bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-compact gauge groups, tensor fields and Yang-Mills-Einstein amplitudes
Authors: Chiodaroli Marco , Günaydin Murat , Johansson Henrik , Roiban Radu
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Scattering amplitudes in Yang-Mills-Einstein theories have been investigated mostly for compact gauge groups. While non-compact gauge groups are not physically viable in Yang-Mills theory, non-compact gaugings feature prominently in the supergravity literature, where any choice of perturbative vacuum spontaneously breaks the gauge group to a compact subgroup. In this paper, we formulate double-copy constructions for several five-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 supergravities with non-compact gauge groups. On one side of the double copy, we employ amplitudes from a super-Yang-Mills theory with a massive hypermultiplet. On the other, we use amplitudes from particular non-supersymmetric Yang-Mills-scalar theories with massive fermions, chosen to obey constraints coming from color/kinematics duality. Supergravities with massive self-dual tensors in five dimensions are also considered, showing that tensors are straightforwardly realized as double copies of gauge-theory fermions with suitable choices of signs in the corresponding solutions of the Dirac equation. We present several examples of these constructions, noting in particular the appearance of Heisenberg groups in the supergravity gauge symmetry and, in some cases, the possibility of exotic tensor-vector matter couplings.
Lattice Hamiltonian for adjoint QCD2
Authors: Dempsey Ross , Klebanov Igor R. , Pufu Silviu S. , Søgaard Benjamin T.
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We introduce a Hamiltonian lattice model for the (1 + 1)-dimensional SU(Nc) gauge theory coupled to one adjoint Majorana fermion of mass m. The discretization of the continuum theory uses staggered Majorana fermions. We analyze the symmetries of the lattice model and find lattice analogs of the anomalies of the corresponding continuum theory. An important role is played by the lattice translation by one lattice site, which in the continuum limit involves a discrete axial transformation. On a lattice with periodic boundary conditions, the Hilbert space breaks up into sectors labeled by the Nc-ality p = 0, … Nc − 1. Our symmetry analysis implies various exact degeneracies in the spectrum of the lattice model. In particular, it shows that, for m = 0 and even Nc, the sectors p and p′ are degenerate if |p − p′| = Nc/2. In the Nc = 2 case, we explicitly construct the action of the Hamiltonian on a basis of gauge-invariant states, and we perform both a strong coupling expansion and exact diagonalization for lattices of up to 12 lattice sites. Upon extrapolation of these results, we find good agreement with the spectrum computed previously using discretized light-cone quantization. One of our new results is the first numerical calculation of the fermion bilinear condensate.
Gravitational edge mode in $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 1 Jackiw-Teitelboim supergravity
Authors: Lee Kyung-Sun , Sivakumar Akhil , Yoon Junggi
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We study the gravitational edge mode in the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 Jackiw-Teitelboim (JT) supergravity on the disk and its osp(2|1) BF formulation. We revisit the derivation of the finite-temperature Schwarzian action in the conformal gauge of the bosonic JT gravity through wiggling boundary and the frame fluctuation descriptions. Extending our method to $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 JT supergravity, we derive the finite-temperature super-Schwarzian action for the edge mode from both the wiggling boundary and the superframe field fluctuation. We emphasize the crucial role of the inversion of the super-Schwarzian derivative in elucidating the relation between the isometry and the OSp(2|1) gauging of the super-Schwarzian action. In osp(2|1) BF formulation, we discuss the asymptotic AdS condition. We employ the Iwasawa-like decomposition of OSp(2|1) group element to derive the super-Schwarzian action at finite temperature. We demonstrate that the OSp(2|1) gauging arises from inherent redundancy in the Iwasawa-like decomposition. We also discuss the path integral measure obtained from the Haar measure of OSp(2|1).
Operators in the internal space and locality
Authors: Bohra Hardik , Das Sumit R. , Mandal Gautam , Nanda Kanhu Kishore , Radwan Mohamed Hany , Trivedi Sandip P.
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Realizations of the holographic correspondence in String/M theory typically involve spacetimes of the form AdS × Y where Y is some internal space which geometrizes an internal symmetry of the dual field theory, hereafter referred to as an “R symmetry”. It has been speculated that areas of Ryu-Takayanagi surfaces anchored on the boundary of a subregion of Y, and smeared over the base space of the dual field theory, quantify entanglement of internal degrees of freedom. A natural candidate for the corresponding operators are linear combinations of operators with definite R charge with coefficients given by the “spherical harmonics” of the internal space: this is natural when the product spaces appear as IR geometries of higher dimensional AdS spaces. We study clustering properties of such operators both for pure AdS × Y and for flow geometries, where AdS × Y arises in the IR from a different spacetime in the UV, for example higher dimensional AdS or asymptotically flat spacetime. We show, in complete generality, that the two point functions of such operators separated along the internal space obey clustering properties at scales sufficiently larger than the AdS scale. For non-compact Y, this provides a notion of approximate locality. When Y is compact, clustering happens only when the size of Y is parametrically larger than the AdS scale. This latter situation is realized in flow geometries where the product spaces arise in the IR from an asymptotically AdS geometry at UV, but not typically when they arise near black hole horizons in asymptotically flat spacetimes. We discuss the significance of this result for entanglement and comment on the role of color degrees of freedom.
Robustness of the hedgehog Skyrmion
Authors: Manton N. S.
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We investigate the radial profile function of the hedgehog Skyrmion with unit baryon number in generic EFTs (effective field theories) of pions. The analysis assumes chiral symmetry and ignores the pion mass term. The Skyrmion is always smooth, because it has no point source at the origin, and terms in the EFT with higher numbers of pion derivatives do not result in uncontrolled large corrections or singularities there. The profile varies in quite a limited way as the terms in the EFT change, and a universal profile function is proposed.
Additive manufacturing of variothermal injection moulding insert made of Al-40Si
Authors: Frasch Johannes , Schwinger Christian , Traxdorf Rico , Graf Stefan , Kinast Jan
Published: August 2024

Injection moulding has been a pivotal technology in the mass production of polymer optics for many years. The surface quality of the moulding inserts exerts a significant influence on the quality of the optics produced. In the production of micro-structured polymer optics, such as Fresnel lenses, conventional isothermal injection moulding is unable to achieve the requisite surface accuracy. Variothermal injection moulding allows for improved surface accuracy and reduced residual stresses, but increases technical effort and cycle times. To reduce the cycle time and residual stresses of variothermal injection moulding, the potential of additive manufacturing of Al-40Si for the fabrication of moulding inserts is investigated. In order to achieve these objectives, the offered design freedom of additive manufacturing is investigated with a view to developing optimised conformal cooling channels. Numerical methods will be used for thermal and structural analyses. The performance of the newly developed moulding insert is evaluated experimentally by thermographic measurements and the measurement of stress birefringence on replicated PMMA samples.
Efficient derivatization-free monitoring of glycosyltransferase reactions via flow injection analysis-mass spectrometry for rapid sugar analytics
Authors: Thiele Ulrich , Crocoll Chantal , Tschöpe André , Drayß Carla , Kirschhöfer Frank , Nusser Michael , Brenner-Weiß Gerald , Franzreb Matthias , Bleher Katharina
Published: August 2024

The widespread application of enzymes in industrial chemical synthesis requires efficient process control to maintain high yields and purity. Flow injection analysis-electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (FIA-ESI–MS) offers a promising solution for real-time monitoring of these enzymatic processes, particularly when handling challenging compounds like sugars and glycans, which are difficult to quickly analyze using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry due to their physical properties or the requirement for a derivatization step beforehand. This study compares the performance of FIA-MS with traditional hydrophilic interaction liquid chromatography (HILIC)-ultra high-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC)-mass spectrometry (MS) setups for the monitoring of the enzymatic synthesis of N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc) using beta-1,4-galactosyltransferase. Our results show that FIA-MS, without prior chromatographic separation or derivatization, can quickly generate accurate mass spectrometric data within minutes, contrasting with the lengthy separations required by LC–MS methods. The rapid data acquisition of FIA-MS enables effective real-time monitoring and adjustment of the enzymatic reactions. Furthermore, by eliminating the derivatization step, this method offers the possibility of being directly coupled to a continuously operated reactor, thus providing a rapid on-line methodology for glycan synthesis as well.

Graphical Abstract
No guarantees: planned oocyte cryopreservation, not quite an insurance policy
Authors: Klipstein Sigal , Kelly Lindsay , Lalwani Sasmira
Published: August 2024

Planned oocyte cryopreservation (OC) has the potential to address the burden of the biological clock, giving women and individuals with ovaries more autonomy in choosing when to have children and with whom. In the United States, the annual number of OC cycles has grown significantly, yet many questions remain regarding planned OC. The field is starting to gather data on the clinical practice and social perspectives around planned oocyte cryopreservation, including the optimal age range at which to offer planned OC, what factors are most predictive of a successful outcome, and the optimal number of oocytes and ovarian stimulation cycles to achieve a live birth. There is a clear need for setting realistic expectations about the chance of success with OC; however, most patients have yet to return to thaw their oocytes, and outcomes data are limited. Clinical models have been developed to predict OC success based on surrogate markers such as age, number of oocytes retrieved, and anti-Müllerian hormone level. Patient education should emphasize the age-related decline in fertility, that eggs do not equal embryos, and that more than one cycle may be needed to obtain sufficient oocytes to have a reasonable chance of future success. While planned OC is not quite an insurance policy against future reproductive challenges, it provides the best option to date for expanding the reproductive window and maximizing reproductive options while navigating individual life circumstances in the context of family building.
Pokemon inhibits Bim transcription to promote the proliferation, anti-anoikis, invasion, histological grade, and dukes stage of colorectal neoplasms
Authors: Wang Yan , Zeng Huiling , Li Li , Liu Jizhen , Lin Jiantao , Bie Yanhong , Wang Sen , Cheng Xiaoguang , Nashun Bayaer , Yao Yunhong , Hu Xinrong , Zhao Yi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to determine whether Pokemon regulates Bim activity in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) carcinogenesis.

Methods

Clinical tissue samples were analyzed to detect the expression and clinicopathological significance of Pokemon and Bim in CRC. Proliferation, apoptosis, and invasion assays were conducted to identify the regulatory effect of Pokemon on Bim. The combined treatment effects of Pokemon knockdown and diamminedichloroplatinum (DDP) were also examined.

Results

Immunohistochemical analysis of 80 samples of colorectal epithelia (CRE), 80 cases of colorectal adenoma (CRA), and 160 of CRC samples revealed protein expression rates of 23.8%, 38.8%, and 70.6% for Pokemon, and 88.8%, 73.8%, and 31.9% for Bim, respectively. A significant negative correlation was observed between Pokemon and Bim expression across the CRE, CRA, and CRC lesion stages. In CRC, higher Pokemon and lower Bim expression correlated with higher histological grades, advanced Dukes stages, and increased cancer invasion. In both LoVo and HCT116 cells, overexpression of Pokemon significantly reduced Bim expression, leading to increased proliferation, resistance to anoikis, and cell invasion. Additionally, Pokemon overexpression significantly decreased DDP-induced Bim expression, reduction of anti-apoptosis and invasion, whereas Pokemon knockdown resulted in the opposite effects.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that Pokemon inhibits Bim transcription, thereby promoting CRC proliferation, resistance to apoptosis, invasion, and advancing histological grade and Dukes staging. Pokemon knockdown enhances the therapeutic efficacy of DDP in the treatment of CRC.
Volcano-tectonic controls on the morphology and volcanic rift zone configuration on Bioko Island (Equatorial Guinea) derived from TanDEM-X data
Authors: Brauner Jacob , Walter Thomas R. , Ela Oscar A. N. , Vanderkluysen Loÿc
Published: August 2024

The morphology of the shield volcanoes on Bioko, a volcanic island in central Africa, is controlled both by tectonic and volcanic processes, but the complex interplay of these regional and local mechanisms is poorly understood. Using a TanDEM-X digital elevation model, we are able to create an inventory of 436 vents and monogenetic cones, and over 1330 structural elements and lineaments, and perform a comprehensive morphological and geospatial analysis. We provide detail on the general geomorphology of Bioko Island, and describe its flat top, apical graben-like structures, and the setting of the structural inventory created. Based on vent density and lineament mapping, we are able to identify volcanic rift zones that are governed by vent clustering and the asymmetry of associated monogenetic cones. Specifically, we find that eruption vents are not only clustered but aligned and follow the principal NE-SW axis, although we also highlight evidence for complex structures such as side-stepping alignments and en échelon patterns indicative of strike-slip contributions to the volcano-tectonic fabrics. We discuss possible volcano-tectonic and regional tectonic contributors, such as the Cameroon Volcanic Line and intersecting fracture zones, as well as gravity-tectonic processes dominant at Bioko Island. In this view, our results are relevant for understanding the past and recent volcanic activity and discuss the influence of regional and local volcano-tectonic architectures.
Gene sll1454 is important for growth of Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 on nitrate as the only source of nitrogen
Authors: Stebegg Ronald , Schmetterer Georg , Rompel Annette
Published: August 2024

The gene sll1454 (narB) encodes a nitrate reductase in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. Deletion of sll1454 was performed by insertion of a gene coding for a neomycin phosphate transferase (npt) in both directions to the sll1454 ORF resulting in two different mutant strains named sll1454::npt direct and sll1454::npt complementary. Both strains lost the ability to grow on nitrate as the only source of nitrogen, but instead grew at the same rate as the wild type if ammonium was supplied. Trace metal replacement experiments revealed that tungsten ions inhibited the nitrate reductase in Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803, as no growth occurred with nitrate as the sole nitrogen source, if molybdenum ions were replaced equimolarly by tungsten ions. Vanadium ions, on the other hand, did not exert any negative effect under the same conditions and neither did the omission of molybdenum, tungsten or vanadium ions in the growth medium. The co-addition of molybdenum ions to cultures containing tungsten ions restored growth to the same rate as in cultures containing only molybdenum ions or none of them.

Graphical abstract
Flooding and flood water storage in karst systems of the Mediterranean region
Authors: Xanke Julian , Stevanović Zoran , Liesch Tanja , Kaltenbrunn Alexander , Ravbar Nataša , Jourde Hervé , Andreo Bartolomé , Barberá Juan Antonio , Goldscheider Nico
Published: August 2024

Flooding is a recurring natural phenomenon that can have both life-giving and destructive aspects. In natural environments, floods are often an important element of the seasonal hydrologic cycle that provides water and nutrients to soil, supporting unique, rich and diverse ecosystems. However, flood events can also represent a destructive force that can endanger lives and cause significant damage in urban areas. Karst areas, in particular, are unique because of their special hydraulic characteristics in terms of flood occurrence, the dependence of ecosystems on such events, and attempts to actively store and manage floods. In this article, the hydraulic response of karst aquifers to heavy precipitation events, flood generation, and engineering interventions for flood control are discussed using several examples from karst areas in the Mediterranean region. Flooding mechanisms and regulatory structures in karst poljes are considered using several typical examples from the Dinaric mountain range. In addition, different variants of groundwater abstraction for increasing storage capacity and flood control are presented using examples from France and Montenegro. Managed aquifer recharge in karst areas and adjacent aquifers is demonstrated with examples from Jordan and Algeria. Finally, failed attempts at flood storage in karst reservoirs are presented with examples from Spain and Montenegro. These examples of flood retention in karst areas show the wide range of planning and technical measures and remind us of possible risks and failures in implementation as well as some positive and negative impacts on the environment and especially on ecosystems.
Performance of T2Bacteria in relationship to blood cultures - a retrospective comparative study
Authors: Yu David , Ekwall-Larson Anna , Özenci Volkan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Blood culture (BC) is the gold standard for diagnosing blood stream infections (BSI) but is limited by long turnaround times (TAT) and low detection rate. The T2 Magnetic Resonance method (T2MR) offers a rapid, culture-independent alternative. The objective of this study was to compare the performance of the T2Bacteria assay to BCs in a real-world setting.

Methods

Retrospective comparative study consisting of T2Bacteria samples and BCs sampled within 72 h from the T2Bacteria sample. The primary outcome was detections by BC and T2Bacteria, respectively. The secondary outcome was difference in TAT.

Results

In total, 640 episodes were included, consisting of 640 T2Bacteria samples and 2,117 BCs. A median of three BCs was collected for each T2Bacteria sample. Overall positivity was 101 (15.8%) by either method. In 29 (28.7%) episodes, both T2Bacteria and BC were concordantly positive. In discordant episodes, 46/101 (45.5%) episodes were T2Bacteria positive/BC negative and 26/101 (25.7%) were T2Bacteria negative/BC positive (McNemar χ2, p < 0,05). In T2Bacteria positive/BC negative episodes, eight had growth of the same microorganism in a non-BC culture. Median (IQR) TAT for BC was 35 h and 30 min (25 h 50 min − 45 h 24 min), compared to 21 h and 3 min (17 h 6 min − 27 h 30 m) for T2Bacteria (p < 0.001), with longer delays for samplings occurring outside work hours.

Conclusions

The study highlights a high discordance between T2Bacteria and BC and suggests complementary roles of the methods in BSI diagnostics. Furthermore, it is crucial to improve TAT by reducing preanalytical delays.
The ties that bind: how trees can enhance agroecological transitions
Authors: Isaac Marney E. , Sinclair F. , Laroche G. , Olivier A. , Thapa A.
Published: August 2024

Agricultural systems have a long history of responding to various economic and socio-political forces, including supply and demand, political preferences and power inequalities. Our current food system continues to respond to contemporary forces with a call for sustainable transformations in the face of increased pressure and competition over resources, severe consequences of climatic change, widespread degradation of land and water resources, and the accelerating loss of biodiversity. Both agroforestry and agroecology have evolved as approaches to agricultural management that focus on the application of ecological principles to achieve sustainable agriculture. Agroecological principles are designed to engage with the entire agrifood system, for instance identifying broad participation and involving a diversity of actors and knowledge systems. Agroecological approaches to production have significant historical and contemporary links to agroforestry approaches, but not all agroecology involves trees and not all agroforestry is in line with agroecological principles. Drawing on (1) a literature review, (2) case studies on the agroforestry and agroecology nexus presented at the 5th World Congress on Agroforestry (WCA), and (3) audience responses to statements presented at the Congress, we explore the two main ways that agroforestry and agroecology come together: agroforestry that encompasses agroecological principles and agroecological transitions that involve trees. We review the status of agroecology, the functions specific to agroforestry that can enhance the achievement of agroecological outcomes, the tensions between simple agroforestry systems and agroecology, and the larger potential of multidimensional sustainability of agroforestry with the inclusion of agroecological principles. We also present the level of agreement on four key statements about the agroforestry-agroecology nexus enumerated at the WCA. It is clear that some features of agroforestry operationalize agroecological principles that aim to transition away from monocultures and the use of environmentally disruptive agrochemicals, and toward strengthening biodiversity and resilience. Yet, much remains to be done to enhance agroecological principles more fully in framing agroforestry practices and to incorporate trees within agroecological practices. Pathways to strengthen the nexus of agroforestry and agroecology are proposed, which focus on the role of trees in multifunctionality and resilience and using agroecological principles related to knowledge sharing and equity to enrich agroforestry practices.
Decarbonised closed-loop supply chains resilience: examining the impact of COVID-19 toward risk mitigation by a fuzzy multi-layer decision-making framework
Authors: Amoozad Mahdiraji Hannan , Yaftiyan Fatemeh , Garza-Reyes Jose Arturo , Razavi Hajiagha Seyed Hossein , Kazancoglu Yigit
Published: August 2024

Today's primary challenges in supply chains (SCs) include considerable greenhouse gas emissions, waste, and disruptions. Addressing these requires the examination of three interconnected SC paradigms, i.e. decarbonisation, resilience, and Closed-Loop SCs (CLSCs). This paper seeks to investigate and assess the criteria for decarbonised resilient CLSCs, as influenced by the global pandemic, specifically within the context of Iran's small and medium pharmaceutical enterprises, employing a mixed-method approach. Initially, a Systematic Literature Review was employed to identify a categorised list of decarbonised resilient CLSC criteria by determining the impact of COVID-19 on SCs. Afterwards, the list was indigenised via the fuzzy-Delphi method. Two popular Fuzzy Multi-Criteria Decision-Making methods, i.e. fuzzy Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory and fuzzy Interpretive Structural Modelling-Matrix-based Multiplication Applied to a Classification (MICMAC), were then employed to investigate the finalised criteria. This paper has innovatively enhanced these methods by incorporating a multi-scenario analysis approach. The findings indicate that technological advancements, issues related to market and communication, and raw material markets significantly affect other criteria. Transportation and logistics are also crucial in reducing lead times, waste, and CO2 emissions. Two countermeasures are recommended for senior managers, i.e. (i) the identification and application of suitable basic and advanced technologies across each SC process and (ii) engaging in a coevolutionary process beginning with SMEs' cooperation and collaboration towards their co-creation. The importance of regulatory bodies was also emphasised in devising effective policies to improve the markets for raw materials and finished products.
Fragmentation of care in breast cancer: greater than the sum of its parts
Authors: Freeman Hadley D. , Burke Linnea C. , Humphrey Ja’Neil G. , Wilbers Ashley J. , Vora Halley , Khorfan Rhami , Solomon Naveenraj L. , Namm Jukes P. , Ji Liang , Lum Sharon S.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Fragmentation of care (FC, the receipt of care at > 1 institution) has been shown to negatively impact cancer outcomes. Given the multimodal nature of breast cancer treatment, we sought to identify factors associated with FC and its effects on survival of breast cancer patients.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed of surgically treated, stage I–III breast cancer patients in the 2004–2020 National Cancer Database, excluding neoadjuvant therapy recipients. Patients were stratified into two groups: FC or non-FC care. Treatment delay was defined as definitive surgery > 60 days after diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to identify factors predictive of FC, and survival was compared using Kaplan–Meier and multivariable Cox proportional hazards methods.

Results

Of the 531,644 patients identified, 340,297 (64.0%) received FC. After adjustment, FC (OR 1.27, 95% CI 1.25–1.29) was independently associated with treatment delay. Factors predictive of FC included Hispanic ethnicity (OR 1.04, 95% CI: 1.01–1.07), treatment at comprehensive community cancer programs (OR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.03–1.08) and integrated network cancer programs (OR 1.55, 95% CI: 1.51–1.59), AJCC stage II (OR 1.06, 95% CI 1.05–1.07) and stage III tumors (OR 1.06, 95% CI: 1.02–1.10), and HR + /HER2 + tumors (OR 1.05, 95% CI: 1.02–1.07). Treatment delay was independently associated with increased risk of mortality (HR 1.23, 95% CI 1.20–1.26), whereas FC (HR 0.87, 95% CI 0.86–0.88) showed survival benefit.

Conclusions

While treatment delay negatively impacts survival in breast cancer patients, our findings suggest FC could be a marker for multispecialty care that may mitigate some of these effects.
A phase I safety and efficacy clinical trial of plocabulin and gemcitabine in patients with advanced solid tumors
Authors: Ghalib Mohammad H. , Pulla Mariano Provencio , De Miguel Luken Maria J. , de Juan Virginia Calvo , Chaudhary Imran , Hammami M Bakri , Vikash Sindhu , Maitra Radhashree , Martinez Sara , Kahatt Carmen , Extremera Sonia , Fudio Salvador , Goel Sanjay
Published: August 2024

Plocabulin (Plo) induces depolymerization of tubulin fibers with disorganization and fragmentation of the microtubule network leading to mitosis. Plo combined with gemcitabine (Gem) showed synergistic anti-tumor activity in preclinical studies. This phase I trial evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics (PK) and efficacy of Plo 10-min infusion plus Gem on Day 1 and 8 every 3-week in patients with advanced solid tumors. Fifty-seven patients were enrolled into 8 dose levels (DLs); 74%: females; 74%: ECOG performance status 1; median age: 62 years; median number of prior lines of therapy:3. Dose-limiting toxicities (DLT) in Cycle 1 were grade (G) 3 intestinal obstruction at the maximum tolerated dose (MTD), G3 peripheral sensory neuropathy (PSN), G3 abdominal pain, and G4 thrombocytopenia (1 patient each). The highest DL (DL8: Plo 10.5 mg/m2/Gem 1000 mg/m2) was the MTD. Accrual into DL7 (Plo 10.0 mg/m2/Gem 1000 mg/m2) was stopped before it was formally defined as the recommended dose (RD). Most common treatment-related adverse events (AEs) were fatigue (56%), nausea (55%), diarrhea (31%); G3/4 hematologic toxicities comprised anemia (35%), neutropenia (27%) and thrombocytopenia (17%). No treatment-related deaths occurred. PK parameters for Gem or dFdU at all DLs were in line with reference values from the literature. Six of 46 evaluable pts were responders (overall response rate:13%). Of note, 2 partial responses (PR) and 2 stable disease (SD) ≥ 4 months occurred among 13 pts with ovarian cancer. The combination of Plo and Gem is well tolerated. The MTD was Plo 10.5 mg/m2/Gem 1000 mg/m2. No PK drug-drug interaction was found. The most encouraging outcome occurred in ovarian cancer patients.
On the acceptance by code reviewers of candidate security patches suggested by Automated Program Repair tools
Authors: Papotti Aurora , Paramitha Ranindya , Massacci Fabio
Published: August 2024

Objective

We investigated whether (possibly wrong) security patches suggested by Automated Program Repairs (APR) for real world projects are recognized by human reviewers. We also investigated whether knowing that a patch was produced by an allegedly specialized tool does change the decision of human reviewers.

Method

We perform an experiment with $$n= 72$$

n
=
72

Master students in Computer Science. In the first phase, using a balanced design, we propose to human reviewers a combination of patches proposed by APR tools for different vulnerabilities and ask reviewers to adopt or reject the proposed patches. In the second phase, we tell participants that some of the proposed patches were generated by security-specialized tools (even if the tool was actually a ‘normal’ APR tool) and measure whether the human reviewers would change their decision to adopt or reject a patch.

Results

It is easier to identify wrong patches than correct patches, and correct patches are not confused with partially correct patches. Also patches from APR Security tools are adopted more often than patches suggested by generic APR tools but there is not enough evidence to verify if ‘bogus’ security claims are distinguishable from ‘true security’ claims. Finally, the number of switches to the patches suggested by security tool is significantly higher after the security information is revealed irrespective of correctness.

Limitations

The experiment was conducted in an academic setting, and focused on a limited sample of popular APR tools and popular vulnerability types.
Verifying the Generalization of Deep Learning to Out-of-Distribution Domains
Authors: Amir Guy , Maayan Osher , Zelazny Tom , Katz Guy , Schapira Michael
Published: August 2024

Deep neural networks (DNNs) play a crucial role in the field of machine learning, demonstrating state-of-the-art performance across various application domains. However, despite their success, DNN-based models may occasionally exhibit challenges withgeneralization, i.e., may fail to handle inputs that were not encountered during training. This limitation is a significant challenge when it comes to deploying deep learning for safety-critical tasks, as well as in real-world settings characterized by substantial variability. We introduce a novel approach for harnessing DNN verification technology to identify DNN-driven decision rules that exhibit robust generalization to previously unencountered input domains. Our method assesses generalization within an input domain by measuring the level of agreement betweenindependently traineddeep neural networks for inputs in this domain. We also efficiently realize our approach by using off-the-shelf DNN verification engines, and extensively evaluate it on both supervised and unsupervised DNN benchmarks, including a deep reinforcement learning (DRL) system for Internet congestion control—demonstrating the applicability of our approach for real-world settings. Moreover, our research introduces a fresh objective for formal verification, offering the prospect of mitigating the challenges linked to deploying DNN-driven systems in real-world scenarios.
Beyond HIV Shame: Effects of Self-Forgiveness in Improving Mental Health in HIV-Positive Individuals in Poland
Authors: Skalski-Bednarz Sebastian Binyamin , Toussaint Loren L. , Surzykiewicz Janusz
Published: August 2024

Guided by the bio-psycho-socio-spiritual approach, this randomized controlled trial assessed the efficacy of a self-forgiveness intervention among 60 HIV-positive individuals in Poland. Participants underwent a 90-min "Restore: The Journey Toward Self-Forgiveness" session, in contrast to a wait-list control group. The intervention significantly enhanced self-forgiveness, spirituality, mental well-being, and heart rate variability in response to a cognitive stressor (i.e., a mental arithmetic challenge). Significant effects were observed in both between-group and within-subject comparisons. These results support the incorporation of self-forgiveness into psychological rehabilitation programs for HIV to improve quality of life and health outcomes.
Uniqueness of tree stand composition and soil microbial communities are related across urban spruce-dominated forests
Authors: Korhonen Aku , Katavisto Oskar , Adamczyk Sylwia , Adamczyk Bartosz , Hamberg Leena
Published: August 2024

Context

Urban forest soils represent significant reservoirs of biodiversity in cities. Retaining this diversity under urban land-use change requires understanding on how species richness, community assembly and uniqueness of species assemblages are related to local forest characteristics and surrounding landscape structure.

Objectives

Our aim was to assess the significance and relative importance of logging history, tree species composition and urbanization in shaping soil microbial communities across urban spruce-dominated forest landscapes. We investigated responses of microbial diversity from three complementary viewpoints: local diversity, community assembly patterns and community uniqueness.

Methods

We collected soil bacterial and fungal metabarcoding data from 73 spruce-dominated forest sites distributed in three urban centers across southern Finland. We related these data to measurements of logging intensity, tree species composition and degree of urbanization.

Results

Logging intensity, tree species composition and urbanization affected site-scale microbial diversity, but the effects varied between microbial groups. Only logging intensity had a significant imprint on microbial assembly, and this effect was restricted to bacteria. Relative uniqueness of microbial assemblages at the landscape-scale was coupled with the uniqueness of tree species composition in all microbial groups, and further affected by tree diversity in saprotrophic fungi and urbanization in ectomycorrhizal fungi.

Conclusions

In the context of urban spruce-dominated forests, locally diverse tree stands are not necessarily the same as those that contribute the most to landscape-scale diversity. Identifying and preserving contrasting tree stand structures, which support distinctive soil microbial assemblages, may be the winning strategy in maintaining a wide range of soil microbial diversity.
The political economy of environmental legislation: evidence from the British Parliament
Authors: Adetutu Morakinyo O.
Published: August 2024

This study investigates how local air quality influences UK Parliament members’ votes on environmental and climate change legislation. Using micro-spatial information at the 1 km-by-1 km grid level, I link local air quality to members of UK parliament (MPs') voting records from 2009 to 2019. I find compelling evidence that MPs representing highly polluted areas are more likely to vote against stringent environmental legislation. I also provide evidence that local political economy considerations constrain pro-environmental voting behaviour: industrialization exacerbates the negative relationship between pollution and pro-environmental voting behaviour by further discouraging MPs representing industrial areas from supporting stringent environmental legislations. These findings underscore the public choice trade-offs between enacting stringent climate change policies and preserving local industry and jobs.
The residential occupation of the Gruta da Aroeira (Almonda, Portugal) cave site: shedding light on hunting and subsistence practices in the Middle Pleistocene of western Eurasia
Authors: Sanz Montserrat , Daura Joan , Rivals Florent , Zilhão João
Published: August 2024

The Gruta da Aroeira (Torres Novas, Portugal), with evidence of human occupancy dating back ∼ 400,000 years, is one of very few Middle Pleistocene cave sites to provide a fossil hominin cranium in association with Acheulean bifaces and the by-products of fire usage. Zooarchaeological, taphonomic and tooth-wear analyses suggest that the accumulation of the faunal remains and their modification are anthropogenic. Large game constituted the basis of subsistence, with equids and cervids being preferentially targeted. Woodland and open landscapes formed the ecosystems supporting the populations of the mammals that were preyed upon by the inhabitants of the site. Most of the animal carcasses were carried to, and fully butchered at the site, which was used as a residential base camp. The features of the Aroeira faunal assemblage foreshadow the subsistence strategies developed by the hunter-gatherers of the Middle and the Upper Palaeolithic and testify to their very ancient roots.
Policy makers as experts and teachers in need of reform: a critique of ‘evidence-based’ reforms of initial teacher education in Australia
Authors: Deuchar Andrew
Published: August 2024

In 2023 the Australian government mandated reforms to initial teacher education (ITE) courses across Australia. The key rationale of the Strong Beginnings Report is to better prepare teachers for the classroom and help stem the flow of teachers leaving the profession. This article suggests that the Strong Beginnings Report mobilises forms of evidence that privilege bureaucratic intervention over teachers’ insight and capacity. Using Bacchi’s ‘What’s the problem represented to be?’ approach to policy analysis, I argue that the Report selectively draws on evidence to position teachers as underprepared for the classroom and in need of reform. It does this by (i) suggesting that one of the main reasons teachers leave the profession is because they have inadequate skills, (ii) downplaying the broader social, economic and political context in which teacher attrition occurs, and (iii) deprofessionalising teaching by casting it as a technical process. Building on works that critique the impacts of standardisation, regulation and oversight in educational reform, I contend that the proposed reforms will do little to improve ITE or address teacher attrition. More than this, they will work to further discredit teachers and undermine the value of public education.
Pachychoroid disease: review and update
Authors: Cheung Chui Ming Gemmy , Dansingani Kunal K. , Koizumi Hideki , Lai Timothy Y. Y. , Sivaprasad Sobha , Boon Camiel J. F. , Van Dijk Elon H. C. , Chhablani Jay , Lee Won Ki , Freund K. Bailey
Published: August 2024

The pachychoroid disease spectrum is a phenotype characterized by alterations in choroidal vasculature which result in outer retinal and choriocapillaris damage and visual loss. The presence of pachyvessels is one of the key features of the pachychoroid phenotype. Recent imaging studies suggest that pachyvessels may form because of choroidal venous congestion in one or more quadrants. The formation of intervortex anastomosis may function as a compensatory mechanism to dissipate the increased venous pressure, while outflow obstruction has been hypothesized to occur at the site of the vortex vein exiting the sclera. This review aims to summarize recent imaging findings and discuss evolution in the understanding of pathogenesis of the pachychoroid disease spectrum. We have summarized notable treatment trials in central serous chorioretinopathy and polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy and included an update of the current diagnostic and management strategies of the entities that are part of the pachychoroid disease spectrum.
Sequence determinants of protein phase separation and recognition by protein phase-separated condensates through molecular dynamics and active learning
Authors: Changiarath Arya , Arya Aayush , Xenidis Vasileios A. , Padeken Jan , Stelzl Lukas S.
Published: August 2024

We investigate three related questions: can we identify the sequence determinants which lead to protein self interactions and phase separation; can we understand and design new sequences which selectively bind to protein condensates?; can we design multiphasic condensates?
Peptide nucleic acid-clicked Ti3C2Tx MXene for ultrasensitive enzyme-free electrochemical detection of microRNA biomarkers
Authors: Ali Muhsin , Hasan Erol , Barman Sharat Chandra , Hedhili Mohamed Nejib , Alshareef Husam N. , Alsulaiman Dana
Published: August 2024

Peptide nucleic acid-clicked Ti3C2Tx MXene offers a highly efficient transducing material for enzyme-free attomolar-level electrochemical detection of microRNA biomarkers, unlocking the potential for next-generation point-of-care biosensors.
A highly specific benzothiazole-based Schiff base for the ratiometric detection of hypochlorite (ClO−) ions in aqueous systems: a real application in biological imaging
Authors: Palta Aastha , Sharma Sunidhi , Kumar Gulshan , Choudhary Diptiman , Paul Kamaldeep , Luxami Vijay
Published: August 2024

This study describes the synthesis of a benzothiazole-salicylaldehyde Schiff base probe 1 for detection of ClO− ions.
Enantioselective Lewis base catalysed allylation of picoline- and quinaldine-based latent pronucleophiles
Authors: Lange Markus , Alistratov Nikita , Vilotijevic Ivan
Published: August 2024

The concept of latent pronucleophiles enables selective allylation of picolines and quinaldines with allylic fluorides in the presence of Lewis base catalysts. The products are isolated as single regioisomers with good yields and enantioselectivity.
Direct synthesis of spirooxindoles enabled by palladium-catalyzed allylic alkylation and DBU-mediated cyclization: concept, scope and applications
Authors: Tan Fen , He Xiao-Yu , Zhou Qiao-Qiao , Zhang Ya-Qiong , Deng Man , Yang Qing-Qing , Zou You-Quan
Published: August 2024

A concise construction of spiro[indoline-3,2′-pyrrol]-2-one skeletons is reported. This reaction proceeded through a palladium-catalyzed decarboxylative allylic alkylation followed by a DBU-mediated intramolecular cyclization.
ODUSSEAS: Upgraded version with new reference scale and parameter determinations for 82 planet-host M dwarf stars in SWEET-Cat
Authors: Antoniadis-Karnavas A. , Sousa S. G. , Delgado-Mena E. , Santos N. C. , Andreasen D. T.
Published: August 2024

Aims. Obtaining accurate derivations of stellar atmospheric parameters is crucial in the fields of stellar and exoplanet characterization. We present the upgraded version of our computational tool ODUSSEAS with a new reference scale applied to derive Teff and [Fe/H] values for M dwarfs.

Methods. The new reference dataset of ODUSSEAS consists of Teff values based on interferometry, and [Fe/H] values derived by applying updated values for the parallaxes. These reference parameters are related to the pseudo-equivalent widths (EWs) of more than 4000 stellar absorption lines. The machine learning Python “scikit learn” package creates models to determine the stellar parameters for subsequent analysis.

Results. We determined Teff and [Fe/H] values for 82 planet-host stars in SWEET-Cat. We demonstrate that our new version of ODUSSEAS is capable of determining the parameters with a greater accuracy than the original by comparing our results to other methods in literature. We also compared our parameters for the same stars by measuring their spectra obtained from several instruments, showing the consistency of our determinations with standard deviation of 30 K and 0.03 dex. Finally, we examined the correlation among planetary mass and stellar metallicity, confirming prior evidence indicating that massive planets mainly form around metal-rich stars in the case of M dwarfs as well.
Living with ichthyosis: a journey through the years
Authors: Wong Vidette , Hoey Susannah
Published: August 2024

This patient viewpoint brings to light the experience of a woman who grew up with lamellar ichthyosis and management for this rare condition through the years.
Effectiveness of deucravacitinib for genital, nail and scalp lesions in patients with psoriasis: a 24-week real-world study
Authors: Hagino Teppei , Onda Marina , Saeki Hidehisa , Fujimoto Eita , Kanda Naoko
Published: August 2024

Psoriasis is a chronic, complicated inflammatory skin disease. Genital, nail and scalp lesions with psoriasis are difficult to treat and can considerably impair patients’ quality of life (QoL). Deucravacitinib, an oral selective tyrosine kinase 2 inhibitor, may represent a novel therapeutic option that could improve these challenging manifestations. To investigate this, we conducted a retrospective study between January 2023 and February 2024, involving 70 patients with psoriasis treated with deucravacitinib 6 mg orally once daily for 24 weeks. We evaluated how many patients achieved a static Physician’s Global Assessment (PGA) of Genitalia (sPGA-GTM) score of clear/almost clear (0/1), PGA of Fingernail Psoriasis (PGA-F) 0/1, scalp-specific PGA (ss-PGA) 0/1, static PGA (sPGA) 0/1 and Dermatology Life Quality Index 0/1 at weeks 4, 16 and 24. We also assessed the Psoriasis Area and Severity Index scores. Deucravacitinib improved genital, nail and scalp lesions, as well as systemic eruption and QoL in patients with psoriasis. Deucravacitinib may be a promising treatment option for lesions in difficult-to-treat areas in patients with psoriasis.
Functional Transitions Among Older Adults in Rural China: Examining the Differential Roles of Care From Daughters’ and Sons’ Families
Authors: Zhao Pianpian , Zhang Yanan , Harper Sarah , Zeng Weihong , Li Shuzhuo
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Informal care provided by adult children is of great importance for older adults’ well-being in China. This paper investigates and compares the functional transitions among older adults living in rural areas who receive care from daughters’ and from sons’ families.

Methods

This study utilizes the “Well-being of Elderly Survey in Anhui Province” (WESAP) from 2001 to 2021. Our sample included 2,797 individuals aged 60 years or older. Functional status was based on the activities of daily living and the instrumental activities of daily living. We employed a random-effects ordered logit model to examine the functional transitions among the older adults.

Results

Receiving care from daughters’ families is significantly associated with a lower likelihood of functional decline compared to receiving care from sons’ families in rural China. The advantage associated with daughter care becomes more pronounced among older individuals with a severe functional difficulty compared to those with a mild or moderate functional difficulty. The difference is prevalent among older adults aged 75 and older, with less wealth or multiple chronic diseases, or who live alone. Furthermore, among those with severe functional difficulties, the daughter advantage is more significant for fathers as compared to mothers.

Discussion

Nowadays, daughters’ families can provide high-quality informal care, often surpassing that offered by sons’ families. This daughter advantage becomes even more significant among older adults who have a higher need for family care, such as those with severe disabilities and limited financial resources.