bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differential susceptibility of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) to single versus pyramided Bt traits in Brazilian soybean: what doesn't kill you makes you stronger?
Authors: Stirle Jéssica Lauanda , Matias Jordana Emannuelly Ferreira , Mendes Gabriel Ribeiro , Moscardini Valéria Fonseca , Maia Jader Braga , Michaud JP , Gontijo Pablo Costa
Published: August 2024

BACKGROUND

Lepidopteran pest control in agriculture has become heavily dependent on cultivars that express Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) toxins as ‘plant‐incorporated protectants’. However, populations of Spodoptera frugiperda (Smith) in Brazil appear resistant to the Bt traits currently available in commercial soybean cultivars.

RESULTS

This study evaluated S. frugiperda life history when feeding on three different Bt soybean cultivars. Cultivars expressing Cry1Ac + Cry1F and Cry1A.105 + Cry2Ab2 + Cry1Ac Bt toxins caused 100% larval mortality in S. frugiperda. Both non‐Bt and Cry1Ac‐expressing soybean induced transgenerational effects that increased the survival of subsequent generations. A Cry1Ac soybean diet reduced the generation time (T) of S. frugiperda relative to non‐Bt soybean, resulting in shorter generation time and more rapid population growth.

CONCLUSION

The implications of these results revealed how diet can alter aspects of insect life history and biology, and have important implications for sustainable management of S. frugiperda on soybean. © 2024 Society of Chemical Industry.
Dynamic modeling and experimental analysis of a novel bionic mantis shrimp robot
Authors: Chen Gang , Xu Yidong , Yang Chenguang , Yang Xin , Hu Huosheng , Dong Fei , Zhang Jingjing , Shi Jianwei
Published: August 2024

Small carnivorous marine animals have developed agile movement abilities through long‐term natural selection, resulting in excellent maneuverability and high swimming efficiency, making them ideal models for underwater robots. To meet the requirements for exploring narrow underwater zones, this paper designs an underwater robot inspired by mantis shrimp. By analyzing the body structure and swimming mode of the mantis shrimp, we designed a robot structure and hardware system and established a dynamic model for the coupled motion of multiple pleopods. A series of underwater experiments were conducted to verify the dynamic model and assess the performance of the prototype. The experimental results confirmed the accuracy of the dynamic model and demonstrated that the bionic mantis shrimp robot can perform multiangle turns and flexible velocity adjustments and exhibits good motion performance. This approach provides a novel solution for developing robots suitable for detecting complex underwater environments.
Protein consumption in Europe: Sustainability, tradition, and policy implications
Authors: Prochazka Petr , Soukupova Jana , Abrham Josef , Mullen Kevin J. , Tomsik Karel , Cechura Lukas , Cabelkova Inna , Smutka Lubos
Published: August 2024

While the consumption of animal‐based food is linked with many environmental and health‐related effects, consumption of plant‐based protein is less harmful and aligns more closely with the principles of sustainable development. This study evaluates the historical consumption of protein in Europe, emphasizing the importance of sustainable development in shaping consumption patterns. It identifies factors that play a crucial role in European consumers' preferences. The results provide vital insights into the nature of protein consumption in Europe, which can serve as a foundation for proposals for future policies that prioritize sustainable development. Specifically, the findings suggest that as GDP per capita rises, protein consumption increases. Additionally, various cultural, socioeconomic, and geographical variables influence protein consumption, implying that the future behavior of consumers and the supply of plant‐based or animal‐based protein will not uniformly impact all European countries.
Estimating causes of maternal death in data‐sparse contexts
Authors: Chong Michael Y. C. , Pejchinovska Marija , Alexander Monica
Published: August 2024

Understanding the underlying causes of maternal death across all regions of the world is essential to inform policies and resource allocation to reduce the mortality burden. However, in many countries there exists very little data on the causes of maternal death, and data that do exist do not capture the entire population at risk. In this article, we present a Bayesian hierarchical multinomial model to estimate maternal cause of death distributions globally, regionally, and for all countries worldwide. The framework combines data from various sources to inform estimates, including data from civil registration and vital systems, smaller‐scale surveys and studies, and high‐quality data from confidential enquiries and surveillance systems. The framework accounts for varying data quality and coverage, and allows for situations where one or more causes of death are missing. We illustrate the results of the model on three case‐study countries that have different data availability situations.
2D Se‐Rich ZnSe/CoSe2@C Heterostructured Composite as Ultrastable Anodes for Alkaline‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Iqbal Sikandar , Wang Lu , Kong Zhen , Zhai Yanjun , Wang Fengbo , Jing Zhongxin , Sun Xiuping , Wang Bin , He Xiyu , Dou Jianmin , Xu Liqiang
Published: August 2024

2D transitional metal selenide heterostructures are promising electrode materials for potassium‐ion batteries (PIBs) owing to the large surface area, high mechanical strength, and short diffusion pathways. However, the cycling performance remains a significant challenge, particularly concerning the electrochemical conversion reaction. Herein, 2D Se‐rich ZnSe/CoSe2@C heterostructured composite is fabricated via a convenient hydrothermal approach followed by selenization process, and then applied as high‐performance anodes for PIBs. For example, the capacity delivered by the heterostructured composite is mainly contributed to the synergistic effect of conversion and alloy/de‐alloy processes aroused by K+, where K+ may highly insert or de‐insert into Se‐rich ZnSe/CoSe2@C. The obtained electrode delivers an outstanding reversible charge capacity of 214 mA h g‐1 at 1 A g‐1 after 4000 cycles for PIBs, and achieves 262 mAh g‐1 when coupled with a PTCDA cathode in the full cell. The electrochemical conversion mechanism of the optimized electrode during cycling is investigated through in situ XRD, Raman, and ex situ HRTEM. In addition, the heterostructured composite as anodes also displays excellent electrochemical performances for sodium‐ion batteries (SIBs) and lithium‐ion batteries (LIBs). This work opens up a new window for investigating novel electrode materials with excellent capacity and long durability.
Ultrasound‐Sensitive Targeted Liposomes as a Gene Delivery System for the Synergistic Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Guannan , Lu Hongtong , Pan Yong , Qi Yanxin , Huang Yubin
Published: August 2024

Gene therapy and sonodynamic therapy, as emerging treatment methods, have great potential in cancer treatment. However, there are significant challenges in the in vivo delivery of genes and sonosensitizers during the treatment process, which ultimately affects the therapeutic outcome. In this study, an ultrasound‐sensitive targeted liposome nanoparticle system (MLipsiBcl‐2) is developed to deliver the sonosensitizers and siRNA for the synergistic treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by MLipsiBcl‐2 can be initiated through ultrasound stimulation, leading to liposome rupture and release of the sonosensitizer and small interfering RNA (siRNA). Furthermore, ROS can disrupt lysosomal membranes, facilitating gene release for downregulating overexpressed antiapoptotic protein levels in cancer cells. Experimental results from in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated the efficacy of synergistic treatment on hepatocellular carcinoma cells and the high biocompatibility of MLipsiBcl‐2 under ultrasound stimulation. The advancement of this ultrasound‐sensitive targeted gene delivery system shows potential as a versatile therapeutic platform that is easily operable, presenting a prospect for a synergistic treatment approach across various cancer types.
Visual detection of anti‐icing fluids freezing by a low‐temperature viscosity‐sensitive aggregation‐induced emission probe
Authors: Zhang Honghong , Li Fanghui , Yu Jiahong , Zhao Weijun
Published: August 2024

Icing detection is critically important for preventing safety accidents and economic losses, especially concerning ice formation from invalidated anti‐icing fluids (water and ethylene glycol) under extreme conditions. Traditional technologies like ultrasonics and capacitor‐antenna face challenges with limited detection areas, lower accuracy, and susceptibility to electromagnetic interference. Here, we introduce a novel viscosity‐ultrasensitive fluorescent probe 4′,4‴‐(2,2‐diphenylethene‐1,1‐diyl) bis‐(3,5‐dicarboxylate) (TPE‐2B4C) based on AIEgens for monitoring ice formation of anti‐icing fluids in low‐temperature environments. TPE‐2B4C, consisting of four sodium carboxylate groups and multiple freely rotating benzene rings, demonstrates outstanding solubility in anti‐icing fluids and exhibits no fluorescent background signal even at low temperatures (<−20°C). Upon freezing, TPE‐2B4C relocates from the water phase to higher viscosity ethylene glycol, causing restriction of benzene rings and a significantly increased green fluorescence signal. TPE‐2B4C can successfully determine whether the anti‐icing fluids are icing from −5 to −20°C with a high contrast ratio. Due to its simple setup, fast operation, and broad applicability, our new method is anticipated to be employed for rapid, real‐time, and large‐scale icing detection.
Are your comments outdated? Toward automatically detecting code‐comment consistency
Authors: Huang Yuan , Chen Yinan , Chen Xiangping , Zhou Xiaocong
Published: August 2024

In software development and maintenance, code comments can help developers understand source code and improve communication among developers. However, developers sometimes neglect to update the corresponding comment when changing the code, resulting in outdated comments (i.e., inconsistent codes and comments). Outdated comments are dangerous and harmful and may mislead subsequent developers. More seriously, the outdated comments may lead to a fatal flaw sometime in the future. To automatically identify the outdated comments in source code, we proposed a learning‐based method, called CoCC, to detect the consistency between code and comment. To efficiently identify outdated comments, we extract multiple features from both codes and comments before and after they change. Besides, we also consider the relation between code and comment in our model. Experiment results show that CoCC can effectively detect outdated comments with precision over 90%. In addition, we have identified the 15 most important factors that cause outdated comments and verified the applicability of CoCC in different programming languages. We also used CoCC to find outdated comments in the latest commits of open source projects, which further proves the effectiveness of the proposed method.
The PIM.3 process improvement process—Part of the iNTACS certified process expert training
Authors: Messnarz Richard , Djordjevic Vesna , Grémen Viktor , Menezes Winifred , Alborae Ahmed , Dreves Rainer , Norimatsu So , Wegner Thomas , Sechser Bernhard
Published: August 2024

This paper documents the results of the PIM.3 (Process Improvement Management) working group in INTACS (International Assessor Certification Schema) supported by the VDA‐QMC (Verband der Deutschen Automobilindustrie/German Automotive Association–Quality Management Center). INTACS promotes Automotive SPICE, which is an international standard that allows process capability assessment of projects, which implement systems that integrate mechanics, electronics, and software including optionally cybersecurity, functional safety, and machine learning. The paper outlines that for the first time since more than 20 years, the INTACS and VDA‐QMC included a process like PIM.3 Process Improvement Management in the scope for the assessor training. Before that, the assessments focused on the management, engineering, and support processes of series projects, while the improvement management has not been trained or assessed.
Programmable Aggregation of Self‐Assembled DNA Constructs
Authors: Prasad Pragati K. , Inti Akhil , Yadav Shiv Pratap S.
Published: August 2024

Biomolecular aggregates ensure the optimum concentration and proximity required for biochemical processes to take place. Synthetic aggregating systems are becoming increasingly essential to study/mimic dynamic condensates in nature. Herein the ratiometric DNA aggregation of self‐assembled DNA constructs using lanthanide salts is reported. In addition, the aggregation is shown to be reversed by the addition of specific lanthanide‐binding ligands. The aggregate formation is confirmed by dynamic light scattering experiment, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, and field emission scanning electron microscope. This programmed DNA aggregation and its reversion are applied to evaluating the lanthanide‐DNA and lanthanide‐ligand binding constants, respectively. To achieve this, Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) pair dyes at the 3′ or 5′ end of the DNA strands are strategically placed that generate unique fluorescence patterns upon interaction with the DNA constructs and different triggers such as lanthanides/ligands/monovalent cations, thus enabling the tracking of various states of binding. It also demonstrates a “fast method” to form and stabilize G‐quadruplex (GQ) using lanthanides which complements the existing slow formation of GQs with Na+/K+ ions. The formation of GQ by lanthanides is corroborated by FRET, circular dichroism (CD), and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) experiments. These DNA constructs, formed by lanthanides, have shown resistance to cleavage by DNase I, and distinctive binding to Protoporphyrin dyes and Thioflavin T.
Income inequality, banking competition, and monetary policy
Authors: Ghossoub Edgar A. , Reed Robert R.
Published: August 2024

Previous research has shown that inflation contributes to income inequality. However, in recent years, there have also been increasing concerns about the effects of concentration in the banking system on economic activity. Notably, we ask the fundamental questions: “How does the concentration of assets in the banking system contribute to the concentration of income in society? Do the effects of inflation on inequality depend on the degree of banking concentration?” We develop a general equilibrium model with heterogeneous agents and microeconomic foundations for financial intermediaries to study the effects of concentration and monetary policy. The model predicts that concentrated banks contribute to inequality by holding large amounts of liquid assets in order to raise private—but not social—returns from capital investment. As concentrated banks distort the level of investment in the economy, the adverse effects of inflation on inequality are magnified in concentrated banking systems.
Advances in Top Transparent Electrodes by Physical Vapor Deposition for Buffer Layer‐Free Semitransparent Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Smirnov Yury , Nigmetova Gaukhar , Ng Annie
Published: August 2024

The advancements in halide perovskite materials, celebrated for their exceptional optoelectronic properties, have not only led to a remarkable increase in the efficiency of perovskite solar cells (PSCs) but also opened avenues for the development of semitransparent devices. Such devices are ideally suited for integration into building facades and for use in tandem solar cell configurations. However, depositing transparent electrodes (TEs) on top of the charge transport layers in PSC poses significant challenges. Physical vapor deposition (PVD), commonly used in the industry to prepare transparent conducting oxides (TCOs) as TEs, can introduce plasma‐induced damage during the process, which decreases the efficiency of the final devices. While incorporating a buffer layer is the typical approach to mitigate plasma damage, it also increases the complexity and costs of solar cell fabrication. This perspective focuses on the developments of buffer‐free semitransparent PSCs. It highlights the shift away from the typical approach of incorporating a buffer layer. Through a comprehensive analysis of recent research, this work presents successful cases of direct TCO deposition onto transport layers, evaluates scalability and stability, and concludes with recommendations for optimizing PVD processes in the fabrication of buffer‐free PSCs.
Behavior of GFRP reinforced concrete columns confined with inner steel spirals
Authors: Wang Tan , Li Liwei , Dou Lijun , Huang Qian , Zhou Zhijie , Cao Yibo , Yang Fan , Zhu Zhu
Published: August 2024

The paper investigates the behavior of glass‐fiber reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforced concrete columns with integrated steel spirals (hybrid reinforcement). Six concrete columns were tested under eccentric axial loading, resulting in failure due to bending. Columns with outer steel longitudinal bars experienced steel yielding at peak loads, while those with GFRP outer rebars failed due to concrete crushing. The results revealed that using GFRP as outer longitudinal bars led to peak loads 3–10% lower compared to columns with steel rebars. Inner confinement by steel spirals increased the load‐carrying capacity. Additionally, columns with inner tubular steel exhibited greater strength than those with steel spirals, indicating a slightly enhanced confinement effect. A finite element model was developed to analyze structural behavior, considering both material and geometric nonlinearity. The model's accuracy was validated by comparing predictions with test results. Parametric analysis from the nonlinear FE model showed that eccentricity significantly impacted column load‐carrying capacity. Increasing inner confinement area and the number of inner longitudinal bars improved structural stiffness and load‐carrying capacity. Furthermore, a simplified theoretical method was proposed. Comparison between experimental failure loads and theoretical predictions revealed differences within 20%, indicating satisfactory reliability of the proposed method.
Performance of corroded RC beam–column joints repaired using a hybrid scheme with HSFRC and stirrups replacement
Authors: Dangwal Shubham , Kumar Tasham , Singh Heaven , Sharma Raju
Published: August 2024

The present study proposes a new technique for retrofitting corroded beam–column joints (BCJs) using high‐strength fiber reinforced concrete (HSFRC) and stirrups replacement. The entire corrosion‐affected concrete was removed and replaced with HSFRC. The corroded reinforcing bars were cleaned and treated to resist the progression of the corrosion mechanism. The severely pitted stirrups were replaced with new stirrups. Four exterior BCJ specimens were tested under seismic loading to determine the effectiveness of the proposed retrofitting scheme. The efficacy of the proposed retrofitting scheme is determined in terms of the hysteresis response, stiffness degradation, cumulative energy dissipation, ductility, and damage index. A significant delay in the fracture of severely pitted reinforcing bars was experienced for the corrosion‐damaged retrofitted specimens compared to the corroded unretrofitted specimen. The cumulative energy dissipation of the corroded unretrofitted and corroded retrofitted specimens was 0.4 and 1.3 times that of the reference specimen, respectively, indicating the effectiveness of the retrofitting strategy, as both specimens had similar corrosion rates. The test results indicated that the proposed retrofitting technique effectively improved the seismic performance of the corrosion‐damaged BCJs.
Woodward‐Hoffmann or Hoffmann‐Woodward? Cycloadditions and the Transformation of Roald Hoffmann from a “Calculator” to an “Explainer”**
Authors: Seeman Jeffrey I.
Published: August 2024

On May 1, 1965, Roald Hoffmann and R. B. Woodward published their second joint communication, Selection Rules for Concerted Cycloaddition Reactions, in the Journal of the American Chemical Society. Herein is presented a historical analysis of Woodward and Hoffmann's determination of the mechanism of cycloadditions. This analysis is based on thorough analyses with Roald Hoffmann of his 1964 and 1965 laboratory notebooks and his archived documents and on numerous in‐person, video, and email interviews. This historical research pinpoints several seminal moments in chemistry and in the professional career of Hoffmann. For example, now documented is the fact that Woodward and Hoffmann had no anticipation that their collaboration would continue after the publication of their first 1965 communication on electrocyclizations. Also pinpointed is the moment in Hoffmann's professional and intellectual trajectories that he became a full‐fledged, equal collaborator with Woodward and Hoffmann's transition from a “calculator” to an “explainer.”
Championing men's health: a peer‐to‐peer approach
Authors: Baker Peter , Pollard Jim
Published: August 2024

Health Champions are volunteers who promote healthy lifestyles by encouraging and supporting others in communities or workplaces to take a more active role in their health. They are sounding boards for discussing health and wellbeing concerns and can signpost people to services. Champions engage with people on a peer‐to‐peer basis and require no medical training or expertise to be effective in the role. The model is well suited to support improvements in men's health and engagement.
Application of porous silica supported GdFeO3 as adsorbent and photo‐Fenton catalyst for removal of rose bengal
Authors: Phan Thi To Nga , Nguyen Thi Thu Huyen , Phan Thi To Nhu
Published: August 2024

The synergistic effect of adsorption and photo‐Fenton process of rose bengal (RB) onto the GdFeO3‐impregnated porous silica (GFO/PS) was investigated by varying GFO loading over mesoporous silica, RB concentration, adsorbent dosage, initial pH of solution, contact time of adsorption and photo‐Fenton efficiency. The adsorption capability of RB onto GFO/PS was found to reduce by increasing the adsorbent dosage and solution pH. Meanwhile, GFO/PS photocatalyst exhibited a good performance under visible light illumination. The improvement in photo‐Fenton performance of GFO/PS could be ascribed to its large specific surface area and small band gap energy. The GFO/PS also showed good adsorption capability and high photo‐Fenton catalytic activity, suggesting it as a promising material for use to remove RB from wastewater.
Cyclosporine‐induced psoriasiform‐lichenoid dermatosis in four dogs: Successful treatment with antibiotics and cyclosporine dosage reduction
Authors: Ike Junko , Ueda Ryosuke , Mukosaka Takeshi , Sekiguchi Maiko , Iwasaki Toshiroh
Published: August 2024

Four dogs received cyclosporine at dosages of 8.6–17.5 mg/kg/day for 7–10 months to treat immune‐mediated diseases. These dogs developed multiple, well‐circumscribed lichenoid plaques with erythema and hyperpigmentation; additionally, thick scales appeared around the eyes, mouth and inside the auricles, and spread to almost the entire body. On the basis of histopathological examination and medication history, the four dogs were diagnosed with cyclosporin‐induced psoriasiform‐lichenoid dermatosis. Three of the four dogs exhibited marked improvement or disappearance of the skin lesions after systemic administration of antibiotics and reduction of the cyclosporine dosage; in the other dog, the lesions disappeared after systemic administration of antibiotics. Cyclosporine‐induced psoriasiform‐lichenoid dermatosis is believed to be multifactorial, involving the immune system and resident cocci on the skin.
Using World Values Survey and European Social Survey Data on Homosexuality and Homonegativity: The Comparative Evidence from the Social Sciences
Authors: Tausch Arno
Published: August 2024

In this chapter we present some of the best known studies on the subject, based on data from the World Values Survey and the European Social Survey on Homosexuality and HomoNegativity. Because of their enormous importance in the literature of the social sciences, our presentation begins with the contribution of Ronald F. Inglehart, who stands out in the literature of world values research, and we highlight in this context his essay written in 2017 together with associates, which found that high levels of economic and physical security are conducive to a shift from material to post-material values, and this shift tends to make people more favourable to the importance of change, and the acceptance of gender equality, divorce, and homosexuality. The other studies reviewed, highlight cross national variations and public opinion about homosexuality, the impact of economic inequality across and within nations on attitudes towards homosexuality, the role of religion in explaining homophobic attitudes, the culture wars on homosexuality, religious particularism, religious salience and home negativity homonegativity; Post-materialism, the world society and multiple modernities, cohort socialisation and homonegativity, and finally the differential effects of religious beliefs and welfare regimes on homonegativity.
To Move or Not to Move? Drought-Related Internal Migration and Voluntary Immobility Among the Hmong Forest Community in Chiang Rai, Northern Thailand
Authors: Juwitasari Reni
Published: August 2024

Over four decades, from the 1980s to the 2020s, Thailand has experienced a severe and prolonged drought, primarily attributed to the effects of climate change. Consequently, this drought has led to a significant and pervasive shortage of water resources across the country. Drought has substantial environmental, social, and economic ramifications on farmers, manifesting as diminished agricultural and forest productivity, depleted water reserves, heightened vulnerability to wildfires, and consequent losses in income, food security, well-being, and population displacement. The region of Northern Thailand has seen the emergence of drought as a distinct slow-onset calamity in the country. Chiang Rai is characterised by its extensive forested areas and agricultural landscapes, which provide residence for at least ten ethnic minority groups from neighbouring countries, including Hmong. The survival of these ethnic minority people is dependent on the agricultural production they rely upon. Therefore, climate change has emerged as a catalyst for forced migration. This study examines the social implications of climate-related drought in the Wiang Kaen district, which the Hmong ethnic group inhabits. The analysis focuses on three main areas: (1) the impact of drought on the community’s forced migration patterns; (2) the disparities in perceptions of human mobility between older and younger generations in response to the drought; and (3) the factors influencing well-being, such as food security and adaptive capacity, in the context of climate-related drought. The study reveals that climate-induced migration has become one of the climate change adaptation efforts, especially for economic reasons. The internal migration has patterned at the moving from rural to urban areas in joining the informal sector. Although this effort is positively adopted, the disparity in migration perspective is distinctly reflected between older and younger generations, with particular emphasis on food security and availability. Food sufficiency for the household is considered the benchmark of well-being for the Hmong elderly per se, while the younger generation weightens the currency for sustainable well-being. In addition to climate change adaptation, the older generation has demonstrated their ability to cope with climate-induced drought by using traditional or local knowledge in managing forests and agriculture, acknowledged as a kind of resilience rather than resorting to migration, while the younger generation chooses migration as an adaptation strategy. Therefore, this study acknowledges the significance of climate-induced human mobility as a pressing worldwide issue that poses climate change adaptation for sustainable development, although it has been differently perceived by different generations. Hence, the formulation of policies based on climate change adaptation and resilience by both generations is being undertaken.
Predicting isovector charmonium-like states from X(3872) properties
Authors: Zhang Zhen-Hua , Ji Teng , Dong Xiang-Kun , Guo Feng-Kun , Hanhart Christoph , Meißner Ulf-G. , Rusetsky Akaki
Published: August 2024

Abstract

Using chiral effective field theory, we predict that there must be isovector charmonium-like $$ D{\overline{D}}^{\ast } $$
D

D
¯

∗

hadronic molecules with JPC = 1++ denoted as Wc1. The inputs are the properties of the X(3872), including its mass and the ratio of its branching fractions of decays into J/ψρ0 and J/ψω. The predicted states are virtual state poles of the scattering matrix, pointing at a molecular nature of the X(3872) as well as its spin partners. They should show up as either a mild cusp or dip at the $$ D{\overline{D}}^{\ast } $$
D

D
¯

∗

thresholds, explaining why they are elusive in experiments. The so far negative observation also indicates that the X(3872) is either a bound state with non-vanishing binding energy or a virtual state, only in these cases the X(3872) signal dominates over that from the $$ {W}_{c1}^0 $$

W

c
1

0

. The pole positions are $$ {3881.2}_{-0.0}^{+0.8} $$

3881.2

−
0.0

+
0.8

−$$ i{1.6}_{-0.9}^{+0.7} $$
i

1.6

−
0.9

+
0.7

MeV for $$ {W}_{c1}^0 $$

W

c
1

0

on the fourth Riemann sheet of the $$ {D}^0{\overline{D}}^{\ast 0} $$

D
0

D
¯

∗
0

-D+D∗− coupled-channel system, and $$ {3866.9}_{-7.7}^{+4.6} $$

3866.9

−
7.7

+
4.6

− i(0.07 ± 0.01) MeV for $$ {W}_{c1}^{\pm } $$

W

c
1

±

on the second Riemann sheet of the $$ {\left(D{\overline{D}}^{\ast}\right)}^{\pm } $$

D

D
¯

∗

±

single-channel system. The findings imply that the peak in the J/ψπ+π− invariant mass distribution is not purely from the X(3872) but contains contributions from $$ {W}_{c1}^0 $$

W

c
1

0

predicted here. The states should have isovector heavy quark spin partners with JPC = 0++, 2++ and 1+−, with the last one corresponding to Zc. We suggest to search for the charged 0++, 1++ and 2++ states in J/ψπ±π0.
Superstrings near the conformal boundary of AdS3
Authors: Sriprachyakul Vit
Published: August 2024

Abstract

We study worldsheet sphere amplitudes, in the RNS formalism, in superstring theory on AdS3 × X with pure NS-NS flux using the near-boundary approximation. By computing a number of amplitudes at low-lying spectral flow, we deduce a candidate for a dual CFT for generic X. Specialising to X = S3 × 𝕋4 and with minimal NS-NS flux, i.e., to the tensionless limit, we explore the effect of the interaction term which we ignore in the near-boundary consideration. We show, under some assumptions, that amplitudes in the tensionless superstring theory on AdS3 × S3 × 𝕋4 do not receive perturbative contributions from such an interaction term.
Three-dimensional analysis of posttreatment tooth movements despite bonded retainers: part I—upper jaw
Authors: Klaus Katharina , Kleinert Tobias , Ruf Sabine
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Adverse side effects of fixed retainers in terms of unwanted tooth movements have been described for both the upper and lower jaw, but data about the extent and movement patterns for the maxilla are scarce. The purpose of the present retrospective case–control study was to analyze the amount and direction of unwanted tooth movements despite upper bonded retainers as well as to analyze possible predisposing pretreatment- and treatment-related factors.

Methods

Plaster casts of 1026 patients who completed orthodontic treatment and a subsequent retention phase of 2 years were screened for unintentional tooth movements. The study group comprised 57 patients with visually obvious tooth movements in the upper jaw, while 57 randomly selected patients without visible tooth movements served as control group. For all patients, plaster casts after debonding of multibracket appliance (T1) and after supervised retention (T2) were digitized, and superimposed digitally using a stable palatal reference area. Thereafter, translational and rotational movements were measured in all three planes of space. Pretreatment- and treatment-related factors of the study and control groups were compared by χ2 test, exact Fisher test, Mann–Whitney U test, and the T‑test for independent samples.

Results

The mean translational movements ranged between 0 and 0.6 mm and the average rotational movements between 0 and 1.3°. Large individual movements up to 2.7 mm translation and 15.9° rotation were seen. A movement pattern around the Y‑ and Z‑axis with an opposite rotational peak at the canines (“upper twist effect”) was identified. Compared to the control group, patients of the study group showed a significantly smaller intercanine width pretreatment. Also, study group patients presented a larger intercanine expansion and a slightly larger overjet reduction during treatment, and were more often affected by retainer bonding site detachments and wire fractures, but without reaching statistically significance.

Conclusion

Upper bonded retainers show a similar unwanted movement pattern (“twist effect”) like the one described for mandibular retainers.
Automatic virtual reconstruction of acetabular fractures using a statistical shape model
Authors: van Veldhuizen WA , van Noortwijk R , Meesters AML , Duis K ten , Schuurmann RCL , de Vries JPPM , Wolterink JM , IJpma FFA
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Automatic virtual reconstruction of complex fractures would be helpful for pre-operative surgical planning. We developed a statistical shape model (SSM) which contains data of 200 intact 3D hemipelves. It allows for quantification of shape differences and is able to reconstruct abnormal shaped pelvises. We applied our SSM to reconstruct elementary and associate type acetabular fractures and assessed the reconstruction performance of the SSM, by comparing the reconstructed shape with the intact contralateral hemipelvis.

Methods

In this retrospective diagnostic imaging study, we used our SSM to virtually reconstruct fractured hemipelves of eighty-three patients with an acetabular fracture. A root mean square error (RMSE) was computed between the reconstructed shape and intact contralateral shape for the whole hemipelvis and for regions relevant for plate-fitting. These plate-fitting relevant regions were defined as: (1) Iliopectineal line length and radius; (2) ischial body line length and radius; (3) acetabular diameter, (4) quadrilateral slope and (5) weight-bearing acetabular dome.

Results

The median RMSE of the whole hemipelvis of the elementary type fractures was 2.2 (1.7–2.5) mm versus 3.2 (2.2–3.9) mm for the associate type fractures (p < 0.001). The median RMSE for the plate-fitting regions of elementary type fractures was 1.7 (1.4–2.1) mm versus 2.7 (2.0–4.1) mm for associate type fractures (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Using a statistical shape model allows for accurate virtual reconstructions of elementary and associate type acetabular fractures within a clinically acceptable range, especially within regions important for plate-fitting. SSM-based reconstructions can serve as a valuable tool for pre-operative planning in clinical practice, when a template of the contralateral hemipelvis is unavailable.
A multiplexed targeted method for profiling of serum gangliosides and glycosphingolipids: application to GM2-gangliosidosis
Authors: Kim Jinyong , Byeon Seul Kee , Oglesbee Devin , Schultz Matthew J. , Matern Dietrich , Pandey Akhilesh
Published: August 2024

The analysis of gangliosides and glycosphingolipids is crucial for understanding cellular membrane structure and function as well as to accurately diagnose certain inborn errors of metabolism. GM2-gangliosidosis represents a rare and fatal group of lysosomal storage disorders characterized by accumulation of GM2 gangliosides in various tissues and organs. These disorders arise due to deficiency or functional impairment of the β-hexosaminidase A or B enzymes, which are responsible for degradation of GM2 ganglioside. Deficient enzyme activity primarily leads to the accumulation of GM2 gangliosides within the lysosomes of cells. Accurate and rapid diagnostic methods that detect increased levels of GM2 gangliosides in patients with GM2-gangliosidosis can play a significant role in early diagnosis and appropriate treatment of this condition. To address this need, we developed a multiplexed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method targeting 84 species of gangliosides and other glycosphingolipids involved in ganglioside metabolism. Reproducibility, linearity, extraction efficiency, and sample stability were evaluated and proof-of-concept data obtained from analysis of serum samples from confirmed cases of GM2-gangliosidosis. This method has the potential to simultaneously monitor the biosynthesis of gangliosides and the lysosomal catabolic pathway serving as a valuable tool for screening and diagnosing an important group of lysosomal storage disorders.
Green and sustainable fabrication of DES-pretreated high-strength densified wood
Authors: Gondaliya Akash Madhav , Hoque Mahfuzul , Raghunath Sreenath , Foster E. Johan
Published: August 2024

Wood is a sustainable, benign, and high-performing green structural material readily available in nature that can be used to replace structural materials. However, insufficient mechanical performance (compared to metals and plastic), moisture sensitivity, and susceptibility to microorganism attack make it challenging to use wood as it is for advanced engineering applications. We here present an efficient approach to fabricating densified wood with minimal time and waste generation, demonstrating high mechanical strength, and decreased water penetration on the surface. Wood slabs were treated with deep eutectic solvents (DESs) to solubilize the lignin, followed by in-situ regeneration of dissolved lignin in the wood. Then, the slabs were densified with heat and pressure, turning the wood into a functionalized densified material. Lignin regeneration and morphological changes were observed via two-photon microscopy and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), respectively. The final product is less susceptible to water absorption on the surface and has enhanced flexural strength (> 50% higher), surface hardness (100% increased), and minimal set recovery compared to natural wood. The improved mechanical performance is due to regenerated lignin which acts as a glue and fills spaces present within the interconnected cellulose network inside the wood, forming a highly dense composite during densification. Such enhancement in the properties of DES-densified wood composite makes it a favorable candidate for advanced structural and engineering applications.
The use of animals in physiological science: the past, the presence, and the future
Authors: Schlüter Klaus-Dieter
Published: August 2024

Physiology is a scientific discipline of how people’s and animals’ bodies function that requires traditionally suitable experimental models that often rely on animals. However, at the end of the 50th of the last century, researchers themselves addressed concerns about the use of animals for biomedical science and physiology in particular. At that time, the so-called 3R strategy was implicated where the three “R” stand for replacement, reduction, and refinement. When addressing these concerns, researchers nevertheless realized that a critical dispute about experimental models in the light of the 3R initiative may require further attention to other points such as robustness, registration, reporting, reproducibility, and rigor of the work. The question that has to be addressed now is first whether the use of animals in physiology changed in the post-3R period, whether it led to a replacement, reduction, or refinement of animal handling, and most importantly, how this affected the scientific progress in (patho)physiology. In order to address open questions concerning the relationship between the use of animals and physiological research, complete volumes of the Pflügers Archiv – European Journal of Physiology were analyzed every 10 years starting in 1950 and ending in 2020 and compared to volumes of the Journal of Physiology. It analyzed how scientists organize their projects published in the journal and what kind of models they used. The results show that physiological science has dramatically changed in the last 70 years. Replacement, reduction, and refinement were achieved to a certain level. However, during the last years, no further achievement could be seen. It seems that a certain level of animal testing is required for biomedical science and physiology in particular. Physiological studies in the present time are dominated by investigation of the physiological function of small rodents mainly mice and rats with only a few exceptions. The analysis also shows that in the future, researchers must have a critical look at further requirements of their research such as data robustness, improvement of reproducibility of data, and generation of rigor data as a prerequisite to improve our physiological view on life.
Reconfiguring Shortest Paths in Graphs
Authors: Gajjar Kshitij , Jha Agastya Vibhuti , Kumar Manish , Lahiri Abhiruk
Published: August 2024

Reconfiguring two shortest paths in a graph means modifying one shortest path to the other by changing one vertex at a time so that all the intermediate paths are also shortest paths. This problem has several natural applications, namely: (a) repaving road networks, (b) rerouting data packets in a synchronous multiprocessing setting, (c) the shipping container stowage problem, and (d) the train marshalling problem. When modelled as graph problems, (a) is the most general case while (b), (c), (d) are restrictions to different graph classes. We show that (a) does not admit polynomial-time algorithms (assuming $${{\,\mathrm{\texttt {P}}\,}}\ne {{\,\mathrm{\texttt {NP}}\,}}$$

P

≠

NP

), even for relaxed variants of the problem (assuming $${{\,\mathrm{\texttt {P}}\,}}\ne {{\,\mathrm{\texttt {PSPACE}}\,}}$$

P

≠

PSPACE

). For (b), (c), (d), we present polynomial-time algorithms to solve the respective problems. We also generalize the problem to when at most k (for a fixed integer $$k\ge 2$$

k
≥
2

) contiguous vertices on a shortest path can be changed at a time.
Laparoscopic versus open liver resection for huge hepatocellular carcinoma (≥ than 10 cm): a retrospective analysis from a high-volume referral center
Authors: Cassese Gianluca , Han Ho-Seong , Lee Boram , Lee Hae Won , Cho Jai Young
Published: August 2024

Background

There is still poor evidence about the safety and feasibility of laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) for huge (> 10 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC). The aim of this study was to assess the short- and long-term outcomes of LLR versus open liver resection (OLR) for patients with huge HCC from real-life data from consecutive patients.

Methods

Data regarding all consecutive patients undergoing liver resection for huge HCC were retrospectively collected from a Korean referral HPB center. Primary outcomes were the postoperative results, while secondary outcomes were the oncologic survivals.

Results

Sixty-three patients were included in the study: 46 undergoing OLR and 17 LLR. Regarding postoperative outcomes, there were no statistically significant differences in estimated blood loss, operation time, transfusions, postoperative bile leak, ascites, severe complications, and R1 resection rates. After a median follow-up of 48.4 (95% CI 8.9–86.8) months, there were no statistically significant differences in 3 years OS (59.3 ± 8.7 months vs. 85.2 ± 9.8 months) and 5 years OS (31.1 ± 9 months vs. 73.1 ± 14.1 months), after OLR and LLR, respectively (p = 0.10). Similarly, there was not a statistically significant difference in both 3 years DFS (23.5% ± 8.1 months vs. 51.6 ± months) and 5 years DFS (15.7 ± 7.1 months vs. 38.7 ± 15.3 months), respectively (p = 0.13), despite a potential clinically significant difference.

Conclusion

LLR for huge HCC may be safe and effective in selected cases. Further studies with larger sample size and more appropriate design are needed to confirm these results.

Graphical abstract
An examination of sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing help-seeking attitudes and behaviors among adolescents with mental health problems
Authors: Cavelti Marialuisa , Ruppen Noemi Anne , Sele Silvano , Moessner Markus , Bauer Stephanie , Becker Katja , Krämer Jennifer , Eschenbeck Heike , Rummel-Kluge Christine , Thomasius Rainer , Diestelkamp Silke , Gillé Vera , Baldofski Sabrina , Koenig Julian ,   the ProHEAD-Consortium, Kaess Michael
Published: August 2024

This study investigated sociodemographic and clinical factors influencing help-seeking attitudes and behavior among adolescents with mental health problems. As part of the ProHEAD (“Promoting Help-seeking using E-technology for ADolescents”) consortium a school-based, online assessment of sociodemographic information, psychopathology, risk-taking and self-harming behavior, help-seeking attitudes and behavior, and barriers to help-seeking was conducted in adolescents aged ≥ 12 years recruited from randomly selected schools in five regions of Germany. Linear regression analyses with the LMG formula were performed to explore predictors of help-seeking attitudes and behavior and assess their relative importance. Nine thousand five hundred and nine participants (95.5%) completed the online assessment (mean age: 15.1 years, 58.6% female). In total, 1606 participants (16.9%) showed relevant mental health problems (e.g., depressive and eating disorder symptoms, alcohol problems, and thoughts of self-harming behavior). Among them, 895 (55.7%) reported having sought help (lifetime), with higher rates for informal (n = 842, 52.4%) compared to professional (n = 380, 23.7%) sources. High help-seeking propensity emerged as the most important factor contributing to professional help-seeking, followed by elevated levels of psychopathology and perceived barriers, with sociodemographic factors being less impactful. Psychopathological severity also outweighed sociodemographic factors in predicting negative help-seeking attitudes. These findings indicate that attitudes towards seeking professional help, perceived barriers, and psychopathology severity critically influence limited adolescent help-seeking behavior. This emphasizes the need for initiatives that promote help-seeking, reduce negative attitudes, and address structural barriers in adolescent mental health care.
Toward the first documented extinction of a marine macroalga in the Mediterranean Sea?
Authors: Descourvières Emmanuelle , Bandelj Vinko , Sfriso Adriano , Orlando-Bonaca Martina , Mačić Vesna , Iveša Ljiljana , Kipson Silvija , Gljušćić Edi , Battelli Claudio , Moro Isabella , Solidoro Cosimo , Falace Annalisa
Published: August 2024

Fucus virsoides is a glacial relict-species endemic to the Adriatic that was widespread from northern Italy to southern Albania. In recent decades, however, it has suffered an alarming decline. In this study, all available records were reviewed to reconstruct its historical and current occurrence and to investigate the possible causes of its decline. Comprehensive mapping revealed a continuing decline with a significant shift, leaving only about 20 fragmented populations. While the species is already classified as critically endangered in Albania, F. virsoides could be considered functionally extinct in Istria (Croatia), critically threatened with extinction in Italy and Montenegro and locally extinct in Slovenia. The status of the species in the rest of Croatia is still unclear. The remaining populations are located in areas characterised by low temperatures, low salinity and high nutrient concentrations. Long-term analyses of these key abiotic factors revealed profound changes that suggest a link to the species' decline. This study provides a thorough assessment of the overall status of F. virsoides and argues for its inclusion on the IUCN Red List. Immediate conservation measures are needed for the long-term survival of this species.