bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Piperine for treating breast cancer: A review of molecular mechanisms, combination with anticancer drugs, and nanosystems
Authors: Quijia Christian Rafael , Chorilli Marlus
Published: September 2021

Piperine (PIP) is an alkaloid found primarily in Piper longum, and this natural compound has been shown to exert effects on proliferation and survival against various types of cancer. In particular, PIP has potent inhibitory effects on breast cancer (BC), the most prevalent type of cancer in women worldwide. PIP targets numerous signaling pathways associated with the therapy of BC cells through the following mechanisms: (a) induction of arrest of the cell cycle and apoptosis; (b) alteration of the signaling protein expression; (c) reduction in transcription factors; and (d) inhibition of tumor growth. BC cells have the ability to resist conventional drugs, so one of the strategies is the combination of PIP with other phytochemicals such as paclitaxel, thymoquinone, hesperidin, bee venom, tamoxifen, mitoxantrone, piperlongumin, and curcumin. Nanotechnology‐based drug encapsulation systems are currently used to enhance the release of PIP. This includes polymer nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, and liposomes. In the present review, the chemistry and bioavailability of PIP, its molecular targets in BC, and nanotechnological strategies are discussed. Future research directions are also discussed to further understand this promising natural product.
Absorbing aerosol decreases cloud cover in cloud‐resolving simulations over Germany
Authors: Senf F. , Quaas J. , Tegen I.
Published: September 2021

Aerosol can affect clouds in various ways. Beside the microphysical impact of aerosol particles on cloud formation, the interference of aerosol with atmospheric radiation leads to changes in local heating, surface fluxes and thus mesoscale circulations, all of which may also modify clouds. Rather little is known about these so‐called semi‐direct effects in realistic settings – a reason why this study investigates the impact of absorbing aerosol particles on cloud and radiation fields over Germany. Using advanced high‐resolution simulations with grid spacings of 312 and 625 m, numerical experiments with different aerosol optical properties are contrasted using purely scattering aerosol as a control case and realistic absorbing aerosol as a perturbation. The combined effect of surface dimming and atmospheric heating induces positive temperature and negative moisture anomalies between 800 and 900 hPa, impacting low‐level cloud formation. Decreased relative humidity as well as increased atmospheric stability below clouds lead to a reduction of low‐level cloud cover, liquid water path and precipitation. It is further found that direct and semi‐direct effects of absorbing aerosol forcing have similar magnitudes and contribute equally to a reduction of net radiation at the top of the atmosphere.
Understanding the roles of universities for sustainable development transformations: A framing analysis of university models
Authors: Cuesta‐Claros Andrea , Malekpour Shirin , Raven Rob , Kestin Tahl
Published: September 2021

Scholars have proposed university models for creating a sustainable future in response to mounting calls for universities to rethink their roles in society. These university models include the Human Development University, the Developmental University, the Post‐Developmental University, and the Transformative University. Through a framing analysis, this study compares different university models to understand how the models: frame their proposed new roles, suggest universities should change to adopt these roles, how particular notions of sustainable development transformations underpin the roles, and ultimately, how the roles relate to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We argue that it is essential to reflect on this plurality of normative roles to understand how some models could complement each other and how other models highlight issues with sustainable development, in general, and the SDGs, in particular, that could potentially undermine the transformative roles of universities for a sustainable society.
A foot in the door: Field experiments on entrepreneurs' network activation strategies for investor referrals
Authors: Nai Jared , Lin Yimin , Kotha Reddi , Vissa Balagopal
Published: September 2021

Research summary

We investigate entrepreneurial network activation—the processes by which entrepreneurs select specific contacts from their existing personal network and persuade the selected contacts to provide referrals to access targeted early‐stage investors (venture capitalists or angel‐investors). We differentiate between selection of entrepreneur‐centric contacts versus investor‐centric contacts. We also distinguish between persuasion tactics that induce contacts' cooperation through promises of reciprocity versus offers of monetary incentives. We conducted two field‐experiments in India and one in Singapore. Our primary field‐experiment involved 42 Singapore‐based entrepreneurs seeking referrals from 684 network contacts to reach a panel of four investors. Our evidence suggests that selecting investor‐centric contacts leads to greater referral success; in addition, persuasion by promising reciprocity also leads to greater referral success.

Managerial summary

A vital first‐step for resource‐starved entrepreneurs seeking funding for their scalable business‐idea is to obtain referrals to early‐stage investors, because such investors pay more attention to referrals from trusted contacts. Using field‐experiments, we examine how entrepreneurs' choices in selecting network contacts and persuading them to provide referrals drive their access to investors. Results suggest that compared with the habitual pattern of requesting referrals from contacts proximate to themselves, entrepreneurs are about six times more likely to secure successful referrals when they select investor‐centric contacts for referral requests. Furthermore, actively persuading contacts by promising future reciprocity results in about three times higher likelihood of securing successful referrals. Our findings show how thoughtful activation of existing contacts can enable even modestly connected entrepreneurs to gain investor access.
In Situ Construction of Aramid Nanofiber Membrane on Li Anode as Artificial SEI Layer Achieving Ultra‐High Stability
Authors: Zheng Shuai , Zhang HaiYan , Fan JinChen , Xu QunJie , Min YuLin
Published: September 2021

Achieving uniform Li deposition is vital for the construction of a safe but also efficient Li‐metal anode for Li‐metal batteries (LMBs). Herein, a facile coating strategy is used for forming an ultra‐thin aramid nanofiber (ANF) membrane, with a network structure, on a Li anode (ANF‐Li) as an artificial layer inhibiting Li dendrite's growth. The results show that under an ultra‐high current density of 50 mA cm−2, the ANF‐Li|ANF‐Li symmetric cells can be kept stably cycled for a period exceeding 300 h. The ANF‐Li|LiFePO4 full cells exhibit a high‐capacity retention of 80.1% after 1200 cycles at 1 C, showing a promising potential for LMBs application. Combined experimental results with theoretical calculations, the excellent performance of the ANF‐Li anode is explored. Lithiophilic polar functional groups (CO, NH) appear in the surface and structure of ANF membrane, which offer high‐concentration functional sites for the Li ions to realize an effective adhesion at the molecular level. This work also finds fiber‐shaped lithium deposition for the first time. Furthermore, the nanoscale porosity of the ANF membrane not only provides fast pathways and channels for the diffusion of the electrolyte and Li transportation, but also eliminates the “weak links” of micron‐scale Li dendrites penetrating the membrane.
Inorganic Hollow Nanocoils Fabricated by Controlled Interfacial Reaction and Their Electrocatalytic Properties
Authors: Moon Jun Hwan , Lee Moo Young , Park Bum Chul , Jeon Yoo Sang , Kim Seunghyun , Kim Taesoon , Ko Min Jun , Cho Kang Hee , Nam Ki Tae , Kim Young Keun
Published: September 2021

The fabrication of 3D hollow nanostructures not only allows the tactical provision of specific physicochemical properties but also broadens the application scope of such materials in various fields. The synthesis of 3D hollow nanocoils (HNCs), however, is limited by the lack of an appropriate template or synthesis method, thereby restricting the wide‐scale application of HNCs. Herein, a strategy for preparing HNCs by harnessing a single sacrificial template to modulate the interfacial reaction at a solid–liquid interface that allows the shape‐regulated transition is studied. Furthermore, the triggering of the Kirkendall effect in 3D HNCs is demonstrated. Depending on the final state of the transition metal ions reduced during the electrochemical preparation of HNCs, the surface states of the binding anions and the composition of the HNCs can be tuned. In a single‐component CrPO4 HNC with a clean surface, the Kirkendall effect of the coil shape is analyzed at various points throughout the reaction. The rough‐surface multicomponent MnOxP0.21 HNCs are complexed with ligand‐modified BF4‐Mn3O4 nanoparticles. The fabricated nanocomposite exhibits an overpotential decrease of 25 mV at neutral pH compared to pure BF4‐Mn3O4 nanoparticles because of the increased active surface area.
Ion‐Inserted Metal–Organic Frameworks Accelerate the Mass Transfer Kinetics in Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhou Mingjie , Li Yaoyao , Lei Tianyu , Chen Wei , Rao Gaofeng , Xue Lanxin , Hu Anjun , Fan Yuxin , Huang Jianwen , Hu Yin , Wang Xianfu , Xiong Jie
Published: September 2021

Lithium–sulfur battery promises great potential to promote the reform of energy storage field. Modified functional interlayer on separator has been recognized as efficient method to promote battery performances, mainly focusing on the entrapment and catalytic effect toward lithium polysulfide, while the mass transfer property across the interlayers has not been carefully considered. Herein, a dense layer composed of ion‐inserted metal–organic frameworks is used to facilitate mass transfer across the layer and ensure high polysulfides entrapment efficiency. In situ Raman study reveals that the dense functional layer blocks the transfer of Li ions, while the ion‐inserted layer can accelerate the ion‐transfer kinetics and avoid the ion depletion caused polarization. As a result, a specific capacity of 742 mAh g−1 is obtained at 2 C, with the decay rate of 0.089% per cycle at 1 C over 600 cycles, demonstrating great potential for the application in advanced Li–S batteries.
Strategies to improve electrochemical performances of pristine metal‐organic frameworks‐based electrodes for lithium/sodium‐ion batteries
Authors: Liu Zhoujia , Zheng Fenfen , Xiong Weiwei , Li Xiaogang , Yuan Aihua , Pang Huan
Published: September 2021

Metal‐organic frameworks (MOFs) have attracted considerable attention as promising next‐generation active electrode materials for lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs) or sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) because of ultrahigh specific surface area, uniformly distributed pores, and tunable structure. However, there are some disadvantages inevitably far from meeting commercial requirements, such as low conductivity, inconvenient electron transmission, and unsatisfactory circulation stability. In this review, a comprehensive summary of MOFs‐based electrode materials is presented and discussed. First, the general Li+/Na+ storage mechanism in MOFs‐based electrode materials, including conversion‐ and insertion‐type reactions, are summarized with details of active inorganic/organic ligands. Second, MOFs as anode materials for LIBs/SIBs are emphasized and improved on the electrochemical performances. Furthermore, very few research literature on MOFs‐based cathode materials is also discussed. Finally, opinions and prospects on the current challenge of MOFs‐based electrode materials are provided for future research directions.
Influence of Inclusions on the Nucleation of Acicular Ferrites in a Ti–Zr‐Bearing Steel
Authors: Yao Hao , Zhang Lifeng , Ren Qiang
Published: September 2021

Laboratory experiments are conducted to study the influence of inclusions on the nucleation of acicular ferrite in Ti–Zr‐bearing steels. The ferrite transformation in steels with different Ti–Zr contents is observed using a high‐temperature confocal laser scanning microscope (HT‐CLSM). The average composition and size of inclusions and the information about the nucleation of acicular ferrite (AF) are analyzed using a scanning electron microscope. When the content of titanium in the steel increased from 70 to 370 ppm, the main composition in the inclusion transformed from Al2O3 to Ti2O3, the volume fraction of AF increased from 24.4% to 52.5%. The average content of ZrO2 in inclusions is 0%, 18.51%, and 90.39%, when the Zr content of steel is 0 80, and 140 ppm, the volume fraction of AF is 52.5%, 76.9%, and 56.8%. The relationship between the cosine of the contact angle at the inclusions‐ferrite interface and the diameter of inclusions is established based on experimental results, which is consistent with the results calculated based on the classic nucleation theory.
Structural and Biochemical Characterization of a Polysaccharide Isolated From Vaccinium uliginosum L
Authors: Li Xingguo , Wang Xiaotian , Guo Xue , Li Dalong , Huo Junwei , Yu Zeyuan
Published: September 2021

A novel polysaccharide (VUP‐1) from Vaccinium uliginosum L. fruits is isolated using polyamide resin and Sephadex G‐100 column chromatography. VUP‐1 is a heteropolysaccharide, which is composed of mannose, galacturonic acid, galactose, glucose, and arabinose at a molar ratio of 1.00:3.35:7.99:8.38:11.89 with a molecular weight of 4.98 × 104 kDa. The glycosyl linkages of (1→5)‐α‐L‐Arabinose, (1→4)‐β‐D‐Galactose, (1→6)‐α‐D‐Galactose, (1→6)‐α‐D‐Glucose, and (1→4)‐β‐D‐Mannose are confirmed by nuclear magnetic resonance. Based on scanning electron microscopy and Congo red assays, VUP‐1 shows flake‐like structures, but no triple helix structure. VUP‐1 presents high antioxidant activities (DPPH•, OH•, and reducing power) and moderate α‐amylase inhibitory activity. Scavenging rate of VUP‐1 on DPPH• and OH• are 93.86 ± 0.59% and 48.58 ± 0.64%, respectively. Reducing power of VUP‐1 reached 1.14 ± 0.05. Inhibition rate of α‐amylase is 37.23 ± 0.45% when VUP‐1 concentration is 4.0 mg mL‒1. In addition, VUP‐1 shows obvious inhibitory activities on the formation of dicarbonyl compounds (42.10±0.61%) and improved glycation end products (45.93±1.27%) compared to that of Amadori products (29.91±0.78%). This study concludes that polysaccharides from Vaccinium uliginosum L. have potential to be used as oral hypoglycemic agents.
The Copper Chemical Garden as a Low Cost and Efficient Material for Breaking Down Air Pollution by Gaseous Ammonia
Authors: Castellini Elena , Bernini Fabrizio , Sebastianelli Lorenzo , Bighi Beatrice , Ignacio Sainz‐Díaz Claro , Mucci Adele , Malferrari Daniele , Ranieri Antonio , Gorni Giulio , Marini Carlo , Franca Brigatti Maria , Borsari Marco
Published: September 2021

Chemical garden (CG) from copper(II) sulfate, nitrate and chloride (CG CuSO4, CG Cu(NO3)2, CG CuCl2) were grown, and characterized from the structural and compositional point of view by using scanning electron microscopy, X‐ray powder diffraction, elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analysis coupled with mass spectrometry, and DR (diffuse reflectance) UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroscopy. The main crystalline phases, controlled by the anion of the starting salt, were brochantite and kobyashevite for CG CuSO4, gerhardtite, rouaite and anthonyite for CG Cu(NO3)2, and atacamite for CG CuCl2. The materials were then exposed to ammonia vapors to test the effectiveness of their entrapping property. All materials proved to be very efficient and rapid in the uptake of ammonia, which invariably results in the formation of a Cu(II)/NH3 complex. However, after a few tens of minutes, CG Cu(NO3)2 and CG CuCl2 release water and get wet, thereby resulting unsuitable for applications. Only CG CuSO4 remains dry for at least 25 hours. This makes it a valid candidate for building devices for trapping ammonia, and possibly other gases capable of interacting with Cu(II). The entrapment of ammonia by this material was also characterized by 1H and 29Si MAS‐NMR XAS spectroscopies.
Richard Henry Collins Penny
Authors: Baker Ian
Published: September 2021

A vet who dedicated his life's work to pigs, amassing a vast knowledge of pig medicine in the process.
Animals ‘shapeshifting’ in the face of climate change
Authors: Mills Georgina
Published: September 2021

Georgina Mills describes how some species are evolving to adapt to hotter climates.
Vascular characteristics and expression of hypoxia genes in Tibetan pigs’ hearts
Authors: Yang Yanan , Gao Caixia , Yang Tianliang , Sha Yuzhu , Cai Yuan , Wang Xinrong , Yang Qiaoli , Liu Chengze , Wang Biao , Zhao Shengguo
Published: September 2021

Background

Tibetan pigs have exhibited unique characteristics from low‐altitudes pigs and adapted well to the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau.

Objectives

The current study was undertaken to investigate the hypoxic adaptation of heart in Tibetan pigs.

Methods

The hearts of Tibetan pigs and Landrace pigs raised at high or low altitudes were compared using 3D casting technology, scanning electron microscopy and real‐time quantitative PCR (qRT‐PCR).

Results

We found that the ratio of the major axis to the minor axis and the density of the heart were significantly higher in Tibetan pigs than in Landrace pigs (p < 0.05). Tibetan pigs had larger diameters and higher densities of arterioles than Landrace pigs (p < 0.05), and these features have a similar variation with the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). The cardiac expression levels of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) were significantly higher in pigs reared at high altitudes than in those reared at low altitudes (p < 0.05). In contrast, Egl nine homolog 1 (EGLN1) had the opposite trend with respect to HIF‐1α and eNOS and was related to red blood cell (RBC) counts. Notably, the expressions of erythropoietin (EPO) and endothelial PAS domain‐containing protein 1 (EPAS1) were significantly higher in Landrace pigs kept at high altitudes than in the others (p < 0.05) and were associated with haemoglobin.

Conclusions

These findings show that the regulation of the heart function of Tibetan pigs in a hypoxic environment is manifested at various levels to ensure the circulation of blood under extreme environmental conditions.
Thermal effects and initial stress on magneto‐thermo‐viscoelastic medium with two temperature under five theories
Authors: Alharbi Amnah M. , Atef Haitham M. , Othman Mohamed I. A.
Published: September 2021

The contribution of this study is to research how the initial stress and the application of a magnetic field affects the two‐dimensional complication of a general, two temperature, and thermally activated viscoelastic material in five theories. In the physical domain, normal mode analysis is employed to obtain the analytical expressions for the physical quantities. A numerical pathway is chosen to calculate the analytical expressions and their explanation is done using various graphical methods. The results predicted by different theories (L‐S, G‐L, G‐N II, and DPL) are also examined in both the scenarios, that is, existence and non‐existence of a magnetic field, viscosity, initial stress, and two temperatures.
Elastic buckling and free vibration of nonlocal strain gradient Euler‐Bernoulli beams using Laplace transform
Authors: Bian Pei‐Liang , Qing Hai
Published: September 2021

Previous studies have shown that Lim's nonlocal strain gradient differential model would lead to some inconsistencies for the static bending of Bernoulli‐Euler and Timoshenko beams, though it is widely applied to address both softening and toughening size‐effect. In this work, nonlocal strain gradient integral model is applied to study the elastic buckling and free vibration of Bernoulli‐Euler beam under different boundary conditions. The differential governing equation and corresponding boundary conditions are derived via the Hamilton's principle, and the relation between strain and nonlocal stress is expressed in integral form. The Laplace transform technique is applied to solve the integro‐differential equations directly, and the explicit expression for bending deflections and moments is obtained with six unknown constants. The nonlinear characteristic equations to determine the characteristic buckling load and vibration frequency are derived explicitly in consideration of corresponding boundary conditions. The buckling load and vibration frequency from present model are validated against to the existed results in literature. Consistent softening and toughening responses respect to length‐scale parameters can be obtained for both elastic buckling and free vibration.
Conclusion
Authors: Rey Emmanuel , Laprise Martine , Lufkin Sophie
Published: September 2021

The inventory of urban brownfields in post-industrial European metropolitan areas and the study of regeneration projects highlight the absolute necessity of these resources for the sustainability transitions of urban territories and the undeniable complexity of this type of process. Given the complexity of the variables involved, there is no simple and unambiguous recipe to make urban territories evolve towards more sustainability. In a synthetic way, we recall how this book examines the strategies and methods of regenerating urban brownfields through the lens of sustainability at the neighbourhood scale. Then, we question how the urban brownfield phenomenon will evolve in the decades to come. Finally, we argue that it is through inter-disciplinarity of approaches that neighbourhoods in transition can contribute, on their scale, to the mutation and adaptability of urban territories.
Sustainability Issues at the Neighbourhood Scale
Authors: Rey Emmanuel , Laprise Martine , Lufkin Sophie
Published: September 2021

We previously identified that urban brownfield regeneration projects are relevant strategies to limit urban sprawl while revitalizing portions of cities, namely mixed-use neighbourhoods. Moreover, these neighbourhoods in transition are opportunities to foster the implementation of sustainability objectives within European metropolitan areas. This chapter explore this subject by deepening the sustainability issues at the neighbourhood scale. To provide the basis for discussion, we first attempt to frame the urban sustainability concept and to explain how the neighbourhood scale is a means of action for cities. Then, we analyse the different sustainability issues according to a wide variety of parameters that must especially be taken into account during sustainable neighbourhood projects, and more precisely urban brownfield regeneration projects. These parameters cover the four pillars of sustainability—the environment, society, economy, and governance—and the polycentric reorganization of European metropolitan areas.
Key Steps of a Regeneration Process
Authors: Rey Emmanuel , Laprise Martine , Lufkin Sophie
Published: September 2021

Because of their inherent complexity, urban brownfield regeneration projects are long-term operations. The study of the evolution from urban brownfield site to a new—and ideally sustainable—neighbourhood through a regeneration process has led to the identification of five key steps: Backgrounds, Initiators, Guidelines, Legal Basis, and Realization. This chapter highlights the specific issues encountered during these different steps. Thus, our early reflections on the future of an urban brownfield at the regional and metropolitan levels concern the Background and Initiator steps. The formulation of a coherent project to overcome negative perception and foster a shared vision relates to the Guidelines steps. The transition from the urban to the architectural project is dealt with during the Legal Basis and Realization steps. Finally, issues concerning the multiple forms of participatory processes and the evaluation of sustainability objectives must be taken into consideration throughout the regeneration process. These reflections provide a foundation for developing a series of measures and more concrete lines of action.
Specific Skills and Adapted Support
Authors: Rey Emmanuel , Laprise Martine , Lufkin Sophie
Published: September 2021

Although urban brownfields hold significant inherent potential, especially in limiting urban sprawl, a large number of sites are still awaiting a regeneration project. Moreover, many of these projects only partially or superficially address sustainability principles. Hence, concrete courses of action are required to support the evolution of current practices towards increased sustainability. These courses of action, which rely on specific skills and adapted supports, require a complementary approach. In other words, strategies should be conducted consistently at the territorial, metropolitan, and project levels. In this regard, the present chapter provides a series of courses of action to be implemented at these levels. Our aim here is to foster the sustainable transition of metropolitan areas, and more precisely brownfield sites, into lively neighbourhoods.
Two-loop mass anomalous dimension in reduced quantum electrodynamics and application to dynamical fermion mass generation
Authors: Metayer S. , Teber S.
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We consider reduced quantum electrodynamics ($$ {\mathrm{RQED}}_{d_{\gamma },{d}_e} $$

RQED

d
γ

,

d
e

) a model describing fermions in a de-dimensional space-time and interacting via the exchange of massless bosons in dγ-dimensions (de ≤ dγ). We compute the two-loop mass anomalous dimension, γm, in general $$ {\mathrm{RQED}}_{4,{d}_e} $$

RQED

4
,

d
e

with applications to RQED4,3 and QED4. We then proceed on studying dynamical (parity-even) fermion mass generation in $$ {\mathrm{RQED}}_{4,{d}_e} $$

RQED

4
,

d
e

by constructing a fully gauge-invariant gap equation for $$ {\mathrm{RQED}}_{4,{d}_e} $$

RQED

4
,

d
e

with γm as the only input. This equation allows for a straightforward analytic computation of the gauge-invariant critical coupling constant, αc, which is such that a dynamical mass is generated for αr> αc, where αr is the renormalized coupling constant, as well as the gauge-invariant critical number of fermion flavours, Nc, which is such that αc → ∞ and a dynamical mass is generated for N < Nc. For RQED4,3, our results are in perfect agreement with the more elaborate analysis based on the resolution of truncated Schwinger-Dyson equations at two-loop order. In the case of QED4, our analytical results (that use state of the art five-loop expression for γm) are in good quantitative agreement with those obtained from numerical approaches.
Flavoured axions in the tail of Bq → μ+μ− and B → γ* form factors
Authors: Albrecht Johannes , Stamou Emmanuel , Ziegler Robert , Zwicky Roman
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We discuss how LHC di-muon data collected to study Bq → μμ can be used to constrain light particles with flavour-violating couplings to b-quarks. Focussing on the case of a flavoured QCD axion, a, we compute the decay rates for Bq → μμa and the SM background process Bq → μμγ near the kinematic endpoint. These rates depend on non-perturbative Bq → γ(*) form factors with on- or off-shell photons. The off-shell form factors — relevant for generic searches for beyond-the-SM particles — are discussed in full generality and computed with QCD sum rules for the first time. This includes an extension to the low-lying resonance region using a multiple subtracted dispersion relation. With these results, we analyse available LHCb data to obtain the sensitivity on Bq → μμa at present and future runs. We find that the full LHCb dataset alone will allow to probe axion-coupling scales of the order of 106 GeV for both b → d and b → s transitions. As a spin-off application of the off-shell form factors we further analyse the case of light, Beyond the Standard Model, vectors.
A semi-analytic method to compute Feynman integrals applied to four-loop corrections to the $$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$-pole quark mass relation
Authors: Fael Matteo , Lange Fabian , Schönwald Kay , Steinhauser Matthias
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We describe a method to numerically compute multi-loop integrals, depending on one dimensionless parameter x and the dimension d, in the whole kinematic range of x. The method is based on differential equations, which, however, do not require any special form, and series expansions around singular and regular points. This method provides results well suited for fast numerical evaluation and sufficiently precise for phenomenological applications. We apply the approach to four-loop on-shell integrals and compute the coefficient function of eight colour structures in the relation between the mass of a heavy quark defined in the $$ \overline{\mathrm{MS}} $$

MS
¯

and the on-shell scheme allowing for a second non-zero quark mass. We also obtain analytic results for these eight coefficient functions in terms of harmonic polylogarithms and iterated integrals. This allows for a validation of the numerical accuracy.
Analytical Green’s functions for continuum spectra
Authors: Megías Eugenio , Quirós Mariano
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Green’s functions with continuum spectra are a way of avoiding the strong bounds on new physics from the absence of new narrow resonances in experimental data. We model such a situation with a five-dimensional model with two branes along the extra dimension z, the ultraviolet (UV) and the infrared (IR) one, such that the metric between the UV and the IR brane is AdS5, thus solving the hierarchy problem, and beyond the IR brane the metric is that of a linear dilaton model, which extends to z → ∞. This simplified metric, which can be considered as an approximation of a more complicated (and smooth) one, leads to analytical Green’s functions (with a mass gap mg ∼ TeV and a continuum for s >$$ {m}_g^2 $$

m
g
2

) which could then be easily incorporated in the experimental codes. The theory contains Standard Model gauge bosons in the bulk with Neumann boundary conditions in the UV brane. To cope with electroweak observables the theory is also endowed with an extra custodial gauge symmetry in the bulk, with gauge bosons with Dirichlet boundary conditions in the UV brane, and without zero (massless) modes. All Green’s functions have analytical expressions and exhibit poles in the second Riemann sheet of the complex plane at s = $$ {M}_n^2 $$

M
n
2

− iMnΓn, denoting a discrete (infinite) set of broad resonances with masses (Mn) and widths (Γn). For gauge bosons with Neumann or Dirichlet boundary conditions, the masses and widths of resonances satisfy the (approximate) equation s = −4$$ {m}_g^2{\mathcal{W}}_n^2 $$

m
g
2

W
n
2

[±(1 + i)/4], where $$ \mathcal{W} $$
W
n is the n-th branch of the Lambert function.
Anomalous couplings in Higgs-boson pair production at approximate NNLO QCD
Authors: de Florian Daniel , Fabre Ignacio , Heinrich Gudrun , Mazzitelli Javier , Scyboz Ludovic
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We combine NLO predictions with full top-quark mass dependence with approximate NNLO predictions for Higgs-boson pair production in gluon fusion, including the possibility to vary coupling parameters within a non-linear Effective Field Theory framework containing five anomalous couplings for this process. We study the impact of the anomalous couplings on various observables, and present Higgs-pair invariant-mass distributions at seven benchmark points characterising different mhh shape types. We also provide numerical coefficients for the approximate NNLO cross section as a function of the anomalous couplings at $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 14 TeV.
Exploring the new physics phases in 3+1 scenario in neutrino oscillation experiments
Authors: Fiza Nishat , Masud Mehedi , Mitra Manimala
Published: September 2021

Abstract

The various global analyses of available neutrino oscillation data indicate the presence of the standard 3 + 0 neutrino oscillation picture. However, there are a few short baseline anomalies that point to the possible existence of a fourth neutrino (with mass in the eV-scale), essentially sterile in nature. Should sterile neutrino exist in nature and its presence is not taken into consideration properly in the analyses of neutrino data, the interference terms arising due to the additional CP phases in presence of a sterile neutrino can severely impact the physics searches in long baseline (LBL) neutrino oscillation experiments. In the current work we consider one light (eV-scale) sterile neutrino and probe all the three CP phases (δ13, δ24, δ34) in the context of the upcoming Deep Underground Neutrino Experiment (DUNE) and also estimate how the results improve when data from NOvA, T2K and T2HK are added in the analysis. We illustrate the ∆χ2 correlations of the CP phases among each other, and also with the three active-sterile mixing angles. Finally, we briefly illustrate how the relevant parameter spaces in the context of neutrinoless double beta decay get modified in light of the bounds in presence of a light sterile neutrino.
Complete one-loop matching of the type-I seesaw model onto the Standard Model effective field theory
Authors: Zhang Di , Zhou Shun
Published: September 2021

Abstract

In this paper, we accomplish the complete one-loop matching of the type-I seesaw model onto the Standard Model Effective Field Theory (SMEFT), by integrating out three heavy Majorana neutrinos with the functional approach. It turns out that only 31 dimension-six operators (barring flavor structures and Hermitian conjugates) in the Warsaw basis of the SMEFT can be obtained, and most of them appear at the one-loop level. The Wilson coefficients of these 31 dimension-six operators are computed up to $$ \mathcal{O} $$
O
(M−2) with M being the mass scale of heavy Majorana neutrinos. As the effects of heavy Majorana neutrinos are encoded in the Wilson coefficients of these higher-dimensional operators, a complete one-loop matching is useful to explore the low-energy phenomenological consequences of the type-I seesaw model. In addition, the threshold corrections to the couplings in the Standard Model and to the coefficient of the dimension-five operator are also discussed.
Ginzburg-Landau effective action for a fluctuating holographic superconductor
Authors: Bu Yanyan , Fujita Mitsutoshi , Lin Shu
Published: September 2021

Abstract

Under holographic prescription for Schwinger-Keldysh closed time contour for non-equilibrium system, we consider fluctuation effect of the order parameter in a holographic superconductor model. Near the critical point, we derive the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau effective action governing dynamics of the fluctuating order parameter. In a semi-analytical approach, the time-dependent Ginzburg-Landau action is computed up to quartic order of the fluctuating order parameter, and first order in time derivative.
An entropy current and the second law in higher derivative theories of gravity
Authors: Bhattacharyya Sayantani , Dhivakar Prateksh , Dinda Anirban , Kundu Nilay , Patra Milan , Roy Shuvayu
Published: September 2021

Abstract

We construct a proof of the second law of thermodynamics in an arbitrary diffeomorphism invariant theory of gravity working within the approximation of linearized dynamical fluctuations around stationary black holes. We achieve this by establishing the existence of an entropy current defined on the horizon of the dynamically perturbed black hole in such theories. By construction, this entropy current has non-negative divergence, suggestive of a mechanism for the dynamical black hole to approach a final equilibrium configuration via entropy production as well as the spatial flow of it on the null horizon. This enables us to argue for the second law in its strongest possible form, which has a manifest locality at each space-time point. We explicitly check that the form of the entropy current that we construct in this paper exactly matches with previously reported expressions computed considering specific four derivative theories of higher curvature gravity. Using the same set up we also provide an alternative proof of the physical process version of the first law applicable to arbitrary higher derivative theories of gravity.
Relatively Compact Sets in Variable Exponent Morrey Spaces on Metric Spaces
Authors: Bandaliyev Rovshan A. , Górka Przemysław , Guliyev Vagif S. , Sawano Yoshihiro
Published: September 2021

We study a characterization of the precompactness of sets in variable exponent Morrey spaces on bounded metric measure spaces. Totally bounded sets are characterized from several points of view for the case of variable exponent Morrey spaces over metric measure spaces. This characterization is new in the case of constant exponents.
Macroeconomic and environmental consequences of circular economy measures in a small open economy
Authors: Brusselaers J. , Breemersch K. , Geerken T. , Christis M. , Lahcen B. , Dams Y.
Published: September 2021

This paper investigates the economy-wide impact of the uptake of circular economy (CE) measures for the small open economy (SOE) of Belgium, in particular the impact of fiscal policies in support of lifetime extension through repair activities of household appliances. The impact assessment is completed by means of a computable general equilibrium model as this allows quantification of both the direct and indirect economic and environmental impact of simulated shocks. The results show that different fiscal policy types can steer an economy into a more circular direction. However, depending on the policy type, the impact on the SOE’s macroeconomic structure and level of circularity differs. Furthermore, common claims attributed to a CE (e.g. local job creation or decreased import dependence) can be, but are not always, valid. Hence, policy-makers must prioritize their most important macroeconomic goals and opt for an according fiscal policy. Finally, this paper finds that the CO2 equivalent emissions calculated from a production (or territorial) perspective increase, while they decrease from a consumption perspective. This is explained by the substitution of international activities by local circular activities. This comparative analysis advocates for the consumption approach to assess the CE’s impact on CO2 equivalent emissions.
An in-home rehabilitation program for the treatment of urinary incontinence symptoms in endometrial cancer survivors: a single-case experimental design study
Authors: Bernard Stéphanie , McLean Linda , Boucher Samantha , Hébert Luc J. , Plante Marie , Grégoire Jean , Sebastianelli Alexandra , Renaud Marie-Claude , Froment Marie-Anne , Moffet Hélène
Published: September 2021

Introduction and hypothesis

There is a high prevalence of urinary incontinence among endometrial cancer survivors. They are also known to present with pelvic floor muscle alterations. Evidence on the effects of conservative interventions for the management of UI is scarce. This study aims at verifying the effects of an in-home rehabilitation program, including the use of a mobile technology, to reduce UI severity in endometrial cancer survivors.

Methods

This study used a single-case experimental design with replications. Primary outcome for UI severity was the pad test, and secondary outcomes were the ICIQ-UI SF questionnaire and 3-day bladder diary. Pelvic floor muscle function was assessed using 2D-transperineal ultrasound and intravaginal dynamometry. Adherence was documented using mobile technology and an exercise log. Visual and non-parametric analyses of longitudinal data were conducted.

Results

Results show a reduction in UI severity for 87.5% of participants, with a significant relative treatment effect of moderate size (RTE: 0.30). Significant small relative treatment effects were found for the quick contraction and endurance dynamometric tests.

Conclusion

This study provides new evidence that endometrial cancer survivors can improve the severity of their UI following an in-home rehabilitation program, including the use of a mobile technology. This mode of delivery has the potential to address a gap in access to pelvic floor physiotherapy services for survivors of EC living in rural and remote communities.
Cohnella cholangitidis sp. nov., a novel species of the genus Cohnella isolated from a clinical specimen in Korea
Authors: Kim Joon Ki , Choi Chi-Hwan , Kim Dae-Won , Kim Su Yeon , Hwang Kyu Jam , Lee Woo-Kon , Shin Min Kyoung , Jung Myunghwan , Choi Young Sill
Published: September 2021

A Gram-positive, aerobic, rod-shaped bacterium, designated as strain 1605-214T, was isolated from the blood sample of a patient with cholangitis. Based on its 16S rRNA gene sequence, the strain 1605-214T belonged to the genus Cohnella and exhibited 97.9% sequence identity with Cohnella luojiensis DSM 24270T (GQ214052). DNA–DNA hybridization, digital DNA–DNA hybridization, and average nucleotide identity values between the two species were 23% ± 1.9, 21.1%, and 77.2%, respectively. The cellular fatty acids of strain 1605-214T were mainly comprised of anteiso-C15:0 (36.1%), iso-C16:0 (16.5%), and C16:0 (15.1%). The predominant quinone was menaquinone-7; predominant polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and aminophospholipid-1. The cell wall peptidoglycan of strain 1605-214T contained meso-diaminopimelic acid. DNA G + C content of strain 1605-214T was 50.6 mol%. 5187 genes out of a total of 5413 (94.6%) were assigned putative functions using eggNOG v5.0. Based on genotypic characteristics and genomic sequence analysis results, strain 1605-214T was confirmed to represent a novel species of genus Cohnella, for which the name Cohnella cholangitidis sp. nov., was proposed.
Effects of in vitro simulated digestion on the antioxidant activity of different Camellia sinensis (L.) Kuntze leaves extracts
Authors: Governa Paolo , Manetti Fabrizio , Miraldi Elisabetta , Biagi Marco
Published: September 2021

The stability of tea phenolic compounds is influenced by pH value and digestive processes. However, the complex mixture of constituents in tea may modulate the stability of these compounds during digestion. In this study, tea infusions obtained from green, black, and Oolong tea leaves were exposed to in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion, and the stability of ( +)-catechin, caffeine, (−)-epicatechin, epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), and gallic acid was compared to that of isolated compounds. Changes in antioxidant activity were also evaluated by means of DPPH assay and in a H2O2-induced in vitro oxidative stress model, using Caco-2 cells. The stability of teas antioxidant constituents was different when using teas extract, compared to the reference compound alone, with the total phenolic content being more stable in extracts containing them in higher amount. EGCG degradation correlated well with changes in the DPPH inhibition assay, confirming its pivotal role in the antioxidant activity of tea. Differently, the antioxidant effect in the in vitro cell-based model was much more related to the initial total phenolic content of the extracts, with green tea being more effective than black tea and Oolong tea. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of teas was strongly affected by gastrointestinal digestion. Taken together, these findings suggest a protective role of teas phytocomplex against gastrointestinal digestion of antioxidant constituents. In conclusion, the effect of gastrointestinal digestion on the antioxidant activity of tea should be taken into account, as this may be different from one extract to another and information on the stability of active constituents cannot be extrapolated from data obtained using single compounds.
Segmented bio-based polyurethane composites containing powdered cellulose obtained from novel bio-based diisocyanate mixtures
Authors: Głowińska Ewa , Kasprzyk Paulina , Datta Janusz
Published: September 2021

A considerable number of research works focus on the positive influence of cellulose on the properties of polymer-based composites and their wide range of application possibilities. The present work is focused on the synthesis of novel bio-based polyurethane (bio-PU) composites filled with powdered cellulose (microcellulose, MC) in an amount of 5 wt.%. Bio-PU composites were synthesized via a non-solvent prepolymer method. First, the prepolymer was synthesized from diisocyanate mixture based on hexamethylene diisocyanate and bio-based polyisocyanate Tolonate™ X Flo 100 and α,ω-oligo(ethylene-butylene adipate)diol which contained cellulose. Then, resulted prepolymer was extended by bio-based 1,4 butanediol (bio-BDO). Bio-PU composites were obtained with the different [NCO]/[OH] molar ratios: 0.95, 1.0, 105 and 1.1. Special attention was paid to the influence of MC on the phase separation between soft and hard segments of bio-PU by studying the chemical structure, morphology and thermal and mechanical properties of the prepared cellulose-based composites.
A comprehensive method for determining cellular uptake of purine nucleoside phosphorylase and adenylosuccinate synthetase inhibitors by H. pylori
Authors: Wojtyś Marta Ilona , Jaźwiec Radosław , Kazazić Saša , Leščić Ašler Ivana , Knežević Petar , Aleksić Sabo Verica , Luić Marija , Jagusztyn-Krynicka Elżbieta Katarzyna , Bzowska Agnieszka
Published: September 2021

Due to the growing number of Helicobacter pylori strains resistant to currently available antibiotics, there is an urgent need to design new drugs utilizing different molecular mechanisms than those that have been used up to now. Enzymes of the purine salvage pathway are possible targets of such new antibiotics because H. pylori is not able to synthetize purine nucleotides de novo. The bacterium’s recovery of purines and purine nucleotides from the environment is the only source of these essential DNA and RNA building blocks. We have identified formycins and hadacidin as potent inhibitors of purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) and adenylosuccinate synthetase (AdSS) from H. pylori — two key enzymes of the purine salvage pathway. However, we have found that these compounds are not effective in H. pylori cell cultures. To address this issue, we have developed a universal comprehensive method for assessing H. pylori cell penetration by drug candidates, with three alternative detection assays. These include liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, UV absorption, and inhibition of the target enzyme by the tested compound. Using this approach, we have shown that cellular uptake by H. pylori of formycins and hadacidin is very poor, which reveals why their in vitro inhibition of PNP and AdSS and their effect on H. pylori cell cultures are so different. The cell penetration assessment method developed here will be extremely useful for validating the cellular uptake of other drug candidates, facilitating the design of new potent therapeutic agents against H. pylori.

Key points

• A method for assessing H. pylori cells penetration by drug candidates is described.

• Three alternative detection assays that complement each other can be used.

• The method may be adapted for other bacteria as well.