bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Industrial cutting waste granite dust reinforced cardanol benzoxazine/epoxy resin hybrid composites for high‐voltage electrical insulation applications
Authors: Saravanan Veera Sena Vellapandi , Arumugam Hariharan , Mohamed Mydeen Khajanajimudeen , Krishnasamy Balaji , Mohamed Iqbal Mohamedmustafa , Muthukaruppan Alagar
Published: October 2022

An attempt has been made to develop hybrid composites from benzoxazine monomer (C‐ddm) hybridized with DGEBA epoxy resin (EP) and reinforced with varying weight percentages (20 wt%, 40 wt%, 60 wt%, 80 wt% and 100 wt%) of glycidoxypropyltrimethoxy‐ silane (GPTMS) functionalized granite dust (GD) obtained from industrial granite cutting and polishing process in order to utilize them for electrical insulation applications. The thermal stability of granite dust reinforced poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm) composites was studied by TGA analysis. Among the composites samples studied, 100 wt% GD reinforced poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm) composites possess better thermal stability than that of other neat matrices and composites. Among the composites prepared using varying weight percentages of functionalized GD reinforcement, it was observed that 80 wt% GD reinforced poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm) composites possesses better hydrophobic character than that of other neat matrices and composites. The value of LOI calculated for neat matrix (poly[EP‐co‐C‐ddm]) and 20 wt%, 40 wt%, 60 wt%, 80 wt% and 100 wt% GD reinforced composites was found to be 22, 28, 34, 40, 43 and 45 respectively. The 80 wt% GD reinforced poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm) composites possess the higher values of tensile strength and flexural strength of 47 MPa and 140 MPa, respectively than those of their samples. The values of electrical surface resistivity and electrical volume resistivity of all the neat matrices and GD reinforced polybenzoxazine composites were found to be in the order of 1012 and 1013 respectively. The values of dielectric strength obtained from break down voltage (BDV) for neat matrix [poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm)] and 20 wt%, 40 wt%, 60 wt%, 80 wt% and 100 wt% of GD reinforced poly(EP‐co‐C‐ddm) composites are 15.0, 15.5, 16.5, 17.0, 17.0 and 17.0 kV/mm, respectively. Data obtained from thermal stability, hydrophobic behavior and dielectric studies it was inferred that the hybrid polymer composites developed in the present work can be conveniently used in the form insulators, sealants, adhesives and matrices where application demands at high‐performance industrial and engineering applications.
Future‐proofing photovoltaics module reliability through a unifying predictive modeling framework
Authors: Springer Martin , Jordan Dirk C. , Barnes Teresa M.
Published: October 2022

Solar energy, especially photovoltaics (PV), plays a significant role in the global energy transition required for decarbonization. Technological advancements in increasing efficiencies coupled with cost reductions through economies of scale made PV a cost‐competitive energy source set to exceed the milestone of 1 TW globally deployed capacity in 2022. However, ongoing downward price pressure coupled with increasing service life expectations creates tremendous challenges for reliability engineers in ensuring the safe and reliable operation of PV modules and systems over the anticipated service life. Today's reliability research efforts aim for module lifetimes of up to 50 years. Still, our current tools fall short in accurately assessing degradation mechanisms and failure modes over such extended periods. We argue that the well‐established PV reliability learning cycle needs to be accelerated to keep up with the rapid technological advancements and high expectations that are put on PV and its role in the global energy transition. In this article, we explore the evolution of the PV reliability learning cycle and highlight the significance that predictive modeling capabilities will have on future PV module reliability. We propose creating a unifying modeling framework—which once established will enable the holistic assessment of PV module reliability, accelerate the PV reliability learning cycle, and bring us closer to quantitative service life predictions of PV modules.
Pisum sativum has no competitive responses to neighbors: A case study in (non)reproducible plant biology
Authors: Mobley Mariah L. , Kruse Audrey S. , McNickle Gordon G.
Published: October 2022

Plant–plant competition is ubiquitous in nature. However, studying below ground behavior of roots has always posed certain difficulties. Pea (Pisum sativum L.) has become a common study species for questions about how plant roots respond to neighboring plant roots and barriers in soil. However, published results point in several different directions. This has sometimes been interpreted as pea having sophisticated context dependent responses that can change in complex ways depending on its surroundings, but it could also just point to small statistical power resulting in type I or II statistical errors. To explore this further, here, we combine the result of five new experiments with published results to examine 18 unique experiments from 10 different studies and 6 cultivars of pea for a total of 254 replicate plants. We used a Bayesian hierarchical meta‐analysis approach to estimating the likely effect size from the available data, as well as quantify heterogeneity among different experiments, studies and cultivars. The posterior distributions show that, at the coarsest possible scale of total root production, it is unlikely that P. sativum root growth is influenced by either neighbors or pot volume that varies primarily by depth. We find no evidence of publication bias and conclude that this is simply due to statistical sampling error and the scientific method combined with frequentist statistics operating as intended. We suggest that further work on pea should consider repeating experiments that reported finer scale root plasticity at the rhizosphere scale or consider exploring different pot geometries such as volume that varies by depth or width. We also suggest that more diversity in study species are needed to better understand the neighbor‐volume response.
Molecular determinants of tetrahydrocannabinol binding to the glycine receptor
Authors: Alvarez Lautaro D. , Alves N. R. Carina
Published: October 2022

The recognition of Cannabis as a source of new compounds suitable for medical use has attracted strong interest from the scientific community in its research, and substantial progress has accumulated regarding cannabinoids' activity; however, a thorough description of their molecular mechanisms of action remains a task to complete. Highlighting their complex pharmacology, the list of cannabinoids' interactors has vastly expanded beyond the canonical cannabinoid receptors. Among those, we have focused our study on the glycine receptor (GlyR), an ion channel involved in the modulation of nervous system responses, including, to our interest, sensitivity to peripheral pain. Here, we report the use of computational methods to investigate possible binding modes between the GlyR and Δ9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). After obtaining a first pose for the THC binding from a biased molecular docking simulation and subsequently evaluating it by molecular dynamic simulations, we found a dynamic system with an identifiable representative binding mode characterized by the specific interaction with two transmembrane residues (Phe293 and Ser296). Complementarily, we assessed the role of membrane cholesterol in this interaction and positively established its relevance for THC binding to GlyR. Lastly, the use of restrained molecular dynamics simulations allowed us to refine the description of the binding mode and of the cholesterol effect. Altogether, our findings contribute to the current knowledge about the GlyR‐THC mode of binding and propose a new starting point for future research on how cannabinoids in general, and THC in particular, modulate pain perception in view of its possible clinical applications.
The Study on the Structure of NdFe1−xCoxO3, the Analysis of Mössbauer Spectra, and the Discussion of Its Constituent Elements
Authors: Gao Kaiyang , Shen Jiyu , Mo Jiajun , Li Hao , Jia Zihan , Li Zimeng , Yang Dingguo , Liu Min , Xia Yanfang
Published: October 2022

NdFe1−xCoxO3 samples are prepared by the sol–gel method. The X‐ray diffraction (XRD) results show that these samples conform to the orthogonal perovskite structure (Pbnm), and different doping amounts can cause the patterns to shift by XRD pattern. Through the Williamson–Hall analysis, the microstrain of the lattice between different doping amounts was obtained, and the average crystal size was calculated. The element content of each sample was obtained by scanning electron microscope and energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis. Mössbauer spectra show that different doping levels change the surrounding environment of iron, and the magnetic properties of the samples also change.
Monitoring a labeled degree‐corrected stochastic block model
Authors: Abossedgh Sara , Saghaei Abbas , Amiri Amirhossein
Published: October 2022

The stochastic block model (SBM) is a random graph model that focuses on partitioning the nodes into blocks or communities. A degree‐corrected stochastic block model (DCSBM) considers degree heterogeneity within nodes. Investigation of the type of edge label can be useful for studying networks. We have proposed a labeled degree‐corrected stochastic block model (LDCSBM), added the probability of the occurrence of each edge label, and monitored the behavior of this network. The LDCSBM is a dynamic network that varies over time; thus, we applied the monitoring process to both the US Senate voting network and simulated networks by defining structural changes. We used the Shewhart control chart for detecting changes and studied the effect of Phase I parameter estimation on Phase II performance. The efficiency of the model for surveillance has been evaluated using the average run length for estimated parameters.
Reliability‐based design optimization of a car body using dimension‐ reduced Chebyshev polynomial
Authors: Li Feng , Zhou Yichen , Wei Tonghui , Li Hongfeng
Published: October 2022

A reliability‐based design optimization (RBDO) method of a car body is presented on basis of dimension‐reduced Chebyshev polynomial method (DCM). To improve calculation efficiency and save computational time, complex models are often approximated by metamodels in reliability analysis. Traditional metamodels require a large number of sample points, which is time‐consuming. To improve the efficiency, DCM is proposed to approximate the performance function of the car body. First, the performance function is decomposed by the dimension‐reduction method into a sum of univariate functions, which are then fitted through Chebyshev polynomials. The reliability of the car body is predicted by the Taylor expansion method and the fourth‐moment method. Finally, the result of RBDO is obtained using an improved adaptive genetic algorithm. The proposed method saves on the calculation time with high precision. Besides, the improved adaptive genetic algorithm reduces the number of iterations in the car body optimization and improves the efficiency.
Long‐duration remote underwater videos reveal that grazing by fishes is highly variable through time and dominated by non‐indigenous species
Authors: Magneville Camille , Leréec Le Bricquir Marie‐Lou , Dailianis Thanos , Skouradakis Grigorios , Claverie Thomas , Villéger Sébastien
Published: October 2022

In the marine environment, fish contribute to key ecological processes such as controlling food‐webs through top‐down impacts, especially on algae. To date, the assessment of fish grazing activity has mostly been performed using short‐term (<1 h) censuses by divers or remote cameras which do not allow estimating the variability of grazing rate within and between days. However, understanding the temporal variation of fish activity and hence contribution of species to ecosystem functioning is of particular interest in the context of biological invasion. Here, using long‐duration remote underwater cameras, we recorded fish abundance and grazing events over three consecutive days in October 2019 in a shallow Mediterranean ecosystem from northern Crete. This novel approach allowed us to assess temporal variation of abundance and grazing activity of the two native (Sarpa salpa and Sparisoma cretense) and the two non‐indigenous fish species (Siganus rivulatus and Siganus luridus). Non‐indigenous Siganus rivulatus was the most common species in the studied coastal habitat, followed by the two native species while the non‐indigenous Siganus luridus was scarce. Overall, the non‐indigenous S. rivulatus and the native S. salpa are responsible for more than 90% of the recorded grazing activity with similar bite rates between the two species. More than 70% of the grazing activity arose in grazing pulses in the afternoon, supporting the diel feeding hypothesis according to which feeding is greater in the afternoon when nutritive quality of macrophytes is the highest. In addition, some of the highest peaks in grazing activity were driven by a few individuals. Hence, surveys of only abundance could not provide accurate estimates of herbivory. Last, Siganus rivulatus presence did not significantly affect grazing activity of the native Sarpa salpa. Our results demonstrate that long‐duration remote underwater videos are a useful tool to accurately assess the contribution of fishes to ecosystem functioning.
Using airborne lidar to characterize North European terrestrial high‐dark‐diversity habitats
Authors: Moeslund Jesper Erenskjold , Clausen Kevin Kuhlmann , Dalby Lars , Fløjgaard Camilla , Pärtel Meelis , Pfeifer Norbert , Hollaus Markus , Brunbjerg Ane Kirstine
Published: October 2022

A key aspect of nature conservation is knowledge of which aspects of nature to conserve or restore to favor the characteristic diversity of plants in a given area. Here, we used a large plant dataset with >40 000 plots combined with airborne laser scanning (lidar) data to reveal the local characteristics of habitats having a high plant dark diversity—that is, absence of suitable species—at national extent (>43 000 km2). Such habitats have potential for reaching high realized diversity levels and hence are important in a conservation context. We calculated 10 different lidar based metrics (both terrain and vegetation structure) and combined these with seven different field‐based measures (soil chemistry and species indicators). We then used Integrated Nested Laplace Approximation for modelling plant dark diversity across 33 North European habitat types (open landscapes and forests) selected by the European communities to be important. In open habitat types high‐dark‐diversity habitats had relatively low pH, high nitrogen content, tall homogenous vegetation, and overall relatively homogenous terrains (high terrain openness) although with a rather high degree of local microtopographical variations. High‐dark‐diversity habitats in forests had relatively tall vegetation, few natural‐forest indicators, low potential solar radiation input and a low cover of small woody plants. Our results highlight important vegetation, terrain‐ and soil‐related factors that managers and policymakers should be aware of in conservation and restoration projects to ensure a natural plant diversity, for example low nutrient loads, natural microtopography and possibly also open forests with old‐growth elements such as dead wood and rot attacks.
A rivalry‐based theory of gender diversity
Authors: Mawdsley John Kenneth , Paolella Lionel , Durand Rodolphe
Published: October 2022

Research Summary

We offer a rivalry‐based perspective of gender diversity as a form of competitive action. We theorize that a firm adjusts its senior‐level female representation when they identify business opportunities that may be seized by demonstrating alignment to gender parity expectations. Examining U.S. corporate law firms and potential buyers of their services, we theorize and find that when the buyers of rivals of the focal firm increase their gender diversity, the focal firm responds by increasing its female partner representation. Reinforcing the strategic approach to managing gender diversity, we also show that a focal firm reduces its gender‐related response to rivals' buyers as the opportunity to attract those buyers decreases, and when the focal firm can use racial diversity as a credible substitute for gender diversity.

Managerial Summary

Do firms increase senior level gender diversity for normative or competitive reasons? We examine this question and test whether firms adjust their gender diversity to align with the gender diversity values of their competitors' clients. Our study shows that U.S. corporate law firms increase their level of female partners when the clients of their stronger competitors increase gender diversity in their executive rank. We also show that firms' gender diversity response weakens when there is a lower probability of luring those clients and when firms can offer racial diversity as a credible alternative signal of pro‐diversity values. Our competitive‐based view of gender diversity encourages managers to consider how and when proactive gender diversity improvement can be a mechanism for improving their firms' market position.
Research Progress of Buffer Layer and Encapsulation Layer Prepared by Atomic Layer Deposition to Improve the Stability of Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Yujing , Yang Yifan , Mbumba Manala Tabu , Akram Muhammad Waleed , Rop Eric Kiplangat , Bai Luyun , Guli Mina
Published: October 2022

Organic–inorganic mixed perovskite solar cells (PSCs) have been rapidly developed. However, while efficiency is improved, stability is still a problem that hinders further commercial production. Researchers have adopted many solutions and technological means to solve this problem, such as additive engineering, interface engineering, encapsulation engineering, and so on. To achieve the goal, various technical means have been employed. Among them, atomic layer deposition (ALD) is an effective tool to prepare compact pinhole‐free thin films at low temperature, and its introduction provides some solutions to improve the stability of devices. Herein, the typical cases reported in recent years of preparing PSCs buffer and encapsulation layers using ALD technology to improve device stability are reported. The specific role of ALD in this process is analyzed, and the prospects and challenges of its further application are also discussed prospectively.
Numerical Investigation of the Radial Ore‐to‐Coke Ratio in the Blast Furnace Throat during Nonuniform Burden Descent
Authors: Wei Han , Mondal Debanga Nandan , Saxén Henrik , Yu Yaowei
Published: October 2022

The burden descent in the blast furnace throat affects the radial ore‐to‐coke ratio, which is directly related to the gas distribution and chemical reactions in the furnace. Herein, the layer structure and the radial ore‐to‐coke ratio of the burden bed under uniform and nonuniform burden descent are studied numerically by the discrete element method. Two kinds of nonuniform descent are considered, where the descent rate in the furnace center is greater than the descent rate at the wall or vice versa. The descent is realized by deleting particles in virtual boxes of different sizes at the lower end of the simulated domain. The results show that the ore‐to‐coke ratio decreases where the descent rate is low and increases where the descent rate is high. For a burden profile of the “platform + hopper” type, a faster burden descent in the center has a much stronger influence on the radial ore‐to‐coke ratio distribution than the case with faster descent at the wall. The size difference between the ore and coke particles and the charging matrix are also found to play a role in the influence of the burden descent on the distribution of the ore‐to‐coke ratio.
In the parvocellular part of paraventricular nucleus, glutamatergic and GABAergic neurons mediate cardiovascular responses to AngII
Authors: Rastegarmanesh Ali , Rostami Bahar , Nasimi Ali , Hatam Masoumeh
Published: October 2022

Angiotensinergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons are present in the parvocellular region of the paraventricular nucleus (PVNp). It has been shown that microinjection of AngII into the PVNp increases arterial pressure (AP) and heart rate (HR). The presence of synapses between the angiotensinergic, GABAergic, and glutamatergic neurons has been shown in the PVNp. In this study, we investigated the possible interaction between these three systems of the PVNp for control of AP and HR.

All drugs were bilaterally (100 nl/side) microinjected into the PVNp of urethane‐anesthetized rats, and AP and HR were recorded continuously. Microinjection of AngII into the PVNp produced pressor and tachycardia responses. Pretreatment of PVNp with AP5 or CNQX, glutamatergic NMDA and AMPA receptors antagonists, attenuated the responses to AngII. Pretreatment of PVNp with bicuculline greatly attenuated the pressor and tachycardia responses to AngII.

In conclusion, this study provides the first evidence that pressor and tachycardia responses to microinjection of AngII into the PVNp are partly mediated by both NMDA and non‐NMDA receptors of glutamate. Activation of glutamatergic neurons by AngII stimulates the sympathoexcitatory neurons. We also showed that the responses to AngII were strongly mediated by GABAA receptors, probably through activation of GABAergic neurons, which in turn inhibit sympathoinhibitory neurons.
Assessment of road traffic noise pollution in Basudevpur – A case study on the sub‐urban area of Bhadrak, Odisha, India
Authors: Swain Bijay Kumar , Das Chidananda Prasad , Goswami Shreerup , Panda Bibhu Prasad
Published: October 2022

The long‐term effect of noise pollution is a serious environmental concern for those living near the road due to numerous anthropogenic activities. A calibrated sound level meter was used to assess the noise levels in a semi‐urban area known as Basudevpur Town (16 squares) in March 2021. A sample of the general public (126) was taken and interviewed using a questionnaire to find out how they felt about noise pollution and its impact on their health. A relationship between demographic characteristics and public health issues was discovered in the current investigation. The ANNOVA test was used to determine the association between noise exposure and the probable impacts of this noise exposure on this town, and the Chi‐square test in SPSS 20.0 was utilized to study the relationships between demographic character and irritation. The study reveals that the noise levels were greater than the CPCB's permissible limit for Indian road conditions. The primary source of noise, according to the study, is road traffic noise. The impact of noise pollution on the public's sleep problem was also analyzed. In order to limit noise pollution and its influence on public health, proper administrative planning is necessary.
Research progress on pharmacological effects and new dosage forms of baicalin
Authors: Bao Minglong , Ma Yunfei , Liang Mei , Sun Xinyi , Ju Xianghong , Yong Yanhong , Liu Xiaoxi
Published: October 2022

Background

As a kind of flavonoid, baicalin (C21H18O11) is extracted from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, the extract of which can be added to animal feed in China.

Objectives

The present review will describe the current understanding of the pharmacological effects of baicalin in the regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress anti‐virus and anti‐tumour responses.

Methods

We highlight emerging literature that the application in livestock health and performance, the biological activities, the molecular mechanisms and the dosage forms of baicalin by analysing and summarising the main points of the cited literatures.

Results

It is found that baicalin can improve the functions of multiple physiological systems. Baicalin has a strong anti‐inflammatory effect by regulating TLR4‐NFκB‐MAPK signalling pathway; it also can reduce oxidative stress by regulating Nrf2–Keap1 pathway; it can inhabit many kinds of virus such as influenza virus, respiratory virus, hepacivirus and others; it can also inhibit the growth of tumour cells by blocking the cell cycle or inducing apoptosis; and new dosage forms such as cationic solid lipid nanoparticles, cyclodextrin inclusion complexes or nanocrystalline can be applied to improve the deficiency of baicalin.

Conclusions

In summary, these studies have elucidated a comprehensive report on the anti‐inflammatory, anti‐oxidant, anti‐virus and anti‐tumour of baicalin, these findings thus indicated that baicalin can be used effectively to the field of animal production in future when the appropriate dosage form is determined.
Rheology modifier additive for enhanced processability of polyethylene forblown‐Filmapplications
Authors: Williamson Alexander , Gomes Jorge , Karjala Teresa , do Valle Camila
Published: October 2022

Polyethylene is a versatile polymer suitable for a large variety of flexible and rigid packaging applications. Its mechanical and rheological properties can be tuned across a wide range by controlling its molecular architecture, such as the amount and distribution of olefinic comonomers (short chain branching), long chain branching, and molecular weight distribution. Linear low‐density polyethylene (LLDPE) is known for its high toughness which enables downgauged film structures and low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) is known for its excellent shear thinning and melt strength which enables enhanced processability and high throughput, such as on blown film lines. In order to obtain a balance of toughness and processability on films produced on blown film lines, blends of LLDPE and LDPE are commonly used. In this paper, we describe additive‐based approaches, including a new product, DOWLEX™ (TM = trademark of the Dow Chemical Company (“Dow”) or an affiliated company of Dow) GM AX01, which enhances melt strength and other rheological properties of polyethylene, enabling fabrication of films with lower LDPE content while still maintaining excellent rheological properties and higher toughness versus conventional LLDPE/LDPE blends. The higher toughness enables downgauging without loss of mechanical properties, which in turn reduces consumption of polymer resulting in a more sustainable solution.
Numerical calculation of thermally radiative fluid flow with the energy and mass transmission across a stretching wavy surface
Authors: Raizah Zehba , Alrabaiah Hussam , Saeed Anwar , Hayat Asif Ullah , Galal Ahmed M. , Kumam Poom
Published: October 2022

The current study revealed a comprehensive assessment of three‐dimensional Jeffery fluid flow under the significances of thermal radiation and magnetohydrodynamics (MHD) across a stretching irregular permeable sheet. The flow phenomena have been studied with an additional effect of Darcy media, Arrhenius activation energy, slip conditions, heat source, and chemical reaction. The modeled have been expressed in the form of system of nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs), which are degraded and dimensionalized by the similarity replacement to the set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs). The Matlab package bvp4c (boundary value solver) is employed to estimate the numerical solution of the problems. The influence of several physical factor on velocity, mass, and energy outlines is revealed through tables and figures. It is perceived that the Jeffery fluid motion drops with the growing values of porosity term, while amplified with the rising influence of wall thickness factor. The rising values of Darcy–Forchheimer and magnetic field factor diminish the velocity curve in both x and y directions. Furthermore, the temperature curve intensifies with the addition of porosity factor and Deborah number while lessening with the rising influence of power index.
Introduction
Authors: Thelandersson Fredrika
Published: October 2022

This chapter serves as the introduction to21stCentury Media and Female Mental Health: Profitable Vulnerability and Sad Girl Culture. As such it describes the prevalence of sadness and mental health awareness in the popular media landscape of the 2020s. I describe the main sites studied—magazines, celebrities, and social media networks—to understand the contemporary discourse around gendered mental health, and the feminist media studies theories I use in my analysis. The chapter also contains a timeline of the emergence of a twenty-first-century sadness, exemplified by the artist Lana del Rey and her employment of a sad aesthetics. I also define my use of the terms neoliberalism, governmentality, biopolitics, postfeminism, and popular feminism, before briefly accounting for feminist approaches to affect theory. The chapter ends with an outline of the other chapters in the book.
Mental Health in Magazines: Relatability and Critique in Cosmopolitan and Teen Vogue
Authors: Thelandersson Fredrika
Published: October 2022

This chapter looks at conversations around depression and anxiety in the online archives of Cosmopolitan (US) and Teen Vogue. I examine the different orientations of these magazines when it comes to mental health by discussing their respective styles, tone, narratives, mode of address, and types of pedagogy and support around these issues. While Cosmopolitan tended to follow a script for postfeminist media—full of contradictions, covering serious topics in a tongue-in-cheek way that undermined any gravity, Teen Vogue offered a nuanced portrayal of mental illness that incited its readers to a more critical and engaged interpretation of dominant mental health paradigms. In this sense Cosmo provides an example of profitable vulnerability in that it aligns itself with the trendy themes of depression, anxiety, and other diagnoses, while maintaining a comfortable distance that avoids striking a too somber or heavy tone. Teen Vogue, on the other hand, does offer more spacious definitions of mental illness that does not shy away from difficult conversations. With their focus on support and their providing of resources, they are more aligned with the critical sad girl culture found on social media.
Axion couplings in grand unified theories
Authors: Agrawal Prateek , Nee Michael , Reig Mario
Published: October 2022

Abstract

We show that the couplings of axions to gauge bosons are highly restricted in Grand Unified Theories where the standard model is embedded in a simple 4D gauge group. The topological nature of these couplings allows them to be matched from the UV to the IR, and the ratio of the anomaly with photons and gluons for any axion is fixed by unification. This implies that there is a single axion, the QCD axion, with an anomalous coupling to photons. Other light axion-like particles can couple to photons by mixing through the QCD axion portal and lie to the right of the QCD line in the mass-coupling plane. Axions which break the unification relation between gluon and photon couplings are necessarily charged under the GUT gauge group and become heavy from perturbative mass contributions. A discovery of an axion to the left of the QCD line can rule out simple Grand Unified models. Axion searches are therefore tabletop and astrophysical probes of Grand Unification.
Solar $$ {\overline{\nu}}_e $$ flux: revisiting bounds on neutrino magnetic moments and solar magnetic field
Authors: Akhmedov Evgeny , Martínez-Miravé Pablo
Published: October 2022

Abstract

The interaction of neutrino transition magnetic dipole moments with magnetic fields can give rise to the phenomenon of neutrino spin-flavour precession (SFP). For Majorana neutrinos, the combined action of SFP of solar neutrinos and flavour oscillations would manifest itself as a small, yet potentially detectable, flux of electron antineutrinos coming from the Sun. Non-observation of such a flux constrains the product of the neutrino magnetic moment μ and the strength of the solar magnetic field B. We derive a simple analytical expression for the expected $$ {\overline{\nu}}_e $$

ν
¯

e

appearance probability in the three-flavour framework and we use it to revisit the existing experimental bounds on μB. A full numerical calculation has also been performed to check the validity of the analytical result. We also present our numerical results in energy-binned form, convenient for analyses of the data of the current and future experiments searching for the solar $$ {\overline{\nu}}_e $$

ν
¯

e

flux. In addition, we give a comprehensive compilation of other existing limits on neutrino magnetic moments and of the expressions for the probed effective magnetic moments in terms of the fundamental neutrino magnetic moments and leptonic mixing parameters.
New physics in b → sμμ: FCC-hh or a muon collider?
Authors: Azatov Aleksandr , Garosi Francesco , Greljo Admir , Marzocca David , Salko Jakub , Trifinopoulos Sokratis
Published: October 2022

Abstract

Rare flavour-changing neutral-current transitions b → sμ+μ− probe higher energy scales than what is directly accessible at the LHC. Therefore, the presence of new physics in such transitions, as suggested by the present-day LHCb anomalies, would have a major impact on the motivation and planning of future high-energy colliders. The two most prominent options currently debated are a proton-proton collider at 100 TeV (FCC-hh) and a multi-TeV muon collider (MuC). In this work, we compare the discovery prospects at these colliders on benchmark new physics models indirectly detectable in b → sμ+μ− decays but beyond the reach of the high-pT searches at the HL-LHC. We consider a comprehensive set of scenarios: semileptonic contact interactions, Z′ from a gauged $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{B_3-{L}_{\mu }} $$
U

1

B
3

−

L
μ

and $$ \textrm{U}{(1)}_{L_{\mu }-{L}_{\tau }} $$
U

1

L
μ

−

L
τ

, the scalar leptoquark S3, and the vector leptoquark U1. We find that a 3 TeV MuC has a sensitivity reach comparable to the one of the FCC-hh. However, for a heavy enough mediator, the new physics effects at a 3 TeV MuC are only observed indirectly via deviations in the highest energy bin, while the FCC-hh has a greater potential for the discovery of a resonance. Finally, to completely cover the parameter space suggested by the bsμμ anomalies, among the proposed future colliders, only a MuC of 10 TeV (or higher) can meet the challenge.
Immunogenicity of a third dose of the BNT162b2 COVID-19 vaccine in patients with CLL: effects on treatment selection
Authors: Diamantopoulos Panagiotis T. , Kontandreopoulou Christina-Nefeli , Stafylidis Christos , Vlachopoulou Dimitra , Giannakopoulou Nefeli , Vardaka Maria , Mpouhla Anthi , Variami Eleni , Galanopoulos Athanasios , Pappa Vassiliki , Psichogiou Mina , Hatzakis Angelos , Viniou Nora-Athina
Published: October 2022

Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) show suboptimal responses to the vaccines against SARS-CoV-2; it has been shown though that a booster dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine may lead to a significant increase in the seroconversion rates of immunocompromised patients. We conducted a prospective, non-interventional study to evaluate the immunogenicity of a third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine in adult patients with CLL. Sera were tested before the first, after the second, and before and after the third dose for anti-SARS-CoV-2 receptor binding domain (RBD) spike protein IgG (anti-RBD). Thirty-nine patients with CLL were included in the study. The seroconversion rate increased from 28.2% before the third dose to 64.1% after the third dose and was higher in treatment-naïve patients (72.7% versus 47.1% in actively treated patients, p = 0.042). All but one patient achieving a seroconversion after the second dose retained after the third, while eight patients not achieving a seroconversion after the second dose (38.1%), did so after the third. Moreover, patients actively treated with venetoclax had a higher seroconversion rate than those treated with ibrutinib (87.5% versus 14.3%, p = 0.001). This study confirms the beneficial effect of a third dose of the BNT162b2 vaccine on the seroconversion rate in patients with CLL. Our results also strongly suggest that the use of venetoclax is correlated with higher immunogenicity/seroconversion rates than that of ibrutinib, a finding that has been reported by another study. A treatment strategy change during the pandemic favoring the use of venetoclax may be suggested based on our results, although these results should be validated in larger studies.
Finally seen: a rare sighting of Antarctic blue whale cow–calf pair off the west coast of South Africa
Authors: Seakamela S. Mduduzi , Kotze Pieter G. H. , Gumede Nosipho C. , Sibiya Natalia , Shabangu Fannie W. , McCue Steven A.
Published: October 2022

Blue whales are rarely sighted off the coasts of South Africa due to their low numbers and offshore habitat preference. Visual observations to search for marine mammals were conducted onboard a platform of opportunity during the Integrated Ecosystems Programme survey in November 2019. A cow–calf pair of blue whales Balaenoptera musculus was sighted offshore Kleinzee (30°05′02.4" S, 14°24′53.2" E) at a water depth of 1670 m on the west coast of South Africa in the southern Benguela Current System. The pair was identified as Antarctic blue whales B. m. intermedia based on the size of the cow (~ 29 m), “torpedo-shaped” body of the cow, known distribution ranges and recent acoustic data showing that pygmy blue whales B. m. brevicauda do not occur in these waters. The calf was likely born in the Benguela ecosystem given its relatively small size. This is the first sighting of Antarctic blue whale cow–calf pair in South African waters post whaling, indicating that animals might still use this area as a calving or nursing ground. Improved protection of this region in the low latitudes might benefit the recovery and conservation of the species.
Design and performance of an ultra-compact, low-speed, low turbulence level, wind tunnel for aerodynamic and animal flight experiments
Authors: Breuer Kenneth , Drela Mark , Fan Xiaozhou , Di Luca Matteo
Published: October 2022

We present a novel closed-circuit ultra-compact wind tunnel with an 8:1 contraction ratio and high flow quality. Its overall footprint area is less than half that of a conventional tunnel with the same test section size and same contraction ratio, enabling significantly smaller material and construction costs. The tunnel’s key features which enable the small footprint include a two-dimensional main diffuser, a minimum-length contraction, and expanding turning vanes with a 1.167:1 ratio in corner two and an aggressive 1.875:1 ratio in corner four. Separation in the latter is prevented using a screen and honeycomb integrated into each vane passage—the first time this has been used in a wind tunnel. The tunnel exhibits excellent flow quality with less than $$\pm 1$$

±
1

% mean flow variation in the test section core and a freestream turbulence level of 0.03% at 12 m/s over a 4 Hz–20kHz bandwidth.

Graphical abstract
Acetabular deficiency in borderline hip dysplasia is underestimated by lateral center edge angle alone
Authors: Dornacher Daniel , Lutz Bernd , Fuchs Michael , Zippelius Timo , Reichel Heiko
Published: October 2022

Introduction

In hip preservation surgery, the term “borderline hip dysplasia” was used when the lateral center edge angle (LCEA), historically described by Wiberg, measured 18–25°. In recent years, several radiographic parameters have been described to assess the antero posterior coverage of the femoral head, for example, the anterior and posterior wall index (AWI and PWI). This allowed an increasingly comprehensive understanding of acetabular morphology and a questioning of the borderline definition.

Material and methods

A retrospective review of 397 consecutive hips was performed, all treated with triple pelvic osteotomy (TPO) due to symptomatic hip dysplasia. On all preoperative pelvic radiographs with a LCEA of 18–25°, acetabular index (AI), AWI and PWI were measured. With these values, the hips were categorized into laterally, antero-laterally and postero-laterally dysplastic and stratified by gender. Intra- and interobserver correlation of the parameters was analyzed by intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC).

Results

According to LCEA, 192 hips were identified as “borderline dysplastic”. Based on AWI and PWI, the categorization resulted in 116 laterally dysplastic (60.4%), 33 antero-laterally (17.2%) and 43 postero-laterally dysplastic hips (22.4%). Gender stratification revealed that male acetabula seemed to be slightly more postero-laterally deficient than female (mean PWI 0.80 vs 0.89; p = 0.017). ICC confirmed highly accurate and reproducible readings of all parameters.

Conclusion

The rather high proportion of symptomatic hips labelled borderline dysplastic suggested, that there might be substantial acetabular deficiency not recognizable by LCEA. Comprehensive deformity analysis using LCEA, AI, AWI and PWI showed, that 40% of these hips were deficient either antero-laterally or postero-laterally. Male acetabula were more deficient postero-laterally than female.
Cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3: development during pregnancy and postpartum
Authors: Stuebs Frederik A. , Mergel Franziska , Koch Martin C. , Dietl Anna K. , Schulmeyer Carla E. , Adler Werner , Geppert Carol , Hartman Arndt , Knöll Antje , Beckmann Matthias W. , Gass Paul , Mehlhorn Grit
Published: October 2022

Purpose

The aims of the present study were to evaluate the development of untreated cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) 3 during pregnancy and to assess persistence, progression, and regression rates postpartum to identify factors associated with regression.

Methods

In a tertiary gynecology and obstetrics department, a total of 154 pregnant women with CIN 3 were treated in the dysplasia unit. The follow-up findings were analyzed retrospectively on the basis of histological, cytological, and human papillomavirus (HPV) testing of 154 pregnant women confirmed as having CIN 3 in colposcopically guided biopsies.

Results

The rates of persistence, regression, and progression of CIN 3 in these women were 76.1%, 20% and 3.2%, respectively. Data for the delivery mode was available for 126 women. The rate of regression was almost twice as high with vaginal delivery as with cesarean section, at 27.4 vs. 15.2%, whereas the rate of progression was lower with vaginal delivery, at 2.7 vs. 6.5%.

Conclusion

The rate of persistence of CIN observed in this study is comparable to that reported in other studies. The study provides strong evidence for greater regression among women who have vaginal deliveries. Careful work-up is recommended postpartum for this group of women in order to rule out persistent CIN 3 or invasive disease.
Association of Gas Diffusing Capacity of the Lung for Carbon Monoxide with Cardiovascular Morbidity and Survival in a Disadvantaged Clinical Population
Authors: Collaro Andrew J. , Chang Anne B. , Marchant Julie M. , Chatfield Mark D. , Dent Annette , Fong Kwun M. , McElrea Margaret S.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

Low diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DLCO) and spirometry values are associated with increased mortality risk. However, associations between mortality risk and cardiovascular disease with the transfer coefficient of the lung for carbon monoxide (KCO) and alveolar volume (VA) are unknown. This cohort study: (i) evaluated whether DLCO, KCO, and VA abnormalities are independently associated with cardiovascular morbidity and/or elevated mortality risk and, (ii) compared these associations with those using spirometry values.

Methods

Gas-diffusing capacity and spirometry data of 1165 adults seen at specialist respiratory outreach clinics over an 8-year period (241 with cardiovascular disease; 108 deceased) were analysed using multivariable Cox and logistic regression.

Results

DLCO, KCO, and VA values below the lower limit of normal (< − 1.64 Z-scores) were associated with elevated cardiovascular disease prevalence [respective odds ratios of 1.83 (95% CI 1.31–2.55), 1.56 (95% CI 1.08–2.25), 2.20 (95% CI 1.60–3.01)] and increased all-cause mortality risk [respective hazard ratios of 2.99 (95% CI 1.83–4.90), 2.14 (95% CI 1.38–3.32), 2.75 (95% CI 1.18–2.58)], after adjustment for factors including age, personal smoking, and respiratory disease. Compared to similar levels of spirometry abnormality, DLCO, KCO, and VA were associated with similar or greater mortality risk, and similar cardiovascular disease prevalence. Analysis of only those patients with clinical normal spirometry values (n = 544) showed these associations persisted for DLCO.

Conclusion

Low DLCO, KCO, and VA measurements are associated with cardiovascular disease prevalence. As risk factors of all-cause mortality, they are more sensitive than spirometry even among patients with no diagnosed respiratory disease.
Defining the role of ab externo Xen gel stent in glaucomatous eyes with prior failed surgical intervention
Authors: To Lillian K. , Dhoot Rupak K. , Chuang Alice Z. , Karimaghaei Sam , Guevara-Abadia Francisco , Shah Ruchi D. , Feldman Robert M.
Published: October 2022

Purpose

To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Xen45 Gel stent (Xen; Allergan) in eyes that have failed prior surgical intervention, compared to traditional glaucoma drainage device (GDD) or continuous-wave cyclophotocoagulation (CPC). Since this population has low expected success rates with additional surgery, it is vital to compare to standard-of-care surgical options.

Methods

Retrospective, single-center, case–control study of ab externo transconjunctival Xen shunt in eyes that have previously undergone trabeculectomy and/or GDD surgery. Postoperative data were collected for 18 months. Failure was defined as no light perception, additional glaucoma surgery required, or intraocular pressure (IOP) of < 6 mmHg after 6 weeks postoperatively.

Results

Eighteen Xen eyes and 36 control eyes matched on both glaucoma type and previous glaucoma surgeries were included. Seventy-two percent had primary open angle glaucoma, 11% uveitic, 6% primary angle closure, 6% pseudoexfoliation, and 6% pigmentary glaucoma. Fifty-six percent of eyes in each group had prior trabeculectomy, 28% of Xen and 31% of control eyes had prior GDD, and 17% of Xen and 14% of control eyes had both. Baseline medicated IOP was lower in the Xen group (21.8 ± 7.2) compared to controls (27.5 ± 9.4, P = 0.043). The cumulative failure rate at year 1 was 17% for Xen and 20% for controls (P = 0.57). Mean survival time was 14.1 (± 1.5) months and 11.4 (± 0.6) months for controls. There was no difference in minor complication rates between groups (P = 0.65), but the Xen group had a significantly lower rate of serious complications (P = 0.043) defined as vision threatening or requiring surgical intervention in the operating room. When censored for additional glaucoma procedures, there were no differences at year 1 in IOP, change in IOP, number of IOP-lowering medications, or number of medications reduced from baseline.

Conclusions

The Xen shunt provides a reasonable alternative to current standard of care, with a similar failure rate at year 1, with a noninferior IOP reduction compared to GDD and CPC, and a preferred safety profile.