bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between psychological resilience and body mass index in a community‐based population: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Zheng Nan , Zhuang Mansi , Zhu Yanan , Wang Yu , Ye Meijie , Zhang Yasi , Zhan Yiqiang
Published: May 2024

Background and Objective

While earlier studies have focused on the relationship between stress and obesity, there was a gap in understanding the potential impact of positive psychological factors, such as resilience, on obesity. By investigating the role of psychological resilience with obesity, this study aimed to address this gap and tackle obesity through a positive psychological framework.

Methods

Participants consisted of 2445 community residents from Shenzhen, China, with a mean age of 41.09 ± 13.72 years, comprising 846 males and 1599 females. Psychological resilience was measured using the Brief Resilience Scale; gender, age, marital status, education level, smoking status, alcohol consumption, frequency of physical exercise, and perceived stress were considered potential confounding factors. The relationship between psychological resilience and body mass index (BMI) was examined through multiple linear regression and logistic regression analyses.

Results

The participants had an average psychological resilience score of 3.46 (standard deviation [SD] = 0.62) and an average BMI of 22.59 (SD = 3.35), with 104 individuals (4.3%) identified with obesity. In the fully adjusted multiple linear regression model, a higher psychological resilience score was associated with a higher BMI (β = 0.507, 95% CI:0.283, 0.731). In the logistic regression model, higher psychological resilience scores were linked to increased obesity risk, with a more significant association observed among males (odds ratio [OR] = 2.169, 95% CI:1.155, 4.073), while psychological resilience acted as a protective factor against underweight among females (OR = 0.528, 95% CI:0.376, 0.816).

Conclusion

The study demonstrated a significant link between higher psychological resilience and elevated BMI, emphasizing the complex relationship between psychological fortitude and weight management. Interventions targeting socioeconomic status, education, lifestyle habits, and physiological well‐being might offer a promising strategy for enhancing psychological resilience and promoting healthier weight. Emphasizing self‐efficacy and coping skills at the individual level could contribute to balanced weight and comprehensive health outcomes, addressing the global challenge of obesity.
A systematic investigation of solution and technological parameters for the fabrication and characterization of poly (vinyl alcohol–chitosan electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Vu Thi Hong Nhung , Morozkina Svetlana N. , Sitnikova Vera E. , Olekhnovich Roman O. , Podshivalov Aleksandr V. , Uspenskaya Mayya V.
Published: May 2024

Nanomaterials, particularly nanofibers are demonstrating exceptional potential for medical applications considered as promising systems for the integration of drug molecules, providing an enhancement of drug effectiveness and safety, while reducing drug side effects. Nanofibers based on two polymeric matrices poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and chitosan (CS) have been demonstrated to be safe and promising materials for the drug integration and targeted drug delivery. This article studied the factors influencing on the fabrication and properties of PVA–CS nanofibers, including the impact of solution components on solution structure, rheological properties, electrospinning technology parameters, as well as the structure and thermomechanical properties of the obtained nanofibers have been investigated in details. The increasing of acetic acid concentration has the effect of pH lowering as well as electrical conductivity while heightening its viscosity. The pH, conductivity, and viscosity values of the solution rises as the CS concentration increases. Based on the Hildebrand‐Scatchard solubility theory, calculated Teas diagrams that account intermolecular interactions allow to predict low‐defect nanofibers based on PVA–CS in binary solvent systems with a greater concentration of hydrogen bonds. The optimal solution content and electrospinning parameters were determined. Infrared spectroscopy confirmed that the two polymer materials have a good interaction and the acetic acid was completely separated from the PVA–CS nanofibers. The XRD spectrum reveals that the crystal lattice parameters of the nanofibers change according to the polymer ratio. The polymers ratio also influence on the thermal and tensile properties. Such biosafe polymer materials may be considered as the promising drug delivery systems with the targeted mode of action.
Long‐term combination therapy with metformin and oxymetholone in a Fanconi anemia mouse model
Authors: Dorrell Craig , Peters Alexander M. , Zhang Qingshuo , Balaji Niveditha , Baradar Kevin , Mochizuki‐Kashio Makiko , Major Angela , Finegold Milton , Liu Chih‐Wei , Lu Kun , Grompe Markus
Published: May 2024

Fanconi anemia (FA) is a disease caused by defective deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) repair that manifests as bone marrow failure, cancer predisposition, and developmental defects. We previously reported that monotherapy with either metformin (MET) or oxymetholone (OXM) improved peripheral blood (PB) counts and the number and functionality of bone marrow hematopoietic stem progenitor cells (HSPCs) number in Fancd2−/− mice. To evaluate whether the combination treatment of these drugs has a synergistic effect to prevent bone marrow failure in FA, we treated cohorts of Fancd2−/− mice and wildtype controls with either MET alone, OXM alone, MET+OXM, or placebo diet from age 3 weeks to 18 months. The OXM treated animals showed modest improvements in blood parameters including platelet count (p = .01) and hemoglobin levels (p < .05). In addition, the percentage of quiescent hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) (LSK [Lin−Sca+c‐Kit+]) was significantly increased (p = .001) by long‐term treatment with MET alone. The combination of metformin and oxymetholone did not result in a significant synergistic effect in any hematopoietic parameter. Gene expression analysis of liver tissue from these animals showed that some of the expression changes caused by Fancd2 deletion were partially normalized by metformin treatment. Importantly, no adverse effects of the individual or combination therapies were observed, despite the long‐term administration. We conclude that androgen therapy is not a contraindication to concurrent metformin administration in clinical trials.

Highlights

Long‐term coadministration of metformin in combination with oxymetholone is well tolerated by Fancd2−/− mice.

Hematopoietic stem cell quiescence in mutant mice was enhanced by treatment with metformin alone.

Metformin treatment caused a partial normalization of gene expression in the livers of mutant mice.
Preparation and characterization of novel bio‐based polyamide 5.6 composites as sustainable alternatives to petroleum‐derived polyamide 6.6
Authors: Gülel Şebnem , Güvenilir Yüksel
Published: May 2024

In the pursuit of sustainable solutions, this study investigates the potential of bio‐based polyamide 5.6 (PA56) as a promising alternative to petroleum‐derived polyamide 6.6 (PA66). Novel composites of PA56 and PA66 were prepared with the incorporation of glass fibers and flame retardant additives by twin screw extruder. Subsequently, these composites were subjected to comprehensive characterization to determine their performance. The physical, mechanical, rheological, thermal, and flammability properties of PA56 composites were investigated and compared with those of PA66 composites with the same formulations. This article aims to unveil the remarkable potential of bio‐based PA56 composites in industrial applications. The results showed that bio‐based PA56 exhibits comparable, and in some cases superior, performance to PA66 while offering the added advantage of environmental sustainability. The findings suggest that bio‐based polyamide 5.6 can serve as a sustainable alternative to petroleum‐derived polyamide 6.6, contributing to a greener future in industrial applications.

Highlights

Bio‐based PA56 exhibits comparable properties to petroleum‐derived PA66.

Incorporation of glass fibers and flame retardants enhances the properties of PA56.

Findings propose PA56 as a sustainable alternative to PA66 in various applications.
Evolution of the cavity structure of HDPE/UHMWPE blends during cold stretching
Authors: Yun Sun , Pan Xuefeng , Zhang Feng , He Xuelian
Published: May 2024

The cavitation process of high‐performance HDPE/UHMWPE blends with a uniform dispersion of UHMWPE during cold stretching was investigated. It was observed that incorporating a small amount of UHMWPE into the HDPE matrix resin can serve as a nucleating agent, increasing the number of contact sites and accelerating the crystallization rate. This leads to the formation of thicker lamellar crystals and tethered molecules, ultimately enhancing the mechanical properties of the HDPE matrix. Furthermore, the relationship between the natural tensile ratio and strain‐hardening modulus was confirmed. Microstructural changes within the blends were also explored. As the drawing tangles in the middle, the cavities subsequently evolve by collapsing and merging to align parallel to the tensile direction, culminating in tensile damage forming a large crack in the final macroscopic form. As a result, the presence of more tethered molecules in the later stages of stretching inhibits further cavity growth.

Highlights

The HDPE/UHMWPE blends were prepared by solution blending and ultrasound‐assisted twin‐screw extrusion.

The mechanisms underlying the formation and evolution of cavities in HDPE/UHMWPE blends, which lead to stress whitening during tensile damage, were examined by using DSC and SAXS/WAXD.

The relationship between microstructure and mechanical properties was analyzed by cold‐drawing the molded blended sheets at room temperature.
Termolecular Eley–Rideal pathway for catalytic oxidation of nitric oxide on [Pt2]0,± dimers using O2
Authors: Biswakarma Nishant , Sarma Plaban Jyoti , Neog Shilpa , Dutta Priyanka , Dowerah Dikshita , Baruah Satyajit Dey , Gour Nand Kishor , Deka Ramesh Chandra
Published: May 2024

A comprehensive density functional theory (DFT) investigation of the catalytic oxidation of NO to NO2 on neutral and charged [Pt2]0,± dimers has been considered employing M06L/def2TZVP level of theory. Single as well as co‐adsorption energies of NO and O2 molecules suggest that the traditional Langmuir Hinshelwood (LH) mechanism and less explored termolecular Eley–Rideal (TER) and termolecular Langmuir Hinshelwood (TLH) mechanisms, are suitable for a full catalytic reaction pathway in which two NO molecules are converted to two NO2 molecules, initiated by an activated O2 molecule. Activation barrier reveals that the TER mechanism is found to be more reliable in converting two NO molecules into two NO2 molecules on [Pt2]¯ dimer. In addition to shedding light on the intrinsic characteristics of Pt2 dimers, the study will serve as a benchmark for investigating the oxidation process of NO to NO2 utilizing models of termolecular chemical processes.
Quantum states and static field ionization of a cylindrical confined hydrogen atom: A diffusion Monte Carlo study
Authors: Micca Longo Gaia , Longo Savino
Published: May 2024

In this article, the diffusion Monte Carlo (DMC) method is applied to the study of the quantum states of a hydrogen atom confined into a cylindrical potential well. We present an independent reproduction of previous studies based on different methods, in particular the energy eigenvalues for ground and selected excited states and the polarizability of the ground state, both for finite and infinite cylinders. The static field ionization of ground and excited states of the confined atom is discussed, including the determination of the potential energy surface and equilibrium position of the proton. This study provides a further demonstration of the versatility of the DMC method for this and analogous problems.
Robot‐assisted total knee arthroplasty system provides more precise control of the femoral rotation angle: A retrospective study
Authors: Yan Peng , Duan Xudong , Lei Yutian , Xing Fangze , Cao Ruomu , Luo Sen , Chen Yang , Liu Zeyu , Wang Kunzheng , Yang Pei , Tian Run
Published: May 2024

Background

Rotational alignment in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is a crucial technical point that needs attention. We conducted a retrospective study to investigate whether a new robot‐assisted TKA (RA‐TKA) could improve the accuracy of rotational alignment and whether rotational alignment affects postoperative pain and functional evaluation of the knee.

Methods

A total of 136 consecutive patients who underwent TKA were included in this study. Half of the patients underwent RA‐TKA and the other half underwent conventional TKA (CON‐TKA) by the same group of surgeons. Collect the relevant parameters.

Results

The postoperative femoral rotation angle (FRA) was −0.72 ± 2.59° in the robot‐assisted group and 1.13 ± 2.73° in the conventional group, and were statistically significantly different (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides preliminary evidence that the RA‐TKA provides more precise control of FRA than CON‐TKA, and verifies that tibial rotation angle and combined rotation angle affect postoperative knee pain and functional evaluation.
Extending science instruction beyond the CER: Use of critical questions in the argumentation of middle school science students
Authors: Nussbaum E. Michael , Van Winkle Michael S. , Tian Lixian , Putney LeAnn G. , Huerta Margarita , Perera Harsha N. , Dove Ian J. , Herrera Alicia N. , Carroll Kristoffer R.
Published: May 2024

Critiquing arguments is important for K‐12 science students to learn but not emphasized by the predominant claim‐evidence‐reasoning (CER) argumentation model. Drawing on the work of Yu and Zenker (2020), and Dove and Nussbaum (2018), we developed a tool for supplementing CER with critical questions (CQs) from philosophy that cover most, if not all, the logical dimensions of argument critique. Six middle school science teachers designed lessons involving argumentation, including the use of CQs. We assessed the effects on student self‐efficacy for engaging in argument critique, teacher self‐efficacy for using argument pedagogy, and teachers’ perceptions of the value of CQs. Qualitative data included teacher interviews, lesson transcripts, and student work samples. Quantitative data included surveys of student self‐efficacy administered at the beginning and end of the school year. There was evidence suggesting an increase over time in students’ confidence for engaging in argument critique and teachers’ confidence with argument pedagogy. However, only four of the six teachers were confident and skilled enough to include CQs in their lessons. Those who did use CQs tended to perceive them as providing a helpful structure for critique, prompts for deeper thinking, and a tool for fostering critical classroom norms. Discussion of CQs may have benefitted students’ writing by promoting peer critique and encouragement to elaborate. Overall, CQs afford students with a framework for judging argument strength. Scientific argumentation involving CQs provides a more contemporary philosophical basis for scientific argumentation than CER or the Toulmin model as it emphasizes the critical and dialogic nature of science.
Properties of the modified self‐forgiveness dual‐process scale in populations at risk for moral injury
Authors: Griffin Brandon J. , Norman Sonya B. , Weber Marcela C. , Hinkson Kent D. , Jendro Ashlyn M. , Pyne Jeffrey M. , Worthington Everett L. , Maguen Shira
Published: May 2024

Despite theory suggesting that self‐forgiveness facilitates recovery from moral injury, no measure of self‐forgiveness has been validated with individuals exposed to potentially morally injurious events (PMIEs). Military veterans, healthcare workers, and first responders who reported PMIE exposure (n = 924) completed the Self‐Forgiveness Dual‐Process Scale, which assesses two dimensions of the self‐forgiveness process. The first dimension, value affirmation, refers to appraising personal responsibility and being willing to make amends for one's involvement in a PMIE. The second dimension, esteem restoration, refers to accepting oneself as valuable and capable of growth despite one's failures and imperfections. Exploratory and Confirmatory Factor Analyses replicated the original scale's two‐factor structure in 10 items modified to apply to the diverse contexts in which PMIEs occur. Next, we found that the factor structure, item loadings, and item intercepts were fully or partially invariant across professions, genders, races, ages, and religious affiliations in a series of Multi‐Group Confirmatory Factor Analyses. Finally, diverging patterns of associations between value affirmation and esteem restoration with moral distress, posttraumatic stress, depression, insomnia, functional impairment, and posttraumatic growth provide evidence of convergent and discriminant validity between the subscales. The modified self‐forgiveness dual process scale is the first measure of self‐forgiveness to be validated with individuals exposed to a PMIE. Researchers and clinicians can use the scale to examine how self‐forgiveness (or difficulties with forgiving oneself) relates to moral injury.
Recent Advancement in Emerging MXene‐Based Photocatalytic Membrane for Revolutionizing Wastewater Treatment
Authors: Chen Cheng , Wang Boya , Xu Jiujing , Fei Lingya , Raza Saleem , Li Bisheng , Zeng Qianqian , Shen Liguo , Lin Hongjun
Published: May 2024

MXene‐based photocatalytic membranes provide significant benefits for wastewater treatment by effectively combining membrane separation and photocatalytic degradation processes. MXene represents a pioneering 2D photocatalyst with a variable elemental composition, substantial surface area, abundant surface terminations, and exceptional photoelectric performance, offering significant advantages in producing high‐performance photocatalytic membranes. In this review, an in‐depth overview of the latest scientific progress in MXene‐based photocatalytic membranes is provided. Initially, a brief introduction to the structure and photocatalytic capabilities of MXene is provided, highlighting their pivotal role in promoting the photocatalytic process. Subsequently, in pursuit of the optimal MXene‐based photocatalytic membrane, critical factors such as the morphology, hydrophilicity, and stability of MXenes are meticulously taken into account. Various preparation strategies for MXene‐based photocatalytic membranes, including blending, vacuum filtration, and dip coating, are also discussed. Furthermore, the application and mechanism of MXene‐based photocatalytic membranes in micropollutant removal, oil–water separation, and antibacterial are examined. Lastly, the challenges in the development and practical application of MXene‐based photocatalytic membranes, as well as their future research direction are delineated.
Porous Organic Framework Materials (MOF, COF, and HOF) as the Multifunctional Separator for Rechargeable Lithium Metal Batteries
Authors: Yang Yan , Sun Zhaoyu , Wu Yiwen , Liang Ziwei , Li Fangkun , Zhu Min , Liu Jun
Published: May 2024

The separator is an important component in batteries, with the primary function of separating the positive and negative electrodes and allowing the free passage of ions. Porous organic framework materials have a stable connection structure, large specific surface area, and ordered pores, which are natural places to store electrolytes. And these materials with specific functions can be designed according to the needs of researchers. The performance of porous organic framework‐based separators used in rechargeable lithium metal batteries is much better than that of polyethylene/propylene separators. In this paper, the three most classic organic framework materials (MOF, COF, and HOF) are analyzed and summarized. The applications of MOF, COF, and HOF separators in lithium‐sulfur batteries, lithium metal anode, and solid electrolytes are reviewed. Meanwhile, the research progress of these three materials in different fields is discussed based on time. Finally, in the conclusion, the problems encountered by MOF, COF, and HOF in different fields as well as their future research priorities are presented. This review will provide theoretical guidance for the design of porous framework materials with specific functions and further stimulate researchers to conduct research on porous framework materials.
Exploring over a decade of systems engineering research center: A community detection and text analytics approach
Authors: Zavala Araceli , Verma Dinesh , Marquez Jose E. Ramirez
Published: May 2024

The Systems Engineering Research Center (SERC) is a University Affiliated Research Center (UARC) of the US Department of Defense (DoD) formed in 2008 with more than 20 collaborator universities in the United States. Over the last decade, SERC has conducted research with Principal Investigators from universities within the SERC network, as reflected in technical reports (TR). These reports describe detailed information and analysis of the conducted research for every project under SERC support, such as written records of experiments or results of a scientific project. We analyzed the TRs from 2009 to early 2023 to identify research streams, topics, and evolution in systems engineering (SE) research using text mining and network analysis techniques, such as Louvain Community Detection and word similarity. As a result, we identified four major research streams over a decade of research projects, along with insights about topics and the evolution of SE within this time frame. Finally, we distinguished most profile authors and their most significant collaborations and networks.
Proportion of inflammatory bowel diseases patients with suboptimal disease control in daily clinical practice—Real‐world evidence from the inflammatory bowel diseases‐podcast study
Authors: D’Amico Ferdinando , Gomollón Fernando , Bamias Giorgos , Magro Fernando , Targownik Laura , Leitner Claudia , Heatta‐Speicher Tobias , Michelena Naiara , Kolterer Stefanie , Lapthorn Jennifer , Kauffman Laura , Dignass Axel ,   IBD PODCAST investigators
Published: May 2024

Background

Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC) are inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) characterized by a progressive nature of the disease resulting in subsequent intestinal damage, limited efficacy of current treatments and suboptimal disease management and a significant burden for patients.

Objectives

The IBD‐PODCAST study aims to estimate the proportion of Crohn's disease and UC patients with suboptimal disease control (SDC) in a real‐world setting.

Methods

A non‐interventional and cross‐sectional study was conducted across 103 sites in 10 countries (Austria, Belgium, Canada, Germany, Greece, Italy, Portugal, Spain, Turkey, and UK). Criteria for SDC were based on STRIDE‐II criteria and adapted by an expert panel.

Results

2185 patients (Crohn's disease: n = 1,108, UC: n = 1077) with a mean (SD) age of 44.0 (14.8) years and mean (SD) disease duration of 12.4 (9.2) years were included (52.2% male). Ileal involvement was present in 39.1% of Crohn's disease patients, 35.3% of UC patients had extensive colitis. 77.3% of Crohn's disease and 65.3% of UC patients were on targeted immunomodulators and, according to STRIDE‐II‐based treatment phases, 85.6% of Crohn's disease and 85.4% of UC patients were assigned to the long‐term treatment phase. SDC was detected in 52.2% of Crohn's disease and 44.3% of UC patients predominantly due to impaired quality of life (QoL), clinically significant extraintestinal manifestations, steroid overuse, signs of active inflammation in UC and Crohn's disease, and active fistulas in Crohn's disease. More than one criterion was seen in 37% of patients with SDC. Opportunities for on‐label treatment optimization were observed in 49% of Crohn's disease and 61% of UC patients on advanced therapy.

Conclusion

The high percentage of SDC in this global, real‐world cohort suggests a large disease burden and high unmet medical need in IBD patients. Future analysis should focus on monitoring and responding to SDC in this cohort and on patients' QoL.
Implementation of an electronic health record system during global surgical outreach: A prospective evaluation of success and sustainability
Authors: Gatto Andrew P. , Atkin David , Tapia Juan Claude , Lowenberg Michelle , Kamal Robin N. , Shapiro Lauren M.
Published: May 2024

Background

The burden of musculoskeletal conditions continues to grow in low‐ and middle‐income countries. Among thousands of surgical outreach trips each year, few organizations electronically track patient data to inform real‐time care decisions and assess trip impact. We report the implementation of an electronic health record (EHR) system utilized at point of care during an orthopedic surgical outreach trip.

Methods

In March 2023, we implemented an EHR on an orthopedic outreach trip to guide real‐time care decisions. We utilized an effectiveness‐implementation hybrid type 3 design to evaluate implementation success. Success was measured using outcomes adopted by the World Health Organization, including acceptability, appropriateness, feasibility, adoption, fidelity, and sustainability. Clinical outcome measures included adherence to essential quality measures and follow‐up numerical rating system (NRS) pain scores.

Results

During the 5‐day outreach trip, 76 patients were evaluated, 25 of which underwent surgery beforehand. The EHR implementation was successful as defined by: mean questionnaire ratings of acceptability (4.26), appropriateness (4.12), feasibility (4.19), and adoption (4.33) at least 4.00, WHO behaviorally anchored rating scale ratings of fidelity (6.8) at least 5.00, and sustainability (80%) at least 60% follow‐up at 6 months. All clinical quality measures were reported in greater than 80% of cases with all measures reported in 92% of cases. NRS pain scores improved by an average of 2.4 points.

Conclusions

We demonstrate successful implementation of an EHR for real‐time clinical use on a surgical outreach trip. Benefits of EHR utilization on surgical outreach trips may include improved documentation, minimization of medical errors, and ultimately improved quality of care.
$$ \mathcal{N} $$=4 Supergravity with Local Scaling Symmetry in Four Dimensions
Authors: Liatsos Nikolaos
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We construct the most general four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supergravity coupled to an arbitrary number n of vector multiplets in which the global scaling symmetry is gauged, in addition to a subgroup of SL(2, ℝ) × SO(6, n). The various gaugings are parametrized by an embedding tensor built out of $$ 2\left(\begin{array}{c}n+6\\ {}3\end{array}\right)+4\left(n+6\right) $$
2

n
+
6

3

+
4

n
+
6

parameters that satisfy a specific set of quadratic consistency constraints, to which we provide explicit solutions. We also derive the local supersymmetry transformation rules and the equations of motion for the four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 matter-coupled supergravity with local scaling symmetry. Such supergravity theories do not possess an action, since the scaling symmetry is only an on-shell symmetry of the corresponding ungauged theories.
Spectral flow and localisation in AdS3 string theory
Authors: Knighton Bob , Seet Sean , Sriprachyakul Vit
Published: May 2024

Abstract

We study string theory in three-dimensional Anti-de Sitter spacetime in the path integral formalism. We derive expressions for generic spectrally-flowed near-boundary vertex operators in the Wakimoto representation, and relate their correlation functions to covering maps from the worldsheet to the target space boundary. We show that the path integral structurally reproduces correlation functions of the dual symmetric orbifold theory. By rephrasing spectral flow as the introduction of a background gauge field, we provide a path integral derivation of the localisation property of the near boundary theory. We then focus on the case of IIB string theory on AdS3 × S3 × 𝕋4 with k = 1 units of NS-NS flux, where the relationship between correlation functions and covering maps can be made sharp. We also comment on the relation of the k = 1 theory and twistor theory.
Quark and lepton modular models from the binary dihedral flavor symmetry
Authors: Arriaga-Osante Carlos , Liu Xiang-Gan , Ramos-Sánchez Saúl
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Inspired by the structure of top-down derived models endowed with modular flavor symmetries, we investigate the yet phenomenologically unexplored binary dihedral group 2D3. After building the vector-valued modular forms in the representations of 2D3 with small modular weights, we systematically classify all (Dirac and Majorana) mass textures of fermions with fractional modular weights and all possible 2 + 1-family structures. This allows us to explore the parameter space of fermion models based on 2D3, aiming at a description of both quarks and leptons with a minimal number of parameters and best compatibility with observed data. We consider the separate possibilities of neutrino masses generated by either a type-I seesaw mechanism or the Weinberg operator. We identify a model that, besides fitting all known flavor observables, delivers predictions for six not-yet measured parameters and favors normal-ordered neutrino masses generated by the Weinberg operator. It would be interesting to figure out whether it is possible to embed our model within a top-down scheme, such as $${\mathbb{T}}^{2}/{\mathbb{Z}}_{4}$$ heterotic orbifold compactifications.
Impact of new experimental data on the C2HDM: the strong interdependence between LHC Higgs data and the electron EDM
Authors: Biekötter Thomas , Fontes Duarte , Mühlleitner Margarete , Romão Jorge C. , Santos Rui , Silva João P.
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The complex two-Higgs doublet model (C2HDM) is one of the simplest extensions of the Standard Model with a source of CP-violation in the scalar sector. It has a $${\mathbb{Z}}_{2}$$ symmetry, softly broken by a complex coefficient. There are four ways to implement this symmetry in the fermion sector, leading to models known as Type-I, Type-II, Lepton-Specific and Flipped. In the latter three models, there is a priori the surprising possibility that the 125 GeV Higgs boson couples mostly as a scalar to top quarks, while it couples mostly as a pseudoscalar to bottom quarks. This “maximal” scenario was still possible with the data available in 2017. Since then, there have been more data on the 125 GeV Higgs boson, direct searches for CP-violation in angular correlations of τ-leptons produced in Higgs boson decays, new results on the electron electric dipole moment, new constraints from LHC searches for additional Higgs bosons and new results on b → sγ transitions. Highlighting the crucial importance of the physics results of LHC’s Run 2, we combine all these experiments and show that the “maximal” scenario is now excluded in all models. Still, one can have a pseudoscalar component in $$h\tau \overline{\tau }$$ couplings in the Lepton-Specific case as large as 87% of the scalar component for all mass orderings of the neutral scalar bosons.
The Bishop–Phelps–Bollobás Property for Weighted Holomorphic Mappings
Authors: Jiménez-Vargas A. , Ramírez M. I. , Villegas-Vallecillos Moisés
Published: May 2024

Given an open subset U of a complex Banach space E, a weight v on U and a complex Banach space F, let $$H^\infty _v(U,F)$$

H
v
∞

(
U
,
F
)

denote the Banach space of all weighted holomorphic mappings from U into F, endowed with the weighted supremum norm. We introduce and study a version of the Bishop–Phelps–Bollobás property for $$H^\infty _v(U,F)$$

H
v
∞

(
U
,
F
)

($$WH^\infty $$

W

H
∞

-BPB property, for short). A result of Lindenstrauss type with sufficient conditions for $$H^\infty _v(U,F)$$

H
v
∞

(
U
,
F
)

to have the $$WH^\infty $$

W

H
∞

-BPB property for every space F is stated. This is the case of $$H^\infty _{v_p}(\mathbb {D},F)$$

H

v
p

∞

(
D
,
F
)

with $$p\ge 1$$

p
≥
1

, where $$v_p$$

v
p

is the standard polynomial weight on $$\mathbb {D}$$
D
. The study of the relations of the $$WH^\infty $$

W

H
∞

-BPB property for the complex and vector-valued cases is also addressed as well as the extension of the cited property for mappings $$f\in H^\infty _v(U,F)$$

f
∈

H
v
∞

(
U
,
F
)

such that vf has a relatively compact range in F.
Accumulation of Atmospheric PAHs in White Mustard – Can the Seeds Be Affected?
Authors: Hubai Katalin , Kováts Nora , Eck-Varanka Bettina , Tumurbaatar Selenge , Teke Gábor
Published: May 2024

Traffic-related particulate matter emissions have been considerably reduced due to stringent regulations in Europe. However, emission of diesel-powered vehicles still poses a significant environmental threat, affecting rural ecosystems and agriculture. Several studies have reported that polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a group of potentially toxic organic compounds, can accumulate in crops and vegetables. In our study, white mustard (Sinapis alba L.) plants were experimentally treated with an extract of diesel exhaust. PAH concentrations were measured in the different plant compartments (stems, leaves and seeds), bioconcentration factors (BCFs) were also calculated. Significant accumulation was measured in the leaves and seeds, stems showed lower accumulation potential. All plant matrices showed high tendency to accumulate higher molecular weight PAHs, BCF was the highest in the 6-ring group. The fact that considerable accumulation was experienced in the seeds might show the risk of cultivating crops nearby roads highly impacted by traffic-related emissions.
Isogeometric topology optimization of structures using the overweight approach
Authors: Villalba D. , París J. , Couceiro I. , Navarrina F.
Published: May 2024

In this paper, a 2D isogeometric formulation of the material distribution for structural topology optimization considering minimum weight and local stress constraints using the overweight approach is proposed. The aim of this isogeometric formulation is to provide solutions with high spatial definition using a lower number of design variables in comparison with the formulations previously developed to define the material layout. Despite of this, an important number of local stress constraints has to be considered in the solution of the problem. For this purpose, an Overweight Constraint is used to consider all of them. The structural analysis is performed by means of the Isogeometric Analysis (IGA) and the distribution of material is modeled by means of quadratic B-splines. Moreover, the optimization is addressed by means of the Sequential Linear Programming algorithm (SLP) that is driven by the information provided by a full first-order sensitivity analysis extension of the IGA formulation. Finally, the proposed formulation is tested by means of some benchmark problems, and the results show that the isogeometric formulation provides solutions with high spatial definition. A comparison with a Finite Element Method (FEM) topology optimization formulation is included.
Investigation of the transient change of the cutting force during the milling of C45 and X5CrNi18-10 steel taking into account the dynamics of the electro-mechanical measuring system
Authors: Pálmai Zoltán , Kundrák János , Felhő Csaba , Makkai Tamás
Published: May 2024

The possible methods of determining the cutting force—due to the great practical importance of knowing the force—have long been and are still intensively studied areas of cutting theory. In milling, cutting is a series of successive short material removals. During force measurement in such cases, the transient process that can be detected at the beginning of the process can influence the nature of the entire cutting cycle. The present study reports on the research, the aim of which was to explore the dynamic process of cutting force measurement in intermittent cutting. The measurements were made during face milling of C-steel and highly alloyed steel (X5CrNi 18–10). The milling head contained a single insert, with which the disturbing interaction of the multiple cutting edges was eliminated. As a result of the work, a method suitable for examining the close relationship between the initial transient nature of the milling cycle and the decay, as well as a mathematical model for the decay process, was developed. The model was validated with cutting experiments and measurements. The achieved results can be used to better understand the process of chip removal and to determine the actual power requirements of milling works.
Surgical Approach to Urethral Diverticulum and Urethrovaginal Fistula With Mesh Erosion
Authors: Smith Alicia , Burton Lauren , Mama Saifuddin
Published: May 2024

Introduction and hypothesis

This video illustrates a rare surgical case involving a urethral diverticulum, urethrovaginal fistula, and mesh erosion.

Methods

We present a 58-year-old patient attending a tertiary care center with a suspected urethrovaginal fistula. Her concerns included stress urinary incontinence (SUI), recurrent urinary tract infection, and vaginal pain. The surgical history was notable for the placement of two different mesh slings during the same procedure to treat SUI. Preoperative evaluation and findings are illustrated in detail. The video uses a high-definition surgical camera to emphasize the initial intraoperative evaluation with localization of the fistula and diverticulum. We then demonstrate the approach to the dissection with the goal of ensuring complete resection of the diverticulum, fistula, and mesh, while preserving healthy tissue for subsequent closure. The utilization of unique and specialized tools for each portion of the procedure is also illustrated. A layered vaginal closure, including a Martius flap, is created to prevent recurrence.

Results

The surgery was accomplished without complications.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, concomitant findings of a urethral diverticulum, urethrovaginal fistula, and mesh erosion are unique in the literature. We postulate that this triad could have resulted from the mesh burden in this particular patient.
Influence of Soil Phosphate on Rhizobacterial Performance in Affecting Wheat Yield
Authors: Breedt Gerhardus , Korsten Lise , Gokul Jarishma Keriuscia
Published: May 2024

As a primary nutrient in agricultural soils, phosphorus plays a crucial but growth-limiting role for plants due to its complex interactions with various soil elements. This often results in excessive phosphorus fertilizer application, posing concerns for the environment. Agri-research has therefore shifted focus to increase fertilizer-use efficiency and minimize environmental impact by leveraging plant growth-promoting rhizobacteria. This study aimed to evaluate the in-field incremental effect of inorganic phosphate concentration (up to 50 kg/ha/P) on the ability of two rhizobacterial isolates, Lysinibacillus sphaericus (T19), Paenibacillus alvei (T29), from the previous Breedt et al. (Ann Appl Biol 171:229–236, 2017) study on maize in enhancing the yield of commercially grown Duzi® cultivar wheat. Results obtained from three seasons of field trials revealed a significant relationship between soil phosphate concentration and the isolates’ effectiveness in improving wheat yield. Rhizospheric samples collected at flowering during the third season, specifically to assess phosphatase enzyme activity at the different soil phosphate levels, demonstrated a significant decrease in soil phosphatase activity when the phosphorus rate reached 75% for both isolates. Furthermore, in vitro assessments of inorganic phosphate solubilization by both isolates at five increments of tricalcium phosphate-amended Pikovskaya media found that only isolate T19 was capable of solubilizing tricalcium at concentrations exceeding 3 mg/ml. The current study demonstrates the substantial influence of inorganic phosphate on the performance of individual rhizobacterial isolates, highlighting that this is an essential consideration when optimizing these isolates to increase wheat yield in commercial cultivation.
FIGO 2023 endometrial staging: a leap of faith into the new “prognostic based’ rather than “anatomical based” staging—too fast too furious??
Authors: Bassetty Karthik Chandra , Begum Dimpy , Barmon Debabrata , Baruah Upasana , Gupta Sakshi , Kumar Mahendra , Nath Jyotiman , Khanikar Duncan , Bhattacharyya Mouchumee , Roy P. S.
Published: May 2024

Background

In 2023 FIGO revised the endometrial cancer staging system after 13 years. There is a lacuna of data regarding the performance and practicality of the revised 2023 FIGO staging schema for endometrial cancer from Low Middle-Income Countries (LMIC).

Objective

To estimate the shift of stage and adjuvant management of endometrial cancer based on the FIGO 2023 system compared to the FIGO 2009 system and assess the predictive potential of the FIGO 2023 system.

Material and methods

A retrospective study was conducted from 1st January 2017 to 31st December 2022. All patients with endometrial cancer were staged according to the FIGO 2023 and FIGO 2009 staging system. Follow-up of patients was done to determine recurrence.

Results

A total of 152 patients were included. Aggressive histology was seen in 66 (45%) patients. Eighteen (11%) had subserosal involvement. Substantial LVSI was noted in 23 (15%) of patients. Twenty-four (47%) patients of FIGO 2009 Stage IA and 26 patients (63%) of FIGO 2009 Stage IB were upstaged. Eleven (50%) patients of FIGO 2009 Stage IIIA were down staged to IA3. Overall 23 patients (15%) had a shift of stage. Fifteen out of 152 patients (15%) would have had a possible risk stratification change which would imply 23 patients (15%) would have needed a more radical treatment. Molecular classification was done in 32 patients; however, only 2 patients could afford POLE testing. Kaplan–Meier curves showed significant PFS differences in FIGO 2009 Stage IB and Stage IIIA when restaged according to the FIGO 2023 system.

Conclusion

The FIGO 2023 endometrial staging is a more robust prognosticator; however, the practicality of molecular classification in LMICs is still a distant dream.
Improved 3D human face reconstruction from 2D images using blended hard edges
Authors: Ding Yueming , Mok P. Y.
Published: May 2024

This study reports an effective and robust edge-based scheme for the reconstruction of 3D human faces from input of single images, addressing drawbacks of existing methods in case of large face pose angles or noisy input images. Accurate 3D face reconstruction from 2D images is important, as it can enable a wide range of applications, such as face recognition, animations, games and AR/VR systems. Edge features extracted from 2D images contain wealthy and robust 3D geometric information, which were used together with landmarks for face reconstruction purpose. However, the accurate reconstruction of 3D faces from contour features is a challenging task, since traditional edge or contour detection algorithms introduce a great deal of noise, which would adversely affect the reconstruction. This paper reports on the use of a hard-blended face contour feature from a neural network and a Canny edge extractor for face reconstruction. The quantitative results indicate that our method achieves a notable improvement in face reconstruction with a Euclidean distance error of 1.64 mm and a normal vector distance error of 1.27 mm when compared to the ground truth, outperforming both traditional and other deep learning-based methods. These metrics show particularly significant advancements, especially in face shape reconstruction under large pose angles. The method also achieved higher accuracy and robustness on in-the-wild images under conditions of blurring, makeup, occlusion and poor illumination.
Endplate weakening during cage bed preparation significantly reduces endplate load capacity
Authors: Calek Anna-Katharina , Cornaz Frédéric , Suter Mauro , Fasser Marie-Rosa , Farshad Mazda , Widmer Jonas
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To analyze the effect of endplate weakness prior to PLIF or TLIF cage implantation and compare it to the opposite intact endplate of the same vertebral body. In addition, the influence of bone quality on endplate resistance was investigated.

Methods

Twenty-two human lumbar vertebrae were tested in a ramp-to-failure test. One endplate of each vertebral body was tested intact and the other after weakening with a rasp (over an area of 200 mm2). Either a TLIF or PLIF cage was then placed and the compression load was applied across the cage until failure of the endplate. Failure was defined as the first local maximum of the force measurement. Bone quality was assessed by determining the Hounsfield units (HU) on CT images.

Results

With an intact endplate and a TLIF cage, the median force to failure was 1276.3N (693.1–1980.6N). Endplate weakening reduced axial endplate resistance to failure by 15% (0–23%). With an intact endplate and a PLIF cage, the median force to failure was 1057.2N (701.2–1735.5N). Endplate weakening reduced axial endplate resistance to failure by 36.6% (7–47.9%). Bone quality correlated linearly with the force at which endplate failure occurred. Intact and weakened endplates showed a strong positive correlation: intact-TLIF: r = 0.964, slope of the regression line (slope) = 11.8, p < 0.001; intact-PLIF: r = 0.909, slope = 11.2, p = 5.5E−05; weakened-TLIF: r = 0.973, slope = 12.5, p < 0.001; weakened-PLIF: r = 0.836, slope = 6, p = 0.003.

Conclusion

Weakening of the endplate during cage bed preparation significantly reduces the resistance of the endplate to subsidence to failure: endplate load capacity is reduced by 15% with TLIF and 37% with PLIF. Bone quality correlates with the force at which endplate failure occurs.
Model authenticity in learning mathematical experimentation: how students perceive and learn from scientist and peer models
Authors: Hagenkötter Ramona , Nachtigall Valentina , Rolka Katrin , Rummel Nikol
Published: May 2024

The implementation of video modeling examples of mathematical hands-on experimentation may provide students with authentic and, at the same time, not too cognitively overwhelming experiences. However, the effectiveness of video modeling examples can be influenced by different characteristics of the observed models. On the one hand, based on the model-observer similarity hypothesis, it is likely that the observation of peers is particularly conducive to learning. On the other hand, from an authentic learning perspective, the presence of experts is considered to constitute a core design element of authentic learning settings which may foster motivational and cognitive learning outcomes. Against the background of these contradictory assumptions, the present study investigates the effects of observing models with different degrees of authenticity on students’ perceived authenticity, their situational interest, and their knowledge acquisition. We conducted an experimental study with 105 10th graders who observed either peer or scientist models performing a mathematical hands-on experiment in a video recording. As expected, the results show that students perceived the scientist models as more authentic than the peer models. Furthermore, we found neither a direct effect of condition nor an indirect effect mediated by students’ perceived authenticity of the observed models on students’ situational interest and knowledge acquisition. With this study, we contribute to the literature on the conditions and effects of authentic learning.