bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of ultraviolet aging on the composition and characteristics of multifunctional composite coatings
Authors: Wang Yanyan , Liu Siyu , Yin Xiaoqing , Pang Nan , Yu Meijie , Wang Chengguo
Published: May 2024

Multifunctional composite coatings exposed to environmental conditions are prone to aging and potential functional failure due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This study investigates the impact of UV radiation on the structure and properties of low infrared emissivity composite coatings, comprising ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM) as the matrix and antistatic carbon fiber (CF) and flaky floating aluminum powder as fillers. In addition to analyzing the photochemical degradation reactions of the composite coating under UV irradiation, the role of fillers in resisting UV aging is elucidated. The performance parameters examined include infrared (IR) emissivity, surface resistivity, mechanical properties, and dielectric properties. The results indicate that after UV aging, EPDM undergoes the most significant changes, leading to the formation of carbonyl groups. CFs experience mild UV aging and an increase in resistivity. Aluminum powder, on the other hand, remains largely unchanged after UV aging and its addition significantly reduces the UV aging rate of the composite coating, resulting in a low IR emissivity of as low as 0.2 after UV aging. Among them, Coating 4 exhibits the best overall performance after UV aging.

Highlights

The UV aging mechanism of EPDM and the role of fillers were revealed.

The UV aging of the coating significantly reduced the infrared emissivity (Reduced from 0.5 to 0.2).

Al powder effectively reduced the UV degradation rate of the coating by reflecting UV light.

The properties of the double‐formulated coating perform best after UV aging.
Transparency, reproducibility, and replicability of pharmacoepidemiology studies in a distributed network environment
Authors: Rai Ashish , Maro Judith C. , Dutcher Sarah , Bright Patricia , Toh Sengwee
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Our objective is to describe how the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)'s Sentinel System implements best practices to ensure trust in drug safety studies using real‐world data from disparate sources.

Methods

We present a stepwise schematic for Sentinel's data harmonization, data quality check, query design and implementation, and reporting practices, and describe approaches to enhancing the transparency, reproducibility, and replicability of studies at each step.

Conclusions

Each Sentinel data partner converts its source data into the Sentinel Common Data Model. The transformed data undergoes rigorous quality checks before it can be used for Sentinel queries. The Sentinel Common Data Model framework, data transformation codes for several data sources, and data quality assurance packages are publicly available. Designed to run against the Sentinel Common Data Model, Sentinel's querying system comprises a suite of pre‐tested, parametrizable computer programs that allow users to perform sophisticated descriptive and inferential analysis without having to exchange individual‐level data across sites. Detailed documentation of capabilities of the programs as well as the codes and information required to execute them are publicly available on the Sentinel website. Sentinel also provides public trainings and online resources to facilitate use of its data model and querying system. Its study specifications conform to established reporting frameworks aimed at facilitating reproducibility and replicability of real‐world data studies. Reports from Sentinel queries and associated design and analytic specifications are available for download on the Sentinel website. Sentinel is an example of how real‐world data can be used to generate regulatory‐grade evidence at scale using a transparent, reproducible, and replicable process.
Effect of drawing and heat‐setting process on aggregate structure of Poly(ethylene terephthalate) industrial fiber in large‐scale spinning production
Authors: Chen Shichang , Zhang Kun , Pei Longcang , Shi Jiaoxue , Chen Wenxing
Published: May 2024

It is a vital route to develop new fiber products with various physical‐mechanical properties by which their aggregation structure can be changed via controlling the spinning process parameters. In this study, five groups fiber samples had been obtained by changing the spinneret drawing ratio, two stages drawing ratio and two stages heat‐setting rate. The aggregation structure of the poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET) industrial fibers from different spinning process was analyzed by combination use of thermal analysis, two‐dimensional wide‐angle X‐ray diffraction (WAXD), small‐angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS), and Infrared Spectroscopy (IR) measurements. It was found that, increasing the spinneret drawing ratio and two stages drawing ratio promoted the orientation and crystallinity within a certain range. For the subsequent two stages heat‐setting process, the disorientation of the amorphous chain is simulated by reducing the relaxation rate and heat setting temperature. Finally, a concise three‐dimensional structure model was established to explain the relationship between aggregation structure and property. These results have important reference for the structure and property analysis of polyester industrial fiber.
Structural evolution of biaxially oriented polypropylene films upon asynchronous stretching
Authors: An Hao , Guo Jin , Gao Jiawei , Zhong Yeshun , Li Yiguo , Wang Zongbao
Published: May 2024

To understand the structural behavior of biaxially oriented polypropylene (BOPP) films upon asynchronous stretching, synchrotron X‐ray diffraction/scattering method is employed to in situ monitor the structure evolution of the cast films in the machine direction (MD) and the longitudinally stretched films in the transverse direction (TD) at high temperatures. By comparatively analyzing the simultaneous stress–strain curves and multiscale crystalline parameters, the structural evolution regularities and mechanisms during the two‐step asynchronous stretching courses are discussed. It shows that the structural evolution upon the MD drawing at 130°C, 140°C, and 150°C of the PP cast films has a poor temperature dependence, while the structural developing upon the TD stretching of pre‐oriented, longitudinally stretched films exhibits the different behavior under 155°C as compared to that at 135°C and 145°C. This study not only discloses the structural evolution mechanisms of the two‐step asynchronous stretched BOPP films, but also demonstrates the more important impact of processing temperature on the TD drawing than the MD stretching, providing the theoretical guidance for the structural control and property optimization under the industrial production of BOPP films.
Sulfur Isotope Geochemistry of Ice‐Wedges in Yakutia, East Siberia
Authors: Jeong Hyeonjeong , Moon Jonghan , Iwahana Go , Fedorov Alexander N. , Ahn Jinho , Sim Min Sub
Published: May 2024

Sulfur, with its highly varying stable isotope ratio and involvement in numerous biogeochemical processes, is one of the most widely used elements as an isotopic paleoenvironmental proxy, yet the sulfur isotope ratios of ice‐wedges and their insoluble fraction remain unexplored. This study first presents the sulfur isotopic compositions of soluble sulfate, particulate organic matter (POM), and lithic particles recovered from East Siberian ice‐wedges. Soluble sulfate, primarily representing atmospheric sulfate deposition, shows comparable sulfur isotope ranges in Zyryanka and Batagay, while in Central Yakutia, ice‐wedge sulfate is more enriched in 34S, consistent with the orogenic and cratonic terranes in East Siberia. Given the wedge growth during the inland winter, it is likely that sulfate aerosols were derived mainly from erosion and weathering of regional basement rocks rather than from sea salt spray or biogenic emissions. Within individual ice‐wedges, however, the sulfur isotopic composition of soluble sulfate varies by as much as 7‰, possibly reflecting changes in the relative contributions of sulfur‐isotopically distinct source regions. Beyond the origin of sulfate, greater sulfur isotope fractionations between POM and sulfate during the last glaciation suggest that sulfate may have been anaerobically reduced to sulfide and vice versa in the adjacent root zone.
First‐Principles Investigations of the Structural Phases of Low‐Spin State of BiCoO3
Authors: Boutiche Salima , He Xu , Djani Hania , Bousquet Eric
Published: May 2024

Herein, from first‐principles calculations, the phase diagram of the low‐spin (LS) state of BiCoO3 is scrutinized. The phonon‐dispersion curves of the cubic phase are analyzed to identify all the possible unstable modes and assessed the energy gain of the resulted distorted phases. In the findings, the presence of similar phases is revealed in both LS and high‐spin (HS) states, including ferroelectric and octahedra rotations distortions. However, the relative energy ordering of these phases differs significantly between the two states. Notably, the energy gain from mode condensation is considerably less pronounced in the LS case compared to HS state. Furthermore, it is identified that the common Pnma phase is the ground state of the LS state of BiCoC3, closely followed by the Imma octahedra rotation phase and the R3c ferroelectric phase, hence, different from the P4mm ferroelectric ground state of the HS state.
Demonstration of Near‐Size‐Independent External Quantum Efficiency for 368 nm UV Micro‐LEDs
Authors: Wang Guangying , Xie Shuwen , Li Yuting , Zhang Wentao , Vigen Jonathan , Shih Timothy , Lin Qinchen , Gong Jiarui , Ma Zhenqiang , Pasayat Shubhra S , Gupta Chirag
Published: May 2024

UV‐ranged micro‐LEDs are being explored for numerous applications due to their high stability and power efficiency. However, previous reports have shown reduced external quantum efficiency (EQE) and increased leakage current due to the increase in surface‐to‐volume ratio with a decrease in the micro‐LED size. Herein, the size‐related performance for UV‐A micro‐LEDs, ranging from 8 × 8 to 100 × 100 μm2, is studied. These devices exhibit reduced leakage current with the implementation of atomic layer deposition‐based sidewall passivation. A systematic EQE comparison is performed with minimal leakage current and a size‐independent on‐wafer EQE of around 5.5% is obtained. Smaller sized devices experimentally show enhanced EQE at high current density due to their improved heat dissipation capabilities. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the highest reported on‐wafer EQE demonstrated in <10 μm dimensioned 368 nm UV LEDs.
Improvements in the spread–skill relationship of precipitation in a convective‐scale ensemble through blending
Authors: Gainford Adam , Gray Suzanne L. , Frame Thomas H. A. , Porson Aurore N. , Milan Marco
Published: May 2024

Convective‐scale ensembles are used routinely in operational centres around the world to produce probabilistic precipitation forecasts, but a lack of spread between members is providing forecasts that are frequently overconfident. This deficiency can be corrected by increasing spread, increasing forecast accuracy, or both. A recent development in the Met Office forecasting system is the inclusion of large‐scale blending (LSB) in the convective‐scale data assimilation scheme. This method aims to reduce the synoptic‐scale forecast error in the analysis by reducing the influence of the convective‐scale data assimilation at scales that are too large to be constrained by the limited domain. These scales are instead initialised using output from the global data assimilation scheme, which we expect to reduce the forecast error and thus improve the spread–skill relationship. In this study, we quantify the impact of LSB on the spread–skill relationship of hourly precipitation accumulations by comparing forecast ensembles with and without LSB over a 17‐day summer trial period. This trial found modest but significant improvements to the spread–skill relationship as calculated using metrics based on the Fractions Skill Score. Skill is improved for a lower precipitation centile by an average of 0.56% at the largest scales, but a corresponding degradation of spread limits the overall correction. The spread–skill disparity is reduced the most in the higher centiles due to a more muted spread response, with significant reductions of up to 0.40% obtained at larger scales. Case‐study analysis using a novel extension of the Localised Fractions Skill Score demonstrates how spread–skill improvements transfer to smaller‐scale features, not just the scales that have been blended. There are promising signs that further spread–skill improvements can be made by implementing LSB more fully within the ensemble, and we encourage the Met Office to continue developing this technique.
Cytomegalovirus cavitary pneumonia in a human immunodeficiency virus‐infected patient
Authors: Sunanaga Yusuke , Suetsugu Takayuki , Nagata Yusuke , Miyata Marina , Kondo Kiyotaka , Mitsuyama Hideo , Kubota Shingo , Mizuno Keiko , Tanaka Kentaro , Inoue Hiromasa
Published: May 2024

Cavitary lung lesions are uncommon radiological findings in cytomegalovirus pneumonia, and tissue biopsy is rarely performed for diagnosis. A 67‐year‐old man presented with a wet cough. Extensive white moss in the oral cavity was found on physical examination, and chest computed tomography revealed an approximately 4 cm cavitary lesion in the upper lobe of the right lung. Blood tests showed a critically low CD4+ T lymphocyte count and positivity for human immunodeficiency virus type 1 antibodies. A transbronchial biopsy of the cavitary lung lesion was performed, and inclusion bodies in the nuclei of enlarged alveolar epithelial cells were seen in the histopathological findings. Immunohistochemistry staining for cytomegalovirus was positive, and cytomegalovirus pneumonia was diagnosed. Ganciclovir treatment was initiated, and the symptoms and imaging findings resolved. Cytomegalovirus pneumonia can present as cavitary lung lesions in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, and a transbronchial biopsy is essentially useful for a definitive diagnosis.
Side Connection for High‐Efficiency Organic Photovoltaic Modules for Indoor Applications: Shunt Reduction and Performance Improvement
Authors: Jiang Ershuai , Baretzky Clemens , Müller David , Fischer Oliver , Zimmermann Birger , Würfel Uli
Published: May 2024

Indoor photovoltaics has attracted increasing attention because of its potential to power devices of the Internet of Things. The power conversion efficiency (PCE) of organic photovoltaic (OPV) cells has reached values beyond 30% under indoor light, but for OPV modules it is still significantly lower. One reason is the full width interconnection of subcells in such modules. Here, a new side connection method is presented which significantly reduces shunts and thus improves performance of OPV modules for indoor applications where a large parallel resistance is crucial. To prove its advantage, OPV modules are fabricated on both indium tin oxide (ITO) and ITO‐free substrates. Under 500 lux cool white light emitting diode light, the highest PCE of ITO‐free side connection modules (SCMs) is 15.1%, while for conventional full width connection modules (FWCMs) it is 14.4%. For ITO‐based modules under 1000 lux, it is 2.3% for FWCMs compared to 12.1% for SCMs. Thermography images show that the improvement stems indeed from the reduction of shunts. Finally, results from experiments as well as from numerical simulations illustrate clearly that efficiency losses stemming from the increased series resistance for the side connection are rather small and that they are overcompensated by the increased shunt resistance.
Synthesis of Porous Connected Cryoaerogel Networks from Cadmium Chalcogenide Nanoplatelet Stacks
Authors: Graf Rebecca T. , Pluta Denis , Hannebauer Adrian , Schlenkrich Jakob , Bigall Nadja C.
Published: May 2024

Cadmium chalcogenide nanoplatelets (NPLs) are not only known due to their unique optical properties but also because of their ability to self‐assemble into stacks with new collective properties. Only recently, a stacking process in an aqueous medium has been demonstrated, which opens up possible applications and methods such as gelation. Nanoparticle‐based aerogels gain a lot of attention due to their high relative surface areas and porosity and thus, high potential for catalytic applications. Herein, the positive properties of aerogels to the NPL‐stack system by cryoaerogelation of destabilized NPL dispersions are introduced. After the addition of an antisolvent to initiate the stacking, the dispersion is flash‐frozen with liquid nitrogen and freeze‐dried. By this method, porous cryoaerogel networks result in high surface areas and retained stacking of the NPLs. The formed stack‐gels are investigated by electron microscopy and physisorption measurements. Optical and photoelectrochemical measurements verify the charge carrier transport within the stack‐gel network.
Successful management of unilateral gastrocnemius muscle rupture in a Holstein Friesian crossbred cow by trans‐articular trans‐fixation technique of the hock joint
Authors: Raghunath Mulinti , Bharathi Seelam , Vani Gaddam , Pattanaik Kiran , Pregnam Shiny Keerthana
Published: May 2024

A 3‐year‐old, Holstein Friesian crossbred cow was presented with a history of attempted rise suddenly from rest resulting in dropped hind‐quarters, hyperflexed right hock with hock joint touching the ground for 10 days. Parenteral calcium, magnesium and anti‐inflammatory drugs administration for the past 10 days were ineffective. On presentation, plantigrade stance of the right hindlimb was observed, which made the contralateral limb droop and resulted in the animal being unable to walk normally on the left hindlimb too. On palpation, a non‐painful swelling in the thigh region and discontinuity at gastrocnemius musculo‐tendinous junction was noticed. Unilateral complete gastrocnemius muscle rupture was confirmed by physical examination. Successful management was done by trans‐articular trans‐fixation of the hock joint, keeping the hock joint in extension while allowing the muscle to heal. The assembly was removed after 3 months, and the animal had normal weight bearing on the affected limb after removal.
Hepatic microgranulomas caused by Mycobacterium marinum (MM) in a Horsfield tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) presenting with a non‐healing limb granuloma
Authors: Woodhall Harriet , Beck Sam , Roe Thomas
Published: May 2024

A 3‐year‐old, male, entire Horsfield tortoise (Testudo horsfieldii) presented with a non‐healing lesion on the dorsal aspect of the elbow. Fine‐needle aspiration cytology revealed granulomatous inflammation with acid‐fast staining organisms. Due to worsening clinical condition, the animal was euthanased. Postmortem examination included histopathology, Mycobacterium culture and polymerase chain reaction testing. There was gross hepatomegaly and a large, turbid, straw‐coloured, coelomic effusion. Limb granuloma and liver tissue were sent for mycobacterial polymerase chain reaction and culture, and both were positive and confirmed disseminated Mycobacteria marinum. The origin of the infection is not known, but suspected to originate from poor hygiene from the place of purchase and dissemination secondary to the initial limb granuloma. This represents an uncommon presentation and the first reported infection by this mycobacterial agent in the species. It is important to consider mycobacterial disease as a differential in granulomatous infections, given the range of presentations possible in reptile patients.
Boundary overlaps from Functional Separation of Variables
Authors: Ekhammar Simon , Gromov Nikolay , Ryan Paul
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In this paper we show how the Functional Separation of Variables (FSoV) method can be applied to the problem of computing overlaps with integrable boundary states in integrable systems. We demonstrate our general method on the example of a particular boundary state, a singlet of the symmetry group, in an $$ \mathfrak{su}(3) $$
su

3

rational spin chain in an alternating fundamental-anti-fundamental representation. The FSoV formalism allows us to compute in determinant form not only the overlaps of the boundary state with the eigenstates of the transfer matrix, but in fact with any factorisable state. This includes off-shell Bethe states, whose overlaps with the boundary state have been out of reach with other methods. Furthermore, we also found determinant representations for insertions of so-called Principal Operators (forming a complete algebra of all observables) between the boundary and the factorisable state as well as certain types of multiple insertions of Principal Operators. Concise formulas for the matrix elements of the boundary state in the SoV basis and $$ \mathfrak{su}(N) $$
su

N

generalisations are presented. Finally, we managed to construct a complete basis of integrable boundary states by repeated action of conserved charges on the singlet state. As a result, we are also able to compute the overlaps of all of these states with integral of motion eigenstates.
Superconformal indices and localization in N = 2B quantum mechanics
Authors: Raeymaekers Joris , Şanlı Canberk , Van den Bleeken Dieter
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Superconformal ‘type B’ quantum mechanical sigma models arise in a variety of interesting contexts, such as the description of D-brane bound states in an AdS2 decoupling limit. Focusing on N = 2B models, we study superconformal indices which count short multiplets and provide an alternative to the standard Witten index, as the latter suffers from infrared issues. We show that the basic index receives contributions from lowest Landau level states in an effective magnetic field and that, due to the noncompactness of the target space, it is typically divergent. Fortunately, the models of interest possess an additional target space isometry which allows for the definition of a well-behaved refined index. We compute this index using localization of the functional integral and find that the result agrees with a naive application of the Atiyah-Bott fixed point formula outside of it’s starting assumptions. In the simplest examples, this formula can also be directly verified by explicitly computing the short multiplet spectrum.
Giant graviton expansion of Schur index and quasimodular forms
Authors: Beccaria M. , Cabo-Bizet A.
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The flavored superconformal Schur index of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 U(N) SYM has finite N corrections encoded in its giant graviton expansion in terms of D3 branes wrapped in AdS5 × S5. The key element of this decomposition is the non-trivial index of the theory living on the wrapped brane system. A remarkable feature of the Schur limit is that the brane index is an analytic continuation of the flavored index of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 U(n) SYM, where n is the total brane wrapping number. We exploit recent exact results about the Schur index of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 U(N) SYM to evaluate the closed form of the brane indices appearing in the giant graviton expansion. Away from the unflavored limit, they are characterized by quasimodular forms providing exact information at all orders in the index universal fugacity. As an application of these results, we present novel exact expressions for the giant graviton expansion of the unflavored Schur index in a class of four dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 theories with equal central charges a = c, i.e. the non-Lagrangian theories $$ \hat{\Gamma}\left(\textrm{SU}(N)\right) $$

Γ
̂

SU

N

with Γ = E6, E7, E8.
Massless Lifshitz field theory for arbitrary z
Authors: Basak Jaydeep Kumar , Chakraborty Adrita , Chu Chong-Sun , Giataganas Dimitrios , Parihar Himanshu
Published: May 2024

Abstract

By using the notion of fractional derivatives, we introduce a class of massless Lifshitz scalar field theory in (1+1)-dimension with an arbitrary anisotropy index z. The Lifshitz scale invariant ground state of the theory is constructed explicitly and takes the form of Rokhsar-Kivelson (RK). We show that there is a continuous family of ground states with degeneracy parameterized by the choice of solution to the equation of motion of an auxiliary classical system. The quantum mechanical path integral establishes a 2d/1d correspondence with the equal time correlation functions of the Lifshitz scalar field theory. We study the entanglement properties of the Lifshitz theory for arbitrary z using the path integral representation. The entanglement measures are expressed in terms of certain cross ratio functions we specify, and satisfy the c-function monotonicity theorems. We also consider the holographic description of the Lifshitz theory. In order to match with the field theory result for the entanglement entropy, we propose a z-dependent radius scale for the Lifshitz background. This relation is consistent with the z-dependent scaling symmetry respected by the Lifshitz vacuum. Furthermore, the time-like entanglement entropy is determined using holography. Our result suggests that there should exist a fundamental definition of time-like entanglement other than employing analytic continuation as performed in relativistic field theory.
On the variable-order fractional derivatives with respect to another function
Authors: Almeida Ricardo
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we present various concepts concerning generalized fractional calculus, wherein the fractional order of operators is not constant, and the integral kernel depends on a function. We observe that in the case of variable order, the concepts are distinct, and we present relations between them. Formulas for approximating fractional derivatives are provided, involving only integer-order derivatives. Finally, we conclude the work with some simulations to exemplify the method.
A note on odd partition numbers
Authors: Griffin Michael , Ono Ken
Published: May 2024

Ramanujan’s partition congruences modulo $$\ell \in \{5, 7, 11\}$$

ℓ
∈
{
5
,
7
,
11
}

assert that $$\begin{aligned} p(\ell n+\delta _{\ell })\equiv 0\pmod {\ell }, \end{aligned}$$

p

(
ℓ
n
+

δ
ℓ

)

≡
0

(
mod

ℓ
)

,

where $$0<\delta _{\ell }<\ell $$

0
<

δ
ℓ

<
ℓ

satisfies $$24\delta _{\ell }\equiv 1\pmod {\ell }.$$

24

δ
ℓ

≡
1

(
mod

ℓ
)

.

By proving Subbarao’s conjecture, Radu showed that there are no such congruences when it comes to parity. There are infinitely many odd (resp. even) partition numbers in every arithmetic progression. For primes $$\ell \ge 5,$$

ℓ
≥
5
,

we give a new proof of the conclusion that there are infinitely many m for which $$p(\ell m+\delta _{\ell })$$

p
(
ℓ
m
+

δ
ℓ

)

is odd. This proof uses a generalization, due to the second author and Ramsey, of a result of Mazur in his classic paper on the Eisenstein ideal. We also refine a classical criterion of Sturm for modular form congruences, which allows us to show that the smallest such m satisfies $$m<(\ell ^2-1)/24,$$

m
<
(

ℓ
2

-
1
)
/
24
,

representing a significant improvement to the previous bound.
Drift approximation by the modified Boris algorithm of charged-particle dynamics in toroidal geometry
Authors: Shi Yanyan
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we study the dynamics of charged particles under a strong magnetic field in toroidal axi-symmetric geometry. Using modulated Fourier expansions of the exact and numerical solutions, the long-term drift motion of the exact solution in toroidal geometry is derived, and the error analysis of the large-stepsize modified Boris algorithm over long time is provided. Numerical experiments are conducted to illustrate the theoretical results.
Characterization of tryptanthrin as an antibacterial reagent inhibiting Vibrio splendidus
Authors: Yang Huirong , Li Ya , Shi Weibo , Zhang Weiwei
Published: May 2024

Isolates of Vibrio splendidus are ubiquitously presented in various marine environments, and they can infect diverse marine culture animals, leading to high mortality and economic loss. Therefore, a control strategy of the infection caused by V. splendidus is urgently recommended. Tryptanthrin is a naturally extracted bioactive chemical with antimicrobial activity to other bacteria. In this study, the effects of tryptanthrin on the bacterial growth and virulence-related factors of one pathogenic strain V. splendidus AJ01 were determined. Tryptanthrin (10 μg/mL) could completely inhibit the growth of V. splendidus AJ01. The virulence-related factors of V. splendidus AJ01 were affected in the presence of tryptanthrin. Tryptanthrin resulted an increase in biofilm formation, but lead to reduction in the motility and hemolytic activity of V. splendidus cells. In the cells treated with tryptanthrin, two distinctly differentially expressed extracellular proteins, proteases and flagellum, were identified using SDS–PAGE combined with LC–MS. Real-time reverse transcriptase PCR confirmed that the genes involved in the flagellar formation and hemolysin decreased, whereas specific extracellular proteases and the genes involved in the biofilm formation were upregulated. Two previously annotated luxOVs genes were cloned, and their expression levels were analyzed at different cell densities. Molecular docking was performed to predict the interaction between LuxOVs and ATP/tryptanthrin. The two sigma-54-dependent transcriptional regulators showed similar ATP or tryptanthrin binding capacity but with different sites, and the direct competitive binding between ATP and tryptanthrin was present only in their binding to LuxO1. These results indicated that tryptanthrin can be used as a bactericide of V. splendidus by inhibiting the growth, bacterial flagella, and extracellular proteases, but increasing the biofilm. Sigma-54-dependent transcriptional regulator, especially the quorum sensing regulatory protein LuxO1, was determined to be the potential target of tryptanthrin.

Key points

• Tryptanthrin inhibited the growth of V. splendidus in a dose-dependent manner.

• The effect of tryptanthrin on the virulence factors of V. splendidus was characterized.

• LuxO was the potential target for tryptanthrin based on molecular docking.
PET imaging of Aspergillus infection using Zirconium-89 labeled anti-β-glucan antibody fragments
Authors: Lai Jianhao , Shah Swati , Martinez-Orengo Neysha , Knight Rekeya , Alemu Eyob , Turner Mitchell L. , Wang Benjamin , Lyndaker Anna , Shi Jianfeng , Basuli Falguni , Hammoud Dima A.
Published: May 2024

Purpose

Invasive fungal diseases, such as pulmonary aspergillosis, are common life-threatening infections in immunocompromised patients and effective treatment is often hampered by delays in timely and specific diagnosis. Fungal-specific molecular imaging ligands can provide non-invasive readouts of deep-seated fungal pathologies. In this study, the utility of antibodies and antibody fragments (Fab) targeting β-glucans in the fungal cell wall to detect Aspergillus infections was evaluated both in vitro and in preclinical mouse models.

Methods

The binding characteristics of two commercially available β-glucan antibody clones and their respective antigen-binding Fabs were tested using biolayer interferometry (BLI) assays and immunofluorescence staining. In vivo binding of the Zirconium-89 labeled antibodies/Fabs to fungal pathogens was then evaluated using PET/CT imaging in mouse models of fungal infection, bacterial infection and sterile inflammation.

Results

One of the evaluated antibodies (HA-βG-Ab) and its Fab (HA-βG-Fab) bound to β-glucans with high affinity (KD = 0.056 & 21.5 nM respectively). Binding to the fungal cell wall was validated by immunofluorescence staining and in vitro binding assays. ImmunoPET imaging with intact antibodies however showed slow clearance and high background signal as well as nonspecific accumulation in sites of infection/inflammation. Conversely, specific binding of [89Zr]Zr-DFO-HA-βG-Fab to sites of fungal infection was observed when compared to the isotype control Fab and was significantly higher in fungal infection than in bacterial infection or sterile inflammation.

Conclusions

[89Zr]Zr-DFO-HA-βG-Fab can be used to detect fungal infections in vivo. Targeting distinct components of the fungal cell wall is a viable approach to developing fungal-specific PET tracers.
Superior semicircular canal dehiscence postoperative outcomes: a case series of 350 repairs
Authors: Mekonnen Mahlet , Lum Meachelle , Duong Courtney , Rana Shivam , Mozaffari Khashayar , Hovis Gabrielle E. A. , Yang Isaac
Published: May 2024

Background

Superior Semicircular Canal Dehiscence (SSCD) is a dehiscence of the otic capsule which normally lies over the superior semicircular canal. This database constitutes the largest series of SSCD patients to date.

Objective

To determine what preoperative factors, if any, contribute to postoperative outcomes and evaluate symptom resolution in a large SSCD patient cohort.

Methods

A single-institution, retrospective chart review collected patient demographics, intraoperative findings, and pre-and postoperative symptoms. Fisher's exact t-test was performed for unpaired categorical variables, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

Results

350 SSCD repairs were performed. The median age was 52 years (range: 17—86 years, ± 6.4 years), and the median follow-up duration was 4.6 months (range: 0.03—59.5 months, ± 6.8 months). Preoperative hearing loss was significantly associated with female sex (p = 0.0028). The most reported preoperative symptoms were tinnitus (77.4%), dizziness (74.0%), autophony (66.3%), amplification (63.7%), and disequilibrium (62.6%). Between patients who received unilateral versus bilateral SSCD repair, the greatest postoperative symptomatic resolution was seen in autophony (74.9%, p < 0.001), amplification (77.3%, p = 0.00027), hyperacusis (77.4%, p = 0.023), hearing (62.9%, p = 0.0063), and dizziness (54.6%, p < 0.001) for patients with unilateral SSCD repair.

Conclusion

Surgical repair via the middle cranial fossa approach can significantly resolve auditory, vestibular, and neurological symptoms of patients with SSCD. Although this is one of the largest single-institution SSCD studies to date, future multi-institutional, prospective studies would be beneficial to validate these results.
Intra-operative extracorporeal irradiation of tumour-invaded craniotomy bone flap in meningioma: a case series
Authors: Cook William H. , Burton Katherine , Jefferies Sarah J. , Duke Simon L. , Jena Rajesh , Burnet Neil G. , Kirollos Ramez W. , Helmy Adel E. , Santarius Thomas
Published: May 2024

Background

Extracorporeal irradiation of tumorous calvaria (EITC) can be performed to restore function and form of the skull after resection of bone-invasive meningioma. We sought to examine the rate of tumour recurrence and other selected outcomes in patients undergoing meningioma resection and EITC.

Methods

Retrospective single-centre study of adult patients undergoing meningioma resection and EITC between January 2015 and November 2022 at a tertiary neurosurgical centre. Patient demographics, surgery data, tumour data, use of adjuvant therapy, surgical complications, and tumour recurrences were collected.

Results

Eighteen patients with 11 (61%) CNS WHO grade 1, 6 (33%) grade 2, and 1 (6%) grade 3 meningiomas were included. Median follow-up was 42 months (range 3–88). Five (28%) patients had a recurrence, but none were associated with the bone flap. Two (11%) wound infections requiring explant surgery occurred. Six (33%) patients required a further operation. Two operations were for recurrences, one was for infection, one was a washout and wound exploration but no evidence of infection was found, one patient requested the removal of a small titanium implant, and one patient required a ventriculoperitoneal shunt for a persistent CSF collection. There were no cases of bone flap resorption and cosmetic outcome was not routinely recorded.

Conclusion

EITC is feasible and fast to perform with good outcomes and cost-effectiveness compared to other reconstructive methods. We observed similar recurrence rates and lower infection rates requiring explant compared to the largest series of cranioplasty in meningioma. Cosmetic outcome is universally under-reported and should be reported in future studies.
Perception of optical illusions in ungulates: insights from goats, sheep, guanacos and llamas
Authors: Berardo Caterina , Holland Ruben , Schaffer Alina , Lopez Caicoya Alvaro , Liebal Katja , Valsecchi Paola , Amici Federica
Published: May 2024

Optical illusions have long been used in behavioural studies to investigate the perceptual mechanisms underlying vision in animals. So far, three studies have focused on ungulates, providing evidence that they may be susceptible to some optical illusions, in a way similar to humans. Here, we used two food-choice tasks to study susceptibility to the Müller-Lyer and Delboeuf illusions in 17 captive individuals belonging to four ungulate species (Lama guanicoe, Lama glama
,
Ovis aries, Capra hircus). At the group level, there was a significant preference for the longer/larger food over the shorter/smaller one in control trials. Additionally, the whole group significantly preferred the food stick between two inward arrowheads over an identical one between two outward arrowheads in experimental trials of the Müller-Lyer task, and also preferred the food on the smaller circle over an identical one on the larger circle in the experimental trials of the Delboeuf task. Group-level analyses further showed no significant differences across species, although at the individual level we found significant variation in performance. Our findings suggest that, in line with our predictions, ungulates are overall susceptible to the Müller-Lyer and the Delboeuf illusions, and indicate that the perceptual mechanisms underlying size estimation in artiodactyls might be similar to those of other species, including humans.
Hitting the Rewind Button: Imagining Analogue Trauma Memories in Reverse Reduces Distressing Intrusions
Authors: Rattel Julina A. , Danböck Sarah , Miedl Stephan F. , Liedlgruber Michael , Wilhelm Frank H.
Published: May 2024

Background

Intrusive re-experiencing of trauma is a core symptom of posttraumatic stress disorder. Intrusive re-experiencing could potentially be reduced by ‘rewinding’, a new treatment approach assumed to take advantage of reconsolidation-updating by mentally replaying trauma fast-backward.

Methods

The present analogue study was the first to investigate ‘rewinding’ in a controlled laboratory setting. First, 115 healthy women watched a highly aversive film and were instructed to report film-related intrusions during the following week. Twenty-four hours after film-viewing, participants reporting at least one intrusion (N = 81) were randomly allocated to an intervention (fast-backward, or fast-forward as active control condition) or a passive control condition. Intervention groups reactivated their trauma memory, followed by mentally replaying the aversive film either fast-backward or fast-forward repeatedly.

Results

Results indicate that replaying trauma fast-backward reduced intrusion load (intrusion frequency weighted for intrusion distress) compared to the passive group, whereas replaying fast-forward did not. No above-threshold differences between fast-backward and fast-forward emerged.

Conclusion

Present findings strengthen the view that ‘rewinding’ could be a promising intervention to reduce intrusions.
Gendered Parenthood-Employment Gaps from Midlife: A Demographic Perspective Across Three Different Welfare Systems
Authors: Lorenti Angelo , Nisén Jessica , Mencarini Letizia , Myrskylä Mikko
Published: May 2024

Women’s labor force participation has increased in Western countries, but gender gaps remain, especially among parents. Using a novel comparative perspective, we assess women’s and men’s employment trajectories from midlife onward by parity and education. We provide insights into the gendered parenthood-employment gaps examining the long-term implications of parenthood beyond the core childbearing ages by decomposing years lived between ages 40–74, in years of employment, joblessness, and retirement. Using multistate incidence-based life tables, we compare different cultural and institutional contexts: Finland, Italy, and the USA. Our results document large cross-national variation, with education playing a key role. In Finland, the number of years of employment increases with parity for women and men, and the gender gap is small; in the USA, the relationship between parity and years of employment is relatively flat, although a gender gap emerges among those with two or more children; in Italy, the number of years of employment decreases sharply for women as parity increases, while it increases for men. Notably, education has a similar positive impact on years of employment across all groups in Finland. In contrast, in the USA and Italy, the gender gap is only half as large among highly educated mothers as it is among low educated mothers. The employment trajectories of childless women and men differ greatly across countries.
Towards autonomous learning and optimisation in textile production: data-driven simulation approach for optimiser validation
Authors: Kins Ruben , Möbitz Christian , Gries Thomas
Published: May 2024

The textile industry is a traditional industry branch that remains highly relevant in Europe. The industry is under pressure to remain profitable in this high-wage region. As one promising approach, data-driven methods can be used for process optimisation in order to reduce waste, increase profitability and relieve mental burden on staff members. However, approaches from research rarely get adopted into practice. We identify the high dimensionality of textile production processes leading to high model uncertainty as well as an incomplete problem formulation as the two main problems. We argue that some form of an autonomous learning agent can address this challenge, when it safely explores advantageous, unknown new settings by interacting with the process. Our main goal is to facilitate the adoption of promising research into practical applications. The main contributions of this paper include the derivation and formulation of a probabilistic optimisation problem for high-dimensional, stationary production processes. We also create a highly adaptable simulation of the textile carded nonwovens production process in Python that implements the optimisation problem. Economic and technical behavior of the process is approximated using both Gaussian Process Regression (GPR) models trained with industrial data as well as physics-motivated explicit models. This ’simulation first’-approach makes the development of autonomous learning agents for practical applications feasible because it allows for cheap testing and validation before physical trials. Future work will include the comparison of the performance of different agent approaches.
Explosion Rates for Continuous-State Branching Processes in a Lévy Environment
Authors: Cardona-Tobón Natalia , Pardo Juan Carlos
Published: May 2024

Here, we study the long-term behaviour of the non-explosion probability for continuous-state branching processes in a Lévy environment when the branching mechanism is given by the negative of the Laplace exponent of a subordinator. In order to do so, we study the law of this family of processes in the infinite mean case and provide necessary and sufficient conditions for the process to be conservative, i.e. that the process does not explode in finite time a.s. In addition, we establish precise rates for the non-explosion probabilities in the subcritical and critical regimes, first found by Palau et al. (ALEA Lat Am J Probab Math Stat 13(2):1235–1258, 2016) in the case when the branching mechanism is given by the negative of the Laplace exponent of a stable subordinator.
Longitudinal Change in Appearance-Related Social Media Consciousness and Depressive Symptoms: A Within-Person Analysis during Early-to-Middle Adolescence
Authors: Maheux Anne J. , Laurenceau Jean-Philippe , Roberts Savannah R. , Nesi Jacqueline , Widman Laura , Choukas-Bradley Sophia
Published: May 2024

Online appearance preoccupation may put adolescents at risk of developing mental health challenges, perhaps especially during early-to-middle adolescence. A random intercept cross-lagged panel model assessed within-person associations between appearance-related social media consciousness and depressive symptoms over three time-points with three months between waves. The sample (n = 1594) included U.S. adolescents aged 11–15 (Mage = 13; 47% girls, 46% boys, 7% another gender; 37% Latine, 33% White, 18% Black, 7% Asian). Within-person increases in appearance-related social media consciousness were associated with subsequent increases in depressive symptoms, but not vice versa. There was no evidence of gender differences and results were robust to controlling for both time on social media and offline self-objectification. Thus, online appearance concerns precede mental health challenges during early and middle adolescence.
Clarifying the Links between Perceived Stress and Depressiveness: a Longitudinal Study of COVID-19’s Effects on Adolescents in Germany
Authors: Gniewosz Gabriela
Published: May 2024

Young people are navigating an increasingly uncertain and unstable social and economic environment, further complicated by COVID-19. Individual resources and vulnerabilities, such as mental health and sensitivity to stress, play a significant role in how well youth adapt to the career paths and living conditions altered by the pandemic, a dynamic that is not yet well understood. This study examined the role of COVID-19 on the intertwined relation between perceived stress and depressiveness (negative and positive affect) in adolescents, focusing on gender differences. Longitudinal data from 673 German adolescents (Mage = 16.8 years, SDage = 0.91; female = 59%) were collected in three waves, before (T1) and during the pandemic (T2, T3). Using Latent Change Score models, the bidirectional relation between perceived stress and depressiveness was analyzed, considering gender as a moderator. The results showed that adolescents who found their situation stressful were at risk of developing depressiveness at the outbreak of the pandemic and throughout its progression. As the pandemic progressed, an increase in positive affect was linked to heightened perceived stress. Gender-specific differences were particularly evident in the levels of perceived stress and depressiveness, with women being more vulnerable. This study highlights how vulnerabilities in stress perception affect adolescents’ mental health, with gender-specific differences underscoring the need for tailored mental health measures.
Promoting Adolescents’ Heritage Cultural Identity Development: Exploring the Role of Autonomy and Relatedness Satisfaction in School-Based Interventions
Authors: Hölscher Sophie I. E. , Schachner Maja K. , Juang Linda P. , Altoè Gianmarco
Published: May 2024

Given the significance of heritage cultural identity for optimal adolescent development, it is imperative to investigate factors influencing the efficacy of interventions aimed at promoting heritage cultural identity. Using latent profile cluster analysis and multinomial logistic regressions, this longitudinal study examined how autonomy and relatedness need satisfaction at school (1) related to heritage cultural identity development trajectories, and (2) moderated effects of a school-based intervention. The study included N = 198 adolescents (Mage = 12.86 years, SDage = 0.75, 52% female, 41% immigrant descent, 49% intervention group) in Germany. Teacher-student relationships played an important role in facilitating intervention effects on identity development trajectories, emphasizing the importance of the relational context when implementing school-based interventions to promote heritage cultural identity development.