bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bombyx mori transcription factor, E74A, beneficially affects BmNPV infection through direct interaction
Authors: Wang Xin , Lv Jun‐li , Cheng Shuang , Su Zhi‐hao , Qin Sheng , Sun Xia , Tang Xu‐dong , Liu Qiu‐ning , Li Mu‐wang , Wang Xue‐yang
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV), one of the baculoviruses, is a promising biopesticide for pest control. Lepidopteran account for 70% of pests, therefore investigation on highly conserved genes associated with viral infections in the lepidopteran model, the silkworm, will serve as a valuable reference for improving the effectiveness of pest management. BmE74A is a member of the erythroblast transformation‐specific (ETS) family of transcription factors in Bombyx mori, which we previously found to be highly conserved and closely associated with BmNPV. This study aimed to elucidate the role of BmE74A in viral infection.

RESULTS

A significantly high expression of BmE74A in eggs indicated its important role in embryonic development, as did relatively high expressions in the hemolymph and midgut. Significant differences in BmE74A expression in different resistant strains after BmNPV infection suggested its involvement as a response to viral infection. Moreover, RNA interference (RNAi) and overexpression experiments confirmed the important role of BmE74A in promoting viral infection. BmNPV infection was significantly suppressed and enhanced by BmE74A knockdown and overexpression, respectively. Besides, BmE74A was found to regulate the expression of BmMdm2 and Bmp53. Furthermore, the binding of ETS, the functional domain of BmE74A, to occlusion‐derived virus proteins was confirmed by far‐western blotting, and four viral proteins that may interact with ETS proteins were identified by mass spectrometry. Similarly, a homolog of BmE74A in Spodoptera litura was also found to be involved in larval susceptibility to BmNPV.

CONCLUSION

BmE74A promotes BmNPV proliferation by directly interacting with the virus, which may be related to the suppression of the p53 pathway. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Synthesis, herbicidal activity and soil degradation of novel 5‐substituted sulfonylureas as AHAS inhibitors
Authors: Zhou Sha , Zhao Lv‐Ting , Meng Fan‐Fei , Hua Xue‐Wen , Li Yong‐Hong , Liu Bin , Chen Jie , Chen An‐Liang , Li Zheng‐Ming
Published: August 2022

BACKGROUND

Chlorsulfuron, metsulfuron‐methyl and ethametsulfuron can damage sensitive crops in rotation pattern as a result of their long persistence in soil. To explore novel sulfonylurea (SU) herbicides with favorable soil degradation rates, four series of SUs were synthesized through a structure‐based drug design (SBDD) strategy.

RESULTS

The target compounds, especially Ia, Id and Ie, exhibited prospective herbicidal activity against dicotyledon oil seed rape (Brassica campestris), amaranth (Amaranthus retroflexus), monocotyledon barnyard grass (Echinochloa crusgalli) and crab grass (Digitaria sanguinalis) at a concentration of 15 a.i. g ha−1. Additionally, Ia, Id and Ig displayed excellent inhibitory effects against AtAHAS, with Kapp i values of 59.1, 34.5 and 71.8 μm, respectively, which were much lower than that of chlorsulfuron at 149.4 μm. The π‐π stack and H‐bonds between the Ia conformation and AtAHAS in the molecular docking results confirmed the series of compounds to be conventional AHAS inhibitors. In alkaline soil (pH = 8.46), compounds Ia–Ig revealed various degrees of acceleration in the degradation rate compared with chlorsulfuron. Besides, compound Ia showed considerable wheat and corn safety under postemergence at the concentration of 30, 60 and even 120 a.i. g ha−1.

CONCLUSION

Overall, based on the synthetic procedure, herbicidal activity, soil degradation and crop safety, the Ia sulfonylureas series were chosen to be investigated as prospective AHAS inhibitors. The 5‐dimethylamino group on SUs accelerated the degradation rate at different levels in alkaline soils which seems to be controllable in conventional cropping systems in their further application. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Froude‐number‐based rainfall regimes over the Western Ghats mountains of India
Authors: Phadtare Jayesh A. , Fletcher Jennifer K. , Ross Andrew N. , Turner Andrew G. , Schiemann Reinhard K. H.
Published: August 2022

Variations in the character of monsoonal rainfall over the Western Ghats region on the west coast of India are studied using radiosondes, satellite observations, and reanalysis products. Summer monsoon rainfall over this region occurs in alternate offshore and onshore phases. It is shown that these phases are controlled primarily by the strength of the low‐level westerly jet. Thus, a classification based on the Froude number, , of the onshore flow is proposed, where, is the mountain height, is the mean wind speed, and is the mean Brunt–Väisäla frequency over depth . At low (< 0.5), onshore winds are weak and the diurnal thermal fluctuation over the orography is strong; the land–sea and mountain–valley circulations are enhanced, leading to a stronger diurnal control over the rainfall. A nocturnal offshore propagation of rainfall from the west coast is seen during this phase. Rainfall over the rainshadow region to the east of the Western Ghats also increases, due to a weaker lee effect, while it decreases over the Western Ghats, due to a greater blocking effect. At high (> 1), orographic blocking of the low‐level winds is weak. Thus, rainfall is enhanced over the Western Ghats and reduced over the rainshadow region due to a stronger lee effect. In this phase, the diurnal thermal fluctuation over the orography is weak. The bulk Richardson number is less than 1, suggesting a dominance of vertical wind shear over the buoyancy forces. The level of free convection and convective inhibition over the west coast are also very low. Hence, at high , rainfall over the west coast results mainly from mechanical uplifting of the westerly winds by the Western Ghats, with no preference for a particular time of day. These findings will help in improving the representation of orographic effects and the diurnal cycle of rainfall in numerical models.
Si6C18: A bispentalene derivative with two planar tetracoordinate carbons
Authors: Inostroza Diego , Leyva‐Parra Luis , Yañez Osvaldo , Cruz J. César , Garza Jorge , García Víctor , Thimmakondu Venkatesan S. , Ceron Maria L. , Tiznado William
Published: August 2022

Here we show that substituting the ten protons in the dianion of a bispentalene derivative (C18H102−) by six Si2+ dications produces a minimum energy structure with two planar tetracoordinate carbons (ptC). In Si6C18, the ptCs are embedded in the terminal C5 pentagonal rings and participate in a three‐center, two‐electron (3c‐2e) Si‐ptC‐Si σ‐bond. Our exploration of the potential energy surface identifies a triphenylene derivative as the putative global minimum. Nevertheless, robustness to Born–Oppenheimer molecular dynamics (BOMD) simulations at 900 and 1500 K supports bispentalene derivative kinetic stability. Chemical bonding analysis reveals ten delocalized π‐bonds, which, according to Hückel's 4n + 2 π‐electron rule, would classify it as an aromatic system. Magnetically induced current density analysis reveals the presence of intense local paratropic currents and a weakly global diatropic current, the latter agreeing with the possible global aromatic character of this specie.
A new method for phosphate purification for oxygen isotope ratio analysis in freshwater and soil extracts using solid‐phase extraction with zirconium‐loaded resin
Authors: Ishida Takuya , Kamiya Hiroshi , Uehara Yoshitoshi , Kato Toshikuni , Sugahara Shogo , Onodera Shin‐ichi , Ban Syuhei , Paytan Adina , Tayasu Ichiro , Okuda Noboru
Published: August 2022

Rationale

Phosphate (PO4) oxygen isotope (δ18OPO4) analysis is increasingly applied to elucidate phosphorus cycling. Due to its usefulness, analytical methods continue to be developed and improved to increase processing efficiency and applicability to various sample types. A new pretreatment procedure to obtain clean Ag3PO4 using solid‐phase extraction (SPE) with zirconium‐loaded resin (ZrME), which can selectively adsorb PO4, is presented and evaluated here.

Methods

Our method comprises (1) PO4 concentration, (2) PO4 separation by SPE, (3) cation removal, (4) Cl− removal, and (5) formation of Ag3PO4. The method was tested by comparing the resulting δ18OPO4 of KH2PO4 reagent, soil extracts (NaHCO3, NaOH, and HCl), freshwater, and seawater with data obtained using a conventional pretreatment method.

Results

PO4 recovery of our method ranged from 79.2% to 97.8% for KH2PO4, soil extracts, and freshwater. Although the recovery rate indicated incomplete desorption of PO4 from the ZrME columns, our method produced high‐purity Ag3PO4 and accurate δ18OPO4 values (i.e., consistent with those obtained using conventional pretreatment methods). However, for seawater, the PO4 recovery was low (1.1%), probably due to the high concentrations of F− and SO42− which interfere with PO4 adsorption on the columns. Experiments indicate that the ZrME columns could be regenerated and used repeatedly at least three times.

Conclusions

We demonstrated the utility of ZrME for purification of PO4 from freshwater and soil extracts for δ18OPO4 analysis. Multiple samples could be processed in three days using this method, increasing sample throughput and potentially facilitating more widespread use of δ18OPO4 analysis to deepen our understanding of phosphorus cycling in natural environments.
Efficacy of tocilizumab in the treatment of COVID‐19: An umbrella review
Authors: Rezaei Tolzali Mohammad Mahdi , Noori Maryam , Shokri Pourya , Rahmani Shayan , Khanzadeh Shokoufeh , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Fazlollahi Asra , Sullman Mark J. M. , Singh Kuljit , Kolahi Ali‐Asghar , Arshi Shahnam , Safiri Saeid
Published: August 2022

Tocilizumab is an interleukin (IL)‐6 receptor inhibitor that has been proposed as a therapeutic agent for treating coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The aim of this umbrella review was to determine the efficacy of tocilizumab in treating COVID‐19, and to provide an overview of all systematic reviews on this topic. We systematically searched PubMed, Scopus, the Web of Science collection, the Cochrane library, Epistemonikos, and Google Scholar, as well as the medRxiv preprint server. These databases were searched up to 30 September 2021, using the following keywords: ‘SARS‐CoV‐2’, ‘COVID‐19’, ‘tocilizumab’, ‘RHPM‐1’, ‘systematic review’, and ‘meta‐analysis’. Studies were included if they were systematic reviews (with or without meta‐analysis) investigating the efficacy or safety of tocilizumab in confirmed COVID‐19 patients. The AMSTAR 2 checklist was used to assess quality of the included articles, while publication bias was examined using Egger's test. A total of 50 eligible systematic reviews were included. The pooled estimates showed significant reductions in clinical failure (risk ratio (RR) 0.75; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.61–0.93), deaths (RR 0.78; 95%CI, 0.71–0.85) and the need for mechanical ventilation (RR 0.77; 95%CI, 0.64–0.92) for those receiving tocilizumab compared with the control group. Also, an emerging survival benefit was demonstrated for those who received tocilizumab, over those in the control group (adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) 0.52; 95%CI, 0.43–0.63). In addition, tocilizumab substantially increased the number of ventilator‐free days, compared with the control treatments (weighted mean difference (WMD) 3.38; 95%CI, 0.51–6.25). Furthermore, lymphocyte count (WMD 0.26 × 109/L; 95%CI, 0.14–0.37), IL‐6 (WMD 176.99 pg/mL; 95%CI, 76.34–277.64) and D‐dimer (WMD 741.08 ng/mL; 95%CI, 109.42–1372.75) were all significantly elevated in those receiving tocilizumab. However, the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (WMD −30.88 U/L; 95%CI, −51.52, −10.24) and C‐reactive protein (CRP) (WMD ‐104.83 mg/L; 95%CI, −133.21, −76.46) were both significantly lower after treatment with tocilizumab. Tocilizumab treatment reduced the risk of intubation, mortality and the length of hospital stay, without increasing the risk of superimposed infections in COVID‐19 patients. Therefore, tocilizumab can be considered an effective therapeutic agent for treating patients with COVID‐19.
Prognostic value of novel serum biomarkers, including C‐reactive protein to albumin ratio and fibrinogen to albumin ratio, in COVID‐19 disease: A meta‐analysis
Authors: Rathore Sawai Singh , Oberoi Sharvi , Iqbal Kinza , Bhattar Keshav , Benítez‐López Guadalupe Abigail , Nieto‐Salazar María Alejandra , Velasquez‐Botero Felipe , Moreno Cortes Guillermo Andrés , Hilliard Jonathan , Madekwe Chinelo Chioma , Madekwe Chika Chizitelu , Flowers Thomas C. , Khalil Khalil
Published: August 2022

With COVID‐19 still hovering around and threatening the lives of many at‐risk patients, an effective, quick, and inexpensive prognostic method is required. Few studies have shown fibrinogen to albumin ratio (FAR) and C‐reactive protein to albumin ratio (CAR) to be promising as prognostic markers for COVID‐19 disease. However, their implications remain unclear. This meta‐analysis aimed to elucidate the prognostic role of FAR and CAR in COVID‐19 disease. A systematic literature search was undertaken using PubMed and Embase till April 2022. Inverse variance standardised mean difference (SMD) was calculated to report the overall effect size using random effect models. The generic inverse variance random‐effects method was used to pool the area under the curve (AUC) values. All statistical analyses were performed on Revman and MedCalc Software. A total of 23 studies were included. COVID‐19 non‐survivors had a higher CAR on admission compared with survivors (SMD = 1.79 [1.04, 2.55]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 97%) and patients with a severe COVID‐19 infection had a higher CAR on admission than non‐severe patients (SMD = 1.21 [0.54, 1.89]; p = 0.0004; I2 = 97%). Similarly, higher mean FAR values on admission were significantly associated with COVID‐19 mortality (SMD = 0.55 [0.32, 0.78]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 82%). However, no significant association was found between mean FAR on admission and COVID‐19 severity (SMD = 0.54 [−0.09, 1.18]; p = 0.09; I2 = 91%). The pooled AUC values found that CAR had a good discriminatory‐power to predict COVID‐19 severity (AUC = 0.81 [0.75, 0.86]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 80%) and mortality (AUC = 0.81 [0.74, 0.87]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 86%). FAR had a fair discriminatory‐power to predict COVID‐19 severity (AUC = 0.73 [0.64, 0.82]; p < 0.00001; I2 = 89%). Overall, CAR was a good predictor of both severity and mortality associated with COVID‐19 infection. Similarly, FAR was a satisfactory predictor of COVID‐19 mortality but not severity.
Spring peak flows control abundance of Cladophora in a Hydropower‐Impacted River
Authors: Eilers Joseph M. , Davis Clinton J. , Vander Meer Dennis , Vache Kellie
Published: August 2022

The lower Deschutes River represents the 161‐km reach downstream of three hydroelectric dams flowing to its confluence at the Columbia River. We examined hydrology and nutrient chemistry from 2015–2017 to 2019 to determine factors affecting periphyton community composition and abundance following a change in the outlet structure and depth of release waters from the major upstream impoundment. The periphyton community composition was abundant and diverse in 2015 and 2016 and lower in 2017 and 2019. Filamentous chlorophytes were dominant in the first 2 years but were sparse in the subsequent years. Cyanophytes were dominant in 2017 and 2019. The expectation entering the study was that altered nutrient chemistry associated with the change in operations resulted in conditions more favorable for periphyton growth. Concentrations of total and soluble phosphorous are independent of reservoir operations, being high in all years because of natural weathering of P‐rich volcanic rocks in the basin. Concentrations of TN and DIN were low all study years, resulting in a system that was N‐limited, but with similar chemistry among the study years. The hydrology during 2015 and 2016, with abundant chlorophytes, exhibited low flow in the spring, whereas high spring flows were observed in the latter years. We conclude that high spring flows were far more influential in affecting the periphyton community composition in the lower Deschutes River compared to nutrient chemistry.
The number of bounded‐degree spanning trees
Authors: Yuster Raphael
Published: August 2022

For a graph , let be the number of spanning trees of with maximum degree at most . For , it is proved that every connected ‐vertex ‐regular graph with satisfies
where approaches 1 extremely fast (e.g., ). The minimum degree requirement is essentially tight as for every there are connected ‐vertex ‐regular graphs with for which . Regularity may be relaxed, replacing with the geometric mean of the degree sequence and replacing with that also approaches 1, as long as the maximum degree is at most . The same holds with no restriction on the maximum degree as long as the minimum degree is at least .
Soil‐test biological activity associates with soil aggregation characteristics under different land uses in North Carolina
Authors: Franzluebbers Alan J.
Published: August 2022

Soil erosion is a major constraint to agricultural sustainability. Land management that protects soil from water erosion can be assessed from the fraction of aggregates stable upon water immersion. Conservation management with minimal soil disturbance is known to enhance water‐stable aggregation, but how annual vs. perennial vegetative cover affects soil biological activity and aggregation from soils varying in texture remains relatively unexplored. This study assessed the effects of long‐term conventional‐till and no‐till cropland, grassland, and woodland on dry‐stable and water‐stable mean‐weight diameter (MWD) from 25 research stations across North Carolina. Soil clay concentration varied from 36 to 279 g kg–1 and sand concentration varied from 392 to 904 g kg–1 (5–95% distribution). Across locations, water‐stable MWD followed the order: conventional‐till cropland (0.64 mm) < no‐till cropland (0.87 mm) < woodland (1.12 mm) = grassland (1.15 mm). Soil stability index (i.e., water‐stable MWD/dry‐stable MWD) followed a similar order: conventional‐till cropland (0.59 mm mm–1) < no‐till cropland (0.76 mm mm–1) < grassland (0.92 mm mm–1) = woodland (0.96 mm mm–1). Although water‐stable MWD was positively associated with clay concentration (r = .50, p < .001, n = 310), soil‐test biological activity had the strongest association with water‐stable MWD (r = .80). Soil‐test biological activity reflected biological manipulation of surface‐concentrated organic matter, as mediated by conservation land uses. This study revealed the large impact of surface organic C and N resources on water‐stable aggregation through soil biological manipulations interacting across a textural gradient.
Comparison of soil particle density determined by a gas pycnometer using helium, nitrogen, and air
Authors: Amoozegar Aziz , Heitman Joshua L. , Kranz Christina N.
Published: August 2022

Soil particle density (ρs) is often assumed as 2.65 g cm−3 (density of quartz). The objectives of this study were to compare the use of different gases for determining ρs in a gas pycnometer and relate measured ρs to soil particle size distributions. The ρs of 36 natural soil samples representing 12 USDA textural classes, fine glass beads, crushed granite rock, kaolinite, and bentonite were measured by a commercial gas pycnometer using He, N2, and dry air. The ρs of 30 of the soil samples, glass beads, and crushed rock were also determined with a water pycnometer. The ρs of 36 soil samples determined by He and 30 samples determined by water had narrow ranges with averages of 2.65 and 2.59 g cm−3, respectively. The ρs determined by air and N2 had much wider ranges with averages of 2.93 and 2.97 g cm−3, respectively. There was a near 1:1 relationship between ρs of all samples determined by air and N2 with a highly significant (p < .001) correlation coefficient (r = .99). The average ratio of ρs determined by He and water was 1.03, but the correlation coefficient for their relationship was only .416. Although the relationship between ρs determined by He and either air or N2 was relatively strong (r < .61), the regression coefficient was <.17. There was a strong relationship between soil clay content and ρs determined by N2 or air but a weaker, yet statistically significant (p < .05) relationship when using He.
Effective stress intervention programs for parents of premature children: A systematic review
Authors: Martínez‐Shaw Melissa Liher , Sánchez‐Sandoval Yolanda
Published: August 2022

The birth of a child alters family dynamics and can be stressful for parents, especially in the case of prematurity. This article carried out a systematic review on interventions in parents to reduce the stress experienced by the birth of a premature infant. The aims were to describe and classify the different interventions and to have an overview of their effectiveness. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses guide and the PICO model. For searching the bibliography, we used Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed and PsycINFO databases. From a total of 450 articles identified, this review finally included 46 studies with empirical evidence. The articles clustered into different types of interventions, such as psychoeducational and parental or maternal support programs, relaxation techniques, expressive writing, art therapy, music therapy and interventions related to interaction and tactile stimulation. There is a wide range of effectiveness in reducing parental stress to a greater or lesser degree. There is a great heterogeneity of interventions. Despite that, they all have a parental educational component that needs to be studied in greater depth.
Bitumen‐Derived Onion‐Like Soft Carbon as High‐Performance Potassium‐Ion Battery Anode
Authors: Tan Wen , Wang Lina , Liu Kun , Lu Zhouguang , Yang Fan , Luo Guangfu , Xu Zhenghe
Published: August 2022

Potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) have been regarded as a competitive alternative for lithium‐ion batteries, owing to the natural abundance, low cost, and similar rocking‐chair working mechanism of potassium element. However, it is challenging to simultaneously prepare suitable potassium ion anode materials of low voltage plateau, high capacity, and long cycle life. In this work, onion‐like soft carbon (OLSC) of high heteroatom content is prepared by using solvent‐sensitive self‐assembly properties of asphaltene molecules. The OLSC electrode exhibits a low voltage plateau because of a high degree of graphitization. Meanwhile, it possesses excellent cycling stability and rate capability due to the high stability of the onion‐like structure and fast transport of potassium ions, the latter of which is caused by heteroatom‐induced expanded interlayers as found by first‐principle calculations. Compared with existing carbon materials, the OLSC synthesized in this study exhibits a high reversible capacity of 466 mAh g–1 at 20 mA g–1, a reversible capacity of 222 mAh g–1 and capacity retention of 95% after 1600 cycles at 1 A g–1. This work connects the nanostructure of carbon materials and electrochemical performance and provides new insights in improving carbon‐based anodes for PIBs.
Organizational training in agile settings under the lens of CMMI V2.0
Authors: Henriquez Valeria , Moreno Ana M. , Gutiérrez Sabrina
Published: August 2022

The software industry is a dynamic and ever‐changing environment where knowledge dissemination and ongoing learning is an open challenge, especially in agile organizations where continuous learning is essential. Organizational training covers the set of activities that drive this learning process and is one of the process areas of process improvement models like CMMI. In this paper, we discuss how the organizational training activity has been carried out at agile organizations under the lens of CMMI V2.0. In other words, we use the CMMI‐DEV V2.0 Organizational Training practices to provide an overview of how agile organizations plan, perform, and assess their training activities as part of their continuous learning process. Existing literature primarily discusses the techniques used to train and retrain employees. However, there is little evidence on how to plan training, how to assure alignment with the organization's strategic and tactical goals, and how to evaluate the effectiveness of training, which are very important challenges in the organizational training process. The paper concludes by presenting eight valuable insights identified by this research and matching them up with the CMMI‐DEV V2.0 Organizational Training practices.
The first edrioasteroid echinoderm from the lower Cambrian Chengjiang biota of Yunnan Province, China
Authors: Zhao Jun , Rahman Imran A. , Zamora Samuel , Chen Ailin , Cong Peiyun
Published: August 2022

Until now, the earliest fossil echinoderms have been predominantly known from the early Cambrian of Laurentia and West Gondwana. Here, we describe Sprinkleoglobus extenuatus gen. et sp. nov. from the Chengjiang biota (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3) of Yunnan Province, China. The overall profile of the theca and the morphology of the ambulacra clearly establish it as an edrioasteroid echinoderm. This represents the first discovery of an unequivocal echinoderm from the early part of the Cambrian of South China and is among the oldest records of echinoderms globally. Our material shows that edrioasteroids were diverse and widely distributed from their first occurrence in the fossil record, suggesting an earlier origin for the group. We infer that Sprinkleoglobus and other early echinoderms were adapted for attaching to hard substrates, implying that the so‐called Cambrian substrate revolution was not a strong control on the early evolution of attachment in echinoderms.
Fragility analysis of existing prestressed concrete bridges under traffic loads according to new Italian guidelines
Authors: Miluccio Giacomo , Losanno Daniele , Parisi Fulvio , Cosenza Edoardo
Published: August 2022

After the 2018 collapse of Morandi highway bridge in Genova, new Italian guidelines (GL) were issued for prioritization of safety evaluations and retrofit interventions on existing bridges. Among several novelties, GL introduced new traffic load models (TLMs) which can be adopted for existing bridges in case of noncompliant safety checks according to the Italian building code (NTC) provisions. In this study, a class of simply supported, beam‐type, prestressed concrete bridge decks built between 1970 and 1980 in Italy is considered. Assuming geometric, material, and load random variables together with consideration of capacity model uncertainty, Monte Carlo sampling technique was implemented in MATLAB in order to randomly generate deck models and to evaluate their traffic‐load fragility. Fragility analysis was carried out to compare vulnerability levels of existing Italian bridges under different load patterns provided by GL and NTC. In addition to a prescribed TLM, the sensitivity of fragility to bridge usage limitations, such as reduced distance of external load lane from kerb or reduced number of lanes, was also quantified to support decision‐making by road management companies. In the final part of the study, the annual failure probability of selected bridges was estimated using a European weigh‐in‐motion database and convolution of fragility and hazard. Analysis results show that structural fragility significantly depends on the load pattern, indicating that more realistic vehicle models should be developed to achieve a target safety level conforming to modern codes for constructions.
Enhancing science performance of middle‐school students with and without developmental and behavioral‐based disabilities using the Content Acquisition Podcast Professional Development approach
Authors: VanUitert Victoria J. , Kennedy Michael J. , Peeples Katherine N. , Romig John Elwood , Mathews Hannah M. , Rodgers Wendy J.
Published: August 2022

Understanding science allows students with and without developmental and behavioral‐based (DB) disabilities to better appreciate the world around them as well as prepare them for the growing science‐related job market. However, students in the United States consistently underperform on science achievement tests compared to students from other nations. This underperformance could be attributed, in part to science having many specialized vocabulary terms that are not often taught explicitly, leaving students with incomplete or inaccurate understandings of word meanings. Improving science vocabulary instructional practices may support students with and without DB disabilities in enhancing their science achievement. To address this need, researchers implemented multicomponent multimedia professional development (PD) to support middle‐school science teachers in delivering high‐quality vocabulary instruction in inclusive settings. In this paper, data collected from a study evaluating the efficacy of the PD were analyzed to determine the influence on student outcomes using ANOVA and multilevel modeling methodologies. Though initial results indicate a promising impact on teacher instructional practices, little is known whether teacher participation in the PD affected student science vocabulary and content knowledge growth. Using multilevel modeling, student science knowledge growth was evaluated following their teachers' exposure to the PD. The findings from this study indicate having indirect exposure to PD had a positive effect on science content knowledge for students with and without DB disabilities (N = 980). In addition, the authors found students with DB disabilities whose teachers had access to PD showed a larger gain in science knowledge than general education students whose teachers did not have access to the PD.
Definition of mild to moderate ulcerative colitis in clinical trials: A systematic literature review
Authors: Caron Bénédicte , Jairath Vipul , D’Amico Ferdinando , Paridaens Kristine , Magro Fernando , Danese Silvio , Peyrin‐Biroulet Laurent
Published: August 2022

We performed a systematic review to investigate the definition of mild to moderate active ulcerative colitis (UC), and to describe predictors of good response to treatment in clinical trials assessing 5‐ASA and/or budesonide. Thirty‐nine randomized controlled trials were included. The UC Disease Activity Index (UCDAI) was the most frequent score used for defining mild to moderate active UC (16 studies, 41%), followed by Clinical Activity Index in 11 studies (28.2%). Four different cut‐offs were used to define mild to moderate active UC using the UCDAI. The most frequently reported predictors of good response to treatment was a mild and moderate disease activity. There is heterogeneity in the definition of mild to moderate active UC in randomized clinical trials. A standardized definition of mild to moderate active UC used for inclusion of patients in clinical trials is needed.
Extracapsular stabilization for the treatment of cranial cruciate ligament rupture in a ferret
Authors: Griffeuille Emilien , Ronot Pierre , Fragano Brunilde , Gibert Sophie , Dunié‐Mérigot Antoine
Published: August 2022

A 1‐year‐old, male, neutered ferret was presented with a history of 2 weeks of left hindlimb lameness. Orthopaedic exam and radiographs were consistent with a complete cranial cruciate ligament rupture. An extracapsular stabilization was performed. Progressive lameness improvement was observed during the first 15 days after surgery and a complete resolution was achieved 3 weeks after surgery. Twenty‐one months after surgery, no lameness or recurrence was reported and moderate osteoarthritis developed at radiographic follow‐up. This is the first case of surgical management of cranial cruciate ligament in a ferret with long‐term follow‐up. Even if this disease is rarely reported in this species, cranial cruciate ligament should be included in differential diagnosis of ferret's hindlimb lameness. Surgical management is feasible and could be considered as an alternative to conservative management.
Stokes flow of Micropolar fluid beyond fluid sphere with slip condition
Authors: Kunche Vijaya Lakshmi , Meduri Phani Kumar
Published: August 2022

The present study is about the impact of the fluid motions of the micropolar fluids internally and externally of the fluid sphere with an interfacial slip condition using the analytic method. This enables to bring out solutions for the flow fields as indicated by the stream functions and the drag of the sphere. The work explores the possibilities of change in the slip and drag conditions and their evaluations are graphically proven. Apart from this, the study also identifies that the micropolar fluid flows beyond the Newtonian fluid sphere and vice versa by analyzing the stream functions and the drag of the sphere.
Optimized heat transport in Marangoni boundary layer flow of a magneto nanomaterial driven by an exponential interfacial temperature distribution
Authors: Mackolil Joby , Basavarajappa Mahanthesh
Published: August 2022

In a small boundary layer of the fluid interface, the temperature distribution deviates from being linear with the spatial coordinate and exhibits an exponential form. Hence, the Marangoni convective flow of a nanoliquid driven by an exponential interfacial temperature distribution is modeled in this study. Due to practical applicability, the working fluid is chosen to be ethylene glycol‐based magnesium oxide nanoliquid, which is modeled using experimentally estimated properties. In the system, the external effects of an inclined magnetism, thermal radiation, and an internal heat source are considered. Heat transport is rigorously analyzed using an empirical model, which is estimated using the robust response surface methodology (RSM) to find the optimal working conditions and to estimate the sensitivity. The modeled problem is simulated numerically using the finite difference‐based scheme and a parametric analysis is conducted to study the effect of magnetic field, inclination of magnetic field, radiation, and internal heat source parameters. The internal heat generation (increase of 0.94%) factor dominates the augmentation in the thermal field but at some distance, the thermal radiation factor has a predominant impact (58.99%). The inclination angle of the magnetic field has a prominent decremental impact on the velocity profile. Also, the radiative heat flux enhances the temperature profile. Optimal working conditions are estimated to be with a magnetic inclination of 10° and using a liquid with 0.25% volume fraction of 100 nm. This study finds applicability in crystal growth, drying silicon wafers, and heat exchangers.
Naturally small Yukawa couplings from trans-Planckian asymptotic safety
Authors: Kowalska Kamila , Pramanick Soumita , Sessolo Enrico Maria
Published: August 2022

Abstract

In gauge-Yukawa systems embedded in the framework of trans-Planckian asymptotic safety we discuss the dynamical generation of arbitrarily small Yukawa couplings driven by the presence of a non-interactive infrared-attractive fixed point in the renormalization group flow. Additional ultraviolet-attractive fixed points guarantee that the theory remains well defined up to an infinitely high scale. We apply this mechanism to the Yukawa couplings of the Standard Model extended with right-handed neutrinos, finding that asymptotically safe solutions in agreement with the current experimental determination of the masses and mixing angles exist for Dirac neutrinos with normal mass ordering. We generalize the discussion by applying the same mechanism to a new-physics model with sterile-neutrino dark matter, where we generate naturally the feeble Yukawa interaction required to reproduce via freeze-in the correct relic abundance.
Spin relaxation rate for heavy quarks in weakly coupled QCD plasma
Authors: Hongo Masaru , Huang Xu-Guang , Kaminski Matthias , Stephanov Mikhail , Yee Ho-Ung
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We compute the relaxation rate of the spin density of heavy quarks in a perturbative QCD plasma to leading-log order in the coupling constant g. The spin relaxation rate Γs in spin hydrodynamics is shown to be Γs ~ g4 log(1/g)T(T/M)2 in the heavy-quark limit T/M ≪ 1, which is smaller than the relaxation rate of other non- hydrodynamic modes by additional powers of T/M. We demonstrate three different methods to evaluate the spin relaxation rate: 1) the Green-Kubo formula in the spin hydrodynamic regime, 2) the spin density correlation function in the strict hydrodynamic limit, and 3) quantum kinetic theory of the spin distribution function in momentum space. We highlight the interesting differences between these methods, while they are ultimately connected to each other by the underlying Ward-Takahashi identity for the non-conserved spin density.
Exceptional moduli spaces for exceptional $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 3 theories
Authors: Kaidi Justin , Martone Mario , Zafrir Gabi
Published: August 2022

Abstract

It is expected on general grounds that the moduli space of 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 theories is of the form ℂ3r/Γ, with r the rank and Γ a crystallographic complex reflection group (CCRG). As in the case of Lie algebras, the space of CCRGs consists of several infinite families, together with some exceptionals. To date, no 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 theory with moduli space labelled by an exceptional CCRG (excluding Weyl groups) has been identified. In this work we show that the 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 theories proposed in [1], constructed via non-geometric quotients of type-$$ \mathfrak{e} $$
e
6d (2,0) theories, realize nearly all such exceptional moduli spaces. In addition, we introduce an extension of this construction to allow for twists and quotients by outer automorphism symmetries. This gives new examples of 4d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 3 theories going beyond simple S-folds.
Factorizing hidden particle production rates
Authors: Klose Philipp
Published: August 2022

Abstract

A method is proposed to streamline the computation of hidden particle production rates by factorizing them into i) a model-independent SM contribution, and ii) a observable-independent hidden sector contribution. The SM contribution can be computed once for each observable and re-used for a wide array of hidden sector models, while the hidden sector contribution can be computed once for each model, and re-used for a wide array of observables. The SM contribution also facilitates extracting model independent constraints on hidden particle production. The method is compatible with effective field theory (EFT) and simplified model approaches. It is illustrated by factorizing the rate of charged kaon decays into a charged lepton and a number of hidden particles, and a single form factor Fℓ is found to parametrize the impact of general hidden sectors. We derive model-independent constraints for the form factor Fe that governs decays into positrons and hidden particles.
Unitarization of infinite-range forces: graviton-graviton scattering
Authors: Blas D. , Camalich J. Martín , Oller J. A.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

A method to unitarize the scattering amplitude produced by infinite-range forces is developed and applied to Born terms. In order to apply S-matrix techniques, based on unitarity and analyticity, we first derive an S-matrix free of infrared divergences. This is achieved by removing a divergent phase factor due to the interactions mediated by the massless particles in the crossed channels, a procedure that is related to previous formalisms to treat infrared divergences. We apply this method in detail by unitarizing the Born terms for graviton-graviton scattering in pure gravity and we find a scalar graviton-graviton resonance with vacuum quantum numbers (JPC = 0++) that we call the graviball. Remarkably, this resonance is located below the Planck mass but deep in the complex s-plane (with s the usual Mandelstam variable), so that its effects along the physical real s axis peak for values significantly lower than this scale. This implies that the corrections to the leading-order amplitude in the gravitational effective field theory are larger than expected from naive dimensional analysis for s around and above the peak position. We argue that the position and width of the graviball are reduced when including extra light fields in the theory. This could lead to phenomenological consequences in scenarios of quantum gravity with a large number of such fields or, in general, with a low-energy ultraviolet completion. We also apply this formalism to two non-relativistic potentials with exact known solutions for the scattering amplitudes: Coulomb scattering and an energy-dependent potential obtained from the Coulomb one with a zero at threshold. This latter case shares the same J = 0 partial-wave projected Born term as the graviton-graviton case, except for a global factor. We find that the relevant resonance structure of these examples is reproduced by our methods, which represents a strong indication of their robustness.
Type IIB at eight derivatives: insights from Superstrings, Superfields and Superparticles
Authors: Liu James T. , Minasian Ruben , Savelli Raffaele , Schachner Andreas
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We study the non-linear structure of Type IIB eight-derivative couplings involving the metric and the complexified three-form G3. We show that, at the level of five-point string amplitudes, the kinematics in the maximally R-symmetry-violating sector is fully matched by standard superspace integrals and by superparticle amplitudes in M-theory on a two-torus. The latter approach is used to determine the complete effective action in this sector and to verify its invariance under SL(2, ℤ) duality. We further comment on the general structure of the higher-point kinematics. Compactifications to lower dimensions provide both tests for our results and the arena for their applications. We verify that K3 reductions are fully consistent with the constraints of six-dimensional supersymmetry, and derive the four-dimensional flux scalar potential and axion kinetic terms at order (α′)3 in Calabi-Yau threefold reductions.
The analytic two-loop soft function for leading-jet pT
Authors: Abreu Samuel , Gaunt Jonathan R. , Monni Pier Francesco , Szafron Robert
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We present the calculation of the two-loop soft function for the transverse momentum distribution of the leading jet produced in association with any colour-singlet system (e.g. a Higgs or a Z boson). This constitutes a central ingredient for the resummation of the above distribution as well as the jet-vetoed cross section at the next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithmic order, both of which play an important role in the precision physics programme at the Large Hadron Collider. The calculation is performed in soft-collinear effective theory with an appropriate regularisation of the rapidity divergences that occur in the phase-space integrals. We obtain analytic results by employing an exponential regulator and by taking a Laurent expansion in the jet radius R. All expressions are presented as supplementary material attached to this article.
Schwarzschild-like topological solitons
Authors: Bah Ibrahima , Heidmann Pierre , Weck Peter
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We construct the first class of topological solitons in gravity that are supported by internal electromagnetic flux with vanishing net charges. The solutions are obtained in a six-dimensional Einstein-Maxwell theory with a three-form flux, and admit an uplift to type IIB supergravity on T4. They are asymptotic to a torus fibration over four-dimensional Minkowski spacetime. An interesting class corresponds to solitons with a BPS particle and its anti-BPS partner held apart by a vacuum bubble. In type IIB, they correspond to bound states of BPS and anti-BPS D1-D5 extremal black holes. These metrics are a particular limit of a larger class of axially symmetric metrics that we construct and that describe smooth horizonless topological solitons. They correspond to bound states of three non-BPS bubbles on a line. An important achievement is that the outer bubbles can carry arbitrary D1-D5 charges that we can tune to vanishing net charges. We discuss their properties and compare them to a four-dimensional Schwarzschild black hole of the same mass. We show that they have a long throat with a large redshift, and that they are ultra-compact with a characteristic size of 1.52 times the Schwarzschild radius.
Spin-charge induced scalarization of Kerr-Newman black-hole spacetimes
Authors: Hod Shahar
Published: August 2022

Abstract

It has recently been demonstrated that Reissner-Nordström black holes in composed Einstein-Maxwell-scalar field theories can support static scalar field configurations with a non-minimal negative coupling to the Maxwell electromagnetic invariant of the charged spacetime. We here reveal the physically interesting fact that scalar field configurations with a non-minimal positive coupling to the spatially-dependent Maxwell electromagnetic invariant $$ \mathcal{F} $$
F
≡ FμνFμν can also be supported in black-hole spacetimes. Intriguingly, it is explicitly proved that the positive-coupling black-hole spontaneous scalarization phenomenon is induced by a non-zero combination a ∙ Q ≠ 0 of both the spin a ≡ J/M and the electric charge Q of the central supporting black hole. Using analytical techniques we prove that the regime of existence of the positive-coupling spontaneous scalarization phenomenon of Kerr-Newman black holes with horizon radius r+(M, a, Q) and a non-zero electric charge Q (which, in principle, may be arbitrarily small) is determined by the critical onset line (a/r+)critical = $$ \sqrt{2} $$

2

− 1. In particular, spinning and charged Kerr-Newman black holes in the composed Einstein-Maxwell-scalar field theory are spontaneously scalarized by the positively coupled fields in the dimensionless charge regime $$ 0<\frac{Q}{M}\le \sqrt{2\sqrt{2}-2} $$
0
<

Q
M

≤

2

2

−
2

if their dimensionless spin parameters lie above the critical onset line $$ \frac{a(Q)}{M}\ge {\left[\frac{a(Q)}{M}\right]}_{\mathrm{critical}}=\frac{1+\sqrt{1-2\left(2-\sqrt{2}\right){\left(Q/M\right)}^2}}{2\sqrt{2}} $$

a

Q

M

≥

a

Q

M

critical

=

1
+

1
−
2

2
−

2

Q
/
M

2

2

2

.
Unitarity bounds for all symmetry-constrained 3HDMs
Authors: Bento Miguel P. , Romão Jorge C. , Silva João P.
Published: August 2022

Abstract

Models with three Higgs doublets (3HDM) are the source of much recent activity, for they are key components of many solutions to the problems of the Standard Model; from extra sources of CP violation to Dark Matter candidates. We compute explicitly the theoretical bounds for all symmetry-constrained 3HDM arising from the perturbative unitarity of two-to-two scattering amplitudes. In addition, we propose a method based on principal minors that foregoes diagonalization and which is preferable in all models (not only 3HDM) dealing with large scattering matrices.
The free field realisation of the BVW string
Authors: Gaberdiel Matthias R. , Naderi Kiarash , Sriprachyakul Vit
Published: August 2022

Abstract

The symmetric orbifold of 𝕋4 was recently shown to be exactly dual to string theory on AdS3 × S3 × 𝕋4 with minimal (k = 1) NS-NS flux. The worldsheet theory is best formulated in terms of the hybrid formalism of Berkovits, Vafa & Witten (BVW), in terms of which the AdS3× S3 factor is described by a $$ \mathfrak{psu} $$
psu
(1, 1|2)k WZW model. At level k = 1, $$ \mathfrak{psu} $$
psu
(1, 1 2)1 has a free field realisation that is obtained from that of $$ \mathfrak{u} $$
u
(1, 1 2)1 upon setting a $$ \mathfrak{u} $$
u
(1) field, often called Z, to zero. We show that the free field version of the $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 generators of BVW (whose cohomology defines the physical states) does not give rise to an $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 algebra, but is rather contaminated by terms proportional to the Z-field. We also show how to overcome this problem by introducing additional ghost fields that implement the quotienting by Z.