in relation to metabolic health status in overweight and obese adolescents
Authors: Rouhani Parisa , Mirzaei Saeideh , Asadi Ali , Akhlaghi Masoumeh , Saneei Parvane
Published: January 2023

The association between dietary nutrient patterns (NPs) and metabolic health status has not been investigated in adolescents. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between NPs and metabolic health status in Iranian adolescents with overweight and obesity. In this cross-sectional study, 203 obese/overweight adolescents were selected using a multistage mass random sampling method. To assess usual dietary intakes, a validated food frequency questionnaire was applied. Data of anthropometric and blood pressure were collected. Insulin, lipid profile, and glucose levels were determined using fasting blood samples. Two approaches [International Diabetes Federation (IDF) and a combination of IDF with Homeostasis Model Assessment Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR)] were applied to identify metabolically healthy obese and metabolically unhealthy obese (MUO) adolescents. Participants had a mean age of 13.9 ± 1.61 years and 52.2% of them were girls. Three NPs were identified and labeled as "high minerals and vitamins" (NP1), "high carbohydrate" (NP2) and "high fat and sodium" (NP3). After adjustments for all potential confounders, no significant association was observed between higher adherence to NP1 and NP2 and odds of MUO; however, greater adherence to "high fat and sodium" NP was associated with higher odds of being MUO based on IDF (OR = 3.12; 95% CI 1.19, 8.09) and IDF/HOMA-IR (OR = 2.81; 95% CI 1.02, 7.74) definitions. Stratified analysis revealed that these associations were stronger in boys (versus girls) and obese (versus overweight) adolescents. In conclusion, high adherence to a "high fat and sodium" nutrient pattern was related to elevated chance of being MUO in Iranian adolescents, especially in boys and obese individuals. Therefore, less consumption of trans fatty acids, saturated fatty acids and sodium could be recommended to prevent MUO prevalence especially in boys with obesity.
Cu-catalyzed cascade difluoroalkylation/5-endocyclization/β-fluorine cleavage of ynones
Authors: Su Jingwen , Guo Wenbin , Liu Yi , Kong Lichun , Zheng Hanliang , Zhu Gangguo
Published: January 2023

A Cu-catalyzed cascade difluoroalkylation/5-endocyclization/β-fluorine cleavage of ynones is reported, delivering α-monofluoroalkenyl cyclopentanones with high efficiency and stereoselectivity.
Visible light-initiated cross-coupling between thiophenols and aryl halides (X = I and Br) to synthesize aryl thioethers over Pd/ZnIn2S4
Authors: Liu Hurunqing , Wang Xinglin , Li Zhaohui
Published: January 2023

The coupling reaction between aryl halides and thiols to synthesize aryl thioethers has been realized over Pd/ZnIn2S4 under visible light.
Succulent-plant-like Ni–Co alloy efficient catalysts for direct borohydride fuel cells
Authors: Cai Jinliang , Chen Peng , Hu Bihao , Xu Chuanlan , Yang Ying , Meng Jiazhi , Zhang Biao , Chen Changguo , Yu Danmei , Zhou Xiaoyuan
Published: January 2023

A Ni–Co alloy catalyst exhibits excellent activity, which can be attributed to the introduction of an appropriate amount of Co.
Transformation of oil scum as magnetic char for effective recovery of Cu and Ni from EDTA-bearing wastewater
Authors: Ji Manhong , Guo Shuai , Zhang Hong , Zhang Yuxin , Wang Zhihua , Qin Jiabao , Sun Tong , Liang Dongxu , Gao Yidi , Zhu Suiyi
Published: January 2023

Blackish ropy scum was collected from the scum vessel of the floatation tank from the petrochemical wastewater treatment plant.
Monounsaturated fatty acid-enriched olive oil exacerbates chronic alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis and liver injury in C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Guo Rui , Chen Lin , Zhu Jinyan , Li Jiaomei , Ding Qingchao , Chang Kaixin , Han Qiang , Li Songtao
Published: January 2023

Dietary oil composition determines the pathological processes of alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD).
Achieving structural stability and enhanced electrochemical performance through Nb-doping into Li- and Mn-rich layered cathode for lithium-ion batteries
Authors: Yun Soyeong , Yu Junwoo , Lee Wontae , Lee Hayeon , Yoon Won-Sub
Published: January 2023

Improved electrochemical performance of capacity retention and voltage decay due to achieved structural stability after Nb doping.
Using azaacene as an acceptor unit to construct an ultraefficient red fluorophore with an EQE over 40%
Authors: Wang Xiao-Jing , Liu Han , Zhang Kai , Yang Dezhi , Pan Ze-Hui , Wang Chuan-Kui , Fung Man-Keung , Ma Dongge , Fan Jian
Published: January 2023

Azaacenes, which have been known for a long time, was used as an acceptor unit for red TADF emitter.
Intelligent matter endows reconfigurable temperature and humidity sensations for in-sensor computing
Authors: Guo Tao , Ge Jiawei , Jiao Yixuan , Teng Youchao , Sun Bai , Huang Wen , Asgarimoghaddam Hatameh , Musselman Kevin P. , Fang Yin , Zhou Y. Norman , Wu Yimin A.
Published: January 2023

Intelligent matter with smart responses to environmental stimulation paves the way to implement data-centric tactics with in-sensor computing, which bypasses redundant data shuttling.
In situ integration of a cocatalyst and heterojunction to a WO3 photoanode with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance via phosphatization
Authors: Zhan Faqi , Zhao Haiyan , Wen Guochang , Ma Zhiqing , Liu Yisi , Zhu Min , Zheng Yuehong , Chen Dalin , La Peiqing
Published: January 2023

In situ integration of a cocatalyst and heterojunction to a WO3 photoanode with enhanced photoelectrochemical performance via phosphatization.
ZIF-67-derived CoP/NC effectively supported Pt nanoparticles for methanol oxidation reaction
Authors: Zhi Guo , Wang Wenxin , Zhou Yang , Feng Ligang
Published: January 2023

An effective catalyst system was constructed by coupling Pt nanoparticles over the ZIF-67-derived CoP/NC support for efficient methanol oxidation reaction.
Molecular torsion springs: alteration of helix curvature in frustrated tertiary folds
Authors: Menke Friedericke S. , Mazzier Daniela , Wicher Barbara , Allmendinger Lars , Kauffmann Brice , Maurizot Victor , Huc Ivan
Published: January 2023

Fulfilling stabilizing hydrogen bonds in a synthetic helix–turn–helix structure may concomitantly generate conformational frustration.
Synthesis and immunopharmacological evaluation of novel TLR7 agonistic triazole tethered imidazoquinolines
Authors: Avoni Ayyappa , Vemireddy Sravanthi , Sambyal Shainy , Shafi Syed , Khan Imran , Khan Aarif , Sampath Kumar Halmuthur M.
Published: January 2023

Toll-like receptors-7 and -8 are expressed abundantly on antigen-presenting cells, and their agonists make potential adjuvant candidates for the development of new efficacious vaccines.
Electronic and optical properties of thiogermanate AgGaGeS4: theory and experiment
Authors: Vu Tuan V. , Dat Vo D. , Lavrentyev A. A. , Gabrelian B. V. , Hieu Nguyen N. , Myronchuk G. L. , Khyzhun O. Y.
Published: January 2023

The electronic and optical properties of a AgGaGeS4 crystal were studied by first-principles calculations, and experimental X-ray photoelectron and emission spectra were measured to verify the theoretical data.
Stabile fluoro-benzene-based spacer for lead-free Dion–Jacobson perovskites
Authors: Tan Chih Shan
Published: January 2023

Due to their superior optoelectronic properties, two-dimensional and lead-free perovskite materials have been investigated as potential candidates for wide band gap devices.
A biodegradable covalent organic framework for synergistic tumor therapy
Authors: Li Wen-Yan , Wan Jing-Jing , Kan Jing-Lan , Wang Bo , Song Tian , Guan Qun , Zhou Le-Le , Li Yan-An , Dong Yu-Bin
Published: January 2023

Stimulus-responsive biodegradable nanocarriers with tumor-selective targeted drug delivery are critical for cancer therapy.
Individually separated supramolecular polymer chains toward solution-processable supramolecular polymeric materials
Authors: Shimada Takuma , Watanabe Yuichiro , Kajitani Takashi , Takeuchi Masayuki , Wakayama Yutaka , Sugiyasu Kazunori
Published: January 2023

Herein, we present a simple design concept for a monomer that affords individually separated supramolecular polymer chains.
Sn foil as the cathode for a reversible 2.8 V Sn-Li battery
Authors: Xue Kaiming , Zhao Yu , Lee Pui-Kit , Yu Denis Y. W.
Published: January 2023

A novel 2.8 V Sn–Li battery with an average CE of 99.5% and stability over 1500 cycles is made with Sn and Li foil as the cathode and anode, respectively. It relies on the redox reactions of two metal/metal cation pairs to store and release energy.
Unraveling high-performance oxygen-deficient amorphous manganese oxide as the cathode for advanced zinc ion batteries
Authors: Karbak Mehdi , Baazizi Mariam , Sayah Simon , Autret-Lambert Cecile , Tison Yann , Martinez Herve , Chafik Tarik , Ghamouss Fouad
Published: January 2023

Oxygen-deficient amorphous manganese oxide was synthesized and explored for the first time as a cathode material for aqueous zinc–MnO2 batteries delivering high specific capacity.
Selectivity and activity modulation of electrocatalytic carbon dioxide reduction by atomically dispersed dual iron catalysts
Authors: Li Kuan-Chieh , Wu Zong-Hua , Ke Chun-Hung , Lee Yao-Chang , Lee Jyh-Fu , Chen Jin-Ming , Haw Shu-Chih , Tsai Fu-Te , Liaw Wen-Feng
Published: January 2023

An advanced dual Fe2-site catalyst (Fe2 DAC) exhibiting CO current density (jCO) of 10 mA cm−2 at an overpotential of 330 mV in a CO2-saturated 0.5 M KHCO3 electrolyte was designed and characterized by HAADF-STEM microscopy and XAS/EPR spectroscopies.
A large size BiVO4photoanode with high stability for efficient water oxidation and wastewater treatment coupled with H2evolution
Authors: Yang Yan , Wan Shipeng , Li Si , Wang Ruonan , Ou Man , Liu Biming , Zhong Qin
Published: January 2023

A large size BiVO4photoanode with high stability for efficient photoelectrochemical water oxidation and TCH degradation coupled with H2evolution.
Designing strategies of advanced electrode materials for high-rate rechargeable batteries
Authors: Ke Jiaqi , Zhang Yufei , Wen Zhipeng , Huang Song , Ye Minghui , Tang Yongchao , Liu Xiaoqing , Li Cheng Chao
Published: January 2023

Fast-charging design strategies including surface coating, regulating morphology, creating defects, functionalizing groups modification, chemical intercalating and element doping are overviewed to provide guidance toward high-rate materials.
Integration of genetically engineered virus nanofibers and fibrin to form injectable fibrous neuron-rich hydrogels and enable neural differentiation
Authors: Chen Yingfan , Liu Xiangyu , Yang Mingying , Sun Weilian , Mao Chuanbin
Published: January 2023

RGD-displaying phage, fibrin, and neural stem cells (NSCs) are integrated to form a fiber-like hydrogel, which promotes preferential differentiation of NSCs and serves as a nerve graft to repair the long-gap nerve defect by enhanced neurogenesis.
Low-power driven broadband phototransistor with a PbS/IGO/HfO2 stack
Authors: Xu Hongwei , Han Hee Sung , Hur Jae Seok , Kim Min Jae , Choi Cheol Hee , Kim Taikyu , Chang Joon-Hyuk , Jeong Jae Kyeong
Published: January 2023

Broadband phototransistors have attracted considerable attention for numerous applications.
Recent advances in genetic tools for engineering probiotic lactic acid bacteria
Authors: Mugwanda Kanganwiro , Hamese Saltiel , Van Zyl Winschau F. , Prinsloo Earl , Du Plessis Morne , Dicks Leon M.T. , Thimiri Govinda Raj Deepak B.
Published: January 2023

Synthetic biology has grown exponentially in the last few years, with a variety of biological applications. One of the emerging applications of synthetic biology is to exploit the link between microorganisms, biologics, and human health. To exploit this link, it is critical to select effective synthetic biology tools for use in appropriate microorganisms that would address unmet needs in human health through the development of new game-changing applications and by complementing existing technological capabilities. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are considered appropriate chassis organisms that can be genetically engineered for therapeutic and industrial applications. Here, we have reviewed comprehensively various synthetic biology techniques for engineering probiotic LAB strains, such as clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 mediated genome editing, homologous recombination, and recombineering. In addition, we also discussed heterologous protein expression systems used in engineering probiotic LAB. By combining computational biology with genetic engineering, there is a lot of potential to develop next-generation synthetic LAB with capabilities to address bottlenecks in industrial scale-up and complex biologics production. Recently, we started working on Lactochassis project where we aim to develop next generation synthetic LAB for biomedical application.
Perfused rat term placenta as a preclinical model to investigate placental dopamine and norepinephrine transport
Authors: Horackova Hana , Vachalova Veronika , Abad Cilia , Karahoda Rona , Staud Frantisek
Published: January 2023

The placenta represents a non-neuronal organ capable of transporting and metabolizing monoamines. Since these bioactive molecules participate in numerous processes essential for placental and fetal physiology, any imbalance in their levels during pregnancy may affect brain development, projecting a higher risk of behavioral disorders in childhood or adulthood. Notably, the monoamine system in the placenta is a target of various psychoactive drugs and can be disrupted in several pregnancy pathologies. As research in pregnant women poses significant ethical restrictions, animal models are widely employed to study monoamine homeostasis as a mechanism involved in fetal programming. However, detailed knowledge of monoamine transport in the rat placenta is still lacking. Moreover, relatability to the human placental monoamine system is not examined. The present study provides insights into the transplacental monoamine dynamics between maternal and fetal circulation. We show that norepinephrine maternal-to-fetal transport is <4% due to high metabolism within the trophoblast. In contrast, dopamine maternal-to-fetal transport exceeds 25%, likely through passive transport across the membrane. In addition, we show high clearance of norepinephrine and dopamine from the fetal circulation mediated by the organic cation transporter 3 (OCT3). Altogether, we present transcriptional and functional evidence that the in situ rat placenta perfusion represents a suitable model for (patho)physiological investigation of dopamine and norepinephrine homeostasis in the fetoplacental unit. With the rapid advancements in drug discovery and environmental toxicity, the use of rat placenta as a preclinical model could facilitate screening of possible xenobiotic effects on monoamine homeostasis in the placenta.
Functional Hearing Difficulties in Veterans: Retrospective Chart Review of Auditory Processing Assessments in the VA Health Care System
Authors: Papesh Melissa A. , Fowler Lora , Pesa Stephanie R. , Frederick Melissa T.
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

Approximately 23 million Americans might have functional hearing difficulties (FHDs) that are not well explained by their audiometric thresholds. Clinical management of patients with FHDs is the subject of considerable debate, with few evidence-based guidelines to direct patient care. A better understanding of the characteristics of patients who seek help for FHDs, as well as current audiological management practices, is needed to direct research efforts to the areas greatest opportunity for advancement of clinical care.

Method:

A retrospective chart review was conducted examining the medical records of a random sample of 100 Veterans who underwent auditory processing assessments across the VA Health Care System between 2008 and 2020.

Results:

Patients were young to middle-age, often with previous traumatic brain injury or blast exposure. Mental health, sleep, and pain disorders were common. No consistent relationships emerged between specific patient factors and domains of auditory processing deficits. Low-gain hearing aids were provided to 35 patients, 69% of whom continued wearing their hearing aids for at least 2 years.

Conclusion:

Future research should address the potential overlap in symptoms and treatment for comorbid health conditions and FHDs, as well as the conditions underlying successful hearing aid use in this patient population.
Demands Associated With an Augmentative and Alternative Communication System in Relation to Alternative Forms of Access for Individuals With Motor Impairments
Authors: Sowers Dawn J. , Wilkinson Krista M.
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

Successful adoption and use of aided augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) must address how to promote fluid, efficient, and organized execution of the motor behavior needed to access the AAC system. A substantial number of people who use AAC have significant motor impairments and require “alternative” access options, such as eye gaze or switch use. Such individuals may be particularly vulnerable to interference from a poorly designed system. However, the inherent demands of alternative access methods have received little direct study. The goal of this tutorial is to offer a clinically and theoretically guided framework for considerations concerning AAC access, with the hope of spurring further discussion and empirical research.

Method:

A framework that draws upon dynamic systems theory was used to illustrate the interactions between the various elements of importance to AAC access. Information and research from the fields of motor learning, developmental dynamic systems theory, AAC, and assistive technology was integrated into this tutorial to examine their applications for alternative AAC access methods.

Results:

The framework illustrated that AAC access involves a complex coordination between individual skills, the demands of the communication environment, the activity being undertaken, and the supports and demands inherent in the AAC system itself.

Conclusions:

Awareness of the many demands that alternative forms of access place on the person who uses them can guide clinicians during assessment and intervention decision making regarding access options for individuals with significant motor impairments. Specific directions for future research are considered.
Treatment of Speech Sound Errors in Cleft Palate: A Tutorial for Speech-Language Pathology Assistants
Authors: Kotlarek Katelyn J. , Krueger Breanna I.
Published: January 2023

Purpose:

Cleft palate is one of the most common birth defects in the United States. Most of these children receive speech therapy by preschool and school-based clinicians. The purpose of this article is to provide a comprehensive tutorial for speech-language pathology assistants (SLPAs) regarding treatment techniques and principles for children with cleft palate.

Method:

It has been reported that 68% of preschoolers with repaired cleft palate received speech therapy. Preschool and school-based speech-language pathologists (SLPs) have reported a strong desire for practical professional development and continuing education resources regarding treatment of children with cleft palate. Thus, it seems likely that SLPAs may feel similarly unequipped to provide effective treatment for children with cleft palate. Obligatory and learned speech errors commonly found in children with cleft palate are described. Elicitation strategies for compensatory articulations are detailed. The implementation of evidence-based articulation and phonological treatment approaches is described in a step-by-step manner. “Red flags” that may arise during treatment and require input from the supervising SLP are highlighted.

Results:

SLPAs will learn elicitation techniques for compensatory articulations and implement evidence-based treatment approaches to improve the speech accuracy of children with cleft palate.

Conclusion:

It is important for all school-based clinicians to be familiar with speech therapy for individuals with cleft palate.
eHealth Coaching: Counseling Characteristics of Coaches Used With Parents
Authors: Johnson Kylie R. , Muñoz Karen , San Miguel Guadalupe G. , Twohig Michael
Published: January 2023

Background:

Parents experience challenges managing hearing aids for young children. Counseling strategies can facilitate parent learning and enhance parent–professional partnerships. The purpose of this study was to identify clinician communication behaviors and missed opportunities during an eHealth intervention.

Method:

This study consisted of a qualitative analysis of a subset of the data from a randomized controlled study that included 37 parents of children under 42 months of age who use behind-the-ear hearing aids. These parents participated in coaching via phone calls and viewed instructional videos. The calls were audio-recorded and analyzed for themes within the categories of question asking, responding to parent emotions, engagement in a shared process, and missed opportunities for each category.

Results:

Themes were identified within each category. Trends included greater use of close-ended questions over open-ended questions, frequent responses to parent emotions, and engagement in a shared process through providing information and exploring progress on parent goals. Missed opportunities occurred within each category.

Conclusions:

Coaches' communication behaviors demonstrated support for parent learning that was positively received. Joint planning to address parent challenges was a missed opportunity to support parent behavior changes regarding hearing-aid routines.
A novel cooperative decentralized framework based on peer‐to‐peer energy transactions in networked microgrids to improve the resilience
Authors: Doostizadeh Mohammad , Jalili Hasan , Babaei Abbas
Published: January 2023

Severe events such as floods, earthquakes, and hurricanes cause disruption in the distribution networks and cause them to be islanded. In such circumstances, microgrids can be separated from the main grid with the help of their technical and communication infrastructure and transfer energy with each other to reduce their operation and outage costs. Therefore, energy management in a networked microgrid requires a modern operating framework to cause microgrids to supply each other with the energy they need. So, in this paper, a cooperative framework to improve the resilience response of microgrids has been proposed based on peer‐to‐peer energy transactions. In the developed model, since the microgrids are operated in a cooperative and networked manner, they sell energy to each other at the lowest possible cost. Utilizing the developed model, microgrids can improve their resilience response by peer‐to‐peer energy transactions in addition to reduce their operating costs, compared to the independent and non‐cooperative models. To evaluate the efficiency of the proposed method, simulations have performed on a system with 14 microgrids, and the obtained results have compared and analysed. The results obtained have shown the efficiency of the proposed method in increasing resilience and reducing operating costs.
Forbidden emission lines in protostellar outflows and jets with MUSE
Authors: Flores-Rivera Lizxandra , Flock Mario , Kurtovic Nicolás T. , Husemann Bernd , Banzatti Andrea , Ringqvist Simon C. , Kamann Sebastian , Müller André , Fendt Christian , García Lopez Rebeca , Marleau Gabriel-Dominique , Henning Thomas , Carrasco-González Carlos , van Boekel Roy , Keppler Miriam , Launhardt Ralf , Aoyama Yuhiko
Published: January 2023

Context. Forbidden emission lines in protoplanetary disks are a key diagnostic in studies of the evolution of the disk and the host star. They signal potential disk accretion or wind, outflow, or jet ejection processes of the material that affects the angular momentum transport of the disk as a result.

Aims. We report spatially resolved emission lines, namely, [O I]λλ6300, 6363, [N II]λλ6548, 6583, Hα, and [S II]λλ6716, 6730 that are believed to be associated with jets and magnetically driven winds in the inner disks, due to the proximity to the star, as suggested in previous works from the literature. With a resolution of 0.025 × 0.025 arcsec2, we aim to derive the position angle of the outflow/jet (PAoutflow/jet) that is connected with the inner disk. We then compare it with the position angle of the dust (PAdust) obtained from previous constraints for the outer disk. We also carry out a simple analysis of the kinematics and width of the lines and we estimate the mass-loss rate based on the [O I]λ6300 line for five T Tauri stars.

Methods. Observations were carried out with the optical integral field spectrograph of the Multi Unit Spectroscopic Explorer (MUSE), at the Very Large Telescope (VLT). The instrument spatially resolves the forbidden lines, providing a unique capability to access the spatial extension of the outflows/jets that make the estimate of the PAoutflow/jetpossible from a geometrical point of view.

Results. The forbidden emission lines analyzed here have their origin at the inner parts of the protoplanetary disk. From the maximum intensity emission along the outflow/jet in DL Tau, CI Tau, DS Tau, IP Tau, and IM Lup, we were able to reliably measure the PAoutflow/jetfor most of the identified lines. We found that our estimates agree with PAdustfor most of the disks. These estimates depend on the signal-to-noise level and the collimation of the outflow (jet). The outflows/jets in CIDA 9, GO Tau, and GW Lup are too compact for a PAoutflow/jetto be estimated. Based on our kinematics analysis, we confirm that DL Tau and CI Tau host a strong outflow/jet with line-of-sight velocities much greater than 100 km s−1, whereas DS Tau, IP Tau, and IM Lup velocities are lower and their structures encompass low-velocity components to be more associated with winds. Our estimates for the mass-loss rate,Ṁloss, range between (1.1–6.5) × 10−7–10−8M⊙yr−1for the disk-outflow/jet systems analyzed here.

Conclusions. The outflow/jet systems analyzed here are aligned within around 1° between the inner and outer disk. Further observations are needed to confirm a potential misalignment in IM Lup.
Evolution of the reservoirs of volatiles in the protosolar nebula
Authors: Schneeberger Antoine , Mousis Olivier , Aguichine Artyom , Lunine Jonathan I.
Published: January 2023

The supersolar abundances of volatiles observed in giant planets suggest that a compositional gradient was present at the time of their formation in the protosolar nebula. To explain this gradient, several studies have investigated the radial transport of trace species and the effect of icelines on the abundance profiles of solids and vapors formed in the disk. However, these models only consider the presence of solids in the forms of pure condensates or amorphous ice during the evolution of the protosolar nebula. They usually neglect the possible crystallization and destabilization of clathrates, along with the resulting interplay between the abundance of water and those of these crystalline forms. This study is aimed at pushing this kind of investigation further by considering all possible solid phases together in the protosolar nebula: pure condensates, amorphous ice, and clathrates. To this end, we used a one-dimensional (1D) protoplanetary disk model coupled with modules describing the evolution of trace species in the vapor phase, as well as the dynamics of dust and pebbles. Eleven key species are considered here, including H2O, CO, CO2, CH4, H2S, N2, NH3, Ar, Kr, Xe, and PH3. Two sets of initial conditions are explored for the protosolar nebula. In a first scenario, the disk is initially filled with icy grains in the forms of pure condensates. In this case, we show that clathrates can crystallize and form enrichment peaks up to about ten times the initial abundances at their crystallization lines. In a second scenario, the volatiles were delivered to the protosolar nebula in the forms of amorphous grains. In this case, the presence of clathrates is not possible because there is no available crystalline water ice in their formation region. Enrichment peaks of pure condensates also form beyond the snowline up to about seven times the initial abundances. Our model can then be used to compare the compositions of its different volatile reservoirs with those of comet C/2016 R2 PanSTARRS, Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune. We find that the two investigated scenarios provide compositions of solids and vapors consistent with those observed in the bodies considered.
Application of dimensionality reduction and clustering algorithms for the classification of kinematic morphologies of galaxies
Authors: Rosito M. S. , Bignone L. A. , Tissera P. B. , Pedrosa S. E.
Published: January 2023

Context. The morphological classification of galaxies is considered a relevant issue and can be approached from different points of view. The increasing growth in the size and accuracy of astronomical data sets brings with it the need for the use of automatic methods to perform these classifications.

Aims. The aim of this work is to propose and evaluate a method for the automatic unsupervised classification of kinematic morphologies of galaxies that yields a meaningful clustering and captures the variations of the fundamental properties of galaxies.

Methods.We obtained kinematic maps for a sample of 2064 galaxies from the largest simulation of the EAGLE project that mimics integral field spectroscopy images. These maps are the input of a dimensionality reduction algorithm followed by a clustering algorithm. We analysed the variation of physical and observational parameters among the clusters obtained from the application of this procedure to different inputs. The inputs studied in this paper are (a) line-of-sight velocity maps for the whole sample of galaxies observed at fixed inclinations; (b) line-of-sight velocity, dispersion, and flux maps together for the whole sample of galaxies observed at fixed inclinations; (c) line-of-sight velocity, dispersion, and flux maps together for two separate subsamples of edge-on galaxies with similar amount of rotation; and (d) line-of-sight velocity, dispersion, and flux maps together for galaxies from different observation angles mixed.

Results. The application of the method to solely line-of-sight velocity maps achieves a clear division between slow rotators (SRs) and fast rotators (FRs) and can differentiate rotation orientation. By adding the dispersion and flux information at the input, low-rotation edge-on galaxies are separated according to their shapes and, at lower inclinations, the clustering using the three types of maps maintains the overall information obtained using only the line-of-sight velocity maps. This method still produces meaningful groups when applied to SRs and FRs separately, but in the first case the division into clusters is less clear than when the input includes a variety of morphologies. When applying the method to a mixture of galaxies observed from different inclinations, we obtain results that are similar to those in our previous experiments with the advantage that in this case the input is more realistic. In addition, our method has proven to be robust: it consistently classifies the same galaxies viewed from different inclinations.
Type I X-ray bursts’ spectra and fuel composition from the atoll and transient source 4U 1730–22
Authors: Lu Yongqi , Li Zhaosheng , Pan Yuanyue , Yu Wenhui , Chen Yupeng , Ji Long , Ge Mingyu , Zhang Shu , Qu Jinlu , Song Liming , Falanga Maurizio
Published: January 2023

NICER observed two outbursts from the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1730–22 in 2021 and 2022, which showed a similar spectral evolution in the hardness-intensity diagram. Seventeen type I X-ray bursts were identified in both outbursts. The X-ray burst spectra showed clear deviations from the blackbody model, firstly ∼10 s after onset. Adding the enhanced persistent emission due to the Poynting-Robertson drag or the reflection from the accretion disk both significantly improved the fitting results. We found that 12 out of 17 X-ray bursts showed the photospheric radius expansion (PRE) characteristic. Considering the nine PRE bursts out of ten X-ray bursts observed by Insight-HXMT, 78% of bursts from 4U 1730–22 exhibited PRE. According to the burst rise time, the duration, the local accretion rate, and the burst fuel composition estimated from recurrence time, we propose that these PRE bursts were powered by pure helium. From the touchdown flux of PRE bursts, we estimate the source distance of d = 7.54 ± 0.46(X = 0) kpc for a canonical neutron star with MNS = 1.4 M⊙ and RNS = 10 km.
Free–free absorption parameters of Cassiopeia A from low-frequency interferometric observations
Authors: Stanislavsky Lev A. , Bubnov Igor N. , Konovalenko Aleksander A. , Stanislavsky Aleksander A. , Yerin Serge N.
Published: January 2023

Context. Cassiopeia A is one of the most extensively studied supernova remnants (SNRs) in our Galaxy. The analysis of its continuum spectrum through low-frequency observations plays an important role for understanding the evolution of the radio source and the propagation of synchrotron emission to observers through the SNR environment and the ionized interstellar medium.

Aims. In this paper we present measurements of the integrated spectrum of Cas A to characterize the properties of free–free absorption toward this SNR. We also add new measurements to track its slowly evolving and decreasing integrated flux density.

Methods. We used the Giant Ukrainian Radio Telescope (GURT) to measure the continuum spectrum of Cassiopeia A within the frequency range of 16–72 MHz. The radio flux density of Cassiopeia A relative to the reference source of the radio galaxy Cygnus A was measured in May–October 2019 with two subarrays of the GURT, used as a two-element correlation interferometer.

Results. We determine magnitudes of emission measure, electron temperature, and an average number of charges of the ions for both internal and external absorbing ionized gas toward Cassiopeia A. Generally, their values are comparable, albeit with slight differences, to recently presented values. In the absence of clumping, we find that the unshocked ejecta of M = 2.61 M⊙ at the electron density of 15.3 cm−3 has a gas temperature of T ≈ 100 K. If the clumping factor is 0.67, then the unshocked ejecta of 0.96 M⊙ has an electron density of 18.7 cm−3.

Conclusions. The integrated flux density spectrum of Cassiopeia A obtained with the GURT interferometric observations is consistent with the theoretical model within measurement errors and also reasonably consistent with other recent results in the literature.
How noise thresholds affect the information content of stellar flare sequences
Authors: Rivera Elmer C. , Johnson Jay R. , Homan Jonathan , Wing Simon
Published: January 2023

Systems that exhibit discrete dynamics can be well described and reconstructed by considering the set of time intervals between the discrete events of the system. TheKeplersatellite has cataloged light curves for many Sun-like stars, and these light curves show strong bursts in intensity that are associated with stellar flares. The waiting time between these flares describes the fundamental dynamics of the stars and is driven by physical processes, such as flux emergence. While it is rather straightforward to identify large flares, the identification of weaker flares can be challenging because of the presence of noise. A common practice is to limit flare identification to events stronger than a threshold value that significantly exceeds the noise level (kσ), whereσis the standard deviation of the fluctuations about the detrended light curve. However, the selection of thek-value is normally made based on an empirical rule (typicallyk = 3), which can lead to a biased threshold level. This study examines the information content in the waiting time sequence of enhancements in the light curve of a solar-type star (KIC 7985370) as a function of threshold. Information content is quantified by the mutual information between successive flare waiting times. It is found that the information content increases as the threshold is reduced fromk = 3 tok = 1.56, in contrast with the notion that low amplitude enhancements are simply random noise. However, belowk = 1.56 the information content dramatically decreases, consistent with shot noise. The information that is detected atk = 1.56 and above is similar to that of solar flares and indicates a significant relationship between the low amplitude enhancements, suggesting that many of those events are likely flares. We suggest that mutual information could be used to identify a threshold that maximizes the information content of the flare sequence, making it possible to extract more flare information from stellar light curves.