bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hyperbranched polyester improves the dispersion of SiO2 for enhancing the mechanical properties of DLP 3D printing polyurethane acrylate
Authors: Zhao Xiaoliang , Jiao Hua , Yao Yijun , Du Bin , Zhao Kang
Published: February 2025

Herein, we prepared the high‐strength polyurethane acrylate (PUA) composites by introducing the γ‐methacryloxypropyltrimethoxysilane (γ‐MPS)‐modified SiO2 (γ‐MPS‐SiO2) and hyperbranched unsaturated polyester (U102) into PUA utilizing digital light processing 3D printing technology. Fourier transform infrared, 1H NMR, and gel permeation chromatography provided evidence for the preparation of PUA and γ‐MPS‐SiO2. And U102 could improve the dispersion of γ‐MPS‐SiO2 particles in PUA, which is conducive to improving the tensile strength, bending strength, and thermal stability of PUA composites. Compared with γ‐MPS‐SiO2/PUA, γ‐MPS‐SiO2/U102/PUA composites with tensile strength of 32.73 MPa and bending strength of 62.48 MPa can be obtained when the content of U102 is 10 wt%. The thermal stability and mechanical properties of PUA composites increased with the increase of γ‐MPS‐SiO2 content. When the content of γ‐MPS‐SiO2 particles is 20 wt%, T5%, T50%, and the residue at 650°C are increased by 36.81%, 2.31%, and 122.17%, respectively. The tensile and bending strengths were increased by 103.67% and 125.92%, respectively. This work provides a new way to improve the dispersibility of inorganic nanoparticles in polymers and the mechanical properties of photocurable 3D printing resin products.

Highlights

A high‐performance photocurable polyurethane acrylate has been synthesized.

The hyperbranched unsaturated polyester has an excellent dispersing effect on SiO2.

The mechanical properties of polyurethane acrylate composites were synergistically improved by the hyperbranched unsaturated polymer and SiO2 particles.
Synthesis, Biological Evaluation, In Silico DFT and ADMET Profiling Studies of n‐Propylimino bis‐Methylpropanoate, A Potential Dendritic Core
Authors: Das Parineeta , Gupta Anshika , Ovung Aben , Puzari Amrit
Published: February 2025

Dendrimers, the 3D hyperbranched architecture, have the capability of improving the solubility and stability of orally administered drugs in biological environment and therefore attracts significant scientific interest. Even the stimuli responsive dendritic architectures are considered best candidate for controlled drug release and conducting chemical reactions in their interiors. Acrylonitrile adducts, due to their potent biomedical activities, have been explored in designing dendritic architecture. In this work, n‐propylimino bis‐methylpropanoate was synthesized from the acrylonitrile adduct n‐propylimino bis‐propionitrile, as zeroth generation dendrimer. Acid‐hydrolysis of acrylonitrile adduct followed by esterification with methanol leads to the formation of zeroth generation dendritic architecture. Product formation was confirmed through conventional spectroscopic techniques. The plausible mechanistic route has been proposed for the synthesis of the dendrimer. The stability of the molecules was asserted using DFT through HOMO‐LUMO energy gap. In silico approach was followed to analyze the bioavailability of the zeroth generation dendritic architecture. ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion, and Taoxicity) parameters of the zeroth generation dendrimer confirm the drug‐like behavior. The study also reveals that the products are not likely to be harmful.
Fluorescence Studies of Amino Acid and Peptide‐Based Hydrogels: Unveiling Self‐Assembly and Structural Insights
Authors: Chandran Arathy , Athulya K. R. , Bantu Tirupati Rao , Kumar Anitha C.
Published: February 2025

Fluorescence spectroscopy has emerged as a powerful tool for studying the self‐assembly, structural integrity, and dynamic behaviors of amino acid and peptide‐based hydrogels. Unlike fluorescence microscopy, which visualizes spatial distributions, fluorescence spectroscopy delves into the molecular interactions and environmental changes within these hydrogels. This review highlights the intrinsic fluorescence of amino acids such as tryptophan, tyrosine, and phenylalanine, alongside modifications such as Fmoc groups and the use of external probes, to elucidate gelation mechanisms and aggregation dynamics. Key phenomena such as aggregation‐induced emission (AIE), aggregation‐induced quenching (AIQ), time‐resolved fluorescence, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) techniques provide insights into favorable and unfavorable assembly processes. The ability of fluorescence spectroscopy to monitor hydrogels in their native wet state without structural disruptions caused by drying presents a significant advantage over traditional morphological techniques such as TEM and SEM. This review underscores the importance of fluorescence spectroscopy in advancing the design and application of amino acid and peptide‐based hydrogels, with potential implications for biomaterials, drug delivery, and biosensing. The integration of fluorescence spectroscopy with complementary techniques holds great promise for unlocking new possibilities in hydrogel research.
Critical Collaborative Reflection With Linguistic Landscapes and Material Culture in Teacher Preparation
Authors: Austin Tasha
Published: February 2025

The use of linguistic landscapes (LLs) to expand the respect for and knowledge of minoritized language use has extended into classroom practice and teacher preparation. Nuanced racialized understandings of language that include multimodal and multilingual realities, however, complicate the potential for educators to make sense of the language they perceive through LLs within the context of US teacher preparation. This complexity highlights the de facto segregation that results in an overwhelmingly white teacher workforce entering US K‐12 spaces with racially minoritized and multilingual student communities. Using critical multilingual awareness through a raciolinguistic perspective, this study extends and critiques using LLs in teacher preparation asking, “How can instructional design centered on the multimodal literate practices of racially minoritized communities expand the receptive linguistic repertoire of pre‐service teachers (PSTs)?” Critical discourse analysis findings from five PST reflections and material culture and LL presentations suggest that (1) assimilationist hidden curricula and performative signage abound within segregated communities and (2) critical humility and engaged pedagogies can increase PST receptive literacies as they interpret and honor the complex language ways of racially minoritized communities. Implications of the power of collective, historicized and contextualized analyses of localized languaging in content‐area teacher preparation is discussed.
Antrum Resection Versus Preservation Following Laparoscopic Sleeve Gastrectomy in the Treatment of Obesity: A Meta‐Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials and Systematic Review
Authors: Luo Jinlong , Zhong Furui , Yang Hua , Yang Lie
Published: February 2025

Background

Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) has been proven to be an effective surgical method for managing morbid obesity. However, the extent of the antral excision remains controversial. In this meta‐analysis, we evaluated the safety and efficacy of LSG with antral resection (AR) and antral preservation (AP).

Materials and Methods

The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar databases were systematically searched for randomized clinical trials (RCTs) from their inception dates to March 2024. The main outcomes were the percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL), percentage of total weight loss (%TWL), and BMI at 3, 6, 12, and 24 months postsurgery.

Results

Fourteen RCTs comprising 1222 patients were included in the study. The %EWL was significantly lower in the AP group at 6 (mean difference [MD]: −5.65 and p = 0.003), 12 (MD: −5.08 and p < 0.00001), and 24 (MD: −5.23 and p = 0.0004) months. The %TWL was significantly lower in the AP group at 3 (MD: −4.63 and p = 0.02), 6 (MD: −3.98 and p < 0.0001), and 12 (MD: −4.63 and p < 0.00001) months. BMI was lower in the AR group at 3 (MD: 1.81 and p = 0.007) and 6 (MD: 2.39 and p = 0.002) months. No significant difference was found in surgical time and de novo gastroesophageal reflux disease; however, the AP group demonstrated significantly longer hospital stays and a lower rate of late vomiting.

Conclusion

LSG with AR yields better weight loss than LSG with AP but may lead to a higher rate of late vomiting.
Numerical study of unsteady bioconvective transport of oxytactic microorganisms over a stretching cone
Authors: Rao Pentyala Srinivasa , Chowdhury Sandip , Gorai Debasish
Published: February 2025

The bio‐convective transport of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) Casson nanofluid carrying oxytactic microorganisms across a stretching cone with thermal radiation, and chemical reaction in Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer (DBF) porous medium is considered to predict the behavior of fluid. The random movement and thermophoresis processes are revealed by the Buongiorno model. By using a suitable similarity transformation, the governing PDEs are converted into coupled nonlinear ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The resulting ODEs are dealt with numerically, converting the boundary value problem to a simplified initial value problem using BVP4C and shooting technique with predetermined parameters such as thermal radiation, chemical reaction, and so forth. The study reveals that the velocity field is adversely influenced by the Forchheimer number and porosity parameter. The Sherwood number of oxygen concentration is significantly influenced by chemical reactions. Sherwood number of microorganisms is significantly influenced by bioconvection Peclet number.
Impact of thermal radiations and viscous dissipation during the boundary layer non‐Newtonian fluid flow past a slender needle: Probed by machine learning
Authors: Yao Hongxing , Ullah Asad , Ikramullah  , Widyan Adel M. , Althobaiti Ali , Khalifa Hamiden Abd El‐Wahed
Published: February 2025

We examine a new model for the Casson fluid (CF) migration near a thin needle. The needle is moving along the free stream with constant velocity. The impacts of nonlinear thermal radiation, Joule heating, magnetic fields, and viscous dissipation are considered in the flow. The flow is modeled with the basic equations, whose complexity is reduced with the similarity transformations. We introduced the artificial neural network (ANN) to tackle the first‐order system of equations. ANN is trained with the numerical methods (bvp4c) solution that uses the Levenberg‐Marquardt algorithm by choosing the best possible weights. A comprehensive graphical description is provided with varying heating parameters, Eckert number, radiation parameter, velocity ratio parameter, Prandtl number, and the size of the thin needle. The rise in the needle size and velocity ratio reduce the velocity flux and increases the thermal transport. The CF parameter increases the velocity gradient. The Eckert number and radiation parameter increase the thermal profile with their increasing values. The regression plots display that data is utilized in the curve fitting, while the error histograms depict the minimal zero error. Furthermore, the mean square error and performance validation for each varying parameter are presented. For validation, the present numerical results are compared in tabular form with the published literature, where the current approach is validated.
Influence of electroosmosis, thermal radiation, magnetic field, and activation energy on the peristaltic motion of Hyperbolic tangent nanofluid in an asymmetric channel
Authors: Tamizharasi P. , Magesh A. , Kumar P. Praveen
Published: February 2025

This paper aims to provide insight into the response of a non‐Newtonian nano liquid driven by peristaltic motion in an asymmetric conduit. Additionally, activation energy and thermal radiation are considered. The investigation of activation energy and thermal radiation as energy transfer is crucial and intriguing for scientists due to their implications in cancer therapy. As a result, heat kills cancer cells and shrinks tumours, transforming hyperthermia therapy into a state‐of‐the‐art cancer remedy. The momentum, temperature, and concentration equations of Hyperbolic tangent nanofluids were formulated. The Partial differential equations are reduced to Ordinary differential equations using long wavelength and small Reynolds number approximation. The resulting equations were solved by the numerical computations by the NDSolve command using Mathematica software. The impact of important fluid parameters was discussed in detail through the graphs. The current investigation's findings demonstrate that a drop in temperature and a rise in concentration are the results of raising the temperature ratio parameter. The investigation further displays how expanding the dimensionless reaction rate significantly raises the reactant's kinetic energy, enabling additional particle collisions and increasing the temperature field.
Two non‐circular compressible liquid inclusions in an infinite elastic matrix
Authors: Wang Xu , Schiavone Peter
Published: February 2025

We derive an analytical solution to the plane strain problem associated with two interacting identical non‐circular compressible liquid inclusions embedded in an infinite isotropic elastic matrix subjected to uniform remote in‐plane normal stresses. The pair of analytic functions characterizing the elastic field in the matrix is derived using a conformal mapping function for quadrature domains by Crowdy (2015) and the technique of analytic continuation. The internal uniform hydrostatic stress field within each one of the two equal symmetric liquid inclusions and the hoop stress along each liquid‐solid interface on the matrix side are studied in detail.
An Open‐Door Policy: How Removal of a Visual Barrier Improved Welfare in Zoo‐Housed Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Authors: Hart Alexis M. , Augustin Dominique , Troxell‐Smith Sandra M. , McGuire Molly
Published: February 2025

Birds of prey are renowned for their excellent visual acuity, but they are often not given visual access consistent with their natural behavior when housed under managed care. Often, these birds are housed under managed care after sustaining injuries, which prohibits their return to the wild. In addition, many of these rescued raptors do not have the same history of acclimation to human presence as other zoo animals due to being wild‐hatched. These factors lead to a potential welfare concern for raptors under managed care, which may not appropriately address their natural and individual histories. We assessed how the removal of a visual barrier (two large doors) may have affected behavior and space use of two bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) housed at Zoo Miami. Before the visual barrier being removed, the eagles could not see people approaching their habitat from one out of two possible sides. We found that for one individual, stress behaviors such as gular fluttering significantly decreased after the removal of the visual barrier, and resting significantly increased. The birds also utilized their habitat more evenly after the visual barrier was removed and were seen at higher, more species‐typical altitudes within the habitat. These findings suggest that increased environmental visual access for zoo‐housed raptors may be a simple way to improve their overall welfare.
String theory in a pinch: resolving the Gregory-Laflamme singularity
Authors: Emparan Roberto , Sanchez-Garitaonandia Mikel , Tomašević Marija
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Thin enough black strings are unstable to growing ripples along their length, eventually pinching and forming a naked singularity on the horizon. We investigate how string theory can resolve this singularity. First, we study the string-scale version of the static non-uniform black strings that branch off at the instability threshold: “string-ball strings”, which are linearly extended, self-gravitating configurations of string balls obtained in the Horowitz-Polchinski (HP) approach to near-Hagedorn string states. We construct non-uniform HP strings in spatial dimensions d ≤ 6 and show that, as the inhomogeneity increases, they approach localized HP balls. We also examine the thermodynamic properties of the different phases in the canonical and microcanonical ensembles. We find that, for a sufficiently small mass, the uniform HP string will be stable and not evolve into a non-uniform or localized configuration. Building on these results and independent evidence from the evolution of the black string instability with α

′
corrections, we propose that, at least in d = 4, 5, string theory slows and eventually halts the pinching evolution at a classically stable stringy neck. In d ≥ 6 this transition is likely to occur into a puffed-up string ball. The system then enters a slower phase in which the neck gradually evaporates into radiation. We discuss this scenario as a framework for understanding how string theory resolves the formation of naked singularities.
Long-lived vectors from electromagnetic cascades at SHiP
Authors: Zhou Tao , Plestid Ryan , Kelly Kevin J. , Blinov Nikita , Fox Patrick J.
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We simulate dark-vector, V, production from electromagnetic cascades at the recently approved SHiP experiment. The cascades (initiated by photons from π
0 → γγ) can lead to 3–4 orders of magnitude increase of the event rate relative to using primary production alone. We provide new SHiP sensitivity projections for dark photons and electrophilic gauge bosons, which are significantly improved compared to previous literature. The main gain in sensitivity occurs for long-lived dark vectors with masses below ~ 50 − 300 MeV. The dominant production mode in this parameter space is low-energy annihilation e
+
e
− → V (γ). This motivates a detailed study of backgrounds and efficiencies in the SHiP experiment for sub-GeV signals.
Eigenvalue systems for integer orthogonal bases of multi-matrix invariants at finite N
Authors: Padellaro Adrian , Ramgoolam Sanjaye , Suzuki Ryo
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Multi-matrix invariants, and in particular the scalar multi-trace operators of

$$ \mathcal{N} $$

N

= 4 SYM with U(N) gauge symmetry, can be described using permutation centraliser algebras (PCA), which are generalisations of the symmetric group algebras and independent of N. Free-field two-point functions define an N-dependent inner product on the PCA, and bases of operators have been constructed which are orthogonal at finite N. Two such bases are well-known, the restricted Schur and covariant bases, and both definitions involve representation-theoretic quantities such as Young diagram labels, multiplicity labels, branching and Clebsch-Gordan coefficients for symmetric groups. The explicit computation of these coefficients grows rapidly in complexity as the operator length increases. We develop a new method for explicitly constructing all the operators with specified Young diagram labels, based on an N-independent integer eigensystem formulated in the PCA. The eigensystem construction naturally leads to orthogonal basis elements which are integer linear combinations of the multi-trace operators, and the N-dependence of their norms are simple known dimension factors. We provide examples and give computer codes in SageMath which efficiently implement the construction for operators of classical dimension up to 14. While the restricted Schur basis relies on the Artin-Wedderburn decomposition of symmetric group algebras, the covariant basis relies on a variant which we refer to as the Kronecker decomposition. Analogous decompositions exist for any finite group algebra and the eigenvalue construction of integer orthogonal bases extends to the group algebra of any finite group with rational characters.
Towards a real-time computation of timelike hadronic vacuum polarization and light-by-light scattering: Schwinger Model tests
Authors: Barata João , Ikeda Kazuki , Mukherjee Swagato , Raghoonanan Jonathan
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Hadronic vacuum polarization (HVP) and light-by-light scattering (HLBL) are crucial for evaluating the Standard Model predictions concerning the muon’s anomalous magnetic moment. However, direct first-principle lattice gauge theory-based calculations of these observables in the timelike region remain challenging. Discrepancies persist between lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD) calculations in the spacelike region and dispersive approaches relying on experimental data parametrization from the timelike region. Here, we introduce a methodology employing 1+1-dimensional quantum electrodynamics (QED), i.e. the Schwinger Model, to investigate the HVP and HLBL. To that end, we use both tensor network techniques, specifically matrix product states, and classical emulators of digital quantum computers. Demonstrating feasibility in a simplified model, our approach sets the stage for future endeavors leveraging digital quantum computers.
Bounds on the bubble wall velocity
Authors: Ai Wen-Yuan , Laurent Benoit , van de Vis Jorinde
Published: February 2025

Abstract

Determining the bubble wall velocity in first-order phase transitions is a challenging task, requiring the solution of (coupled) equations of motion for the scalar field and Boltzmann equations for the particles in the plasma. The collision terms appearing in the Boltzmann equation present a prominent source of uncertainty as they are often known only at leading log accuracy. In this paper, we derive upper and lower bounds on the wall velocity, corresponding to the local thermal equilibrium and ballistic limits. These bounds are completely independent of the collision terms.

For the ballistic approximation, we argue that the inhomogeneous plasma temperature and velocity distributions across the bubble wall should be taken into account. This way, the hydrodynamic obstruction previously observed in local thermal equilibrium is also present for the ballistic approximation. This is essential for the ballistic approximation to provide a lower bound on the wall velocity. We use a model-independent approach to study the behaviour of the limiting wall velocities as a function of a few generic parameters, and we test our developments in the singlet extended Standard Model.
Flavor dependent critical endpoint from holographic QCD through machine learning
Authors: Chen Xun , Huang Mei
Published: February 2025

Abstract

QCD phase diagram in the T − μ plane and the equation of state for pure gluon, 2-flavor, 2+1-flavor systems, and 2+1+1-flavor systems have been investigated using the Einstein-Maxwell-Dilaton (EMD) framework at finite temperature and chemical potential. By inputting lattice QCD data for the equation of state and baryon number susceptibility at zero chemical potential into holographic model, all the parameters can be determined with the aid of machine learning algorithms. Our findings indicate that the deconfinement phase transition is of first order for the pure gluon system with critical temperature T

c
= 0.265 GeV at vanishing chemical potential. The phase transition for the 2-flavor, 2+1-flavor systems, and 2+1+1-flavor systems are crossover at vanishing chemical potential and first-order at high chemical potential, and the critical endpoint (CEP) in the T − μ plane locates at (

$$ {\mu}_B^c $$

μ
B
c

= 0.46 GeV, T

c
= 0.147 GeV), (

$$ {\mu}_B^c $$

μ
B
c

= 0.74 GeV, T

c
= 0.094 GeV), and (

$$ {\mu}_B^c $$

μ
B
c

= 0.87 GeV, T

c
= 0.108 GeV), respectively. Additionally, the thermodynamic quantities of the system for different flavors at finite chemical potential are presented in this paper. It is observed that the difference between the 2+1-flavor and 2+1+1-flavor systems is invisible at vanishing chemical potential and low temperature. The location of CEP for 2+1+1-flavor system deviates explicitly from that of the 2+1-flavor system with the increase of chemical potential. Both 2+1-flavor and 2+1+1-flavor systems differ significantly from the 2-flavor system. Moreover, at zero temperature, the critical chemical potential is found to be μ

B
= 1.1 GeV, 1.6 GeV, 1.9 GeV for the 2-flavor, 2+1-flavor and 2+1+1-flavor systems, respectively.
Conformal leptogenesis in composite Higgs models
Authors: Agashe Kaustubh , Du Peizhi , Ekhterachian Majid , Fong Chee Sheng , Hong Sungwoo , Vecchi Luca
Published: February 2025

Abstract

We study the generation of the baryon asymmetry in Composite Higgs models with partial compositeness of the Standard Model (SM) fermions and heavy right-handed neutrinos, developing for the first time a complete picture of leptogenesis in that setup. The asymmetry is induced by the out of equilibrium decays of the heavy right-handed neutrinos into a plasma of the nearly conformal field theory (CFT), i.e. the deconfined phase of the Composite Higgs dynamics. This exotic mechanism, which we call Conformal Leptogenesis, admits a reliable description in terms of a set of “Boltzmann equations” whose coefficients can be expressed in terms of correlation functions of the CFT. The asymmetry thus generated is subsequently affected by the supercooling resulting from the confining phase transition of the strong Higgs sector as well as by the washout induced by the resonances formed after the transition. Nevertheless, a qualitative description of the latter effects suggests that conformal leptogenesis can successfully reproduce the observed baryon asymmetry in a wide region of parameter space. A distinctive signature of our scenarios is a sizable compositeness for all the generations of SM neutrinos, which is currently consistent with all constraints but may be within reach of future colliders.
Asymptotic structure of three-dimensional Maxwell Chern-Simons gravity coupled to spin-3 fields
Authors: Concha Patrick , Matulich Javier , Pino Daniel , Rodríguez Evelyn
Published: February 2025

Abstract

In this work we analyze the asymptotic symmetries of the three-dimensional Chern-Simons (CS) gravity theory for a higher spin extension of the so-called Maxwell algebra. We propose a generalized set of asymptotic boundary conditions for the aforementioned flat gravity theory and we show that the corresponding charge algebra defines a higher-spin extension of the

$$ \mathfrak{\max}$$

max

-

$$ \mathfrak{bm}{\mathfrak{s}}_3 $$

bm

s
3

algebra, which in turn corresponds the asymptotic symmetries of the Maxwell CS gravity. We also show that the

$$ \mathfrak{h}{\mathfrak{s}}_3\mathfrak{\max} $$

h

s
3

max

-

$$ \mathfrak{bm}{\mathfrak{s}}_3 $$

bm

s
3

algebra can alternatively be obtained as a vanishing cosmological constant limit of three copies of the

$$ {\mathcal{W}}_3 $$

W
3

algebra, with three independent central charges.
An investigation of the curvature variation in rolling a stiffened panel
Authors: Alfawzan Yasir , Lv Jiaxin , Shi Zhusheng , Lin Jianguo
Published: February 2025

Integral aluminium-stiffened panel, recognised for their light weight and superior performance, holds great potential for manufacturing through a combination of extrusion and subsequent rolling. Rolling these panels often leads to undesired curved shape due to their asymmetrical cross-sections; a careful control of rolling parameters for asymmetrical rolling is therefore essential to achieve the target shape—either straight or with specific curvature. The key influencing factors and their influencing mechanisms, however, have not been clarified. This study investigates the effects of various rolling parameters on panel curvature through finite element simulations. The results reveal that the primary influencing factors are plate thickness reduction, stiffener reduction, and speed ratio at a given geometry, while secondary factors include roll diameter, friction coefficient, temperature, roll speed, and panel material. Increasing the plate thickness reduction increases the curvature, while increasing the stiffener reduction reduces it. A higher speed ratio also decreases the curvature. Additionally, maintaining equal reductions in the plate thickness and stiffener can produce the most geometrically accurate panels, preventing material underfill or overfilling of the groove during rolling. The findings suggest that appropriate combination of rolling parameters enables the precise control over the curvature, contributing to the development of an efficient, high-performance rolling process for aluminium-stiffened panels.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing of eukaryotic elongation factor 1B gamma (eEF1Bγ) reduces Tobacco etch virus accumulation in Nicotiana benthamiana
Authors: Kang Bomi , Venkatesh Jelli , Lee Joung-Ho , Kim Jung-Min , Kwon Jin-kyung , Kang Byoung-Cheorl
Published: February 2025

Key message

Tobacco etch virus accumulation declined in Nicotiana benthamiana eEF1Bγ gene-edited lines, suggesting that eEF1Bγ may be a host factor for this virus.

Viruses use host factors to replicate and move from cell to cell. Therefore, the editing of genes encoding viral host factors that are not essential for plant survival enables the rapid development of plants with durable virus resistance. Eukaryotic initiation factors, such as eIF4E and eIF4G, function as host factors for viral infection, and loss-of-function mutations of these factors lead to virus resistance. Broadening the spectrum of host factor targets would help expand resources for engineering virus resistance. In this study, we tested whether editing the eukaryotic translation elongation factor gene eEF1Bγ would produce virus-resistant plants. Accordingly, we targeted the four eEF1Bγ genes in Nicotiana benthamiana for editing using virus-induced gene editing (VIGE) with Tobacco rattle virus (TRV). Although we attempted to obtain plants edited for all four eEF1Bγ homologs, we failed to identify such plants. Instead, we obtained plants with three of the four homologs knocked out, harboring 1-bp insertion/deletions resulting in premature stop codons. These eEF1Bγ-edited plants did not exhibit resistance to Potato virus X (PVX), Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), or Tomato bushy stunt virus (TBSV) but showed reduced accumulation of Tobacco etch virus (TEV) compared to wild-type plants. These findings demonstrate the feasibility of conferring resistance in plants through gene editing of eEF1Bγ, underscoring the importance of exploring diverse host factor targets for comprehensive virus resistance.
Thanatochemistry and the role of hypoxanthine in the post-mortem interval estimation: a systematic literature review
Authors: Cardinale Andrea Nicola , Di Lorenzo Antonio , Bellino Mara , Strisciullo Giuseppe , Mussi Valentina , Sablone Sara
Published: February 2025

The estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI) is of utmost importance for forensic pathologists due to its implication in medico-legal evaluations. Research over the last thirty years has sought new methods for estimating the time of death, particularly focused on human biomarkers whose concentration changes over time after death. Although most studies are based on potassium (K+) concentrations in blood and vitreous humor (VH), hypoxanthine (Hx) has shown great promise in assessing PMI. Following PRISMA guidelines, this systematic review addresses the PICO question: "In human cadavers, what is the role of hypoxanthine, where, and with what analytical techniques is it currently used for post-mortem interval estimation?". Twenty-four papers were retrieved. The results indicate that Hx concentration can be estimated in various biofluids, VH being the most commonly accounted for. Furthermore, different pre-analytical procedures are resorted to for sample preparation, such as several methodologies utilized to detect Hx concentration. The relationship between the so-obtained Hx levels and PMI is expressed quantitively (through regressions or correlation coefficients) or semi-quantitatively (by changes in nuclear magnetic resonance spectra). PMI estimation accuracy improves significantly when additional factors are considered (such as ambient and rectal temperature, urea concentration, body weight, and cause of death) or when new methodologies providing flexible regression models are applied. Despite the promising potential, many limitations remain. Notably, the heterogeneity of sample selection and pre-analytical/analytical phases leads to inconsistent results. Thus, much more should be done to lay procedural standards and optimize biochemistry and Hx utilization in PMI-related forensic investigations.
Effect of the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown on cancer stage distribution and time to treatment initiation using cancer registry data of the Swiss cantons of Zurich and Zug from 2018 to 2021
Authors: Suter Flurina , Wanner Miriam , Wicki Andreas , Korol Dimitri , Rohrmann Sabine
Published: February 2025

Purpose

Swiss healthcare institutions conducted only urgent procedures during the COVID-19 lockdown, potentially leading to a lack of care for other severe diseases, such as cancer. We examined the effects of the pandemic on cancer stage distribution and time between cancer diagnosis and treatment initiation using population-based cancer registry data.

Methods

The study was based on data of the cancer registry of the cantons of Zurich and Zug from 2018 to 2021. Cancer stage distribution was analysed descriptively and with a Pearson’s Chi-squared test. Time between cancer diagnosis and treatment initiation was determined in days and analysed descriptively and by fitting Quasipoisson regression models.

Results

For all-cancer and colorectal, lung, and prostate cancer statistically significant evidence for a difference in cancer stages distribution among the incidence years was observed. Based on the all-cancer regression models, longer time to treatment initiation (TTI) was observed for patients diagnosed in 2021 and receiving surgery (Rate Ratio = 1.08 [95% confidence interval 1.03, 1.14]) or hormone therapy (1.20 [1.03, 1.40]) compared to those diagnosed in 2018/19 receiving those therapies. We observed no difference in TTI between cancer patients diagnosed in 2020 compared to 2018/19 for any of the therapies investigated, except for chemotherapy with shorter TTI (0.92 [0.86, 0.98]).

Conclusion

The observed effects on cancer outcomes in 2020 and 2021 compared to 2018/19 coincided with the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in Switzerland in 2020 onwards. Short- and long-term effects of the pandemic on cancer outcomes and the public healthcare system were observed. However, we cannot exclude that the implementation of the new Swiss law on cancer registration in 2020 explains part of our observations.
The effect of medical comorbidity on HOOS/KOOS/FAOS: a national register-based cohort study of 7850 representative citizens
Authors: Larsen Peter , Elsoe Rasmus
Published: February 2025

Objectives

Despite extensive validation, the impact of medical comorbidities on the outcomes of the Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS), Knee Injury Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) remains underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of medical comorbidities on HOOS, KOOS, and FAOS subscales using a large, nationally representative sample.

Methods

This national register-based cohort study invited 26,877 participants to complete HOOS, KOOS, or FAOS questionnaires. Medical comorbidities—including diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease/asthma, rheumatological diseases, osteoporosis, stroke, obesity, and heart disease—were identified through the Danish National Patient Register.

Results

A total of 7850 participants (29%) responded, with 1863 (24%) having medical comorbidities. HOOS/KOOS/FAOS subscale scores were significantly worse in patients with comorbidities, particularly in the Sport/Rec, ADL, and QOL subscales. Mean score differences between participants with and without comorbidities were pain (− 5.7, 95% CI − 6.6 to − 4.7), symptoms (− 4.6, 95% CI − 5.5 to − 3.6), ADL (− 7.1, 95% CI − 8.0 to − 6.1), Sport/Rec (− 10.4, 95% CI − 11.9 to − 8.9), and QOL (− 6.9, 95% CI − 8.2 to − 5.7). Diabetes, rheumatological diseases, and obesity were associated with the greatest complaints.

Conclusion

Patients with medical comorbidity reported significantly lower HOOS/KOOS/FAOS subscale scores compared to participants without medical comorbidity. Diabetes, chronic rheumatological diseases, and adiposities were observed with the most complaints.

Key Points• Medical comorbidity predicts considerably lower HOOS/KOOS/FAOS subscale scores.• Diabetes, rheumatological diseases, and obesity exerted the most pronounced negative effects on the HOOS/KOOS/FAOS.• Findings underscore the importance of considering comorbidities when interpreting HOOS/KOOS/FOAS subscale scores.
Finding search directions in quasi-Newton methods for minimizing a quadratic function subject to uncertainty
Authors: Peng Shen , Canessa Gianpiero , Ek David , Forsgren Anders
Published: February 2025

We investigate quasi-Newton methods for minimizing a strongly convex quadratic function which is subject to errors in the evaluation of the gradients. In particular, we focus on computing search directions for quasi-Newton methods that all give identical behavior in exact arithmetic, generating minimizers of Krylov subspaces of increasing dimensions, thereby having finite termination. The BFGS quasi-Newton method may be seen as an ideal method in exact arithmetic and is empirically known to behave very well on a quadratic problem subject to small errors. We investigate large-error scenarios, in which the expected behavior is not so clear. We consider memoryless methods that are less expensive than the BFGS method, in that they generate low-rank quasi-Newton matrices that differ from the identity by a symmetric matrix of rank two. In addition, a more advanced model for generating the search directions is proposed, based on solving a chance-constrained optimization problem. Our numerical results indicate that for large errors, such a low-rank memoryless quasi-Newton method may perform better than a BFGS method. In addition, the results indicate a potential edge by including the chance-constrained model in the memoryless quasi-Newton method.
The immersion poset on partitions
Authors: Johnston Lisa , Kenepp David , Nguyen Evuilynn , Paul Digjoy , Schilling Anne , Simone Mary Claire , Zhou Regina
Published: February 2025

We introduce the immersion poset

$$({\mathcal {P}}(n), \leqslant _I)$$

(
P

(
n
)

,

⩽
I

)

on partitions, defined by

$$\lambda \leqslant _I \mu $$

λ

⩽
I

μ

if and only if

$$s_\mu (x_1, \ldots , x_N) - s_\lambda (x_1, \ldots , x_N)$$

s
μ

(

x
1

,
…
,

x
N

)

-

s
λ

(

x
1

,
…
,

x
N

)

is monomial-positive. Relations in the immersion poset determine when irreducible polynomial representations of

$$GL_N({\mathbb {C}})$$

G

L
N

(
C
)

form an immersion pair, as defined by Prasad and Raghunathan [7]. We develop injections

$$\textsf{SSYT}(\lambda , \nu ) \hookrightarrow \textsf{SSYT}(\mu , \nu )$$

SSYT
(
λ
,
ν
)
↪
SSYT
(
μ
,
ν
)

on semistandard Young tableaux given constraints on the shape of

$$\lambda $$

λ

, and present results on immersion relations among hook and two column partitions. The standard immersion poset

$$({\mathcal {P}}(n), \leqslant _{std})$$

(
P

(
n
)

,

⩽

std

)

is a refinement of the immersion poset, defined by

$$\lambda \leqslant _{std} \mu $$

λ

⩽

std

μ

if and only if

$$\lambda \leqslant _D \mu $$

λ

⩽
D

μ

in dominance order and

$$f^\lambda \leqslant f^\mu $$

f
λ

⩽

f
μ

, where

$$f^\nu $$

f
ν

is the number of standard Young tableaux of shape

$$\nu $$

ν

. We classify maximal elements of certain shapes in the standard immersion poset using the hook length formula. Finally, we prove Schur-positivity of power sum symmetric functions on conjectured lower intervals in the immersion poset, addressing questions posed by Sundaram [12].
‘Nurses as Gatekeepers’: Nurses’ Responses to Spiritual Needs of Patients with Primary Malignant Brain Tumors in Austria—Analysis of a Qualitative Vignette Study
Authors: Grabenweger Reinhard , Völz Daniela , Bumes Elisabeth , Best Megan , Paal Piret
Published: February 2025

This paper investigates the nurses’ gatekeeping role for spiritual care in multi-disciplinary teams as a way of responding to the spiritual needs of patients with brain tumors in Austria. Using a validated vignette in an online survey, qualitative data from 56 neurosurgical nurses (30.4% response rate) were analyzed via reflexive thematic analysis. One key theme, Nurses as Gatekeepers – Referral and Working with other Health Care Professionals, highlights nurses’ critical role in spiritual care. Effective referrals depend on nurses’ awareness of spiritual care specialists’ roles, emphasizing their importance in ensuring comprehensive, team-based care for neuro-oncological patients with complex spiritual needs.
General network production theory for good and bad inputs and outputs
Authors: Dyckhoff Harald
Published: February 2025

The paper systematically extends a recently developed general production theory for networks of arbitrarily complex structure by utilising multi-criteria analysis to include undesirable objects as inputs and outputs. By embedding Koopmans’ linear activity analysis into the broader framework the approach is generic in that it requires rather weak technological properties, thus allowing non-convex and even discrete production possibilities without any disposability property. The modelling approach can often be more appropriate than conventional ones and can be easily extended to dynamic analyses, since its network flow equations are based on balances that can integrate inventories in cases of material inputs and outputs. Theorems are proved that relate important properties of whole networks (e.g. convexity) or of their activities (e.g. efficiency) to those of their individual production units. Common methods of efficiency measurement are integrated in such a way that network data envelopment analysis for bads as inputs or outputs is embedded as the special case focusing specifically on polyhedral technologies. By applying different types of efficiency measures, a systematic procedure for evaluating the performance of network activities is demonstrated for the example of a two-stage production and abatement network and its subsystem with parallel units.
Effect of Aquafaba and Almond Milk on the Quality of Gluten-Free Vegan Pancakes: Nutritional and Sensory Evaluation
Authors: Tan Gozdenur , Ozkan Gulcan , Aydin Ebru
Published: February 2025

The rising prevalence of celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and vegan dietary preferences has increased the demand for gluten-free and plant-based foods. This study investigates the potential of aquafaba, a chickpea cooking by-product, as an egg substitute, combined with almond, coconut, and buckwheat flours to develop gluten-free vegan pancake formulations. Aquafaba was optimized for foaming and emulsifying properties under specific conditions (30 min cooking at 70–80 kPa, 110–115 °C, with a 1:1 chickpea-to-water ratio). Four pancake formulations, including gluten containing pancake (GCP), gluten-containing vegan (GCVP) gluten-free pancake (GFP) and gluten-free vegan pancake (GFVP) were evaluated for physicochemical, nutritional, sensory, and textural properties. The GFVP formulation, containing 10.5% almond, 4% coconut, and 15% buckwheat flours, exhibited 14.38% fat, 8.8% protein, 4.01% ash, and 5.29 g/100 g dietary fiber. These values were significantly higher than GCVP, which had 0.24% fat, 7.75% protein, 2.39% ash, and 0.72 g/100 g dietary fiber. Texture analysis showed that gluten-containing pancakes had superior cohesiveness (0.75) and springiness (0.85), while GFVP demonstrated softer properties with cohesiveness at 0.55 and hardness at 2.7 N. Sensory evaluation revealed high consumer acceptability for GFVP, with competitive scores for flavor and overall preference. Using aquafaba and alternative flours allowed the development of gluten-free, vegan, and sugar-free pancakes with desirable nutritional and sensory attributes. These results highlight aquafaba’s potential in creating sustainable, functional foods tailored to diverse dietary needs. The findings contribute to the advancement of functional, health-focused food development.
A Reliability Generalization Meta-analysis of the PERMA-Profiler
Authors: Karabacak Çelik Aynur
Published: February 2025

PERMA-Profiler is a well-being scale to measure multi-component well-being regarding Seligman’s approach. The validity and reliability results have demonstrated that its score is valid and reliable in the original study, but it is important to indicate and generalize the results of it. To this end, we performed a reliability generalization meta-analysis using 71 Cronbach alpha coefficients from empirical studies that met the inclusion criteria. We used the random-effects model using Bonett’s transformation method. The pooled alpha was 0.914, 95% CI [0.902–0.925] for the overall PERMA-Profiler, 0.857, 95% CI [0.842–0.871] for
P

ositive emotions, 0.657, 95% CI [0.623–0.690] for
E

ngagement, 0.804, 95% CI [0.780–0.829] for
R

elationship, 0.855, 95% CI [0.838–0.871] for
M

eaning, 0.783, 95% CI [0.760–0.805] for
A

ccomplishment. Meta-regression and analog to the ANOVA analysis indicated that continuous and categorical variables did not significantly affect reliability estimates except for the Likert type. As a result, we proposed suggestions for substantive research using the PERMA-Profiler and future psychometric research on it.
Addressing Global Disparities in Cervical Cancer Burden: A Narrative Review of Emerging Strategies
Authors: Gopalkrishnan Kalpana , Karim Roksana
Published: February 2025

Purpose of Review

Cervical cancer burden is disproportionately higher in low to middle income countries, especially in countries with a high human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) burden. This review investigates barriers to implementation and assesses current progress in cervical cancer screening in lower resource settings by reviewing technologies and strategies that have already been implemented in low to middle income countries.

Recent Findings

Several novel innovations embrace the recent World Health Organization (WHO) update to screening guidelines that recommends a “screen and treat” approach rather than a “screen, triage and treat” approach. Innovations include human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling, portable cervical visualization devices, and creative large-scale approaches to increase screening accessibility.

Overall, a low-cost, accurate, point-of-care screening test could alleviate most of the barriers associated with cervical cancer screening in lower resource settings. Further research into the development of a low-cost HPV test in conjunction with the HPV vaccine and other screening tools could expedite progress.