bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Study of lepton flavor universality and angular distributions in $$D\rightarrow K^*_{J} (\rightarrow K\pi )\ell \nu _{\ell }$$
Authors: Huang Fei , Xu Ji 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe decay of the D meson into multibody final states is a complex process that provides valuable insights into the fundamental interactions within the Standard Model of particle physics. This study focuses on the decay cascade $$D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}_{J} \ell ^{+}\nu \rightarrow K^{\pm }\pi ^{\mp } \ell ^{+}\nu $$

D
+

→

K
J

∗

ℓ
+

ν
→

K
±

π
∓

ℓ
+

ν

where the $$K^*_J$$

K
J
∗

resonance encompasses the $$K^*(892),K^{*}(1410),K^{*}_0(1430)$$

K
∗

(
892
)

,

K

∗

(
1410
)

,

K
0

∗

(
1430
)

states. We employ the helicity amplitude technique to derive the angular distributions for the decay chain, enabling the extraction of one-dimensional and two-dimensional distributions. Utilizing form factors for the $$D\rightarrow K^*$$

D
→

K
∗

transition derived from the quark model, we calculate the differential and integrated partial decay widths, explicitly considering the electron and muon masses. Decay branching fractions are calculated, the ratios of the branching fractions are found to be $$\frac{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}(892)(\rightarrow K ^{-}\pi ^{+}) \, \mu ^{+}\nu _{\mu })}{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}(892)(\rightarrow K ^{-}\pi ^{+}) \, e^{+}\nu _{e})} = 0.975$$

B
r
(

D
+

→

K

∗

(
892
)

(
→

K
-

π
+

)

μ
+

ν
μ

)

B
r
(

D
+

→

K

∗

(
892
)

(
→

K
-

π
+

)

e
+

ν
e

)

=
0.975

, $$\frac{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}(1410)(\rightarrow K ^{-}\pi ^{+}) \, \mu ^{+}\nu _{\mu })}{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}(1410)(\rightarrow K ^{-}\pi ^{+}) \, e^{+}\nu _{e})} = 0.714$$

B
r
(

D
+

→

K

∗

(
1410
)

(
→

K
-

π
+

)

μ
+

ν
μ

)

B
r
(

D
+

→

K

∗

(
1410
)

(
→

K
-

π
+

)

e
+

ν
e

)

=
0.714

and $$\frac{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}_{0}(1430)(\rightarrow K ^{+}\pi ^{-}) \, \mu ^{+}\nu _{\mu })}{\mathcal {B}r(D^{+}\rightarrow K^{*}_{0}(1430)(\rightarrow K ^{+}\pi ^{-}) \, e^{+}\nu _{e})} = 0.774$$

B
r
(

D
+

→

K
0

∗

(
1430
)

(
→

K
+

π
-

)

μ
+

ν
μ

)

B
r
(

D
+

→

K
0

∗

(
1430
)

(
→

K
+

π
-

)

e
+

ν
e

)

=
0.774

. Results in this work will serve a calibration for the study of $$c \rightarrow s $$

c
→
s

in D meson decays in future and provide useful information towards the understanding of the properties of the $$K^{*}$$

K

∗

meson, as well as $$K \pi $$

K
π

system.
Theoretical insights and implications of bouncing cosmology in $$f(\mathcal {R},\textrm{T}^2)$$ theory
Authors: Sharif M. , Gul M. Zeeshan , Hashim I. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we explore cosmological bouncing solutions to investigate the cosmic evolution in the framework of energy-momentum squared gravity. We consider flat Friedmann–Robertson–Walker spacetime with a perfect matter distribution. We assume two different functional forms of $$f(\mathcal {R},T^2)$$

f
(
R
,

T
2

)

gravity model to examine the impact of this modified framework in the evolution of the universe. Furthermore, we consider a specific scale factor to investigate different cosmological parameters, analyzing the evolutionary behavior of the universe in this gravity. We also perform stability analysis using the perturbation technique. Our findings indicate that the null energy condition violates at the bounce point and equation of state parameter exhibits characteristics of a quintessence era or phantom regimes. These aspects highlight the complex interplay between energy conditions and stability in bouncing cosmological model. We conclude that the $$f(\mathcal {R},T^2)$$

f
(
R
,

T
2

)

theory successfully provides viable alternatives to the standard cosmological scenarios, offering insights into the early universe and the nature of gravity.
Leveraging Multi-Echo EPI to Enhance BOLD Sensitivity in Task-based Olfactory fMRI
Authors: Zhao Ludwig Sichen , Raithel Clara U. , Tisdall M. Dylan , Detre John A. , Gottfried Jay A. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) using blood-oxygenation-level-dependent (BOLD) contrast relies on gradient echo echo-planar imaging (GE-EPI) to quantify dynamic susceptibility changes associated with the hemodynamic response to neural activity. However, acquiring BOLD fMRI in human olfactory regions is particularly challenging due to their proximity to the sinuses where large susceptibility gradients induce magnetic field distortions. BOLD fMRI of the human olfactory system is further complicated by respiratory artifacts that are highly correlated with event onsets in olfactory tasks.
Multi-echo EPI (ME-EPI) acquires gradient echo data at multiple echo times (TEs) during a single acquisition and can leverage signal evolution over the multiple echo times to enhance BOLD sensitivity and reduce artifactual signal contributions. In the current study, we developed a ME-EPI acquisition protocol for olfactory task-based fMRI and demonstrated significant improvement in BOLD signal sensitivity over conventional single-echo EPI (1E-EPI). The observed improvement arose from both an increase in BOLD signal changes through a T2*-weighted echo combination and a reduction in non-BOLD artifacts through the application of the Multi-Echo Independent Components Analysis (ME-ICA) denoising method. This study represents one of the first direct comparisons between 1E-EPI and ME-EPI in high-susceptibility regions and provides compelling evidence in favor of using ME-EPI for future task-based fMRI studies.
Locus Coeruleus Is Associated with Higher Openness to Experience and IQ: Implications for the Noradrenergic System for Novelty Seeking in Daily Life
Authors: Plini Emanuele R. G. , Robertson Ian H. , Brosnan Méadhbh B. , Dockree Paul M. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Novelty exposure and the upregulation of the noradrenergic (NA) system have been suggested as crucial for developing cognitive reserve and resilience against neurodegeneration. Openness to experience (OE), a personality trait associated with interest in novel experiences, may play a key role in facilitating this process. High-OE individuals tend to be more curious and encounter a wider range of novel stimuli throughout their lifespan. To investigate the relationship between OE and the main core of the NA system, the locus coeruleus (LC), as well as its potential mediation of IQ—a measure of cognitive reserve—MRI structural analyses were conducted on 135 healthy young adults. Compared with other neuromodulators' seeds, such as dorsal and median raphe-5-HT, ventral tegmental area-DA-, and nucleus basalis of Meynert-Ach-, the results indicated that higher LC signal intensity correlated with greater OE and IQ. Furthermore, mediation analyses revealed that only the LC played a mediating role between OE and IQ. These findings shed light on the neurobiology of personality and emphasize the importance of LC-NA system integrity in a novelty-seeking behavior. They provide a psychobiological explanation for how OE expression can contribute to the maintenance of the NA system, enhancing cognitive reserve and resilience against neurodegeneration.
Relevance of Prosodic Focus and Lexical Stress for Discourse Comprehension in Turkish: Evidence from Psychometric and Electrophysiological Data
Authors: Zora Hatice , Kabak Barış , Hagoort Peter 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Prosody underpins various linguistic domains ranging from semantics and syntax to discourse. For instance, prosodic information in the form of lexical stress modifies meanings and, as such, syntactic contexts of words as in Turkish kaz-má “pickaxe” (noun) versus káz-ma “do not dig” (imperative). Likewise, prosody indicates the focused constituent of an utterance as the noun phrase filling the wh-spot in a dialogue like What did you eat? I ate _____. In the present study, we investigated the relevance of such prosodic variations for discourse comprehension in Turkish. We aimed at answering how lexical stress and prosodic focus mismatches on critical noun phrases—resulting in grammatical anomalies involving both semantics and syntax and discourse-level anomalies, respectively—affect the perceived correctness of an answer to a question in a given context. To that end, 80 native speakers of Turkish, 40 participating in a psychometric experiment and 40 participating in an EEG experiment, were asked to judge the acceptability of prosodic mismatches that occur either separately or concurrently. Psychometric results indicated that lexical stress mismatch led to a lower correctness score than prosodic focus mismatch, and combined mismatch received the lowest score. Consistent with the psychometric data, EEG results revealed an N400 effect to combined mismatch, and this effect was followed by a P600 response to lexical stress mismatch. Conjointly, these results suggest that every source of prosodic information is immediately available and codetermines the interpretation of an utterance; however, semantically and syntactically relevant lexical stress information is assigned more significance by the language comprehension system compared with prosodic focus information.
Electroencephalographic Responses to the Number of Objects in Partially Occluded and Uncovered Scenes
Authors: Baykan Cemre , Schütz Alexander C. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Perceptual completion is ubiquitous when estimating properties such as the shape, size, or number of objects in partially occluded scenes. Behavioral experiments showed that the number of hidden objects is underestimated in partially occluded scenes compared with an estimation based on the density of visible objects and the amount of occlusion. It is still unknown at which processing level this (under)estimation of the number of hidden objects occurs. We studied this question using a passive viewing task in which observers viewed a game board that was initially partially occluded and later was uncovered to reveal its hidden parts. We simultaneously measured the electroencephalographic responses to the partially occluded board presentation and its uncovering. We hypothesized that if the underestimation is a result of early sensory processing, it would be observed in the activities of P1 and N1, whereas if it is because of higher level processes such as expectancy, it would be reflected in P3 activities. Our data showed that P1 amplitude increased with numerosity in both occluded and uncovered states, indicating a link between P1 and simple stimulus features. The N1 amplitude was highest when both the initially visible and uncovered areas of the board were completely filled with game pieces, suggesting that the N1 component is sensitive to the overall Gestalt. Finally, we observed that P3 activity was reduced when the density of game pieces in the uncovered parts matched the initially visible parts, implying a relationship between the P3 component and expectation mismatch. Overall, our results suggest that inferences about the number of hidden items are reflected in high-level processing.
Whole-brain modular dynamics at rest predict sensorimotor learning performance
Authors: Standage Dominic I. , Gale Daniel J. , Nashed Joseph Y. , Flanagan J. Randall , Gallivan Jason P. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Neural measures that predict cognitive performance are informative about the mechanisms underlying cognitive phenomena, with diagnostic potential for neuropathologies with cognitive symptoms. Among such markers, the modularity (subnetwork composition) of whole-brain functional networks is especially promising due to its longstanding theoretical foundations and recent success in predicting clinical outcomes. We used functional magnetic resonance imaging to identify whole-brain modules at rest, calculating metrics of their spatiotemporal dynamics before and after a sensorimotor learning task on which fast learning is widely believed to be supported by a cognitive strategy. We found that participants’ learning performance was predicted by the degree of coordination of modular reconfiguration and the strength of recruitment and integration of networks derived during the task itself. Our findings identify these whole-brain metrics as promising network-based markers of cognition, with relevance to basic neuroscience and the potential for clinical application.
Franz Kafka and Antisemitism: The Historical Context of Der Prozess
Authors: Löwy Michael 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Franz Kafka’s novel The Trial (1915) is open to many interpretations. One aspect, however, which has not been taken sufficiently into account, is its relation to the antisemitic trials of his times, where Jews were accused of treason or ‘ritual murder’: the trials of Tisza (Austro-Hungary, 1882, in what is now Hungary), Dreyfus (France, 1894–9), Hilsner (Austro-Hungary, 1899–1900, in what is now the Czech Republic), and Beiliss (Imperial Russia, 1912–13, in what is now Ukraine). Kafka knew about them and made comments in his correspondence or diaries. This ‘Jewish moment’ is essential for the understanding of the novel. However, Joseph K. has no religious or ethnic identity: Kafka discovers in the Jewish experience the quintessential human experience of Injustice.
Education: an efficient tool to increase the willingness of children to consume farmed crickets in Madagascar
Authors: Rakotondrasoa J.F. , Ramiadantsoa T. , Becker L.J. , Ravelomanana A. , Van Itterbeeck J. , Hugel S. , Fisher B.L. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Insects are increasingly promoted as a sustainable protein alternative for human consumption. Yet consumers have shown varied levels of acceptance, especially in countries without a tradition of eating insects. Even in countries where people traditionally eat insects, farmed insects might be considered novel foods if they are not the same species locals traditionally consume. In this work, we measured acceptance of a farmed cricket (Gryllus madagascariensis) as food at eight primary schools in the central highlands of Madagascar, a country with a long tradition of eating insects but not this species. We evaluated the role of education as a strategy to increase acceptance of insects as food. We also assessed whether education interventions affect children’s willingness to try cricket-based products, comparing three five-minute education interventions : historical overview of entomophagy in Madagascar, nutritional benefits of consuming insects, and preparation of cricket-based meals. Out of the 483 children, 73% had consumed insects in the past. The percentage of children willing to eat novel farmed crickets in school meals jumped from 16% before the education sessions to 87% after the education sessions. Education based on preparation of cricket-based meals was the most effective, as 86% of the reluctant children changed their minds. Finally, we found strong evidence that males were more willing to try insects than females before and after education. Our results are in line with past studies, and underscore the importance of education in promoting insect consumption. The drastic increase in the proportion of children willing to try insects suggests that barriers to consuming farmed insects are low in countries with a tradition of insect consumption and can be overcome through education. Our study supports the acceptability of novel farmed insects as an alternative protein solution to combat malnutrition in children in developing countries like Madagascar.
Development of an Evaluation Method for Precipitation Particle Types by Using Disdrometer Data
Authors: Kondo Makoto , Sato Yousuke , Katsuyama Yuta , Inatsu Masaru 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
A method for evaluating precipitation particle types from the size–fall velocity data observed by disdrometers by combining an expectation–maximization (EM) algorithm and a self-organizing map (SOM) was developed. An EM algorithm was used to estimate the particle size–fall velocity relationships according to previous work, and the SOM map was used to classify the relationships into graupel or snow categories. The method was applied for snowfall data observed by the volume scanning video disdrometer at a site in Sapporo, Japan, and the daily graupel-to-solid precipitation ratio (G/S ratio) from 1 December 2017 to 28 February 2018 was obtained. The sensitivity of the results to different SOM configurations, SOM node groupings, and training datasets was also tested. The G/S ratio obtained from the simulation data of a meteorological model was compared as an example of the application of the product created by the new method.

Significance Statement
A method using machine learning for evaluating the precipitation particle types from size and fall velocity data observed by a disdrometer was developed. This method was applied to classify data observed in Sapporo, Japan, in a single winter into graupel and snow, and the daily graupel-to-solid precipitation ratio was obtained. The daily graupel-to-solid precipitation ratio was compared with that simulated by a meteorological model as an example of the application of disdrometer data.
Citreoviridin induces apoptosis through oxidative damage and inflammatory response in PC-12 cells
Authors: Yang Jing , Lu Jiaojiao , Cao Luoyuan , Dong Wenxu , Zheng Xian , Fu Xianguo 
Published: October 2024

Citreoviridin (CIT) is a mycotoxin produced by various fungi. Although CIT has been reported to cause neurotoxicity, the molecular mechanism is poorly understood. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects and molecular mechanisms of CIT in neurotoxicity. Different concentrations of CIT were treated to rat pheochromocytoma (PC-12 cells), and oxidative stress parameters, cytokine levels, and cell apoptosis were evaluated. CIT treatment (5 and 10 μM) significantly induced PC-12 cell apoptosis and increased lactate dehydrogenase activity. Additionally, CIT treatment induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by a significant increase in intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase and a decrease in glutathione activity. Moreover, CIT treatment induced an inflammatory response, as evidenced by a significant increase in the intracellular levels of the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1-beta in PC-12 cells. Furthermore, quantitative PCR and western blotting showed that CIT treatment increased both the protein and mRNA expression of GADD45α and p21 in PC-12 cells, suggesting that CIT may induce apoptosis by inhibiting cell cycle, blocking cell growth, and damaging DNA. Conclusively, this study contributes the understanding the toxicity mechanisms of CIT to nerve cells.
Phenotyping in vivo chronic inflammation in multiple sclerosis by combined 11C-PBR28 MR-PET and 7T susceptibility-weighted imaging
Authors: Treaba Constantina A , Herranz Elena , Barletta Valeria T , Mehndiratta Ambica , Sloane Jacob A , Granberg Tobias , Miscioscia Alessandro , Bomprezzi Roberto , Loggia Marco L , Mainero Caterina 
Published: October 2024

Background: 11C-PBR28 positron emission tomography (PET), targeting the translocator protein, and paramagnetic rim lesions (PRL) have emerged as promising imaging markers of MS chronic inflammation. No consensus on which is the optimal marker exists. Objectives: To investigate the ability of 11C-PBR28 PET and PRL assessment to identify chronic inflammation in white matter (WM) MS lesions and their relation to neurological impairment. Methods: Based on 11C-PBR28 uptake, brain WM lesions from 30 MS patients were classified as PET active or inactive. The PRL presence was assessed on 7T phase reconstructions, T1/T2 ratio was calculated to measure WM microstructural integrity. Results: Less than half (44%) of non-PRL WM lesions were active on 11C-PBR28 imaging either throughout the lesion (whole active) or at its periphery. PET peripherally active lesions and PRL did not differ in T1/T2 ratio and 11C-PBR28 uptake. A positive correlation was observed between PRL and active PET lesion count. Whole active PET lesion volume was the strongest predictor (β = 0.97, p < 0.001) of increased Expanded Disability Status Scale scores. Conclusion: 11C-PBR28 imaging reveals more active WM lesions than 7T PRL assessment. Although PRL and PET active lesion counts are related, neurological disability is better explained by PET whole active lesion volume.
Infrared (IR) imaging based comfort appraisal of wool, acrylic, and Thermolite® plaited gloves; Exploring socio-economic materials
Authors: Abbas Adeel , Anas Muhammad Sohaib , Awais Habib , Hussain Muzzamal , Underwood Jenny , Ashraf Waqas 
Published: October 2024

Plaited jersey fabrics are always engineered to enhance the thermal conductivity characteristics, providing thermal equilibrium among the wearer and clothing during hot weather. These can also be architected with higher thermal resistance/heat insulation characteristics and is a crucial area of interest; however there isn’t any significant literature reporting this. The study focuses on developing plaited jersey gloves using Thermolite®, acrylic, and wool yarns in alternative main and plaiting configurations for winterwear. Thermal characterizations were conducted to ascertain heat and mass transfer properties, such as fluid transmission and thermal resistance. Infrared (IR) imaging visualized heat retention in terms of temperature gradients. Mechanical characteristics, such as pilling and bursting, were assessed to determine the gloves durability to physical abrasions and stresses. Thermolite® knitted gloves possessed superior heat and mass transfer properties with improved fluid transmission and thermal resistance. Infrared imaging revealed highest body temperature rise of 34.43oC for Thermolite® , and mechanical properties were also found adequate. Fluid transfer (air permeability) was acquired highest for wool samples (1770 mm/sec); however, Thermolite® exhibited 28% lower air permeability than wool, validating its heat retention. Thermolite® knits with the lowest areal density of 226 g/m2 and the smoothest Thermolite® surface had the highest OMMC (overall moisture management capacity) index of 0.46 due to generated capillaries. The statistical analysis of the characterization data indicated the significance ( p-value <0.05) of the main and plating yarns, proving the plaiting a solution to achieve desired heat and mass transfer characteristics.