bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Search for the double-charmonium state with ηcJ/ψ at Belle
Authors:   The Belle collaboration, Yin J. H. , Li Y. B. , Won E. , Adachi I. , Aihara H. , Al Said S. , Asner D. M. , Aushev T. , Ayad R. , Babu V. , Banerjee Sw. , Behera P. , Belous K. , Bennett J. , Bessner M. , Bilka T. , Biswas D. , Bodrov D. , Bonvicini G. , Borah J. , Bozek A. , Bračko M. , Branchini P. , Browder T. E. , Budano A. , Červenkov D. , Chang M.-C. , Cheon B. G. , Chilikin K. , Cho H. E. , Cho K. , Choi S.-K. , Choi Y. , Choudhury S. , Cinabro D. , Cochran J. , Das S. , De Nardo G. , De Pietro G. , Dhamija R. , Di Capua F. , Dingfelder J. , Doležal Z. , Dong T. V. , Epifanov D. , Ferber T. , Ferlewicz D. , Fulsom B. G. , Gaur V. , Giri A. , Goldenzweig P. , Graziani E. , Gu T. , Guan Y. , Gudkova K. , Hadjivasiliou C. , Halder S. , Hara T. , Hayasaka K. , Hayashii H. , Herrmann D. , Hou W.-S. , Hsu C.-L. , Iijima T. , Ipsita N. , Ishikawa A. , Itoh R. , Iwasaki M. , Jacobs W. W. , Ji Q. P. , Jia S. , Jin Y. , Joo K. K. , Kahn J. , Kaliyar A. B. , Kawasaki T. , Kiesling C. , Kim C. H. , Kim D. Y. , Kim K.-H. , Kim Y.-K. , Kindo H. , Kinoshita K. , Kodyš P. , Korobov A. , Korpar S. , Kovalenko E. , Križan P. , Krokovny P. , Kuhr T. , Kumar M. , Kumar R. , Kumara K. , Lam T. , Lange J. S. , Lee S. C. , Li L. K. , Li Y. , Libby J. , Lieret K. , Lin Y.-R. , Liventsev D. , Masuda M. , Matsuda T. , Matvienko D. , Maurya S. K. , Meier F. , Merola M. , Metzner F. , Mizuk R. , Mohanty G. B. , Mussa R. , Nakamura I. , Narwal D. , Natkaniec Z. , Natochii A. , Nayak L. , Nayak M. , Nisar N. K. , Nishida S. , Ogawa S. , Ono H. , Oskin P. , Pakhlova G. , Pardi S. , Park H. , Park J. , Park S.-H. , Passeri A. , Patra S. , Paul S. , Pestotnik R. , Piilonen L. E. , Podobnik T. , Prencipe E. , Prim M. T. , Rout N. , Russo G. , Sandilya S. , Sangal A. , Santelj L. , Savinov V. , Schnell G. , Schwanda C. , Seino Y. , Senyo K. , Shan W. , Shapkin M. , Sharma C. , Shiu J.-G. , Solovieva E. , Starič M. , Stottler Z. S. , Sumihama M. , Takizawa M. , Tanida K. , Tenchini F. , Tiwary R. , Uchida M. , Uglov T. , Unno Y. , Uno S. , Usov Y. , Vahsen S. E. , Varner G. , Vinokurova A. , Wang D. , Wang E. , Wang M.-Z. , Wang X. L. , Watanuki S. , Werbycka O. , Xu X. , Yabsley B. D. , Yan W. , Yang S. B. , Yelton J. , Yook Y. , Yuan C. Z. , Zhang Z. P. , Zhilich V. , Zhukova V.
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We measure the cross section of e+e− → ηcJ/ψ at the Υ(nS)(n = 1–5) on-resonance and 10.52 GeV off-resonance energy points using the full data sample collected by the Belle detector with an integrated luminosity of 955 fb−1. We also search for double charmonium production in e+e− → ηcJ/ψ via initial state radiation near the ηcJ/ψ threshold. No evident signal of the double charmonium state is found, but evidence for the e+e−→ ηcJ/ψ process is found with a statistical significance greater than 3.3σ near the ηcJ/ψ threshold. The average cross section near the threshold is measured and upper limits of cross sections are set for other regions.
De Sitter versus Anti de Sitter flows and the (super)gravity landscape
Authors: Kiritsis Elias , Tsouros Alexandros
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Generic solutions are studied in Einstein-scalar gravity in an ansatz that can interpolate between de Sitter and Anti-de Sitter regimes. The classification of regular solutions of [1, 2] is first extended to the dS regime. This implies, among others, the existence of cosmic clocks that reverse direction without passing through a curvature singularity. We then consider an ansatz for solutions that interpolate between the dS and AdS regimes. The structure of such more general solutions and their singularities are studied. It is shown that there are no regular solutions that interpolate between dS and AdS extrema for generic potentials. This is unlike the Centaur solutions that were shown to exist in two bulk dimensions. We also comment on the potential interplay with recent dS conjectures and the dS BF bounds.
A twisted tale of the transverse-mass tail
Authors: Bandyopadhyay Triparno , Budhraja Ankita , Mukherjee Samadrita , Roy Tuhin S.
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We propose a tantalizing possibility that misinterpretation of the reconstructed missing momentum may have yielded the observed discrepancies among measurements of the W-mass in different collider experiments. We introduce a proof-of-principle scenario characterized by a new physics particle, which can be produced associated with the W-boson in hadron collisions and contributes to the net missing momentum observed in a detector. We show that these exotic events pass the selection criteria imposed by various collaborations at reasonably high rates. Consequently, in the presence of even a handful of these events, a fit based on the ansatz that the missing momentum is primarily due to neutrinos (as it happens in the Standard Model), yields a W-boson mass that differs from its true value. Moreover, the best fit mass depends on the nature of the collider and the center-of-mass energy of collisions. We construct a barebones model that demonstrates this possibility quantitatively while satisfying current constraints. Interestingly, we find that the nature of the new physics particle and its interactions appear as a variation of the physics of Axion-like particles after a field redefinition.
Aspects of dynamical cobordism in AdS/CFT
Authors: Huertas Jesús , Uranga Angel M.
Published: August 2023

Abstract

The cobordism conjecture implies that consistent theories of Quantum Gravity must admit the introduction of boundaries. We study the dynamical realization of the cobordism conjecture in type IIB in AdS5 × S5, using the existing gravity duals of 4d 𝒩 = 4 SYM with Gaiotto-Witten superconformal boundary conditions (near-horizon limits of D3-branes ending on NS5- and D5-branes). We show that these configurations are, from the 5d perspective, dynamical cobordism solutions which start from an asymptotic AdS5 vacuum and evolve until they hit an end of the world (ETW) brane with AdS4 worldvolume. The latter displays localization of gravity, and provide a completion of the Karch-Randall (KR) AdS branes, in which the backreaction of running scalars replace the KR cusp in the warp factor with a smooth bump. The dynamical scalars are either in the SO(6) invariant AdS5 bulk sector (e.g. describing the S5 size and its shrinking at the cobordism boundary) or brane localized (e.g. the SO(6) SO(3) × SO(3) squashing due to boundary conditions). We introduce a novel double scaling limit which zooms into the ETW brane and makes localization of gravity manifest, and which shows a tantalizing relation with wedge holography. We extend the picture to AdS5 theories with less (super)symmetry, via orbifolds and S-folds, leading to dynamical cobordisms for gravity duals of 4d theories with 𝒩 = 2 and 𝒩 = 3 supersymmetry.
Bell violation in 2 → 2 scattering in photon, gluon and graviton EFTs
Authors: Ghosh Diptimoy , Sharma Rajat
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we explore Bell inequality violation for 2 → 2 scattering in Effective Field Theories (EFTs) of photons, gluons, and gravitons. Using the CGLMP Bell parameter (I2), we show that, starting from an appropriate initial non-product state, the Bell inequality can always be violated in the final state (i.e.,I2> 2) at least for some scattering angle. For an initial product state, we demonstrate that abelian gauge theories behave qualitatively differently than non-abelian gauge theories (or Gravity) from the point of view of Bell violation in the final state: in the non-abelian case, Bell violation (I2> 2) is never possible within the validity of EFTs for weakly coupled UV completions. Interestingly, we also find that, for a maximally entangled initial state, scattering can reduce the degree of entanglement only for CP-violating theories. Thus Bell violation in 2 → 2 scattering can, in principle, be used to classify CP conserving vs violating theories.
A new LHC search for dark matter produced via heavy Higgs bosons using simplified models
Authors: Adan Danyer Perez , Bahl Henning , Grohsjean Alexander , Lozano Victor Martin , Schwanenberger Christian , Weiglein Georg
Published: August 2023

Abstract

Searches for dark matter produced via scalar resonances in final states consisting of Standard Model (SM) particles and missing transverse momentum are of high relevance at the LHC. Motivated by dark-matter portal models, most existing searches are optimized for unbalanced decay topologies for which the missing momentum recoils against the visible SM particles. In this work, we show that existing searches are also sensitive to a wider class of models, which we characterize by a recently presented simplified model framework. We point out that searches for models with a balanced decay topology can be further improved with more dedicated analysis strategies. For this study, we investigate the feasibility of a new search for bottom-quark associated neutral Higgs production with a $$ b\overline{b}Z+{p}_{\textrm{T}}^{\textrm{miss}} $$
b

b
¯

Z
+

p
T
miss

final state and perform a detailed collider analysis. Our projected results in the different simplified model topologies investigated here can be easily reinterpreted in a wide range of models of physics beyond the SM, which we explicitly demonstrate for the example of the Two-Higgs-Doublet model with an additional pseudoscalar Higgs boson.
Chains of mini-boson stars
Authors: Sun Shi-Xian , Zhao Li , Wang Yong-Qiang
Published: August 2023

Abstract

In this paper, we re-investigate the static, soliton-like solutions in the model of the Einstein gravity coupled to a free and complex scalar field, which have been known as mini-boson stars. With the numerical methods, we have discovered a new family of solutions in addition to the typical single mini-boson star solution. These solutions can be interpreted as chains of boson stars, consisting of multiple boson stars along the symmetry axis. We demonstrate the configuration of two types of chains, one with an even number of constituents and the other with an odd number of constituents. Furthermore, we also study the effect of the frequency of the complex scalar field on the ADM mass M and the U(1) scalar charge Q. It is noteworthy that the existence of chains of boson stars does not require the introduction of a complex scalar field with self-interacting potential.
Kination, meet Kasner: on the asymptotic cosmology of string compactifications
Authors: Apers Fien , Conlon Joseph P. , Mosny Martin , Revello Filippo
Published: August 2023

Abstract

We study runaway, kination-dominated epochs in string cosmology. We show how the apparent classical decompactification runaway of the volume modulus, described by a kination epoch in the 4-dimensional EFT, can be uplifted to a classical Kasner solution in 10d in which the non-compact dimensions collapse towards a Big Crunch. This can also be generalised for arbitrary spacetime and compactification dimensions. We conclude with some comments on how this picture is modified by quantum effects, and the need for both dynamical and kinematical Swampland constraints.
Regulation of the methanogenesis pathways by hydrogen at transcriptomic level in time
Authors: Szuhaj Márk , Kakuk Balázs , Wirth Roland , Rákhely Gábor , Kovács Kornél Lajos , Bagi Zoltán
Published: August 2023

The biomethane formation from 4 H2 + CO2 by pure cultures of two methanogens, Methanocaldococcus fervens and Methanobacterium thermophilum, has been studied. The goal of the study was to understand the regulation of the enzymatic steps associated with biomethane biosynthesis by H2, using metagenomic, pan-genomic, and transcriptomic approaches. Methanogenesis in the autotrophic methanogen M. fervens could be easily “switched off” and “switched on” by H2/CO2 within about an hour. In contrast, the heterotrophic methanogen M. thermophilum was practically insensitive to the addition of the H2/CO2 trigger although this methanogen also converted H2/CO2 to CH4. From practical points of view, the regulatory function of H2/CO2 suggests that in the power-to-gas (P2G) renewable excess electricity conversion and storage systems, the composition of the biomethane-generating methanogenic community is essential for sustainable operation. In addition to managing the specific hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis biochemistry, H2/CO2 affected several, apparently unrelated, metabolic pathways. The redox-regulated overall biochemistry and symbiotic relationships in the methanogenic communities should be explored in order to make the P2G technology more efficient.

Key points

• Hydrogenotrophic methanogens may respond distinctly to H2/CO2 in bio-CH4 formation.

• H2/CO2 can also activate metabolic routes, which are apparently unrelated to methanogenesis.

• Sustainable conversion of the fluctuating renewable electricity to bio-CH4 is an option.
Th1 cytokines in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Schober Sarah , Rottenberger Jennifer M. , Hilz Johannes , Schmid Evi , Ebinger Martin , Feuchtinger Tobias , Handgretinger Rupert , Lang Peter , Queudeville Manon
Published: August 2023

Immune milieus play an important role in various types of cancer. The present study focuses on the effect of Th1 cytokines on pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The reaction of ALL cell lines and patient-derived xenografts (PDX) to the most important Th1 cytokines TNF-α (tumor necrosis factor alpha) and IFN-γ (interferon gamma) is analyzed and correlated with the respective cytokine receptors and the intracellular signaling molecules. ALL cell lines and ALL PDX display a great heterogeneity in cell death after incubation with TNF-α and IFN-γ. Several samples show a dose-dependent and additive induction of cell death by both cytokines; others do not react at all or even display an increased viability. Apoptosis is the main type of cell death induced by Th1 cytokines in ALL cells. Over all leukemia cells analyzed, IFN-γ receptor (IFNGR) shows a higher expression than both TNF-receptors, resulting in higher phosphorylation of STAT1 (signal transducer and activator of transcription) compared to phosphorylation of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cells) in the TNF pathway. The activation of STAT1 correlates with the amount of cell death after stimulation with Th1 cytokines. TNF-α and IFN-γ lead to heterogeneous reactions in ALL cell lines and ALL PDX but are able to induce cell death by apoptosis in the majority of ALL blasts. The correlation of a high expression of IFNGR and following activation of STAT1 with cell death indicates an important role for IFN-γ signaling in this setting.
A Content Framework of a Novel Patient‐Reported Outcome Measure for Detecting Early Adverse Events After Major Abdominal Surgery
Authors: Clausen Johan , Boesen Victor , Gögenur Ismail , Watt Torquil
Published: August 2023

Background

Systematic health monitoring with patient‐reported outcome instruments may predict post‐discharge complications after major surgery. The objective of this study was to conceptualize a novel patient‐reported outcome instrument for detecting early adverse events within two weeks of discharge after major emergency abdominal surgery and colorectal cancer surgery.

Methods

This study was conducted in two phases. (1) An exhaustive health concept pool was generated using systematic content analysis of existing patient‐reported outcome measures (N = 31) and semi‐structured interviews of readmitted patients (N = 49) and health professionals (N = 10). Concepts were categorized into three major domains: ‘Symptoms,’ ‘functional status,’ and ‘general health perception.’ We calculated the frequency of each health concept as the proportion of patients, who experienced the respective concept prior to readmission. (2) Colorectal cancer surgeons (N = 13) and emergency general surgeons (N = 12) rated the relevance of each health concept (1 = irrelevant, 5 = very relevant) in the context of detecting post‐discharge adverse events. We selected concepts with either a high mean relevance score (≥ 4) or a combination of moderate mean relevance score and high patient‐reported frequency (≥ 3 and ≥ 20% or ≥ 2.5 and ≥ 50%, respectively).

Results

Content analysis of existing items with additions from patients and experts resulted in 58 health concepts, of which the majority were distinct symptoms (N = 40). The selection procedure resulted in 29 patient‐reported health concepts relevant for detecting adverse events after discharge.

Conclusion

The outlined framework provides content validity for future patient‐reported outcome instruments detecting adverse events in the early post‐discharge period after major emergency abdominal surgery and colorectal cancer surgery.
Multi-objective reinforcement learning for designing ethical multi-agent environments
Authors: Rodriguez-Soto Manel , Lopez-Sanchez Maite , Rodriguez-Aguilar Juan A.
Published: August 2023

This paper tackles the open problem of value alignment in multi-agent systems. In particular, we propose an approach to build an ethical environment that guarantees that agents in the system learn a joint ethically-aligned behaviour while pursuing their respective individual objectives. Our contributions are founded in the framework of Multi-Objective Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning. Firstly, we characterise a family of Multi-Objective Markov Games (MOMGs), the so-called ethical MOMGs, for which we can formally guarantee the learning of ethical behaviours. Secondly, based on our characterisation we specify the process for building single-objective ethical environments that simplify the learning in the multi-agent system. We illustrate our process with an ethical variation of the Gathering Game, where agents manage to compensate social inequalities by learning to behave in alignment with the moral value of beneficence.
Electrochemical, molecular dynamics, density functional theory, and corrosion inhibition studies of some chromeno-oxadithiin and chromeno disulfide derivatives for mild steel in 3.5% NaCl
Authors: Fathi Ahlam M. , Anouar El Hassane , Ahmed Asmaa O. , Hegab Mohamed I.
Published: August 2023

Eight derivatives of chromeno-oxadithiin and chromeno disulfide were greenly synthesized during the reactions of different derivatives of 3-Chloro-3-chlorosulfenylchromanones (2a–d) with potassium iodide. The chemical structure of the newly prepared compounds was confirmed by using different spectroscopic methods (IR, 1H &13C NMR, and MS). The redox properties of the prepared compounds were investigated via cyclic voltammetry where most of the compounds exhibited one quasi-reversible redox couple beside one irreversible reduction peak. The charge transfer process was found to be under diffusion control. Some of these compounds were studied as inhibitors for mild steel corrosion in 0.6 M NaCl by using electrochemical techniques. Both the electrochemical methods and the computational simulations proved that adding 1 × 10–3 M of Trispiro[cyclohexane-1,2′-chroman-3′,2″-2H-chromeno[3,4-e][1,3,4]oxadithiin-5″,1″′-cyclohexan]-4′-one(3b) to 0.6 M NaCl inhibited mild steel corrosion by an efficiency of 98.8%. The morphology of mild steel surface after 7 days of immersion in this solution studied by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and showed a homogenous surface. The theoretical studies showed that 1,2-Bis (3-chlorospirochroman-2,1′-cyclohexyl-4-one) disulfane (4b) is the most stable one with an electronic energy of − 3101 au. The effects of the methyl and cyclohexane groups, as well as the effects of heterolysis on the corrosion efficiency, were studied.
Applicability of classic analytical calculation approaches for the design of plastic gears
Authors: Rothemund Markus , Otto Michael , Stahl Karsten
Published: August 2023

Plastic gears are produced cost-effectively in high volume but mainly for applications under low load. Current trends are leading to the design and application of plastic gears for more demanding operating conditions. This requires finding the optimum macrogeometry for the application, which is determined in practice using iterative design processes. Numerical and analytical approaches are available for the design of gears. Due to their speed, only the latter are suitable for an iterative design process. However, the approaches currently used in the calculation programs are designed with a focus on steel gears. Their applicability to gears made of plastics, which material properties differ drastically from those made of steel, is therefore only partially possible.

The paper presents an investigation into the applicability of the classic analytical calculation approaches of Weber/Banaschek and Schmidt for contact analysis and the load-carrying capacity calculation of plastic gears. For this purpose, the results from analytical calculations are compared with those from numerical calculations. In addition, a comparison is made with typical standards (DIN3990, ISO6336) and guidelines (VDI2736).

As a result, the paper provides an initial statement on the transferability of results from steel-focused analytical approaches to gears made of plastic. In addition, calculation results are identified in which particularly large differences occur between the various calculation approaches and which must be considered in the design phase.
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate improves salt tolerance in Solanum lycopersicum
Authors: Bibi Gulnaz , Shafique Iqra , Ali Sartaj , Ahmad Raza , Shah Mohammad Maroof , Naqvi Tatheer Alam , Zeb Iftikhar , Maathuis Frans J. M. , Hussain Jamshaid
Published: August 2023

The cyclic nucleotide cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a powerful cell signaling molecule involved in biotic and abiotic stress perception and signal transduction. In the model plant Arabidopsis thaliana, salt and osmotic stress rapidly induce increase in cGMP which plays role by modulating the activity of monovalent cation transporters, possibly by direct binding to these proteins and by altering the expression of many abiotic stress responsive genes. In a recent study, a membrane permeable analogue of cGMP (8-bromo-cGMP) was found to have a promotive effect on soluble sugar, flavonoids and lignin content, and membrane integrity in Solanum lycopersicum seedlings under salt stress. However, it remains to be elucidated how salt stress affects the endogenous cGMP level in S. lycopersicum and if Br-cGMP-induced improvement in salt tolerance in S. lycopersicum involves altered cation fluxes. The current study was conducted to answer these questions. A rapid increase (within 30 s) in endogenous cGMP level was determined in S. lycopersicum roots after treatment with 100 mM NaCl. Addition of membrane permeable Br-cGMP in growth medium remarkably ameliorated the inhibitory effects of NaCl on seedlings’ growth parameters, chlorophyll content and net photosynthesis rate. In salt stressed plants, Br-cGMP significantly decreased Na+ content by reducing its influx and increasing efflux while it improved plants K+ content by reducing its efflux and enhancing influx. Furthermore, supplementation with Br-cGMP improved plant’s proline content and total antioxidant capacity, resulting in markedly decreased electrolyte leakage under salt stress. Br-cGMP increased the expression of Na+/H+ antiporter genes in roots and shoots of S. lycopersicum growing under salt stress, potentially enhancing plant’s ability to sequester Na+ into the vacuole. The findings of this study provide insights into the mechanism of cGMP-induced salt stress tolerance in S. lycopersicum.
Geochemical, sedimentological and microbial diversity in two thermokarst lakes of far Eastern Siberia
Authors: Meisel Ove H. , Rijkers Ruud , Dean Joshua F. , in ‘t Zandt Michiel H. , van Huissteden Jacobus , Maximov Trofim C. , Karsanaev Sergey V. , Belelli Marchesini Luca , Goovaerts Arne , Wacker Lukas , Reichart Gert-Jan , Bouillon Steven , Welte Cornelia U. , Jetten Mike S. M. , Vonk Jorien E. , Dolman Han
Published: August 2023

Thermokarst lakes are important conduits for organic carbon sequestration, soil organic matter (soil-OM) decomposition and release of atmospheric greenhouse gases in the Arctic. They can be classified as either floating-ice lakes, which sustain a zone of unfrozen sediment (talik) at the lakebed year-round, or as bedfast-ice lakes, which freeze all the way to the lakebed in winter. Another key characteristic of thermokarst lakes are their eroding shorelines, depending on the surrounding landscape, they can play a major role in supplying the lakebeds with sediment and OM. These differences in winter ice regime and eroding shorelines are key factors which determine the quantity and quality of OM in thermokarst lake sediments. We used an array of physical, geochemical, and microbiological tools to identify the differences in the environmental conditions, sedimentary characteristics, carbon stocks and microbial community compositions in the sediments of a bedfast-ice and a floating-ice lake in Far East Siberia with different eroding shorelines. Our data show strong differences across most of the measured parameters between the two lakes. For example, the floating-ice lake contains considerably lower amounts of sediment organic matter and dissolved organic carbon, both of which also appear to be more degraded in comparison to the bedfast-ice lake, based on their stable carbon isotope composition (δ13C). We also document clear differences in the microbial community composition, for both archaea and bacteria. We identified the lake water depth (bedfast-ice vs. floating-ice) and shoreline erosion to be the two most likely main drivers of the sedimentary, microbial and biogeochemical diversity in thermokarst lakes. With ongoing climate warming, it is likely that an increasing number of lakes will shift from a bedfast- to a floating-ice state, and that increasing levels of shoreline erosion will supply the lakes with sediments. Yet, still little is known about the physical, biogeochemical and microbial differences in the sediments of these lake types and how different eroding shorelines impact these lake systems.
New thematic relationships in the green recovery literature
Authors: Slabe-Erker Renata , Primc Kaja , Zabavnik Darja
Published: August 2023

This short communication contributes to the current debate by exploring bibliometric data related to green recovery policies to discover the thematic linkages driving sustainable transitions and how these linkages can be navigated to encourage a successful and rapid green transformation. Our discussion illuminated three main trajectories of recent research that deviate from pre-COVID-19 themes and trends: managing natural resources at multiple levels, technology science for raw material scarcity resolution, and advancing low-carbon policies with data-driven models. This study provides a robust evidence-based framework for policymakers as they design green stimulus packages that can effectively facilitate and give long-term support to a green recovery. Specifically, the results affirm the necessity of devising novel stimulative regulations, investing in the modification or supplement of existing infrastructure (e.g. energy storage and grid infrastructure for reliable use of renewable energy sources) and building cities that are more resource-efficient and climate-resilient. Finally, the study also underscores the advances made in related European Union legislation and identifies potential challenges associated with the green transition.
Integrating imaging-based classification and transcriptomics for quality assessment of human oocytes according to their reproductive efficiency
Authors: Viñals Gonzalez Xavier , Thrasivoulou Christopher , Naja Roy Pascal , Seshadri Srividya , Serhal Paul , Gupta Sioban Sen
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Utilising non-invasive imaging parameters to assess human oocyte fertilisation, development and implantation; and their influence on transcriptomic profiles.

Methods

A ranking tool was designed using imaging data from 957 metaphase II stage oocytes retrieved from 102 patients undergoing ART. Hoffman modulation contrast microscopy was conducted with an Olympus IX53 microscope. Images were acquired prior to ICSI and processed using ImageJ for optical density and grey-level co-occurrence matrices texture analysis. Single-cell RNA sequencing of twenty-three mature oocytes classified according to their competence was performed.

Result(s)

Overall fertilisation, blastulation and implantation rates were 73.0%, 62.6% and 50.8%, respectively. Three different algorithms were produced using binary logistic regression methods based on “optimal” quartiles, resulting in an accuracy of prediction of 76.6%, 67% and 80.7% for fertilisation, blastulation and implantation. Optical density, gradient, inverse difference moment (homogeneity) and entropy (structural complexity) were the parameters with highest predictive properties. The ranking tool showed high sensitivity (68.9–90.8%) but with limited specificity (26.5–62.5%) for outcome prediction. Furthermore, five differentially expressed genes were identified when comparing “good” versus “poor” competent oocytes.

Conclusion(s)

Imaging properties can be used as a tool to assess differences in the ooplasm and predict laboratory and clinical outcomes. Transcriptomic analysis suggested that oocytes with lower competence may have compromised cell cycle either by non-reparable DNA damage or insufficient ooplasmic maturation. Further development of algorithms based on image parameters is encouraged, with an increased balanced cohort and validated prospectively in multicentric studies.
Valuing COVID-19 as an opportunity to understand teacher agency
Authors: Mansfield Jennifer , Smith Kathy , Adams Megan , Wan Lydia
Published: August 2023

This paper seeks to better understand how unanticipated disruption influences teacher agency and professionalism. Drawing on a conceptual model of teacher agency the paper examines data from teacher focus groups conducted in one Australian K-12 school to understand the lived experience of teachers (n = 50) during an initial COVID-19 lockdown period, particularly how they successfully navigated the transition to online teaching, and subsequent changes in practice and pedagogy. A grounded theory approach to data analysis revealed five conditions shaped teacher experience and a sense of personal achievement during this disruption: (1) an open individual mindset; (2) permission to be flexible and respond in appropriate ways; (3) reduced complexity; (4) effective relationships with leadership, colleagues, students, and parents; and (5) parental support. Temporal and affective dimensions of teacher agency (iterational—past; projective—future, and practical-evaluative—present) were used to explore the relationship between the five conditions and action for change. Findings suggest teacher agency was enhanced by focused school-based support which enabled teachers to deal with rapid change. Such support effectively facilitated reduction in complexity, provided structural and systemic assistance, valued and respected teachers as the professionals best placed to manage the shift to online learning, provided teachers with permission to try and fail, and enabled collegial support through a variety of communities of practice and structural support. Implications and future areas of research presented.
Determining the Hierarchical Structure and Nature of Servant Leadership
Authors: Sun Peter Y. T. , Anderson Marc H. , Gang HeyIn
Published: August 2023

Researchers have yet to adequately identify the hierarchical structure and nature of servant leadership, and there are an excessive number of models and measures that take varying perspectives. Although the servant leadership style has been shown to be non-redundant with the dominant transformational leadership style, the lack of an understanding of its structure hinders both theoretical work and the cumulation of research findings. This study identifies the hierarchical structure of servant leadership using Goldberg’s “bass ackwards” approach on data from a survey administered to 1248 respondents that included the four principal measures of servant leadership. Our results make a theoretical contribution by highlighting the distinction between a follower orientation and a community orientation among servant leaders. Furthermore, this follower orientation can be either task-oriented or person-oriented. By identifying the hierarchical structure of servant leadership, our analysis suggests new insights into what distinguishes and drives servant leaders, thereby, contributing to this important stream of leadership research.
Layers of Shame: The Impact of Shame in Lesbian and Queer Victim-Survivors’ Accounts of Violence and Help-seeking
Authors: Ovesen Nicole
Published: August 2023

Purpose

The journey from shame to pride has been described as a founding and essential part of the modern LGBTQ movement. However, the tendency to treat shame as something that belongs to the past has been criticized by a number of queer theorists. The struggle to secure equal rights through normalization has also meant that certain topics that risk demonizing and stigmatizing LGBTQ people further have been neglected. Intimate partner violence (IPV) in queer relationships is one such topic. This paper explores a new perspective on queer shame through the topic of IPV in lesbian and queer relationships.

Methods

Drawing on qualitative interviews with 25 people who have experienced violence in intimate lesbian/queer relationships in Sweden, this paper unpacks the concept of shame in empirical data to examine how shame operates on different levels when it comes to victimization and how it affects the help-seeking processes of such victim-survivors.

Results

Many of the interviewees expressed that they continued to feel ashamed about their denial of violence or their own reactions to the abuse even years after the relationship had ended. An additional layer of shame and secrecy affected the violence and help-seeking processes for the interviewees’ who lacked support from their social networks or who were not open about being in a queer relationship. The interviewees’ accounts also contained strategies to resist and manage shame.

Conclusions

The theoretical and empirical contributions of this paper sheds new light on how shame, victimization and queerness are entangled in the case of IPV.
Identification of nonlinear conservation laws for multiphase flow based on Bayesian inversion
Authors: Evje Steinar , Skadsem Hans Joakim , Nævdal Geir
Published: August 2023

Conservation laws of the generic form $$c_t+f(c)_x=0$$

c
t

+
f

(
c
)

x

=
0

play a central role in the mathematical description of various engineering related processes. Identification of an unknown flux function f(c) from observation data in space and time is challenging due to the fact that the solution c(x, t) develops discontinuities in finite time. We explore a Bayesian type of method based on representing the unknown flux f(c) as a Gaussian random process (parameter vector) combined with an iterative ensemble Kalman filter (EnKF) approach to learn the unknown, nonlinear flux function. As a testing ground, we consider displacement of two fluids in a vertical domain where the nonlinear dynamics is a result of a competition between gravity and viscous forces. This process is described by a multidimensional Navier–Stokes model. Subject to appropriate scaling and simplification constraints, a 1D nonlinear scalar conservation law $$c_t+f(c)_x=0$$

c
t

+
f

(
c
)

x

=
0

can be derived with an explicit expression for f(c) for the volume fraction c(x, t). We consider small (noisy) observation data sets in terms of time series extracted at a few fixed positions in space. The proposed identification method is explored for a range of different displacement conditions ranging from pure concave to highly non-convex f(c). No a priori information about the sought flux function is given except a sound choice of smoothness for the a priori flux ensemble. It is demonstrated that the method possesses a strong ability to identify the unknown flux function. The role played by the choice of initial data $$c_0(x)$$

c
0

(
x
)

as well various types of observation data is highlighted.
Active Uptake of Oxycodone at Both the Blood-Cerebrospinal Fluid Barrier and The Blood-Brain Barrier without Sex Differences: A Rat Microdialysis Study
Authors: Bällgren Frida , Hammarlund-Udenaes Margareta , Loryan Irena
Published: August 2023

Background

Oxycodone active uptake across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is associated with the putative proton-coupled organic cation (H+/OC) antiporter system. Yet, the activity of this system at the blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier (BCSFB) is not fully understood. Additionally, sex differences in systemic pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of oxycodone has been reported, but whether the previous observations involve sex differences in the function of the H+/OC antiporter system remain unknown. The objective of this study was, therefore, to investigate the extent of oxycodone transport across the BBB and the BCSFB in female and male Sprague-Dawley rats using microdialysis.

Methods

Microdialysis probes were implanted in the blood and two of the following brain locations: striatum and lateral ventricle or cisterna magna. Oxycodone was administered as an intravenous infusion, and dialysate, blood and brain were collected. Unbound partition coefficients (Kp,uu) were calculated to understand the extent of oxycodone transport across the blood-brain barriers. Non-compartmental analysis was conducted using Phoenix 64 WinNonlin. GraphPad Prism version 9.0.0 was used to perform t-tests, one-way and two-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s or Šídák’s multiple comparison tests. Differences were considered significant at p < 0.05.

Results

The extent of transport at the BBB measured in striatum was 4.44 ± 1.02 (Kp,uu,STR), in the lateral ventricle 3.41 ± 0.74 (Kp,uu,LV) and in cisterna magna 2.68 ± 1.01 (Kp,uu,CM). These Kp,uu values indicate that the extent of oxycodone transport is significantly lower at the BCSFB compared with that at the BBB, but still confirm the presence of active uptake at both blood-brain interfaces. No significant sex differences were observed in neither the extent of oxycodone delivery to the brain, nor in the systemic pharmacokinetics of oxycodone.

Conclusions

The findings clearly show that active uptake is present at both the BCSFB and the BBB. Despite some underestimation of the extent of oxycodone delivery to the brain, CSF may be an acceptable surrogate of brain ISF for oxycodone, and potentially also other drugs actively transported into the brain via the H+/OC antiporter system.
Thermal degradation of Affinisol HPMC: Optimum Processing Temperatures for Hot Melt Extrusion and 3D Printing
Authors: Svoboda Roman , Nevyhoštěná Marie , Macháčková Jana , Vaculík Jan , Knotková Kateřina , Chromčíková Maria , Komersová Alena
Published: August 2023

Purpose

Affinisol HPMC HME is a new popular form of hypromellose specifically designed for the hot melt extrusion and 3D printing of pharmaceutical products. However, reports of its thermal stability include only data obtained under inert N2 atmosphere, which is not consistent with the common pharmaceutical practice. Therefore, detailed investigation of its real-life thermal stability in air is paramount for identification of potential risks and limitations during its high-temperature processing.

Methods

In this work, the Affinisol HPMC HME 15LV powder as well as extruded filaments will be investigated by means of thermogravimetry, differential scanning calorimetry and infrared spectroscopy with respect to its thermal stability.

Results

The decomposition in N2 was proceeded in accordance with the literature data and manufacturer’s specifications: onset at ~260°C at 0.5°C·min−1, single-step mass loss of 90–95%. However, in laboratory or industrial practice, high-temperature processing is performed in the air, where oxidation-induced degradation drastically changes. The thermogravimetric mass loss in air proceeded in three stages: ~ 5% mass loss with onset at 150°C, ~ 70% mass loss at 200°C, and ~ 15% mass loss at 380°C. Diffusion of O2 into the Affinisol material was identified as the rate-determining step.

Conclusion

For extrusion temperatures ≥170°C, Affinisol exhibits a significant degree of degradation within the 5 min extruder retention time. Hot melt extrusion of pure Affinisol can be comfortably performed below this temperature. Utilization of plasticizers may be necessary for safe 3D printing.
Laboratory μ-X-ray fluorescence elemental mapping of herbarium specimens for hyperaccumulator studies
Authors: van der Ent Antony , Casey Lachlan W. , Purwadi Imam , Erskine Peter D.
Published: August 2023

Background and aims

An innovative approach “Herbarium Ionomics” used a handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device to non-destructively extract quantitative elemental data (i.e., the metallome) from herbarium specimens. This has led to the discovery of numerous hyperaccumulator plants. Once a new hyperaccumulator is identified through XRF screening, the next step is to verify whether this is in fact ‘real’ as there are numerous causes for anomalous measurements caused by artefacts.

Methods

Here we report on the use of a scanning μ-XRF for herbarium specimens to answer the question whether the abnormal concentrations of a particular element truly represent hyperaccumulation as well as reveal broad patterns of elemental distribution to provide the first hints at the ecophysiology of the hyperaccumulated element.

Results and conclusions

The use of μ-XRF analysis of herbarium specimens can form the starting point for further studies using specimens properly prepared for micro-analytical investigations.
Exact values and lower bounds on the n-color weak Schur numbers for $$n=2,3$$
Authors: Ahmed T. , Boza L. , Revuelta M. P. , Sanz M. I.
Published: August 2023

For integers k, n with k, $$n \geqslant 1$$

n
⩾
1

, the n-color weak Schur number$$W\hspace{-0.6mm}S_{k}(n)$$

W

S
k

(
n
)

is defined as the least integer N, such that for every n-coloring of the integer interval [1, N], there exists a monochromatic solution $$x_{1},\dots , x_{k}, x_{k+1}$$

x
1

,
⋯
,

x
k

,

x

k
+
1

in that interval to the equation: $$\begin{aligned} x_{1}+x_{2}+\dots +x_{k} =x_{k+1}, \end{aligned}$$

x
1

+

x
2

+
⋯
+

x
k

=

x

k
+
1

,

with $$x_{i} \ne x_{j}$$

x
i

≠

x
j

, when $$i\ne j.$$

i
≠
j
.

In this paper, we obtain the exact values of $$WS_{6}(2)=166$$

W

S
6

(
2
)

=
166

,       $$WS_{7}(2)=253$$

W

S
7

(
2
)

=
253

, $$WS_{3}(3)=94$$

W

S
3

(
3
)

=
94

and $$WS_{4}(3)=259$$

W

S
4

(
3
)

=
259

and we show new lower bounds on n-color weak Schur number $$W\hspace{-0.6mm}S_{k}(n)$$

W

S
k

(
n
)

for $$n=2,3.$$

n
=
2
,
3
.
Embedding models for supervised automatic extraction and classification of named entities in scientific acknowledgements
Authors: Smirnova Nina , Mayr Philipp
Published: August 2023

Acknowledgments in scientific papers may give an insight into aspects of the scientific community, such as reward systems, collaboration patterns, and hidden research trends. The aim of the paper is to evaluate the performance of different embedding models for the task of automatic extraction and classification of acknowledged entities from the acknowledgment text in scientific papers. We trained and implemented a named entity recognition (NER) task using the flair NLP framework. The training was conducted using three default Flair NER models with four differently-sized corpora and different versions of the flair NLP framework. The Flair Embeddings model trained on the medium corpus with the latest FLAIR version showed the best accuracy of 0.79. Expanding the size of a training corpus from very small to medium size massively increased the accuracy of all training algorithms, but further expansion of the training corpus did not bring further improvement. Moreover, the performance of the model slightly deteriorated. Our model is able to recognize six entity types: funding agency, grant number, individuals, university, corporation, and miscellaneous. The model works more precisely for some entity types than for others; thus, individuals and grant numbers showed a very good F1-Score over 0.9. Most of the previous works on acknowledgment analysis were limited by the manual evaluation of data and therefore by the amount of processed data. This model can be applied for the comprehensive analysis of acknowledgment texts and may potentially make a great contribution to the field of automated acknowledgment analysis.
Don't put the greatest pressure on the weakest
Authors: Ellinger Jan
Published: August 2023

Shortcomings in the area of open-access publishing are repeatedly criticized and discussed in the scientific community. Meanwhile, there are initiatives such as the DORA declaration, which aim to implement improvement and sustainability at specific points of the system. Regrettably, it can be observed at the same time that corresponding intentions are only partially realized. Simultaneously, status groups such as Ph.D. students, which are comparatively low in the science system, bear a burden or dilemma: All too often, they have to choose between improving their own career prospects and what can be called sustainable and good scientific practice. However, such decisions should not be imposed on those who hold a lower and insecure position in the scientific system. Rather, decision-makers at scientific institutions must finally begin to implement the DORA recommendations consistently or renounce them.
A proposed framework to develop nutrient profiling algorithms for assessments of sustainable food: the metrics and their assumptions matter
Authors: Green Ashley , Nemecek Thomas , Mathys Alexander
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To holistically assess the sustainability of our global and local food systems, we need methods that combine environmental and nutritional/health dimensions. One option is nutritional life cycle assessment in which a nutrient or health metric is incorporated into standard environmental life cycle assessment. Measuring nutritional and environmental outcomes in tandem can help elucidate new results that can aid farmers, policymakers, industry, and consumers in transitioning to a food system that is more beneficial for our planet and our health. However, the development of nutrient profiling metrics is still ongoing; thus, we develop and test, with case studies, the “points of differentiation” framework to guide the use of these algorithms in sustainability analyses.

Methods

For each of these “points” in the framework, we provide the current state-of-the-art based on the literature and then offer new insights and recommendations for their use; we do this for different food levels (i.e., production systems, food items, and diets/food supply). We provide an explicit framework for nutrient adequacy metrics, while discussing the framework’s relevance to nutrient diversity and quality metrics. We also test the “points” in this framework using case studies that examine select foods representative of a diet.

Results

Based on our review, the “points” in this framework to consider include capping, weighting, energy standardization, across-the-board versus group-specific, dietary- and/or context-specific, validation, disqualifying nutrients (e.g., saturated fat), reference amount, processing quality, selection of nutrients/ingredients, interpretation, and data quality. Based on changes in nutrient density scores and rankings, Spearman rank correlations, and Wilcoxon signed rank p-values, the “points” that have the largest effect are energy standardization, dietary specificities when assessing nutrient indices in isolation, as well as capping and disqualifying nutrients, depending on how these are applied. We hope our proposed “points of differentiation” framework can provide new insights into this quickly evolving space by offering structure to improve standardization and transparency.

Conclusion

The framework provides recommendations for select “points;” nevertheless, there are still many open areas in nutritional life cycle assessment, including food functionality (e.g., processing effects, interaction factors, and bioavailability) and methodological questions related to the use of disqualifying nutrients and interpretation. Moreover, future work should focus on the role of “points” with respect to validation and differences within food groups.