bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unification of methods for new types of fuzzy sets: general approximation spaces with relational morphisms
Authors: Močkoř Jiří
Published: February 2025

We present a general method that can be used to unify the theoretical results for several new MV-valued fuzzy sets, such as intuitionistic fuzzy sets, neutrosophic fuzzy sets, fuzzy soft sets, or multivalued fuzzy sets and their mutual combinations. The results created in this way have properties identical to analogous results for classic MV-valued fuzzy sets, and it is not necessary to prove these results separately for each new type of fuzzy sets. To illustrate this general method, we will show how two related fuzzy Chang topologies can be derived in these new types of fuzzy sets from general approximation spaces.
A new mathematical optimization-based method for the m-invariance problem
Authors: Tobar Nicolau Adrián , Castro Jordi , Gentile Claudio
Published: February 2025

Privacy preserving dynamic data publication aims at protecting data while simultaneously preserving its utility when the data is published dynamically. For static data (i.e., data published only once), privacy is based on concepts such as k-anonymity and

$$\epsilon $$

ϵ

-differential privacy. In contrast, for dynamic data, the notions of m-invariance and

$$\tau $$

τ

-safety are considered. However, most current approaches focus solely on guaranteeing m-invariance and

$$\tau $$

τ

-safety without paying attention to the quality of the solution, such as maximizing utility. We propose a new heuristic approach for the NP-hard combinatorial problem of m-invariance and

$$\tau $$

τ

-safety, which is based on a mathematical optimization column generation scheme. The quality of a solution to m-invariance and

$$\tau $$

τ

-safety can be measured by the Information Loss (IL), a value in [0, 100], the closer to 0 the better. We show that our approach improves by far current heuristics, reducing IL by more than

$$60\%$$

60
%

and, in some instances, by more than

$$95\%$$

95
%

.
A clinicopathological study of IgG4-related autoimmune hepatitis and IgG4-hepatopathy
Authors: Tanaka Atsushi , Notohara Kenji , Tobari Maki , Abe Masanori , Umemura Takeji , Takahashi Atsushi , Tsutsui Akemi , Ito Takanori , Tsuneyama Kohichi , Masamune Atsushi , Harada Ken-ichi , Ohira Hiromasa , Kawano Mitsuhiro
Published: February 2025

Background and aim

Although IgG4-related autoimmune hepatitis (IgG4-AIH) and IgG4-hepatopathy have been proposed as hepatic phenotypes of IgG4-related disease (IgG4-RD), their definitions and concepts remain insufficiently established. This study aims to conduct a clinicopathological investigation of cases reported as potential IgG4-AIH or IgG4-hepatopathy.

Methods

In previous nationwide epidemiological studies conducted in 2015 and 2018, we registered 1096 cases of IgG4-sclerosing cholangitis (IgG4-SC). Among these, 19 cases were identified as potential IgG4-AIH by the attending physicians, and other 20 cases as potential IgG4-hepatopathy with available liver histology were further evaluated using immunohistochemistry to assess the possibility of IgG4-AIH or IgG4-hepatopathy. For this purpose, we provisionally established diagnostic criteria for IgG4-AIH and IgG4-hepatopathy, primarily based on the comprehensive diagnostic criteria for IgG4-RD, which include IgG4 + cell count > 10/HPF and an IgG4 + /IgG ratio > 40%.

Results

Of the 19 cases, 2 were diagnosed as IgG4-AIH, with IgG4 + cell counts/HPF of 25.3 and 18.7, and IgG4 + /IgG ratios of 310.2% and 53.4%, respectively. Neither storiform fibrosis nor obliterative phlebitis was observed in the liver of these cases, and both responded excellently to corticosteroid treatment. In addition, from other 20 cases, we diagnosed 8 cases as IgG4-hepatopathy, with IgG4-SC and autoimmune pancreatitis being present in 7 and 2 cases, respectively.

Conclusion

This study identified two cases of IgG4-AIH and eight cases of IgG4-hepatopathy. Further studies are necessary to explore the occurrence of IgG4-AIH using these diagnostic criteria in the AIH cohort. The presence of IgG4-hepatopathy may facilitate the diagnosis of IgG4-SC.
Assessment of oral health-related quality of life and oral side effects of radioactive iodine therapy
Authors: Yemenoglu Hatice , Peker Kadriye , Köse Taha Emre , Günaçar Dilara Nil , Bülbül Ogün
Published: February 2025

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of oral health problems on oral health-related quality of life (OHRQoL) among female patients received Radioactive iodine (131I) therapy.

Materials and methods

This unmatched case-control study was conducted on 40 female patients (20 cancer free controls and 20 patients treated with 131I therapy). Data were collected via clinical examination, self reported questionnaire including the Oral Health Impact Profile-14 (OHIP-14), salivary tests, socio-demographic and behavioural characteristics. Data were analyzed using descriptive, bivariate and multivariate statistics.

Results

There were significant differences in the total number of decayed, missing and filled surfaces, stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates, and periodontal indices between the study and control groups in the unadjusted analysis. Age adjusted analysis revealed significant differences in the stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates, periodontal indices, physical pain domain scores between groups. No significant differences were observed between groups in the xerostomia severity and OHRQoL. In study group, the score for the OHIP-14 psychological discomfort domain was negatively correlated with both stimulated and unstimulated salivary flow rates. The total OHIP-14 score and its domain scores of physical pain and psychological disability were correlated positively with the severity of xerostomia, but negatively correlated with number of the repeated 131I therapy.

Conclusions

Due to xerostomia, patients reported worse OHRQoL in the domains of physical pain, psychological discomfort and disability. They had worse periodontal status and tooth brushing habits than healthy controls.

Clinical relevance

The findings of this study may provide a valuable insight on the oral health problems and needs of target group when planning a a team-based care.
Quasi-static modeling of long-wave axis deviations in planetary gears for transmission error signal analysis
Authors: Nohl Simon , Westphal Christian , Brecher Christian
Published: February 2025

Planetary gears are widely used in large transmission applications, such as wind turbines, hydropower plants and industry, due to power density, high gear ratio and efficiency advantages. The advancement of predictive maintenance and gear system design processes is essential to enhance the ratio between durability and used material of gearbox components. Preventing possible downtime due to unforeseen failures in between maintenance intervals also increases resource efficiency. In this paper, a quasi-static FE-based method is presented that calculates the running behavior of planetary gear stages considering time variant and time invariant axis misalignments, tooth flank deviations as well as the influence of coupled meshing areas. A contact algorithm is presented, taking into account load dependent deviations of an adjustable sun gear onto the contact behavior, which is widely used to compensate load-sharing issues. The model can consider these deviations and their influence on the contact behavior hence their characteristic frequency order spectrum. In the future, vibration signatures taking into account manufacturing as well as load dependent deviations can be created to help identifying misalignments in transmission error data. The method can then be used for end of line tests as well as the evaluation of the rest of useful life based on local pressure distributions and tooth root stresses.
Experiential learning through virtual reality by-proxy
Authors: Veitch Nicola , Donald Claire , Judge Andrew , Carman Christopher , Scott Pamela , Taylor Sonya , Marks Leah , Edmond Avril , Kirkwood Nathan , McDonnell Neil , Macpherson Fiona
Published: February 2025

Virtual reality (VR) is increasingly being used as a teaching and learning tool, however scaling this technology is difficult due to technological and cost considerations. An alternative approach that helps to address these problems is VR-by-proxy, where teaching takes place within a VR environment that is controlled by one lecturer and broadcast to students online. This allows the content to be accessed without specialist equipment while still offering an immersive and interactive experience. Taking advantage of the enforced move to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study evaluates the implementation of a novel VR-by-proxy disease diagnostic laboratory VR simulation within an undergraduate life sciences course in a higher education setting. Student participants were randomly allocated into two groups: the test group, who took part in a VR-by-proxy lesson; and a control group, who worked with interactive online lab manual material. We assessed improvement in learning and enjoyment through questionnaires before and after these tasks and collected qualitative data on student attitudes towards VR through focus groups. Our results indicate that although there is no observable difference in learning outcomes between the two groups, students in the test group reported an improved learning experience, confidence and enjoyment of learning. In our focus groups, confidence was understood in two ways by participants: firstly, as ‘understanding’ of the various steps involved in conducting a quantitative polymerase chain reaction experiment and secondly as a more general ‘familiarity’ with the laboratory setting. This study adds to the growing body of research into the effectiveness of VR for learning and teaching, highlighting that VR-by-proxy may provide many of the same benefits.
The effect of high-intensity versus photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) on the regeneration of the sciatic nerve following crush injury: an animal study
Authors: Bayburt Kemal Atakan , Diker Nurettin , Aydin Mehmet Serif , Dolanmaz Dogan
Published: February 2025

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the therapeutics effects of photobiomodulation and high intensity laser therapy after a sciatic nerve crush injury. Following the crush injuries of sciatic nerve, 33 rats were randomly divided into three groups. The injured sciatic nerves of the rats in the control group were left to heal spontaneously, whereas HILT (120 J/session and 1064 nm) and photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) (2.4 J/session and 650 nm) were started immediately after surgery and performed once every 3 days (10 session in total) during the postoperative period. Electrophysiological evaluations were conducted before surgery and at the end of the healing period. The Sciatic Functional Index (SFI) was assessed before surgery and at the end of the healing period. The ratio of the inner axonal diameter to the total outer axonal diameter (g-ratio) and schwann cells per square micrometer were histomorphometrically evaluated. At the end of the 30-day healing period, significantly better SFI scores were noted in the HILT group compared with PBM (p=0.002) and control (p < 0.001) groups. HILT exhibited positive effects on latency and duration values when compared PBM (p=0.002, p=0.014) and control (p=0.003, p < 0.001) groups. The number of nerves with an optimum g-ratio was higher in the HILT group which indicates a better rate of myelination. Functional, histomorphometric, and electrophysiological investigations of the present study revealed that HILT seems to be a superior treatment modality for peripheral nerve regeneration.
Pressure-volume curves of fine roots reveal intraspecific variation across different elevations in a subalpine forest
Authors: Masumoto Taiga , Hashimoto Yuki , Ito Takumi , Takahashi Koichi , Makita Naoki
Published: February 2025

Water conservation in fine roots can be important for the adaptation of trees to cold, nutrient-poor ecosystems. Although pressure–volume (p-v) curve traits are commonly used to assess leaf water conservation, little is known about their intraspecific variation in fine roots and their association with root functional traits, such as morphology and chemistry. Here, we aimed to determine the p-v curve traits of Betula ermanii and Abies mariesii fine roots at 2,000 and 2,500 m elevations and explore their intraspecific variation with root morphological and chemical traits in a subalpine forest. Turgor loss point (πtlp), relative water content at πtlp, osmotic potential at full hydration, and capacitance at full turgor (Cft) were evaluated as p-v curve traits. Additionally, root diameter, specific root length, and root tissue density (RTD) were assessed as morphological traits, and nitrogen (N) content was measured as a chemical trait. For A mariesii roots, the Cft was lower, and πtlp was more negative at 2,500 m than at 2,000 m. The p-v curve traits of B ermanii roots remained unchanged with elevation. There were strong correlations between RTD and πtlp and between N content and πtlp and Cft, especially for A. mariesii. These results indicated A. mariesii adjusted p-v curve traits with RTD and N content and achieved water conservation in fine roots at higher elevations. The p-v curve traits, particularly πtlp and Cft, reflected diverse tree strategies for environmental acclimation with fine-root carbon economy. Our findings highlighted the importance of adjusting water relation traits for acclimation to cold and nutrient-poor subalpine regions, particularly for evergreen coniferous species. The p-v curve traits revealed diverse fine-root water relation traits as a basis for water conservation capacity by preserving root function under stress conditions and enabling prolonged resource acquisition in a subalpine forest.
Dirac Cohomology and $$\Theta $$-correspondence for Complex Dual Pairs
Authors: Afentoulidis-Almpanis S. , Liu G. , Mehdi S.
Published: February 2025

We study the behavior of Dirac cohomology under Howe’s

$$\Theta $$

Θ

-correspondence in the case of complex reductive dual pairs. More precisely, if

$$(G_1,G_2)$$

(

G
1

,

G
2

)

is a complex reductive dual pair with

$$G_1$$

G
1

and

$$G_2$$

G
2

viewed as real groups, we describe those Harish-Chandra modules

$$\pi _1$$

π
1

of

$$G_1$$

G
1

with nonzero Dirac cohomology whose

$$\Theta $$

Θ

-liftings

$$\Theta (\pi _1)$$

Θ
(

π
1

)

still have nonzero Dirac cohomology. In this case, we compute explicitly the Dirac cohomology of

$$\Theta (\pi _1)$$

Θ
(

π
1

)

.
Home Literacy and Mathematics in Bulgaria, Israel, Spain, and the U.S.: How Do Preschool Parents Socialize Academic Readiness?
Authors: Stites Michele L. , Sonnenschein Susan , Aram Dorit , Karabanov Galia Meoded , López-Escribano Carmen , Shtereva Katerina , Krasniqi Besjanë , Gursoy Hatice
Published: February 2025

Previous research shows that preschool parents in the United States (U.S.) prioritize literacy over mathematics, despite the importance of both subjects for their child’s future academic success. However, less is known about how parents in other countries socialize the literacy and mathematics skills of young children. This paper examines the beliefs of preschool parents from Bulgaria (N = 103), Israel (N = 167), Spain (N = 138), and the U.S. (N = 183). These countries were selected due to differences in location, economics, religions, languages, and alphabet. Specifically, we examine the importance parents place on home literacy and mathematics, the time spent in the home on those activities, and parents’ confidence in supporting their child’s learning in both domains. We also examined the type of support and resources parents in each country would value receiving from their child’s teacher. The results indicated the importance of expanding research from just U.S. participants. Parents from all four countries valued home literacy and mathematics but viewed literacy as significantly more important. While parents from all four countries viewed literacy as more important, differences between countries were noted when it came to the time spent on different subjects, with Spain and the U.S. spending more time on literacy and Bulgaria and Israel spending more time on mathematics. Parents from the U.S. indicated significantly higher levels of confidence in supporting literacy than parents in the other three countries; however, no differences were noted in confidence for supporting mathematics. The types of resources that parents would like to receive also varied by country.
Testing the nature of compact objects and the black hole paradigm
Authors: De Laurentis Mariafelicia , Pani Paolo
Published: February 2025

Do compact objects other than black holes and neutron stars exist in the universe? Do all black holes conform with the predictions of Einstein’s General Relativity? Do classical black holes exist at all? Future gravitational-wave observations and black-hole imaging might shed light on these foundational questions and deepen our understanding of the dark cosmos.
Euler–Euler Numerical Model for Transport Phenomena Modeling in a Natural Circulation Loop Operated by Nanofluids
Authors: Kamenik Blaž , Vovk Nejc , Elcioglu Elif Begum , Sezgin Firat , Ozyurt Erdem , Karadeniz Ziya Haktan , Turgut Alpaslan , Ravnik Jure
Published: February 2025

This paper explores a computational approach to model multiphase heat transfer and fluid flow in a natural circulation loop utilizing nanofluids. We propose and implement an Euler–Euler framework in a CFD environment, incorporating an innovative boundary condition to preserve mass conservation during thermophoretic particle flux. The model’s accuracy is verified through a one-dimensional example, by comparing results against both an Euler–Lagrange model and an in-house finite volume solution. Experimental validation is conducted with aluminum oxide nanofluids at varying nanoparticle concentrations. We prepared the nanofluids and measured their thermophysical properties up to

$$60^\circ$$

60
∘

C. We assess the thermal performance of the nanofluid in natural circulation loop at different heating powers via experiment and numerical simulations. The findings reveal that the heat transfer enhancement offered by the nanofluid is modest, with minimal differences observed between the proposed Euler–Euler approach and a simpler single-phase model. The results underscore that while the Euler–Euler model offers detailed particle–fluid interactions, its practical thermal advantage is limited in this context.
Thermophysical Properties of NbAlO4 and TaAlO4
Authors: Gebauer Julian , Rohde Magnus , Franke Peter , Seifert Hans Jürgen
Published: February 2025

Thermophysical properties of the ternary oxides NbAlO4 and TaAlO4 are experimentally determined. For NbAlO4, the molar heat capacity is 98.9 J (mol

$$\cdot$$

·

K)−1 at 0 

$$^{\circ }$$

∘

C up to 155.6 J (mol

$$\cdot$$

·

K)−1 at 950 

$$^{\circ }$$

∘

C and for TaAlO4 97.1 J (mol

$$\cdot$$

·

K)−1 at 0 

$$^{\circ }$$

∘

C up to 154.2 J (mol

$$\cdot$$

·

K)−1 at 950 

$$^{\circ }$$

∘

C, respectively. Maier-Kelley polynomials are provided for the molar heat capacities. Thermal diffusivities in the range from 20 

$$^{\circ }$$

∘

C to 700 

$$^{\circ }$$

∘

C (

$$\alpha _{NbAlO_{4}}$$

α

N
b
A
l

O
4

: from 0.009 to 0.004 cm2·s−1 and

$$\alpha _{TaAlO_{4}}$$

α

T
a
A
l

O
4

: from 0.017 to 0.005 cm2·s−1), bulk densities at 25 

$$^{\circ }$$

∘

C (

$$\rho _{NbAlO_{4}}$$

ρ

N
b
A
l

O
4

= 3.94 g

$$\cdot$$

·

cm−3 and

$$\rho _{TaAlO_{4}}$$

ρ

T
a
A
l

O
4

= 6.07 g·cm−3) and melting points of the oxides are measured, and the thermal conductivities are calculated from these properties. The thermal conductivity from 20 

$$^{\circ }$$

∘

C to 700 

$$^{\circ }$$

∘

C of NbAlO4

$$\lambda _{ NbAlO_{4}}$$

λ

N
b
A
l

O
4

is in the range from 0.020 to 0.013 W·cm−1·K−1 and of TaAlO4

$$\lambda _{TaAlO_{4}}$$

λ

T
a
A
l

O
4

in the range from 0.039 to 0.015 W·cm−1·K−1, respectively. A porosity correction for thermal conductivities is applied, and with that, data for perfectly dense material are provided.
Benefiting from Wild Animals and Duties of Assistance: A Reply to Jalagania
Authors: Ishihara Ryota
Published: February 2025

Beka Jalagania has recently argued that benefiting from wild animals generates special duties to assist them. To show this, Jalagania offers an argument that focuses on their contribution to the production of the benefits we receive, which he calls the contribution argument. In this paper I aim to show that this argument fails. One of the premises on which the contribution argument rests is that we ought to share the benefits we receive with whoever contributed to their production. However, the idea of contribution in this premise is somewhat ambiguous as it stands and can be further clarified in at least two ways: a counterfactual way and a causal way. I examine these two interpretations of contribution in turn, focusing mainly on their counterintuitive implications, and argue that under both interpretations, the contribution argument faces some difficulties. Therefore, unless a plausible interpretation of contribution is offered, we should conclude that this argument fails.
Beyond the Surface: Exploring Ancient Plant Food Processing through Confocal Microscopy and 3D Texture Analysis on Ground Stone Tools
Authors: Zupancich Andrea , Cristiani Emanuela , Di Fazio Melania , Medeghini Laura , Gopher Avi , Ibáñez Juan José
Published: February 2025

Ground stone tools are frequently found in archaeological contexts from early to late prehistoric times. These tools are key evidence for reconstructing past societies’ lifeways, technology and know-how, given their role in different tasks, including subsistence and craft activities. In recent years, the field of use-wear studies on ground stone tools showed an exponential growth in applying quantitative methods at all scales of observations, from macro to micro. These included using 3D models to measure and identify worked areas, spatial analyses for exploring trace and residue distribution, and confocal profilometers to analyse micro-polish texture. In this paper, we present results stemming from the application of confocal light microscopy and 3D surface texture analysis to identify and distinguish micro-polishes deriving from the processing of plant foods. We tested the potential of this method by analysing micro-polishes on modern limestone replicas used for grinding, pounding and dehusking wild and domestic cereal grains and legumes. Following a multi-level analysis, we demonstrate the efficacy of confocal microscopy and 3D surface texture analysis in correctly discriminating between different micro-polishes. We show how this method, integrated with the qualitative assessment of use-wear, may enhance functional interpretations of ground stone tools; we also discuss the current limits and future perspectives for their systematic application in the study of archaeological assemblages.
Reliability of in vitro data for the mechanistic prediction of brain extracellular fluid pharmacokinetics of P-glycoprotein substrates in vivo; are we scaling correctly?
Authors: van Valkengoed Daan W. , Hirasawa Makoto , Rottschäfer Vivi , de Lange Elizabeth C. M.
Published: February 2025

Plasma pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles often do not resemble the PK within the central nervous system (CNS) because of blood–brain-border (BBB) processes, like active efflux by P-glycoprotein (P-gp). Methods to predict CNS-PK are therefore desired. Here we investigate whether in vitro apparent permeability (Papp) and corrected efflux ratio (ERc) extracted from literature can be repurposed as input for the LeiCNS-PK3.4 physiologically-based PK model to confidently predict rat brain extracellular fluid (ECF) PK of P-gp substrates. Literature values of in vitro Caco-2, LLC-PK1-mdr1a/MDR1, and MDCKII-MDR1 cell line transport data were used to calculate P-gp efflux clearance (CLPgp). Subsequently, CLPgp was scaled from in vitro to in vivo through a relative expression factor (REF) based on P-gp expression differences. BrainECF PK was predicted well (within twofold error of the observed data) for 2 out of 4 P-gp substrates after short infusions and 3 out of 4 P-gp substrates after continuous infusions. Variability of in vitro parameters impacted both predicted rate and extent of drug distribution, reducing model applicability. Notably, use of transport data and in vitro P-gp expression obtained from a single study did not guarantee an accurate prediction; it often resulted in worse predictions than when using in vitro expression values reported by other labs. Overall, LeiCNS-PK3.4 shows promise in predicting brainECF PK, but this study highlights that the in vitro to in vivo translation is not yet robust. We conclude that more information is needed about context and drug dependency of in vitro data for robust brainECF PK predictions.
Evaluation of the thermo-hydraulic behavior of water-based graphene and Al2O3 hybrid nanofluids in a circular tube through CFD simulations
Authors: Oflaz Fatma
Published: February 2025

This study presents an in-depth computational investigation of the thermohydraulic performance of water-based hybrid nanofluids containing graphene and aluminum oxide (Al₂O₃) nanoparticles. Using computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software, the research focused on understanding the behavior of these nanofluids under turbulent flow conditions in a circular tube. The analysis included examining how various parameters, including the Nusselt number, friction factor, and performance evaluation criteria, were influenced by the addition of nanoparticles. Five different nanoparticle volume concentrations, ranging from 0.1 to 1%, were analyzed. The simulation was conducted for turbulent flow regimes using Reynolds numbers between 20,000 and 80,000. A constant surface heat flux boundary condition was applied to the tube. The k-ε RNG (Renormalization Group) turbulence model was used as it is suitable for capturing turbulence effects in such flows. The thermophysical properties of the hybrid nanofluids were calculated using correlations available in the literature. The addition of graphene and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles significantly increased the Nusselt number, demonstrating enhanced heat transfer performance. The improvement in the Nusselt number was observed across all volume concentrations and Reynolds numbers. The maximum enhancement (28%) was recorded compared to pure water at 1% volume concentration. The friction factor increased with the addition of nanoparticles due to the higher viscosity of the hybrid nanofluids. The highest increase in the friction factor was 7.2% at the maximum volume concentration of 1%. The increase in viscosity contributed to an increased pressure drop in the system. However, the magnitude of this increase was relatively modest compared to the heat transfer benefits. The PEC (Performance Evaluation Criteria) value was found to be greater than 1 in most cases. The highest PEC value of 1.26 was achieved at the lowest Reynolds number (20,000) and the highest nanoparticle concentration (1%). This indicates that the use of the hybrid nanofluid is thermohydraulically advantageous under these conditions. The study concludes that water-based hybrid nanofluids containing graphene and Al₂O₃ nanoparticles enhance heat transfer performance significantly, making them suitable for applications requiring efficient thermal management. The slight increase in flow resistance was outweighed by the substantial heat transfer improvements, particularly at higher volume concentrations and lower Reynolds numbers, as reflected by the favorable PEC values.
Gluon scattering on the self-dual dyon
Authors: Adamo Tim , Bogna Giuseppe , Mason Lionel , Sharma Atul
Published: February 2025

The computation of scattering amplitudes in the presence of non-trivial background gauge fields is an important but extremely difficult problem in quantum field theory. In even the simplest backgrounds, obtaining explicit formulae for processes involving more than a few external particles is often intractable. Recently, it has been shown that remarkable progress can be made by considering background fields which are chiral in nature. In this paper, we obtain a compact expression for the tree-level, maximal helicity violating (MHV) scattering amplitude of an arbitrary number of gluons in the background of a self-dual dyon. This is a Cartan-valued, complex gauge field sourced by a point particle with equal electric and magnetic charges and can be viewed as the self-dual version of a Coulomb field. Twistor theory enables us to manifest the underlying integrability of the self-dual dyon, trivializing the perturbative expansion in the MHV sector. The formula contains a single position-space integral over a spatial slice, which can be evaluated explicitly in simple cases. As an application of the formula, we show that the holomorphic collinear splitting functions of gluons in the self-dual dyon background are un-deformed from a trivial background, meaning that holomorphic celestial OPE coefficients and the associated chiral algebra are similarly un-deformed. We also comment on extensions of our MHV formula to the full tree-level gluon S-matrix.
Inhibiting HSP90 changes the expression pattern of PINK1 and BNIP3 and induces oxidative stress in colon cancer cells
Authors: Abu-El-Rub Ejlal , Alzu’bi Ayman , Almahasneh Fatimah A. , Khaswaneh Ramada R. , Almazari Rawan , Kasasbeh Amani , Aldamen Ala A. , AI-jariri Heba F. , Alomari Amal , Yousef Tuqa , Al-Zoubi Raed M.
Published: February 2025

Background

Cancer cells can modulate the expression of many proteins that are essential for supporting their uncontrolled proliferation. Heat shock protein 90 (HSP90) is ubiquitously expressed in most cell types and participates in controlling many survival pathways. Cancer cells utilize HSP90 in order to prolong their survival, thus they tend to overexpress it. Based on its importance for cancer cells, we aim to investigate the molecular mechanisms that link HSP90 inhibition in colon cancer cells with oxidative stress and mitochondrial stress—related regulators.

Materials and methods

We used RKO colon cancer cells, blocking HSP90 with the inhibitor AT13387 and HSP90 siRNA. Cell proliferation and apoptosis were measured via CCK8 ELISA and Fluorescent Apoptosis Assays. Western blotting and immunocytochemistry assessed oxidative and mitochondrial stress markers BNIP3, PINK1, GP91/NOX2, and IRE1α in treated cells.

Results

Our findings reveal that inhibiting HSP90 with AT13387 reduces RKO cell viability by suppressing proliferation and enhancing Annexin-V expression, indicative of increased apoptosis. This rise in apoptosis is associated with PINK1 downregulation and BNIP3 upregulation, markers of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, respectively. Additionally, AT13387 treatment elevated the protein level of GP91, a marker of oxidative stress, and IRE1α, a marker of ER stress. Similarly, genetic knockdown of HSP90 in RKO cells produced comparable effects, including reduced cell survival and a decreased PINK1/BNIP3 ratio.

Conclusion

Targeting HSP90 in colon cancer cells disrupts their survival by decreasing PINK1 and increasing BNIP3, which activates oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum stress, ultimately triggering apoptosis.
Definition by proxy
Authors: Elgin Samuel Z.
Published: February 2025

I take some initial steps toward a theory of real definition, drawing upon recent developments in higher-order logic. The resulting account allows for extremely fine-grained distinctions (it can distinguish between any relata that differ in their syntactic structure, while avoiding the Russell-Myhill problem). It is the first account that can consistently embrace three desirable logical principles that initially appear to be incompatible: the Identification Hypothesis (if F is, by definition, G, then there is a sense in which F is the same as G), Irreflexivity (there are no reflexive definitions), and Leibniz’s Law. Additionally, it possesses the resources needed to resolve the paradox of analysis.
On notions of p-parabolic capacity and applications
Authors: Moring Kristian , Scheven Christoph
Published: February 2025

We consider different notions of capacity related to the parabolic p-Laplace equation. Our focus is on a variational notion, which is consistent in the full range

$$1<p<\infty $$

1
<
p
<
∞

. For such a notion we show some basic properties as well as its connection to other notions of capacity presented in the literature, and to a certain parabolic version of the Hausdorff measure. As applications, we use the introduced variational notion of capacity to study polar sets and removability results for supersolutions.
European citizens and attitudes towards science and technology: what account for societal development and scientific knowledge?
Authors: Alaimo Leonardo Salvatore , Cagnoli Federica , Saiani Paolo Parra
Published: February 2025

In times of global challenges and transformations, such as emerging technologies, many researchers have strived to improve the laypeople-experts relationship to address them. Much research has been done on the attitudes that people have towards science and technology. However, the results are often contrasting: scientific knowledge can either have a positive or no role in more positive attitudes. In addition, more recent studies have begun to wonder whether institutional factors and social structures can influence such attitudes. By employing the post-materialist transformation in value, some researchers have found a negative association between country development and support for science and technology. Scientific knowledge in highly developed countries makes the relationship with attitudes towards science and technologies unpredictable. Although promising, this topic has not yet been adequately explored. This paper intends to shed light on this by analysing how and to what extent scientific knowledge and societal development influence attitudes towards science and technology. Using data from Eurobarometer 95.2, the paper follows two steps. First, it builds synthetic indices to analyse attitudes toward science and technology, societal development and scientific knowledge. In order to do so, it uses synthetic methodologies that respect the nature of the selected elementary indicators, in particular, the Counting Approach and the Partially Ordered Set (poset) Theory. Then, it identifies a model to analyse, according to the literature, the effects of different factors on attitudes towards science and technology. To do this, a finite mixture model of linear regressions is used in the paper, with the idea that the effect of independent variables can be different for different levels of the dependent variable. The results indicate that these factors significantly influence attitudes towards science and technology, with nuanced differences that merit further investigation.
Staying active, staying sharp: the relationship between physical activity and health-related quality of life for people living with cognitive impairment
Authors: Haque Rezwanul , Alam Khorshed , Gow Jeff , Neville Christine , Keramat Syed Afroz
Published: February 2025

Background

Physical inactivity is a major global health concern and has been identified as a risk factor for cognitive impairment. In Australia, the long-term relationship between physical activity and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with cognitive impairment remains under researched. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by using data from a population-based longitudinal study.

Methods

We used data from two waves (wave 12 [2012] and wave 16 [2016]) of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey. Our final analytic sample consisted of 1,168 person-year observations from 985 unique individuals. To investigate the association between physical activity and HRQoL, we employed random-effects Generalized Least Squares (GLS) model.

Results

We found that participants engaging in physical activity, < 1 to 3 times per week, showed significant positive associations with the Physical Component Summary (PCS) score [β = 4.41, Standard Error (SE) = 0.68], Mental Component Summary (MCS) score (β = 2.55, SE = 0.74), and SF-6D utility value (β = 0.05, SE = 0.007) compared to those who did not perform any physical activity. Similarly, participants who engaged in physical activity more than three times per week to every day had notably higher scores in PCS (β = 7.28, SE = 0.82), MCS (β = 4.10, SE = 0.84), and SF-6D utility values (β = 0.07, SE = 0.009).

Conclusion

There is clear evidence that performing physical activity is positively associated with improved HRQoL in people with cognitive impairment. Our findings underscore the critical role of public health initiatives, such as health education and community-based programs, in promoting physical activity to enhance the HRQoL of older Australians living with cognitive impairment.
Complexity of CO2 Activation and Reaction on Surfaces in Relation to Heterogeneous Catalysis: A Review and Perspective
Authors: Presel F. , Paier J. , Calaza F. C. , Nilius N. , Sterrer M. , Freund H.-J.
Published: February 2025

We discuss activation and reaction of CO2 on oxide-supported Au nanoparticles in connection with the preparation and characterization of model systems for heterogeneous catalysts, referring mostly to our own studies in the field. These systems are based on crystalline oxide thin films grown on metal substrates, which allows us to characterize them at the atomic scale. Depending on preparation conditions, the oxide-supported Au nanoparticles assume a particular morphology that is largely controlled by electron transfer from the metal substrate through the oxide film or from dopants in the oxide film. If such an electron transfer to the Au nanoparticles is possible, they assume a two-dimensional morphology and electrons can flow from the particle rim to attached CO2 molecules. This electron transfer leads to the formation of oxalate species that may spill over to the oxide substrate and are available for further reactions. The required structural parameters and the possibilities to monitor the spill-over process are discussed in detail in this paper.
Citizens’ perceptions and willingness to pay for urban beekeeping: a case study in northern Italy
Authors: Notaro Sandra , Paletto Alessandro , Mira Alessio , Grilli Gianluca
Published: February 2025

Recently, urban beekeeping has been recognized as an important activity capable of generating many environmental, economic, and social benefits for society. Urban beekeeping is considered a valuable activity that balances the increase in honey production and urban biodiversity conservation in a sustainable way. However, there is no available literature on citizens’ perceptions and willingness to support urban beekeeping at the local level financially. This study investigated the citizens’ perceptions and willingness to pay (WTP) for urban beekeeping in a case study in Italy. To this end, an online survey was administered with a sample of citizens of the Taino municipality near the Milan metropolitan area, where there is a project to realize an urban apiary. At the end of data collection, 153 citizens completed the questionnaire, corresponding to approximately 5% of inhabitants. The results highlighted that for most respondents, the main benefits provided by urban apiaries are related to the awareness and educational activities on the role of honey bees in the urban environment. Besides, the results showed that 60.1% of respondents are willing to contribute financially to the construction of the municipal apiary through a one-time donation, while the remaining 39.9% said they were not willing to contribute financially, citing reasons for protest. The average WTP was estimated at € 22.21 per person, corresponding to a total value of € 48,742.24. The findings can be considered a starting point to help decision-makers understand the importance of urban beekeeping not only from an environmental but also from a socio-economic point of view.
Comparing the effect of laparoscopic and robotic stapling on clinical outcomes, efficiency, and costs of robot-assisted Roux-en-Y gastric bypass
Authors: Hafermann Juliane O. , Phelps Jarrod D. , Tayash Mahmoud F. El
Published: February 2025

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is a commonly used surgery to successfully and durably treat obesity that is increasingly performed robotically. The anastomoses created during robot-assisted RYGB are usually stapled, either using laparoscopic or robotic staplers. This study aimed to compare the peri-operative efficiency, costs, and clinical outcomes of laparoscopic and robotic staplers in robot-assisted RYGB. This retrospective study analyzed patients who underwent robot-assisted RYGB (with or without hiatal hernia repair) with the Da Vinci Xi robotic system in a private practice in the United States. The gastric pouch and anastomoses were created either with robotic SureForm™ staplers or laparoscopic Endo GIA™ staplers; enterotomies and incisions were closed with sutures. The primary outcome was procedure time. The secondary outcomes were instrument exchanges and reloads used, stapling costs, length of stay, and complications within 3 months. Of the 105 patients included, 50 patients were treated with robotic staplers and 55 with laparoscopic staplers. None were lost to follow-up. Laparoscopic staplers were more efficient than robotic ones: they significantly reduced procedure times across all analyzed categories as well as the number of instrument exchanges and reloads needed per surgery. There was no difference in the length of hospital stay, and no complications were reported. The higher number of reloads and the higher unit cost resulted in higher total stapling costs for robotic compared to laparoscopic staplers. While robotic staplers in robot-assisted RYGB are safe and feasible, laparoscopic staplers improve efficiency, reduce resource use, and lower costs without compromising patient safety.
Detection and management of postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass grafting or non-cardiac surgery: a survey by the AF-SCREEN International Collaboration
Authors: Boriani Giuseppe , Imberti Jacopo F. , McIntyre William F. , Mei Davide A. , Healey Jeff S. , Schnabel Renate B. , Svennberg Emma , Camm A. John , Freedman Ben
Published: February 2025

We developed a survey to describe current practice on the detection and management of new-onset postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurring after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or non-cardiac surgery. We e-mailed an online anonymous questionnaire of 17 multiple choice or rank questions to an international network of healthcare professionals. Between June 2023 and June 2024, 158 participants from 25 countries completed the survey. For CABG patients, 62.7% of respondents reported use of telemetry to detect POAF on the ward until discharge, and 40% reported no dedicated methods for monitoring AF recurrences during follow-up. The largest number (46%) reported prescribing oral anticoagulants (OACs) at discharge if patients were at risk according to CHA2DS2-VASc/CHA2DS2-VA scores, and the most common duration of OAC therapy was 3 months to 1 year (43%). For non-cardiac surgery patients, POAF detection methods varied, with 29% using periodic 12-lead ECG and 27% using telemetry followed by periodic ECGs. For monitoring AF recurrence, 33% reported planned cardiology visits with ECG. Regarding OAC prescription during follow-up, 51% reported they prescribe OACs only for patients who are at risk of stroke, and 42% prescribe OACs for an interval of 3 months to 1 year. The most commonly reported barrier to OAC prescription was the lack of randomized controlled trial data. For both CABG and non-cardiac surgery, the reported methods for POAF detection and recurrences monitoring were heterogeneous and prescription patterns for OACs varied greatly. The most frequently reported concern about long-term anticoagulation was lack of randomized data, indicating the urgent need for sound studies that inform daily clinical practice.
God and the Possibility of a Moral Right to Privacy
Authors: Lundgren Björn
Published: February 2025

In their Unfit for the Future, Ingmar Persson and Julian Savulescu argued that there is no moral right to privacy, which resulted in a string of papers. This paper addresses their most recent contribution, arguing that—contrary to their claims—there is no conflict between God and a moral right to privacy.
Pelargonium graveolens Attenuates Rotenone-Induced Parkinson’s Disease in a Rat Model: Role of MAO-B Inhibition and In Silico Study
Authors: Merghany Rana M. , El-Sawi Salma A. , Naser Asmaa F. Aboul , Salem Mohamed A. , Ezzat Shahira M. , Moustafa Sherifa F. A. , Meselhy Meselhy R.
Published: February 2025

Parkinson’s disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative condition, is primarily characterized by motor dysfunctions due to dopaminergic neuronal loss in the Substantia Nigra (SN), with oxidative stress playing a significant role in its progression. This study investigates the neuroprotective potential of Pelargonium graveolens (Thunb.) L’Hér leaves in a rotenone-induced PD rat model. The total ethanolic extract and its fractions, obtained via Diaion HP-20 column chromatography, were evaluated for monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) inhibition in vitro. The 50% methanol fraction (PG50) demonstrated the highest MAO-B inhibition (IC50 5.26 ± 0.12 µg/ml) compared to the reference drug selegiline (IC50 0.021 ± 0.003 µg/ml). In a rotenone-induced PD rat model, PG50 (100 mg/kg, p.o.) alleviated motor deficits (assessed via the wire hanging test), and restored norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin levels. PG50 and l-dopa reduced α-synuclein levels by 367.60% and 377.48%, respectively. Oxidative balance was restored with increased glutathione (23.12%) and decreased malondialdehyde (164.19%) in brain tissues. PG50 significantly reduced serum TNF-α (572.79%) and IL-6 (70.84%) levels, and improved succinate dehydrogenase (14.47%) and lactate dehydrogenase (7.74%) activities in brain tissues. Histopathological alterations in the SN were also ceased. UPLC-MS/MS analysis identified 61 metabolites, including 32 flavonoids, 13 phenolic acids, 7 coumarins, 5 phenolic glycosides, and 4 dicarboxylic acids, with in silico docking showing strong MAO-B binding by methoxylated flavonoids like methoxyluteolin dimethyl ether (docking score: − 8.0625 kcal/mol), surpassing that of safinamide (− 8.2615 kcal/mol). These findings suggest that P. graveolens holds promise as a neuroprotective agent against rotenone-induced PD.