bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A model selection criterion for clustered survival analysis with informative cluster size
Authors: Chien Li‐Chu , Chang Li‐Ying , Shen Chung‐Wei
Published: August 2022

We propose a model selection criterion for correlated survival data when the cluster size is informative to the outcome. This approach, called Resampling Cluster Survival Information Criterion (RCSIC), uses the Cox proportional hazards model that is weighted with the inverse of the cluster size. The RCSIC based on the within‐cluster resampling idea takes into account the possible variability of the within‐cluster subsampling and the possible informativeness of cluster sizes. The RCSIC allows for easy execution for the within‐cluster resampling idea without a large number of resamples of the data. In contrast with the traditional model selection method in survival analysis, the RCSIC has an additional penalization for the within‐cluster subsampling variability. Our simulations show the satisfactory results where the RCSIC provides a more robust power for variable selection in terms of clustered survival analysis, regardless of whether informative cluster size exists or not. Applying the RCSIC method to a periodontal disease studies, we identify the tooth loss in patients associated with the risk factors, Age, Filled Tooth, Molar, Crown, Decayed Tooth, and Smoking Status, respectively.
Nigakinone alleviates DSS‐induced experimental colitis via regulating bile acid profile and FXR/NLRP3 signaling pathways
Authors: Liu Fangle , Yao Yufeng , Wang Qian , Zhang Fengxue , Wang Meiqi , Zhu Chenchen , Lin Chaozhan
Published: August 2022

The correlation of bile acid (BA) metabolism disorder with the pathogenesis of ulcerative colitis (UC) is realized nowadays. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a controller for BA homeostasis and inflammation, is a promising target for UC therapy. Nigakinone has potential therapeutic effects on colitis. Herein, we investigated the anti‐UC effects and mechanism of nigakinone in colitic animals induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS). The related targets involved in the nucleotide‐binding oligomerization domain, leucine‐rich repeat, and pyrin domain‐containing 3 (NLRP3) signaling pathway were measured. BA‐targeted metabolomics was employed to reveal the regulatory effects of nigakinone on BA profile in colitis, while expressions of FXR and its mediated targets referring to BA enterohepatic circulation were determined. The critical role of FXR in the treatment of nigakinone for colitis was studied via molecule‐docking, dual‐luciferase reporter® (DLR™) assays, FXR silencing cells, and FXR knockout mice. Results showed nigakinone attenuated DSS‐induced colitis symptoms, including excessive inflammatory response by NLRP3 activation, and injury of the intestinal mucosal barrier. Nigakinone regulated BA disorders by controlling cholesterol hydroxylase and transporters mediated by FXR, then decreased BA accumulation in colon. Molecular‐docking and DLR™ assays indicated FXR might be a target of nigakinone. In vitro, nigakinone restrained BA‐induced inflammation and cell damage via FXR activation and inhibition of inflammatory cytokines. However, ameliorating effects of nigakinone on colitis were suppressed by FXR knockout or silencing in vivo or in vitro. Taken together, nigakinone ameliorated experimental colitis via regulating BA profile and FXR/NLRP3 signaling pathway.
Fate & transport of vinyl chloride in soil vapor
Authors: Eklund Bart , Rago Rich , Plantz Gina , Haddad Elie , Miesfeldt Mark , Volpi Rick
Published: August 2022

Vinyl chloride (VC) is a common risk driver in vapor intrusion (VI) studies. At many sites, initial screening shows potential indoor air impacts for VC at unacceptable levels. During follow‐up site characterization, however, the VI pathway for VC is rarely if ever found to be complete. This paper sets forth a conceptual model for understanding these results and summarizes data from several field sites to illustrate the concepts. VC can be formed under anaerobic conditions via reductive dechlorination of tetrachloroethylene or trichloroethylene. The ultimate fate of any VC that is produced depends on the amount of available oxygen. If sufficient oxygen is available, VC will readily undergo aerobic biodegradation. Data are presented for multiple field sites to illustrate the fate and transport of VC. The sites are drawn from various regions of the United States and cover a range of conditions. At these sites, VC was detected at relatively high concentrations in groundwater. It may also have been detected in deeper soil gas, but generally was fully attenuated before reaching shallow soil depths. Indoor air results were consistently non‐detect. The behavior is also discussed for sites with very shallow groundwater, where VC was found in some subslab soil gas samples but not in the overlying indoor air.
Formulating Zwitterionic, Responsive Polymers for Designing Smart Soils
Authors: Zhang Dong , Tang Yijing , Zhang Chang , Huhe FNU , Wu Baoyi , Gong Xiong , Chuang Steven S. C. , Zheng Jie
Published: August 2022

The design of new remediation strategies and materials for treating saline–alkaline soils is of fundamental and practical importantance for many applications. Conventional soil remediation strategies mainly focus on the development of fertilizers or additives for water, nutrient, and heavy metal managements in soils, but they often overlook a soil sensing function for early detection of salinization/alkalization levels toward optimal and timely soil remediation. Here, new smart soils, structurally consisting of the upper signal soil and the bottom hygroscopic bed and chemically including zwitterionic, thermo‐responsive poly(NIPAM‐co‐VPES) and poly(NIPAM‐co‐SBAA) aerogels in each soil layer are formulated. Upon salinization, the resultant smart soils exhibit multiple superior capacities for reducing the soil salinity and alkalinity through ion exchange, controlling the water cycling, modulating the degradation of pyridine‐base ligands into water‐soluble, nitrogenous salts‐rich ingredients for soil fertility, and real‐time monitoring salinized soils via pH‐induced allochroic color changes. Further studies of plant growth in smart soils with or without salinization treatments confirm a synergy effect of soil remediation and soil sensing on facilitating the growth of plants and increasing the saline–alkaline tolerance of plants. The esign concept of smart soils can be further expanded for soil remediation and assessment.
Biomimetic Assembly of Spore@ZIF‐8 Microspheres for Vaccination
Authors: Peng Fei , Xiang Yuqiang , Wang Hui , Hu Yanjie , Zhou Rui , Hu Yonggang
Published: August 2022

Vaccines have been one of the most powerful weapons to defend against infectious diseases for a long time now. Subunit vaccines are of increasing importance because of their safety and effectiveness. In this work, a Bacillus amyloliquefaciens spore@zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) vaccine platform is constructed. The ovalbumin (OVA) is encapsulated in the ZIF‐8 shells as a model antigen to form a spore@OVA@ZIF‐8 (SOZ) composite. The assembly of ZIF‐8 improves the loading content of OVA on the spores and provides OVA with long‐term protection. The SOZ composite enhances the immunization efficacy in multiple ways, such as facilitation of antigen uptake and lysosome escape, stimulation of dendritic cells to mature and secrete cytokines, boosting of antibody production and formation of an antigen depot. This platform shows several advantages including easy preparation, cost‐effectiveness, long life, convenience of transportation and storage, and no need for the cold chain. These findings may have promising implications for the rational design of safe and effective spore‐based composite vaccine platforms.
Tumor Microenvironment‐Responsive Cu/CaCO3‐Based Nanoregulator for Mitochondrial Homeostasis Disruption‐Enhanced Chemodynamic/Sonodynamic Therapy
Authors: Zhao Yajie , Bian Yulong , Xiao Xiao , Liu Bin , Ding Binbin , Cheng Ziyong , Ma Ping'an , Lin Jun
Published: August 2022

The efficiency of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated cancer therapy is restrained by intrinsic characteristics in the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as overexpressed glutathione (GSH), hypoxia and limited efficiency of H2O2. In this work, intelligent copper‐dropped calcium carbonate loading sonosensitizer Ce6 nanoparticles (Cu/CaCO3@Ce6, CCC NPs) are established to realize TME‐responsive self‐supply of oxygen and successively Ca2+‐overloading‐strengthened chemodynamic therapy/sonodynamic therapy (CDT/SDT). CCC NPs release Ca2+, Cu2+, and Ce6 in weakly acid and GSH‐excessive TME. Released Cu2+ can not only consume GSH and turn into Cu+ via a redox reaction, but also provide CDT‐creating hydroxyl radicals through the Fenton‐like reaction. Under ultrasound irradiation, the intracellular oxidative stress is amplified profoundly relying on singlet oxygen outburst from SDT. Moreover, Ca2+ influx aggravates the mitochondrial disruption, which further accelerates the oxidation level. The facile and feasible design of the Cu‐dropped CaCO3‐based nanoregulators will be further developed as a paradigm in ROS‐contributed cancer therapy.
Pt–Co Electrocatalysts: Syntheses, Morphologies, and Applications
Authors: Chen Hao , Liu Jianwen , Wu Xuexian , Ye Chunyi , Zhang Jiujun , Luo Jing‐Li , Fu Xian‐Zhu
Published: August 2022

Pt–Co electrocatalysts have attracted significant attention because of their excellent performance in many electrochemical reactions. This review focuses on Pt–Co electrocatalysts designed and prepared for electrocatalytic applications. First, the various synthetic methods and synthesis mechanisms are systematically summarized; typical examples and core synthesis parameters are discussed for regulating the morphology and structure. Then, starting with the design and structure–activity relationship of catalysts, the research progress of the morphologies and structures of Pt–Co electrocatalysts obtained based on various strategies, the structure–activity relationship between them, and their properties are summarized. In addition, the important electrocatalytic applications and mechanisms of Pt–Co catalysts, including electrocatalytic oxidation/reduction and bifunctional catalytic reactions, are described and summarized, and their high catalytic activities are discussed on the basis of their mechanism and active sites. Moreover, the advanced electrochemical in situ characterization techniques are summarized, and the challenges and direction concerning the development of high‐performance Pt–Co catalysts in electrocatalysis are discussed.
Bromide Incorporation Enhances Vertical Orientation of Triple Organic Cation Tin‐Halide Perovskites for High‐Performance Lead‐Free Solar Cells
Authors: Khan Nasir , Ryu Du Hyeon , Park Jong-Goo , Lee Hang Ken , Lee Sang Kyu , Shin Won Suk , Lee Jong-Cheol , Hong Ki-Ha , Im Sang Hyuk , Song Chang Eun
Published: August 2022

Tin‐halide perovskite solar cells (THPSCs) are attractive in the photovoltaic field as promising candidates to address the issue of potential lead toxicity and approach the theoretical efficiency limit in lead‐halide perovskite photovoltaics. Nevertheless, THPSCs suffer from fast crystallization, low defect tolerance, mismatched energy levels, as well as severe oxidation from Sn2+ to Sn4+, leading to the low performance of devices. Herein, bromide is incorporated in the PEA0.15EA0.15FA0.70SnI1−XBrX perovskite precursor, which produces 2D/3D hybrid cations tin‐halide perovskite films with highly vertical oriented crystallization, favorable band‐level alignment, and suppressed tin oxidation. This leads to the decrease of trap density and charge recombination losses and the enhancement of charge carrier extraction in THPSCs. Consequently, the power conversion efficiency of the optimal THPSC (X = 0.30) surges to 10.12% in contrast to 7.13% of the control device (X = 0.00), along with a nearly eliminated current–voltage hysteresis. Furthermore, bromine‐incorporated THPSCs exhibit outstanding light soaking and humidity stability. These results are also in good agreement with the density functional theory calculations. This compositional engineering with Br could become a promising approach for improving the efficiency and stability of THPSCs.
Quality by design assisted high‐performance liquid chromatography parameters for simultaneous estimation of simvastatin and fenofibrate
Authors: Rajput Geeta , Patel Preeti , Singh Dilpreet , Asati Vivek , Kurmi Balak Das
Published: August 2022

In a present study quality by design was used to develop a reliable high‐performance liquid chromatography method for simultaneous estimation of simvastatin and fenofibrate. A robust chromatographic setting for quality peaks and appropriate component separation within a reasonable run duration was generated. Furthermore, to determine critical quality attributes (CQA), a quantitative relationship between critical material attributes and CQA was established using Box‐Behnken design to produce analytical design space and develop a control approach. The mathematical models used three independent characteristics, acetonitrile volume, buffer molarity, and flow rate. The optimum and expected conditions were acetonitrile and potassium dihydrogen orthophosphate buffer (pH 2.9 adjusted, with orthophosphoric acid) (80.65:19.35 v/v) as an optimized mobile phase at a flow rate of 0.99 ml/min. We achieved adequate baseline separation of both drugs in just 10 min with these optimum parameters. The amount of acetonitrile was revealed to be the most important factor determining the perturbation plot responses. The %recoveries for both medicines were 99.15%–101.86% at all three levels. Both drugs showed relative standard deviations for repeatability, and intermediate precision were less than 2%. As a result, a simple, accurate, and repeatable high‐performance liquid chromatography approach for routine quality control testing was developed.
Analysis of Detent Force in Flat‐Type Permanent Magnet Linear Synchronous Motor and Multi‐Objective Optimization Based on Parameter Classification
Authors: Miao Zhongcui , Su Yi
Published: August 2022

In order to reduce the thrust ripple caused by the detent force and improve the thrust capacity of the permanent magnet linear synchronous motor (PMLSM), a flat‐type PMLSM is taken as the study object to globally optimize the motor parameters. Firstly, an analytical model for PMLSM is established. The end effect force based on the virtual displacement principle and the cogging force using the equivalent air gap length are considered when analyzing the model. The detent force is found that closely related to the relative position of the primary and secondary, the end air gap volume and the equivalent air gap length. Then, a motor structure optimization method based on parameter classification is proposed in this paper. By sensitivity analysis, the parameters are divided into two types. For parameters with high sensitivity, the response surface methodology (RSM) is used to establish the second‐order regression equation between parameters and response, and then these parameters are optimized by the multi‐population genetic algorithm (MPGA) to improve thrust capacity and reduce thrust ripple. The optimal values of parameters with low sensitivity are obtained by the parametric search. Finally, the optimized motor is used to predict its thrust performance by the finite element method (FEM). The prediction results show that the optimized motor not only performs better but also improves the design efficiency through parameter classification. © 2022 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
hUC‐MSCs exosomal miR‐451 alleviated acute lung injury by modulating macrophage M2 polarization via regulating MIF‐PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Liu Jisong , Xing Fuxi , Fu Quanyou , He Bo , Jia Zhigang , Du Juan , Li Yong , Zhang Xiangzhou , Chen Xulin
Published: August 2022

In the previous study, we have proved that exosomal miR‐451 from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC‐MSCs) attenuated burn‐induced acute lung injury (ALI). However, the mechanism of exosomal miR‐451 in ALI remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to study the molecular mechanism of hUC‐MSCs‐derived exosomal miR‐451 on ALI by regulating macrophage polarization. Exosomes were isolated and identified by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA). The expression of miR‐451, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway proteins were detected by qRT‐PCR and western blot. Flow cytometry was used to detect the CD80 and CD206 positive cells. Severe burn rat model was established and HE was used to detect the inflammatory cell infiltration and inflammatory injury. Dual luciferase reporter system was used to detect the regulation of miR‐451 to MIF. The contents of cytokines were detected by ELISA. The results showed that hUC‐MSCs exosomes promoted macrophage M1 to M2 polarization. Furthermore, hUC‐MSCs‐derived exosomal miR‐451 alleviated ALI development and promoted macrophage M1 to M2 polarization. Moreover, MIF was a direct target of miR‐451. Downregulation of MIF regulated by miR‐451 alleviated ALI development promoted macrophage M1 to M2 polarization. In addition, we found that MIF and hUC‐MSCs‐derived exosomal miR‐451 participated in ALI by regulating PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. In conclusion, we indicated that hUC‐MSCs‐derived exosomal miR‐451 alleviated ALI by modulating macrophage M2 polarization via regulating MIF‐PI3K‐AKT signaling pathway, which provided great scientific significance and clinical application value for the treatment of burn‐induced ALI.
Isolation, identification and antimicrobial profile of methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus from bovine mastitis in and around Adama, Central Ethiopia
Authors: Yimana Muhabaw , Tesfaye Juhar
Published: August 2022

Background

Among bacterial pathogens, Staphylococcus aureus which lives in the mammary gland is the leading cause of bovine mastitis worldwide, which causes enormous economic losses to the dairy industry.

Objectives and methods

The study was carried out cross‐sectionally to determine the occurrence of methicillin‐resistant S. aureus (MRSA) and the risk factors for mastitis infection in dairy cows in and around Adama from October 2014 to June 2015. This particular study included 384 animals. Milk samples were collected and screened with California mastitis test. Then bacteria were cultured and identified using biochemical tests and disc diffusion test was used to determine the antimicrobial sensitivity for MRSA.

Results

The prevalence of mastitis was 121 (31.5%). Among them, 37 cases (30.6%) were clinical mastitis and 84 cases (69.4%) were subclinical mastitis. Among these positive cases, 37 cases (30.6%) of S. aureus were isolated. The prevalence of mastitis was significantly related to the breed, age, floor type and sanitation status of the milking (p <0.05). The Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion method was performed on Mueller Hinton agar medium according to NCCLS guidelines to test antibiotic sensitivity. The 32.4% of S. aureus isolates were resistant to oxacillin. Isolates of MRSA are more resistant to amoxicillin (75%), oxytetracycline (66.7%) and sulfa (50%). However, they were sensitive to kanamycin (75%), streptomycin (58.3%) and nalidixic acid (50%). Insufficient dosage, short treatment time and chronic infection in dairy cows in the herd are the main reasons for the large number of resistant strains.

Conclusion and recommendation

Generally, mastitis was prevalent in the area, and it was resistant to commonly used antibiotics. Therefore, hygienic, prevention and alternative treatment methods should be implemented.
Utility of constructed wetlands for treatment of hospital effluent and antibiotic resistant bacteria in resource limited settings: A case study in Ujjain, India
Authors: Parashar Vivek , Singh Surya , Purohit Manju R. , Tamhankar Ashok J. , Singh Dharmpal , Kalyanasundaram Madhanraj , Lundborg Cecilia Stålsby , Diwan Vishal
Published: August 2022

Increasing generation of wastewater and its indiscriminate disposal is detrimental to human and animal health. Resource‐limited settings often struggle for efficient wastewater treatment systems owing to lack of funds and operational difficulties. Therefore, alternative treatment systems involving low expenditure and simplistic operations are need of the hour. Constructed wetlands are one such alternative that can efficiently remove variety of pollutants from wastewater. In this study, we have assessed the utility of constructed wetlands for treatment of hospital wastewater in Ujjain. An in‐house wetland system was designed and constructed using Typha latifolia and Phragmites karka. Results showed that wetland was efficient for removal of various physico‐chemical and biological contaminants, namely, biochemical‐oxygen‐demand (77.1%), chemical‐oxygen‐demand (64.9%), turbidity (68.3%), suspended‐solids (63%), total‐phosphorus (58.7%), nitrate‐nitrogen (33%), fecal coliforms (96.8%), and total coliforms (95.6%). Paired t test revealed that removal efficiencies for various parameters were significantly different among Phragmites, Typha, and control cells (p ≤ 0.05). Study also depicted that most of the bacterial isolates in inlet wastewater were selectively resistant to antibiotics (ciprofloxacin and sulphamethaxazole) as well and these isolates were also removed. Precisely, Typha was fairly suitable for antibiotic resistant bacteria removal. Thus, constructed wetlands were found to be one of the suitable options for wastewater treatment in resource‐limited settings.

Practitioner Points

Constructed wetlands are one of the suitable options for wastewater treatment in resource limited settings.

These systems involve wetland vegetation, soil, and associated microbial assemblages to improve the water quality.

Typha and Phragmites were found to be efficient for treating the hospital wastewater.

Experiments showed that antibiotic resistant bacteria may also be removed through constructed wetland systems.

Easy operation, cost effectiveness, and efficiency are important attributes.
Synergistic Interaction between Attractived10Bonding and Localized Excess Electrons, the Cases of Subvalent Ag5SiO4and Ag5GeO4
Authors: Nuss Jürgen , Wedig Ulrich , Jansen Martin
Published: August 2022

The compositions of Ag5SiO4and Ag5GeO4contravene classical rules of chemical valence, while the stoichiometric coefficients are integer. In order to disentangle the underlying bonding scheme, comparative studies at the two virtually isostructural candidates were conducted in real space and in momentum space. Analyses of the atomic structures have revealed that the orthoanions in both cases fully comply with reference data for such entities. The silver substructure, however, shows anomalous contractions that indicate accumulation of excess electrons in octahedral [Ag6]4+subunits, suggesting an electron count as [Ag6]4+(Ag+)4[(MO4)4−]2. The electronic structure of Ag5SiO4and Ag5GeO4was examined in reciprocal and position space in the framework of density functional theory. Both compounds are semiconducting with a band gap of about 1.6 eV. The analysis of the charge distribution as well as of the electron localization function suggest that the excess electrons in the silver partial structure are located in octahedral cluster like [Ag6]4+aggregates. The importance of d10dispersion interactions for the stability of subvalent silver oxides is discussed.
One-loop squared amplitudes for hadronic tW production at next-to-next-to-leading order in QCD
Authors: Chen Long-Bin , Dong Liang , Li Hai Tao , Li Zhao , Wang Jian , Wang Yefan
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We present the analytic results of one-loop squared amplitudes for tW production at a hadron collider. The calculation is performed using the method of differential equations. After renormalization, we have checked that the infrared divergences agree with the general structure predicted by anomalous dimensions. The finite remainder contributes to the next-to-next-to-leading order hard function, one of the essential gradients in the factorization formula of the cross section near the infrared region, which can be used in resummation of all-order soft gluon effects or a differential next-to-next-to-leading order calculation based on the phase space slicing method.
Elements of celestial conformal field theory
Authors: Fan Wei , Fotopoulos Angelos , Stieberger Stephan , Taylor Tomasz R. , Zhu Bin
Published: August 2022

Abstract

In celestial holography, four-dimensional scattering amplitudes are considered as two-dimensional conformal correlators of a putative two-dimensional celestial conformal field theory (CCFT). The simplest way of converting momentum space amplitudes into CCFT correlators is by taking their Mellin transforms with respect to light-cone energies. For massless particles, like gluons, however, such a construction leads to three-point and four-point correlators that vanish everywhere except for a measure zero hypersurface of celestial coordinates. This is due to the four-dimensional momentum conservation law that constrains the insertion points of the operators associated with massless particles. These correlators are reminiscent of Coulomb gas correlators that, in the absence of background charges, vanish due to charge conservation. We supply the background momentum by coupling Yang-Mills theory to a background dilaton field, with the (complex) dilaton source localized on the celestial sphere. This picture emerges from the physical interpretation of the solutions of the system of differential equations discovered by Banerjee and Ghosh. We show that the solutions can be written as Mellin transforms of the amplitudes evaluated in such a dilaton background. The resultant three-gluon and four-gluon amplitudes are single-valued functions of celestial coordinates enjoying crossing symmetry and all other properties expected from standard CFT correlators. We use them to extract OPEs and compare them with the OPEs extracted from multi-gluon celestial amplitudes without a dilaton background. We perform the conformal block decomposition of the four-gluon single-valued correlator and determine the dimensions, spin and group representations of the entire primary field spectrum of the Yang-Mills sector of CCFT.
Celestial insights into the S-matrix bootstrap
Authors: Ghosh Sudip , Raman Prashanth , Sinha Aninda
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We consider 2-2 scattering in four spacetime dimensions in Celestial variables. Using the crossing symmetric dispersion relation (CSDR), we recast the Celestial amplitudes in terms of crossing symmetric partial waves. These partial waves have spurious singularities in the complex Celestial variable, which need to be removed in local theories. The locality constraints (null constraints) admit closed form expressions, which lead to novel bounds on partial wave moments. These bounds allow us to quantify the degree of low spin dominance(LSD) for scalar theories. We study a new kind of positivity that seems to be present in a wide class of theories. We prove that this positivity arises only in theories with a spin-0 dominance. The crossing symmetric partial waves with spurious singularities removed, dubbed as Feynman blocks, have remarkable properties in the Celestial variable, namely typically realness, in the sense of Geometric Function Theory (GFT). Using GFT techniques we derive non-projective bounds on Wilson coefficients in terms of partial wave moments.
A note on quiver Yangians and ℛ-matrices
Authors: Bao Jiakang
Published: August 2022

Abstract

In this note, we study possible ℛ-matrix constructions in the context of quiver Yangians and Yang-Baxter algebras. For generalized conifolds, We also discuss the relations between the quiver Yangians and some other Yangian algebras (and$$ \mathcal{W} $$W-algebras) in literature.
Emerging Fermi liquids from regulated quantum electron stars
Authors: Chagnet Nicolas , Ðukić Vladan , Čubrović Mihailo , Schalm Koenraad
Published: August 2022

Abstract

We construct a fully quantum zero-temperature electron star in a soft-wall regulated anti-de-Sitter Einstein-Maxwell-Dirac theory that is thermodynamically stable compared to the Reissner-Nordström black hole. The soft wall only acts on the effective mass of the fermionic degrees of freedom, and allows for a controlled fully backreacted solution. The star is holographically dual to an RG flow where a gapped Fermi liquid starts to emerge from a UV CFT, but decouples again once the effective energy scale becomes lower than the gap of the fermionic degrees of freedom. The RG flow then returns to a non-trivial strongly coupled relativistic fixed point with a holographic dual. Our regulated quantum electron star is thus the fermionic analogue of the Horowitz-Roberts-Gubser-Rocha AdS-to-AdS domain wall solution for the holographic superconductor.
Working capital management, financial constraints and exports: evidence from European and US manufacturers
Authors: Mansilla-Fernández José Manuel , Milgram-Baleix Juliette
Published: August 2022

This paper investigates the effect of firms’ working capital management, measured by the cash conversion cycle (CCC) on exports, on both the intensive and extensive margins. By using Heckman’s two-stage model for the treatment of sample selection bias, we find that the longer the CCC, the lower firms’ likelihood of exporting and the lower the volume of their exports. This phenomenon is economically more relevant for financially constrained firms than for unconstrained firms. The results are robust to the propensity score matching, the transition sample and the placebo analyses. Finally, these results can be extrapolated in the context of the COVID-19 crisis because of the decline in trading conditions and firms’ shortage of liquidity.
Hydro - thermal interactions of a ferrofluid in a non - uniform magnetic field
Authors: Dalvi Shubham , van der Meer Theo H. , Shahi Mina
Published: August 2022

A numerical study is performed to examine the influence of a non-uniform magnetic field on the thermo-hydraulic behaviour of a ferrofluid. The analysis is done in the context of a differentially heated semi-circular annulus where a magnetic dipole with its distinct location and dipole strength is used to obtain different configurations. The field variables are computed by solving the coupled set of flow equations, energy equations and the Maxwell’s magneto-statics equations. A detailed description is provided on the flow and thermal response after observing different parameters at both global and local scale. Comparison of streamlines and isotherms with a reference case of natural convection concludes that the recirculation zones are responsible for the increased velocity and heat transfer magnitudes. Another key finding of the present work is about the possibility to locally improve the thermal performance of heat exchangers at any desired position along the circumference.
Pain catastrophizing and pre-operative psychological state are predictive of chronic pain after joint arthroplasty of the hip, knee or shoulder: results of a prospective, comparative study at one year follow-up
Authors: Hardy Alexandre , Sandiford Marie-Hélène , Menigaux Christophe , Bauer Thomas , Klouche Shahnaz , Hardy Philippe
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To assess the relationship between pre-operative psychological state, postoperative pain and function one year after total shoulder, hip or knee arthroplasty.

Methods

Patients undergoing shoulder, hip or knee arthroplasty between March 2014 and November 2015 were included. Pain catastrophizing score (PCS) was determined preoperatively, at six months and at one year follow-up. Joint pain at rest was quantified using a Visual Analogue Scale (0‒100). Depressive symptoms were measured using the Beck Depression Inventory or Geriatric Depression Score, situational anxiety and dispositional anxiety were measured using the State-Trait Inventory and joint function was assessed using the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index for the hip and knee and Oxford Shoulder Score for the shoulder.

Results

A total of 266 patients were included (65% female; mean (± SD) age: 71.8 ± 10.3 years; mean body mass index: 27.5 ± 5.0 kg/m2). Pre-operative PCS was significantly correlated with pain > 30/100 at one year and with functional scores, for all joints. Multivariate analysis identified the following variables as risk factors for pain intensity > 30/100 at one year: pre-operative PCS > 20/52 (OR = 3.5 ± 1.1 [95% CI: 1.9‒6.6]; p = 0.0001), trait-anxiety score ≥ 46 (OR = 2.4 ± 0.9 [95% CI: 1.1‒5.2]; p = 0.03), pre-operative pain ≥ 60/100 (OR = 3.2 ± 1 [95% CI: 1.8‒6.1]; p = 0.0001) and pain for at least 3 years (OR = 1.8 ± 0.6 [95% CI: 1‒3.4]; p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Pre-operative pain catastrophizing and trait-anxiety are risk factors for post-operative pain after shoulder, hip and knee arthroplasty.

Trial registration number

www.clinicaltrials.gov NCT02361359.
White plumage color as an honest indicator: feather macrostructure links reflectance with reproductive effort and success
Authors: Laczi Miklós , Jablonszky Mónika , Markó Gábor , Nagy Gergely , Szabó Gyula , Zsebők Sándor , Török János , Hegyi Gergely
Published: August 2022

The structural condition of feathers may generally have a decisive role in shaping the color properties of the plumage. However, the information content of structurally mediated color differences is poorly known. This makes it particularly hard to determine the meaning of color variation in pigment-free white plumage patches. The white wing patch of the collared flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) is an important sexual trait, and changes in its reflectance are partly due to macrostructural condition. We used 2 years of macrostructural, reflectance, and breeding data from both sexes to examine whether wing patch macrostructure lends information content to actual reflectance in terms of reproductive effort and success. Macrostructure strongly predicted actual reflectance in males but only weakly in females. Furthermore, in males, feather vane width was related positively to current year reproductive effort, and negatively to previous year reproductive effort. This indicates that macrostructurally mediated reflectance attributes may inform the receiver not only of actual reproductive capacity but also of individual quality via reproductive costs.

Significance statement

Coloration of animals takes a central place in their communication and in advertising reproductive abilities. Although white plumage is widespread among animals, usually we have little knowledge on how its structure is linked to reproduction. We investigated this link in a wild population of collared flycatchers. We demonstrated that white feather structure was related to coloration and with current year and previous year reproductive capabilities in males. Our results suggest that white feather structure has the potential to connect reproductive costs with coloration.
Expanding and Evaluating Public Satisfaction with Wildlife Governance: Insights from Deer Management in Indiana, USA
Authors: Stinchcomb Taylor R. , Ma Zhao , Swihart Robert K. , Caudell Joe N.
Published: August 2022

Wildlife agencies in North America desire to incorporate broader public interests into decision-making so they can realize the principle of governing wildlife in the public trust. Public satisfaction is a key component of good governance but evaluating satisfaction with wildlife management focuses on traditional user experiences rather than perceptions of agency performance. We draw from political science, business, and conservation social science to develop a multidimensional concept of satisfaction with wildlife management that includes agency performance, service quality, trust in the managing agency, and informational trust. We use data collected from a 2021 survey of Indiana residents to analyze the social and cognitive determinants of satisfaction with white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) management. Quantile regression models revealed that respondents’ acceptability of management methods and deer-related concerns most strongly affected performance and quality components, whereas respondent characteristics mostly affected trust components of the index. Future research should associate satisfaction with key variables we did not fully capture including perceived control, psychological distance, and norms of interaction between wildlife agencies and the public. Expanding agency conceptions of public satisfaction represents a critical step toward public trust thinking and the practice of good wildlife governance in North America.
Assessing the impact of measurement errors in the calculation of CWSI for characterizing the water status of several crop species
Authors: Gonzalez-Dugo V. , Zarco-Tejada P. J.
Published: August 2022

Canopy temperature is generally accepted as an indirect but rapid, accurate, and large-scale indicator of crop water status and is, therefore, proposed to monitor irrigation needs. Crop Water Stress Index (CWSI) is the most widely used among the existing thermal-based indicators, and its links with water stress have been demonstrated. When calculating CWSI using the empirical approach, the differential between canopy and air temperature is normalized by two thresholds, also known as baselines. The Non-water stress baseline (NWSB) in the empirical approach is calculated as the relationship between Tc–Ta (°C) and the vapor pressured deficit (VPD, kPa) for well-irrigated crops. The baselines display different slopes depending on the species, which have a significant impact on the computed CWSI. This study analyzed the resulting errors on CWSI due to the measurement errors of critical inputs needed for its calculation. Six crop species were selected according to their NWSB with slopes that range from − 0.5 to − 3 °C·kPa−1 and used for this analysis, assuming measurement errors ranging 0.2–1 °C for Ta, 0.25–2 °C for Tc, and 5–10% for relative humidity (RH). It was concluded that the effects observed on CWSI are heavily dependent on the slope of the NWSB and therefore vary across species. The calculation was very sensitive to the bias in air and canopy temperature. These errors were maximal as the slope of the NWSB was less steep. When the VPD ranged from 2 to 6.6 kPa, an error of 1 °C in measuring the air temperature affected CWSI between 28 and 83% in orange, which is the species displaying the minimum slope (− 0.5 °C kPa−1). On the contrary, crops with steeper baseline slopes such as squash (− 3 °C kPa−1) showed errors ranging between 2 and 8% for the same VPD interval. This differences among the different crops species considered in this study may be related to the contrasting coupling of the species to the atmosphere, that determines the influence of vapor pressure on the transpiration rate. This study highlights the importance of reliable climatic data and the need for accurate calibrated thermal sensors to calculate CWSI accurately.
Relations Between Statistics of Three-Dimensional Flame Curvature and its Two-Dimensional Counterpart in Turbulent Premixed Flames
Authors: Chakraborty Nilanjan , Rasool Raheel , Ahmed Umair , Klein Markus
Published: August 2022

The relations between the actual flame curvature probability density function (PDF) evaluated in three-dimensions and its two-dimensional counterpart based on planar measurements have been analytically derived subject to the assumptions of isotropy and statistical independence of various angles and two-dimensional curvature. These relations have been assessed based on Direct Numerical Simulation (DNS) databases of turbulent premixed (a) statistically planar and (b) statistically axisymmetric Bunsen flames. It has been found that the analytically derived relation interlinking the PDFs of actual three-dimensional curvature and its two-dimensional counterpart holds reasonably well for a range of curvatures around the mean value defined by the inverse of the thermal flame thickness for different turbulence intensities across different combustion regimes. The flame surface is shown to exhibit predominantly two-dimensional cylindrical curvature but there is a significant probability of finding saddle type flame topologies and this probability increases with increasing turbulence intensity. The presence of saddle type flame topologies affects the ratios of second and third moments of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curvatures. It has been demonstrated that the ratios of second and third moments of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curvatures cannot be accurately predicted based on two-dimensional measurements. The ratio of the third moments of two-dimensional and three-dimensional curvatures remains positive and thus the qualitative nature of curvature skewness can still be obtained based on two-dimensional curvature measurements. As the curvature skewness is often taken to be a marker of the Darrius-Landau instability, the conclusion regarding the presence of this instability can potentially be taken from the two-dimensional curvature measurements.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Trajectories of Well-Being of Middle-Aged and older Adults: A Multidimensional and Multidirectional Perspective
Authors: Wettstein Markus , Wahl Hans-Werner , Schlomann Anna
Published: August 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in profound changes of individuals’ everyday lives. Restrictions in social contacts and in leisure activities and the threatening situation of a spreading virus might have resulted in compromised well-being. At the same time, the pandemic could have promoted specific aspects of psychosocial well-being, e.g., due to intensified relationships with close persons during lockdown periods. We investigated this potentially multidimensional and multi-directional pattern of pandemic-specific change in well-being by analyzing changes over up to 8 years (2012-2020) in two broad well-being domains, hedonic well-being (life satisfaction) and eudaimonic well-being (one overarching eudaimonic well-being indicator as well as environmental mastery, personal growth, positive relations with others, and self-acceptance), among 423 adults who were aged 40-98 years in 2012. By modelling longitudinal multilevel regression models and allowing for a measurement-specific intra-individual deviation component from the general slope in 2020, i.e. after the pandemic outbreak, we analyzed potential normative history-graded changes due to the pandemic. All mean-level history-graded changes were nonsignificant, but most revealed substantial interindividual variability, indicating that individuals’ pandemic-related well-being changes were remarkably heterogeneous. Only for personal growth and self-acceptance, adding a pandemic-related change component (and interindividual variability thereof) did not result in a better model fit. Individuals with poorer self-rated health at baseline in 2012 revealed a pandemic-related change toward lower life satisfaction. Our findings suggest that not all well-being domains - and not all individuals - are equally prone to “COVID-19 effects”, and even pandemic-associated gains were observed for some individuals in certain well-being domains.
Correction to: Marked Gibbs Point Processes with Unbounded Interaction: An Existence Result
Authors: Rœlly Sylvie , Zass Alexander
Published: August 2022

We correct here a mistake in the original paper. In particular, we add a term to the form of the interaction range. The addition of this term does not change the proof technique: while the proof was already correct, the specific form did not allow for the examples we want to consider. We also fix an issue where the interaction considered in Sect. 4 did not satisfy the local stability assumption.
The role of testosterone in male sexual function
Authors: Corona Giovanni , Maggi Mario
Published: August 2022

Sexual function, and testosterone (T) levels, progressively decline in aging men. Associated morbidities and metabolic disorders can accelerate the phenomenon. The specific contribution of low T to sexual function impairment in aging men has still not been completely clarified. Similarly, the role of T replacement therapy (TRT), as well as the combination of TRT with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors (PDE5i) for patients with erectile dysfunction (ED), is still conflicting. Here we aim to summarize and critically discuss all available data supporting the contribution of low T to sexual impairment observed with aging as well as the possible role of TRT. Available data on men with sexual dysfunction show that reduced sexual desire is the most important correlate of male hypogonadism. Conversely, aging and associated morbidities substantially attenuate the relationship between ED and T. TRT is effective in improving sexual function in middle-aged and older subjects but its role is small and extremely variable. Lifestyle interventions can result in similar outcomes to those of TRT. In conclusion, it is our opinion that PDE5i along with lifestyle measures should be considered the first approach for treating ED even in subjects with milder T deficiency. When these interventions fail or are difficult to apply, TRT should be considered.
Turbulence in the Outer Heliosphere
Authors: Fraternale Federico , Adhikari Laxman , Fichtner Horst , Kim Tae K. , Kleimann Jens , Oughton Sean , Pogorelov Nikolai V. , Roytershteyn Vadim , Smith Charles W. , Usmanov Arcadi V. , Zank Gary P. , Zhao Lingling
Published: August 2022

The solar wind (SW) and local interstellar medium (LISM) are turbulent media. Their interaction is governed by complex physical processes and creates heliospheric regions with significantly different properties in terms of particle populations, bulk flow and turbulence. Our knowledge of the solar wind turbulence nature and dynamics mostly relies on near-Earth and near-Sun observations, and has been increasingly improving in recent years due to the availability of a wealth of space missions, including multi-spacecraft missions. In contrast, the properties of turbulence in the outer heliosphere are still not completely understood. In situ observations byVoyagerandNew Horizons, and remote neutral atom measurements byIBEXstrongly suggest that turbulence is one of the critical processes acting at the heliospheric interface. It is intimately connected to charge exchange processes responsible for the production of suprathermal ions and energetic neutral atoms. This paper reviews the observational evidence of turbulence in the distant SW and in the LISM, advances in modeling efforts, and open challenges.
Nichts ist praktischer als eine gute Theorie – Wenn Theorien praktisch werden
Authors: Jonas Eva , Zerle Georg , Mühlberger Christina , Hansen Jochim
Published: August 2022

Theorien reduzieren die Komplexität der Wirklichkeit und können dadurch für Berater:innen als wichtige Orientierung für ihr praktisches Handeln dienen. Dies wird anhand von drei Theorien aus der Motivations- bzw. Sozialpsychologie illustriert, die für das Verständnis des Prozesses der Zielverfolgung im Coaching, zur Gestaltung der Beziehung zwischen Coach und Coachee und zur Unterstützung der Selbststeuerungskompetenzen des Coachees hilfreich sein können. Wichtig ist dabei eine evidenzorientierte Anwendung von Theorien und eine Offenheit im Beratungsprozess. Parallelen zwischen Forschungs- und Beratungsprozessen werden diskutiert.