bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergistic toughening of poly(lactic acid) by poly(butylene adipate‐co‐terephthalate) and poly(methyl methacrylate)–poly(butyl acrylate)–poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer
Authors: Zhang Haifeng , Dong Chungang , Han Xiangyan , Han Yuanyuan , Zhao Fengyang , Yan Nan , Hu Yuexin , Zhao Guiyan
Published: May 2022

Poly(butyleneadipate‐co‐terephthalate) (PBAT) was used to toughen poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with the addition of poly(methyl methacrylate)–poly(butyl acrylate)–poly(methyl methacrylate) (MAM) through melt blending. The impact toughness and tensile toughness of the PLA/PBAT/MAM ternary blends were greatly enhanced when the MAM content was higher than 5%. For PLA/PBAT/MAM (80/15/5) blend, the notched impact strength was as high as 42.4 kJ/m2, and the elongation at break reached 194.7%. The structure–property relationship of the PLA/PBAT/MAM ternary blends were studied through scanning electron microscopy, dynamic mechanical analysis, and contact angle measurements. It is found MAM and PBAT have a synergistic toughening effect on PLA, the MAM acts as not only a compatibilizer but also a toughening agent, which can improve the compatibility and enhance the interfacial adhesion between PLA and PBAT. As a result, the overall mechanical properties of PLA blends were improved significantly. This result provides a simple to operate and more efficient method for PLA toughening.
Independent Subsystems of Atomic Hydrogen in Silicon Responsible for Boron Passivation and for Dimer Production
Authors: Voronkov Vladimir V.
Published: May 2022

Herein, the reported data on boron–hydrogen defects HB are analyzed to conclude that there are at least two independent hydrogen ions, H+(1) and H+(2), that passivate boron by forming the HB(1) and HB(2) defects, respectively. The two H+(i)/HB(i) subsystems differ remarkably by the value of the transport parameter DK (a product of the H+ diffusivity and the equilibrium dissociation constant of HB). There are numerous pairing reactions involving different single‐hydrogen species in positive and neutral charge states, and producing various kinds of dimeric hydrogen H2. Within this model, a good fit to plasma‐induced hydrogen profiles (including a complicated shape found in boron‐implanted sample) is obtained.
Doubly‐robust methods for differences in restricted mean lifetimes using pseudo‐observations
Authors: Choi Sangbum , Choi Taehwa , Lee Hye‐Young , Han Sung Won , Bandyopadhyay Dipankar
Published: May 2022

In clinical studies or trials comparing survival times between two treatment groups, the restricted mean lifetime (RML), defined as the expectation of the survival from time 0 to a prespecified time‐point, is often the quantity of interest that is readily interpretable to clinicians without any modeling restrictions. It is well known that if the treatments are not randomized (as in observational studies), covariate adjustment is necessary to account for treatment imbalances due to confounding factors. In this article, we propose a simple doubly‐robust pseudo‐value approach to effectively estimate the difference in the RML between two groups (akin to a metric for estimating average causal effects), while accounting for confounders. The proposed method combines two general approaches: (a) group‐specific regression models for the time‐to‐event and covariate information, and (b) inverse probability of treatment assignment weights, where the RMLs are replaced by the corresponding pseudo‐observations for survival outcomes, thereby mitigating the estimation complexities in presence of censoring. The proposed estimator is double‐robust, in the sense that it is consistent if at least one of the two working models remains correct. In addition, we explore the potential of available machine learning algorithms in causal inference to reduce possible bias of the causal estimates in presence of a complex association between the survival outcome and covariates. We conduct extensive simulation studies to assess the finite‐sample performance of the pseudo‐value causal effect estimators. Furthermore, we illustrate our methodology via application to a dataset from a breast cancer cohort study. The proposed method is implementable using the R package drRML, available in GitHub.
State observers for the time discretization of a class of impulsive mechanical systems
Authors: Preiswerk Pascal V. , Leine Remco I.
Published: May 2022

In this work, we investigate the state observer problem for linear mechanical systems with a single unilateral constraint, for which neither the impact time instants nor the contact distance is explicitly measured. We propose to attack the observer problem by transforming and approximating the original continuous‐time system by a discrete linear complementarity system (LCS) through the use of the Schatzman–Paoli scheme. From there, we derive a deadbeat observer in the form of a linear complementarity problem. Sufficient conditions guaranteeing the uniqueness of its solution then serve as observability conditions. In addition, the discrete adaptation of an existing passivity‐based observer design for LCSs can be applied. A key point in using a time discretization is that the discretization acts as a regularization, that is, the impacts take place over multiple time steps (here two time steps). This makes it possible to render the estimation error dynamics asymptotically stable. Furthermore, the so‐called peaking phenomenon appears as singularity within the time discretization approach, posing a challenge for robust observer design.
Pipes, prisms, and patent sales: How personal wealth expands and contracts the gender gap in entrepreneurship
Authors: McGrath Patia J. , Chen Tian , Nerkar Atul
Published: May 2022

Research Summary

This study investigates whether there is a gender gap in the sale of patents by entrepreneurs and examines whether the personal wealth of female entrepreneurs can compensate for it. Using a sample of 107,697 independent inventors, we overcome the empirical challenge of measuring wealth through a novel approach that leverages Zillow data. We find strong evidence of a gender gap in patent sales, and find it poses a cruel irony for female entrepreneurs. While greater wealth of female entrepreneurs improves their likelihood of patent sale, increasing wealth simultaneously expands the gender gap, making female entrepreneurs increasingly worse off relative to male entrepreneurs except at high affluence. These results underscore the complexity of the challenges facing female entrepreneurs seeking to commercialize using patent sales.

Managerial Summary

Are female entrepreneurs disadvantaged in monetizing their inventions, relative to male entrepreneurs? Our study, which examines invention commercialization through selling patents, suggests the answer is yes. We begin by evidencing the gender gap in patent sales, showing that female inventors are 41.7% less likely to sell a patent than male inventors. We then investigate whether an entrepreneur′s personal wealth—a financial asset that also represents valuable intangible resources like network connections and competency signals—can help to close it. We find that wealth is a double‐edged sword. Although greater wealth of female entrepreneurs improves their likelihood of patent sale, it can concurrently widen the gap, making them increasingly worse off versus male entrepreneurs. We offer concrete recommendations for closing the gender gap in patent sales.
Radiolabeled Nanocarriers as Theranostics—Advancement from Peptides to Nanocarriers
Authors: Desai Prachi , Rimal Rahul , Sahnoun Sabri E. M. , Mottaghy Felix. M. , Möller Martin , Morgenroth Agnieszka , Singh Smriti
Published: May 2022

Endogenous targeted radiotherapy is emerging as an integral modality to treat a variety of cancer entities. Nevertheless, despite the positive clinical outcome of the treatment using radiolabeled peptides, small molecules, antibodies, and nanobodies, a high degree of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity still persist. This limits the amount of dose that can be injected. In an attempt to mitigate these side effects, the use of nanocarriers such as nanoparticles (NPs), dendrimers, micelles, liposomes, and nanogels (NGs) is currently being explored. Nanocarriers can prolong circulation time and tumor retention, maximize radiation dosage, and offer multifunctionality for different targeting strategies. In this review, the authors first provide a summary of radiation therapy and imaging and discuss the new radiotracers that are used preclinically and clinically. They then highlight and identify the advantages of radio‐nanomedicine and its potential in overcoming the limitations of endogenous radiotherapy. Finally, the review points to the ongoing efforts to maximize the use of radio‐nanomedicine for efficient clinical translation.
Main‐Group Metal Single‐Atomic Regulators in Dual‐Metal Catalysts for Enhanced Electrochemical CO2 Reduction
Authors: Hu Chenghong , Wang Yajing , Chen Jianmin , Wang Hao‐Fan , Shen Kui , Tang Kewen , Chen Liyu , Li Yingwei
Published: May 2022

Single‐atom sites can not only act as active centers, but also serve as promising catalyst regulators and/or promoters. However, in many complex reaction systems such as electrochemical CO2 reduction reaction (CO2RR), the introduction of single‐atom regulators may inevitably induce the competitive hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and thus reduce the selectivity. Here, the authors demonstrate that introducing HER‐inert main‐group metal single atoms adjacent to transition‐metal single atoms can modify their electronic structure to enhance the CO2RR to CO without inducing the HER side reaction. Dual‐metal Cu and In single‐site atoms anchored on mesoporous nitrogen‐doped carbon (denoted as Cu‐In‐NC) are prepared by the pyrolysis of a multimetallic metal–organic framework. Cu‐In‐NC shows a high faradic efficiency of 96% toward CO formation at −0.7 V versus reversible hydrogen electrode, superior to that of its monometallic single‐atom counterparts. Density functional theory studies reveal that the HER‐inert In sites can activate the adjacent Cu sites through electronic modifications, strengthening the binding of *COOH intermediate and thus boosting the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to CO.
Cathaya vanderburghii, a misnomer for European Neogene fossil cones
Authors: Xu Xiaohui , Zhang Xin , Yang Liuyin
Published: May 2022

Some fossil seed cones from the European Neogene identified to the genus Cathaya and published as a fossil‐species, Cathaya vanderburghii, are shown not to belong to Cathaya. In this paper, fossil C. vanderburghii is transferred to Nothotsuga and recombined as Nothotsuga vanderburghii comb. nov. An amended diagnosis and detailed description of N. vanderburghii are given. The fossil cones are characterised by ovoid to conical shape, rhombic to suborbicular and auriculate scales, and slightly exserted ligulate‐spathulate bracts with dentate margin and acute apex.
Valorization of copper smelter slag through the recovery of metal values by a synergistic bioprocess system of bio‐flotation and bio‐leaching
Authors: Behera Sunil Kumar , Panda Sandeep Kumar , Mulaba‐Bafubiandi Antoine‐Floribert
Published: May 2022

Slag sample generated as solid waste from a copper plant in Southern Africa contains strategically important base metals like copper, nickel and cobalt. X‐ray diffraction and X‐ray fluorescence analysis confirmed the presence of fayalite (Fe2SiO4), silica (SiO2) and alumina (Al2O3) as the major mineral phases in the slag sample. The presence of alumina and silicate minerals in copper slag are the major obstacles in the recovery of base metals in mineral processing industries. The copper slag may be hazardous if abandoned to the environment but it may be a valuable resource if the metal values can be recovered. Hence, the present study focused on the application of a bio‐surfactant extracted from Lactobacillus fermentum bacterium as a bio‐collector in the flotation of the slag sample to reduce its silica and alumina content. Subsequently, the slag sample was subjected to bio‐leaching by Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans bacterium for recovery of the metal values. Flotation batch experiments were conducted in 1 L scale Denver flotation cell and during the process, about 37.90% of silica and 22.82% alumina were removed from the slag sample. The findings from this study further revealed the effectiveness of the bio‐surfactant‐assisted flotation process on the bio‐leaching of base metals from the slag sample. Flotation of silica and alumina from the slag improved bio‐leaching performance and recovered about 74.0% of copper, 60.0% of nickel and 33.4% cobalt in the bio‐leaching process conducted at laboratory scale.
The lived experience of psychosis: a bottom‐up review co‐written by experts by experience and academics
Authors: Fusar‐Poli Paolo , Estradé Andrés , Stanghellini Giovanni , Venables Jemma , Onwumere Juliana , Messas Guilherme , Gilardi Lorenzo , Nelson Barnaby , Patel Vikram , Bonoldi Ilaria , Aragona Massimiliano , Cabrera Ana , Rico Joseba , Hoque Arif , Otaiku Jummy , Hunter Nicholas , Tamelini Melissa G. , Maschião Luca F. , Puchivailo Mariana Cardoso , Piedade Valter L. , Kéri Péter , Kpodo Lily , Sunkel Charlene , Bao Jianan , Shiers David , Kuipers Elizabeth , Arango Celso , Maj Mario
Published: May 2022

Psychosis is the most ineffable experience of mental disorder. We provide here the first co‐written bottom‐up review of the lived experience of psychosis, whereby experts by experience primarily selected the subjective themes, that were subsequently enriched by phenomenologically‐informed perspectives. First‐person accounts within and outside the medical field were screened and discussed in collaborative workshops involving numerous individuals with lived experience of psychosis as well as family members and carers, representing a global network of organizations. The material was complemented by semantic analyses and shared across all collaborators in a cloud‐based system. The early phases of psychosis (i.e., premorbid and prodromal stages) were found to be characterized by core existential themes including loss of common sense, perplexity and lack of immersion in the world with compromised vital contact with reality, heightened salience and a feeling that something important is about to happen, perturbation of the sense of self, and need to hide the tumultuous inner experiences. The first episode stage was found to be denoted by some transitory relief associated with the onset of delusions, intense self‐referentiality and permeated self‐world boundaries, tumultuous internal noise, and dissolution of the sense of self with social withdrawal. Core lived experiences of the later stages (i.e., relapsing and chronic) involved grieving personal losses, feeling split, and struggling to accept the constant inner chaos, the new self, the diagnosis and an uncertain future. The experience of receiving psychiatric treatments, such as inpatient and outpatient care, social interventions, psychological treatments and medications, included both positive and negative aspects, and was determined by the hope of achieving recovery, understood as an enduring journey of reconstructing the sense of personhood and re‐establishing the lost bonds with others towards meaningful goals. These findings can inform clinical practice, research and education. Psychosis is one of the most painful and upsetting existential experiences, so dizzyingly alien to our usual patterns of life and so unspeakably enigmatic and human.
Acute psychiatric care: approaches to increasing the range of services and improving access and quality of care
Authors: Johnson Sonia , Dalton‐Locke Christian , Baker John , Hanlon Charlotte , Salisbury Tatiana Taylor , Fossey Matt , Newbigging Karen , Carr Sarah E. , Hensel Jennifer , Carrà Giuseppe , Hepp Urs , Caneo Constanza , Needle Justin J. , Lloyd‐Evans Brynmor
Published: May 2022

Acute services for mental health crises are very important to service users and their supporters, and consume a substantial share of mental health resources in many countries. However, acute care is often unpopular and sometimes coercive, and the evidence on which models are best for patient experience and outcomes remains surprisingly limited, in part reflecting challenges in conducting studies with people in crisis. Evidence on best ap­proaches to initial assessment and immediate management is particularly lacking, but some innovative models involving extended assessment, brief interventions, and diversifying settings and strategies for providing support are potentially helpful. Acute wards continue to be central in the intensive treatment phase following a crisis, but new approaches need to be developed, evaluated and implemented to reducing coercion, addressing trauma, diversifying treatments and the inpatient workforce, and making decision‐making and care collaborative. Intensive home treatment services, acute day units, and community crisis services have supporting evidence in diverting some service users from hospital admission: a greater understanding of how best to implement them in a wide range of contexts and what works best for which service users would be valuable. Approaches to crisis management in the voluntary sector are more flexible and informal: such services have potential to complement and provide valuable learning for statutory sector services, especially for groups who tend to be underserved or disengaged. Such approaches often involve staff with personal experience of mental health crises, who have important potential roles in improving quality of acute care across sectors. Large gaps exist in many low‐ and middle‐income countries, fuelled by poor access to quality mental health care. Responses need to build on a foundation of existing community responses and contextually relevant evidence. The necessity of moving outside formal systems in low‐resource settings may lead to wider learning from locally embedded strategies.
Einleitung
Authors: Esposito Raffaella Simona
Published: May 2022

In der Einleitung werden die Ausgangslage, das Forschungsdesiderat und die forschungsleitenden Fragestellungen, der theoretische Bezugsrahmen und das methodische Vorgehen der Studie dargelegt sowie zentrale Ergebnisse präsentiert. Ausgangspunkt der Studie ist der Fachkräftemangel im Gesundheitswesen und die damit einhergehende bildungspolitische Frage, über welche Zubringerausbildungen auf Sekundarstufe II, der erforderliche Fachkräftenachwuchs rekrutiert werden soll. Die vorliegende Studie fokussiert und vergleicht in diesem Zusammenhang die beiden funktional anschlussäquivalenten Gesundheitsausbildungen Fachmittelschule mit Berufsfeld Gesundheit und berufliche Erstausbildung zur Fachfrau bzw. zum Fachmann Gesundheit.
Fachmittelschule mit Berufsfeld Gesundheit und berufliche Grundbildung Fachfrau/-mann Gesundheit – Zwei funktional anschlussäquivalente Gesundheitsausbildungen
Authors: Esposito Raffaella Simona
Published: May 2022

Das vorliegende Kapitel begründet die mit dieser Studie geschlossene Forschungslücke. In Abschn. 2.1 werden im Zusammenhang mit grundlegenden Ausführungen zur Sekundarstufe II und zur Tertiärstufe des Schweizer Bildungssystems die beiden Kernbegriffe der Studie, Positionierung und Profilierung, eingeführt. In den Abschn. 2.2 und 2.3 werden die allgemeinbildende FMS Gesundheit sowie die berufsbildende BGB FaGe als Ausbildungsprogramme beschrieben und es wird der jeweilige gegenwärtige Stand der Forschung dargelegt. Daraus wird abschließend das Erkenntnisinteresse dieser Studie – die Positionierung und Profilierung der FMS Gesundheit neben der bzw. im Vergleich zur BGB FaGe – abgeleitet.
Entwicklung einer konventionensoziologischen Perspektive zur Analyse der Positionierung und Profilierung von Ausbildungsprogrammen
Authors: Esposito Raffaella Simona
Published: May 2022

In diesem Kapitel wird der theoretische Bezugsrahmen dieser Studie, die Soziologie der Konventionen/ Économie des Conventions (EC), vorgestellt. Ausgehend von einer konventionensoziologischen Definition des Qualitätsbegriffs sowie der Darstellung des theoretischen Instrumentariums, mit dessen Hilfe die empirische Analyse erfolgt, wird das Erkenntnisinteresse dieser Studie theoretisch spezifiziert und zu forschungsleitenden Fragen verdichtet.
Ringen um die Positionierung auf der Sekundarstufe II im Bereich Gesundheit zwischen 1990 und 2004
Authors: Esposito Raffaella Simona
Published: May 2022

Mit Kap. 5 beginnt die Ergebnisdarstellung zur ersten Hauptfrage nach der Positionierung der FMS Gesundheit neben der BGB FaGe. Dargestellt wird aus einer historischen Perspektive, was die Einführung der BGB FaGe für die FMS Gesundheit bedeutete und inwiefern es der FMS Gesundheit in einem umstrittenen Aushandlungsprozess gelungen ist, sich als formal anerkannter Zubringer zu den Fachhochschulen zu etablieren. Ausgehend davon werden Überlegungen zur Weiterentwicklung des konventionensoziologischen Rahmens für Analysen im Bereich der Bildung präsentiert.
Positionierung als Zubringer zu den tertiären Gesundheitsausbildungen
Authors: Esposito Raffaella Simona
Published: May 2022

Im vorliegenden Kapitel wird die Bedeutung der FMS Gesundheit im Vergleich zur BGB FaGe aus einer quantitativen Perspektive erörtert. Damit wird die dritte Teilfrage zur Positionierung der beiden Ausbildungsprogramme, wie sich die FMS Gesundheit gegenwärtig im Vergleich zur BGB FaGe als Zubringer zu den tertiären Gesundheitsausbildungen positioniert, beantwortet. Zu diesem Zweck wurden Daten der Längsschnittanalysen im Bildungsbereich (LABB) des Bundesamts für Statistik (BFS) ausgewertet. Aus diesen  eigenen Analysen sind insbesondere zwei Sankey-Diagramme (Abb. 6.1 und 6.6) hervorgegangen, die die Bildungsverläufe der Jugendlichen nach Erstabschluss der FMS (FMS-Ausweis) im Gesundheitsbereich und der BGB FaGe (EFZ FaGe) im Jahr 2012 über eine Zeitspanne von 54 Monaten grafisch nachzeichnen. Ausgehend davon wird im vorliegenden Kapitel auch das Potenzial der beiden Ausbildungsprogramme für die Rekrutierung von tertiären Pflegefachkräften diskutiert.
Ausbildungsprofile im Vergleich
Authors: Esposito Raffaella Simona
Published: May 2022

Kap. 7 legt die Ergebnisse zur zweiten Hauptfrage nach der Profilierung der FMS Gesundheit im Vergleich zur BGB FaGe dar. Anhand der Dimensionen Zielgruppe, Bildungsziele, Bildungsinhalte, Wissensformen sowie Modi der Wissensvermittlung und -aneignung wird vergleichend aufgezeigt, was die Ausbildungsprofile der beiden Ausbildungsprogramme charakterisiert und welche sprachregionalen Unterschiede in der Profilierung der FMS Gesundheit erkennbar sind. Ausgehend davon wird die in Kap. 5 konzeptionell eingeführte feldspezifische Artikulation der häuslichen Konvention (häuslich-schulisch und häuslich-betrieblich) basierend auf den gewonnenen empirischen Erkenntnissen ausdifferenziert und empirisch abgestützt.
Thermal equilibrium in string theory in the Hagedorn phase
Authors: Brustein Ram , Zigdon Yoav
Published: May 2022

Abstract

In string theory, a thermal state is described by compactifying Euclidean time on a thermal circle $$ {S}_{\beta}^1 $$

S
β
1

, of fixed circumference. However, this circumference is a dynamical field which could vary in space, therefore thermal equilibrium is not guaranteed. We discuss a thermal state of type II string theory near and above the Hagedorn temperature and show that the circumference of the thermal circle can indeed be fixed and stabilized in the presence of a uniform isotropic flux. We solve the equations of motion derived from an action that reproduces the tree-level string S-matrix. We find solutions with the topologies of $$ {S}_{\beta}^1 $$

S
β
1

× S2×$$ \mathcal{M} $$
M
d−2 at a fixed temperature, which include a space-filling winding-mode condensate and a uniform Neveu-Schwarz Neveu-Schwarz flux supported on $$ {S}_{\beta}^1 $$

S
β
1

× S2. The solutions that we find have either a linear dilaton or a constant dilaton, in which case, we find solutions with either a cosmological constant or a Ramond-Ramond flux. We then compare our solutions to the cigar and cylinder backgrounds associated with the SL(2, ℝ)/U(1) coset theory, which include a winding-mode condensate but without flux. We also compare and contrast our solutions with the non-uniform Horowitz-Polchinski solution, which also possesses a winding-mode condensate and is characterized by an approximate thermal equilibrium near the Hagedorn temperature.
A new generation of simultaneous fits to LHC data using deep learning
Authors: Iranipour Shayan , Ubiali Maria
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We present a new methodology that is able to yield a simultaneous determination of the Parton Distribution Functions (PDFs) of the proton alongside any set of parameters that determine the theory predictions; whether within the Standard Model (SM) or beyond it. The SIMUnet methodology is based on an extension of the NNPDF4.0 neural network architecture, which allows the addition of an extra layer to simultaneously determine PDFs alongside an arbitrary number of such parameters. We illustrate its capabilities by simultaneously fitting PDFs with a subset of Wilson coefficients within the Standard Model Effective Field Theory framework and show how the methodology extends naturally to larger subsets of Wilson coefficients and to other SM precision parameters, such as the strong coupling constant or the heavy quark masses.
Superfluid effective field theory for dark matter direct detection
Authors: Matchev Konstantin , Smolinsky Jordan , Xue Wei , You Yining
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We develop an effective field theory (EFT) framework for superfluid4He to model the interactions among quasiparticles, helium atoms and probe particles. Our effective field theory approach brings together symmetry arguments and power-counting and matches to classical fluid dynamics. We then present the decay and scattering rates for the relevant processes involving quasiparticles and helium atoms. The presented EFT framework and results can be used to understand the dynamics of thermalization in the superfluid, and can be further applied to sub-GeV dark matter direct detection with superfluid4He.
Two-loop leading colour helicity amplitudes for W±γ + j production at the LHC
Authors: Badger Simon , Hartanto Heribertus Bayu , Kryś Jakub , Zoia Simone
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We present the two-loop leading colour QCD helicity amplitudes for the process pp → W (→ lν)γ + j. We implement a complete reduction of the amplitudes, including the leptonic decay of the W-boson, using finite field arithmetic, and extract the analytic finite remainders using a recently identified basis of special functions. Simplified analytic expressions are obtained after considering permutations of a rational kinematic parametrisation and multivariate partial fractioning. We demonstrate efficient numerical evaluation of the two-loop colour and helicity summed finite remainders for physical kinematics, and hence the suitability for phenomenological applications.
A sensitivity study of VBS and diboson WW to dimension-6 EFT operators at the LHC
Authors: Bellan R. , Boldrini G. , Brambilla D. , Brivio I. , Brusa R. , Cetorelli F. , Chiusi M. , Covarelli R. , Del Tatto V. , Govoni P. , Massironi A. , Olivi L. , Ortona G. , Pizzati G. , Tarabini A. , Vagnerini A. , Vernazza E. , Xiao J.
Published: May 2022

Abstract

We present a parton-level study of electro-weak production of vector-boson pairs at the Large Hadron Collider, establishing the sensitivity to a set of dimension-six operators in the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT). Different final states are statistically combined, and we discuss how the orthogonality and interdependence of different analyses must be considered to obtain the most stringent constraints. The main novelties of our study are the inclusion of SMEFT effects in non-resonant diagrams and in irreducible QCD backgrounds, and an exhaustive template analysis of optimal observables for each operator and process considered. We also assess for the first time the sensitivity of vector-boson-scattering searches in semileptonic final states.
Learning by Doing: Integrating Shape Grammar as a Visual Coding Tool in Architectural Curricula
Authors: El-Mahdy Deena
Published: May 2022

Computational design and shape grammars hold a growing appeal in the architectural curricula. This paper aims to assess shape grammars as a visual teaching method that integrates manual exploration based on “learning by doing” in early education curricula without digital software. As a primary outcome of a visual design course at the British university in Egypt, four self-structured pavilions are fabricated by first-year architecture students. Experimentation occurs through a process of visual computing which develops a deeper understanding of material qualities. A comparison of design parameters is conducted through hands-on experiments that include design principles, unit transformations, connection types, assembly process, and functional aspects. The paper examines the skills that students acquired during the course. This study concludes that by applying shape grammars in design studios, students are adequately prepared at the foundational level for their transition towards learning computational design.
Prospects of genetics and breeding for low-phosphate tolerance: an integrated approach from soil to cell
Authors: Ojeda-Rivera Jonathan Odilón , Alejo-Jacuinde Gerardo , Nájera-González Héctor-Rogelio , López-Arredondo Damar
Published: May 2022

Improving phosphorus (P) crop nutrition has emerged as a key factor toward achieving a more resilient and sustainable agriculture. P is an essential nutrient for plant development and reproduction, and phosphate (Pi)-based fertilizers represent one of the pillars that sustain food production systems. To meet the global food demand, the challenge for modern agriculture is to increase food production and improve food quality in a sustainable way by significantly optimizing Pi fertilizer use efficiency. The development of genetically improved crops with higher Pi uptake and Pi-use efficiency and higher adaptability to environments with low-Pi availability will play a crucial role toward this end. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of Pi nutrition and the regulation of Pi-starvation responses in plants, and provide new perspectives on how to harness the ample repertoire of genetic mechanisms behind these adaptive responses for crop improvement. We discuss on the potential of implementing more integrative, versatile, and effective strategies by incorporating systems biology approaches and tools such as genome editing and synthetic biology. These strategies will be invaluable for producing high-yielding crops that require reduced Pi fertilizer inputs and to develop a more sustainable global agriculture.
Eastward enlargements of the European Union, transitional arrangements and self-employment
Authors: Ulceluse Magdalena , Kahanec Martin
Published: May 2022

When the European Union expanded eastward in 2004 and 2007 to accession the so-called EU8 and EU2 countries, respectively, the incumbent member states imposed temporary restrictions on the employment of EU8 and EU2 nationals. Self-employed individuals were exempted from these transitional arrangements, prompting concerns that self-employment could be used as a means to evade the restrictions on labour market access. If the transitional arrangements led to an increase in EU8 and EU2 nationals’ self-employment rates, as previous research suggests, then their removal should have led to a corresponding decrease. This article analyses whether the latter has indeed been the case. Using pooled cross section data from the EU Labour Force Survey, over the period 2004–2019, we show that removing the transitional arrangements has had a negative effect on the self-employment rates of EU2 nationals, but seemingly no effect on the self-employment rates of EU8 nationals. Distinguishing between types of capitalist regimes, however, reveals a much more nuanced picture, with significant variation in terms of the magnitude and significance of the effect across groups of countries.
High-density direct laser deposition (DLD) of CM247LC alloy: microstructure, porosity and cracks
Authors: Bidare Prveen , Mehmeti Aldi , Jiménez Amaia , Li Sheng , Garman Chris , Dimov Stefan , Essa Khamis
Published: May 2022

Nickel-based alloys are known as non-weldable materials due to their complex characteristics. Consequently, additive manufacturing of these alloys is particularly challenging. In this paper, the influence of process parameters on the porosity, crack formation and microstructure of additively manufactured CM247LC nickel-based alloy is analysed. The feasibility of the direct laser deposition (DLD) process to manufacture crack-free and low-porosity CM247LC samples is studied. CM247LC samples were built on Inconel 718 that has similar chemical composition, to form hybrid superalloy parts. It was shown that crack-free and high-density CM247LC samples can be obtained through DLD without significant substrate preheating for certain parameter combinations: laser power in the range of 800–1000 W and powder feed rates between 6 and 8 g/min. High-cost and complex preheating was avoided that was commonly reported as necessary to achieve similar densities. For hybrid parts, a large beam diameter and slow scan speeds were employed to achieve optimal conditions as it was evident from the achieved bonding between the Inconel 718 substrate and the deposited layers. It was observed that good bonding between the two materials can be obtained with laser power values between 800 and 1000 W, scanning speed higher than 300 mm/min and powder flow rates of 6–8 g/min.
A reduced basis method for fractional diffusion operators I
Authors: Danczul Tobias , Schöberl Joachim
Published: May 2022

We propose and analyze new numerical methods to evaluate fractional norms and apply fractional powers of elliptic operators. By means of a reduced basis method, we project to a small dimensional subspace where explicit diagonalization via the eigensystem is feasible. The method relies on several independent evaluations of $$({{\,\mathrm{I}\,}}-t_i^2\Delta )^{-1}f$$

(

I

-

t
i
2

Δ
)

-
1

f

, which can be computed in parallel. We prove exponential convergence rates for the optimal choice of sampling points $$t_i$$

t
i

, provided by the so-called Zolotarëv points. Numerical experiments confirm the analysis and demonstrate the efficiency of our algorithm.
Sphere Partition Function of Calabi–Yau GLSMs
Authors: Erkinger David , Knapp Johanna
Published: May 2022

The sphere partition function of Calabi–Yau gauged linear sigma models (GLSMs) has been shown to compute the exact Kähler potential of the Kähler moduli space of a Calabi–Yau. We propose a universal expression for the sphere partition function evaluated in hybrid phases of Calabi–Yau GLSMs that are fibrations of Landau–Ginzburg orbifolds over some base manifold. Special cases include Calabi–Yau complete intersections in toric ambient spaces and Landau–Ginzburg orbifolds. The key ingredients that enter the expression are Givental’sI/J-functions, the Gamma class and further data associated to the hybrid model. We test the proposal for one- and two-parameter abelian GLSMs, making connections, where possible, to known results from mirror symmetry and FJRW theory.
Mahler Measure for a Quiver Symphony
Authors: Bao Jiakang , He Yang-Hui , Zahabi Ali
Published: May 2022

Adopting the Mahler measure from number theory, we introduce it to toric quiver gauge theories, and study some of its salient features and physical implications. We propose that the Mahler measure is a universal measure for the quiver, encoding its dynamics with the monotonic behaviour along a so-called Mahler flow including two special points at isoradial and tropical limits. Along the flow, the amoeba, from tropical geometry, provides geometric interpretations for the dynamics of the quiver. In the isoradial limit, the maximization of Mahler measure is shown to be equivalent to a-maximization. The Mahler measure and its derivative are closely related to the master space, leading to the property that the specular duals have the same functions as coefficients in their expansions, hinting the emergence of a free theory in the tropical limit. Moreover, they indicate the existence of phase transition. We also find that the Mahler measure should be invariant under Seiberg duality.
Heat flux in latent thermal energy storage systems: the influence of fins, thermal conductivity and driving temperature difference
Authors: Quenel Julian , Atakan Burak
Published: May 2022

Phase change materials (PCM) can increase the energy densities in thermal energy storage systems. Heat transfer rates in PCMs are usually limiting, different improvement methods were used previously, such as fins or improved thermal conductivities. Here, the influence of fin geometries, PCM thermal conductivity and discharge temperature of the secondary fluid are investigated by modelling. The analysed outcomes are their influence on stored energy, heat flux and stored exergy. The two-dimensional time dependent energy equation was solved for a rectangular enclosure with a secondary fluid with constant temperature as boundary condition on one side. The modelled PCM data based on a paraffin melting at 44 °C. The different improvement methods increase the heat flux, but the increase is lower than expected according to idealized calculations. The basis for this investigation is the evaluation of a dimensionless heat flux number formed from the heat flux, thermal conductivity, temperature difference from the secondary fluid to the phase change temperature and a characteristic length of the system. The influence of the better thermal conductivity is found to be lower at higher fin volume fractions. The increase of the discharge temperature difference had the strongest impact on the heat flux, but the exergy loss also increased. The exergy loss was also related to the achieved reduction in the discharge time as an indicator for the heat flux. Here, it was seen that the exergy losses outweigh the advantage in discharge time from a higher discharge temperature difference.
Prevalence of inflicted and neglectful femur shaft fractures in young children in national level I trauma centers
Authors: Loos Marie-Louise H. J. , Bakx Roel , Allema J. H. , Bloemers Frank W. , Ten Bosch Jan A. , Edwards Michael J. R. , Hulscher Jan B. F. , Keyzer-Dekker Claudia M. G. , Krug Egbert , de Ridder Victor A. , Spanjersberg W. Richard , Teeuw Arianne H. , Theeuwes Hilco P. , de Vries Selena , de Wit Ralph , van Rijn Rick R. ,   The FurAHA study group, de Boer Anne , Edelenbos Esther , Goslings J. Carel , van Sommeren Lia P. G. W. , Toor Annelies , Verburg Jasmijn J. M. , Affourtit Marjo , van Ditshuizen Jan C. , Wijnen Rene M. H. , Kempink Dagmar R. J. , Bessems Johannes H. J. M. , Hagenaars Tjebbe , Hartog Dennis den , Jansen M. A. C. , Greeven A. P. A. , Kanters Floris E. P. , Aalbers-Hiemstra Annemieke , Mulder Arnaud , Smiers Frans , Hartendorf Rina C. , Fiddelers Audrey A. A. , Levelink Birgit , Poeze Martijn , de Blaauw Ivo , Tromp Tjarda N. , Beuker Benn , Reininga Inge , Wendt Klaus , Aspers-Wolters Stasja J. G. , van de Putte Elise M.
Published: May 2022

Background

The prevalence of inflicted femur fractures in young children varies (1.5–35.2%), but these data are based on small retrospective studies with high heterogeneity. Age and mobility of the child seem to be indicators of inflicted trauma.

Objective

This study describes other factors associated with inflicted and neglectful trauma that can be used to distinguish inflicted and neglectful from accidental femur fractures.

Materials and methods

This retrospective study included children (0–6 years) who presented with an isolated femur fracture at 1 of the 11 level I trauma centers in the Netherlands between January 2010 and January 2016. Outcomes were classified based on the conclusions of the Child Abuse and Neglect teams or the court. Cases in which conclusions were unavailable and there was no clear accidental cause were reviewed by an expert panel.

Results

The study included 328 children; 295 (89.9%) cases were classified as accidental trauma. Inflicted trauma was found in 14 (4.3%), while 19 (5.8%) were cases of neglect. Indicators of inflicted trauma were age 0–5 months (29%, positive likelihood ratio [LR +] 8.35), 6–12 months (18%, LR + 5.98) and 18–23 months (14%, LR + 3.74). Indicators of neglect were age 6–11 months (18%, LR + 4.41) and age 18–23 months (8%, LR + 1.65). There was no difference in fracture morphology among groups.

Conclusion

It is unlikely that an isolated femur fracture in ambulatory children age > 24 months is caused by inflicted trauma/neglect. Caution is advised in children younger than 24 months because that age is the main factor associated with inflicted trauma/neglect and inflicted femur fractures.
Moving beyond radiographic alignment: applying the Wald Principles in the adoption of robotic total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Lonner Jess H. , Goh Graham S.
Published: May 2022

The use of robotics in total knee arthroplasty (TKA) is growing at an exponential rate. Despite the improved accuracy and reproducibility of robotic-assisted TKA, consistent clinical benefits have yet to be determined, with most studies showing comparable functional outcomes and survivorship between robotic and conventional techniques. Given the success and durability of conventional TKA, measurable improvements in these outcomes with robotic assistance may be difficult to prove. Efforts to optimize component alignment within two degrees of neutral may be an attainable but misguided goal. Applying the “Wald Principles” of rationalization, it is possible that robotic technology may still prove beneficial, even when equivalent clinical outcomes as conventional methods, if we look beyond the obvious surrogate measures of success. Robotic systems may help to reduce inventory, streamline surgical trays, enhance workflows and surgical efficiency, optimize soft tissue balancing, improve surgeon ergonomics, and integrate artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms into a broader digital ecosystem. This article explores these less obvious alternative benefits of robotic surgery in the field of TKA.
Synovial calprotectin is a reliable biomarker for periprosthetic joint infections in acute-phase inflammation — a prospective cohort study
Authors: Lazic Igor , Prodinger Peter , Stephan Maximilian , Haug Alexander T. , Pohlig Florian , Langer Severin , von Eisenhart-Rothe Rüdiger , Suren Christian
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Diagnosing periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are challenging and may be hampered by the presence of other causes of local inflammation. Conventional synovial and serum markers are not reliable under these circumstances. Synovial calprotectin has been recently shown as a promising biomarker for PJI in total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The aim of this study is to investigate if calprotectin is reliable for PJI diagnosis in cases with accompanying inflammation due to recent surgery, dislocation or implant breakage in primary and revision TKA and THA.

Methods

Thirty-three patients were included in this prospective study between July 2019 and October 2021 (17 patients undergoing surgery < 9 months, 11 dislocations, five implant breakage, respectively). Synovial white blood cell count (WBC), percentage of polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PMC), serum C-reactive protein (CRP) and synovial calprotectin, using a lateral-flow-assay, were analysed. These parameters were tested against a modified European-Bone-and-Joint-Infection-Society (EBJIS) definition with adjusted thresholds to account for the local inflammation. Statistic quality criteria were calculated and compared using a binary classification test.

Results

Seventeen patients were classified as confirmed infections according to the modified EBJIS definition (13 THA and 4 TKA). The calprotectin assay yielded a sensitivity of 0.88 (0.64, 0.99), a specificity of 0.81 (0.54, 0.96), a positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.83 (0.59, 0.96) and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.87 (0.60, 0.98).

Conclusions

Even in the presence of local inflammation due to other, non-infectious causes, calprotectin is a reliable diagnostic parameter for the detection of a PJI in primary and revision THA and TKA.
A stratified transect approach captures reef complexity with canopy-forming organisms
Authors: Smith Hillary A. , Boström-Einarsson Lisa , Bourne David G.
Published: May 2022

On the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), persistent changes to reef communities have begun to be documented, and on inshore reefs these shifts may favour the proliferation of macroalgae. Critical to understanding changes to reef community structure in response to anthropogenic impacts is developing effective methods to accurately document the abundance of different reef organisms. Effective monitoring must be time and cost efficient, replicable, and able to sufficiently and accurately detect disturbances to allow development of strategies to mitigate their impacts. Traditional techniques to document coral reef communities (i.e. photo-quadrats, benthic intercept transects) rely on planar views, which tend to either over- or under-represent canopy-forming organisms. As canopy-forming organisms are likely to be affected by anthropogenic influences (corals negatively, algae positively), it is essential for monitoring programs to implement methods sufficient to document changes to the vertical dimension of coral reefs. Here we build on previous work to document the canopy effect in coral-dominated ecosystems and propose a new survey approach suitable for implementation in algal-dominated systems. A vertically stratified transect, modified from a traditional point intercept transect, captures benthic and canopy-forming members of reef communities and provides information on three-dimensional complexity. To test the capability of the new method to detect changes in vertical reef structure, seaweed was removed from experimental quadrats and monitoring techniques were applied before and after four months of regrowth. A stratified method more accurately captured the three-dimensional change resulting from algal canopy growth, while resolving the over- and under-representation of algal biomass in two traditional techniques. We propose that a stratified transect method improves abundance estimates of canopy-forming organisms whilst maintaining data compatibility with traditional methods.
Autologous replacement of the head of the radius—proximal fibula versus second metatarsal base: an anatomic feasibility study
Authors: Farr Sebastian , Augustin Julian , Röhrich Sebastian , Felbermeier Martina , Hirtler Lena
Published: May 2022

Introduction

This study investigated the anatomic feasibility of a new surgical therapy option for radial head arthrosis using an autologous vascularized bone graft of the second metatarsal and proximal fibula to recreate the proximal radiohumeral joint.

Materials and methods

Upper and lower extremities of eleven body donors were evaluated using CT prior to anatomic dissection. Several distinct anatomic parameters were measured on the ipsi- and contralateral radial and fibular head and the second metatarsal base: bone diameter, articular surface diameter, head height, metaphyseal (neck) diameter, articular surface radius, total articular surface area, and angulation of the articular surfaces (facet). Each dissection phase was photographed in a standardized fashion and all measurements were repeated by direct caliper-measurements.

Results

When comparing the proximal radius and fibula to search for anatomic similarities, similar values were found in the maximum articular surface diameter and minimum and maximum measures of the neck diameter. Comparing the proximal radius and the second metatarsal, statistically similar values were found in the maximum neck diameter performing direct measurements and CT evaluation, the maximum head diameter in CT evaluation and the articular facet angulation.

Conclusions

Neither the proximal fibula nor the base of the second metatarsal are ideal bone grafts for replacement of the head of the radius. The base of the second metatarsal might be a bit more suitable as a potential donor since the angulation of the proximal articular facet is similar to that of the radius.

Level of evidence

Level IV, anatomic study.