bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multi‐Spectroscopic and Theoretical Analyses of Human Serum Albumin Binding to a Water‐Soluble Zinc(II) Complex including β‐Amino Alcohol
Authors: Shahabadi Nahid , Ghaffari Lida , Mardani Zahra , Shiri Farshad
Published: September 2022

In this study, we examined the interaction process of human serum albumin (HSA) with a water‐soluble zinc(II) complex of dichloro {2‐[N‐(2‐hydroxyethylammonioethyl) imino methyl] phenol} at pH=7.4 and in vitro utilizing molecular docking modeling and spectral techniques. In the multi‐temperature fluorescence test, the consecutive and gradual addition of the zinc(II) complex to the HSA‐containing cell resulted in fluorescence quenching, and it showed that the zinc(II) complex‐protein interaction is associated with a static quenching mechanism; also, the number of binding sites (n) and the binding constant (Kb) were computed by this test. The evaluation of thermodynamic data showed spontaneous progression, and the involvement of hydrogen bonding/van der Waals forces in protein‐zinc(II)complex formation. The site markers competition studies using two drugs, warfarin and ibuprofen, indicated that zinc(II) complex binds to the protein via site I/sub‐domain IIA. The albumin‐zinc(II) complex interaction and the structural alterations in the serum albumin were proved by electronic absorption technique and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Job′s curve exhibited a stoichiometric ratio of 1 : 1 in the HSA‐zinc(II) complex adduct. The accuracy of the results obtained from experimental findings on the interaction between HSA and zinc(II) complex was checked by molecular docking simulation, which illustrated a good agreement between experimental and theoretical data.
Composition Dependent Electrical Transport in Si1−xGexNanosheets with Monolithic Single‐Elementary Al Contacts
Authors: Wind Lukas , Sistani Masiar , Böckle Raphael , Smoliner Jürgen , Vukŭsić Lada , Aberl Johannes , Brehm Moritz , Schweizer Peter , Maeder Xavier , Michler Johann , Fournel Frank , Hartmann Jean‐Michel , Weber Walter M.
Published: September 2022

Si1−xGexis a key material in modern complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor and bipolar devices. However, despite considerable efforts in metal‐silicide and ‐germanide compound material systems, reliability concerns have so far hindered the implementation of metal‐Si1−xGexjunctions that are vital for diverse emerging “More than Moore” and quantum computing paradigms. In this respect, the systematic structural and electronic properties of Al‐Si1−xGexheterostructures, obtained from a thermally induced exchange between ultra‐thin Si1−xGexnanosheets and Al layers are reported. Remarkably, no intermetallic phases are found after the exchange process. Instead, abrupt, flat, and void‐free junctions of high structural quality can be obtained. Interestingly, ultra‐thin interfacial Si layers are formed between the metal and Si1−xGexsegments, explaining the morphologic stability. Integrated into omega‐gated Schottky barrier transistors with the channel length being defined by the selective transformation of Si1−xGexinto single‐elementary Al leads, a detailed analysis of the transport is conducted. In this respect, a report on a highly versatile platform with Si1−xGexcomposition‐dependent properties ranging from highly transparent contacts to distinct Schottky barriers is provided. Most notably, the presented abrupt, robust, and reliable metal‐Si1−xGexjunctions can open up new device implementations for different types of emerging nanoelectronic, optoelectronic, and quantum devices.
Triaxial tests on high ductile concrete under different environmental conditions
Authors: Li Lingling , Shi Junping , Yan Zijian , Kou Jialiang
Published: September 2022

Triaxial compression tests were conducted on high ductile concrete (HDC) under three curing conditions to study its triaxial mechanical properties under different curing environments. The three different curing conditions are as follows: standard curing (temperature 20 ± 2°C, humidity ≥95%), water curing (temperature 15 ± 2°C, humidity ≥95%), and −20°C (−20 ± 2°C, humidity ≥85%). The variation laws of stress–strain response, peak stress, peak strain, and volume strain were analyzed for HDC under different environmental conditions. The mechanism of the effect of HDC mesostructure on strength under different curing conditions was revealed using ultrasonic and nuclear magnetic resonance detection technology. The relationship between HDC uniaxial compressive strength and ultrasonic speed was obtained by fitting the test data, and the relationship between the shear strength and temperature was provided. Results show that the peak stress of HDC under the same confining pressure increases with the rise in the curing temperature. The peak strain also decreases, and the HDC exhibits better ductility under −20°C curing. The peak stress and peak strain of HDC under the same curing conditions increase with the rise in confining pressure. HDC specimen fracture is in the composite failure mode of shear and splitting, and it cracks but does not disintegrate. The pore size is larger and the strength is lower when the pores are more harmful.
Steel fiber reinforced RC beams in pure torsion—Load‐bearing behavior and modified space truss model
Authors: Oettel Vincent
Published: September 2022

Investigations on steel fiber reinforced concrete (RC) beams in torsion show, that the steel fibers positively influence the torsional load‐bearing behavior. Since a systematic evaluation of the previously known test results and the derivation of a generally valid design model were lacking until recently, current codes such as Model Code 2010 do not contain any design models for the consideration of the steel fiber load‐bearing effect in the torsion design. Due to this, the existing torsion tests on steel fiber RC were summarized in a database. Furthermore, on the basis of the test results and observations, the space truss model developed by Rausch and later refined by Lampert and Thürlimann, among others, was further developed and supplemented by additional longitudinal and transverse steel fiber tension struts. This modified space truss model was validated with the database and shows good to very good predictions to the torsion test data.
Datafication, Teachers' Dispositions and English Language Teaching in Bangladesh: A Bourdieuian Analysis
Authors: Ali Md. Maksud
Published: September 2022

The use of (test) performance data for governing school and teachers' work, defined as datafication, has emerged as a global trend in education. However, how this trend plays out in relation to English language education in the local context, particularly in developing societies, has not received notable attention. Taking Bangladesh secondary education as a case, and drawing on Pierre Bourdieu's conceptual resources, this study highlights how datafication unfolds in schooling contexts and examines the “relations” between this trend and English language teachers' dispositions and pedagogical practices. The study employs a qualitative case study and draws on principal and teacher interviews, and classroom observation as data sources. Findings reveal that datafication has emerged as a practical logic of the schooling field, guiding schools and teachers' dispositions in specific ways, which contribute to reductive practices. Data also indicate teachers' capacity to mediate between competing logics and innovate practices, which are situated and “local.” Based on these findings, this article argues that understanding the interplay between the specific logics of schooling, language education policy and teachers' structuring dispositions is key not only to understanding the nature of pedagogical practices, but also to establishing meaningful “relations” between policy and schooling practices amid growing datafication.
The dual role of boron in vitro neurotoxication of glioblastoma cells via SEMA3F/NRP2 and ferroptosis signaling pathways
Authors: Kar Fatih , Hacioğlu Ceyhan , Kaçar Sedat
Published: September 2022

Glioblastoma multiform (GBM) is a malignant tumor cancer that originates from the star‐shaped glial support tissues, namely astrocytes, and it is associated with a poor prognosis in the brain. The GBM has no cure, and chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy are all ineffective. A certain dose of Boric acid (BA) has many biochemical effects, conspicuously over antioxidant/oxidant rates. This article sought to investigate the modifies of various doses of BA on the glioblastoma concerning cytotoxicity, ferroptosis, apoptosis, and semaphorin–neuropilin signaling pathway. The Cytotoxic activity and cell viability of BA (0.39–25 mM) in C6 cells were tested at 24, 48, and 72 h using 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol, 2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT). The IC50 concentration of BA at 1.56 mM was found and cell lysate used for biochemical analysis. Glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPx4) and ACLS4 levels of ferroptosis, levels of total antioxidant (TAS) and oxidant (TAS) parameters, malondialdehyde (MDA), apoptotic proteins as caspase 3 (CASP3) and caspase 7 (CASP7) were measured. The ferroptosis, semaphoring–neuropilin, apoptotic pathway markers and cell counts were analyzed with flow cytometry, Q‐PCR, Western and Elisa technique in the C6 cell lysate. BA triggered ferroptosis in the C6 cells dose‐dependently, affecting the semaphorin pathway, so reducing proliferation with apoptotic compared with untreated cell as control group (p < .05). This study revealed that BA, defined as trace element and natural compound, incubated ferroptosis, total oxidant molecules, and caspase protein in a dose‐dependently by disrupting SEMA3F in tumor cells.
Antibiogram and virulence profiling reveals multidrug resistantStaphylococcus aureusas the predominant aetiology of subclinical mastitis in riverine buffaloes
Authors: Hoque M. Nazmul , Talukder Anup Kumar , Saha Otun , Hasan Mehedi Mahmudul , Sultana Munawar , Rahman ANM Aminoor , Das Ziban Chandra
Published: September 2022

Background

Staphylococcusspp. are the major causal agents of mastitis in dairy animals worldwide leading to profound economic losses and public health threats. Recently,Staphylococcus aureushas emerged as a multidrug resistant and zoonotic pathogen. This study aimed to characterizeS. aureusin subclinical mastitis (SCM) milk samples of riverine buffaloes in Bangladesh through antibiogram and virulence gene(s) profiling, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Method

We characterizedS. aureusin SCM milk samples (N = 500) of riverine buffaloes through antibiogram and virulence gene(s) profiling, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing.

Results

Out of 500 milk samples tested, 188 (37.6%) were found positive for SCM. From 188 SCM samples, 291 isolates were obtained with a prevalence ofS. aureusin 37.4% (109/291) isolates. Phylogenetic analysis revealed the evolutionary divergence ofS. aureusisolates in bubaline SCM milk samples. The antibiogram profiling showed that about 96.0%S. aureusisolates were multidrug resistant (MDR). Notably, 29 and 16 isolates harboured methicillin‐resistant (mecA) and panton‐valentine leucocidin (pvl) genes, respectively, and 46 plasmid‐bearing isolates were MDR. NineStaphylococcalenterotoxins (SEs/SEls) includingsea(11.9%),sec(7.4%),sed(4.6%),seg(3.7%), andseh(3.7%) were detected with 72.48% toxinotypes comprising a single gene.

Conclusion

This study therefore suggestsS. aureusas the single‐most aetiology (∼37.0%) of SCM in riverine buffaloes, and emergence of MDR, enterotoxin producing, and virulentS. aureusstrains could impose potential threats to animal welfare and public health.
The effects of age, sex, breed, diet, reproductive status and housing condition on the amounts of 25(OH) vitamin D in the serum of healthy dogs: Reference values
Authors: Alizadeh Kimia , Ahmadi Saba , Sarchahi Ali Asghar , Mohri Mehrdad
Published: September 2022

Background

Optimal amount of vitamin D for the proper functioning of the immune system is different from the required vitamin D amount for bones to prevent rickets. However, reports on vitamin D reference values in dogs are minimal, and there is still not enough information regarding the relationship between vitamin D and various variables such as disease, age, breed, diet type, and so on, as well as its relationship with haematological and serum biochemical parameters.

Obgectives

The present study aimed to determine reference values of 25(OH) Vit D in dogs and its concentration in different groups, categorized based on age, sex, breed, housing conditions, and diet, as well as 25(OH) Vit D relationship with hematology and serum biochemistry parameters.

Methods

In this study, 90 healthy dogs were selected to determine the reference value of 25 (OH) Vit D of serum after evaluating of their haematological and biochemical parameters to assess their general health. Dogs were divided into different groups according to above‐mentioned variables. Serum 25 (OH) Vit D was subsequently measured by the ELISA method.

Results

The median concentration of 25 (OH) Vit D was 52.50 ng/ml with minimum and maximum amounts of 14.00 and 155.57 ng/ml, respectively. No significant difference was observed between 25 (OH) Vit D levels in the studied dogs regarding their different age, sex, breed, diet, housing condition, and reproductive status. Serum 25 (OH) Vit D concentration is directly correlated with the number of band neutrophils (p < 0.05). We also witnessed indirect correlations between serum 25 (OH) Vit D levels and the number of blood eosinophils and serum glucose (p < 0.05).

Conclusion

In the present study age, sex, breed, housing condition and age had no significant effects on the amounts of 25(OH) vitamin D. According to correlations of vitamin D with MCH, band and eosinophil numbers and glucose, vitamin D may have a role in erythropoiesis and leukocytes response and also in energy metabolism in dog.
Long duration anaesthesia in pigs with an infusion of alfaxalone and dexmedetomidine
Authors: Kat Irving , Ahern Benjamin J. , Dhanani Jayesh , Whitten Grant , Cowling Nicholas , Goodwin Wendy
Published: September 2022

Pigs are commonly maintained on total intravenous anaesthesia when used in comparative medical research to study controlled manual ventilation of the lung. In this case study, four pigs were anaesthetised with a total intravenous anaesthetic infusion of alfaxalone and dexmedetomidine for up to 24 h whilst being mechanically ventilated. Cardiovascular parameters, blood gas values and body temperature were minimally affected throughout the anaesthetic period. Additional analgesia is recommended when utilising this drug combination for procedures that involve noxious stimuli.
Insights into established and emerging roles of SR protein family in plants and animals
Authors: Kumar Kundan , Sinha Shubham Kumar , Maity Upasana , Kirti Pulugurtha Bharadwaja , Kumar Koppolu Raja Rajesh
Published: September 2022

Splicing of pre‐mRNA is an essential part of eukaryotic gene expression. Serine‐/arginine‐rich (SR) proteins are highly conserved RNA‐binding proteins present in all metazoans and plants. SR proteins are involved in constitutive and alternative splicing, thereby regulating the transcriptome and proteome diversity in the organism. In addition to their role in splicing, SR proteins are also involved in mRNA export, nonsense‐mediated mRNA decay, mRNA stability, and translation. Due to their pivotal roles in mRNA metabolism, SR proteins play essential roles in normal growth and development. Hence, any misregulation of this set of proteins causes developmental defects in both plants and animals. SR proteins from the animal kingdom are extensively studied for their canonical and noncanonical functions. Compared with the animal kingdom, plant genomes harbor more SR protein‐encoding genes and greater diversity of SR proteins, which are probably evolved for plant‐specific functions. Evidence from both plants and animals confirms the essential role of SR proteins as regulators of gene expression influencing cellular processes, developmental stages, and disease conditions.

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > Splicing Mechanisms

RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing
In silico modeling for the hepatic circulation and transport: From the liver organ to lobules
Authors: Ho Harvey , Means Shawn , Safaei Soroush , Hunter Peter John
Published: September 2022

The function of the liver depends critically on its blood supply. Numerous in silico models have been developed to study various aspects of the hepatic circulation, including not only the macro‐hemodynamics at the organ level, but also the microcirculation at the lobular level. In addition, computational models of blood flow and bile flow have been used to study the transport, metabolism, and clearance of drugs in pharmacokinetic studies. These in silico models aim to provide insights into the liver organ function under both healthy and diseased states, and to assist quantitative analysis for surgical planning and postsurgery treatment. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on state‐of‐the‐art in silico models of the hepatic circulation and transport processes. We introduce the numerical methods and the physiological background of these models. We also discuss multiscale frameworks that have been proposed for the liver, and their linkage with the large context of systems biology, systems pharmacology, and the Physiome project.

This article is categorized under:

Metabolic Diseases > Computational Models

Metabolic Diseases > Biomedical Engineering

Cardiovascular Diseases > Computational Models
Real-Time Visualization of Stream-Based Monitoring Data
Authors: Baumeister Jan , Finkbeiner Bernd , Gumhold Stefan , Schledjewski Malte
Published: September 2022

Stream-based runtime monitors are used in safety-critical applications such as Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to compute comprehensive statistics and logical assessments of system health that provide the human operator with critical information in hand-over situations. In such applications, a visual display of the monitoring data can be much more helpful than the textual alerts provided by a more traditional user interface. This visualization requires extensive real-time data processing, which includes the synchronization of data from different streams, filtering and aggregation, and priorization and management of user attention. We present a visualization approach for theRTLolamonitoring framework. Our approach is based on the principle that the necessary data processing is the responsibility of the monitor itself, rather than the responsibility of some external visualization tool. We show how the various aspects of the data transformation can be described asRTLolastream equations and linked to the visualization component through a bidirectional synchronous interface. In our experience, this approach leads to highly informative visualizations as well as to understandable and easily maintainable monitoring code.
DRUCKVORLAGE: DAS INSTRUMENT IBUT-CMA IN (ANLEHNUNG AN) LEICHTER SPRACHE
Authors: Muth Lydia
Published: September 2022

Das „IBUT-CMA in Anlehnung an leichte Sprache“ ist in Inhalt, Aufbau und Aussehen identisch mit dem originalen „IBUT-CMA“. Es ist, um Barrieren zu überwinden und die Mitwirkung der Klientel zu erhöhen, in größerer Schrift und in vereinfachter Sprache formuliert. Das Instrument ist im Querformat erstellt, sodass eine Seite des „IBUT-CMA in Anlehnung an leichte Sprache“ eine halbe Seite des originalen „IBUT-CMA“ darstellt. Daraus ergibt sich, dass zwei Bögen (quasi als DIN A3) übereinander gelegt stets den Bogen des originalen „IBUT-CMA“ (in DIN A4) abbilden. Somit können alle am Erfassungsprozess Beteiligten die für sie angenehmere Version des IBUT-CMA (Original oder in Anlehnung an leichte Sprache) gleichzeitig verwenden und stets nachvollziehen, an welcher Stelle sich das Gegenüber jeweils befindet. Dies ist wichtig, um der Klientel Vertrauen in den Prozess zu ermöglichen, damit sie selbstbestimmter an der Bedarfserfassung mitwirkt und mitwirken kann.
BASTELBOGEN: DAS TEILHABE-WINDRAD
Authors: Muth Lydia
Published: September 2022

Teilhabe als Begriff wird in Kapitel 2.4.4 wie folgt definiert: Der Begriff der sozialen Teilhabe als Zielkonstrukt institutioneller Hilfen beschreibt das individuell optimale Verhältnis aus den, in höchstmöglichem Maß, anzustrebenden Faktoren ‚Selbstbestimmtheit‘, ‚Einbezogensein in die Lebenssituation‘, ‚Lebensqualität‘ und ‚Lebenszufriedenheit‘. In vielen Situationen ist eine Definition jedoch zu abstrakt um den Inhalt vollständig zu begreifen. Das Teilhabe-Windrad hilft in gebastelter Form die Komplexität des Teilhabe-Begriffes auch der Klientel selbst verständlich zu machen. Es zeigt, dass nur dann „Schwung“ in die Teilhabeförderung kommt, wenn alle vier Faktoren gleichermaßen Beachtung finden. Lässt man einen Aspekt weg (Flügel abschneiden) oder konzentriert sich nur auf einen oder zwei (vergrößern/ etwas ankleben), „läuft es einfach nicht mehr rund“. Eine Version in leichter Sprache ist beigefügt.
Methodisches Vorgehen
Authors: Muth Lydia
Published: September 2022

Kapitel sechs befasst sich mit dem methodischen Vorgehen der Arbeit. Hierzu werden zu Beginn die Datenschutzrichtlinien, welche für die Arbeit relevant sind, vorgestellt. Im Hauptteil dieses Kapitels wird eine schematische Übersicht gegeben, welche die durchgeführten Studien in Ziel und Umfang herausstellt. Anschließend werden die einzelnen methodischen Verfahren begründet, in ihrer Durchführung beschrieben sowie die gewonnen Daten dargestellt und interpretiert.
Ergebnisse
Authors: Muth Lydia
Published: September 2022

Das siebente Kapitel fasst alle Ergebnisse der vorliegenden Arbeit einzeln zusammen. Neben der Beantwortung der Forschungsfragen werden hierbei vor allem folgende genannt und noch einmal kurz erörtert:

das IBUT-CMA als Bedarfserfassungsinstrument

Teilhabe – eine Begriffsdefinition als dynamisches Modell

Merkmale einer arbeitsähnlichen Tätigkeit

Kausalkette der Bedarfserfassung

Eruierung der Therapieverlaufskategorien und der Leistungsstufen für CMA

Modell der Beeinträchtigung und Förderung der Teilhabe für CMA (MBFT)

Im Anschluss wird der Einfluss der Erkenntnisse auf den Paradigmenwechsel kurz diskutiert.
DRUCKVORLAGE: DAS INSTRUMENT IBUT-CMA
Authors: Muth Lydia
Published: September 2022

Das Instrument zur Bedarfserfassung und Teilhabesicherung für Chronisch Mehrfachgeschädigt/Mehrfachbeeinträchtigt Abhängigkeitskranke (IBUT-CMA) ist ein ganzheitliches Instrument zur personenzentrierten Bedarfserfassung auf Grundlage der ICF. Es ermöglicht die Ziele und Bedürfnisse der Klientel aktiv mit den CMA-Betroffenen in Leistungen der Eingliederungshilfe zur Förderung der Teilhabe zu überführen. Auch die Mitwirkungsmöglichkeit und Teilhabe der Klientel während des Bedarfserfassungsprozesses wird durch das IBUT-CMA verbessert. Das beiliegende Manual enthält Situationshilfen um dem Erfassenden Unterstützung und mehr Sicherheit zu geben. Des Weiteren fördert das IBUT-CMA eine klare Kommunikationsstruktur zwischen Kostenträger und Leistungserbringer. Es ermöglicht eine praxisnahe, transparente und leistungsgerechte direkte monetäre Abbildung der Hilfen als Fachleistungsstunden oder Gesamtfinanzierungsbedarf.
Shaping the Field of Open, Distance, and Digital Education
Authors: Zawacki-Richter Olaf , Jung Insung
Published: September 2022

This chapter provides a brief overview of the overall structure by the Chief Editors of the Handbook of Open, Distance, and Digital Education (ODDE) published in Springer’s Major Reference Series. The handbook is organized along the lines of the 3M-Framework covering all important issues related to ODDE at the macro- (ODDE systems, theories, and methods), meso- (ODDE educational management and institutions), and micro- (teaching and learning) levels. Each level is addressed in one volume with two sections. Informed by the historical roots of ODDE, the editors and authors of this handbook are shaping the field of ODDE scholarship, theory, and practice.
M5 branes on ℝ1,1×Taub-NUT
Authors: Gustavsson Andreas
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We study M5 branes on ℝ1,1×Taub-NUT that we view as a singular fibration. Reducing the M5 branes along the fiber gives 5d SYM. Due to the singularity, this 5d theory has a gauge anomaly and it is not supersymmetric. To cure these problems we add a supersymmetric gauged chiral WZW theory on the 2d submanifold where the circle fiber vanishes. In addition we add a mass term for the five scalar fields located on this submanifold. With all this, we obtain a fully supersymmetric and gauge invariant theory.
Causality, unitarity and stability in quantum gravity: a non-perturbative perspective
Authors: Platania Alessia
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Resumming quantum fluctuations at the level of the gravitational path integral is expected to result in non-local effective actions and thus in a non-trivial momentum dependence of the propagator. Which properties the (dressed) graviton propagator has to satisfy and whether they can all be met are key open questions. In this work we present criteria and conditions for the momentum dependence of a graviton propagator which is consistent with unitarity, causality, and stability in a non-perturbative setting. To this end, we revisit several aspects of these conditions, highlighting some caveats and subtleties that got lost in recent discussions, and spelling out others that to our best knowledge have not been studied in detail. We discuss the consequences of these concepts for the properties of the graviton propagator. Finally, we provide examples of propagators satisfying unitarity and causality, while avoiding tachyonic and vacuum instabilities, and allowing for an analytic Wick rotation.
Light-front approach to axial-vector quarkonium γ*γ* form factors
Authors: Babiarz Izabela , Pasechnik Roman , Schäfer Wolfgang , Szczurek Antoni
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In this work, we perform a detailed study of transition form factors for axial- vector meson production via the two-photon fusion process γ*γ* → 1++, with space-like virtual photons in the initial state and a P-wave axial-vector quarkonium in the final state. In this analysis, we employ the formalism of light-front quarkonium wave functions obtained from a solution of the Schrödinger equation for a selection of interquark potentials for $$ Q\overline{Q} $$
Q

Q
¯

interaction. We found the helicity structure and covariant decomposition of the matrix elements that can be generically applied for any $$ q\overline{q} $$
q

q
¯

axial-vector meson γ*γ* → 1++ transition, while our numerical results are given for the phenomenologically relevant charmonium χc1 state. We present the helicity form factors as functions of both photon virtualities. We also obtain, that QFLT(Q2, 0)/FTT(Q2, 0) = const.
Comments on summing over bordisms in TQFT
Authors: Banerjee Anindya , Moore Gregory W.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Recent works in quantum gravity, motivated by the “factorization problem” and “baby universes,” have considered sums over bordisms with fixed boundaries in topological quantum field theory (TQFT). We discuss this construction and observe a curious splitting formula for the total amplitude.
Bottom-up holographic models for cosmology
Authors: Waddell Chris
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In this note, we investigate some simple generalizations of a bottom-up holographic approach to cosmology introduced in arXiv:1810.10601. Our models utilize the Karch/Randall/Takayanagi ansatz for the gravitational dual of a boundary conformal field theory, involving pure AdS gravity and an end-of-the-world brane. Following a suggestion made in arXiv:2102.05057, we consider models with an additional interface brane in the bulk. We find that solutions with a viable cosmological interpretation exist only if our model is further generalized, for example by including an Einstein-Hilbert term in the ETW brane action. The physical validity of such models is discussed from the perspective of the effective theory.
Magnetic charges in supergravity
Authors: Tomova Bilyana L.
Published: September 2022

Abstract

In this paper we study the dual charges of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 1 supergravity in asymptotically flat space-time. The action considered is the usual supergravity action with a topological contribution. This is the Nieh-Yan term and the magnetic term of the free Rarita-Schwinger field. Through methods of the covariant phase space formalism we construct the charges conjugate to supersymmetry, diffeomorphism and Lorentz transformations. The additional term in the action will lead to new, non-vanishing contributions to these charges. The magnetic diffeomorphism charges are equivalent to the ones previously found for gravity, while the dual supersymmetric charges are new and do not appear for the free Rarita-Schwinger field. The dual Lorentz charges serve to regularize the previous two. We find that the asymptotic symmetry group for supergravity can only include globally well-defined super-rotations.
An error bound for the time-sliced thawed Gaussian propagation method
Authors: Bergold Paul , Lasser Caroline
Published: September 2022

We study the time-sliced thawed Gaussian propagation method, which was recently proposed for solving the time-dependent Schrödinger equation. We introduce a triplet of quadrature-based analysis, synthesis and re-initialization operators to give a rigorous mathematical formulation of the method. Further, we derive combined error bounds for the discretization of the wave packet transform and the time-propagation of the thawed Gaussian basis functions. Numerical experiments in 1D illustrate the theoretical results.
Enriched stable 204Pb as tracer at ultra-low levels in clinical investigations
Authors: Irrgeher Johanna , Berger Thomas , Tchaikovsky Anastassiya , Tschegg Cornelius , Gouya Ghazaleh , Lechner Peter , Retzmann Anika , Opper Christine , Firbas Christa , Freissmuth Michael , Peschel-Credner Kerstin , Anderle Karolina , Meisslitzer Claudia , Wolzt Michael , Prohaska Thomas
Published: September 2022

The potential of enriched Pb (204Pb) was assessed to monitor pathways of trace levels of Pb in the pg range within the human body via isotope pattern variation in situations where natural lead cannot be used as a tracer due to regulatory limitations. Isotope ratio measurements were accomplished by means of (multi-collector) inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry including a comparison of single and multi-collector ICP-MS for low-level 204Pb assessment. Isotopic pattern results from a blend of a large quantity of the element with a natural isotopic composition and an enriched stable isotope at orders of magnitude lower levels pose a nontrivial analytical problem. Isotope pattern deconvolution was successfully applied as mathematical tool based on multiple linear regressions. The method allowed for deconvolving the isotope pattern from measured isotope ratios without knowing the quantities of different isotope sources incorporated and mixed into the sample at levels of < 1 pg 204Pb/g blood. The objective of this manuscript is to evaluate and summarize the analytical aspects for Pb isotope pattern deconvolution based on the results of a clinical trial, where a 204Pb-enriched isotope tracer was applied to investigate the bioavailability of orally applied Pb along with purified clinoptilolite tuff as potential supplement. This unique approach allows to reduce tracer amounts to harmless levels to human health, which are in accordance with the legal regulative to study enrichment levels of < 0.01% in human blood.

Graphical abstract
Influence of elongation and desaturation on chemosensory properties in acrylates and their corresponding 1-alken-3-ones
Authors: Bauer Patrick , Ortner Eva , Buettner Andrea
Published: September 2022

Acrylates as well as 1-alken-3-ones are both known to be odour active substances but are generally identified in different materials. Nonetheless, butyl acrylate and 1-octen-3-one were both found to elicit a similar mushroom-like odour in previous studies. This led to the question of whether acrylates and enones with the same overall chain length generally elicited similar odours and whether they had similar odour thresholds. Overall, most of the investigated substances showed a mushroom-like, geranium-like or fruity odour. In contrast, short chained substances elicited garlic-like, lighter gas-like or glue-like, odour qualities, suggesting a correlation between the odour quality and the overall chain length. The results showed that only between the analogue structures butyl acrylate and 1-octen-3-one as well as hexyl acrylate and 1-decen-3-one could similar odour qualities be observed. All investigated substances showed low odour threshold values in air between 0.0032 ng/lair (1-hexen-3-one) and 55 ng/lair (1-dodecen-3-one). Overall, 1-alken-3-ones revealed a higher dependency on the chain length when compared to their respective acrylates. The introduction of a second terminal double bond led to a decrease of OT values in case of the acrylates and to an increase in case of the ketones that neither contained a second terminal double bond nor a double bond located close to the carbonyl group. Despite their structural similarities, the results suggest that both substance classes are perceived in a different manner and are therefore likely to be recognized by different types of receptors or are related to different activation patterns in multi-receptor stimulation processes.

Graphical abstract
Pulsed-field ablation-based pulmonary vein isolation: acute safety, efficacy and short-term follow-up in a multi-center real world scenario
Authors: Lemoine Marc D. , Fink Thomas , Mencke Celine , Schleberger Ruben , My Ilaria , Obergassel Julius , Bergau Leonard , Sciacca Vanessa , Rottner Laura , Moser Julia , Kany Shinwan , Moser Fabian , Münkler Paula , Dinshaw Leon , Kirchhof Paulus , Reissmann Bruno , Ouyang Feifan , Sommer Philipp , Sohns Christian , Rillig Andreas , Metzner Andreas
Published: September 2022

Purpose

Pulsed-field ablation (PFA) is a new energy source to achieve pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) by targeted electroporation of cardiomyocytes. Experimental and controlled clinical trial data suggest good efficacy of PFA-based PVI. We aimed to assess efficacy, safety and follow-up of PFA-based PVI in an early adopter routine care setting.

Methods

Consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal or persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) underwent PVI using the Farawave® PFA ablation catheter in conjunction with three-dimensional mapping at two German high-volume ablation centers. PVI was achieved by applying 8 PFA applications in each PV.

Results

A total of 138 patients undergoing a first PVI (67 ± 12 years, 66% male, 62% persistent AF) were treated. PVI was achieved in all patients by deploying 4563 applications in 546 PVs (8.4 ± 1.0/PV). Disappearance of PV signals after the first application was demonstrated in 544/546 PVs (99.6%). More than eight PFA applications were performed in 29/546 PVs (6%) following adapted catheter positioning or due to reconnection as assessed during remapping. Mean procedure time was 78 ± 22 min including pre- and post PVI high-density voltage mapping. PFA catheter LA dwell-time was 23 ± 9 min. Total fluoroscopy time and dose area product were 16 ± 7 min and 505 [275;747] cGy*cm2. One pericardial tamponade (0.7%), one transient ST-elevation (0.7%) and three groin complications (2.2%) occurred. 1-year follow-up showed freedom of arrhythmia in 90% in patients with paroxysmal AF (n = 47) and 60% in patients with persistent AF (n = 82, p = 0.015).

Conclusions

PFA-based PVI is acutely highly effective and associated with a beneficial safety and low recurrence rate.

Graphical abstract
A technical note on large normal-stress differences observed in a novel self-assembling functionalized dipeptide surfactant solution
Authors: Maklad Osama M. , McAulay Kate , Lerouge Sandra , Adams Dave J. , Poole Robert J.
Published: September 2022

A number of functionalised dipeptides self-assemble in water under specific conditions to give micellar aggregates. The micellar aggregates formed depend on the exact molecular structure and are important to understand as they control the properties both of the micellar phase and also of the gel phase which can be formed from these precursor solutions. Here, we investigate the rheological properties of a functionalised dipeptide which behaves as a surfactant at high pH. This solution has been shown previously to exhibit very “stringy” behaviour, and this has previously been characterised using capillary breakup extensional rheometry (CaBER). In the current technical note, we extend the rheological characterisation of an exemplar precursor solution via small-amplitude oscillatory shear and steady shear. Using a cone-and-plate geometry and a dedicated protocol, we can measure the first normal-stress difference N1 and using a parallel-plate geometry to also measure (N1-N2), subsequently determining the second normal-stress difference N2. In so doing, we confirm that these systems are highly elastic, e.g. for shear rates greater than ~ 30 s−1, corresponding to a Weissenberg number based on the longest relaxation time ~ 330, N1 > 10τ where τ is the shear stress, and also, we find that N2 can be significant, is negative and approximately equal in magnitude to ~ 0.36 ± 0.05 N1. Significant uncertainties associated with the normal-stress difference data led to us using a range of different rheometers (and geometries) and highlight the issues with determining N2 using this two-measurement approach. Despite these uncertainties, the non-negligible value of the second-normal stress difference is demonstrated for these fluids.
Fast Exact Dynamic Time Warping on Run-Length Encoded Time Series
Authors: Froese Vincent , Jain Brijnesh , Rymar Maciej , Weller Mathias
Published: September 2022

Dynamic Time Warping (DTW) is a well-known similarity measure for time series. The standard dynamic programming approach to compute the DTW distance of two length-n time series, however, requires $$O(n^2)$$

O
(

n
2

)

time, which is often too slow for real-world applications. Therefore, many heuristics have been proposed to speed up the DTW computation. These are often based on lower bounding techniques, approximating the DTW distance, or considering special input data such as binary or piecewise constant time series. In this paper, we present a first exact algorithm to compute the DTW distance of two run-length encoded time series whose running time only depends on the encoding lengths of the inputs. The worst-case running time is cubic in the encoding length. In experiments we show that our algorithm is indeed fast for time series with short encoding lengths.
Effect of Pressure and Stress Cycles on Fluid Flow in Hydraulically Fractured, Low-Porosity, Anisotropic Sandstone
Authors: Ibemesi Peter , Benson Philip
Published: September 2022

Hydraulic fracture in deep rock masses is used across a variety of disciplines, from unconventional oil and gas to geothermal exploration. The overall efficiency of this process requires not only knowledge of the fracture mechanics of the rocks, but also how the newly generated fractures influence macro-scale pore connectivity. We here use cylindrical samples of Crab Orchard sandstone (90 mm length and 36 mm diameter), drilled with a central conduit of 9.6 mm diameter, to simulate hydraulic fracture. Results show that the anisotropy (mm-scale crossbedding orientation) affects breakdown pressure, and subsequent fluid flow. In experiments with samples cored parallel to bedding, breakdown pressures of 11.3 MPa, 27.7 MPa and 40.5 MPa are recorded at initial confining pressures at injection of 5 MPa, 11 MPa and 16 MPa, respectively. For samples cored perpendicular to bedding, breakdown pressure of 15.4 MPa, 27.4 MPa and 34.2 MPa were recorded at initial confining pressure at injection of 5 MPa, 11 MPa and 16 MPa, respectively. An increase in confining pressure after the initial fracture event often results in a significant decrease in flow rate through the newly generated fracture. We note that fluid flow recovers during a confining pressure “re-set” and that the ability of flow to recover is strongly dependent on sample anisotropy and initial confining pressure at injection.
PSO + FL = PAASO: particle swarm optimization + federated learning = privacy-aware agent swarm optimization
Authors: Torra Vicenç , Galván Edgar , Navarro-Arribas Guillermo
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we present an unified framework that encompasses both particle swarm optimization (PSO) and federated learning (FL). This unified framework shows that we can understand both PSO and FL in terms of a function to be optimized by a set of agents but in which agents have different privacy requirements. PSO is the most relaxed case, and FL considers slightly stronger constraints. Even stronger privacy requirements can be considered which will lead to still stronger privacy-preserving solutions. Differentially private solutions as well as local differential privacy/reidentification privacy for agents opinions are the additional privacy models to be considered. In this paper, we discuss this framework and the different privacy-related alternatives. We present experiments that show how the additional privacy requirements degrade the results of the system. To that end, we consider optimization problems compatible with both PSO and FL.
Relation Between EEG Measures and Upper Limb Motor Recovery in Stroke Patients: A Scoping Review
Authors: Milani Giada , Antonioni Annibale , Baroni Andrea , Malerba Paola , Straudi Sofia
Published: September 2022

Current clinical practice does not leverage electroencephalography (EEG) measurements in stroke patients, despite its potential to contribute to post-stroke recovery predictions. We review the literature on the effectiveness of various quantitative and qualitative EEG-based measures after stroke as a tool to predict upper limb motor outcome, in relation to stroke timeframe and applied experimental tasks. Moreover, we aim to provide guidance on the use of EEG in the assessment of upper limb motor recovery after stroke, suggesting a high potential for some metrics in the appropriate context. We identified relevant papers (N = 16) from databases ScienceDirect, Web of Science and MEDLINE, and assessed their methodological quality with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal. We applied the Preferred Reporting Systems for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) Framework. Identified works used EEG to identify properties including event-related activation, spectral power in physiologically relevant bands, symmetry in brain dynamics, functional connectivity, cortico-muscular coherence and rhythmic coordination. EEG was acquired in resting state or in relation to behavioural conditions. Motor outcome was mainly evaluated with the Upper Limb Fugl-Meyer Assessment. Despite great variability in the literature, data suggests that the most promising EEG quantifiers for predicting post-stroke motor outcome are event-related measures. Measures of spectral power in physiologically relevant bands and measures of brain symmetry also show promise. We suggest that EEG measures may improve our understanding of stroke brain dynamics during recovery, and contribute to establishing a functional prognosis and choosing the rehabilitation approach.
The Impasse on Gender Differences in Intelligence: a Meta-Analysis on WISC Batteries
Authors: Giofrè D. , Allen K. , Toffalini E. , Caviola S.
Published: September 2022

This meta-analysis reviews 79 studies (N = 46,605) that examined the existence of gender difference on intelligence in school-aged children. To do so, we limited the literature search to works that assessed the construct of intelligence through the Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children (WISC) batteries, evaluating eventual gender differences in indices and subtests. The theoretical framework we adopted is the cross-battery approach which locates cognitive abilities into different levels, also considering the possible mediating effect of the version of the WISC being used. As for broad abilities, a notable discrepancy emerged in favour of males for visual and crystallized intelligence, while female/male differences on fluid intelligence were negligible. Conversely, females’ performance on the processing speed factor was superior. Interesting results emerged at the subtest levels, albeit with less pronounced differences in performance. Results generally showed that older versions of WISC batteries displayed larger gender differences compared to the most recent ones.
A novel chitosan and polydopamine interlinked bioactive coating for metallic biomaterials
Authors: Eren Erişen Deniz , Guisong Gu , Mingming Liu , Bingchun Zhang , Ke Yang , Shanshan Chen
Published: September 2022

Chitosan coatings have shown good bioactive properties such as antibacterial and antiplatelet properties, especially on blood-contacted biomedical materials. However, as blood-contacted biomedical device, the intravascular metal stent has a burden with adverse effects on the structural integrity, such as mechanical load during implantation and substrate degradation if a biodegradable metal is used as the substrate. It is unquestionably true that the structural integrity of the coated stent is essential. The adhesion strength between the coating and the substrate positively affects it. Silane and polydopamine (PDA) interstitial layers have been investigated to improve the corrosion resistance, biosafety and adhesion strength. This work addressed this challenge by using PDA as an intermediate and glutaraldehyde as a linking agent to establish a strong link between the polymer coating and the intermediate coating. Compared with PDA-only and glutaraldehyde-linked silane layer, the novel coating displayed a notable increase in adhesion. When compared with the bare Ni-free stainless steel, the performance of the novel coating was not significantly different. This novel chitosan film on the glutaraldehyde linked-PDA interface can be applied to various metallic substrates where synergic bioactive and anticorrosive effects of PDA interstitial coating and chitosan are needed.
Significantly improved cell affinity of polydimethylsiloxane enabled by a surface-modified strategy with chemical coupling
Authors: Rao Li , Liu Yuqin , Zhou Haihan
Published: September 2022

Polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is a commonly used insulation/packaging material for implantable neural electrodes. Nevertheless, the PDMS-initiated tissue response would lead to the deterioration of the electrode performances post-implantation, owing to its intrinsic hydrophobic and cell-repellent surface. The conventional physical coatings by hydrophilic hydrogels or bioactive molecules are unable to maintain during the long-term implantation due to their low stability by physical adhesion. In this work, we first anchor both hydrophilic polyethylene glycol (PEG) and bioactive molecule poly-L-lysine (PLL) on the PDMS surface by chemical coupling to change the PDMS surface from hydrophobic and cell-repellent to hydrophilic and cell-adhesive. XPS tests indicate the chemically coupled modification layers are stable on the PDMS surface after experiencing a harsh rinse process. Contact angle measurements show that the use of PEG 600 with the moderate molecular weight results in the highest hydrophilicity for the resulting PDMS-PEG-PLL. PC12 cell evaluation results exhibit that the PDMS-PEG-PLL with PEG 600 leads to significantly larger cell adhesion area, more neurite number, and longer neurite length than the PDMS. The PDMS-PEG-PLL with PEG 600 featuring stable modification layers, high hydrophilicity, and superior cell affinity has great potential in stabilizing the neural electrode-tissue interface for the long-term implantation.