bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A 4d non-BPS NS-NS microstate
Authors: Chakraborty Soumangsu , Hampton Shaun D.
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We construct a two-parameter four-dimensional non-BPS NS-NS smooth microstate solution that asymptotes to flat spacetime with a linear dilaton in type II superstring theory. From the microscopic point of view, the background is made out of a certain number of decoupled (i.e. gs → 0) NS5 branes wrapping T3 × S1 × S1 with fundamental strings wrapping non-contractable cycles of S1 × S1 with integer momentum modes along them. We show that perturbative worldsheet theory in this background is given by a null-gauged WZW model. We also show that the consistency of the worldsheet theory imposes non-trivial constraints on the supergravity background.
Quark mass effects in double parton distributions
Authors: Diehl Markus , Nagar Riccardo , Plößl Peter
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Double parton distributions can be computed from the perturbative splitting of one parton into two if the distance between the two observed partons is small. We develop schemes to take into account quark mass effects in this computation, and we study these schemes numerically at leading order in the strong coupling. Furthermore, we investigate in detail the structure of the next-to-leading order corrections to the splitting kernels that include quark mass effects.
The new formulation of higgs effective field Theory
Authors: Dong Zi-Yu , Ma Teng , Shu Jing , Zhou Zi-Zheng
Published: September 2023

Abstract

We present the explicit construction of the effective field theory (EFT) of standard model mass eigenstates. The EFT, which is invariant under U(1)e.m.× SU(3)c, is constructed based on the on-shell method and Young Tableau technique. This EFT serves as a new formulation of the Higgs EFT (HEFT), which can describe the infrared effects of new physics at the electroweak symmetry-breaking phase with greater conciseness. The current HEFT operator basis has a clear physical interpretation, making it more accessible for research in phenomenology. A complete list of HEFT operator bases for any-point vertices up to any dimension could be provided, and three- and four-point bases are provided as examples. Additionally, this framework realized as Mathematica program can be used to construct the EFT of any type of dark matter or particles with any spin.
LePDF: Standard Model PDFs for high-energy lepton colliders
Authors: Garosi Francesco , Marzocca David , Trifinopoulos Sokratis
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The emission of collinear radiation off an elementary lepton can be factorised from the hard scattering process by introducing Parton Distribution Functions of a Lepton (LePDF), which, contrary to protons, can be derived from first principles. In case of multi-TeV lepton colliders, such as the muon colliders currently being proposed, the complete structure of Standard Model interactions must be taken into account. In this work we solve numerically the corresponding DGLAP equations at the double-log order and provide public files with LePDFs for both muons and electrons, including polarisation effects. We discuss several interesting aspects of the resulting PDFs and compare them with the Effective Vector Approximation, showing that the latter fails to describe well the vector bosons PDFs at small momentum fractions, unless it is extended to higher orders.
A new picture of quantum tunneling in the real-time path integral from Lefschetz thimble calculations
Authors: Nishimura Jun , Sakai Katsuta , Yosprakob Atis
Published: September 2023

Abstract

It is well known that quantum tunneling can be described by instantons in the imaginary-time path integral formalism. However, its description in the real-time path integral formalism has been elusive. Here we establish a statement that quantum tunneling can be characterized in general by the contribution of complex saddle points, which can be identified by using the Picard-Lefschetz theory. We demonstrate this explicitly by performing Monte Carlo simulations of simple quantum mechanical systems, overcoming the sign problem by the generalized Lefschetz thimble method. We confirm numerically that the contribution of complex saddle points manifests itself in a complex “weak value” of the Hermitian coordinate operator $$ \hat{x} $$

x
̂

evaluated at time t, which is a physical quantity that can be measured by experiments in principle. We also discuss the transition to classical dynamics based on our picture.
Factorization for quasi-TMD distributions of sub-leading power
Authors: Rodini Simone , Vladimirov Alexey
Published: September 2023

Abstract

The quasi-transverse-momentum dependent (qTMD) distributions are equal-time correlators that can be computed within the lattice QCD approach. In the regime of large hadron’s momentum, qTMD distributions are expressed in terms of standard TMD distributions via the factorization theorem. We derive the corresponding factorization theorem at the next-to-leading power (NLP), and, for the first time, we present the factorized expressions for a large class of qTMD distributions of sub-leading power. The NLP expression contains TMD distributions of twist-two, twist-three, and a new lattice-specific nonperturbative function. We point out that some of the qTMD distributions considered in this work can be employed to extract the Collins-Soper kernel using the standard techniques of different-momenta ratios. We provide NLO expressions for all the elements of the factorization theorem. Also, for the first time, we explicitly demonstrate the restoration of boost invariance of the TMD factorization at NLP.
Large extracellular vesicles derived from human regulatory macrophages (L-EVMreg) attenuate CD3/CD28-induced T-cell activation in vitro
Authors: Albrecht Martin , Hummitzsch Lars , Rusch Rene , Eimer Christine , Rusch Melanie , Heß Katharina , Steinfath Markus , Cremer Jochen , Fändrich Fred , Berndt Rouven , Zitta Karina
Published: September 2023

Macrophages belong to the innate immune system, and we have recently shown that in vitro differentiated human regulatory macrophages (Mreg) release large extracellular vesicles (L-EVMreg) with an average size of 7.5 μm which regulate wound healing and angiogenesis in vitro. The aim of this study was to investigate whether L-EVMreg also affect the CD3/CD28-mediated activation of T-cells. Mreg were differentiated using blood monocytes and L-EVMreg were isolated from culture supernatants by differential centrifugation. Activation of human T-cells was induced by CD3/CD28-coated beads in the absence or presence of Mreg or different concentrations of L-EVMreg. Inhibition of T-cell activation was quantified by flow cytometry and antibodies directed against the T-cell marker granzyme B. Phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure on the surface of Mreg and L-EVMreg was analyzed by fluorescence microscopy. Incubation of human lymphocytes with CD3/CD28 beads resulted in an increase of cell size, cell granularity, and number of granzyme B–positive cells (P < 0.05) which is indicative of T-cell activation. The presence of Mreg (0.5 × 106 Mreg/ml) led to a reduction of T-cell activation (number of granzyme B–positive cells; P < 0.001), and a similar but less pronounced effect was also observed when incubating activated T-cells with L-EVMreg (P < 0.05 for 3.2 × 106 L-EVMreg/ml). A differential analysis of the effects of Mreg and L-EVMreg on CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells showed an inhibition of CD4+ T-cells by Mreg (P < 0.01) and L-EVMreg (P < 0.05 for 1.6 × 106 L-EVMreg/ml; P < 0.01 for 3.2 × 106 L-EVMreg/ml). A moderate inhibition of CD8+ T-cells was observed by Mreg (P < 0.05) and by L-EVMreg (P < 0.01 for 1.6 × 106 L-EVMreg/ml and 3.2 × 106 L-EVMreg/ml). PS was restricted to confined regions of the Mreg surface, while L-EVMreg showed strong signals for PS in the exoplasmic leaflet. L-EVMreg attenuate CD3/CD28-mediated activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells. L-EVMreg may have clinical relevance, particularly in the treatment of diseases associated with increased T-cell activity.

Key messages

Mreg release large extracellular vesicles (L-EVMreg) with an average size of 7.5 µm

L-EVMreg exhibit phosphatidylserine positivity

L-EVMreg suppress CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells

L-EVMreg hold clinical potential in T-cell-related diseases
Reform der Rechtsnormen zum Schwangerschaftsabbruch: Eckpunkte und Anschlussfragen
Authors: Kreß Hartmut
Published: September 2023

Die Tragkraft der Rechtsnormen, die in der Bundesrepublik Deutschland zum Schwangerschaftsabbruch
gelten, ist fraglich geworden. Künftig wird der Sachverhalt außerhalb des Strafrechts zu regeln
sein. Abbrüche, die Schwangere aufgrund ihrer reproduktiven Autonomie in Betracht ziehen, sollten
über die Dreimonatsfrist hinaus möglich werden. Hiervon ausgehend ergibt sich für den Gesetzgeber
noch weiterer Klarstellungs- und Regelungsbedarf.
Integrating rather than collecting: statistical matching in the data flood era
Authors: D’Alberto Riccardo , Raggi Meri
Published: September 2023

Statistical matching is progressively emerging as a straightforward approach to data integration. This method of increasing importance and interest is useful to address the unsolved challenges posed by data shortage as well as the several opportunities occurring in the present data flood era. This paper offers an exhaustive review of the methodology from its early beginnings up to the most recent developments, considering also the most relevant applications. The links that statistical matching has with other integration methods are discussed, analysing how a 50-year-old method has been only recently proposed under a consistent but (yet) incomplete framework. Strengths and weaknesses of statistical matching are compared, considering different data features and sample representativeness frameworks, also, given future research ideas, always keeping an eye on uncertainty, the key problem to which statistical matching tries to answer.
Conditions for finiteness and bounds on moments of generalized order statistics
Authors: Bieniek Mariusz , Rychlik Tomasz
Published: September 2023

We present necessary and sufficient conditions for the finiteness of moments of a fixed order of generalized order statistics based on an arbitrary life baseline distribution with a finite expectation. The conditions depend on a relation between the moment order and the minimal parameter of the generalized order statistic and its multiplicity. Furthermore, under these conditions we determine sharp upper bounds on the moments of generalized order statistic expressed in the scale units being the respective powers of the mean of the baseline distribution.
Live synthesis of selective carbon dots as fluorescent probes for cobalt determination in water with an automatic microanalyzer
Authors: Pascual-Esco Alex , Lleonart Pere , Calvo-López Antonio , Alonso-Chamarro Julián , Puyol Mar
Published: September 2023

A new strategy integrating the straight synthesis of carbon dots (CDs) and their direct use for the determination of heavy metals by means of fluorescence quenching is presented. The proposal consists of a modular analyzer, which includes a low temperature co-fired ceramics (LTCC) microreactor for the synthesis of CDs and a cyclic olefin copolymer (COC) microfluidic platform, which automatically performs a reverse flow injection analysis (rFIA) protocol for the determination of heavy metal ions in water by CD fluorescence quenching. As a proof of concept, nitrogen-doped CDs were synthesized from acrylic acid and ethylenediamine (ED) with quantum yields (QYs) of up to 44%, which are selective to cobalt. With the described system, we synthesized homogeneous CDs without the need for further purification and with the minimum consumption of reagents, and optimized fluorescence measurements can be performed with freshly obtained luminescent nanomaterials that have not undergone decomposition processes. They have an average hydrodynamic diameter of 4.2 ± 0.9 nm and maximum excitation and emission wavelengths at 358 nm and 452 nm, respectively. The system allows the automatic dilution and buffering of the synthesized CDs and the sample prior to the determination of cobalt. The concentration of cobalt was determined with good sensitivity and a limit of detection of 7 μg·L−1 with a linear range of 0.02–1 mg·L−1 of Co2+. Spiked tap water and river water samples were analyzed, obtaining recovery from 98 to 104%. This demonstrates the potential of the equipment as an efficient on-site control system for heavy metal monitoring in water.

Graphical abstract
Initial characterization of an iron superoxide dismutase from Thermobifida fusca
Authors: Hamre Anne Grethe , Al-Sadawi Rim , Johannesen Kirsti Merete , Bisarro Bastien , Kjendseth Åsmund Røhr , Leiros Hanna-Kirsti S. , Sørlie Morten
Published: September 2023

Superoxide dismutases (SODs) are enzymes that catalyze the dismutation of the superoxide radical anion into O2 and H2O2 in a two-step reaction. They are ubiquitous to all forms of life and four different types of metal centers are detected, dividing this class of enzymes into Cu-/Zn-, Ni-, Mn-, and Fe-SODs. In this study, a superoxide dismutase from the thermophilic bacteria Thermobifida fusca (TfSOD) was cloned and expressed before the recombinant enzyme was characterized. The enzyme was found to be active for superoxide dismutation measured by inhibition of cytochrome c oxidation and the inhibition of the autoxidation of pyrogallol. Its pH-optimum was determined to be 7.5, while it has a broad temperature optimum ranging from 20 to 90 °C. Combined with the Tm that was found to be 78.5 ± 0.5 °C at pH 8.0, TfSOD can be defined as a thermostable enzyme. Moreover, the crystal structure of TfSOD was determined and refined to 1.25 Å resolution. With electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy, it was confirmed that iron is the metal co-factor of TfSOD. The cell potential (Em) for the TfSOD-Fe3+/TfSOD-Fe2+ redox couple was determined to be 287 mV.

Graphical abstract
Setting up SLAs using a dynamic pricing model and behavior analytics in business and marketing strategies in cloud computing
Authors: Mehlabani Ehsan Gorjian , Javadpour Amir , Zhang Chongqi , Ja’fari Forough , Sangaiah Arun Kumar
Published: September 2023

Increasing amounts of data are being generated every year. Sustainable computing systems have become capable of extracting and learning information from the underlying data. Edge and AI (artificial intelligence) are expanding into industrial systems requiring new computing and networking infrastructure. Due to this, SLA computing is becoming increasingly challenging to handle in these emerging cloud environments. The cloud is a service that provides virtual resources to users. Qualitative and quantitative findings in market-oriented approaches are one of the most common methods for managing virtual and physical machines in a network. When allocating services, price is an important factor to consider. In this study, we aim to determine the initial price of VMs while considering the dynamic pricing model in a competitive, sustainable computing system. Besides negotiation-based trading, a multifactor architecture is used for trading in the marketplace. Based on the simulation results, it was found that the performance could be improved by categorizing the VMs based on regression. According to the simulation results, the cloud market system provides a better service-level agreement (SLA) and response time when assigning virtual machines to the market. Based on the results, we found that using the regression method for categorizing the VMs to manage the market improved the SLA.
Volumetric changes in the upper airway on CBCT after dentofacial orthopedic interventions - a systematic review
Authors: Steegman Ralph M. , Renkema Anne-Marie , Schoeman Adriaan , Kuijpers-Jagtman Anne Marie , Ren Yijin
Published: September 2023

Objective

To provide a critical overview of the effect of various orthodontic and/or dentofacial orthopedic interventions on three-dimensional volumetric changes in the upper airway.

Materials and methods

Four databases were searched for clinical studies concerning 3D volumetric assessments based on CBCT before and after orthodontics interventions. The quality of the studies was assessed using the quality assessment tool of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute. After the use of inclusion and exclusion criteria, the pre-and post-treatment volumes were used to visualize the effect of various orthodontics interventions.

Results

A total of 48 studies were included in this review and none of which were RCTs. The quality of all included studies was assessed as medium. Overall, there is a tendency for an increase in airway volumes after various orthodontic interventions, except for studies concerning extraction therapy with fixed appliances in adults, in which both increases and decreases in airway volumes have been reported.

Conclusion

Orthodontic treatment by growth modification and non-extraction therapy with fixed appliances, regardless of the malocclusion, generally showed positive effects on the airway volume. Orthodontic treatment in combination with extractions does not provide an unambiguous insight. A consensus on the methodology of the airway measurement and nomenclature is urgently needed in order to gain insight into the effect of different interventions on three-dimensional airway changes.

Clinical relevance

Various orthodontic treatments do not negatively influence the upper airway volume. However, extraction therapy in adults should be chosen with caution, especially in subjects belonging to a group susceptible to airway obstruction.
Drainage versus no drainage after burr-hole evacuation of chronic subdural hematoma: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 1961 patients
Authors: Aljabali Ahmed , Sharkawy Aya Mohammed , Jaradat Belal , Serag Ibrahim , Al-dardery Nada Mostafa , Abdelhady Mariam , Abouzid Mohamed
Published: September 2023

Chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) is a common neurosurgical condition that can cause severe morbidity and mortality. cSDH recurs after surgical evacuation in 5–30% of patients, but drains may help reduce this risk. We aimed to investigate the effect of drainage versus no drainage on the rates of recurrence and mortality, as well as the clinical outcomes of cSDH. Following the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines, we searched four electronic databases (PubMed, Cochrane Library, Scopus, and Web of Science) to identify eligible studies reported up to June 2022. Using Review Manager software, we reported four primary outcomes as odds ratios (ORs) and confidence intervals (CIs). The meta-analysis included a total of 10 studies with 1961 patients. The use of drainage was found to be significantly more effective than non-drainage in reducing the “mortality rate” (OR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.97; P = 0.04), the “recurrence rate” (OR = 0.39, 95% CI 0.28 to 0.55; P < 0.00001), and occurrence of “gross focal neurological deficit” (OR = 0.58, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.89; P = 0.01). No significant difference was found in the occurrence of a Glasgow Coma Scale score of 15 (OR = 1.21, 95% CI 0.84 to 1.76; P = 0.30). The use of drains after burr-hole irrigation reduces the recurrence, mortality, and gross focal neurological deficit rates of chronic subdural hematomas.
Empowering soft skills in children with ADHD through the co-creation of tangible tabletop games
Authors: Cerezo Eva , González-González Carina S. , Bonillo Clara
Published: September 2023

There has been a push in recent years to introduce soft skills at different levels of education, and tangible technologies are an excellent tool for achieving this. However, integrating digital skills for children with ADHD remains challenging, and educators need effective strategies to promote these skills. Thus, we investigate which methods and frameworks are the most appropriate for children with ADHD when designing technology and promoting creativity and social skills. A pilot experience is also presented in which a team of children with ADHD co-create a game using tangible tabletops. The results show that the strategies used promoted positive behaviors in terms of communication, collaboration, and creativity during the sessions. The contribution of this research is that it provides examples of effective strategies to promote soft skills in children with ADHD.
Exploring the relations of executive functions with emotional, linguistic, and cognitive skills in preschool children: parents vs. teachers reports
Authors: Spataro Pietro , Morelli Mara , Pirchio Sabine , Costa Sara , Longobardi Emiddia
Published: September 2023

This study investigated the executive functions (EF) of preschool children and their associations with emotional, linguistic, and cognitive skills, using parent and teacher reports. A total of 130 children aged 34 to 71 months participated. The preschool version of the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF-P) was completed by both parents and teachers to assess behavioral difficulties in the use of EFs, while children were administered the Test of Emotion Comprehension (TEC), the Test of Language Evaluation (TVL), and the Coloured Progressive Matrices (CPM). Statistical analyses revealed significant differences between parents’ and teachers’ reports, with parents attributing to children more EF difficulties than parents. Children’s EF difficulties were negatively associated with emotion comprehension, language ability, and non-verbal intelligence, although correlations were stronger when using teachers’ reports. The value of using indirect measurement of preschoolers’ EF problems and the importance of adopting a multi-informant approach are discussed.
Performance of a RAD51-based functional HRD test on paraffin-embedded breast cancer tissue
Authors: van Wijk Lise M. , Vermeulen Sylvia , ter Haar Natalja T. , Kramer Claire J. H. , Terlouw Diantha , Vrieling Harry , Cohen Danielle , Vreeswijk Maaike P. G.
Published: September 2023

Purpose

BRCA-deficient breast cancers (BC) are highly sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy and PARP inhibitors due to their deficiency in the homologous recombination (HR) pathway. However, HR deficiency (HRD) extends beyond BRCA-associated BC, highlighting the need for a sensitive method to enrich for HRD tumors in an alternative way. A promising approach is the use of functional HRD tests which evaluate the HR capability of tumor cells by measuring RAD51 protein accumulation at DNA damage sites. This study aims to evaluate the performance of a functional RAD51-based HRD test for the identification of HRD BC.

Methods

The functional HR status of 63 diagnostic formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) BC samples was determined by applying the RAD51-FFPE test. Samples were screened for the presence of (epi)genetic defects in HR and matching tumor samples were analyzed with the RECAP test, which requires ex vivo irradiated fresh tumor tissue on the premise that the HRD status as determined by the RECAP test faithfully represented the functional HR status.

Results

The RAD51-FFPE test identified 23 (37%) of the tumors as HRD, including three tumors with pathogenic variants in BRCA1/2. The RAD51-FFPE test showed a sensitivity of 88% and a specificity of 76% in determining the HR-class as defined by the RECAP test.

Conclusion

Given its high sensitivity and compatibility with FFPE samples, the RAD51-FFPE test holds great potential to enrich for HRD tumors, including those associated with BRCA-deficiency. This potential extends to situations where DNA-based testing may be challenging or not easily accessible in routine clinical practice. This is particularly important considering the potential implications for treatment decisions and patient stratification.
A nested genetic algorithm strategy for an optimal seismic design of frames
Authors: Greco A. , Cannizzaro F. , Bruno R. , Pluchino A.
Published: September 2023

An innovative strategy for an optimal design of planar frames able to resist seismic excitations is proposed. The optimal design is performed considering the cross sections of beams and columns as design variables. The procedure is based on genetic algorithms (GA) that are performed according to a nested structure suitable to be implemented in parallel on several computing devices. In particular, this bi-level optimization involves two nested genetic algorithms. The first external one seeks the size of the structural elements of the frame which corresponds to the most performing solution associated with the highest value of an appropriate fitness function. The latter function takes into account, among other considerations, the seismic safety factor and the failure mode that are calculated by means of the second internal algorithm. The proposed procedure aims at representing a prompt performance-based design procedure which observes earthquake engineering principles, that is displacement capacity and energy dissipation, although based on a limit analysis, thus avoiding the need of performing cumbersome nonlinear analyses. The details of the proposed procedure are provided and applications to the seismic design of two frames of different size are described.
Evaluating the attenuation of naphthenic acids in constructed wetland mesocosms planted with Carex aquatilis
Authors: Trepanier Kaitlyn E. , Vander Meulen Ian J. , Ahad Jason M. E. , Headley John V. , Degenhardt Dani
Published: September 2023

Surface oil sands mining and extraction in northern Alberta’s Athabasca oil sands region produce large volumes of oil sands process–affected water (OSPW). OSPW is a complex mixture containing major contaminant classes including trace metals, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and naphthenic acid fraction compounds (NAFCs). Naphthenic acids (NAs) are the primary organic toxicants in OSPW, and reducing their concentrations is a priority for oil sands companies. Previous evidence has shown that constructed wetland treatment systems (CWTSs) are capable of reducing the concentration of NAs and the toxicity of OSPW through bioremediation. In this study, we constructed greenhouse mesocosms with OSPW or lab process water (LPW) (i.e., water designed to mimic OSPW minus the NAFC content) with three treatments: (1) OSPW planted with Carex aquatilis; (2) OSPW, no plants; and (3) LPW, no plants. The OSPW–C. aquatilis treatment saw a significant reduction in NAFC concentrations in comparison to OSPW, no plant treatments, but both changed the distribution of the NAFCs in similar ways. Upon completion of the study, treatments with OSPW saw fewer high-molecular-weight NAs and an increase in the abundance of O3- and O4-containing formulae. Results from this study provide invaluable information on how constructed wetlands can be used in future remediation of OSPW in a way that previous studies were unable to achieve due to uncontrollable environmental factors in field experiments and the active, high-energy processes used in CWTSs pilot studies.
“Lion–man” game and the fixed point property in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Piatek Bozena
Published: September 2023

The main goal of the paper is to show that in the setting of a Hilbert space a closed and convex K has the fixed point property for nonexpansive mappings if and only if the lion always wins the Lion–Man game played in K.
Channelling electric current during the field-assisted sintering technique (FAST) to control microstructural evolution in Ti-6Al-4V
Authors: Pepper James , Blanch Oliver Levano , Thomas Ben , Jackson Martin
Published: September 2023

Perhaps the most defining feature of field-assisted sintering technology (FAST) is the application of an electric current, in addition to the uniaxial pressure, to create resistive heating in and around the sample region. However, with a few exceptions, most research takes this as an unchangeable part of the process. Here, this current flow has been directed to specific regions within the toolset, using boron nitride as electrically insulating material. This caused the heating to occur in differing regions within the Ti-6Al-4V sample and mould over four insulating configurations, with the shift in current density resulting in an extreme disparity in the final microstructures. The samples were imaged and analysed with deep learning in MIPAR, alongside comparisons with finite element analysis (FEA) models for 20 s and 5 min dwell times, to provide the technique with predictive capabilities for grain size and microstructure. The results gathered imply significant potential for this concept to improve the flexibility of FAST, and reduce negative effects such as undesirable temperature profiles in size scaling sintering for industry.
Interpretation of experimental findings on the structure of glass in the CaO–MoO3–P2O5 system using a thermodynamic model including oxidation–reduction equilibria
Authors: Macháček Jan , Liška Marek , Hruška Branislav , Gedeon Ondrej
Published: September 2023

This work extends the thermodynamic model of associated solutions used in the past to describe the structure and properties of glasses to the area of complex multicomponent glasses with polyvalent elements, where it has not been applied until now either due to the absence of Gibbs energies of formation of the necessary compounds or due to oxidation–reduction equilibrium in the presence of a gas phase containing oxygen. While the fitting of unknown Gibbs energies based on experimental data has already been applied to some extent in our previous work, the implementation of redox is, to the best of our knowledge, new. Four concentration series were taken from the published data from the glass-forming ternary system CaO–MoO3−P2O5: A) xMoO3−(0.5–0.75x)CaO−(0.5–0.25x)P2O5; B) xMoO3−(0.5–0.875x)CaO−(0.5–0.125x)P2O5; C) xMoO3−(0.5−x)CaO−0.5P2O5; M) xMoO3−(1−x)P2O, for which the distributions of Qn units were also published (Q denotes the PO4 tetrahedral unit with n bridging oxygens) by the 31P MAS NMR method and the Mo[V]/ΣMo fraction by the ESR method [Černošek et al. (J Solid State Chem 303:122522, 2021); Holubová et al., (J Non-Cryst Solids 607:122222, 2023)]. The following compounds were considered in the TD model: P2O5, CaO, Mo[VI]O3, Ca(PO3)2, Ca2P2O7, (Mo[VI]O2)(PO3)2, (Mo[VI]O2)2(P2O7), (Mo[VI]O2)3(PO4)2, (Mo[V]O)2(PO3)2(P2O7), (Mo[V]O)PO4. All except the hypothetical compound (Mo[VI]O2)3(PO4)2 exist, and their structure is known. Binary phosphate compounds with molybdenum lack Gibbs energies of formation. Therefore, one of the series, namely A, was used to determine these energies by nonlinear regression with the help of a genetic algorithm, without/with redox, and then the distribution of Qn units and the fraction of Mo[V]/ΣMo was predicted for the remaining series. It was found that the distribution of Qn units can be described by the TD model with redox only. During the reduction of molybdenum, the distribution of Qn unit’s changes, and thus also the connectivity of the phosphate network, for example, according to the reactions: (MoO2)2(P2O7)—> 2(MoO)PO4 + 1/2O2, in which Q1—> Q0 and 2(MoO2)(PO3)2—> (MoO)2(PO3)2(P2O7) + 1/2O2 in which Q2—> Q1. Despite the fact that the TD model with redox gives excellent agreement in the case of the Qn distribution, the agreement with the ESR measurements of the Mo[V]/ΣMo ratio is not good. The TD model predicts significantly more pentavalent molybdenum in the glass.
Robust Statistical Processing of Long-Time Data Series to Estimate Soil Water Content
Authors: Anello Mirko , Bittelli Marco , Bordoni Massimiliano , Laurini Fabrizio , Meisina Claudia , Riani Marco , Valentino Roberto
Published: September 2023

The research presented in this paper aims at providing a statistical model that is capable of estimating soil water content based on weather data. The model was tested using a long-time series of field experimental data from continuous monitoring at a test site in Oltrepò Pavese (northern Italy). An innovative statistical function was developed in order to predict the evolution of soil–water content from precipitation and air temperature. The data were analysed in a framework of robust statistics by using a combination of robust parametric and non-parametric models. Specifically, a statistical model, which includes the typical seasonal trend of field data, has been set up. The proposed model showed that relevant features present in the field of experimental data can be obtained and correctly described for predictive purposes.
STDC-Net: A spatial-temporal deformable convolution network for conference video frame interpolation
Authors: Hu Jinhui , Wang Qianrui , Li Dengshi , Gao Yu
Published: September 2023

Video conference communication can be seriously affected by dropped frames or reduced frame rates due to network or hardware restrictions. Video frame interpolation techniques can interpolate the dropped frames and generate smoother videos. However, existing methods can not generate plausible results in video conferences due to the large motions of the eyes, mouth and head. To address this issue, we propose a Spatial-Temporal Deformable Convolution Network (STDC-Net) for conference video frame interpolation. The STDC-Net first extracts shallow spatial-temporal features by an embedding layer. Secondly, it extracts multi-scale deep spatial-temporal features through Spatial-Temporal Representation Learning (STRL) module, which contains several Spatial-Temporal Feature Extracting (STFE) blocks and downsample layers. To extract the temporal features, each STFE block splits feature maps along the temporal pathway and processes them with Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP). Similarly, the STFE block splits the temporal features along horizontal and vertical pathways and processes them by another two MLPs to get spatial features. By splitting the feature maps into segments of varying lengths in different scales, the STDC-Net can extract both local details and global spatial features, allowing it to effectively handle large motions. Finally, Frame Synthesis (FS) module predicts weights, offsets and masks using the spatial-temporal features, which are used in deformable convolution to generate the intermediate frames. Experimental results demonstrate the STDC-Net outperforms state-of-the-art methods in both quantitative and qualitative evaluations. Compared to the baseline, the proposed method achieved a PSNR improvement of 0.13 dB and 0.17 dB on the Voxceleb2 and HDTF datasets, respectively.
VedicDateTime: An R package to implement Vedic calendar system
Authors: Bokde Neeraj Dhanraj , Patil Prajwal Kailasnath , Sengupta Saradindu , Sawant Manisha , Feijóo-Lorenzo Andrés E.
Published: September 2023

Calendar systems adopted across the world are either solar, lunar or lunisolar, based on the movements of the sun, the moon, or both. The Gregorian (solar) calendars are considered as time references for modern computations. However, Vedic calendars, being lunisolar, can be more effective for the analysis of activities that depend on both celestial bodies. In this paper, we present , an open-source framework that implements the Vedic calendar and provides conversions for Gregorian dates. Along with package details, we also provide two case studies that make use of the proposed package for time-series analysis. The objective of this paper is to motivate researchers to explore the potential of the Vedic calendar from the perspective of time series analysis.
Exercise, Spinal Microglia and Neuropathic Pain: Potential Molecular Mechanisms
Authors: Wang Min-Jia , Jing Xin-Yu , Wang Yao-Zheng , Yang Bi-Ru , Lu Qu , Hu Hao , Kang Liang
Published: September 2023

As one of the most common neuropathic disorders, neuropathic pain often has a negative impact on patients with persistent pain, mood disorders and sleep disturbances. Currently, neuropathic pain is not treated with any specific drug, instead, drugs for other diseases are used as replacements in clinics, but most have adverse effects. In recent years, the role of spinal cord microglia in the pathogenesis of neuropathic pain has been widely recognized, and they are being explored as potential therapeutic targets. Spinal microglia are known to be involved in the pathogenic mechanisms of neuropathic pain through purine signaling, fractalkine signaling, and p38 MAPK signaling. Exercise is a safe and effective treatment, and numerous studies have demonstrated its effectiveness in improving neurological symptoms. Nevertheless, it remains unclear what the exact molecular mechanism is. This review summarized the specific molecular mechanisms of exercise in alleviating neuropathic pain by mediating the activity of spinal microglia and maintaining the phenotypic homeostasis of spinal microglia through purine signaling, fractalkine signaling and p38 MAPK signaling. In addition, it has been proposed that different intensities and types of exercise affect the regulation of the above-mentioned signaling pathways differently, providing a theoretical basis for the improvement of neuropathic pain through exercise.
Investigating the Impact of Co-processed Excipients on the Formulation of Bromhexine Hydrochloride Orally Disintegrating Tablets (ODTs)
Authors: Woyna-Orlewicz Krzysztof , Brniak Witold , Tatara Wiktor , Strzebońska Magdalena , Haznar-Garbacz Dorota , Szafraniec-Szczęsny Joanna , Antosik-Rogóż Agata , Wojteczko Kamil , Strózik Mirosław , Kurek Mateusz , Jachowicz Renata , Mendyk Aleksander
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Orodispersible tablets (orally disintegrating tablets, ODTs) have been used in pharmacotherapy for over 20 years since they overcome the problems with swallowing solid dosage forms. The successful formula manufactured by direct compression shall ensure acceptable mechanical strength and short disintegration time. Our research aimed to develop ODTs containing bromhexine hydrochloride suitable for registration in accordance with EMA requirements.

Methods

We examined the performance of five multifunctional co-processed excipients, i.e., F-Melt® C, F-Melt® M, Ludiflash®, Pharmaburst® 500 and Prosolv® ODT G2 as well as self-prepared physical blend of directly compressible excipients. We tested powder flow, true density, compaction characteristics and tableting speed sensitivity.

Results

The manufacturability studies confirmed that all the co-processed excipients are very effective as the ODT formula constituents. We noticed superior properties of both F-Melt’s®, expressed by good mechanical strength of tablets and short disintegration time. Ludiflash® showed excellent performance due to low works of plastic deformation, elastic recovery and ejection. However, the tablets released less than 30% of the drug. Also, the self-prepared blend of excipients was found sufficient for ODT application and successfully transferred to production scale. Outcome of the scale-up trial revealed that the tablets complied with compendial requirements for orodispersible tablets.

Conclusions

We proved that the active ingredient cannot be absorbed in oral cavity and its dissolution profiles in media representing upper part of gastrointestinal tract are similar to marketed immediate release drug product. In our opinion, the developed formula is suitable for registration within the well-established use procedure without necessity of bioequivalence testing.
Précis of Reasons First
Authors: Schroeder Mark
Published: September 2023

This is an overview of the main themes and theses of Reasons First for a book symposium, and intended to be read alongside the other contributions to that symposium.
Heavy metal concentrations in the soil near illegal landfills in the vicinity of agricultural areas—artificial neural network approach
Authors: Štrbac Snežana , Stojić Nataša , Lončar Biljana , Pezo Lato , Ćurčić Ljiljana , Prokić Dunja , Pucarević Mira
Published: September 2023

Purpose

To anticipate the impact of illegal landfills, development of new models should become a part of environmental risk management strategies. One of such approaches includes applications of the artificial neural network (ANN). The main objective of this study was to elucidate the impact of illegal landfilling on the surrounding soil environment and human health, as well as to establish an artificial neural network (ANN) models for predicting the hazards of illegal landfilling as an effective tool in decision-making and environmental risk management.

Methods

The identification of heavy metals source in soil was performed by principal component analysis (PCA). To assess the sensitivity of the soil ecosystem to heavy metal concentrations, Soil Quality standards and quantitative indices were used. The possible health effects were valued using the average daily doses (ADDs), hazard quotient (HQ), hazard index (HI), and carcinogenic risk (CR). ANN modeling was used for the prediction of heavy metal concentrations in the soil based on landfill size, municipality size, the number of residents, plant species, soil, and landform types.

Results

The average values of the pollution indexes for Cd were in the moderately contaminated and very high contamination categories. The $$HQ$$

HQ

values were lower than the safe level. Cr and Pb posed a significant $$CR$$

CR

for adults and children, and Ni for children. The ANN models have exhibited good generalization power and accurately predicted the output parameters with a high value of the coefficient of determination.

Conclusion

Concerning heavy metal concentrations, illegal landfills near agricultural soil have a significant impact on the soil ecosystem and people’s health. The developed ANN models can be applied generally to anticipate the heavy metal concentrations in soil, according to the before mentioned input parameters, with high accuracy.
Einfluss von Faktoren auf die Resilienz und Belastung pflegender Angehöriger (FARBE) – Fragenbogen zur Angehörigenresilienz und -﻿belastung
Authors: Lübben Alena , Peters Lara , Przysucha Mareike , Büscher Andreas
Published: September 2023

Hintergrund

Demografisch bedingt wird sich die Anzahl pflegebedürftiger Menschen weiter erhöhen. Tragende Säule der pflegerischen Versorgung sind ihre Angehörigen, die den Großteil der Pflegeaufgaben übernehmen. Dies hat jedoch oftmals Auswirkungen auf ihre eigene Gesundheit und ihr Wohlbefinden.

Methodisches Vorgehen

Mit dem Fragebogen zur Angehörigenresilienz und -belastung (FARBE) liegt ein Instrument vor, um sowohl die Resilienz als auch Belastung pflegender Angehöriger zu ermitteln. Der Fragebogen wurde im Rahmen der Pflegestudie des VdK-Sozialverbands genutzt und von 12.475 Angehörigen komplett ausgefüllt. Durch eine multiple lineare Regression wurden Einflüsse und ihre Wirkstärke auf die Resilienz und Belastung analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Angehörige von Menschen mit Demenz, Depression oder hohem Pflegegrad weisen eine stärkere Belastung auf. Demenz und Depression mindern zudem die Resilienz. Positiv wirkt sich die soziale Unterstützung aus. Ebenso bedingt ein höheres Alter eine stärkere Resilienz.

Schlussfolgerungen

Im Ergebnis dieser Arbeit gelang eine Identifikation von relevanten Einflussfaktoren. Dies ermöglicht, Unterstützungs- und Entlastungsangebote auf ihre Anwendung und Wirksamkeit zu überprüfen. Besondere Bedeutung haben Unterstützungsangebote für Angehörige von Menschen mit Demenz, Depression und/oder höheren Pflegegraden. Stressreduzierende Maßnahmen und das Bilden sozialer Netzwerke für Angehörige können weitere Maßnahmen zur Stärkung der Resilienz und Abschwächung von Belastung sein.
Financial risk management strategies of small to medium illicit drug enterprises: considering low-level money laundering
Authors: Berry Mark , Salinas Mike , Gundur R. V.
Published: September 2023

The illicit drug trade generates billions of dollars in revenue per year, much of which comes from wholesale and retail sales late in the supply chain. Yet, the methods retailers and low-level wholesalers use to launder this revenue remain poorly understood. Using in-depth interviews with illicit drug entrepreneurs in the United States and the United Kingdom, this article analyses laundering strategies among such market actors. Our findings indicate that a significant proportion of their illicit proceeds are disposed of through relatively small-scale ‘everyday’ cash transactions (< $1,000) that are effectively untraceable. For those generating more substantial revenues, a variety of accessible and uncomplicated laundering strategies are employed, such as reporting such revenues as taxable income, using proxies to launder funds, and using revenues as investment capital within small-scale legal enterprise. Ultimately, we identify uncomplicated, yet largely effective, methods of laundering criminal proceeds amongst our sample of low- to medium-level illicit drug sellers. Though the sums at an individual level are relatively trivial, the ‘mass of minor offences’ of this nature likely accounts for a significant share of laundered drug revenues in Western consumer drug markets.
Merit first, need and equality second: hierarchies of justice
Authors: Siemoneit Andreas
Published: September 2023

The question of “Justice” still divides social research, moral philosophy, and public discourse. Three principles of distributive justice (allocation rules) occupy center stage in the debate: merit (equity, proportionality), need, and equality. Yet their relation remains diffuse, and current theory does not inform political practice. Here, we aim to develop a coherent picture with an interdisciplinary analysis. From an evolutionary point of view, the foundational principle of justice is reciprocity in social exchange (what corresponds to merit). But besides being just, justice must be effective, efficient, and communicable, thereby making justice rather a social bargain and an optimization problem. Social-psychological insights (intuitions, rules of thumb, self-bindings) can inform us when and why the two allocation principles need and equality are more likely to succeed than merit would. But both are governed by reciprocal considerations, and self-bindings help to interpret altruism as “very generalized reciprocity.” Regarding politics, the reciprocal social norm Meritocratic Principle can be implemented, and its controversy avoided, by concentrating on “non-merit,” i.e., institutionally draining the wellsprings of undeserved incomes (economic rents). Avoiding or taxing away economic rents is an effective implementation of justice in market economies.
Lithofacies variability and facies analysis of a Givetian reef in the southwestern Lahn Syncline (Rhenish Massif, Germany)
Authors: Königshof Peter , Loos Steffen , Rutkowski Julia
Published: September 2023

A 200 m thick drill core penetrating the Givetian Hahnstätten Reef in the southwestern Lahn Syncline (Rhenish Massif) was investigated. A range of different depositional environments is described based on lithofacies and microfacies analysis. All in all, nine lithofacies types (FTs) are distinguished, which can include subfacies types. The majority of lithofacies of these ultrapure carbonates is represented by lime mudstone and fenestral microbialites, all pointing to shallow subtidal, intertidal to even supratidal low-energy palaeoenvironments. In contrast, more high-energy parts of the reef were dominated by bioclastic rubble deposits (e.g. rudstone). Autochthonous, reef-building carbonates are represented by bafflestone and framestone. Diversity of reef building organisms (stromatoporoids and corals) is low and is dominated by Stachyodes, Actinostroma, Stromatopora, and Thamnopora and alveolitids, respectively. Other bioclasts are brachiopods, gastropods, ostracods, foraminifera, echinoderms, trilobites, and conodonts in descending order. Development of the Hahnstätten Reef is interpreted as having been controlled mainly by synsedimentary tectonics and volcanism with contributions from eustasy. The occurrence of Stringocephalus burtini in the entire section and conodont findings, which provide more precise biostratigraphic data confirm an early to middle Givetian age (Polygnathus rhenanus/varcus Zone to Polygnathus ansatus Zone) of the succession. The average quality of the ultrapure carbonates lies at 97.68% CaO (excl. loss of ignition), with 70% of the core ranging between 98% and 99% CaO. This extremely high purity makes it difficult to identify correlations between lithofacies and geochemical data.