bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Central Role of Oxo Clusters in Zirconium‐Based Esterification Catalysis
Authors: Pulparayil Mathew Jikson , Seno Carlotta , Jaiswal Mohit , Simms Charlotte , Reichholf Nico , Van den Eynden Dietger , Parac‐Vogt Tatjana N. , De Roo Jonathan
Published: September 2024

Oxo clusters are a unique link between oxide nanocrystals and Metal‐Organic Frameworks (MOFs), representing the limit of downscaling each of the respective crystals. Herein, the superior catalytic activity of clusters, compared to zirconium MOF UiO‐66 and nanocrystals is shown. Focus is on esterification reactions given their general importance in consumer products and the challenge of converting large substrates. Oxo clusters have a higher surface‐to‐volume ratio than nanocrystals, rendering them more active. For large substrates, for example, oleic acid, MOF UiO‐66 has negligible catalytic activity while clusters provide almost quantitative conversion, a fact we ascribe to limited diffusion of large substrates through the MOF pores. Clusters do not suffer from limited mass transfer and we also obtain high conversion in solvent‐free reactions with sterically hindered alcohols (hexanol, 2‐ethyl hexanol, benzyl alcohol, and neopentyl alcohol). The cluster catalyst can be recovered and shows identical activity when reused. The structural integrity of the cluster is confirmed using X‐ray total scattering and pair distribution function analysis. Moreover, when homogeneous zirconium alkoxides are used as catalysts, the same oxo cluster is retrieved, showing that oxo clusters are the active catalytic species, even in previously assumed homogeneously catalyzed reactions.
Continuous Casting Tundish Dead Volume Study by Physical Modeling and Computational Investigation
Authors: Dinda Soumitra Kumar , Li Donghui , Guerra Fernando , Cathcart Chad , Barati Mansoor
Published: September 2024

Flow efficiency in a two‐strand continuous casting tundish is studied by analyzing the residential time distribution (RTD) curves in a small‐scale tundish water model using a conductive NaCl solution tracer. The velocity fields in the tundish water model are measured by particle image velocimetry, which is used to validate the results of the mathematical model in the article. It is found that the tracer concentration has a significant impact on the predicted dead volume fraction in the RTD analysis. Validated mathematical modeling of the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) technology is performed to explore the root cause of the defective results in the RTD analysis. It is found that the flow inside the tundish is sensitive to density variations caused by the injected tracer. A denser tracer will stay lower in the tundish by gravity and flow out of the tundish more quickly. A proper tracer concentration in the water model experiments is discussed to visualize the dead volume and improve tundish furniture design efficiently for future work, a new method using CFD modeling is proposed in this article, which can directly demonstrate the dead volume's location.
Mechanical Properties and Microstructure of Laser Powder Bed Fusion‐Processed 18Ni300 Maraging Steel According to Direct Aging Treatment Conditions
Authors: No Gun Woo , Jeong Jonghyun , Ryu Gyeong Hee , Seol Jae Bok , Kim Jung Gi
Published: September 2024

The nonequilibrium microstructures produced by laser‐based additive manufacturing can enhance the mechanical properties of metallic alloys. However, the optimal post‐treatment conditions will change according to the initial microstructure induced by the manufacturing process employed. Therefore, this study investigates the optimal direct aging conditions for the post‐treatment of laser powder bed fusion‐processed 18Ni300 maraging steel by changing the aging temperature and time. The aging time required to achieve maximum tensile strength decreased as the aging temperature increased, and an increase in the aging temperature accelerated the evolution of nanoscale precipitates. The results indicate that the optimal direct aging conditions of 520 °C for 2 h achieved the largest tensile strength (≈2100 MPa) and precipitate area fraction. Notably, the reduced aging time at this temperature compared with that under conventional aging conditions (8 h at 460 °C or 490 °C) minimizes the thickening of the (Mo,Ti)‐rich segregation, which otherwise contributes to austenite reversion and strength reduction owing to overaging. Thus, the optimal direct aging conditions for additively manufactured maraging steel components are different from those for conventionally produced maraging steel components. This understanding of the microstructural changes induced by direct aging according to the initial non‐equilibrium state provides vital information for enhancing the performance of additively manufactured metallic alloys.
Effects of acepromazine, xylazine and propofol on spinal reflexes in healthy dogs
Authors: Sheykhbahaedinzade Ali , Sarchahi Ali Asghar , Kazemi Mehrjerdi Hossein
Published: September 2024

Background

In the neurological examination, it is crucial to identify the possible location of the lesion in order to determine the appropriate treatment process. In aggressive animals, chemical restraint may be necessary due to their non‐cooperative behaviour. However, sedatives may distort the results of examinations. Therefore, a drug should be found that has minimal impact on the examination results.

Objectives

To investigate the effects of acepromazine, xylazine, and propofol on spinal reflexes in healthy dogs.

Methods

In a randomized, blinded study, ten native adult mixed‐breed dogs were participated in three groups with a 1‐week washout period between each group. Before performing each step, the spinal reflexes were evaluated. Then, in the first group, acepromazine (0.05 mg/kg, IM), in the second group, xylazine (1 mg/kg, IM), and in the third group, propofol (3 mg/kg, IV for initial bolus and 0.1 mg/kg/min for maintenance) were injected for sedation. The spinal reflexes were reevaluated at maximum sedation and at 15, 30, and 45 min thereafter.

Results

Acepromazine increased the patellar reflex and decreased the panniculus reflex. Xylazine increased the cranial tibial reflex and decreased the panniculus reflex, while propofol decreased the withdrawal, and extensor carpi radialis reflexes, and suppressed the palpebral and gag reflexes.

Conclusions

The drugs used in the present study did not have a significant impact on the most important reflexes evaluated in neurological examinations. Among the drugs, acepromazine has the least effects compared to other drugs, making it a suitable choice for sedation.
Potential Piperolactam A Isolated From Piper betle as Natural Inhibitors of Brucella Species Aminoacyl‐tRNA Synthetase for Livestock Infections: In Silico Approach
Authors: Latipudin Diding , Tumilaar Sefren Geiner , Ramdani Yoga , Dudi Dudi , Kurnia Dikdik
Published: September 2024

Brucellosis is an important global zoonosis caused by the bacterium Brucella sp. Brucellosis causes abortions, reproductive failure and reduced milk production, resulting in significant economic losses. Brucella species are reported to be resistant to antibiotics, which makes treatment difficult. The urgency of discovering new drug candidates to combat Brucella’s infection necessitates the exploration of novel alternative agents with unique protein targets. Aminoacyl‐tRNA synthetases (aaRSs), which have fundamental functions in translation, inhibit this process, stop protein synthesis and ultimately inhibit bacterial growth. The purpose of this study was to isolate piperolactam A compounds from the methanol extract of Piper betle leaves that have potential as antibacterials to inhibit the growth of Brucella sp. causing brucellosis in livestock and to analyse the mechanism of inhibitory activity of piperolactam A compounds against the aaRS enzyme through a molecular docking approach in silico. Piperolactam A was isolated from P. betle by column chromatography and characterized by UV, IR, 1D and 2D NMRs and MS, then tested for their inhibition mechanism against the enzymes threonyl‐tRNA synthetase, leucyl‐tRNA synthetase (LeuRS) and methionyl‐tRNA synthetase in silico. The result in silico test is that piperolactam A has the potential to inhibit LeuRS enzyme with the greater binding affinity.
Terphenyl Amido Stannylene‐NHC Adduct: A Catalyst for the Hydrosilylation of Aldehydes and Ketones
Authors: Niu Dechuang , Kelly John A. , Kiefer Fiona J. , Kostenko Arseni , Inoue Shigeyoshi
Published: September 2024

The terphenyl amido stannylene‐NHC adducts, HMDS(MesTer)Sn(NHC), (MesTer = 2,6‐Mes2C6H3, Mes = 2,4,6‐Me3‐C6H2, HMDS = N(SiMe3)2, NHC = IMe4, IEt, IMe4 = 1,3,4,5‐tetramethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene, Iet = 1,3‐diethyl‐4,5‐dimethylimidazol‐2‐ylidene), were reacted with benzaldehyde resulting in the formation of HMDS(MesTer)Sn(OCH(Ph)NHC). In the presence of acetophenone, deprotonation occurs to afford the tin enolate (MesTer)Sn(NHC)(OPhC=CH2), via the release of hexamethyldisilamine. This stannylene‐NHC adduct is a catalyst for the homogeneous hydrosilylation of aldehydes and ketones under ambient conditions.
Irreversibility analysis of CNT‐enhanced Williamson nanofluid flow in a stretching cylinder
Authors: M.N. Pooja , S.K. Narasimhamurthy
Published: September 2024

This study presents a novel exploration into the intricate interplay of slanted magnetohydrodynamic and radiative fluxes within a Williamson fluid incorporating single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multi‐walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) in a water‐based system. Utilizing an exponentially stretching cylinder model, the research holistically integrates entropy production, encompassing thermal radiation, porosity, buoyant forces, and heat source/sink constraints within the governing equations. To solve the resulting governing equations with boundary conditions, the shooting technique is employed to convert them into initial value problems. Subsequently, the Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg 4–5th order method is used to obtain numerical solutions. Unveiling unprecedented insights, the investigation reveals distinctive parameter dependencies governing fluid behavior. It delineates how variations in different factors distinctly impact fluid velocity, thermal profiles, entropy generation, Bejan number, drag force, and heat transfer rates across different nanofluid compositions. Furthermore, the study highlights the transformative impact of nanocomposites on altering the thermal properties of the fluid and orchestrating nanofluid mobility. The results show that MWCNTs have an enhanced entropy generation rate when compared to SWCNTs. These findings bear substantial promise for real‐world applications involving water‐based nanofluids, shedding light on their manipulation and optimization in various technological domains.
The transverse energy-energy correlator at next-to-next-to-next-to-leading logarithm
Authors: Gao Anjie , Li Hai Tao , Moult Ian , Zhu Hua Xing
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We present an operator based factorization formula for the transverse energy-energy correlator in the back-to-back (dijet) region, and uncover its remarkable perturbative simplicity and relation to transverse momentum dynamics. This simplicity enables us to achieve next-to-next-to-next-to leading logarithmic (N3LL) accuracy for a hadron collider dijet event shape for the first time. Our factorization formula applies to W/Z/γ + jet, and dijet production, providing a natural generalization of transverse momentum observables to one- and two-jet final states. This provides a laboratory for precision studies of QCD and transverse momentum dynamics at hadron colliders, as well as an opportunity for understanding factorization and its violation in a perturbatively well controlled setting.
Note on holographic torus stress tensor correlators in AdS3 gravity
Authors: He Song , Li Yi , Li Yun-Ze , Zhang Yunda
Published: September 2024

Abstract

In the AdS3/CFT2 framework, the Euclidean BTZ black hole corresponds to the dominant high-temperature phase of its dual field theory. We initially employ perturbative methods to solve the Einstein equations as boundary value problems, providing correlators for the energy-momentum tensor operator at low points. Utilizing operator equations established in our previous work, we further compute arbitrary high-point correlators for the energy-momentum tensor operator in the high-temperature phase and recursive relations for these high-point functions. Concurrently, we employ the Chern-Simons formalism to derive consistent results. Further, using the cut-off AdS/$$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

-deformed CFT duality, we calculate the energy-momentum tensor correlators, contributing to the comprehensive understanding of the system’s dynamics. Finally, stress tensor correlators enable us to ascertain the corresponding KdV operator correlators at low-temperature.
Modular properties of massive scalar partition functions
Authors: Aggarwal Ankit , Barnich Glenn
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We compute the exact thermal partition functions of a massive scalar field on flat spacetime backgrounds of the form ℝd−q × 𝕋q+1 and show that they possess an SL(q + 1, ℤ) symmetry. Non-trivial relations between equivalent expressions for the result are obtained by doing the computation using functional, canonical and worldline methods. For q = 1, the results exhibit modular symmetry and may be expressed in terms of massive Maass-Jacobi forms. In the complex case with chemical potential for U(1) charge turned on, the usual discussion of relativistic Bose-Einstein condensation is modified by the presence of the small dimensions.
Wormholes without averaging
Authors: Saad Phil , Shenker Stephen H. , Stanford Douglas , Yao Shunyu
Published: September 2024

Abstract

After averaging over fermion couplings, SYK has a collective field description that sometimes has “wormhole” solutions. We study the fate of these wormholes when the couplings are fixed. Working mainly in a simple model, we find that the wormhole saddles persist, but that new saddles also appear elsewhere in the integration space — “half-wormholes.” The wormhole contributions depend only weakly on the specific choice of couplings, while the half-wormhole contributions are strongly sensitive. The half-wormholes are crucial for factorization of decoupled systems with fixed couplings, but they vanish after averaging, leaving the non-factorizing wormhole behind.
Generalized $$ T\overline{T} $$-like deformations in duality-invariant nonlinear electrodynamic theories
Authors: Babaei-Aghbolagh H. , He Song , Ouyang Hao
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This study introduces a high-order perturbation methodology to categorize two primary solution types within duality-invariant nonlinear electrodynamic theories, adhering to the differential self-duality criterion. The first solution type aligns with irrelevant stress tensor flows, resembling $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

dynamics, and the second involves a blend of irrelevant $$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

-like and marginal root-$$ T\overline{T} $$
T

T
¯

-like deformations. Our approach facilitates the investigation of diverse duality-invariant nonlinear electrodynamics theories and their stress tensor flows and confirms the commutativity of flows initiated by irrelevant and marginal operators.
Numerical conformal bootstrap with analytic functionals and outer approximation
Authors: Ghosh Kausik , Zheng Zechuan
Published: September 2024

Abstract

This paper explores the numerical conformal bootstrap in general spacetime dimensions through the lens of a distinct category of analytic functionals, previously employed in two-dimensional studies. We extend the application of these functionals to a more comprehensive backdrop, demonstrating their adaptability and efficacy in general spacetime dimensions above two. The bootstrap is implemented using the outer approximation methodology, with computations conducted in double precision. The crux of our study lies in comparing the performance of this category of analytic functionals with conventional derivatives at crossing symmetric points. It is worth highlighting that in our study, we identified some novel kinks in the scalar channel during the maximization of the gap in two-dimensional conformal field theory. Our numerical analysis indicates that these analytic functionals offer a superior performance, thereby revealing a potential alternative paradigm in the application of conformal bootstrap.
Bosonic and fermionic coherence of N-partite states in the background of a dilaton black hole
Authors: Li Wen-Mei , Wu Shu-Min
Published: September 2024

Abstract

We study the N-partite coherences of GHZ and W states for free bosonic and fermionic fields when any n observers hover near the event horizon of a Garfinkle-Horowitz-Strominger (GHS) dilaton black hole. We derive the more general analytical expressions for N-partite coherence, encompassing both physically accessible and inaccessible coherences in the context of the dilaton black hole. It has been found that the coherence of the bosonic field is greater than that of the fermionic field, while the entanglement of the fermionic field is greater than that of the bosonic field in dilaton spacetime. Additionally, the coherence of the W state is greater than that of the GHZ state, whereas the entanglement of the GHZ state is greater than that of the W state in curved spacetime. These results suggest that we should utilize suitable quantum resources and different types of particles for relativistic quantum information tasks.
The eclectic flavor symmetries of $$ {\mathbbm{T}}^2/{\mathbb{Z}}_K $$ orbifolds
Authors: Baur Alexander , Nilles Hans Peter , Ramos–Sánchez Saúl , Trautner Andreas , Vaudrevange Patrick K. S.
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Only four $$ {\mathbbm{T}}^2/{\mathbb{Z}}_K $$

T
2

/

ℤ
K

orbifold building blocks are admissible in heterotic string compactifications. We investigate the flavor properties of all of these building blocks. In each case, we identify the traditional and modular flavor symmetries, and determine the corresponding representations and (fractional) modular weights of the available massless matter states. The resulting finite flavor symmetries include Abelian and non-Abelian traditional symmetries, discrete R symmetries, as well as the double-covered finite modular groups (S3 × S3) ⋊ ℤ4, T′, 2D3 and S3 × T′. Our findings provide restrictions for bottom-up model building with consistent ultraviolet embeddings.
Surfaceology for colored Yukawa theory
Authors: De Shounak , Pokraka Andrzej , Skowronek Marcos , Spradlin Marcus , Volovich Anastasia
Published: September 2024

Abstract

Arkani-Hamed and collaborators have recently shown that scattering amplitudes for colored theories can be expressed as integrals over combinatorial objects simply constructed from surfaces decorated by kinematic data. In this paper we extend the curve integral formalism to theories with colored fermionic matter and present a compact formula for the all-loop, all-genus, all-multiplicity amplitude integrand of a colored Yukawa theory. The curve integral formalism makes certain properties of the amplitudes manifest and repackages non-trivial numerators into a single combinatorial object. We also present an efficient formula for L-loop integrated amplitudes in terms of a sum over 2L combinatorial determinants.
Extremal fixed points and Diophantine equations
Authors: Herzog Christopher P. , Jepsen Christian B. , Osborn Hugh , Oz Yaron
Published: September 2024

Abstract

The coupling constants of fixed points in the ϵ expansion at one loop are known to satisfy a quadratic bound due to Rychkov and Stergiou. We refer to fixed points that saturate this bound as extremal fixed points. The theories which contain such fixed points are those which undergo a saddle-node bifurcation, entailing the presence of a marginal operator. Among bifundamental theories, a few examples of infinite families of such theories are known. A necessary condition for extremality is that the sizes of the factors of the symmetry group of a given theory satisfy a specific Diophantine equation, given in terms of what we call the extremality polynomial. In this work we study such Diophantine equations and employ a combination of rigorous and probabilistic estimates to argue that these infinite families constitute rare exceptions. The Pell equation, Falting’s theorem, Siegel’s theorem, and elliptic curves figure prominently in our analysis. In the cases we study here, more generic classes of multi-fundamental theories saturate the Rychkov-Stergiou bound only in sporadic cases or in limits where they degenerate into simpler known examples.
Asymptotic Expansions for the Radii of Starlikeness of Normalized q-Bessel Functions
Authors: Baricz Árpád , Kumar Pranav , Singh Sanjeev
Published: September 2024

In this paper we study the asymptotic behavior of the radii of starlikeness of the normalized Jackson’s second and third q-Bessel functions, focusing on their large orders. To achieve this, we use the Rayleigh sums of positive zeros of both q-Bessel functions, and determine the coefficients of the asymptotic expansions. We derive complete asymptotic expansions for these radii of starlikeness and provide recurrence relations for the coefficients of these expansions. The proofs rely on the notion of Rayleigh sums of positive zeros of q-Bessel functions, Kvitsinsky’s results on spectral zeta functions for q-Bessel functions and asymptotic inversion. Moreover, we derive bounds for the radius of starlikeness of q-Bessel functions by using potential polynomials.
Kollaborationen bei kinderanästhesiologischen Publikationen im D-A-CH-Raum
Authors: Dejaco Alexander , Nemeth M. , Sablewski A. , Rosenberger J. , Miller C.
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Kollaborationen sind ein wesentlicher Baustein wissenschaftlichen Arbeitens und speziell für Bereiche wie die Kinderanästhesiologie besonders bedeutsam, wo ein geringes Evidenzlevel besteht. Eine kürzlich durchgeführte szientometrische Analyse ergab eine geografische Diversifizierung der Publikationsaktivität in der Kinderanästhesie innerhalb der letzten 2 Jahrzehnte, begleitet von einem Anstieg internationaler Kooperationen.

Ziele

Vor dem Hintergrund der Hypothese eines ähnlichen Wachstums der Aktivität und Dynamik von Veröffentlichungen in der Kinderanästhesie bestand das Ziel dieser szientometrischen Studie darin, die Publikationsaktivität und Kooperationsgewohnheiten in der Kinderanästhesieforschung in Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz (D-A-CH) zu analysieren.

Methode

Diese Sekundäranalyse schloss alle kinderanästhesiologischen Publikationen mit Zugehörigkeit aus dem D‑A-CH-Raum zwischen 2001 und 2020 aus PubMed und Web of Science ein. Publikationen wurden anhand der Korrespondenzadresse zugeordnet. Primärer Endpunkt war die Publikationsaktivität und -dynamik, dargestellt anhand der Anzahl der Veröffentlichungen und den jeweiligen Wachstumsraten. Sekundäre Endpunkte waren die Anteile an Kollaborationen auf staatlicher und institutioneller Ebene.

Ergebnisse

Insgesamt wurden 3406 kinderanästhesiologische Publikationen mit Beteiligung aus dem D‑A-CH-Raum identifiziert, davon 2807 (82,4 %) mit Korrespondenzadresse. Die durchschnittliche jährliche Wachstumsrate an Publikationen mit Korrespondenzadresse lag für den D‑A-CH-Raum bei + 2,9 % und bei Kollaborationen + 7,7 %. Kollaborationen fanden überwiegend zwischen Institutionen innerhalb des D‑A-CH-Raums statt, aber Schweizer Institutionen hatten einen höheren Anteil an internationalen Kollaborationen.

Diskussion

Die Aktivität bei kinderanästhesiologischen Publikationen aus dem D‑A-CH-Raum nahm in den letzten beiden Dekaden stetig zu, wobei Kollaborationen eine überproportionale Zunahme verzeichneten. Es bleibt zu wünschen, dass sich mit der wachsenden Bedeutung von Kollaborationen auch die Evidenzlage in der Kinderanästhesie weiter verbessert.
Risikofaktoren und Präventionsstrategien periprothetischer Femurfrakturen in der Hüftendoprothetik
Authors: Alimy Assil-Ramin , Soltys Pauline Julie , Hubert Jan , Ries Christian , Beil Frank Timo , Rolvien Tim
Published: September 2024

Hintergrund

Periprothetische Frakturen stellen eine bedeutende Komplikation der Endoprothetik dar, insbesondere nach Implantation einer Hüfttotalendoprothese (Hüft-TEP). Durch den demographischen Wandel wird prognostiziert, dass mit der steigenden Anzahl von Hüft-TEP-Implantationen auch eine Zunahme von periprothetischen Femurfrakturen (PPF) in den nächsten Jahrzehnten zu erwarten ist. Trotz der daraus abzuleitenden hohen klinischen Relevanz existiert bisher keine umfassende Übersicht zu Risikofaktoren und möglichen präventiven Ansätzen von PPF.

Ziel der Arbeit

Ziel dieser Übersichtsarbeit ist es, die aktuellen Erkenntnisse und Daten aus verschiedenen Studien darzustellen und daraus evidenzbasierte Empfehlungen für die klinische Praxis abzuleiten.

Material und Methoden

Narratives Review.

Ergebnisse

Das Auftreten von PPF kann durch verschiedene Risikofaktoren wie höheres Lebensalter, weibliches Geschlecht und rheumatische Erkrankungen begünstigt werden. Bei Vorliegen dieser Risikofaktoren sollte vor der Primäroperation die Indikation zur Untersuchung der Knochengesundheit, inklusive DXA-Messung, großzügig gestellt werden.

Schlussfolgerungen

Eine individualisierte Herangehensweise ist bei der Planung und Implantation einer Hüft-TEP essenziell, um das Risiko für PPF zu minimieren. Bei nachgewiesener Osteoporose oder einem Alter von ≥ 70 Jahren bei Frauen bzw. ≥ 75 Jahren bei Männern sollte eine zementierte Schaftverankerung gewählt werden, da zementfreie Schäfte in diesem Kontext mit einem erhöhten Risiko für PPF verbunden sind. Insgesamt sollte das klinische Risikoprofil bei der präoperativen Planung und der postoperativen Nachsorge berücksichtigt werden, um diese Komplikation zu reduzieren und die Patientenversorgung zu verbessern.
An agent-based approach to the limits of economic planning
Authors: Martinelli Emanuele
Published: September 2024

Mises’ and Hayek’s arguments against central economic planning have long been taken as definitive proof that a centrally planned economy managed by the government would be impossible. Today, however, the exponential rise in the capacities of AI has opened up the possibility that supercomputers could have what it takes to plan the national economy. The ‘economic calculation debate’ has thus reignited. Arguably, this is because neither Mises nor Hayek have given a clear and conclusive argument why central planning of the economy is impossible in principle. The paper frames the problem of economic planning as an agent–environment interaction, offering a taxonomy of the different sets of agents at play a) in a market economy and b) in a centrally planned economy equipped with the most sophisticated AI technology. The argument is that public institutions as planning bodies cannot replace the market order, no matter the AI technology behind them, for the elimination of the market entails the elimination of crucial kinds of agents that cannot be recreated or emulated through AI or careful social planning: the proactive action of entrepreneurs driving market allocation.
Capital flow freezes
Authors: Peiris M. Udara , Sokolova Anna , Tsomocos Dimitrios P.
Published: September 2024

The period following the 2008 financial crisis focused attention on “twin-crises,” where banking crises precipitate sovereign crises due to increased bank support. We show that when private sector debt is renegotiated centrally, and bargaining power is low, it results in suboptimally low levels of debt and default rates (haircuts). If, instead, the bargaining power is sufficiently high, the supply of debt exceeds its demand and capital inflows “freeze”. These inefficiencies arise because the decentralized borrowers fail to consider how their bond supply impacts debt renegotiation outcomes, affecting both bond prices and the asset span. These issues can be addressed through macroprudential policies in the form of taxing capital inflows.
Fermented Dairy Products, Musculoskeletal and Mental Health in Older Adults: is There Evidence to Support Benefits that go Beyond Those of Non-Fermented Dairy Products?
Authors: Papageorgiou M. , Lyrakou M. , Kyriacou A. , Biver E. , Yannakoulia M.
Published: September 2024

Fermented dairy products have recently gained popularity due to their purported health benefits, nevertheless, their role in ageing remains uncertain. This narrative review aims to evaluate evidence from observational (prospective) and interventional studies on the potential benefits of fermented dairy product consumption for musculoskeletal and mental health in older adults. Additionally, it seeks to determine whether any observed benefits surpass those of non-fermented dairy products and to identify directions for future research. Prospective studies support either favourable or neutral associations of fermented dairy products with outcomes of musculoskeletal health or neutral associations with mental health outcomes, whilst it remains unclear if the benefits observed with fermented dairy products go beyond those of the non-fermented dairy foods. Few interventional studies suggest overall favourable effects of yogurt and cheese on musculoskeletal health in older adults but given their small number (N = 6) and heterogeneity, they do not allow a clear assessment or definitive recommendations for fermented dairy intake. Interventional studies reporting mental health outcomes are largely lacking for this age group (N = 1). Given the very limited evidence for the effectiveness of fermented dairy products, future well-designed prospective and randomized controlled trials are needed to better understand their benefits (especially compared to those of non-fermented dairy foods), their characteristics and the quantities required to offer protection against musculoskeletal and/or mental health ageing.
Updated practice guideline for dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA)
Authors: Slart Riemer H. J. A. , Punda Marija , Ali Dalal S. , Bazzocchi Alberto , Bock Oliver , Camacho Pauline , Carey John J. , Colquhoun Anita , Compston Juliet , Engelke Klaus , Erba Paola A. , Harvey Nicholas C. , Krueger Diane , Lems Willem F. , Lewiecki E. Michael , Morgan Sarah , Moseley Kendall F. , O’Brien Christopher , Probyn Linda , Rhee Yumie , Richmond Bradford , Schousboe John T. , Shuhart Christopher , Ward Kate A. , Van den Wyngaert Tim , Zhang-Yin Jules , Khan Aliya A. ,   International Working Group on DXA Best Practices
Published: September 2024

The introduction of dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) technology in the 1980s revolutionized the diagnosis, management and monitoring of osteoporosis, providing a clinical tool which is now available worldwide. However, DXA measurements are influenced by many technical factors, including the quality control procedures for the instrument, positioning of the patient, and approach to analysis. Reporting of DXA results may be confounded by factors such as selection of reference ranges for T-scores and Z-scores, as well as inadequate knowledge of current standards for interpretation. These points are addressed at length in many international guidelines but are not always easily assimilated by practising clinicians and technicians. Our aim in this report is to identify key elements pertaining to the use of DXA in clinical practice, considering both technical and clinical aspects. Here, we discuss technical aspects of DXA procedures, approaches to interpretation and integration into clinical practice, and the use of non-bone mineral density measurements, such as a vertebral fracture assessment, in clinical risk assessment.
Collagen-V and K-α-1 Tubulin Antibodies as Potential Markers of Unsuspected GERD-Related Lung Damage: Insights from a Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Latorre-Rodríguez Andrés R. , Mittal Sumeet K. , Ravichandran Ranjithkumar , Shacker Mark , Isaza-Restrepo Andrés , Bansal Sandhya , Mohankumar Thalachallour , Bremner Ross M.
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Our group has proposed that aspiration of gastric contents leads to exposure of normally sequestered lung self-antigens (SAgs), specifically collagen-V (Col-V) and K-α-1-tubulin (Kα1T), which elicits an immune response characterized by increasing concentrations of self-antibodies (SAbs) anti-Col-V and anti-Kα1T. We sought to establish the point prevalence of abnormally elevated concentrations of SAbs among patients with pathological gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and/or hiatal hernia undergoing antireflux surgery (ARS).

Methods

For this cross-sectional study, we retrieved a plasma aliquot from the Norton Thoracic Institute BioBank from blood samples that were taken preoperatively from patients who underwent ARS between November 2019 and August 2022. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were employed to detect and quantify anti-Col-V and anti-Kα1T.

Results

Samples from 43 patients (females, n = 34 [79.1%]; mean age, 62 ± 12 years; and mean BMI, 30.5 ± 7  kg/m2) were analyzed. Before ARS, 28 (65.1%, CI95: 50.3–80.0%) patients had abnormally elevated concentrations of anti-Col-V and 19 (44.2%, CI95: 28.7–59.7%) had elevated concentrations of circulating anti-Kα1T. Overall, 13 patients (30.2%) had low (i.e., normal) concentrations of both SAbs, 13 (30.2%) were positive only for one, and 17 (39.5%) were positive for both SAbs.

Conclusion

A relative high point prevalence of abnormally elevated circulating SAbs (i.e., anti-Col-V and/or anti-Kα1T) before ARS was found. This result suggests clinically unsuspected pulmonary parenchymal injury secondary to GERD-related aspiration. Further studies are required to confirm this hypothesis and to identify alternative non-invasive early biomarkers of GERD-related lung damage.
Investigating Mechanical Characteristics of Rocks Under Freeze–Thaw Cycles Using Grain-Based Model
Authors: Huang Chenchen , Zhu Cheng , Ma Yifei
Published: September 2024

Based on the discrete element method (DEM), a water-contained grain-based model (GBM) is developed in this study to evaluate the effects of freeze–thaw cycles (FTCs) on the mechanical characteristics of the rock. A set of freeze–thaw and uniaxial compression tests is carried out to explore the impact of micro damage caused by FTCs on the mechanical prosperities of rock samples. By monitoring the development and distribution of micro-cracks during freeze–thaw test and uniaxial compression test, the damage mechanism of FTCs is revealed from a microscopic perspective, which shows that FTCs deteriorate the strength and brittleness parameters as exponential functions. The parametric analysis is carried out to explore the influence of porosity and mineral components on the mechanical behaviors of rock against freeze–thaw and uniaxial loadings. Based on the parametric analysis results, it is found that UCS, Young’s modulus, and total strain energy at peak stress decrease with the increase of porosity and clay content, which emphasizes the contributions of porosity and mineral components on the mechanical properties of rock samples. It is proved that the water-contained grain-based model developed in this study can capture the damage caused by FTCs on the mechanical performance of rock from a microscopic perspective, which provides novel perspectives on the phenomenon of rock degradation in response to fluctuations in temperature.
Carbapenem resistant Campylobacter jejuni bacteremia in a Bruton’s X-linked agammaglobulinemia patient
Authors: Zhuo Ran , Younes Ramee L. , Ward Kevin , Yang Shangxin
Published: September 2024

Immunocompromised patients are prone to recurrent Campylobacter infections. We report a case of recurrent multi-drug resistant Campylobactor jejuni bloodstream infections in a Bruton’s X-linked agammaglobulinemia patient with prolonged ertapenem treatment. The isolate from the fifth recurrence developed carbapenem resistance, which is associated with mutations in a porin gene porA, and promoter changes and duplication of chromosomal blaOXA-61 gene. Combination therapy using cefepime and doxycycline (later switched to moxifloxacin) cleared the infection.
Adoption of agroforestry systems by smallholders’ farmers in the Sudano-Sahelian zones of Mali and Burkina Faso, West Africa
Authors: Fané S. , Agbotui D. K. , Graefe S. , Sanou L. , Sanogo S. , Buerkert A.
Published: September 2024

Despite the well-known potential of agroforestry systems to sustain livelihoods and ecosystem services, their targeted adoption in the Sudano-Sahelian zone of West Africa is low. To address this, we used questionnaires with 279 farmers to understand their socio-economic characteristics determining the adoption of agroforestry technologies and to record the preferred tree species in the Koulikoro region of Mali and West-Central region of Burkina Faso. The result of a binary logistic regression showed that income, off farm activities, average number of owned sheep, cooperative membership, forage security, and maintained trees and shrubs fostered the adoption of agroforestry technologies. Contrarily, the adoption of agroforestry technologies was negatively influenced by household size and crop yield. Our data show that agroforestry parklands are the most popular agroforestry technology. The most common agroforestry tree species in the study region was Vitellaria paradoxa C. F. Gaertn. The dominance of V. paradoxa within these parklands may be partly explained by the tree’s adaptation to severe drought and fire hazards, which are common to the study region. The study also revealed that smallholder farmers in Mali maintained trees on farms mainly for food security, whereas in Burkina Faso trees were mainly kept for maintaining soil fertility. We conclude that in all initiatives aimed at promoting the adoption of agroforestry in the study region, efforts should be made to consider farmers’ socioeconomic characteristics, tree preferences, and perceptions (as identified in this study).
Rapid evaluation of habitat connectivity change to safeguard multispecies persistence in human-transformed landscapes
Authors: Oehri Jacqueline , Wood Sylvia L. R. , Touratier Eluna , Leung Brian , Gonzalez Andrew
Published: September 2024

Following the adoption of the Post-2020 Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KM-GBF) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) there is a clear science-policy need to protect habitat connectivity and track its change over time to safeguard biodiversity and inform conservation planning. In response to this need we describe an analytical, multi-indicator and multispecies approach for the rapid assessment of habitat connectivity at fine spatial grain and at the extent of an entire ecoregion. Out of 68 connectivity indicators we found through a literature review, we identified a key-set of six indicators that align with the Essential Biodiversity Variables framework and are suitable to guide rapid action for connectivity and conservation targets in the KM-GBF. Using these selected indicators, we mapped and evaluated connectivity change from 2011 to 2021 across the ecoregion of the St-Lawrence Lowlands in Quebec (~ 30,000 km2) for seven ecoprofile species representing regional forest habitat needs. For most of these species, trends over the last decade indicate a decline in effective connected area and metapopulation carrying capacity, via a division of large contiguous habitat into smaller fragments, whereas on average, habitat area slightly increased. These results highlight that temporal changes in habitat area and connectivity are not necessarily correlated and the urgent need to conserve and restore connectivity to meet targets under the KM-GBF. We provide an R-tool to support our general approach, which enables a comprehensive evaluation of connectivity for regional spatial planning for biodiversity in regions with moderate to high human disturbance.
Assessing the Performance of Flux Imbalance Prediction Models Using Large Eddy Simulations Over Heterogeneous Land Surfaces
Authors: Zhang Lijie , Poll Stefan , Kollet Stefan
Published: September 2024

Accurate representation of heat fluxes is crucial for understanding land–atmosphere interactions and improving atmospheric simulations. However, a common issue arises with flux imbalance, where the measured turbulent heat flux tends to be underestimated due to the nonlocal effects of atmospheric secondary circulations. This study evaluated four flux imbalance prediction models by analyzing data from large eddy simulations performed over heterogeneous land surfaces. For that, a checkerboard pattern of soil moisture was used to define the lower boundary conditions for the atmosphere, across heterogeneity scales ranging from 50 m to 2.4 km. The results show that the selected models can effectively predict flux imbalance when provided with proper semi-empirical factors. The presence of two distinct secondary circulations, thermally-induced mesoscale circulation and turbulent organized structures, account for the nonlinear effect of the heterogeneity scale on the flux imbalance, but it does not affect the performance of the selected models. This study suggests that the flux imbalance prediction models are useful for improving e.g. eddy-covariance measurements. Additionally, a quadrant analysis showed an increasing difference between ejections and sweeps with height, which explains the decrease and increase of the turbulent heat flux and flux imbalance, respectively, and underscores the importance of accounting for vertical variations in turbulent fluxes to represent atmospheric processes accurately.
Impact of deep eutectic solvent pre-treatment on the extraction of cellulose nanofibers
Authors: Baraka Farida , Erdocia Xabier , Velazco-Cabral Ivan , Hernández-Ramos Fabio , Dávila-Rodríguez Izaskun , Maugin Marine , Labidi Jalel
Published: September 2024

Deep Eutectic Solvents (DESs) have emerged as promising eco-friendly pre-treatment agents for lignocellulosic biomass, offering considerable advantages for the nanofibrillation process. This study investigates the impact of DESs on cellulose fibers morphology, focusing on solubilization phenomena in the amorphous regions that may facilitate cellulose nanofiber production. The pre-treatment process combining a DES (triethylmethylammonium chloride and imidazole, TEMA:IMD) with microwave (MW) energy was optimized to enhance the solubility of cellulosic fibers. A response surface methodology (RSM) was employed to optimize the DES-MW-assisted pre-treatment. Results show that the reaction time and the temperature significantly influence the solubility of cellulosic fibers. The optimized conditions resulted in cellulose fibers with low content of hemicellulose and lignin, high crystallinity index, and improved thermal stability. The effectiveness of DES-MW pre-treatment in producing cellulose nanofibers (CNFs) from native and pre-treated fibers was investigated. Cellulose fibers pre-treated with a DES yielded CNFs with a narrower diameter distribution. Overall, optimized DES-MW pre-treatment offers a promising strategy for the efficient and sustainable extraction of CNFs.
Exploring physical education teachers’ willingness and barriers to integrating digital technology in their lessons
Authors: Saiz-González Pablo , Sierra-Díaz Jacob , Iglesias Damián , Fernandez-Rio Javier
Published: September 2024

The use of digital technologies to support learning in physical education (PE) has grown in recent years. However, little is known about what teachers think when PE meets technology in the digital era. The purpose of this descriptive study was to use a carefully constructed, face-validated, and pilot-tested web survey to identify PE teachers’ willingness and barriers to integrating digital technology in their lessons. A total of 265 PE teachers returned completed surveys. The results showed a widespread interest in the use of digital technology in the school context, as well as in promoting the transfer of learning to the out-of-school context. Also, PE teachers expressed some reasons for interest in its use related to (a) learning and assessment, (b) physical activity, (c) teaching support, (d) communication with families and (e) teamwork among students inside and outside the class. In contrast to these interests and attitudes, teachers identified five major barriers that might be limiting the introduction of digital technology in PE: (a) not having sufficient access to technological resources, (b) not having received the necessary training to use it effectively, (c) lack of institutional support, (d) lack of time to effectively introduce it and (f) students’ data privacy. The findings of this study suggest the implementation of measures that can address the identified barriers to facilitate the incorporation of digital technology in PE. Understanding teachers' perceptions regarding the delivery of digital technology in schools may help guide future research and policy to support digital technology in PE lessons.
From Hands to Mind: How Gesture, Emotional Valence, and Individual Differences Impact Narrative Recall
Authors: Thakore Kavya , Das Trisha , Jahan Shamma , Sweller Naomi
Published: September 2024

Narrative recall and comprehension are important lifelong skills. While gesturing may improve recall by alleviating cognitive load, it may be differentially beneficial, depending on task and individual characteristics. While research on gesture’s effects on a variety of task modalities is burgeoning, effects on recall of narratives read aloud are under-examined. Further, emotional valence and individual differences in verbal memory may affect recall, through effects on task difficulty. If gesturing lightens cognitive load, it may be more beneficial for harder tasks, namely for narratives lacking emotional content and for individuals with poorer verbal memory. Across two studies, impacts of gesture production, emotional valence, and individual differences on narrative recall were evaluated. In Study 1, participants (N = 100) read aloud three emotive narratives (positive, negative, neutral) while either instructed to gesture or receiving no gesture instructions. Gesture production hindered recall, particularly for those with higher verbal memory. Emotion benefited recall, with enhanced recall of the negative narrative and impaired recall for the neutral narrative. In Study 2, following a measure of individual propensity to gesture, participants (N = 98) similarly read aloud three emotive narratives. Instructions to gesture hindered recall for participants with a lower propensity to gesture, and emotional narratives again saw enhanced recall relative to the neutral narrative. Propensity to gesture and verbal memory were positively associated with narrative comprehension. Results suggest instructions to produce gestures may for some individuals hinder recall for self-guided learners when studying written texts, while emotional content benefits recall.