bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multifunctional Modulation of High‐Performance ZnxFe3−xO4 Nanoparticles by Precisely Tuning the Zinc Doping Content
Authors: Du Hui , Yang Fang , Yao Chenyang , Zhong Zhicheng , Jiang Peiheng , Stanciu Stefan G. , Peng Hao , Hu Jiapeng , Jiang Bo , Li Zihou , Lv Wenhao , Zheng Fang , Stenmark Harald A. , Wu Aiguo
Published: September 2022

The possibility to precisely control important properties of nanoparticles (NPs) such as their size, morphology, surface charge, or doping content is crucial for enhancing the performance of existing solutions beyond the state‐of‐the‐art and for enabling novel applications. In this work, custom‐tailored ZnxFe3−xO4 NPs are synthesized at different Zn doping concentrations to augment and expand their usefulness for high‐performance applications in nanomedicine. By precisely increasing the Zn2+ content in the range of 0 ≤ x ≤ 2.0, the discussed NPs can sequentially acquire valuable properties enabling magnetic resonance imaging, near‐infrared (NIR) photothermal effects, NIR photocatalytic and photoelectric effects, depending on the variation of substitution position of the Zn2+ in the magnetite structure and the emergence of a ZnO/ZnFe2O4 heterostructure at high doping concentrations. The presented work demonstrates and explainsa facile route for the synthesis and modulation of multifunctional nanomaterials with manifold roles in disease diagnostics and therapy, and provides helpful guidance in designing divalent transition metal ion‐doped nanomaterials.
Micro‐Nanocarriers Based Drug Delivery Technology for Blood‐Brain Barrier Crossing and Brain Tumor Targeting Therapy
Authors: Wang Luyao , Shi Youyuan , Jiang Jingzhen , Li Chan , Zhang Hengrui , Zhang Xinhui , Jiang Tao , Wang Liang , Wang Yinyan , Feng Lin
Published: September 2022

The greatest obstacle to using drugs to treat brain tumors is the blood‐brain barrier (BBB), making it difficult for conventional drug molecules to enter the brain. Therefore, how to safely and effectively penetrate the BBB to achieve targeted drug delivery to brain tumors has been a challenging research problem. With the intensive research in micro‐ and nanotechnology in recent years, nano drug‐targeted delivery technologies have shown great potential to overcome this challenge, such as inorganic nanocarriers, organic polymer‐carriers, liposomes, and biobased carriers, which can be designed in different sizes, shapes, and surface functional groups to enhance their ability to penetrate the BBB and targeted drug delivery for brain tumors. In this review, the composition and overcoming patterns of the BBB are detailed, and then the hot research topics of drug delivery carriers for brain tumors in recent years are summarized, and their mechanisms of action on the BBB and the factors affecting drug delivery are described in detail, and the effectiveness of targeted therapy for brain tumors is evaluated. Finally, the challenges and dilemmas in developing brain tumor drug delivery systems are discussed, which will be promising in the future for targeted drug delivery to brain tumors based on micro‐nanocarriers technology.
Sponge‐Supported Reduced Graphene Oxides Enable Synergetic Photothermal and Electrothermal Conversion for Water Purification Coupling Hydrogen Peroxide Production
Authors: Su Juwen , Chang Qing , Xue Chaorui , Yang Jinlong , Hu Shengliang
Published: September 2022

To address the freshwater scarcity issue and the environmental impact of wastewater disposal, herein a novel efficient strategy to enhance the performance of solar‐driven interfacial evaporation technique is developed to purify salt‐containing wastewater and seawater for sustainable clean water production. This strategy enables photovoltaic electricity to power photothermal conversion for rapidly vaporizing brine using commercial melamine sponge (MS)‐supported reduced graphene oxides (MS@rGO). The record‐high performance with an evaporation rate of 9.02 kg m−2 h−1 along with a solar‐to‐vapor efficiency of 287.4% in 7 wt% salt brine is achieved under 1 sun and optimized voltage applied. During evaporating brine, MS@rGO can also efficiently catalyze oxygen reduction for the sustainable production of H2O2 to serve as the broad‐acting disinfecting agent in the condensed water. Because applying voltages can facilitate the movement of salt ions in brine, the presented system is endowed with excellent salt‐resistance and superior ability of extracting photogenerated electrons, significantly improving the energy utilization efficiency. Therefore, this design provides a new way for highly efficiently applying solar energy in saline wastewater purification and seawater desalination with low cost.
Thermodynamic and Kinetic Analyses of Inclusion Transformations in Linepipe Steel during Isothermal Heating at 1473 K (1200 °C)
Authors: Liu Chengsong , Webler Bryan A.
Published: September 2022

Understanding the thermodynamics and kinetics of solid‐state reactions on the characteristic transformations of nonmetallic inclusions in the linepipe steel during isothermal heating is of great importance for achieving good steel quality. Herein, heat treatment experiments are used, which are carried out at 1473 K (1200 °C) between 1 and 10 h in an Ar atmosphere, to investigate the resulting changes in the inclusion characteristics of linepipe steel. The chemical compositions, morphology, and size distribution of the inclusions are characterized. Results indicate that Mn and S in the linepipe steel react with CaS inclusions/phases to form (Ca, Mn)S inclusions/phases during heating at 1473 K (1200 °C), while MnS inclusions are gradually decomposed. Based on the FactSage Macro process, a kinetic model is established to calculate the regional equilibrium at the interface between the inclusion and steel at every time step and predict the extent of the inclusion transformation during isothermal heating. The experimental measurements and predicted results are in reasonable agreement. The diffusion‐limited kinetic model verifies that the effects of heating time and inclusion size on inclusion transformation are as predicted for Mn and S diffusion control by observation.
Plastic settlement and hardened state assessments of manufactured sand made concrete for varying microfine levels
Authors: Arulmoly Branavan , Konthesingha Chaminda , Nanayakkara Anura
Published: September 2022

Manufactured sand (MS) has been started utilizing as an alternative in constructions due to the escalated demand for river sand (RS). The microfine aggregate (MFA) is a salient constituent in manufactured sand, which is a crushed reactive form of parent rocks having particles less than 0.075 mm. This paper presents the effects of varying microfine aggregate levels on bleeding, plastic shrinkage cracking (PSC) and compressive strength of MS made concrete. Two types of MS were utilized: MS from Hornblende‐Gneiss rock (MH) and MS from Charnockite rock (MC) and the MFA level was ranged from 0% to 12% at 3% increments and the reference concrete was prepared with RS alone. With the MFA levels, the bleeding of MS concretes was reduced where, at 0% MFA level the maximum bleeding rates were observed for MC (1.63 kg/m2) and MH (0.84 kg/m2) concretes. PSC results were analyzed from an image processing technique, which revealed an increasing trend of mean and maximum crack widths, crack length and crack area with the MFA levels. At 0% MFA, the mean crack width of MC (0.19 mm) and MH (0.17 mm) concretes manifested marginally similar to RS concrete (0.17 mm). The decreasing bleeding with the MFA levels can be attributed to the increasing severity to PSC. Moreover, the optimum 28 days compressive strength of MC (57.5 MPa) and MH (56.1 MPa) concretes was achieved at 3% MFA level which are higher than RS concrete (51.5 MPa). Consequently, the MFA level should be limited to 3% for better plastic and hardened performance of MS made concrete.
Combining debates and reflective activities to develop students' argumentation on socioscientific issues
Authors: Bächtold Manuel , Pallarès Gwen , De Checchi Kévin , Munier Valérie
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to investigate the evolution of students' written argumentation on socioscientific issues (SSIs) during a sequence combining two teaching strategies: debate practice on SSIs and reflective activities on the argumentation produced by students. The quality of their argumentation was assessed considering a set of norms characterizing argumentation practice on SSIs: three generic norms (i.e., justification, others, and questioning norms) and three specific norms (i.e., complexity, uncertainties, and open‐endedness norms). The 2‐year sequence was implemented by teachers from different disciplines in two classes with students aged 16–18. In total, it consisted of four debates on different SSIs and involved four reflective activities following a progression, allowing for the discussion of the generic and specific norms of argumentation on SSIs. The debates were all computer‐mediated and held synchronously in the classroom. They involved students developing their argumentation in a written form. Overall, the results showed positive changes, even if limited, regarding the appropriation of both the generic and specific norms of argumentation on SSIs. The more pronounced changes were observed considering the initial level of the quality of student argumentation in the debates: Students whose initial level was low tended to justify their arguments more frequently, while those with a higher initial level tended to question the claims and arguments more often. Furthermore, at the end of the sequence, students easily coordinated several aspects of the debated SSI, but rarely mentioned knowledge uncertainties and stakeholders of the SSI. These findings imply that combining debates on SSIs with reflective activities is an effective teaching strategy deserving to be disseminated in classroom practices, although two specific norms (i.e., uncertainties and open‐endedness norms) require more in‐depth treatment.
The Accent Work of International Teaching Assistants
Authors: Ramjattan Vijay A.
Published: September 2022

“Accent work” is a term used to describe the preparatory work that professional actors undergo to attain a speech accent for a role. However, this article presents international teaching assistants (ITAs) as another set of workers who engage in their own type of accent work. Since the accents of ITAs are constructed as “liabilities” for communication‐based tasks in English‐medium universities in the Global North, their accent work entails ensuring that their speech is not a professional interference. Drawing on a narrative study done with 14 ITAs working in Ontario, Canada, the article details how the accent work of these ITAs consisted of working on or around their accents, which meant modifying accents to various degrees or engaging in tasks that did not require accent modification, respectively. These two practices of accent work were influenced by factors such as academic discipline, social locations, and audience. To conclude, the article offers preliminary recommendations on how accent work can particularly inform ITA training.
Sleep duration and biomarkers of inflammation in African American and white participants with a parental history of Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Pak Victoria M. , Paul Sudeshna , Swieboda Dominika , Balthazar Monique S. , Wharton Whitney
Published: September 2022

Introduction

African Americans (AA)s have worse inflammation, worse sleep, and a greater incidence of Alzheimer's disease (AD) compared to whites; however, no studies have examined associations between biomarkers, sleep, and cognition, and differences by race.

Methods

Seventy‐six cognitively normal, middle aged (45–65 years) adults with a parental history of AD were included in this study. Associations between biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor‐α [TNF‐α], interleukin‐10 [IL‐10], intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 [ICAM‐1],, and C‐reactive protein [CRP]) and self‐reported sleep or cognition measures, were assessed.

Results

Average sleep duration was significantly lower for AA versus whites (average[SD]) in hours: 6.02(1.18) versus 7.23(0.91), P = .000004). We found a statistically significant association between plasma IL‐10 and sleep duration (Spearman's ρ = 0.26, P = .04) and CSF ICAM‐1 and sleep quality (Spearman's ρ = 0.30, P = .03).

Discussion

Longer sleep duration is positively associated with plasma IL‐10 levels irrespective of race. Sleep quality was positively associated with CSF ICAM‐1 only in African Americans.
Systemic lupus erythematosus: rarer in men than women but more severe
Authors: Thomas Rhys , Jawad Ali S
Published: September 2022

Although systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is rarer in men than women, it is more severe. The clinical presentation of SLE is variable and there are sex differences. Given the relative rarity of SLE in men, clinicians should have a low threshold for investigation to avoid delayed diagnosis.
Linking emerging contaminants to production and consumption practices
Authors: Johnson Charlotte , Bell Sarah J.
Published: September 2022

Emerging contaminants (ECs) associated with consumer products such as pharmaceuticals, personal care products, and plastics, are an issue of growing concern for water quality and human and environmental health. Growth in use of products associated with ECs is an outcome of growing populations, increased incomes and the emergence of new consumer products. Two examples are used illustrate the value of social science research in understanding patterns of consumption and sources of ECs, in order to identify potential interventions to reduce ECs in the environment—flushing inappropriate materials down the toilet, and antibiotic use in global livestock production. Antimicrobial resistance is a major policy driver to control the use of antibiotics in human healthcare and livestock production. Global antibiotic consumption increased 65% 2000–2015. Disposal of products, including unused pharmaceuticals and plastics, is influenced by regulation, consumer behavior, and infrastructure. This range of factors and trends demonstrates the complexity in understanding why ECs enter the aquatic environment and the extent that the issue can be tackled at the source rather than mitigated once in the environment.

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation

Human Water > Methods

Science of Water > Water Quality
Estimation and Validation of Codephase Center Correction Using the Empirical Mode Decomposition
Authors: Breva Yannick , Kröger Johannes , Kersten Tobias , Schön Steffen
Published: September 2022

In high precision Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) applications, it is necessary to take phase center corrections (PCC) into account. Beside these corrections for carrier phase measurements, also corrections for the codephase are necessary, so called codephase center corrections (CPC). The CPC, also known as group delay variations, are antenna dependent delays of the received codephase, which are varying with azimuth and elevation of the incoming GNSS signal. A concept for estimating absolute CPC and PCC for multi GNSS signals has been established by the Institut für Erdmessung.

In this paper, the standard calibration approach with a sampling rate of 1 Hz is briefly described, which works well for PCC estimation. The main challenge of this approach for estimating repeatable CPC patterns is the significantly higher noise to pattern ratio in the observations compared to PCC determination. Therefore, an alternative processing strategy is presented in this contribution. By increasing the sampling rate to 10 Hz, the empirical mode decomposition can be used to reduce the noise of the input observations by maintaining all pattern information. With this method, the calibration repeatability is improved by 46% to 60% for GPS and Galileo C1C signals for a geodetic antenna. Moreover, the estimated pattern is validated in the positioning domain with a single point positioning approach. By considering the estimated CPC the accuracy of the height component can be improved.
“Everything But Ordinary”? Reflections on Extra-/Ordinariness in Life Course Transitions
Authors: Wanka Anna , Prescher Julia
Published: September 2022

Transitions in the life course imply a multitude of changes. To trace these changes, we draw upon the heuristic of extra-\ordinariness as an open and mutually relational conceptual bundle, and ask: How does everyday life change in transitions through the relationality between the ordinary and the extra-ordinary? Which practices mark the extra−/ordinariness of life course transitions? We illustrate practices of extra−/ordinariness in doing transitions with two research projects that focus on the transitions between childhood and adolescence, and between adulthood and old age. Based on the results, we conclude that extra−/ordinariness in transitions is threefold – it is a) a mode of producing, shaping and (discursively) marking transitions that operates via the production of a performative, public, visible contrast (difference); b) a difference that is itself constituted and shaped in the change of and the change between states, i.e., is constituted during transitions; and c) an ambivalent/ambiguous pair of terms that ultimately only exist in relation to one another and with which normativities and ascriptions of normality can be reflected. Hence, extra−/ordinariness is not a mere form of staging transitions, but a mode of producing and shaping them, as well as a heuristic that can significantly contribute to reflexive and relational transition research.
Becoming ‘(Ab-)Normal’: Normality, Deviance, and Doing Life Course Transitions
Authors: Boll Tobias
Published: September 2022

This chapter examines how a particular kind of life course transitions, those between affiliations to categories of “human distinctions” like gender, ethnicity, or age, are culturally observed in terms of their normality or deviance. It asks how framings and doings of such transitions as (not) ‘normal’ are related to those of individuals in transition. To this end, it introduces the analytical framework of “un/doing differences” as a way of understanding categorizations of humans as the product of drawing distinctions and connects it to the concept of “doing transitions”. It argues that doing transitions can be understood as one mode of un/doing differences. To illustrate this point, the chapter presents reflections on how affiliations to human categories, combinations of affiliations, and of doing transitions between them are linked to cultural definitions of normality and deviance.
Bodies in Transition. Gendered and Medicalized Discourses in Pregnancy Advice Literature
Authors: Krumbügel Janne
Published: September 2022

Bodily changes and processes play a crucial role in the emergence of life course transitions. Pregnancy is a clear example of this, being a temporary corporeal and transitional, biographical state. While bodily and material aspects of transitions are often naturalized, this chapter highlights discourses that give culturally and historically contingent meaning to the pregnant body and its changes. Focusing on German pregnancy advice literature, it shows how discourses on bodies in transition are articulated with medical risk concepts and gendered ideals to form specific normative notions of doing pregnancy as well as being pregnant the “right” way. The ambiguous concept of pregnancy as a natural, healthy condition and in need of medical control strongly responsibilizes pregnant persons for the development of the fetus. Fathers-to-be figure as supporters and controllers, their involvement in pregnancy expressed in narratives about “pregnant men”. While gendered ideals are challenged by the bodily and practical changes during pregnancy, they are recalibrated and reproduced in advice discourse.
Young People’s Use and Construction of Institutional Support in Transitions from School to Work
Authors: Hirschfeld Heidi , Lenz Bianca
Published: September 2022

In the transition from school to work, young people from socially disadvantaged backgrounds have been identified and addressed as a risk group for many decades. Many policies have been designed to support them during their transitions. Aimed at increasing employability through counselling and pre-vocational education or training, these programs are based on politically defined ascriptions of individual deficits regarding skills, knowledge and professional orientation. Young people are addressed as passive recipients of support by the policies but are simultaneously made accountable if support fails. Based on the biographies of young people in lower secondary school and of young adult clients of the “Jobcenter”, this chapter analyzes how these young people are actively involved in shaping their transitions. It reveals that the ways they use institutional programs of professional orientation and job counselling differ considerably, and that differences in their use of these programs are closely related to subjective meaning-making in the context of biographical construction.
Young Adults’ Exclusive Educational Careers in the Transition to Higher Education or Employment: Key Findings of a Qualitative Longitudinal Study
Authors: Krüger Heinz-Hermann
Published: September 2022

This paper examines the effects of changing modes of transition in a highly segmented education system that also provides designated spaces for the education of internationally mobile educational elites and future functional elites in the social fields of sport, dance, music, and art. It focuses on a—at least in the German context—little-researched example of the institutional modes of doing transitions available to students on such exclusive educational pathways in their transition from school to university or school to work. The results underscore that the provision of an excellent school infrastructure alone does not guarantee a promising career transition. How these career pathways are shaped depends crucially on the interplay between institutional demands, regulations, and spaces of opportunity and young adults’ biographical orientations and how they are embedded in different, milieu-specific spaces of experience.
Organizations as Collective Subjects in the Formation of Transitions Over the Life Course
Authors: Heinrich Eva , Klevermann Nils , Schmidt-Hertha Bernhard
Published: September 2022

Most transitions over the course of one’s life are embedded in organizations. Therefore, organizations can be understood as powerful actors in dealing with transitions. In organizations, subjects learn and practice requirements. And, if needed, the failure of an unsuccessful transition can be compensated for. But an organization can also be a shelter, a place for subjects to retreat from demands or to develop subversive practices. Accordingly, it would be insufficient to see organizations as merely institutionalized frameworks for transitions. Organizations are dynamic entities – sometimes more so, sometimes less so. And as such, they also undergo transitions. Using two empirical case studies, a relational perspective on the relationship between transitions and organizations is elaborated upon. After a brief introduction to an understanding of organizations as collective subjects, in a first approach we refer to transitions of organizations in their institutional environments. In the second approach, we focus on the interior and examine from different perspectives how transitions are produced and shaped in organizations. In a final synopsis, we discuss the key insights of a relational perspective on organizations for transition research.
Relative Time and Life Course Research
Authors: Sánchez-Mira Núria , Bernardi Laura
Published: September 2022

Mainstream life course studies often draw on a conventional understanding of time as a unidirectional clock-based entity, which proceeds in a uniform and linear manner. This chapter argues that, in order to understand the social, relational and psychological processes of change and continuity that characterize life course processes, we need to adopt a more comprehensive and explicit conceptualization of time—a conceptualization that goes beyond an absolute (linear, chronological, uniform) definition—to incorporate the notion of relative time. Drawing on insights from narrative and biographical research, discussions of the temporal embeddedness of human agency and multidisciplinary research on time perceptions and time perspectives, we propose a definition of relative time based on three main characteristics: its multidirectional, elastic and telescopic nature. The chapter promotes the integration of absolute and relative time in the study of life course processes, and the important role of prospective qualitative research in this respect and outlines future avenues for research in this direction.
Personalentwicklung in Schulen als Führungsaufgabe. Eine Einleitung
Authors: Thiel Felicitas , Schewe Claudia Manuela
Published: September 2022

Im Zuge schulischer Reformen der vergangenen Jahre wurden Aufgaben der Personalentwicklung von der Schulaufsicht an die Schulleiterin bzw. den Schulleiter delegiert. Für die Verankerung von Aktivitäten der Personalentwicklung an den Einzelschulen spielen rechtliche Regelungen eine entscheidende Rolle. Bislang liegen keine Studien vor, die die rechtlichen Regelungen zur Personalentwicklung an allgemeinbildenden Schulen für alle 16 Länder der Bundesrepublik Deutschland systematisch analysieren. Die hier vorgelegte Studie schließt diese Lücke.

Die vorliegende Einleitung skizziert die übergeordneten Forschungsfragen und steckt den Rahmen für die Untersuchung von Leitbildern, Instrumenten und Qualifizierungsangeboten zur schulischen Personalentwicklung als Führungsaufgabe ab.
Fortbildung und Kompetenzentwicklung als Kern schulischer Personalentwicklung
Authors: Schewe Claudia Manuela , Maritzen Norbert , Thiel Felicitas
Published: September 2022

Fortbildung ist der Kern einer systematischen Personalentwicklung. Die Ergebnisse der Analyse rechtlicher Regelungen zum Umfang von Fortbildungsverpflichtungen, zur Fortbildungsplanung sowie zur Vereinbarung, Anordnung und Überprüfung von Fortbildungsaktivitäten der Lehrkräfte werden im Ländervergleich dargestellt.

Die Länder unterscheiden sich deutlich hinsichtlich der Instrumente, die Schulleiterinnen und Schulleiter zur Vereinbarung, Anordnung und Überprüfung von Fortbildungsaktivitäten der Lehrkräfte nutzen können. Insgesamt besteht eher ein Mangel an verbindlichen Regelungen. Zwischen den Erwartungen an Schulleiterinnen und Schulleitern, für eine kontinuierliche und qualitativ hochwertige Fortbildung der Lehrkräfte Sorge zu tragen und den bereitgestellten Instrumenten und Entscheidungsspielräumen besteht in den meisten Ländern eine deutliche Diskrepanz.
Motivation
Authors: Wiedemann Martin
Published: September 2022

Für eine emissionsminimale – im Idealfall emissionsfreie – Luftfahrt werden aktuell Alternativen zu Kerosin als Energieträger diskutiert. Diese werden jedoch voraussichtlich bedingt verfügbar, teuer und nach heutigem Wissensstand auch nicht gänzlich emissionsfrei sein. Technologien des Systemleichtbaus zur Energieeinsparung künftiger Verkehrsflugzeuge werden daher einen wesentlichen Anteil an der Zielerreichung haben.
Systemleichtbau mit Integration passiver Funktionen
Authors: Wiedemann Martin
Published: September 2022

Passive Funktionen dienen nicht der Lastabtragung alleine, wie im klassischen Leichtbau, sondern erfüllen weitere Anforderungen an das Gesamtprodukt, wie z. B. eine Minimierung des aerodynamischen Strömungswiderstands, Bereitstellung elektrischer Leitfähigkeit und thermischer oder akustischer Dämmung.
Loops, local corrections and warping in the LVS and other type IIB models
Authors: Gao Xin , Hebecker Arthur , Schreyer Simon , Venken Gerben
Published: September 2022

Abstract

To establish metastable de Sitter vacua or even just scale-separated AdS, control over perturbative corrections to the string-derived leading-order 4d lagrangian is crucial. Such corrections can be classified in three types: first, there are genuine loop effects, insensitive to the UV completion of the 10d theory. Second, there are local α′ corrections or, equivalently, 10d higher-dimension operators which may or may not be related to loop-effects. Third, warping corrections affect the 4d Kahler potential but are expected not to violate the 4d no-scale structure. With this classification in mind, we attempt to derive the Berg-Haack-Pajer conjecture for Kahler corrections in type-IIB Calabi-Yau orientifolds and extend it to include further terms. This is crucial since the interesting applications of this conjecture are in the context of generic Calabi-Yau geometries rather than in the torus-based models from which the main motivation originally stems. As an important by-product, we resolve a known apparent inconsistency between the parametric behaviour of string loop results and field-theoretic expectations. Our findings lead to some interesting new statements concerning loop effects associated with blowup-cycles, loop corrections in fibre inflation, and possible logarithmic effects in the Kahler and scalar potential.
Flows of extremal attractor black holes
Authors: Iizuka Norihiro , Ishibashi Akihiro , Maeda Kengo
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We study flows of non-supersymmetric attractor black holes in the context of gauge/gravity correspondence. As our bulk theory, we consider the Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton system with a single dilaton field coupled to two Maxwell fields and make a relevant deformation by adding a bare potential to the dilaton field. We find two types of extremal black hole solutions with attractor mechanism: the one smooth at the horizon and the other non-smooth. We show from both bulk and boundary theory perspective that the former is thermodynamically unstable, while the latter is stable.
On the real-time evolution of pseudo-entropy in 2d CFTs
Authors: Guo Wu-zhong , He Song , Zhang Yu-Xuan
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In this work, we study the real-time evolution of pseudo-(Rényi) entropy, a generalization of entanglement entropy, in two-dimensional conformal field theories (CFTs). We focus on states obtained by acting primary operators located at different space points or their linear combinations on the vacuum. We show the similarities and differences between the pseudo-(Rényi) entropy and entanglement entropy. For excitation by a single primary operator, we analyze the behaviors of the 2nd pseudo-Rényi entropy in various limits and find some symmetries associated with the subsystem and the positions of the inserted operators. For excitation by linear combinations, the late time limit of the nth pseudo-Rényi entropy shows a simple form related to the coefficients of the combinations and Rényi entropy of the operators, which can be derived by using the Schmidt decomposition. Further, we find two kinds of particular spatial configurations of insertion operators in one of which the pseudo-(Rényi) entropy remains real throughout the time evolution.
New methods for old problems: vacua of maximal D = 7 supergravities
Authors: Partipilo Dario
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Finding vacua of supergravity theories is an outstanding problem which has been tackled in several ways, and with this work we add a new method to the puzzle. We analyse the scalar sector of maximal gauged supergravity theories in seven space-time dimensions. We look for vacua of the theory by varying the embedding tensor, instead of directly minimising the scalar potential. The set of quadratic constraints arising from this procedure has been solved by means of Evolution Strategies optimisation techniques, also adopted in Artificial Intelligence studies. We develop some methods to reconstruct and obtain analytical results starting from numerical outcomes, thus obtaining the complete mass spectra. In addition to some of the known vacua, we also obtain two new Minkowski vacua.
Supergravities on branes
Authors: Leung Rahim , Stelle K.S.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Supergravity brane solutions allow for a generalised type of Kaluza-Klein reduction onto brane worldvolumes. The known replacement of a flat worldvolume metric by a Ricci-flat metric constitutes a consistent Kaluza-Klein truncation of the starting higher-dimensional supergravity theory down to a lower-dimensional pure gravity theory.

This paper shows how to extend such a brane-worldvolume pure-gravity consistent truncation to that for a full nonlinear supergravity theory for the Type IIB D3-brane and the M-theory/Type IIA M5-brane. The extension of worldvolume supersymmetry is given by the unbroken supersymmetry of the original flat “skeleton” brane. Compatibility with further worldvolume diagonal and transverse vertical dimensional reductions is also shown, providing the brane-worldvolume supergravity embeddings of all descendants of the skeleton D3- and M5-branes. Examples are given of brane-worldvolume supergravity solutions embedded into the corresponding higher-dimensional supergravities.
The Conjugacy Stability Problem for Parabolic Subgroups in Artin Groups
Authors: Cumplido María
Published: September 2022

Given an Artin group A and a parabolic subgroup P, we study if every two elements of P that are conjugate in A, are also conjugate in P. We provide an algorithm to solve this decision problem if A satisfies three properties that are conjectured to be true for every Artin group. This allows to solve the problem for new families of Artin groups. We also partially solve the problem if A has FC-type, and we totally solve it if A is isomorphic to a free product of Artin groups of spherical type. In particular, we show that in this latter case, every element of A is contained in a unique minimal (by inclusion) parabolic subgroup.
Why not? Motivations for entering a volunteer register for clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Russo Selena , Bani Marco , Terraneo Marco , Quaglia Valeria , Nuvolati Giampaolo , Cavaliere Rebecca , Capici Serena , Cazzaniga Marina Elena , Strepparava Maria Grazia
Published: September 2022

Backgrounds

Healthy volunteers play a key role in clinical trials and it is crucial to develop recruitment strategies that capitalise on their motivations and maximise their participation. The COVID-19 pandemic has shown the importance of finding motivated healthy volunteers for the development of new vaccines. Public registers represent a promising way to promote the participation of healthy volunteers in the research field, but their adoption is still limited. The current study aimed to explore the motivations of healthy volunteers to enrol in an Italian public register for clinical trials during the COVID-19 pandemic and their attitude toward participating in a phase 1 COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial. The impacts of different enrolling interview modalities (in person, by phone, by mail) on motivation, understanding of information and trust in researchers were also investigated.

Methods

An online survey investigating experience with COVID-19, motivations to enrol, trust in researchers, political and healthcare authorities and pharmacological companies was presented to people applying as healthy volunteers in the public register for clinical trials at Phase 1 Unit Research Centre of ASST Monza, Italy, and considering to participate in a COVID-19 vaccine clinical trial. Data were collected in June 2021.

Results

Altruistic motivations were the main driver for enrolling in the public register, while self-interested motivations were secondary. No gender differences were found. As for enrolling modalities, no differences emerged between in-person and interviews for motivation to enrol, understanding of information and trust in researchers. Email modality led to significantly lower volunteers’ satisfaction and understanding of information but similar trust in research.

Conclusions

This study supports the validity of different interview modalities (in person and by phone) for the enrolment of healthy volunteers for clinical trials and highlights the positive role of public registers for the recruitment procedures.
Stabilization of 3D Navier–Stokes Equations to Trajectories by Finite-Dimensional RHC
Authors: Azmi Behzad
Published: September 2022

Local exponential stabilization of the three-dimensional Navier–Stokes system to a given reference trajectory via receding horizon control (RHC) is investigated. The RHC enters as the linear combinations of a finite number of actuators. The actuators are spatial functions and can be chosen in particular as indicator functions whose supports cover only a part of the spatial domain.
Suitability of anaerobic fungi culture supernatant or mixed ruminal fluid as novel silage additives
Authors: Hartinger Thomas , Fliegerová Katerina , Zebeli Qendrim
Published: September 2022

This study investigated silage quality characteristics and ruminal fiber degradability of grass and straw ensiled with either anaerobic fungi (AF) supernatant with active fungal enzymes or mixed ruminal fluid as novel silage additives. Compared to control silages, AF supernatant improved the quality of grass and straw silages as evidenced by decreased pH, acetic acid concentration, and dry matter losses. Likewise, mixed ruminal fluid enhanced lactic acid fermentation, which further resulted in lower pH of the treated grass silage. The ruminal fiber degradability was determined using in situ incubations and, compared to controls, the cellulose degradability was higher for grass silage with AF supernatant, whereas ruminal degradability of straw silage was reduced by this treatment. In contrast, mixed ruminal fluid did not influence fiber degradability of silages in the rumen. Concluding, both novel additives improved silage quality, whereas only AF supernatant enhanced ruminal fiber degradability of grass silage and therefore may represent an approach for improving forage utilization by ruminants.

Key points

• Enzymes of anaerobic fungi supernatant improve quality of grass and straw silages.

• Mixed ruminal fluid enhances lactic acid fermentation when ensiling grass and straw.

• Enzymes of anaerobic fungi supernatant increase ruminal grass silage degradability.
Normative values of non-invasively assessed RV function and pulmonary circulation coupling for pre-participation screening derived from 497 male elite athletes
Authors: Bauer Pascal , Tello Khodr , Kraushaar Lutz , Dörr Oliver , Keranov Stanislav , Husain-Syed Faeq , Nef Holger , Hamm Christian W. , Most Astrid
Published: September 2022

Background

Reference values for right ventricular function and pulmonary circulation coupling were recently established for the general population. However, normative values for elite athletes are missing, even though exercise-related right ventricular enlargement is frequent in competitive athletes.

Methods

We examined 497 healthy male elite athletes (age 26.1 ± 5.2 years) of mixed sports with a standardized transthoracic echocardiographic examination. Tricuspid annular plane excursion (TAPSE) and systolic pulmonary artery pressure (SPAP) were measured. Pulmonary circulation coupling was calculated as TAPSE/SPAP ratio. Two age groups were defined (18–29 years and 30–39 years) and associations of clinical parameters with the TAPSE/SPAP ratio were determined and compared for each group.

Results

Athletes aged 18–29 (n = 349, 23.8 ± 3.5 years) displayed a significantly lower TAPSE/SPAP ratio (1.23 ± 0.3 vs. 1.31 ± 0.33 mm/mmHg, p = 0.039), TAPSE/SPAP to body surface area (BSA) ratio (0.56 ± 0.14 vs. 0.6 ± 0.16 mm*m2/mmHg, p = 0.017), diastolic blood pressure (75.6 ± 7.9 vs. 78.8 ± 10.7 mmHg, p < 0.001), septal wall thickness (10.2 ± 1.1 vs. 10.7 ± 1.1 mm, p = 0.013) and left atrial volume index (27.5 ± 4.5 vs. 30.8 ± 4.1 ml/m2, p < 0.001), but a higher SPAP (24.2 ± 4.5 vs. 23.2 ± 4.4 mmHg, p = 0.035) compared to athletes aged 30–39 (n = 148, 33.1 ± 3.4 years). TAPSE was not different between the age groups. The TAPSE/SPAP ratio was positively correlated with left ventricular stroke volume (r = 0.133, p = 0.018) and training amount per week (r = 0.154, p = 0.001) and negatively correlated with E/E′ lat. (r = −0.152, p = 0.005).

Conclusion

The reference values for pulmonary circulation coupling determined in this study could be used to interpret and distinguish physiological from pathological cardiac remodeling in male elite athletes.
Paclitaxel drug-coated balloon-only angioplasty for de novo coronary artery disease in elective clinical practice
Authors: Merinopoulos Ioannis , Gunawardena Tharusha , Corballis Natasha , Bhalraam U , Gilbert Tim , Maart Clint , Richardson Paul , Ryding Alisdair , Sarev Toomas , Sawh Chris , Sulfi Sreekumar , Wickramarachchi Upul , Wistow Trevor , Mohamed Mohamed O. , Mamas Mamas A. , Vassiliou Vassilios S. , Eccleshall Simon C.
Published: September 2022

Objective

We aimed to investigate the safety of drug-coated balloon (DCB)-only angioplasty compared to drug-eluting stent (DES), as part of routine clinical practice.

Background

The recent BASKETSMALL2 trial demonstrated the safety and efficacy of DCB angioplasty for de novo small vessel disease. Registry data have also demonstrated that DCB angioplasty is safe; however, most of these studies are limited due to long recruitment time and a small number of patients with DCB compared to DES. Therefore, it is unclear if DCB-only strategy is safe to incorporate in routine elective clinical practice.

Methods

We compared all-cause mortality and major cardiovascular endpoints (MACE), including unplanned target lesion revascularisation (TLR) of all patients treated with DCB or DES for first presentation of stable angina due to de novo coronary artery disease between 1st January 2015 and 15th November 2019. Data were analysed with Cox regression models and cumulative hazard plots.

Results

We present 1237 patients; 544 treated with DCB and 693 treated with DES for de novo, mainly large-vessel coronary artery disease. On multivariable Cox regression analysis, only age and frailty remained significant adverse predictors of all-cause mortality. Univariable, cumulative hazard plots showed no difference between DCB and DES for either all-cause mortality or any of the major cardiovascular endpoints, including unplanned TLR. The results remained unchanged following propensity score-matched analysis.

Conclusion

DCB-only angioplasty, for stable angina and predominantly large vessels, is safe compared to DES as part of routine clinical practice, in terms of all-cause mortality and MACE, including unplanned TLR.

Graphic abstract
A CHCHD6–APP axis connects amyloid and mitochondrial pathology in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Shang Yutong , Sun Xiaoyan , Chen Xiaoqin , Wang Quanqiu , Wang Evan J. , Miller Emiko , Xu Rong , Pieper Andrew A. , Qi Xin
Published: September 2022

The mechanistic relationship between amyloid-beta precursor protein (APP) processing and mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has long eluded the field. Here, we report that coiled-coil-helix-coiled-coil-helix domain containing 6 (CHCHD6), a core protein of the mammalian mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system, mechanistically connects these AD features through a circular feedback loop that lowers CHCHD6 and raises APP processing. In cellular and animal AD models and human AD brains, the APP intracellular domain fragment inhibits CHCHD6 transcription by binding its promoter. CHCHD6 and APP bind and stabilize one another. Reduced CHCHD6 enhances APP accumulation on mitochondria-associated ER membranes and accelerates APP processing, and induces mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal cholesterol accumulation, promoting amyloid pathology. Compensation for CHCHD6 loss in an AD mouse model reduces AD-associated neuropathology and cognitive impairment. Thus, CHCHD6 connects APP processing and mitochondrial dysfunction in AD. This provides a potential new therapeutic target for patients.
Mechanochemical Models for Calcium Waves in Embryonic Epithelia
Authors: Kaouri Katerina , Méndez Paul E. , Ruiz-Baier Ricardo
Published: September 2022

In embryogenesis, epithelial cells acting as individual entities or as coordinated aggregates in a tissue, exhibit strong coupling between mechanical responses to internally or externally applied stresses and chemical signalling. One of the most important chemical signals in this process is calcium. This mechanochemical coupling and intercellular communication drive the coordination of morphogenetic movements which are characterised by drastic changes in the concentration of calcium in the tissue. In this paper we extend the recent mechanochemical model in Kaouri et al. (J. Math. Biol.78, 2059–2092, 2019), for an epithelial continuum in one dimension, to a more realistic multi-dimensional case. The resulting parametrised governing equations consist of an advection-diffusion-reaction system for calcium signalling coupled with active-stress linear viscoelasticity and equipped with pure Neumann boundary conditions. We implement a finite element method in perturbed saddle-point form for the simulation of this complex multiphysics problem. Special care is taken in the treatment of the stress-free boundary conditions for the viscoelasticity in order to eliminate rigid motions from the space of admissible displacements. The stability and solvability of the continuous weak formulation is shown using fixed-point theory. Guided by the bifurcation analysis of the one-dimensional model, we analyse the behaviour of the system as two bifurcation parameters vary: the level of IP3concentration and the strength of the mechanochemical coupling. We identify the parameter regions giving rise to solitary waves and periodic wavetrains of calcium. Furthermore, we demonstrate the nucleation of calcium sparks into synchronous calcium waves coupled with deformation. This model can be employed to gain insights into recent experimental observations in the context of embryogenesis, but also in other biological systems such as cancer cells, wound healing, keratinocytes, or white blood cells.