bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Imidazolium Short‐Chain Fluorocarbon Surfactant as a Potential Agent for Aqueous Film Forming Foam
Authors: Wang Hao , Bai Shengshan , Zhu Xinhua , Gao Fangyu , Wang Peng , Zhang Yicheng , Liu Zhen
Published: October 2023

To explore novel hydrophilic groups of short‐chain fluorocarbon surfactants for aqueous film‐forming foam (AFFF), an original surfactant (S‐im) with a unique imidazolium structure was developed. The intermediate and S‐im were identified by FT‐IR and NMR, validating the mild synthesis route. MS spectrum correspondingly verified the molecular weight of S‐im (329.07). TGA analysis further revealed that S‐im showed satisfied thermal stability before 200 °C. Due to the synergism effect, equimolar S‐im/C6H13NaO3S (6.29 mmol/L) maintained a low surface tension of 17.81 mN/m. Likewise, the high surface activity of the equimolar mixture contributed to its spreading on different hydrocarbon fuels. We adjusted the mixture concentration to 20 mmol/L based on applicable standards to obtain a moderate foam expansion (9.7) and an opportune drained time (323 s). The mixture exerted a promising performance. All flames caused by investigated fuels were extinguished in 75 seconds, with burnback time exceeding 14 minutes, indicating a significant field application potential.
Lipoic Acid Ligase A‐Mediated Ligation: Mechanism, Applications, and Emerging Innovations in Bioconjugation
Authors: Yamazaki Shunsuke , Matsuda Yutaka
Published: October 2023

This review outlines the latest findings on bioconjugation using lipoic acid ligase A (LplA), a key enzyme that allows the introduction of new functional groups into biomolecules. LplA functions via a characteristic mechanism of covalently binding orthologous lipoic acid derivatives in vivo to a specific 13 amino acid sequence called the LplA acceptor peptide (LAP). This unique functionality has enabled a wide range of applications, including cell‐surface modification, protein immobilization, fluorescent labeling of antibodies. Recently, the modification of proteins without LAP sequences has been demonstrated, suggesting their potential for future biopharmaceutical production. Although several review articles on enzyme ligation have been published, research on LplA remains limited. This review attempts to fill this gap by introducing LplA based on its mechanism, applications, and recent research reports.
Facile Synthesis of Hollow Starch Nanoparticles for the Delivery of Piroxicam, a Poorly Water‐Soluble Drug
Authors: Belmahdi Lila , Oukacha‐Hikem Djamila , Makhloufi‐Chebli Malika
Published: October 2023

This paper focuses on the development of hollow starch nanoparticles (HSNPs) as promising carriers for poorly soluble drugs. A new and efficient method is presented, based on an in situ gas‐foaming/salt‐leaching process within individual starch nanoparticles prepared by a solvent displacement technique. Characterization using dynamic light scattering, transmission electron microscopy, and nitrogen adsorption/desorption analysis confirmed the successful preparation of HSNPs. Solid dispersion systems with piroxicam (PRX) as a model drug were formulated to evaluate HSNPs’ potential as poorly water‐soluble drug carriers. Solid‐state properties, dissolution behavior and stability of PRX‐HSNPs solid dispersions were investigated. In vitro dissolution studies revealed that using hydrophilic HSNPs as carriers significantly improved the release of PRX. Solid‐state characterization showed that the main reason for the improved dissolution was the adsorption of PRX on the outer and inner surfaces of the HSNPs in an amorphous state. Stability studies demonstrated that the amorphous nature of loaded PRX remained unaffected even after 12 weeks of storage at 75 % relative humidity. Accordingly, the proposed HSNPs offer a promising alternative for the delivery of poorly water‐soluble drugs. In addition, the synthesis strategy demonstrated for HSNPs is easy, efficient and could be extended to the preparation of other hollow polymeric nanoparticles.
Employment and emotional well‐being in veterans with mental illness
Authors: Umucu Emre , Lee Beatrice
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study is to examine group differences between employed and unemployed Veterans with mental illnesses utilizing the National Institutes of Health (NIH) emotion toolbox factors including negative affect, psychological well‐being, stress, and social relationships. Data was collected from three samples from 2018 to 2020. The first sample (Sample 1) is 156 Veterans with mental illness from Amazon MTurk; the second sample (Sample 2), recruited from a higher education institution, is 232 veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms; and the final sample (Sample 3), recruited from a higher education institution, is 129 Veterans with disabilities, including psychiatric disabilities. Independent‐samples t‐tests were carried out to test our objectives. Sample 1 results revealed that employed Veterans with mental illnesses had lower levels of depression and stress and higher levels of positive emotion, life satisfaction, meaning in life, and social relationships compared to unemployed Veterans. Sample 2 results revealed that employed Veterans with PTDS symptoms had lower levels of stress and higher levels of positive emotion and lower levels of stress compared to unemployed Veterans with PTSD symptoms. Sample 3 results revealed that employed Veterans with disabilities including psychiatric disabilities had lower levels of depression and higher levels of positive emotion and social relationships. Our findings are consistent with the previous research documenting that employment plays a central role in optimal psychological and physical health in both civilians and veterans.
Room‐Temperature Liquid Metals for Flexible Electronic Devices
Authors: Lu Guixuan , Ni Erli , Jiang Yanyan , Wu Weikang , Li Hui
Published: October 2023

Room‐temperature gallium‐based liquid metals (RT‐GaLMs) have garnered significant interest recently owing to their extraordinary combination of fluidity, conductivity, stretchability, self‐healing performance, and biocompatibility. They are ideal materials for the manufacture of flexible electronics. By changing the composition and oxidation of RT‐GaLMs, physicochemical characteristics of the liquid metal can be adjusted, especially the regulation of rheological, wetting, and adhesion properties. This review highlights the advancements in the liquid metals used in flexible electronics. Meanwhile related characteristics of RT‐GaLMs and underlying principles governing their processing and applications for flexible electronics are elucidated. Finally, the diverse applications of RT‐GaLMs in self‐healing circuits, flexible sensors, energy harvesting devices, and epidermal electronics, are explored. Additionally, the challenges hindering the progress of RT‐GaLMs are discussed, while proposing future research directions and potential applications in this emerging field. By presenting a concise and critical analysis, this paper contributes to the advancement of RT‐GaLMs as an advanced material applicable for the new generation of flexible electronics.
Photostimulated Covalent Linkage Transformation Isomerizing Covalent Organic Frameworks for Improved Photocatalytic Performances
Authors: Lin Zheng , Liu Shujing , Weng Weijun , Wang Changchun , Guo Jia
Published: October 2023

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) offer a desirable platform to explore multichoromophoric arrays for photocatalytic conversion. Symmetric arrangement of choromophoric modules over π‐extended frameworks enhances exciton delocalization while impairing excitation density and accordingly photochemical reactivity. Herein, a photoisomerization‐driven strategy is proposed to break the excited‐state symmetry of ketoenamine‐linked COFs with multichoromophoric arrays. Incorporating electron‐withdrawing benzothiadiazole facilitates the ultrafast excited‐state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT) from enamine to keto within 140 fs, resulting in partially enolized COF isomers. The hybrid linkages containing imine and enamine bonds at the node of framework alter the symmetry of electronic structure and enforce the photoinduced charge separation. Increasing the imine‐to‐enamine ratio further promotes the electron transferred number in a long range, thereby affording the optimum photocatalytic hydrogen evolution rate. This work put forward an ESIPT‐induced photoisomerization to build a symmetry‐breaking COF with weakened exciton effect and enhanced photochemical reactivity.
Advances in Immunomodulatory MOFs for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Zhang Binjing , Chen Junyu , Zhu Zhou , Zhang Xin , Wang Jian
Published: October 2023

Given the crucial role of immune system in the occurrence and progression of various diseases such as cancer, wound healing, bone defect, and inflammation‐related diseases, immunomodulation is recognized as a potential solution for treatment of these diseases. Immunomodulation includes both immunosuppression in hyperactive immune conditions and immune activation in hypoactive conditions. For these purposes, metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) are investigated to modulate immune responses either by their own bioactivities or by delivering immunomodulatory agents due to their excellent biodegradability and high delivery capacity. This review starts with an overview of the synthesis strategies of immunomodulatory MOFs, followed by a summarization on the latest applications of immunomodulatory MOFs in cancer immunomodulatory, wound healing, inflammatory disease, and bone tissue engineering. A variety of design considerations, in order to optimize immunomodulatory properties and efficacy of MOFs, is also involved. Last, the challenges and perspectives of future research, which are expected to provide researchers with new insight into the design and application of immunomodulatory MOFs, are discussed.
Fluid Flow, Dissolution, and Mixing Phenomena in a Multibottom Tuyere‐Stirred Gas‐Oxygen Refining Furnace
Authors: Cai Xinyu , Duan Haojian , Xu Anjun , Zhang Lifeng
Published: October 2023

A three‐dimensional mathematical model on fluid flow, ferrochrome dissolution, and mixing phenomena in a nitrogen‐stirred gas‐oxygen refining furnace is established. The multiphase fluid flow is simulated using the standard k–ε model, the volume of fluid (VOF) model, and the Lagrangian discrete phase model. Interfaces between fluids are tracked by the VOF model, and nitrogen bubbles are treated as discrete phase particles. The melt time of ferrochrome particles and the local mixing time are calculated using the user‐defined function. Effects of gas flow rate and bottom tuyere configuration on the fluid flow and the melting and mixing of ferrochrome are investigated. The results show that the average turbulent kinetic energy and its dissipation rate first increase and then decrease with the increasing gas flow rate, while the melting time and mixing time first decrease and then increase. The shortest melting and mixing time with the condition of seven bottom tuyeres are reached when the gas flow rate is 6.5 Nm3 min−1, which are 40.5 and 94.6 s, respectively. The mixing time decreases from 190.0 to 104.5 s when the three bottom tuyeres configuration changes to the seven bottom tuyeres configuration with the gas flow rate of 3.9 Nm3 min−1.
Study on moss biomonitoring of atmospheric deposition of minor and trace elements in the region of Polog, North Macedonia
Authors: Stafilov Trajče , Šajn Robert , Ćulumoska‐Gjorgjievska Angja
Published: October 2023

A study was conducted to investigate air deposition and to explore the natural or anthropogenic sources of contamination with potentially toxic elements (PTEs) in the region of Polog, North Macedonia, using moss samples as biomonitors of air pollution. The distribution of 22 elements was detected in 43 moss samples collected in the region. Multivariate statistical analysis was applied to the available data. Factor analysis identified five association factors, of which four factors, F1 (Cr, Li, V, Co, Fe, Al, Ni, and As), F2 (K, P, and Mg), F4 (Ag and Cu), and F5 (Ba, Sr, and Mn) were related to lithogenic sources and one factor F3 (Hg, Pb, Cd, and Zn) was related to mixed lithogenic and anthropogenic sources. The content of the elements of F1 is higher in the areas on Mount Šar (area without industrial and urban activities), where Precambrian and Paleozoic shales and Paleozoic sandstones predominate, indicating that their origin is mainly a natural phenomenon. The high contents of the elements from F2, F4, and F5 are also related to the lithology of the studied region. Thus, the high contents of elements from F2 are distributed in the western part of the area, where Precambrian and Paleozoic shists and Paleozoic sandstones dominate, and their contents correlate well with the contents of lithogenic elements in the soil samples from the same region. Elements of Factor 4 have higher contents in the southern part of the region, in areas with Paleozoic‐Mesozoic carbonates and Precambrian‐Paleozoic shales, while elements of Factor 5 occur in the regions with shales, Quaternary sedimentary rocks, and Precambrian‐Paleozoic shales, also indicating the lithogenic character of this factor. In addition to the lithogenic origin of the distribution of elements contained in F3 (Hg, Pb, Cd, and Zn), anthropogenic activities also have an influence on the increased content in the northeastern part of the region. This is due to dust emissions from the Silmak ferrosilicon smelter, as well as emissions from industry (steel smelters) and urban activities of the nearby capital Skopje.
An experimental investigation of textile dyeing wastewater using modified electro Fenton process with optimization by response surface methodology
Authors: Latha A. , Ganesan R. , Sai Bharadwaj A. V. S. L. , Barmavatu Praveen
Published: October 2023

Electro‐Fenton oxidation may improve wastewater biocompatibility. In this investigation, steel flakes were used as a novel catalyst in the Enhanced Electro Fenton procedure, in place of the traditional Electro Fenton Process. A degradation study of textile dyeing effluent has been conducted using the Modified Electro Fenton process. In 60 min of reaction time in the Electro‐Fenton process, 98.57%, 95.38%, and 94.93% of color removal was achieved for reactive blue, reactive yellow, and reactive black dyes respectively. From the Laboratory‐scale feasibility studies on the Electro‐Fenton process, the utmost color and COD elimination efficiency of 93% and 70% correspondingly observed at a catalyst dosage of 1 g/L, H2O2 dosage of 132 mM at pH 3. In this study, the average coefficient of correlation was 0.9978, indicating that the framework could describe 99.78% of the variability in response. The Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of the quadratic regression analysis shows that the model is incredibly substantial, as displayed by the Fisher F‐test (F model = 347.52) with the lowest probability value (p model > F = 0.0001). The predicted results from Response Surface Methodology (RSM) closely agreed with the experimental results obtained during the optimization studies and hence confirmed the results obtained.
Nutrition quality response of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (Ipomoea Batatas L. Lam) varieties to deficit irrigation in Tanzania
Authors: Arnold Makama , Winfred Mbungu , Nganga Kihupi , Henry Mahoo
Published: October 2023

Malnutrition in all its forms is a global problem, with the worst effects felt in developing countries. The importance of producing food to improve nutrition security is self‐evidently a promising approach to combating malnutrition. The present study assessed the nutritional quality response of orange‐fleshed sweet potato (OFSP) varieties to deficit irrigation (DI). The study's specific objectives were to (i) evaluate yield and root quality and (ii) assess the nutritional root yield and nutritional water productivity of selected OFSP varieties under full and DI. Beta‐carotene, iron, and zinc were the root quality parameters studied. A factorial arrangement of treatments was laid out in a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The irrigation rates used for scheduling were 100% (full irrigation), 60% (60 [DI]), and 30% (30 [DI]) of total available water (TAW). The test varieties were Naspot‐13 and Jewel of the OFSP crop. The beta‐carotene content of the Jewel cultivar was 27% higher than that of the Naspot‐13 cultivar. However, neither cultivar's root quality changed under DI. The results show that serving 125 g of boiled OFSP varieties provides more than 100% of vitamin A, sufficient iron, and minimal zinc dietary requirements for 4‐ to 8‐year‐old children and 10‐ to 50‐year‐old pregnant women. In general, the nutritional water productivity of root quality parameters increased with a decrease in water application. In conclusion, a positive water‐food‐nutrition nexus was established under the Naspot‐13 variety, suggesting a capacity for alleviating vitamin A, iron, and zinc deficiency health‐related problems, particularly in children and pregnant women in regions with limited water resources. Therefore, adoption of DI strategies for underutilized crops using smart pressurized irrigation systems could be significant in undertaking water management reforms.
Syntheses, Structures, Structural Transformation, and Properties of Neodymium Sulfate Based Inorganic Networks
Authors: Jiajaroen Suwadee , Chanthee Songwuit , Dungkaew Winya , Kielar Filip , Sukwattanasinitt Mongkol , Hayami Shinya , Chainok Kittipong
Published: October 2023

Two neodymium sulfate based purely inorganic networks, [NH4][Nd(SO4)2(H2O)3] ⋅ H2O (1) and [Nd2(SO4)3(H2O)4] ⋅ H2O (2) have been synthesized at different reaction temperatures and pH values. The structure of 1 features a two‐dimensional (2D) anionic corrugated sheet with an sql topological net built up by linking NdO8 units and μ2‐SO42− anions, in which the NH4+ charge‐compensating/templating cations occupy the intersheet layers. While 2 possesses a 3D neutral framework with an unprecedented (3,42,7‐c) net constructed by NdO9 units and μ4‐ and μ6‐SO42− linkers. They exhibit thermally induced irreversible structural transformation associated with the dehydration and the changes in coordination geometry and dimensionality. Both compound 1 and 2 display typical antiferromagnetic interactions between the Nd3+ centres. In addition, the CO2 adsorption isotherms of the desolvated samples 1 and 2 were also investigated.
Einleitung
Authors: Landscheidt Dr. jur. Fabian
Published: October 2023

Daten sind digitale Güter. Der rechtliche Schutz von Daten ist jedoch bisher weder in der deutschen noch in der europäischen Rechtsordnung einheitlich geregelt. Die rechtliche Teilabdeckung des Schutzes von Daten ist insbesondere im Patentrecht mit einem gewissen Maß an Rechtsunsicherheit verbunden. Ziel der vorliegenden Arbeit soll es daher sein, die Grundsätze der Patentierbarkeit zur Erfindung nach § 1 PatG / Art. 52 EPÜ und zur erfinderischen Tätigkeit nach § 4 PatG / Art. 56 EPÜ auf Daten und Informationen anzuwenden. Anhand eines patentrechtlichen Datenbegriffes sollen insbesondere die Konzepte der Technizität von Erfindungen sowie der Körperlichkeit von Verfahrens- und Sacherzeugnissen kritisch durchleuchtet werden. Das Ergebnis der Arbeit sollen praxistaugliche und verfassungskonforme Fallgruppen zur Datenpatentierbarkeit darstellen, die mit der aktuellen Entscheidungspraxis der deutschen und europäischen Spruchkörper in Einklang stehen.
Schlussteil
Authors: Landscheidt Dr. jur. Fabian
Published: October 2023

Daten im patentrechtlichen Sinne sind dem Verfahrenserzeugnisschutz nach § 9 S. 2 Nr. 3 PatG / Art. 64 Abs. 2 EPÜ zugänglich, sofern (1) sie im Rahmen eines Verfahrens neu oder abweichend von einer bisherigen Datenstruktur codiert werden, (2) ihr Zweck nicht ausschließlich darin besteht, erfasst, analysiert oder übertragen zu werden, und (3) sie ihre wesentlichen Eigenschaften, namentlich ihre mittelbar-potentielle Wahrnehmbarkeit in üblicher Form, ihre wiederholbare Nutzbarkeit sowie ihre sachlich-technische Prägung nach der Verkehrsauffassung nicht einbüßen. Daten sind dem Erzeugnisschutz gemäß § 9 S. 2 Nr. 1 PatG mangels Körperlichkeit nicht zugänglich. Das Erfordernis der Körperlichkeit erscheint dabei die letzte Bastion der physischen, anfassbaren und materialisierten Natur der Erfindung zu sein.
Introduction to Entity Alignment
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Zeng Weixin , Tang Jiuyang
Published: October 2023

In this section, we provide a concise overview of the entity alignment task and also discuss other related tasks that have a close connection to entity alignment.
Long-Tail Entity Alignment
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Zeng Weixin , Tang Jiuyang
Published: October 2023

Most entity alignment solutions currently rely on structural information, specifically KG embedding, to align entities. However, in real-life KGs, the majority of entities have a sparse neighborhood structure, while only a few entities are densely connected to others. These less-connected entities are referred to as long-tail entities, and this phenomenon limits the effectiveness of using structural information for entity alignment.

To address this issue, we propose an approach that incorporates entity name information, which is often overlooked but readily available. We amplify the weak structural information of long-tail entities with concatenated power mean word embeddings of their names during pre-alignment. To align entities, we introduce a novel complementary framework that combines both structural and name signals. It uses the entity’s degree as a guide to fuse the two sources of information effectively and proposes a degree-aware co-attention network that dynamically adjusts the significance of features in a degree-aware manner. Finally, we propose using confident entity alignment results as anchors to complement original KGs with facts from their counterparts via iterative training during post-alignment. Experimental evaluations show the effectiveness of the proposed techniques.
Unsupervised Entity Alignment
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Zeng Weixin , Tang Jiuyang
Published: October 2023

State-of-the-art entity alignment solutions tend to rely on labeled data for model training. Additionally, they work under the closed-domain setting and cannot deal with entities that are unmatchable. To address these deficiencies, we offer an unsupervised framework that performs entity alignment in the open world. Specifically, we first mine useful features from the side information of KGs. Then, we devise an unmatchable entity prediction module to filter out unmatchable entities and produce preliminary alignment results. These preliminary results are regarded as the pseudo-labeled data and forwarded to the progressive learning framework to generate structural representations, which are integrated with the side information to provide a more comprehensive view for alignment. Finally, the progressive learning framework gradually improves the quality of structural embeddings and enhances the alignment performance by enriching the pseudo-labeled data with alignment results from the previous round. Our solution does not require labeled data and can effectively filter out unmatchable entities. Comprehensive experimental evaluations validate its superiority.
Multimodal Entity Alignment
Authors: Zhao Xiang , Zeng Weixin , Tang Jiuyang
Published: October 2023

In various tasks related to artificial intelligence, data is often present in multiple forms or modalities. Recently, it has become a popular approach to combine these different forms of information into a knowledge graph, creating a multi-modal knowledge graph (MMKG). However, multi-modal knowledge graphs (MMKGs) often face issues of insufficient data coverage and incompleteness. In order to address this issue, a possible strategy is to incorporate supplemental information from other multi-modal knowledge graphs (MMKGs). To achieve this goal, current methods for aligning entities could be utilized; however, these approaches work within the Euclidean space, and the resulting entity representations can distort the hierarchical structure of the knowledge graph. Additionally, the potential benefits of visual information have not been fully utilized.

To address these concerns, we present a new approach for aligning entities across multiple modalities, which we call hyperbolic multi-modal entity alignment (). This method expands upon the conventional Euclidean representation by incorporating a hyperboloid manifold. Initially, we utilize hyperbolic graph convolutional networks() to acquire structural representations of entities. In terms of visual data, we create image embeddings using the model and subsequently map them into the hyperbolic space utilizing . Lastly, we merge the structural and visual representations within the hyperbolic space and utilize the combined embeddings to forecast potential entity alignment outcomes. Through a series of thorough experiments and ablation studies, we validate the efficacy of our proposed model and its individual components.
Giant gravitons in twisted holography
Authors: Budzik Kasia , Gaiotto Davide
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We study correlation functions of determinant-like operators in the “chiral algebra subsector” of four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 gauge theory with U(N) gauge group. We map the large N saddles of the correlation functions to specific semiclassical D-branes in the holographic dual BCOV theory. We present a detailed match of several gauge-theory and BCOV calculations.
Kinematic twist-three contributions to pseudo- and quasi-GPDs and translation invariance
Authors: Braun V. M.
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We present explicit expressions for the tree-level “kinematic” twist-three contributions to the nucleon matrix elements of gauge-invariant nonlocal quark-antiquark operators which can be used in lattice calculations of generalized parton distributions (GPDs). These contributions in particular restore the translation invariance of the results up to higher twist four. The calculated twist-three corrections are logarithmically enhanced as compared to the leading twist, and are discontinuous at the kinematic points x = ±ξ.
A half de Sitter holography
Authors: Kawamoto Taishi , Ruan Shan-Ming , Suzuki Yu-ki , Takayanagi Tadashi
Published: October 2023

Abstract

A long-standing and intriguing question is: does the holographic principle apply to cosmologies like de Sitter spacetime? In this work, we consider a half dS spacetime wherein a timelike boundary encloses the bulk spacetime, presenting a version of de Sitter holography. By analyzing the holographic entanglement entropy in this space and comparing it with that in AdS/CFT, we argue that gravity on a half dSd+1 is dual to a highly non-local field theory residing on dSd boundary. This non-locality induces a breach in the subadditivity of holographic entanglement entropy. Remarkably, this observation can be linked to another argument that time slices in global de Sitter space overestimate the degrees of freedom by redundantly counting the same Hilbert space multiple times.
New shape of parity-violating graviton non-Gaussianity
Authors: Gong Jinn-Ouk , Mylova Maria , Sasaki Misao
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We show that the general vacuum states that respect the de Sitter symmetry, known as the α-vacua, can introduce non-vanishing parity-violating tensor non-Gaussianities. This is due to the mixing by the Bogoliubov transformation of the positive and negative frequency modes of the Bunch-Davies vacuum. We calculate explicitly the bispectra of tensor perturbations and show that the amplitude can be exponentially enhanced for certain choices of the squeezing parameter α and the phase ϕ of the α-vacua. We find a new shape for the parity-violating tensor bispectrum which peaks in the flattened configuration.
Higgs inflation at the pole
Authors: Cléry Simon , Lee Hyun Min , Menkara Adriana G.
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We propose a novel possibility for Higgs inflation where the perturbative unitarity below the Planck scale is ensured by construction and the successful predictions for inflation are accommodated. The conformal gravity coupling for the Higgs field leads to the proximity of the effective Planck mass to zero in the Jordan frame during inflation, corresponding to a pole in the Higgs kinetic term in the Einstein frame. Requiring the Higgs potential to vanish at the conformal pole in the effective theory in the Jordan frame, we make a robust prediction of the successful Higgs inflation. For a successful Higgs inflation at the pole, we take the running quartic coupling for the Higgs field to be small enough at the inflation scale, being consistent with the low-energy data, but we need a nontrivial extension of the SM with extra scalar or gauge fields in order to keep the running Higgs quartic coupling small during inflation. Performing the perturbative analysis of reheating with the known couplings of the SM particles to the Higgs boson, we show that a concrete realization of the Higgs pole inflation can be pinned down by the reheating processes with a general equation of state for the Higgs inflaton. We illustrate some extensions of the simple Higgs pole inflation to the general pole expansions, the running Higgs quartic coupling in the Standard Model and its extension with a singlet scalar field, a supergravity embedding of the Higgs pole inflation.
Photon sphere and quasinormal modes in AdS/CFT
Authors: Hashimoto Koji , Sugiura Kakeru , Sugiyama Katsuyuki , Yoda Takuya
Published: October 2023

Abstract

Photon spheres are the characteristic of general black holes, thus are a suitable touchstone for the emergence of gravitational spacetime in the AdS/CFT correspondence. We provide a spectral analysis of an AdS Schwarzschild black hole near its photon sphere. We find that quasinormal modes near the photon sphere reflect the AdS boundary, resulting in a peculiar spectral pattern. Our large angular momentum analysis owes to an analogue to solvable Schrödinger equations such as an inverted harmonic oscillator and the Pöschl-Teller model, with a Dirichlet boundary condition. Through the AdS/CFT dictionary, it predicts the existence of a peculiar subsector in the large angular momentum spectrum of thermal holographic CFTs on a sphere.
The five-point bootstrap
Authors: Poland David , Prilepina Valentina , Tadić Petar
Published: October 2023

Abstract

We study five-point correlation functions of scalar operators in d-dimensional conformal field theories. We develop a new approach to computing the five-point conformal blocks for exchanged primary operators of arbitrary spin by introducing a generalization of radial coordinates, using an appropriate ansatz, and perturbatively solving two quadratic Casimir differential equations. We then study five-point correlators 〈σσϵσσ〉 in the critical 3d Ising model. We truncate the operator product expansions (OPEs) in the correlator by including a finite number of primary operators with conformal dimension below a cutoff ∆ ⩽ ∆cutoff. We then compute several OPE coefficients involving ϵ and two spinning operators by demanding that the truncated correlator approximately satisfies the crossing relation.
Predictor bias in genomic and phenomic selection
Authors: Dallinger Hermann Gregor , Löschenberger Franziska , Bistrich Herbert , Ametz Christian , Hetzendorfer Herbert , Morales Laura , Michel Sebastian , Buerstmayr Hermann
Published: October 2023

Key message

NIRS of wheat grains as phenomic predictors for grain yield show inflated prediction ability and are biased toward grain protein content.

Estimating the breeding value of individuals using genome-wide marker data (genomic prediction) is currently one of the most important drivers of breeding progress in major crops. Recently, phenomic technologies, including remote sensing and aerial hyperspectral imaging of plant canopies, have made it feasible to predict the breeding value of individuals in the absence of genetic marker data. This is commonly referred to as phenomic prediction. Hyperspectral measurements in the form of near-infrared spectroscopy have been used since the 1980 s to predict compositional parameters of harvest products. Moreover, in recent studies NIRS from grains was used to predict grain yield. The same studies showed that phenomic prediction can outperform genomic prediction for grain yield. The genome is static and not environment dependent, thereby limiting genomic prediction ability. Gene expression is tissue specific and differs under environmental influences, leading to a tissue- and environment-specific phenome, potentially explaining the higher predictive ability of phenomic prediction. Here, we compare genomic prediction and phenomic prediction from hyperspectral measurements of wheat grains for the prediction of a variety of traits including grain yield. We show that phenomic predictions outperform genomic prediction for some traits. However, phenomic predictions are biased toward the information present in the predictor. Future studies on this topic should investigate whether population parameters are retained in phenomic prediction as they are in genomic prediction. Furthermore, we find that unbiased phenomic prediction abilities are considerably lower than previously reported and recommend a method to circumvent this issue.
An inverse method for automatic determination of material models for metal cutting based on multi-objective optimization
Authors: Liu Hui , Kibireva Anna , Meurer Markus , Bergs Thomas
Published: October 2023

Cutting simulation is a crucial tool that enables engineers and operators to optimize machining processes virtually, before producing physical parts. The accuracy of these simulations relies heavily on validated models, encompassing both friction and material parameters. The prevalent technique for calibrating material models in cutting simulations is the inverse method. This state-of-the-art approach indirectly determines model parameters by comparing simulated outcomes with experimental data. However, the manual calibration process can be complex and time-consuming due to the intricacies of numerical simulation setups and the abundance of material model parameters. To address these challenges, this paper presents a novel fully-automated calibration approach utilizing multi-objective optimization algorithms. This approach integrates a modular design, simplifying the calibration process and enabling automatic calibration of any model parameters within cutting simulations. The approach has been successfully applied to calibrate the model parameters of AISI 1045 and X30CrMoN15-1 materials. Moreover, through a comparison of various optimization algorithms, this paper underscores the efficiency of the swarm optimizer in calibrating model parameters, particularly in scenarios with restricted computational resources.
Vertical contracting between a vertically integrated firm and a downstream rival
Authors: Kourandi Frago , Pinopoulos Ioannis N.
Published: October 2023

Compared to linear tariffs, two-part tariffs are generally perceived as being more efficient since double marginalization is avoided. We investigate the efficiency of two-part tariffs vs. linear tariffs when a vertically integrated firm sells its input also to an independent downstream firm selling a differentiated substitute product. We find that a linear tariff can generate higher consumer surplus and overall welfare than a two-part tariff when the independent downstream firm is rather powerful in negotiating the contract terms, and downstream competition is in prices (Bertrand competition). In that case, the integrated firm makes more profits under a linear tariff than under a two-part tariff. In contrast, under downstream Cournot competition two-part tariffs are always welfare-superior. Under linear demand, we find that, irrespective of the mode of downstream competition and the distribution of bargaining power, the preferred contract type of the integrated firm is always welfare-superior.
Prevalence of anatomical variations at the suboccipital (V3) segment of the vertebral artery: a systematic review
Authors: Omotoso Bukola R. , Harrichandparsad Rohen , Lazarus Lelika
Published: October 2023

Background and objective

A recent meta-analysis on the incidence of iatrogenic injury to the VA has revealed that patients with variant anatomy are more prone to iatrogenic injury. Therefore, this review is designed to investigate the incidence of variations in the suboccipital component of the vertebral artery in different population groups according to the available literature.

Methods

This systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses). The review is based on a comprehensive and extensive search of PubMed, Google Scholar, and ResearchGate. The following search terms were used: “vertebral artery” AND “suboccipital segment” AND “anomalies/anatomical variations of the V3 segment.” Reference lists of all extracted articles were also extensively searched for references to any further relevant publications.

Results

A total of 17 papers met the inclusion criteria. The 17 studies corresponded to a total of 10,820 patients. A persistent first intersegmental artery was registered in 1.8% (197 out of 10,820) of the patients. Extradural PICA origin was observed in 1.6% (175 out of 10,820) of the patients. Fenestration was detected in 0.7% (72 out of 10,820) of the patients.

Conclusion

The authors summarize the incidence of vascular variation at the suboccipital segment of the VA in different population groups across the Asian, European, American, and African continents. Awareness of the extent of possible anatomical variation will help interpret radiographs, which will enhance the identification of vascular pathologies and reduce the risk of iatrogenic injury.
Severe Prolonged Drought Favours Stress-Tolerant Microbes in Australian Drylands
Authors: Maisnam Premchand , Jeffries Thomas C. , Szejgis Jerzy , Bristol Dylan , Singh Brajesh K. , Eldridge David J. , Horn Sebastian , Chieppa Jeff , Nielsen Uffe N.
Published: October 2023

Drylands comprise one-third of Earth’s terrestrial surface area and support over two billion people. Most drylands are projected to experience altered rainfall regimes, including changes in total amounts and fewer but larger rainfall events interspersed by longer periods without rain. This transition will have ecosystem-wide impacts but the long-term effects on microbial communities remain poorly quantified. We assessed belowground effects of altered rainfall regimes (+ 65% and -65% relative to ambient) at six sites in arid and semi-arid Australia over a period of three years (2016–2019) coinciding with a significant natural drought event (2017–2019). Microbial communities differed significantly among semi-arid and arid sites and across years associated with variation in abiotic factors, such as pH and carbon content, along with rainfall. Rainfall treatments induced shifts in microbial community composition only at a subset of the sites (Milparinka and Quilpie). However, differential abundance analyses revealed that several taxa, including Acidobacteria, TM7, Gemmatimonadates and Chytridiomycota, were more abundant in the wettest year (2016) and that their relative abundance decreased in drier years. By contrast, the relative abundance of oligotrophic taxa such as Actinobacteria, Alpha-proteobacteria, Planctomycetes, and Ascomycota and Basidiomycota, increased during the prolonged drought. Interestingly, fungi were shown to be more sensitive to the prolonged drought and to rainfall treatment than bacteria with Basidiomycota mostly dominant in the reduced rainfall treatment. Moreover, correlation network analyses showed more positive associations among stress-tolerant dominant taxa following the drought (i.e., 2019 compared with 2016). Our result indicates that such stress-tolerant taxa play an important role in how whole communities respond to changes in aridity. Such knowledge provides a better understanding of microbial responses to predicted increases in rainfall variability and the impact on the functioning of semi-arid and arid ecosystems.
Movement dynamics, sediment turnover and sheltering behaviours of the nocturnal coral reef sea cucumber, Stichopus cf. monotuberculatus
Authors: Gray Benjamin C. T. , Byrne Maria , Clements Matthew , Purcell Steven W.
Published: October 2023

Animal movement and feeding studies shed light on ecological roles and can inform management strategies for fished species. However, the feeding and movement of nocturnal sea cucumbers have been rarely studied. We determined the movement dynamics, feeding ecology and sheltering behaviour of the nocturnal Stichopus cf. monotuberculatus (dragonfish) at One Tree Reef and Heron Island Reef on the southern Great Barrier Reef. The short-term movement of individual sea cucumbers were tracked, and sediment defecation rates were measured. Displacement rates averaged 3–33 cm h−1 across the four sites, with the sea cucumbers moving more slowly approaching sunrise and within patches of organically rich sediment. The movement paths were moderately tortuous, with larger sea cucumbers moving along straighter paths. Rates of sediment turnover averaged 7.8 g h−1 and were greatest for larger individuals. The faecal casts were organically richer and composed of finer grains than the ambient surface sediments, implying that S. cf. monotuberculatus avoids consuming coarse sediments and feeds on nutritionally rich particles. The sea cucumbers sheltered under hard reef substrata and moved non-directionally on the seascape, with a few individuals homing back to their original refuges. The affinity to reef substrata and short nightly net displacements of S. cf. monotuberculatus have implications for the spatial management of this and other similar species. Larger individuals occupied deeper refuges, implying that projected declines in substratum rugosity on coral reefs due to climate change could impact the size structure of sea cucumber populations, with implications for fisheries.
High serum uric acid levels are protective against cognitive impairment in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Iazzolino Barbara , Grassano Maurizio , Moglia Cristina , Canosa Antonio , Manera Umberto , Vasta Rosario , Cabras Sara , Callegaro Stefano , Matteoni Enrico , Di Pede Francesca , Palumbo Francesca , Mora Gabriele , Calvo Andrea , Chiò Adriano
Published: October 2023

Background

Uric acid (UA) has emerged as a factor that can modify cognitive function both in the general population and in people with neurodegenerative disorders. Since very few data are available concerning amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we explored the correlation of UA levels and cognitive impairment in a large cohort of ALS patients.

Methods

We enrolled ALS patients consecutively seen at the Turin ALS expert center in the 2007–2018 period who underwent both cognitive/behavioral and UA evaluation at diagnosis. Patients were classified in 5 categories: normal cognition (ALS-CN), isolated cognitive impairment (ALSci), isolated behavioural impairment (ALSbi), cognitive and behavioural impairment (ALScbi), frontotemporal dementia (ALS-FTD). For this study, ALSci, ALSbi and ALScbi were merged as ALS with intermediate cognitive impairment (ALS-INT).

Results

Out of the 841 ALS patients, 422 had ALS-CN, 271 ALS-INT and 148 ALS-FTD. The mean values of UA were significantly different among the cognitive subgroups of patients, with the lowest values in the ALS-FTD (ALS-CN, 288.5 ± 78.0 (μmol/L; ALS-INT, 289.7 ± 75.5 μmol/L; ALS-FTD, 271.8 ± 74.9 μmol/L; p = 0.046). The frequency of ALS-FTD was significantly higher in the 1st tertile of UA. Lower UA levels were independently associated with FTD (OR 1.32, 95% c.i. 1.01–1.43; p = 0.038) in binary logistic regression.

Conclusions

We found that in ALS lower UA serum levels are correlated with reduced frequency of co-morbid FTD. Patients with intermediate cognitive impairment showed UA levels similar to ALS-CN but higher than ALS-FTD, implying that higher UA levels can prevent or delay cognitive function deterioration.
It’s SNARC o’ clock: manipulating the salience of the context in a conceptual replication of Bächtold et al.’s (1998) clockface study
Authors: Mingolo Serena , Prpic Valter , Mariconda Alberto , Brugger Peter , Drack Thekla , Bilotta Eleonora , Agostini Tiziano , Murgia Mauro
Published: October 2023

The Spatial-Numerical Association of Response Codes (SNARC) effect consists in faster left-/right-key responses to small/large numbers. (Bächtold et al., Neuropsychologia 36:731–735, 1998) reported the reversal of this effect after eliciting the context of a clockface—where small numbers are represented on the right and large numbers on the left. The present study investigates how the salience of a particular spatial-numerical context, which reflects the level of activation of the context in working memory, can alter Spatial Numerical Associations (SNAs). Four experiments presented the clockface as context and gradually increased its salience using different tasks. In the first two experiments (low salience), the context was presented at the beginning of the experiment and its retrieval was not required to perform the tasks (i.e., random number generation in Experiment 1, magnitude classification and parity judgement in Experiment 2). Results revealed regular left-to-right SNAs, unaffected by the context. In Experiment 3 (medium salience), participants performed magnitude classification and parity judgement (primary task), and a Go/No-go (secondary task) which required the retrieval of the context. Neither the SNARC effect nor a reversed-SNARC emerged, suggesting that performance was affected by the context. Finally, in Experiment 4 (high salience), the primary task required participants to classify numbers based on their position on the clockface. Results revealed a reversed SNARC, as in (Bächtold et al., Neuropsychologia 36:731–735, 1998). In conclusion, SNARC is disrupted when the context is retrieved in a secondary task, but its reversal is observed only when the context is relevant for the primary task.