bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The efficiency of tumble finishing as a final post-treatment for fatigue enhancement of notched laser powder bed fusion AlSi10Mg
Authors: Maleki Erfan , Bagherifard Sara , Unal Okan , Revuru Manoj , Bandini Michele , Guagliano Mario
Published: March 2023

A hybrid post-treatment combining tumble finishing as a final step after shot peening and heat treatment was developed to alleviate the adverse effects of internal and surface defects on the fatigue performance of laser powder bed fusion AlSi10Mg samples. The effects of each post-treatment were investigated individually and synergistically on microstructure, surface morphology and roughness, hardness, residual stresses, porosity, and rotating bending fatigue behavior of V-notched AlSi10Mg samples. The results reveal that tumble finishing can highly reduce surface roughness by 28 and 32% compared to the as-built and heat-treated states while inducing extra surface layer hardening and compressive residual stresses. The hybrid post-treatment of heat treatment + shot peening + tumble finishing significantly increased the fatigue life of the samples by over 500 times higher compared to the as-built series.
An econometric analysis for the determinants of flight speed in the air transport of passengers
Authors: de Almeida Eric Eduardo , Oliveira Alessandro V. M.
Published: March 2023

Accurately determining an aircraft's flight speed is crucial for optimizing airline performance, as it directly impacts factors such as fuel consumption and emissions. Flying at speeds higher than what is recommended by the manufacturer can result in increased fuel burn. However, flying at slower speeds may lead to longer flight times and competitive disadvantages for airlines as passengers typically prefer shorter travel times. This study empirically investigates the driving forces in the decision-making process of airlines when setting flight speeds to reduce costs while maintaining the quality of service provided to customers. We develop econometric models of planned flight cruise speed and actual mean flight speed. We analyze a vast amount of data, comprising millions of domestic flights within Brazil. Our results allow for policy recommendations that identify opportunities for improvements in airline flight operations optimization, with implications for the environmental footprint of commercial aviation.
Use of laboratory-developed assays in global HIV-1 treatment-monitoring and research
Authors: Malisa Jemima , Manak Mark , Michelo Clive , Imami Nesrina , Kibirige Catherine N.
Published: March 2023

There has been a surge in the emergence of HIV-1 drug resistance in Low and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) due to poor drug-adherence and limited access to viral load testing, the current standard for treatment-monitoring. It is estimated that only 75% of people living with HIV (PLWH) worldwide have access to viral load testing. In LMICs, this figure is below 50%. In a recent WHO survey in mostly LMICs, 21 out of 30 countries surveyed found HIV-1 first-line pre-treatment drug resistance in over 10% of study participants. In the worst-affected regions, up to 68% of infants born to HIV-1 positive mothers were found to harbour first-line HIV-1 treatment resistance. This is a huge public health concern. Greater access to treatment-monitoring is required in LMICs if the UNAIDS “third 95” targets are to be achieved by 2030. Here, we review the current challenges of viral load testing and present the case for greater utilization of Laboratory-based assays that quantify intracellular HIV-1 RNA and/or DNA to provide broader worldwide access to HIV-1 surveillance, drug-resistance monitoring, and cure-research.
Extracellular vesicles are dynamic regulators of maternal glucose homeostasis during pregnancy
Authors: Zierden Hannah C. , Marx-Rattner Ruth , Rock Kylie D. , Montgomery Kristen R. , Anastasiadis Pavlos , Folts Lillian , Bale Tracy L.
Published: March 2023

Homeostatic regulation of the maternal milieu during pregnancy is critical for maternal and fetal health. The placenta facilitates critical communication between maternal and fetal compartments, in part, through the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs enable tissue synchrony via cell–cell and long-distance communication and are at their highest circulating concentration during pregnancy. While much work has been done investigating how physiological challenges in pregnancy affect the fetus, the role of placental communication in maternal health has not been well examined. We previously identified placental O-glycosyl transferase (OGT), a glucose-sensing enzyme, as a target of maternal stress where OGT levels and activity affected the O-glycosylation of proteins critical for EV cargo loading and secretion. Here, we hypothesized that placental OGT plays an essential role in maternal homeostatic regulation during pregnancy via its regulation of maternal circulating EV concentrations. Our studies found that changes to key metabolic factors over the circadian cycle, including glucocorticoids, insulin, and glucose, were significantly associated with changes in circulating EV concentration. Targeting placental OGT in mice, we found a novel significant positive relationship between placental OGT and maternal circulating EV concentration that was associated with improving maternal glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Finally, an intravenous elevation in EVs, matching the concentration of EVs during pregnancy, shifted non-pregnant female glucose sensitivity, blunted glucose variance, and improved synchrony of glucose uptake. These data suggest an important and novel role for circulating EVs as homeostatic regulators important in maternal health during pregnancy.
Influence of altered serum and muscle concentrations of BDNF on electrophysiological properties of spinal motoneurons in wild-type and BDNF-knockout rats
Authors: Grzelak Norbert , Krutki Piotr , Bączyk Marcin , Kaczmarek Dominik , Mrówczyński Włodzimierz
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to determine whether altered serum and/or muscle concentrations of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) can modify the electrophysiological properties of spinal motoneurons (MNs). This study was conducted in wild-type and Bdnf heterozygous knockout rats (HET, SD-BDNF). Rats were divided into four groups: control, knockout, control trained, and knockout trained. The latter two groups underwent moderate-intensity endurance training to increase BDNF levels in serum and/or hindlimb muscles. BDNF and other neurotrophic factors (NFs), including glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), nerve growth factor (NGF), and neurotrophin-4 (NT-4) were assessed in serum and three hindlimb muscles: the tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), and soleus (Sol). The concentrations of tropomyosin kinase receptor B (Trk-B), interleukin-15 (IL-15), and myoglobin (MYO/MB) were also evaluated in these muscles. The electrophysiological properties of lumbar MNs were studied in vivo using whole-cell current-clamp recordings. Bdnf knockout rats had reduced levels of all studied NFs in serum but not in hindlimb muscles. Interestingly, decreased serum NF levels did not influence the electrophysiological properties of spinal MNs. Additionally, endurance training did not change the serum concentrations of any of the NFs tested but significantly increased BDNF and GDNF levels in the TA and MG muscles in both trained groups. Furthermore, the excitability of fast MNs was reduced in both groups of trained rats. Thus, changes in muscle (but not serum) concentrations of BDNF and GDNF may be critical factors that modify the excitability of spinal MNs after intense physical activity.
Automation of flow analysis in scleral vessels based on descriptive-associative algorithms
Authors: Kerimkhan Bekzhan , Nedzved Alexander , Zhumadillayeva Ainur , Dyussekeyev Kanagat , Uskenbayeva Gulzhan , Sultanova Bakhyt , Rzayeva Leila
Published: March 2023

Blood flow reflects the eye's health and is disrupted in many diseases. Many pathological processes take place at the cellular level like as microcirculation of blood in vessels, and the processing of medical images is a difficult recognition task. Existing techniques for measuring blood flow are limited due to the complex assumptions, equipment and calculations requirements. In this paper, we propose a method for determining the blood flow characteristics in eye conjunctiva vessels, such as linear and volumetric blood speed and topological characteristics of the vascular net. The method preprocesses the video to improve the conditions of analysis and then builds an integral optical flow for definition of flow dynamical characteristic of eye vessels. These characteristics make it possible to determine changes in blood flow in eye vessels. We show the efficiency of our method in natural eye vessel scenes. The research provides valuable insights to novices with limited experience in the diagnosis and can serve as a valuable tool for experienced medical professionals.
Rectifying interphases for preventing Li dendrite propagation in solid-state electrolytes
Authors: Yao Xuhui , Lu Xuekun , Zhou Yundong , Šamořil Tomáš , Bi Jinxin , Masteghin Mateus G. , Zhang Huixing , Askew Leslie , Kim JeongWon , Xiong Fangyu , Wang Jianan , Cox David C. , Sui Tan , Gilmore Ian , Silva S. Ravi P. , Mai Liqiang , Hinds Gareth , Shearing Paul R. , Park Juyeon , Zhao Yunlong
Published: March 2023

The concept of asymmetric electronic conductance is explored in solid-state batteries and realised by a p–n junction interphase, enabling dynamic dendrite-free operation via slow reductive generation and rapid oxidative elimination.
Purification and activity evaluation of novel anti-inflammatory peptides from pearl oyster (Pinctada martensii) hydrolysates
Authors: Shen Jinpeng , Zeng Manjia , Huang Pantian , Chen Bingbing , Xia Zhen , Cao Yong , Miao Jianyin
Published: March 2023

Pearl oyster meat, a by-product of pearl production, is rich in protein, but has a low utilization rate.
Coherent imaging and dynamics of excitons in MoSe2 monolayers epitaxially grown on hexagonal boron nitride
Authors: Połczyńska Karolina Ewa , Le Denmat Simon , Taniguchi Takashi , Watanabe Kenji , Potemski Marek , Kossacki Piotr , Pacuski Wojciech , Kasprzak Jacek
Published: March 2023

By performing ultrafast nonlinear spectroscopy, we assess the optical coherence of MoSe2 monolayers grown by molecular beam epitaxy.
Inhibiting Li+migration by thenoyltrifluoroacetone toward efficient and stable perovskite solar cells
Authors: Ma Yuting , Han Gaoyi , Yang Meiling , Guo Mengna , Xiao Yaoming , Guo Yao , Hou Wenjing
Published: March 2023

Thenoyltrifluoroacetone (TTA) modifies the perovskite/spiro-OMeTAD interface to inhibit Li+migration from the hole transport layer to the perovskite layer and improves the performance of perovskite solar cells.
Exploring the potential as molecular quantum-dot cellular automata of a mixed-valence Ru2 complex deposited on a Au(111) surface
Authors: Montenegro-Pohlhammer Nicolás , Palomino Carlos M. , Calzado Carmen J.
Published: March 2023

A Ru2+ complex deposited on a Au(111) surface in the presence of a counterion presents excess charge localized on one side of the molecule. The switching can be promoted by an applied electric field, E, stronger than the critical field strength Ec.
Theoretical study on structural and mechanical properties of Si-containing ternary transition metal nitrides M0.5Si0.5N (M = Ti, Zr, Hf)
Authors: Chen Lei , Xie Quanmin , Jia Yongsheng , Yao Yingkang
Published: March 2023

Ti0.5Si0.5N within the hexagonal structure displayed much improved ideal indentation shear strength up to 30 GPa.
Outstanding visible light photocatalysis using nano-TiO2 hybrids with nitrogen-doped carbon quantum dots and/or reduced graphene oxide
Authors: Baragau Ioan-Alexandru , Buckeridge John , Nguyen Kiem G. , Heil Tobias , Sajjad Muhammad Tariq , Thomson Stuart A. J. , Rennie Alistair , Morgan David J. , Power Nicholas P. , Nicolae Sabina Alexandra , Titirici Maria-Magdalena , Dunn Steve , Kellici Suela
Published: March 2023

A rapid synthesis of TiO2 hybrids with significant enhancement in photocatalytic activity is reported. Using state-of-the-art techniques including sophisticated DFT calculations, we report insight into the charge transfer and modulation of the energy band edges.
Electrodeposited NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3+ up-conversion films for flexible neural device construction and near-infrared optogenetics
Authors: Zhang Xuran , Ding Jianfei , Zou Liang , Tian Huihui , Fang Ying , Wang Jinfen
Published: March 2023

A multifunctional neural device has been developed by integrating microfabricated flexible microelectrodes and electrodeposited NaYF4:Yb3+: Er3+ up-conversion films, allowing simultaneous electrophysiological recording and near-infrared optogenetics.
Environment effects upon electrodeposition of thin film copper oxide nanomaterials
Authors: Buckingham Mark A. , Xiao Weichen , Ward-O’Brien Brendan , Yearsley Kathryn , Zulfiqar Usama , F. Spencer Ben , Matthews Allan , Lewis David J.
Published: March 2023

We set out to assess the electrochemical synthesis of Cu2O nanomaterials using a range of electrolytes from mono-anionic and mixed anionic solutions and the effect this has on the morphology, size, concentration, and optoelectronic properties.
Cytotoxic cis-ruthenium(iii) bis(amidine) complexes
Authors: Liu Tao , Pan Chen , Shi Huatian , Huang Tao , Huang Yong-Liang , Deng Yang-Yang , Ni Wen-Xiu , Man Wai-Lun
Published: March 2023

Ruthenium(iii) bis(amidine) complexes in cis geometry are potential anti-cancer agents. The representative complex induces cell cycle arrest and caspase-mediated mitochondrial pathway apoptosis.
A fluorophore anchored MOF for fast and sensitive sensing of Cu(ii) and 3-nitrotyrosine in a physiological medium
Authors: Mukherjee Srijan , Sarkar Kabita , Biswas Shyam
Published: March 2023

A highly fluorescent dansyl functionalized Hf-MOF has shown ultra-fast and ultra-sensitive fluorescence sensing of Cu(ii) and 3-nitrotyrosine (biomarker) in a physiological medium.
Structural characterization of a sulfated polysaccharide from Gracilariopsis lemaneiformis and its potentiation of cisplatin antitumor activity in Colon-26 carcinoma tumor-bearing mice by inducing ferroptosis
Authors: Cai Bingna , Luo Lianxiang , Chen Xiaodan , Zhao Xiangtan , He Jiake , Chen Hua , Wan Peng , Chen Deke , Pan Jianyu
Published: March 2023

The G. lemaneiformis polysaccharide GP90 potentiates chemotherapy sensitivity by targeting the transferrin receptor and SLC7A11/Gpx4 pathway to induce ferroptosis.
Multi-omics analysis detected multiple pathways by which pomegranate punicalagin exerts its biological effects in modulating host–microbiota interactions in murine colitis models
Authors: Liu Fang , Smith Allen D. , Wang Thomas T. Y. , Pham Quynhchi , Yang Haiyan , Li Robert W.
Published: March 2023

As one of the key bioactive ingredients in pomegranate, punicalagin (PA) is potent in modulating gut microbial interactions and alleviating colitis-related pathology.
Texture properties of foods targeted for individuals with limited oral processing capabilities: the elderly, dysphagia, and head and neck cancer patients
Authors: Makame James , Nolden Alissa A. , Emmambux M Naushad
Published: March 2023

Food texture is important for food enjoyment and modulation of food intake, particularly in individuals with limited oral processing capabilities (OPC), such as the elderly, dysphagia, and head and neck cancer (HNC) patients.
Chloride-assisted synthesis of tellurene directly on SiO2/Si substrates: growth mechanism, thermal properties, and device applications
Authors: Chan Yi-Hsun , Lin Che-Yi , Chou Yu-Chang , Chang Alice Chinghsuan , Lin Yen-Fu , Chen Yu-Ze
Published: March 2023

The tellurene flakes display outstanding structure stability over 30 days under ambient exposure and reveal the abnormal thermal conductance across grain boundary by exploiting SThM.
Design of a self-cleanable multilevel anticounterfeiting interface through covalent chemical modulation
Authors: Dhar Manideepa , Kara Ufuoma I. , Das Supriya , Xu Yang , Mandal Sohini , Dupont Robert L. , Boerner Eric C. , Chen Boyuan , Yao Yuxing , Wang Xiaoguang , Manna Uttam
Published: March 2023

A multilevel anticounterfeiting coating is developed by combining unclonable features, fluorescence, bio-inspired extreme water repellence, and controlled water adhesion following 1,4-conjugated addition and Schiff-base reaction.
An efficient and scalable synthesis of a persistent abscisic acid analog (+)-tetralone ABA
Authors: Diddi Naveen , Lai Leon , Nguyen Christine Ha , Yan Dawei , Nambara Eiji , Abrams Suzanne
Published: March 2023

An efficient and scalable synthesis of persistent abscisic acid analog (+)-tetralone ABA. (+)-Me ABA was converted to (+)-tetralone Me ABA through a one-pot regioselective Knoevenagel condensation, cyclization, and oxidation.
Fast and stable charge transfer at the lithium–sulfide (electrolyte) interface via an in situ solidified Li+-conductive interlayer
Authors: Wang Ya-Hui , Zhang Xu-Sheng , Li Cai-Cai , Zeng Hao , Chen Zhe , Zhang Liang , Zheng Jin-Chi , Luo Yuan , Xin Sen , Guo Yu-Guo
Published: March 2023

By applying a LiF-rich in situ solidified Li+-conductive interlayer, the interfacial contact and charge transfer stability between LPS and Li metal are notably improved, which leads to dendrite-free Li plating/stripping at the interface.
β-Trifluorosulfinylesters: tuneable reagents for switchable trifluoromethylsulfinylation and C–H trifluoromethylthiolation
Authors: Liu Wen , Zhang Yan , Xing Shuya , Lan Huilin , Chen Xinrui , Bai Ying , Shao Xinxin
Published: March 2023

β-Trifluorosulfinylesters, a family of novel reagents from commercially available starting materials for direct trifluoromethylthiolation and trifluoromethylsulfinylation were developed.
Construction of alkynyl and acyl disulfides directly through thiol-modification withN-alkynylthio phthalimides under acid catalysis
Authors: Xue Yao-Nan , Feng Kai , Tian Jun , Zhang Juan , Chang Hong-Hong , Gao Wen-Chao
Published: March 2023

Acid-catalyzed disulfuration and rearrangement have been disclosed for the construction of alkynyl or acyl disulfides from thiols andN-alkynylthio phthalimides, enabling access to disulfide-modified thiodrugs, thiopeptides and thioglycosides.
Unidirectional drying of a suspension of diffusiophoretic colloids under gravity
Authors: Xu Jinjie , Wang Zhikui , Chu Henry C. W.
Published: March 2023

We conduct numerical simulations and develop a macrotransport theory to show a diffusiophoresis-based, order-of-magnitude enhancement in the thickness of the colloidal layer produced by unidirectional drying of an electrolyte-colloid suspension.
Preparation of a single and reusable biopolymer-based film for the extraction and preconcentration of anti-inflammatory drugs from environmental water samples
Authors: Aguinaga Martínez Maite V. , Domini Claudia E. , Acebal Carolina C.
Published: March 2023

A single and biodegradable MWCNTs-agarose film was prepared for NSAIDs extraction from surface waters. The film was reused 50 times without losing its extraction capacity and satisfactory LODs were achieved.
Optical, electrochemical and photophysical analyses of heteroleptic luminescent Ln(iii) complexes for lighting applications
Authors: Hooda Anjli , Singh Devender , Dalal Anuj , Nehra Kapeesha , Kumar Sumit , Malik Rajender Singh , Kumar Ramesh , Kumar Parvin
Published: March 2023

A series of lanthanide complexes have been synthesized with fluorinated 1,3-diketones and heteroaromatic ancillary moieties.
Exploring novel derivatives of isatin-based Schiff bases as multi-target agents: design, synthesis,in vitrobiological evaluation, andin silicoADMET analysis with molecular modeling simulations
Authors: Hassan Ashraf S. , Morsy Nesrin M. , Aboulthana Wael M. , Ragab Ahmed
Published: March 2023

Recently, scientists developed a powerful strategy called “one drug-multiple targets” to discover vital and unique therapies to fight the most challenging diseases.
Controlling barrier height and spectral responsivity of p–i–n based GeSn photodetectors via arsenic incorporation
Authors: Nawwar Mohamed A. , Abo Ghazala Magdy S. , Sharaf El-Deen Lobna M. , Anis Badawi , El-Shaer Abdelhamid , Elseman Ahmed Mourtada , Rashad Mohamed M. , Kashyout Abd El-hady B.
Published: March 2023

Metal induced crystallization (MIC), strained Ge doped with Sn and As, p–i–n photodetectors, tuned direct transitions, spectral responsivity.
Unravelling the doping effect of potassium ions on structural modulation and photocatalytic activity of graphitic carbon nitride
Authors: Peng Chengyu , Lu Rong , Yu Anchi
Published: March 2023

The greater inducing effect than the disturbing effect of K ions results in the improved crystallinity and enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen evolution activity of graphitic carbon nitride.
An orthogonally activatable CRISPR-Cas13d nanoprodrug to reverse chemoresistance for enhanced chemo-photodynamic therapy
Authors: Liu Zheng , Feng Zhiyuan , Chen Mohan , Zhan Jiayin , Wu Rong , Shi Yang , Xue Yunsheng , Liu Ran , Zhu Jun-Jie , Zhang Jingjing
Published: March 2023

A logic-gated CRISPR-Cas13d-based nanoprodrug was rationally designed for orthogonal photomodulation of gene editing and prodrug release for enhanced chemo-photodynamic therapy.
Synthesis of triarylmethanes by silyl radical-mediated cross-coupling of aryl fluorides and arylmethanes
Authors: Zhou Jun , Zhao Zhengyu , Jiang Bingyao , Yamamoto Katsuhiro , Sumii Yuji , Shibata Norio
Published: March 2023

Silylboronate-mediated radical cross-coupling of aryl fluorides with arylalkanes is disclosed for the efficient defluoroalkylation enabling a mild construction of a new C–C bond by selectively coupling a C(sp2)–F and C(sp3)–H bond.
A rare isocyanide derived from an unprecedented neutral yttrium(ii) bis(amide) complex
Authors: Jena Rashmi , Benner Florian , Delano Francis , Holmes Daniel , McCracken John , Demir Selvan , Odom Aaron L.
Published: March 2023

A room temperature stable Y(ii)bis(amide) has been prepared and fully characterized. The complex reacts withtert-butylisocyanide to make a rare example of a transition metal isocyanide, CN–Y(NHAr*)2.
Two-dimensional peptide nanosheets functionalized with gold nanorods for photothermal therapy of tumors
Authors: Kong Hao , Han Jinru , Yang Ming , Lai Liangxue , Sun Yabing , Luan Xin , Ren Wenzhi , Wu Aiguo , Wei Gang
Published: March 2023

Self-assembled peptide nanosheets functionalized with gold nanorods provide a functional nanoplatform for photothermal therapy of tumors.
Engineering large perpendicular magnetic anisotropy in amorphous ferrimagnetic gadolinium cobalt alloys
Authors: Srinivasan Karthik , Chen Yulan , Cestarollo Ludovico , Dare Darrah K. , Wright John G. , El-Ghazaly Amal
Published: March 2023

Varying strengths of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, required for spintronics and high-frequency applications, are engineered in amorphous GdCo through stoichiometric changes, oxygenation and multi-repetition heterostructures.
Wavelength-adaptive optical angular momentum recognizer via programmable soft materials
Authors: Sun Pei-Zhi , Wang Xiao-Qian , Wang Yi-Fei , Yuan Cong-Long , Shen Dong , Zheng Zhi-Gang
Published: March 2023

Nematic liquid crystals (NLCs) with great spectral adaptability and prompt switch are programmed to recognize the angular momentum of light, and an information encoding and processing system is established.
Neurochemical effects of sepsis on the brain
Authors: Barichello Tatiana , Giridharan Vijayasree V , Catalão Carlos Henrique R , Ritter Cristiane , Dal-Pizzol Felipe
Published: March 2023

Sepsis is a life-threatening organ dysfunction triggered by a dysregulated host immune response to eliminate an infection. After the host immune response is activated, a complex, dynamic, and time-dependent process is triggered. This process promotes the production of inflammatory mediators, including acute-phase proteins, complement system proteins, cytokines, chemokines, and antimicrobial peptides, which are required to initiate an inflammatory environment for eliminating the invading pathogen. The physiological response of this sepsis-induced systemic inflammation can affect blood–brain barrier (BBB) function; subsequently, endothelial cells produce inflammatory mediators, including cytokines, chemokines, and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade tight junction (TJ) proteins and decrease BBB function. The resulting BBB permeability allows peripheral immune cells from the bloodstream to enter the brain, which then release a range of inflammatory mediators and activate glial cells. The activated microglia and astrocytes release reactive oxygen species (ROS), cytokines, chemokines, and neurochemicals, initiate mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal damage, and exacerbate the inflammatory milieu in the brain. These changes trigger sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE), which has the potential to increase cognitive deterioration and susceptibility to cognitive decline later in life.
Consumer Survey on Hearing Aid Benefit and Satisfaction
Authors: Bannon Larissa , Picou Erin M. , Bailey Abram , Manchaiah Vinaya
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

There is unexplained variability in self-reported hearing aid outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate determinants of hearing aid benefit and satisfaction ratings using a large-scale customer survey and to analyze the relation between demographic variables, hearing aid attributes, benefit, and satisfaction.

Method:

The study used a retrospective design wherein 2,109 hearing aid users, recruited by Hearing Tracker and Hearing Loss Association of America, completed an online survey. The survey included questions about demographics, perceived hearing loss, devices, service delivery, cost, benefit, and satisfaction. The analytic approach included descriptive summaries and regression models to evaluate potential determinants of hearing aid benefit and satisfaction ratings.

Results:

Hearing aid sound quality, fit and comfort, and battery life were related to both benefit and satisfaction. Respondents who rated these outcomes favorably were also likely to benefit from, and be satisfied with, their hearing aids. Benefit was also related to degree of hearing loss, hearing aid experience, and cost. Hearing aid users with greater self-perceived hearing loss, more hearing aid experience, and more expensive hearing aids reported more benefit. Satisfaction was also related to age, employment status, and brand. Younger respondents, those who were students, and those using certain brands reported more satisfaction.

Conclusions:

The results highlight importance of good hearing aid outcomes (quality, fit/comfort, and battery life) for benefit and satisfaction ratings. Professionals who fit hearing aids should strive to focus on achieving these outcomes and researchers should strive to explain the remaining variability in ratings of benefit and satisfaction.

Supplemental Material:

https://doi.org/10.23641/asha.22280854
Medial Olivocochlear Reflex Strength in Ears With Low-to-Moderate Annual Noise Exposure
Authors: Lewis James D. , Goettl-Meyer Morgaine , Lee Donguk
Published: March 2023

Purpose:

Studies in lower mammals demonstrate enhancement of the medial olivocochlear reflex (MOCR) following noise exposure. A similar effect may occur in humans, and there is some evidence of an individual's acoustic history affecting the MOCR. The current work evaluates the relationship between an individual's annual noise exposure history and their MOCR strength. Given the potential role of the MOCR as a biological hearing protector, it is important to identify factors associated with MOCR strength.

Method:

Data were collected from 98 normal-hearing young adults. Annual noise exposure history was estimated using the Noise Exposure Questionnaire. MOCR strength was assayed using click-evoked otoacoustic emissions (CEOAEs) measured with and without noise presented to the contralateral ear. MOCR metrics included the MOCR-induced otoacoustic emission (OAE) magnitude shift and phase shift. A CEOAE signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of at least 12 dB was required for estimation of the MOCR metrics. Linear regression was applied to evaluate the relationship between MOCR metrics and annual noise exposure.

Results:

Annual noise exposure was not a statistically significant predictor of the MOCR-induced CEOAE magnitude shift. However, annual noise exposure was a statistically significant predictor of the MOCR-induced CEOAE phase shift—the MOCR-induced phase shift decreased with increasing noise exposure. Additionally, annual noise exposure was a statistically significant predictor of OAE level.

Conclusions:

Findings contrast with recent work that suggests MOCR strength increases with annual noise exposure. Compared with previous work, data for this study were collected using more stringent SNR criteria, which is expected to increase the precision of the MOCR metrics. Additionally, data were collected for a larger subject population with a wider range of noise exposures. Whether findings generalize to other exposure durations and levels is unknown and requires future study.
Audio–visual keyword transformer for unconstrained sentence‐level keyword spotting
Authors: Li Yidi , Ren Jiale , Wang Yawei , Wang Guoquan , Li Xia , Liu Hong
Published: March 2023

As one of the most effective methods to improve the accuracy and robustness of speech tasks, the audio–visual fusion approach has recently been introduced into the field of Keyword Spotting (KWS). However, existing audio–visual keyword spotting models are limited to detecting isolated words, while keyword spotting for unconstrained speech is still a challenging problem. To this end, an Audio–Visual Keyword Transformer (AVKT) network is proposed to spot keywords in unconstrained video clips. The authors present a transformer classifier with learnable CLS tokens to extract distinctive keyword features from the variable‐length audio and visual inputs. The outputs of audio and visual branches are combined in a decision fusion module. As humans can easily notice whether a keyword appears in a sentence or not, our AVKT network can detect whether a video clip with a spoken sentence contains a pre‐specified keyword. Moreover, the position of the keyword is localised in the attention map without additional position labels. Experimental results on the LRS2‐KWS dataset and our newly collected PKU‐KWS dataset show that the accuracy of AVKT exceeded 99% in clean scenes and 85% in extremely noisy conditions. The code is available at https://github.com/jialeren/AVKT.
Robust blind space‐time adaptive processing for measurement error mitigation in GNSS receivers
Authors: He Yuxin , Zhuang Xuebin , Hou Yanqing , Wu Linghua
Published: March 2023

The measurement errors induced by the space‐time adaptive processing (STAP) is gaining attention for its significant detriment to the precision of the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receiver positioning. To mitigate measurement errors, the steering vector (SV) estimation method based on spreading is widely employed in measurement error mitigation algorithms. However, the hazard of the SV estimation fluctuation problem is ignored in these algorithms. In this paper, the specific harm of such SV estimation fluctuation problem is analysed. To alleviate such problem and to eliminate the measurement errors as much as possible, a robust STAP beamformer for GNSS receivers is proposed. First, to acquire a series of robust SVs in different integration times, a desired signal covariance (DSC) matrix is iteratively reconstructed to remove the disturbance from thermal noise and the residual jamming signals. Second, to eliminate measurement errors, a replacement matrix is formed to help guarantee the phase linearities of the tapped delay lines (TDLs). Numerical examples demonstrate that the method can achieve a set of stable SV estimations and linear phase TDLs, leading to a carrier‐to‐noise‐power ratio () of more than 50 dBHz and a code phase bias of less than 3.4 m, which outperform the methods used for comparison.
SS‐Norm: Spectral‐spatial normalization for single‐domain generalization with application to retinal vessel segmentation
Authors: Liu Yi‐Peng , Zeng Dongxu , Li Zhanqing , Chen Peng , Liang Ronghua
Published: March 2023

Retinal vessel segmentation is an important computer vision task for eye retinopathy diagnosis. In the real scenarios, most datasets of source domain and target domain have distribution deviation, and the model often fails to generate accurate segmentation results due to the lack of data variation in single‐source domain, which damages the generalization ability to unseen target domains and may mislead doctors or artificial intelligence model in the following diseases diagnosis. Feature normalization is one feasible solution which can standardize data into uniform and stable distribution without additional data. However, the existing methods like batch normalization, uniform the data by global parameters. This leads to insufficient representation of important semantic information in the local region. To address this problem, the authors propose the spectral‐spatial normalization (SS‐Norm) module to enhance the generalization ability of the model. More specifically, the authors perform a discrete cosine transform (DCT) to decompose the feature into multiple frequency components and to analyze the semantic contribution degree of each component. By learning a spectral vector, the authors reweight the frequency components of features and therefore normalize the distribution in the spectral domain. Extensive experiments on six datasets prove the effectiveness of the authors’ methods.
Influence of Hibiscus tilliaceus Extract and Suspension on Echerichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus Growth
Authors: Kartika Putri Oktavina , Oktavia Rahayu Lina , Febri Hadiwibowo Gardiani , Kusumawati Yuly , Nisar Asma
Published: March 2023

This research aims to know the influence of suspension compared to its crude extract on antibacterial activity, especially for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus. An independent t-test was used as statistical analysis. The yield of the thick extract obtained was 11.153 % ± 1.032 % and it gave an inhibition zone of 7.878 mm ± 0.301 mm for Escherichia coli and 7.484 mm ± 0.636 mm for Staphylococcus aureus. While the suspensions gave an inhibitory zone of 6.293 mm ± 0.754 mm and 5.140 mm ± 0.121 mm for Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus in sequence. The extract’s particle size followed by suspension was 951.167 mm ± 113.662 nm and 474.000 mm ± 38.500 nm. The independent t-test results showed that the extract and suspension significantly influenced the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli with sig values of 0.012 and 0.028. In conclusion, the extract had a greater effect than the suspension on the growth of Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli.
Directionality for nuclear recoils in a LAr TPC
Authors: Pino N. , Agnes P. , Ahmad I. , Albergo S. , Albuquerque I. , Ave M. , Bonivento W. M. , Bottino B. , Cadeddu M. , Caminata A. , Canci N. , Cappello G. , Caravati M. , Catalanotti S. , Cataudella V. , Cesarano R. , Cicalò C. , Covone G. , de Candia A. , De Filippis G. , De Rosa G. , Dell’Aquila D. , Davini S. , Dionisi C. , Dolganov G. , Fiorillo G. , Franco D. , Galbiati C. , Gulino M. , Ippolito V. , Kemmerich N. , Kimura M. , Kuss M. , La Commara M. , Li X. , Mari S. M. , Martoﬀ C. J. , Matteucci G. , Oleynikov V. , Pallavicini M. , Pandola L. , Rescigno M. , Rode J. , Sanﬁlippo S. , Sosa A. , Suvorov Y. , Testera G. , Tricomi A. , Wada M. , Wang H. , Wang Y. , Zakhary P.
Published: March 2023

In the direct searches for Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) as Dark Matter candidates, the sensitivity of the detector to the incom- ing particle direction could provide a smoking gun signature for an interesting event. The SCENE collaboration ﬁrstly suggested the possible directional de- pendence of a dual-phase argon Time Projection Chamber through the columnar recombination eﬀect. The Recoil Directionality project (ReD) within the Global Argon Dark Matter Collaboration aims to characterize the light and charge re- sponse of a liquid Argon dual-phase TPC to neutron-induced nuclear recoils to probe for the hint by SCENE. In this work, the directional sensitivity of the de- tector in the energy range of interest for WIMPs (20-100 keV) is investigated with a data-driven analysis involving a Machine Learning algorithm.
Overview of feebly interacting particle in indirect detection searches
Authors: Federica Giacchino
Published: March 2023

Axion-like particles (ALPs) as feebly interacting particles (FIPs) candidate have generated a lot of interest in the recent years. Stars are good FIPs factories and consequently those particle can be de- tected through their interaction with the interstellar medium or decay in standard particles. Brielly, I will illustrate how high-energy astro- physics observations can be exploited to set constraints to ALPs model and to the ASTRO-MeV gap problem.
Sensitivity of KM3NeT/ARCA to a flux of nuclearites
Authors: Păun Alice , Păvălaş Gabriela , Popa Vlad
Published: March 2023

Over the past decades, theories have predicted the existence of heavy compact objects containing an extremely dense form of exotic matter named Strange Quark Matter (SQM). This type of hypothetical matter is composed of nearly equal quantities of up, down and strange quarks and is supposed to be the ground state of Quantum Chromodynamics. Nuclearites are the massive component of SQM particles. Some studies show that nuclearites heavier than 1013 GeV with velocities of approximately 250 km/s could reach the Earth and could be observed by neutrino telescopes. In this paper, Monte Carlo simulations are used in order to evaluate the preliminary results on the sensitivity of KM3NeT/ARCA to a flux of down-going nuclearites.
Prise en charge prénatale des obstacles sous-vésicaux
Authors: Vinit Nicolas , Ville Yves , Blanc Thomas
Published: March 2023

Les résultats du traitement prénatal des obstacles sous-vésicaux sont souvent mitigés en termes de bénéfices sur la fonction rénale. Devant le diagnostic prénatal de mégavessie fœtale persistante, aucun signe échographique ne permet actuellement de déterminer avec certitude la cause de l’obstacle. La cystoscopie fœtale, qui consiste en l’exploration endoscopique de la vessie, pourrait permettre de déterminer la nature de l’obstacle et de le traiter éventuellement, en maintenant le cycle de réplétion/vidange vésicale. L’absence de critères de sélection des fœtus candidats à la cystoscopie fœtale et les difficultés techniques de sa réalisation limitent cependant son utilisation. Nous présentons dans cette revue les principes de cette intervention, les résultats obtenus et les limites, ainsi que les axes de recherches actuels.
A Step-by-Step Dissection of Cerebral Pathologies for Neurosurgical Trainees: The Middle Cerebral Artery Bifurcation Aneurysm
Authors: Sannwald Lennart Wilhelm , Moskopp Mats Leif , Moskopp Dag
Published: March 2023

Background Aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage remains one of the most prevalent causes of strokes in the young causing a high socioeconomic damage. Both emergent and elective treatments of intracranial aneurysms remain essential challenges for neurovascular centers. We aim to present conceptual education on clip ligation of middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysms in an accessible and structured way to maximize the educational takeaway of residents from aneurysm cases.

Methods After 30 years of experience of the senior author in cerebrovascular surgery in three centers, we closely reviewed an exemplary case of elective right middle cerebral artery bifurcation aneurysm clipping and contrasted it to an alternative microneurosurgical approach to illustrate key principles of microneurosurgical clip ligation for neurosurgical trainees.

Results Dissection of the sylvian fissure, subfrontal approach to the optic-carotid complex, proximal control, aneurysm dissection, dissection of kissing branches, dissection of aneurysm fundus, temporary and permanent clipping, as well as aneurysm inspection and resection are highlighted as key steps of clip ligation. This proximal-to-distal approach is contrasted to the distal-to-proximal approach. Additionally, general principles of intracranial surgery such as use of retraction, arachnoid dissection, and draining of cerebrospinal fluid are addressed.

Conclusion Due to a constantly decreasing case load in the era of neurointerventionalism, the paradox of facing increased complexity with decreased experience must be met with a sophisticated practical and theoretical education of neurosurgical trainees early on and with a low threshold.
A Radiological Review of the Unusual Contents of Inguinal Region
Authors: Ganesan Gunalan , Ramachandran Rajoo , Raji Venkatesh Bala Raghu , Nandhakumar Subhashini , Rangasami Rajeswaran , Sai P.M. Venkata
Published: March 2023

Background The inguinal region is an area of complex anatomy that could contain diverse uncommon contents in routine clinical practice. Although inguinal hernia repair is one of the commonest surgeries done routinely, thorough preoperative imaging has a significant impact on the outcome of the surgery, by revealing the presence of unusual contents in the inguinal region.

Aim The aim of this article is to review the differential diagnosis of the uncommon inguinal pathologies, which can simulate an inguinal hernia, to determine, and to simplify the treatment approach.

Conclusions A profound understanding of the imaging characteristics of uncommon inguinal pathologies is crucial for both the radiologists (to prevent misdiagnosis) and the treating physicians (to avoid surgical complications) and ensure optimal management.
Pediatric Presentation of Antiphospholipid Syndrome: A Review of Recent Literature With Estimation of Local Prevalence
Authors: Radin Massimo , Cecchi Irene , Arbrile Marta , Montin Davide , Farinasso Loredana , Cioffi Michele , Foddai Silvia Grazietta , Barinotti Alice , Menegatti Elisa , Baldovino Simone , Sciascia Savino , Roccatello Dario
Published: March 2023

We aimed to investigate the epidemiology, the clinical and laboratory characteristics of the pediatric involvement of antiphospholipid syndrome (APS), by performing a review of the current evidence and reviewing local experience in the Northwest Italy. To achieve this, we performed a detailed literature search to identify articles describing clinical and laboratory characteristics of pediatric APS. In concomitance, we conducted a registry-based study collecting data from the Piedmont and Aosta Valley Rare Disease Registry including pediatric patients diagnosed with APS in the last 11 years. The literature review led to inclusion of six articles with a total of 386 pediatric patients (65% females, 50% with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as concomitant diagnosis). Rates of venous and arterial thrombosis were 57 and 35%, respectively. “Extra-criteria manifestations” included mostly hematologic and neurologic involvement. Almost one-quarter of patients (19%) reported recurrent events and 13% manifested as catastrophic APS. A total of 17 pediatric patients (mean age 15.1 ± 2.8, 76% female) developed APS in the Northwest of Italy. In 29% of cases, SLE was a concomitant diagnosis. Deep vein thrombosis was the most frequent manifestation (28%) followed by catastrophic APS (6%). The estimated prevalence of pediatric APS in Piedmont and Aosta Valley Region is 2.5/100,000 people, whereas the estimated annual incidence is 0.2/100,000 inhabitants. In conclusion, clinical manifestations of pediatric APS seem to be more severe and with a high prevalence of noncriteria manifestations. International efforts are needed to better characterize this condition and to develop new specific diagnostic criteria to avoid missed/delayed diagnosis in children with APS.
Pump–probe x-ray microscopy of photo-induced magnetization dynamics at MHz repetition rates
Authors: Gerlinger Kathinka , Pfau Bastian , Hennecke Martin , Kern Lisa-Marie , Will Ingo , Noll Tino , Weigand Markus , Gräfe Joachim , Träger Nick , Schneider Michael , Günther Christian M. , Engel Dieter , Schütz Gisela , Eisebitt Stefan
Published: March 2023

We present time-resolved scanning x-ray microscopy measurements with picosecond photo-excitation via a tailored infrared pump laser at a scanning transmission x-ray microscope. Specifically, we image the laser-induced demagnetization and remagnetization of thin ferrimagnetic GdFe films proceeding on a few nanoseconds timescale. Controlling the heat load on the sample via additional reflector and heatsink layers allows us to conduct destruction-free measurements at a repetition rate of 50 MHz. Near-field enhancement of the photo-excitation and controlled annealing effects lead to laterally heterogeneous magnetization dynamics which we trace with 30 nm spatial resolution. Our work opens new opportunities to study photo-induced dynamics on the nanometer scale, with access to picosecond to nanosecond time scales, which is of technological relevance, especially in the field of magnetism.
Ab initio materials design of superconductivity in d9 nickelates
Authors: Kitatani Motoharu , Nomura Yusuke , Hirayama Motoaki , Arita Ryotaro
Published: March 2023

Motivated by the recent theoretical materials design of superconducting d9 nickelates for which the charge transfer from the NiO2 layer to the block layer is completely suppressed [M. Hirayama et al., Phys. Rev. B 101, 075107 (2020)], we perform a calculation based on the dynamical vertex approximation and obtain the phase diagram of RbCa2NiO3 and A2NiO2Br2, where A is a cation with a valence of 2.5+. We show that the phase diagram of these nickelates exhibits the same essential features as those found in cuprates. Namely, superconductivity appears upon hole-doping into an antiferromagnetic Mott insulator, and the superconducting transition temperature shows a dome-like shape. This demonstrates that the electron correlations play an essential role in nickelate superconductors, and we can control them by changing block layers.
Research on energy acquisition technology based on one-dimensional acoustic black hole effect
Authors: Wang Hai , Zhang Zihao , Sun Hang , Li Henian , Tang Ye , Yang Chunlai
Published: March 2023

In this paper, a piezoelectric energy harvester based on periodic one-dimensional acoustic black holes (ABH) is proposed to improve efficiency. The harvesting performance of the energy harvester with different ABH-structures was numerically simulated through the commercial software, COMSOL Multiphysics. Finally, an experimental platform was set up to test several energy harvester samples. The results show that the energy aggregation effect of the bilateral ABH beam is better than that of the traditional ABH beam. In the optimal impedance matching, the maximum output power of the energy harvester with bilateral ABH type 3 is 112 mW, which is 2.8 times that of the energy harvester with traditional ABH. The simulation and experimental results show that the energy harvesting efficiency of the proposed ABH is much higher than that of the energy harvester with traditional ABH. It is expected to make some contributions to the further development of lightweight wireless sensors, equipment service life, bearing fault diagnosis, and so on.