Potential Strength Research Articles

Theoretical study on [formula omitted] and [formula omitted] correlation functions

We examine the Λ-4He (α) and Ξα momentum correlation in high-energy collisions to further elucidate the properties of the hyperon–nucleon interactions. For the Λα system, we compare Λα potential models with different strengths at short range. We find that the difference among the models is visible in the momentum correlation from a small-size source. This indicates that the Λα momentum correlation can constrain the property of the ΛN interaction at short range, which plays an essential role in dense nuclear matter. For the Ξα system, we employ the folding Ξα potential based on the lattice QCD ΞN interactions. The Ξα potential supports a Coulomb assisted bound state of Ξ5H in the Ξ−α channel, while the Ξ0α channel is unbound. To examine the sensitivity of the correlation function to the nature of the Ξα potential, we vary the potential strength simulating stronger and weaker interactions. The result of the correlation function clearly reflects the bound state nature in the Ξ−α correlation.

Data and Molecular Fingerprint-Driven Machine Learning Approaches to Halogen Bonding.

The ability to predict the strength of halogen bonds and properties of halogen bond (XB) donors has significant utility for medicinal chemistry and materials science. XBs are typically calculated through expensive ab initio methods. Thus, the development of tools and techniques for fast, accurate, and efficient property predictions has become increasingly more important. Herein, we employ three machine learning models to classify the XB donors and complexes by their principal halogen atom as well as predict the values of the maximum point on the electrostatic potential surface (VS,max) and interaction strength of the XB complexes through a molecular fingerprint and data-based analysis. The fingerprint analysis produces a root-mean-square error of ca. 7.5 and ca. 5.5 kcal mol-1 while predicting the VS,max for the halobenzene and haloethynylbenzene systems, respectively. However, the prediction of the binding energy between the XB donors and ammonia acceptor is shown to be within 1 kcal mol-1 of the density functional theory (DFT)-calculated energy. More accurate predictions can be made from the precalculated DFT data when compared to the fingerprint analysis.

Realizing multiband states with ultracold dipolar quantum simulators

The manipulation of dipolar interactions within ultracold molecular ensembles represents a pivotal advancement in experimental physics, aiming at the emulation of quantum phenomena unattainable through mere contact interactions. Our study uncovers regimes of multiband occupation which allow to probe more realistic, complex long-range interacting lattice models with ultracold dipolar simulators. By mapping out experimentally relevant ranges of potential depths, interaction strengths, particle fillings, and geometric configurations, we calculate the agreement between the state prepared in the quantum simulator and a target lattice state. We do so by separately calculating numerically exact many-body wave functions in the continuous space and single- or multiband lattice representations, and building their many-body state overlaps. Our findings reveal that for shallow lattices and stronger interactions above half filling, multiband population increases, resulting in fundamentally different ground states than the ones observed in simple lowest-band descriptions, e.g., striped vs checkerboard states. A wide range of probed parameter regimes in its turn provides a systematic and quantitative blueprint for realizing multiband states with two-dimensional quantum simulators employing ultracold dipolar molecules. Published by the American Physical Society 2024

Exploring the axial performance of protective sheathed rock bolts through large-scale testing

Understanding the axial load transfer mechanism of rock bolts under diverse conditions is essential for optimizing reinforcement in rock structures, advancing our comprehension of rock support, and facilitating the design of robust engineering solutions. This paper reports the outcomes of an extensive experimental investigation, focusing on the axial behavior of protective sheathed rock bolts employed in corrosive environments, assessed through pullout tests. Three distinct testing setups were designed to evaluate comprehensively the performance of these rock bolts in various scenarios. The results indicated that the failure characteristics and axial behaviors of sheathed rock bolts differ significantly from conventional counterparts. The findings revealed two primary failure modes in sheathed rock bolts: bolt rupture and slip at the grout-sheath interface, based on the testing arrangement and encapsulation length. The lack of adhesion and interlocking at the grout-sheath interface prevents shear stress at the bolt-grout interface from reaching its maximum potential strength, resulting in grout damage manifesting as circumferential cracks. This, in turn, initiates crack formation, reducing the system’s bond strength. Additionally, it causes slip at the grout-sheath interface to occur at lower pullout loads. It can be inferred that the inner surface of the plastic sheath lacks the necessary structural integrity to withstand high loads, significantly impacting bond stress distribution and failure modes. The results demonstrate that the protective sheath remains intact up to an axial displacement of 28 mm, irrespective of the testing configuration. Additionally, it was observed that the maximum bond stress at the bolt-grout interface falls within the range of 6–8.7 MPa, which is below the shear strength of the grout. Consequently, achieving failure at the bolt-grout interface is not feasible.

Distinct modulation of Ih by synaptic potentiation in excitatory and inhibitory neurons.

Selective modifications in the expression or function of dendritic ion channels regulate the propagation of synaptic inputs and determine the intrinsic excitability of a neuron. Hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels open upon membrane hyperpolarization and conduct a depolarizing inward current (Ih). HCN channels are enriched in the dendrites of hippocampal pyramidal neurons where they regulate the integration of synaptic inputs. Synaptic plasticity can bidirectionally modify dendritic HCN channels in excitatory neurons depending on the strength of synaptic potentiation. In inhibitory neurons, however, the dendritic expression and modulation of HCN channels is largely unknown. In this study, we systematically compared the modulation of Ih by synaptic potentiation in hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons and stratum Radiatum (sRad) interneurons in mouse organotypic cultures. Ih properties were similar in inhibitory and excitatory neurons and contributed to resting membrane potential and action potential firing. We found that in sRad interneurons, HCN channels were downregulated after synaptic plasticity, irrespective of the strength of synaptic potentiation. This suggest differential regulation of Ih in excitatory and inhibitory neurons, possibly signifying their distinct role in network activity.Significance statement Learning reflects a change in the way information is processed in neuronal circuits. This occurs via changes in synaptic connections and via alterations of intrinsic excitability of neurons. Here we examined how synaptic changes affect properties of HCN channels, which are important ion channels for intrinsic excitability. We found that strong synaptic potentiation leads to opposite changes in HCN channels in CA1 pyramidal neurons and sRad interneurons. We speculate that this reflects their differential role in the CA1 network. An upregulation of HCN channels in pyramidal neurons results in a decrease in their excitability, which limits overall network excitation. In contrast, sRad interneurons show downregulation of Ih, and therefore an increased excitability after strong synaptic activation, which will strengthen feedforward inhibition and sharpen activity patterns.

Promising tools for future drug discovery and development in antiarrhythmic therapy.

Arrhythmia refers to irregularities in the rate and rhythm of the heart, with symptoms spanning from mild palpitations to life-threatening arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). The complex molecular nature of arrhythmias complicates the selection of appropriate treatment. Current therapies involve the use of antiarrhythmic drugs (class I-IV) with limited efficacy and dangerous side effects and implantable pacemakers and cardioverter-defibrillators with hardware-related complications and inappropriate shocks. The number of novel antiarrhythmic drug in the development pipeline has decreased substantially during the last decade and underscores uncertainties regarding future developments in this field. Consequently, arrhythmia treatment poses significant challenges, prompting the need for alternative approaches. Remarkably, innovative drug discovery and development technologies show promise in helping advance antiarrhythmic therapies. Here, we review unique characteristics and the transformative potential of emerging technologies that offer unprecedented opportunities for transitioning from traditional antiarrhythmics to next-generation therapies. We assess stem cell technology, emphasizing the utility of innovative cell profiling using multi-omics, high-throughput screening, and advanced computational modeling in developing treatments tailored precisely to individual genetic and physiological profiles. We offer insights into gene therapy, peptide and peptibody approaches for drug delivery. We finally discuss potential strengths and weaknesses of such techniques in reducing adverse effects and enhancing overall treatment outcomes, leading to more effective, specific, and safer therapies. Altogether, this comprehensive overview introduces innovative avenues for personalized rhythm therapy, with particular emphasis on drug discovery, aiming to advance the arrhythmia treatment landscape and the prevention of SCD. Significance Statement Arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death account for 15-20% of deaths worldwide. However, current antiarrhythmic therapies are ineffective and with dangerous side effects. Here, we review the field of arrhythmia treatment underscoring the slow progress in advancing the cardiac rhythm therapy pipeline and the uncertainties regarding evolution of this field. We provide information on how emerging technological and experimental tools can help accelerate progress and address the limitations of antiarrhythmic drug discovery.

Assessing risk of physical child abuse recidivism using the HCR-20V3

Physical child abuse has been associated with a myriad of harms, not limited to physical injury. Thus, it is vital that children are protected. Forensic psychologists who are required to assess future risk of physical abuse often use the Historical-Clinical-Risk Management-20 Version 3 (HCR-20V3), a well-established tool for general violence. However, the validity of the HCR-20V3 amongst perpetrators of physical child abuse has not yet been established and, whilst there are likely to be similarities between the two groups, there may also be important differences. We explore the potential strengths and limitations of the HCR-20V3 when used with perpetrators of physical child abuse, with reference to the developing evidence base for this type of offence, including indications of unique risk factors that may merit additional attention.

Pre-service teachers’ world history discussions: Distancing global citizenship, justice, and identity

In this qualitative multi-case study, we illustrate how three pre-service teachers from varying programs and social positions framed discussions in world history classrooms, and we discuss the broader narratives about the world their discussions communicated. Using critical theories of global citizenship education (GCE) and the Dynamic Systems Model of Role Identity (DSMRI), three primary data sources inform our analysis: observations of participants’ discussions, decision memos written while reflecting on their discussion facilitation, and semi-structured interviews. The three participants prioritized making discussion content relevant to their students. However, their facilitation practice ultimately contradicted such aims by favoring dominant and distancing global narratives, though this tendency went unacknowledged in interviews and while writing reflective memos. Our DSMRI cross-case analysis reveals how candidates’ role identities manifested in classroom discourse, with ontological and epistemological beliefs reliant on dominant global narratives. Despite varied personal experiences offering potential strengths for critical GCE teaching, participants’ self-perceived limited world history content knowledge appeared to condition their distanced and power-neutral facilitation approaches. By unconsciously relying on dominant narratives, teachers’ discussion facilitation positioned global issues firmly in the past and distant from students’ lived experiences and agency.

Investigation of small-strain shear modulus of marine sediment treated with different flocculants

Dredged sediments are typically found near coastal areas. Because of its high compressibility potential and low strength, multiple studies have tested various substances that can be mixed with the dredged materials to enhance the overall treatment process while minimizing post-construction settlement. Recent investigations indicated that combining flocculants such as cationic polyacrylamide (CPAM) with marine sediment improves the consolidation and permeability properties compared to untreated soil. Despite its importance, only a few studies have focused on the mechanical properties of marine sediment treated with various flocculant types. This study employs a bender element apparatus to examine the small-strain shear modulus (Gmax) variation of Macau marine sediment treated with three different flocculants: CPAM; chitosan; and nanoscale zero-valent iron (nZVI). The result revealed that the Gmax of natural marine sediment increases when blended with chitosan and CPAM with medium cationicity. Interestingly, no apparent change in Gmax values was observed when the marine sediment samples were treated using CPAM with high cationicity. In contrast, the Gmax values of soil samples treated with nZVI decreased. The comparison with existing empirical models reveals that the plasticity index is a significant parameter in determining the Gmax of Macau marine sediments. The findings from this study will support the identification of viable filling materials for future land reclamation projects in the Greater Bay Area of China.

Tuning the Noise‐Driven Magnetocaloric Effect in Doped GaAs Quantum Dot in View of Tsallis Entropy

AbstractCurrent inspection strives to perform a detailed elaboration of the Tsallis entropy‐based magnetocaloric effect (MCE) of GaAs quantum dot (QD) doped with Gaussian impurity and under applied Gaussian white noise. Noise takes additive and multiplicative pathways for its entry to the doped QD. MCE has been found to decrease following the enhancement of temperature. The enquiry manifests magnetic field‐induced confinement and consequent decline in the disorder of the system during the gradual variation of several physical parameters. However, harnessing the extent of above confinement involves extremely sensitive and delicate control over the resultant influence of the particular physical parameter undergoing change, its range of magnitude, application of noise and its mode of inclusion. Importantly, MCE has been found to maximize only during the change in the strength of the dopant potential under multiplicative noise. And, on most occasions, multiplicative noise profoundly raises the MCE over its value under the state devoid of noise and under additive noise.

Correlations of Postural Stability to Proprioception, Tactile Sensation, and Strength Among People With Chronic Ankle Instability.

The static and dynamic correlations of postural stability to its three potential contributors, namely, proprioception, tactile sensation, and strength remain unclear among people with chronic ankle instability (CAI). This study aimed to compare static and dynamic postural stability, along with proprioception, tactile sensation, and strength between people with and without CAI and explore their correlations. Sixty-seven participants with CAI and 67 participants without CAI were enrolled in this study. Ankle proprioception, plantar tactile sensation, and lower limb strength were measured by a proprioception test device, a set of monofilaments, and a strength testing system, respectively. Static and dynamic postural stability were measured during standing and jump landing on a force plate and indicated by the root mean square of center of pressure and time to stability. Compared to people without CAI, people with CAI had poorer postural stability, proprioception, tactile sensation, and strength. Both groups demonstrated correlation between proprioception and static postural stability, but only people without CAI showed correlation between proprioception and dynamic postural stability. Both groups demonstrated a correlation between tactile sensation and static postural stability, but not with dynamic stability. Both groups demonstrated a correlation between strength and both static and dynamic postural stability. People with CAI had deficits in static and dynamic postural stability, proprioception, tactile sensation, and strength. Among people with CAI, proprioception, tactile sensation, and strength can help maintain static postural stability; strength can help maintain dynamic postural stability, whereas proprioception may not provide sufficient information for dynamic postural stability.

Improvement of aerogel-incorporated concrete by incorporating polyvinyl alcohol fiber: Mechanical strength and thermal insulation

Aerogel incorporated concrete (AIC) effectively improves its thermal insulation performance. However, the potential mechanical strength degradation in AIC limits its further promotion and application. Fiber reinforcement is an effective means for improving the properties of cement-based materials. However, there is currently a lack research on enhancement mechanisms involved in fiber-reinforced AIC. In this study, polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibers with high strength and low thermal conductivity are introduced. The influence on the properties of AIC with various lengths (6–12 mm) and proportions (0–1.2 wt%) of PVA fiber was analyzed, and the mechanism of AIC enhancement was discussed based on microscopic test. The enhancing mechanism of PVA fiber on AIC was studied at microscopic scale to establish new solutions to the development of cementitious materials with both excellent load-bearing capacity and thermal insulation performance. The results revealed a synergistic effect of hydrophobic aerogel and PVA fiber on the fluidity of the mix due to the improvement of particle dispersibility and distribution uniformity. Additionally, the PVA fibers crossed aerogel particles around could inhibit crack expansion caused by aerogel fractures, thus effectively mitigating the loss of strength heat transfer with aerogel incorporation. At the same time, PVA fiber also plays a role in thermal resistance. Specifically, the incorporation of 0.6 wt% 9-mm fibers yielded the best overall reinforcement results, with an increase of 31.4 % and 15.5 % in flexural and compressive strengths, respectively, and a 28.5 % decrease in thermal conductivity. The microstructural tests indicated that incorporating PVA fibers at 0–0.6 wt% could optimize the pore structure, reduce the porosity, and increase the water resistance of AIC. The hydration degree of the cement matrix increased due to Ca2+ adsorption by PVA fibers. This study provides an optimized design strategy incorporating PVA fibers to enhance both the physical properties, mechanical strength, and thermal insulation properties of AIC.

A comprehensive assessment tool of acute-phase rehabilitation is associated with clinical outcomes in patients after cardiovascular surgery.

Perme intensive care unit (ICU) mobility score is a comprehensive mobility assessment tool; however, its usefulness and validity for patients after cardiovascular surgery remain unclear. We investigated the association between the Perme Score and clinical outcomes after cardiovascular surgery. We retrospectively enrolled 249 consecutive patients admitted to the ICU after cardiac and/or major vascular surgery. The Perme Score contains categories on mental status, potential mobility barriers, muscle strength and mobility level and was assessed within 2days after surgery. The outcomes of physical recovery were the number of days until 100-m ambulation achievement and 6-min walk distance (6MWD) at hospital discharge. The endpoint was a composite outcome of all-cause mortality and/or all-cause unplanned readmission. We analyzed the associations of the Perme Score with physical recovery and the incidence of clinical events. After adjusting for clinical confounding factors, a higher Perme Score was an independent factor of earlier achievement of 100-m ambulation (hazard ratio: 1.039, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.012-1.066) and higher 6MWD (β: 0.293, P = .001). During the median follow-up period of 1.1years, we observed an incidence rate of 19.4/100 person-years. In the multivariate Poisson regression analysis, a higher Perme Score was significantly and independently associated with lower rates of all-cause death/readmission (incident rate ratio: 0.961, 95% CI: 0.930-0.992). The Perme Score within 2days after cardiovascular surgery was associated with physical recovery during hospitalization and clinical events after discharge. Thus, it may be useful for predicting clinical outcomes.

Linguistic precursors of sixth-grade geometric and fraction skills in children with and without Developmental Language Disorder

BackgroundPrevious research has shown that foundational linguistic skills (i.e., phonological awareness and grammatical ability) indirectly (through arithmetic skills) predict growth from fifth-to sixth-grade geometric and fraction skills. AimsOur study aimed to investigate the linguistic precursors of sixth-grade geometric and fraction skills in children with and without DLD, while examining potential (cognitive) strengths within the DLD group that may partly compensate for learning geometry and fractions, at both the group and individual level. SampleParticipants were 46 children with DLD and 122 typically developing peers from 9 to 11 years of age. MethodsClassroom and individual measures were administered in both grade 4 and grade 6. ResultsAt the group level, results showed children with DLD to score below their peers on arithmetic, geometric, and fraction skills. Furthermore, indirect effects of phonological awareness and naming speed, via arithmetic skills, on geometric and fraction skills were found to be equally strong for both groups. In addition, similar strengths for both groups were found for nonverbal intelligence, academic vocabulary, and verbal reasoning in directly predicting the scores in geometric and fraction skills. Finally, at the individual level, a strength in verbal reasoning was found to partly compensate the delays in mathematics in children with DLD. ConclusionsThe educational needs of children with and without DLD in mathematics learning might be more quantitative in nature than that they are qualitative. In addition, identifying individual strengths should be integrated into standardized test batteries and treatment approaches.

Bulk properties of nuclear matter in a modified relativistic dirac formalism

In this study, we employ a phenomenologically modified relativistic Dirac framework coupled with the σ - ω quark-meson coupling model to look into the properties of nuclear matter. By combining scalar and vector linear potential forms and incorporating perturbative adjustments for various factors such as centre-of-mass motion, gluonic, and pionic effects, we aim to find the nucleon’s mass in a vacuum. Then, we consider nucleon-nucleon interactions are constructed within a mean-field approximation. Our methodology systematically explores key characteristics of nuclear matter, including equations of state, compressibility, binding energy, and pressure. Furthermore, we compute essential parameters such as the nucleon charge radius, axial-vector coupling constant, pion coupling constant, nuclear sigma term, sensitivity, and potential strengths. And also, we calculate symmetry energy, density slop (L) and incompressibility ( K0 ). In addition, we compute the mass and radius of a neutron star and provide a graphical representation illustrating the relationship between mass and radius. To validate our results, we comprehensively compare them with other theoretical models and quark-meson coupling approaches, confirming the precision and reliability of our theoretical paradigm. Overall, our study enhances our understanding of the fundamental properties of nuclear matter and underscores their relevance in elucidating complex astrophysical phenomena.

INNOVATIVE BUSINESS MODELS IN THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY: AN ANALYSIS OF GOOD PRACTICES FOR ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT ON THE EUROPEAN CIRCULAR ECONOMY STAKEHOLDER PLATFORM

The pervasive integration of electronic technologies in the contemporary digital landscape underscores the significance of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE). Beyond their utility in daily life, certain components within EEE, hold classification as critical raw materials (CRMs) and transforms cities into urban mines. This issue highlights the necessity of optimizing its sustainable consumption and production patterns at all stages of the life cycle and across various sectors. The optimization of the complete product life cycle serves as a foundational pillar of the circular economy (CE). While the transition from a linear to a CE has been a longstanding objective promoted by the EU, a comprehensive mapping elucidating potential shortcoming in the effective implementation of this transition in Europe for the field of EEE remains elusive. This paper seeks to investigate the state-of-the-art of CE good practices for EEEs in Europe, shedding light on potential strengths and challenges to be addressed. To obtain an empirical perspective, the European Circular Economy Stakeholder Platform (ECESP) serves as a tool to delineate the trajectory of progress throughout the transition to a CE. The analysis encompasses both life cycle phases and the production sector. The findings underscore a prevailing focus on the product's end-of-life phase and sectors associated with recycling and waste management, while the initial life cycle phase remains underexplored in terms of eco-design solutions or innovative processes. On a positive note, several instances of new business models have emerged, redirecting consumption emphasis towards services.

Numerical Simulation of the Dynamics of RF Capacitive Discharge in Carbon Dioxide

In this research, the one-dimensional fluid code SIGLO-rf was used to study the internal parameters of RF capacitive discharge in carbon dioxide, focusing mainly on time-averaged and spatio-temporal distributions of discharge parameters. With the help of this code, in the range of distances between electrodes d = 0.04 – 8 cm, RF frequencies f = 3.89 – 67.8 MHz, and values of carbon dioxide pressure p = 0.1 – 9.9 Torr, averaged over the RF period axial profiles of the density of electrons, positive and negative ions were calculated as well as potential and electric field strength. It is shown that the discharge plasma in CO2 contains electrons, positive ions, as well as negative ions. The negative ions of atomic oxygen are formed by the dissociative attachment of electrons to CO2 molecules. Studies of the spatio-temporal dynamics of plasma parameters (electron density, potential and electric field strength, as well as ionization and attachment rates) in RF capacitive discharge in CO2 showed that during half of the RF period, 1 to 3 ionization bursts are usually observed. They correspond to stochastic heating in the near-electrode sheath and the formation of passive and active double layers near the sheath boundaries. The passive double layer appears in the cathode phase and maintains the discharge plasma. The active layer is formed in the anodic phase and ensures a balance of positive and negative charges escaping to the electrode during the RF period. It was found that when the conditions pd = 2 Torr cm and fd = 27.12 MHz cm are met simultaneously, during half of the RF period, 4 intense ionization peaks are observed: resulting from stochastic heating, passive, active, and additional (auxiliary) double layers. The auxiliary double layer helps bring electrons to the surface of the temporary anode and occurs near its surface inside the near-electrode sheath. Using the similarity law, the conditions for the existence of these 4 ionization peaks in a wide range of RF frequencies, carbon dioxide pressures, and distances between electrodes were verified.

What future for EU foresight? A critical perspective on the institutionalisation of foresight

AbstractWhat are the potential strengths and weaknesses in the current reconstruction of foresight at the EU level? In questioning foresight's institutionalisation processes from both a historical and a political sociology perspective, the article claims that charting the future is an issue of political power and that, hence, foresight's institutionalisation can never be taken for granted. More precisely, we identify two factors that determine how such process plays out. First, it depends on the definition and importance of the future according to specific contexts (war, economic or health crisis, periods of growth, etc.). Second, this changing definition intertwines with socio‐institutional structures and agents that are crucial for this institutionalisation to be sustainable. The analysis is twofold. First, we provide an overview of past international experiences of projections into the future (both foresight and forecast). Second, we illustrate how these issues may resurface and rebound within the EU’s unique power context.

Elastic interactions compete with persistent cell motility to drive durotaxis

Many animal cells that crawl on extracellular substrates exhibit durotaxis, i.e., directed migration toward stiffer substrate regions. This has implications in several biological processes including tissue development and tumor progression. Here, we introduce a phenomenological model for single-cell durotaxis that incorporates both elastic deformation-mediated cell-substrate interactions and the stochasticity of cell migration. Our model is motivated by a key observation in an early demonstration of durotaxis: a single, contractile cell at a sharp interface between a softer and a stiffer region of an elastic substrate reorients and migrates toward the stiffer region. We model migrating cells as self-propelling, persistently motile agents that exert contractile traction forces on their elastic substrate. The resulting substrate deformations induce elastic interactions with mechanical boundaries, captured by an elastic potential. The dynamics is determined by two crucial parameters: the strength of the cellular traction-induced boundary elastic interaction (A), and the persistence of cell motility (Pe). Elastic forces and torques resulting from the potential orient cells perpendicular (parallel) to the boundary and accumulate (deplete) them at the clamped (free) boundary. Thus, a clamped boundary induces an attractive potential that drives durotaxis, while a free boundary induces a repulsive potential that prevents antidurotaxis. By quantifying the steady-state position and orientation probability densities, we show how the extent of accumulation (depletion) depends on the strength of the elastic potential and motility. We compare and contrast crawling cells with biological microswimmers and other synthetic active particles, where accumulation at confining boundaries is well known. We define metrics quantifying boundary accumulation and durotaxis, and present a phase diagram that identifies three possible regimes: durotaxis, and adurotaxis with and without motility-induced accumulation at the boundary. Overall, our model predicts how durotaxis depends on cell contractility and motility, successfully explains some previous observations, and provides testable predictions to guide future experiments.

Caregivers’ reports of the home literacy environments of children with developmental language disorder and typically developing peers during the COVID-19 pandemic

Purpose Children with developmental language disorder (DLD) are at heightened risk for reading difficulty. We investigated the home literacy environments of kindergarten children with DLD and typically developing (TD) peers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method We analysed scores from standardised assessments of oral language, nonverbal intelligence, and word reading in conjunction with home literacy questionnaire data at three time points. Result Frequency of engagement in home literacy activities did not differ by group during school closures or when schools reopened. Caregivers from both groups reported increased home literacy engagement during closures. Engagement returned to pre-pandemic levels when schools reopened. For the DLD group, the child’s word reading ability and interest in literacy were positively associated with the home literacy environment. Family history of language and/or literacy difficulty was negatively associated with the home literacy environment. For the TD group, only the child’s interest in literacy was positively associated with the home literacy environment. Conclusion These findings elucidate the need for further research related to home literacy and families of children with DLD, with a focus on identifying potential strengths and vulnerabilities related to child and caregiver factors.