bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Requirements on common solutions to the LSND and MiniBooNE excesses: a post-MicroBooNE study
Authors: Abdallah Waleed , Gandhi Raj , Roy Samiran
Published: June 2022

Abstract

The strong statistical significance of an observed electron-like event excess in the MiniBooNE (MB) experiment, along with an earlier similar excess seen in the Liquid Scintillator Neutrino Detector (LSND), when interpreted in conjunction with recent MicroBooNE results may have brought us to the cusp of new physics discoveries. This has led to many attempts to understand these observations, both for each experiment individually and in conjunction, via physics beyond the Standard Model (SM). We provide an overview of the current situation, and discuss three major categories under which the many proposals for new physics fall. The possibility that the same new, non-oscillation physics explains both anomalies leads to new restrictions and requirements. An important class of such common solutions, which we focus on in this work, consists of a heavy 𝒪(MeV−sub-GeV) sterile neutral fermion produced in the detectors, (via up-scattering of the incoming muon neutrinos), and subsequently decaying to photons or e+e− pairs which mimic the observed signals. Such solutions are subject to strong demands from a) cross section requirements which would yield a sufficient number of total events in both LSND and MB, b) requirements imposed by the measured energy and angular distributions in both experiments and finally, c) consistency and compatibility of the new physics model and its particle content with other bounds from a diverse swathe of particle physics experiments. We find that these criteria often pull proposed solutions in different directions, and stringently limit the viable set of proposals which could resolve both anomalies. Our conclusions are relevant for both the general search for new physics and for the ongoing observations and analyses of the MicroBooNE experiment.
Entanglement entropy and negativity in the Ising model with defects
Authors: Rogerson David , Pollmann Frank , Roy Ananda
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Defects in two-dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs) contain signatures of their characteristics. In this work, we analyze entanglement properties of subsystems in the presence of energy and duality defects in the Ising CFT using the density matrix renormalization group (DMRG) technique. In particular, we compute the entanglement entropy (EE) and the entanglement negativity (EN) in the presence of defects. For the EE, we consider the cases when the defect lies within the subsystem and at the edge of the subsystem. We show that the EE for the duality defect exhibits fundamentally different characteristics compared to the energy defect due to the existence of localized and delocalized zero energy modes. Of special interest is the nontrivial ‘finite-size correction’ in the EE obtained recently using free fermion computations [1]. These corrections arise when the subsystem size is appreciable compared to the total system size and lead to a deviation from the usual logarithmic scaling characteristic of one-dimensional quantum-critical systems. Using matrix product states with open and infinite boundary conditions, we numerically demonstrate the disappearance of the zero mode contribution for finite subsystem sizes in the thermodynamic limit. Our results provide further support to the recent free fermion computations, but clearly contradict earlier analytical field theory calculations based on twisted torus partition functions. Subsequently, we compute the logarithm of the EN (log-EN) between two disjoint subsystems separated by a defect. We show that the log-EN scales logarithmically with the separation of the subsystems. However, the coefficient of this logarithmic scaling yields a continuously-varying effective central charge that is different from that obtained from analogous computations of the EE. The defects leave their fingerprints in the subleading term of the scaling of the log-EN. Furthermore, the log-EN receives similar ‘finite size corrections’ like the EE which leads to deviations from its characteristic logarithmic scaling.
Infrared Thermographic Imaging of Chest Wall Perfusion in Patients Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Rasche Stefan , Kleiner Christian , Müller Jens , Rost Antje , Ghazy Tamer , Plötze Katrin , Tetzlaff Ronald , Matschke Klaus , Bota Olimpiu
Published: June 2022

Coronary artery disease represents a leading cause of death worldwide, to which the coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) is the main method of treatment in advanced multiple vessel disease. The use of the internal mammary artery (IMA) as a graft insures an improved long-term survival, but impairment of chest wall perfusion often leads to surgical site infection and increased morbidity and mortality. Infrared thermography (IRT) has established itself in the past decades as a non-invasive diagnostic technique. The applications vary from veterinary to human medicine and from head to toe. In this study we used IRT in 42 patients receiving CABG to determine the changes in skin surface temperature preoperatively, two hours, 24 h and 6 days after surgery. The results showed a significant and independent drop of surface temperature 2 h after surgery on the whole surface of the chest wall, as well as a further reduction on the left side after harvesting the IMA. The temperature returned to normal after 24 h and remained so after 6 days. The study has shown that IRT is sufficiently sensitive to demonstrate the known, subtle reduction in chest wall perfusion associated with IMA harvesting.
Managerial Discretion, Market Failure and Democracy
Authors: Bennett Michael
Published: June 2022

Managers often have discretion in interpreting their ethical requirements, and they should seek democratic guidance in doing so. The undemocratic nature of managerial ethical discretion is shown to be a recurring problem in business ethics. Joseph Heath’s market failures approach (MFA) is introduced as a theory better positioned to deal with this problem than other views. However, due to epistemic uncertainty and conceptual indeterminacy, the MFA is shown to allow a much wider range of managerial discretion than initially appears. The paper explores how this range can be narrowed down with democratic input, comparing models based on formal state institutions and on the informal public sphere. A case study from the pharmaceutical industry illustrates the merits of the informal public sphere approach.
Synthesis, optical and dielectric properties of polyacryloyloxy imino fluorophenyl acetamide and polyacryloyloxy imino fluorophenyl acetamide-co-polystyrene sulfonate
Authors: Baseer Rasha A. , Ewies Ewies F. , Ismail A. M.
Published: June 2022

Our scope is synthesis a new poly fluorobenzamide oxime ester and study its structural, optical, and dielectric properties. Consequently, ((E)-2-((acryloyloxy)imino)-N-(4-fluorophenyl) acetamide) (AIFPA) was as-synthesized via a condensation reaction of (E)-N-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(hydroxyimino) acetamide with acrylic acid to polymerize it via free radical polymerization (PAIFPA). over and above, the synthesized PAIFPA was inserted in more polymerization action with polystyrene sulfonate through the grafting process (PAIFPA-co-PSS). The chemical structures and morphology of AIFPA, PAIFPA, and PAIFPA-co-PSS were characterized by 1H NMR, FTIR, and XRD. The crystallinity index of PAIFPA, and PAIFPA-co-PSS was studied, affording that PAIFPA-co-PSS has the highest crystallinity. Moreover, The optical bandgap that obtained from absorbance analysis was encountered to be in the range of 2.6 eV to 3.5 eV. Ultimately, the dielectric properties of PAIFPA, and PAIFPA-co-PSS showed that electric conductivity values ranged from 6.12 × 10–8 to 7.11 × 10–7 S.cm−1, and 5.48 × 10–10 to 7.75 × 10–8 S.cm−1, respectively. It has a great deal of interest of PAIFPA-co-PSS which has wide band gap energy as short-wavelength light absorbers to be used in tandem polymer solar cells.
Echocardiographic estimation of pulmonary hypertension in COVID-19 patients
Authors: Wolters A. E. P. , Wolters A. J. P. , van Kraaij T. D. A. , Kietselaer B. L. J. H.
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the cause of a devastating global pandemic and is not likely to be fully resolved in the near future. In most cases COVID-19 presents with mild symptoms, but in a minority of patients respiratory and multi-organ failure may ensue. Previous research has focused on the correlation between COVID-19 and a variety of cardiovascular complications. However, the effect of COVID-19 on pulmonary hypertension (PH) and correlated cardiovascular parameters has not been evaluated extensively.

Methods

This study was designed as a single-centre, semi-quantitative analysis. PH was considered to be present if echocardiographic measurements estimated right ventricular systolic pressure at rest to be 36 mm Hg or higher in combination with indirect indicators of right ventricular overload.

Results

In total, 101 patients (67.3% male) were included in this study, with a mean age of 66 years (range 23–98 years). PH was diagnosed by echocardiographic estimation in 30 patients (29.7%). Echocardiographically estimated PH (eePH) was not correlated with a diagnosis of heart failure or pulmonary embolism. Mortality was significantly higher among COVID-19 patients with eePH (p = 0.015). In all 10 of 20 surviving eePH patients in whom echocardiographic follow-up was obtained, echocardiographic estimations of pulmonary pressures showed a significant decrease after a median of 144 ± 72 days.

Conclusion

eePH is frequently observed in COVID-19 patients and is correlated with increased mortality. COVID-19-related eePH appears to be reversible after recovery. Vigilant attention and a low threshold for performance of echocardiography in COVID-19 patients seems warranted, as eePH may be applicable as a prognostic risk factor.
3D voluminometry of urolithiasis as a predictor of success in ureterorenoscopic (URS) treatment
Authors: Mekhaiel Mina , Kemper Frank M. J. , Duijvesz Diederick
Published: June 2022

Stone burden is a predictor of stone free rate (SFR) after ureterorenoscopy (URS). 2D measurements (X-Ray/CT) may unreliably predict actual stone burden. This study was performed to evaluate 3D measurements as a predictor of SFR after URS compared to 2D measurements. A retrospective study (2008–2019) was performed on patients with a single stone and preoperative CT-scans. Stone size was assessed by three conventional 2D methods and an automated 3D measurement. Primary outcome was SFR after four weeks. Secondary outcomes involved the need for subsequent procedure and complications. 227 patients were included, SFR was 74.9%. 3D measurement correlated significantly with SFR (OR: 0.980). Unfortunately, no predictive value was observed. 3D measurement demonstrated a significant correlation to complications (OR: 0.966). Low interobserver variability (0.891 vs 0.782 respectively) was found in the 2D and 3D measurements. It was concluded that, although 3D voluminometry correlates significantly to SFR and complications, these approach harbors no predictive value.
Sums of two unlike powers in arithmetic progressions
Authors: Brüdern Jörg , Vaughan Robert C.
Published: June 2022

The variance associated with the distribution of sums of two unlike powers in arithmetic progressions is evaluated asymptotically.
Early Works
Authors: Richardson Samuel
Published: June 2022

This is the first edition to assemble all of the earliest known works by Samuel Richardson (1689–1761), one of the most influential authors in the English tradition. Richardson's exercises in conduct-writing, religious controversialism, anti-theatrical polemic, occasional verse, literary criticism – and his popular and surprisingly revealing edition of Aesop's Fables – resonate throughout his later work while claiming ample legitimacy of their own. Readers familiar with only Pamela, Clarissa and Sir Charles Grandison will gain a fresh appreciation of the genesis of and the historical and cultural complexities at work in these famous novels, and readers new to Richardson will encounter an agile writer who invites closer consideration. A lengthy introduction situates the constituent works in Richardson's career as well as in the period more broadly, and the extensive textual apparatus records the bibliographical histories of the texts and their treatment by their present editor.
The Odds Revisited
Authors: Murshid K. A. S.
Published: June 2022

This book looks at Bangladesh at and beyond its fifty years since its formation in 1971. A comprehensive, holistic narrative is constructed to track key development dynamics at the sectoral, sub-sectoral and macro levels. This much-needed exercise dispels the notion that the 'Bangladesh surprise' can be reduced to singular dimensions such as the trauma of the 1971 war or women's empowerment and micro-credit. The mixture of economic history, political economy and institutional and actor analysis provide fresh insights to the themes addressed. A well-argued case to view emerging Bangladesh as the newest member of the Flying Geese club, The Odds Revisited includes a detailed review of macro and sectoral developments over the last fifty years and provides new material and insights into the rise of Bangladesh's capitalist class; a socio-economic perspective of the role of Dhaka-based urbanization; and the rise of a new middle class.
Costs, Benefits, and Welfare Implications of USAID Investment in Agricultural Research through U.S. Universities
Authors: Dalton Timothy J. , Fuglie Keith
Published: June 2022

The U.S. Agency for International Development has invested limited funds in international agricultural research through U.S. universities. We present a meta-analysis of impact case studies from this investment. The median net present value of economic impacts at purchasing power parity is PPP$8.4 billion compared to a cumulative investment of US$1.24 billion over 1978–2018. About four-fifths of these economic benefits accrued to individuals with incomes under $5.50/day and about 29% to those in extreme poverty. In addition to these limited case studies evaluating financial benefits and costs, we present several types of additional non-economic benefits.
Levels of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress among Ugandan adults during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic: cross-sectional evidence from a mobile phone-based population survey
Authors: Clarke-Deelder Emma , Rokicki Slawa , McGovern Mark E. , Birabwa Catherine , Cohen Jessica L. , Waiswa Peter , Abbo Catherine
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Policy measures to slow the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), such as curfews and business closures, may have negative effects on mental health. Populations in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may be particularly affected due to high rates of poverty and less comprehensive welfare systems, but the evidence is scarce. We evaluated predictors of depression, anxiety, and psychological distress in Uganda, which implemented one of the world's most stringent lockdowns.

Methods

We conducted a mobile phone-based cross-sectional survey from December 2020 through April 2021 among individuals aged 18 years or over in Uganda. We measured depression, anxiety, and psychological distress using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ)-2, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)-2, and the PHQ-4. We applied linear regression to assess associations between experiences of COVID-19 (including fear of infection, social isolation, income loss, difficulty accessing medical care, school closings, and interactions with police) and PHQ-4 score, adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics.

Results

29.2% of 4066 total participants reported scores indicating moderate psychological distress, and 12.1% reported scores indicating severe distress. Distress was most common among individuals who were female, had lower levels of education, and lived in households with children. Related to COVID-19, PHQ-4 score was significantly associated with difficulty accessing medical care, worries about COVID-19, worries about interactions with police over lockdown measures, and days spent at home.

Conclusions

There is an urgent need to address the significant burden of psychological distress associated with COVID-19 and policy responses in LMICs. Pandemic mitigation strategies must consider mental health consequences.
Global linear instability analysis of thermal convective flow using the linearized lattice Boltzmann method
Authors: Jiang Hao-Kui , Luo Kang , Zhang Zi-Yao , Wu Jian , Yi Hong-Liang
Published: June 2022

Modal global linear stability analysis of thermal convection is performed with the linearized lattice Boltzmann method (LLBM). The onset of Rayleigh–Bénard convection in rectangular cavities with conducting and adiabatic sidewalls and the instability of two-dimensional (2-D) and three-dimensional (3-D) natural convection in cavities are studied. The method of linearizing the local equilibrium probability distribution function that was first proposed by Pérez et al. (Theor. Comp. Fluid Dyn., vol. 31, 2017, pp. 643–664) is extended to solve the coupled linear Navier–Stokes equations together with the linear energy equation in this work. A multiscale analysis is also performed to recover the macroscopic linear Navier–Stokes equations from the discrete lattice Boltzmann equations for both the single and multiple relaxation time models. The present LLBM is implemented in the framework of the Palabos library. It is validated by calculating the linear critical value of 2-D natural convection that the LLBM with the multiple relaxation time model has an error less than 1 % compared with the spectral method. The instability mechanism of the flow is explained by kinetic energy transfer analysis. It is shown that the buoyancy mechanism and inertial mechanism tend to stabilize the Hopf bifurcation of the 2-D natural convection at Pr < 0.08 and Pr > 1, respectively. For 3-D natural convection, subcritical bifurcation of the Hopf type is found for low-Prandtl-number fluids (Pr < 0.1).
On the thermodynamics of SPARC plasma and its role in reducing uncertainties on the way to large fusion gain
Authors: Di Vita Andrea
Published: June 2022

Independent assessment of the feasibility of controlled nuclear fusion in the proposed SPARC tokamak (Creely et al., J. Plasma Phys., vol. 86, 2020, 865860502; Rodriguez-Fernandez et al., J. Plasma Phys., vol. 86, 2020, 865860503) is difficult because of the uncertainties concerning energy transport in the plasma. We discuss a SPARC scenario – where a burning plasma is obtained – with the help of a well-known general constraint on transport in weakly collisional, axisymmetric, toroidal, low-

$\beta$

turbulent plasma (Rogister et al., Phys. Fluids B, vol. 4, 1992, p. 804). This constraint is useful in reducing uncertainties on auxiliary heating as the fusion gain begins to be large. No particular ad hoc model for transport coefficients is invoked. The crucial roles of both suitable tuning of ion cyclotron radiofrequency power and high-temperature pedestal are highlighted.
Social Justice Campaigns and Democratic Party Gains: How Georgia's Partisan Reformers Overtook North Carolina's Moral Advocates
Authors: Skocpol Theda , Tervo Caroline , Walters Kirsten
Published: June 2022

How did Democrats running for federal office win in Georgia in 2020–21, but not in North Carolina, a state long regarded as more “flippable”? This article uses newly assembled organizational data to situate recent Democratic fortunes in the context of two long-running statewide campaigns for racial and economic justice—led by North Carolina's Reverend William Barber II and Georgia's Stacey Abrams. We track shifting political opportunity structures and the organizational and strategic evolution of both movements during the 2010s, with a special focus on outreach beyond major metropolitan areas. Our findings suggest that social justice campaigns aiming to increase government responsiveness to poor minority citizens do better if they engage in persistent, locally embedded voter outreach along partisan lines rather than heavily relying on morally framed, media-friendly protests. This research also demonstrates how data on organizational networks can be assembled and used to explore historical-institutional hypotheses about the development and impact of social movements.
The Debt Relief Notice: Its Effectiveness in Improving the Financial Well-Being of Over-Indebted Individuals and Its Impact on Social Mobility
Authors: Boyle Melissa
Published: June 2022

Ireland’s policy approach to personal insolvency went through sudden changes in 2012 after a lengthy period of stability. This article presents the findings of a study examining one of the remedies introduced with the Personal Insolvency Act 2012 (as amended), the Debt Relief Notice (DRN). The study examined the DRN’s effectiveness in addressing the financial well-being of over-indebted individuals. The results revealed a reduction in participants’ financial distress after obtaining a DRN, which in turn enabled increased control over day-to-day finances. Improved health, increased resourcefulness, and lifestyle improvements were also identified when the participants’ financial distress was reduced. However, participants were incapable of attaining long-term financial resilience, and, therefore, were unable to achieve high financial well-being. A negative impact on social mobility was also identified as an outcome. The short-term impact identified is similar to findings of earlier research (Stamp, 2012) examining Ireland’s previous policy approach to personal insolvency.
How Do Vulnerable People in Bangladesh Experience Environmental Stress From Sedimentation in the Haor Wetlands? An Exploratory Study
Authors: Islam Mohammad Nazrul , Atiqul Haq Shah Md , Ahmed Khandaker Jafor , Best Jim
Published: June 2022

The haor landscape is a wetland ecosystem in northeast Bangladesh, comprising shallow depressions that undergo large changes in water inundation between the monsoon and dry seasons. Sediment is supplied to the haor from rivers originating in the adjacent Shillong Plateau, and can adversely affect these largely arable agricultural lands. The critical adverse effects of changing hydrology and enhanced sedimentation due to anthropogenic change include the reduction of natural water storage capacity, changes in the timing and magnitude of floods, and increasing loss and damage to crops, which consequently affect the livelihoods of wetland dwellers. This study employs a mixed‐methods approach to investigate how sedimentation has affected the livelihoods of the residents and the pressures they experience. Cross‐sectional surveys and interviews were conducted with 180 respondents in Lubar and Pochashul Haors (LPH), Sunamganj District, and allied with an analysis of satellite images that reveals the nature of landscape change over the past 56 years. Our findings confirm that sedimentation has been promoted through both natural processes of alluvial fan progradation and anthropogenic forcings. Enhanced sedimentation threatens the agriculture of the region and affects the livelihood of local inhabitants, leading to other societal issues related to income, education, employment, health, displacement, and sexual harassment. The mixed methods employed herein are essential tools to reveal these effects. In order to reduce the vulnerability of the local population, a transboundary dialog between India and Bangladesh is needed to realize measures to protect wetland resources and achieve progress towards environmental sustainability.
Geomagnetic Detection of the Atmospheric Acoustic Resonance at 3.8 mHz During the Hunga Tonga Eruption Event on 15 January 2022
Authors: Yamazaki Yosuke , Soares Gabriel , Matzka Jürgen
Published: June 2022

Modeling studies have predicted that the acoustic resonance of the atmosphere during geophysical events such as earthquakes and volcanos can lead to an oscillation of the geomagnetic field with a frequency of about 4 mHz. However, observational evidence is still limited due to scarcity of suitable events. On 15 January 2022, the submarine volcano Hunga Tonga‐Hunga Ha'apai (20.5°S, 175.4°W, Tonga) erupted in the Pacific Ocean and caused severe atmospheric disturbance, providing an opportunity to investigate geomagnetic effects associated with acoustic resonance. Following the eruption, geomagnetic oscillation is observed at Apia, approximately 835 km from Hunga Tonga, mainly in the Pc 5 band (150–600 s, or 1.7–6.7 mHz) lasting for about 2 hr. The dominant frequency of the oscillation is 3.8 mHz, which is consistent with the frequency of the atmospheric oscillation due to acoustic resonance. The oscillation is most prominent in the eastward (Y) component, with an amplitude of ∼3 nT, which is much larger than those previously reported for other events (<1 nT). Comparably large oscillation is not found at other stations located further away (>2700 km). However, geomagnetic oscillation with a much smaller amplitude (∼0.3 nT) is observed at Honolulu, which is located near the magnetic conjugate point of Hunga Tonga, in a similar wave form as at Apia, indicating interhemispheric coupling. This is the first time that geomagnetic oscillations due to the atmospheric acoustic resonance are simultaneously detected at magnetic conjugate points.
An alternative to MINFLUX that enables nanometer resolution in a confocal microscope
Authors: Masullo Luciano A. , Szalai Alan M. , Lopez Lucía F. , Pilo-Pais Mauricio , Acuna Guillermo P. , Stefani Fernando D.
Published: June 2022

Localization of single fluorescent emitters is key for physicochemical and biophysical measurements at the nanoscale and beyond ensemble averaging. Examples include single-molecule tracking and super-resolution imaging by single-molecule localization microscopy. Among the numerous localization methods available, MINFLUX outstands for achieving a ~10-fold improvement in resolution over wide-field camera-based approaches, reaching the molecular scale at moderate photon counts. Widespread application of MINFLUX and related methods has been hindered by the technical complexity of the setups. Here, we present RASTMIN, a single-molecule localization method based on raster scanning a light pattern comprising a minimum of intensity. RASTMIN delivers ~1–2 nm localization precision with usual fluorophores and is easily implementable on a standard confocal microscope with few modifications. We demonstrate the performance of RASTMIN in localization of single molecules and super-resolution imaging of DNA origami structures.
Graded multilayer triple cation perovskites for high speed and detectivity self-powered photodetector via scalable spray coating process
Authors: Amratisha Koth , Tuchinda Waris , Ruankham Pipat , Naikaew Atittaya , Pansa-Ngat Pimsuda , Srathongsian Ladda , Wattanathana Worawat , Shin Thant Ko Ko , Supruangnet Ratchadaporn , Nakajima Hideki , Sahasithiwat Somboon , Kanjanaboos Pongsakorn
Published: June 2022

Rapid advancements in perovskite materials have led to potential applications in various optoelectronic devices, such as solar cells, light-emitting diodes, and photodetectors. Due to good photoelectric properties, perovskite enables low-cost and comparable performance in terms of responsivity, detectivity, and speed to those of the silicon counterpart. In this work, we utilized triple cation perovskite, well known for its high performance, stability, and wide absorption range, which is crucial for broadband photodetector applications. To achieve improved detectivity and faster response time, graded multilayer perovskite absorbers were our focus. Sequential spray deposition, which allows stacked perovskite architecture without disturbing lower perovskite layers, was used to generate single, double, and triple-layer perovskite photodetectors with proper energy band alignment. In this work, we achieved a record on self-powered perovskite photodetector fabricated from a scalable spray process in terms of EQE and responsivity of 65.30% and 0.30 A W-1. The multilayer devices showed faster response speed than those of single-layer perovskite photodetectors with the champion device reaching 70 µs and 88 µs for rising and falling times. The graded band structure and the internal electric field generated from perovskite heterojunction also increase specific detectivity about one magnitude higher in comparison to the single-layer with the champion device achieving 6.82 × 1012 cmHz1/2 W−1.
Preparation of recombinant glycoprotein B (gB) of Chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) for antibody production and its application for infection detection in sea turtles
Authors: Li Tsung-Hsien , Hsu Wei-Li , Chen Chang-You , Chen Yi-Chen , Wang Yu-Chen , Tsai Ming-An , Chen I.-Chun , Chang Chao-Chin
Published: June 2022

The Chelonid herpesvirus 5 (ChHV5) infection possibly associated to the fibropapillomatosis (FP) disease in sea turtles worldwide remains largely unknown and limited studies have used serological approaches to detection of antibodies against ChHV5 in sea turtles with or without FP. We aimed to develop diagnostic platforms based on the viral glycoprotein B (gB) for ChHV5 infection. In this study, five recombinant sub-fragments of the gB protein were successfully expressed and subsequently served as antigens for both seroprevalence and antibody production. The results indicated that the five expressed proteins harbored antigenicity, shown by the results of using sera from sea turtles that were PCR-positive for ChHV5. Moreover, seropositive sea turtles were significantly associated with FP (p < 0.05). We further used the expressed protein to produce antibodies for immunohistochemical analysis, and found that the in-house-generated sera specifically stained FP lesions while normal epithelium tissues remained negative. Of major importance, the reactivity in the ballooning degeneration area was much stronger than that in other regions of the FP lesion/tumour, thus indicating ChHV5 viral activities. In summary, the developed serological test and specific anti-gB antibodies for IHC analysis could be applied for further understanding of epidemiological distributions of ChHV5 infection in sea turtles, and studies of ChHV5 pathogenesis.
Differentially methylated and expressed genes in familial type 1 diabetes
Authors: Dashti Mohammed , Nizam Rasheeba , Hebbar Prashantha , Jacob Sindhu , John Sumi Elsa , Channanath Arshad , Al-Kandari Hessa , Thanaraj Thangavel Alphonse , Al-Mulla Fahd
Published: June 2022

There has recently been a growing interest in examining the role of epigenetic modifications, such as DNA methylation, in the etiology of type 1 diabetes (T1D). This study aimed to delineate differences in methylation patterns between T1D-affected and healthy individuals by examining the genome-wide methylation of individuals from three Arab families from Kuwait with T1D-affected mono-/dizygotic twins and non-twinned siblings. Bisulfite sequencing of DNA from the peripheral blood of the affected and healthy individuals from each of the three families was performed. Methylation profiles of the affected individuals were compared to those of the healthy individuals Principal component analysis on the observed methylation profiling based on base-pair resolution clustered the T1D-affected twins together family-wide. The sites/regions that were differentially methylated between the T1D and healthy samples harbored 84 genes, of which 18 were known to be differentially methylated in T1D individuals compared to healthy individuals in publicly available gene expression data resources. We further validated two of the 18 genes—namely ICA1 and DRAM1 that were hypermethylated in T1D samples compared to healthy samples—for upregulation in T1D samples from an extended study cohort of familial T1D. The study confirmed that the ICA1 and DRAM1 genes are differentially expressed in T1D samples compared to healthy samples.
Inside or outside the box? Effect of substrate location on coordination-cage based catalysis
Authors: Solea Atena B. , Sudittapong Burin , Taylor Christopher G. P. , Ward Michael D.
Published: June 2022

The cavity is not everything! Catalysed hydrolysis of 4-nitrophenylacetate is inhibitedinsidea cage (left), but hydrolysis of diacetylfluorescein (right) is catalysed by the exterior surface.
Understanding the evolution of tunable spiral threads in homochiral Au nano-screws
Authors: Yang Shenghao , Li Hongyan , Liu Ruirui , Wang Cheng , Yu Jialong , Li Shumin , Wang Yawen , Chen Hongyu
Published: June 2022

Penta-twin Au nanorods are transformed into homochiral nano-screws. A feed-back mechanism is proposed to explain the dynamic evolution of the spirals.
Near-infrared thermally activated delayed fluorescence of D–π-A–π-D difluoroboron complex for efficient singlet oxygen generation in aqueous media
Authors: Li Ziyong , Yang Xiao-Gang , Zhang Haining , Zhang Ji-Rui , Tian Xu-Ke , Qin Jian-Huan , Ma Lu-Fang , Yan Dongpeng
Published: June 2022

NIR TADF difluoroboron complex shows extremely small ΔEST, broad absorption range (350–650 nm), high1O2quantum yield (62%), and selective photodynamic killing of Gram-positive bacteria.
Musical Training and Its Association With Age-Related Changes in Binaural, Temporal, and Spatial Processing
Authors: Nisha Kavassery Venkateswaran , Durai Ranjini , Konadath Sreeraj
Published: June 2022

Objective:

This article aimed to assess the relationship between musical training and age-related changes in binaural, temporal, and spatial processing abilities.

Design:

A standard group comparison study was conducted involving both musicians and nonmusicians. The effect of musical training was assessed using a battery of psychoacoustical tests (interaural time and level difference thresholds: ITD & ILD, binaural gap detection threshold, and virtual auditory space identification test) and subjective ratings (Spatial-Hearing subsection of Speech, Spatial, and Quality of Hearing scale in Kannada).

Study sample:

A total of 60 participants, between 41 and 70 years, were divided into three groups of 20 each, based on their age (41–50, 51–60, and 61–70 years). Each of these three groups was subdivided into two, one comprising 10 musicians (vocalists practicing South-Indian classical music) and the other comprising 10 nonmusicians.

Results:

Multivariate analyses of variance revealed that musicians performed significantly better (
p
< .001) than nonmusicians in all the tests. Analyses of variance showed that whereas age had no effect (
p
> .05) on performance in any of the tests in musicians, age affected the performance of nonmusicians significantly in terms of ITD (
p
= .02) and ILD (
p
= .01) thresholds.

Conclusion:

Musical training appears to have the potential to slow down age-related decline in binaural, temporal, and spatial processing.
KiDS+VIKING+GAMA: Halo occupation distributions and correlations of satellite numbers with a new halo model of the galaxy-matter bispectrum for galaxy-galaxy-galaxy lensing
Authors: Linke Laila , Simon Patrick , Schneider Peter , Farrow Daniel J. , Rödiger Jens , Wright Angus H.
Published: June 2022

Context. Halo models and halo occupation distributions (HODs) are important tools to model the distribution of galaxies and matter.

Aims. We present and assess a new method for constraining the parameters of HODs using the mean gravitational lensing shear around galaxy pairs, so-called galaxy-galaxy-galaxy lensing (G3L). In contrast to galaxy-galaxy lensing, G3L is also sensitive to the correlations between the per-halo numbers of galaxies from different populations. We employed our G3L halo model to probe these correlations and test the default hypothesis that they are negligible.

Methods. We derived a halo model for G3L and validated it with realistic mock data from the Millennium Simulation and a semi-analytic galaxy model. Then, we analysed public data from the Kilo-Degree Survey (KiDS), the VISTA Infrared Kilo-Degree Galaxy Survey (VIKING) and data from the Galaxy And Mass Assembly Survey (GAMA) to infer the HODs of galaxies at z < 0.5 in five different stellar mass bins between 108.5h−2 M⊙ and 1011.5h−2 M⊙ and two colours (red and blue), as well as correlations between satellite numbers.

Results. The analysis accurately recovers the true HODs in the simulated data for all galaxy samples within the 68% credibility range. The model best fits agree with the observed G3L signal on the 95% confidence level. The inferred HODs vary significantly with colour and stellar mass. In particular, red galaxies prefer more massive halos ≳1012 M⊙, while blue galaxies are present in halos ≳1011 M⊙. There is strong evidence (> 3σ) for a high correlation, increasing with halo mass, between the numbers of red and blue satellites and between galaxies with stellar masses below 1010 M⊙.

Conclusions. Our G3L halo model accurately constrains galaxy HODs for lensing surveys of up to 103 deg2 and redshift below 0.5 probed here. Analyses of future surveys may need to include non-Poisson variances of satellite numbers or a revised model for central galaxies. Correlations between satellite numbers are ubiquitous between various galaxy samples and are relevant for halos with masses ≳1013 M⊙, that is, of galaxy-group scale and more massive. Possible causes of these correlations are the selection of similar galaxies in different samples, the survey flux limit, or physical mechanisms such as a fixed ratio between the satellite numbers of distinct populations. The decorrelation for halos with smaller masses is probably an effect of shot noise by low-occupancy halos. The inferred HODs can be used to complement galaxy-galaxy lensing or galaxy-clustering HOD studies or as input to cosmological analyses and improved mock galaxy catalogues.
Singular solutions, graded meshes,and adaptivity for total-variation regularized minimization problems
Authors: Bartels Sören , Tovey Robert , Wassmer Friedrich
Published: June 2022

Recent quasi-optimal error estimates for the finite element approximation of total-variation regularized minimization problems require the existence of a Lipschitz continuous dual solution. We discuss the validity of this condition and devise numerical methods using locally refined meshes that lead to improved convergence rates despite the occurrence of discontinuities. It turns out that linear convergence is possible on suitably constructed meshes.
Concrete of tomorrow: corrosion performances in marine environment
Authors: Marie-Victoire Elisabeth , Bouteiller Véronique , Bouichou Myriam , Rakarabo Mirah , Da-Silva Victor , Bonnet Amandine , Adelaïde Lucas , Turcry Philippe , Barthelemy Pauline , Mai-Nhu Jonathan , Cussigh François
Published: June 2022

Concrete is the most used construction material worldwide, but if often faces durability issues due to rebar corrosion, and cement production can be energy consuming. Attempts to improve its resilience versus corrosion while reducing its carbon footprint are ongoing at an international level. In this objective, in France within the framework of the national project PERFDUB, a series of reinforced concrete walls were cast with innovative concrete designs, two shapes of rebars and two concrete covers. The standard performances of the different concrete mix designs were evaluated at a laboratory scale. Then the walls were exposed in the French La Rochelle harbor, in the tidal zone in order to monitor the evolution of the corrosion of the bars for a period of twenty years. The first results of the electrochemical follow-up of these reinforced walls are presented in this paper.
Impressed current cathodic protection of reinforced concrete in ATEX-zones – Case study: concrete slab in an industrial building
Authors: Van Belleghem Bjorn , Smits Ben , van den Hondel Hans , Maes Mathias , Soetens Tim
Published: June 2022

Electrochemical repair by means of impressed current cathodic protection (ICCP) was adopted as a repair strategy for a reinforced concrete slab, severely damaged by chloride induced reinforcement corrosion. Since the slab is located within an ATEX-zone (i.e. a zone with a potentially explosive atmosphere), strict safety regulations regarding the maximum current output through the cables had to be taken into account in the design of the ICCP system. Therefore, the anode in the zones of the CP system was subdivided into small fields (subzones), each individually connected to the power supply and provided with an electrical fuse in the circuit in order to avoid exceedance of the maximum allowed current. Performance assessment of the ICCP system, based on 24-hour depolarization measurements at regular time intervals, showed that complete protection of the steel reinforcement was obtained, according to the 100 mV depolarization criterium in the European standard EN ISO 12696, while the current output was kept well below safety limits. During a monitoring period of about one year, a decreasing required current density with time was observed, which was found to be 4 to 5 times lower than the adopted design value of 20 mA/m² at the start-up of the system and up to 10 times lower after 11 months of continuous application.
Renovation of Nijkerker bridge - Innovative procurement and intensive collaboration lead to optimal approach
Authors: ter Maten Richard , Verbaten Mark , Groenewegen Tom
Published: June 2022

The Nijkerker bridge (est. 1965) proved to have insufficient structural capacity to carry the current traffic loads. A contemporary way of collaboration between Rijkswaterstaat (the Dutch Highway Agency) and private parties was introduced for this project. After the design phase, renovation of the bridge was chosen instead of demolition and construction of a new bridge. Due to the collaboration between the parties involved, an optimal solution was found to increase the lifespan of the bridge by the demanded 30 years and minimize the traffic hindrance during the renovation of the bridge.
Performance evaluation of patch repairs on historic concrete structures (PEPS): Preliminary results from a selection of French case studies
Authors: Bouichou Myriam , Ducasse-Lapeyrusse Jean , Marie-Victoire Elisabeth , Rakarabo Mirah
Published: June 2022

Within the frame of the international research project PEPS, ‘Performance Evaluation of Patch Repairs on Historic Concrete Structures (PEPS)’, dedicated to the durability of patch repairs in the context of culturally significant structure, a series of repaired monuments was examined in detail. Thus, the operational phases of the project are composed of in situ tests and laboratory analysis on samples performed on a selection of representative historic concrete structures in the three countries who are partners in the project: United States of America, United Kingdom and France. In this paper, cases studies and some results obtained on three of the five French sites will be presented: Le Raincy church built by Auguste Perret between 1920 and 1924, and Rezé housing unit and Jaoul houses built by Le Corbusier respectively in 1955 and in 1953. The assessment methodology followed is the one developed between the three institutions partners on the PEPS project: the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI), Historic England (HE) and Laboratory of Research in Historical Monuments (LRMH). All the selected French sites were repaired several decades ago. For Le Raincy church and the Jaoul houses, the conservation campaign of 1991 was considered, while for Rezé housing unit it was the 1995-1997 campaign. All the case study structures have different construction dates and concrete compositions. Various repair materials and application techniques were used. The conditions of exposure differ from one site to another. All these variations make the evaluation highly complex but also fully instructive, and able to meet the objectives of the project: producing practical guidance helpful for companies and conservators repairing historic concrete.
Research upon self-sealing of fibre reinforced mortar with integral crystalline waterproofing admixtures
Authors: Mircea Călin G.R. , Toader Tudor Panfil , Mircea Andreea
Published: June 2022

The paper presents results of an experimental research made upon the self-sealing of a fibre reinforced mortar with an integral crystalline waterproofing admixture in a dosage rate of 1-3 % of the cement mass. Samples were pre-loaded in three point bending up to 90 % of the ultimate capacity and conditioned in wet-dry cycles. Micro-cracks width was measured with a microscope after pre-loading, and up to 20 days. The results show that the 3 % admixture content presents the superior self-sealing performance both in the terms of the self-sealing degree and self-sealing rate. According to the results, lower contents of crystal-line admixture cannot predict a desirable self-sealing target, despite the fact that the self-sealing potential/ability is indisputable and may take longer periods.
Performance evaluation of a coating protection system for concrete structures affected by internal expansive reactions
Authors: Custódio João , Silva Helena , Bettencourt Ribeiro António , Paula Rodrigues Maria , Cabral-Fonseca Susana
Published: June 2022

In the last decades, a significant number of large concrete structures with deterioration problems, related to internal expansive chemical reactions, have been detected in Portugal. This type of degradation is associated with the formation of expansive products in concrete causing its disruption, leading to the decrease of the structure’s service life and, ultimately, to the decommissioning or demolition of the structure. In Portugal, structures affected by this pathology are very important in economic and strategic terms, since these reactions are usually encountered in large dams, bridges and viaducts. Two separate material-based mechanisms have been identified to cause the concrete swelling: Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) and Delayed Ettringite Formation (DEF). Both reactions result in the formation of expansive products and a common requirement for their occurrence is the presence of a sufficient moisture content inside concrete. By controlling the humidity level in concrete, coatings applied onto the concrete surface should contribute to mitigate ASR or DEF by acting as a barrier against ingress of water and allowing the concrete to dry, as long as they have adequate water permeability characteristics. This paper presents the general criteria that may be followed to select a surface protection system, based on coating materials (hereinafter designated by coating system), for the rehabilitation of concrete structures affected by expansive reactions, in order to mitigate them and, thus, contribute to improve durability and service life of affected structures. In addition, a laboratory study is presented concerning the performance evaluation of a surface protection system, composed of two coating materials, in terms of its capacity to bridge cracks, its permeability to liquid and to water vapour, and on its effectiveness on controlling humidity inside concrete.
Vestibularsyndrom beim Hund – spezifische
physiotherapeutische Behandlungsansätze
Authors: Schmidt Traute , Müller Yvonne
Published: June 2022

Hunde mit der Diagnose einer vestibulären Störung sind in der
tierphysiotherapeutischen Praxis häufig anzutreffen. Neben der
schulmedizinischen Therapie können die Tiere physiotherapeutisch
behandelt werden. Mit den hier gezeigten Behandlungsansätzen kann eine
zusätzliche Verbesserung der Symptomatik und damit eine Steigerung der
Lebensqualität für die Patienten erreicht werden. Was sollte man
jedoch dabei beachten und welche Übungen sind für welchen
Patienten geeignet?
Muskelinvasiver Blasentumor
Authors: Kretzschmar Alexander
Published: June 2022

Die zusätzliche Gabe des PD-L1-Inhibitors Atezolizumab zu einer neoadjuvanten Cisplatin-basierten Chemotherapie resultierte bei 69 % der Patienten mit muskelinvasivem Blasentumor in einer Tumorreduktion bis auf ein Stadium < pT2N0. Dies ist eine relevante Verbesserung im Vergleich zu historischen Kohorten mit einer Cisplatin-basierten Chemotherapie, obwohl nur 10 % der Studienteilnehmer PD-L1-positive Tumoren aufwiesen. Dies deutet nach Aussage der Studienautoren auf eine klinisch relevante Outcomeverbesserung hin.