bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Machine Learning Transfer Efficiencies for Noisy Quantum Walks
Authors: Melnikov Alexey A. , Fedichkin Leonid E. , Lee Ray‐Kuang , Alodjants Alexander
Published: February 2020

Quantum effects are known to provide an advantage in particle transfer across networks. In order to achieve this advantage, requirements on both a graph type and a quantum system coherence must be found. Here, it is shown that the process of finding these requirements can be automated by learning from simulated examples. The automation is done by using a convolutional neural network of a particular type that learns to understand with which network and under which coherence requirements quantum advantage is possible. The machine learning approach is applied to study noisy quantum walks on cycle graphs of different sizes. It is found that it is possible to predict the existence of quantum advantage for the entire decoherence parameter range, even for graphs outside of the training set. The results are of importance for demonstration of advantage in quantum experiments and pave the way toward automating scientific research and discoveries.
Trends in Quantum Nanophotonics
Authors: Huang Lujun , Xu Lei , Woolley Matt , Miroshnichenko Andrey E.
Published: February 2020

In this review, the nexus of nanophotonics and quantum science is considered. This nexus offers a wealth of applications and novel fundamental effects. Such an interdisciplinary approach may serve as a starting point for developing groundbreaking technologies. Several new directions in quantum nanophotonics are addressed, including strong light–matter coupling, bound states in the continuum, topological photonics, metasurfaces and photon sources, and levitated optomechanics. This review hopefully will foster the enhanced interaction between the nanophotonics and quantum science communities. Such a synergy will lead to the realization of novel communication, sensing, and information processing systems.
Finite‐time boundedness of switched systems with time‐varying delays via sampled‐data control
Authors: Lin Xiangze , Zhang Wanli , Yang Zhonglin , Zou Yun
Published: February 2020

In the framework of sampled‐data control, finite‐time boundedness (FTB) of switched systems with time‐varying delays is investigated. Sufficient conditions for FTB of switched systems with time‐varying delays via sampled‐data control are proposed. Moreover, considering the relationship between the sampling period and the mode‐dependent average dwell time, switching signals are designed. In addition, finite‐time weighted L2‐gain (FTW‐L2‐gain) of switched systems with time‐varying delays is proposed to measure their disturbance tolerance capacity within a finite‐time interval. Multiple Lyapunov‐Krasovskii functionals are applied to complete subsequent proofs in detail. Simulation results are exemplified to verify the proposed method.
Chloroacetyl‐Mediated Modification of Chitosan by Tannic Acid to Synthesize Economical Tanninate‐Chitosan and Its Use in Fluoride Ions Adsorption from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Sen Kshipra , Sharma Praveen , Chauhan Kalpana
Published: February 2020

The multi‐functional, green and environmental acceptable adsorbents were synthesized from activated chitosan for fluoride ions via mild‐strategies. Chloroacetylation reaction was performed to integrate an active group to the chitosan structural unit. Subsequently, the integrated active group was derivatized with tannin acid, an environmental‐friendly natural polyphenol via a simple reaction. The synthesized products were evaluated for their structures via FTIR, 1H‐NMR, UV, SEM‐EDS, elemental mapping, BET surface analysis, and XPS. The capability of the synthesized green products was appraised for fluoride ions sorption in circumneutral conditions. The results confirmed the maximum sorption capability of ≥97 % even at trace level and also proved remarkable results in competition with competitive ions. The equilibrium sorption data supported the maximum adsorption capacity of 28.57 mg g−1 by the Langmuir model within 60 min at pH 7.0, which is nearly analogous to the experimental data of 22.02 mg g−1 at 10 ppm. Therefore, in conclusion, the proposed green adsorbent is economical, and is even appropriate at almost neutral pH, which designates its applicability for treating drinking water.
Perivascular osteoprogenitors are associated with transcortical channels of long bones
Authors: Root Sierra H. , Wee Natalie K. Y. , Novak Sanja , Rosen Clifford J. , Baron Roland , Matthews Brya G. , Kalajzic Ivo
Published: February 2020

Bone remodeling and regeneration are dependent on resident stem/progenitor cells with the ability to replenish mature osteoblasts and repair the skeleton. Using lineage tracing approaches, we identified a population of Dmp1+ cells that reside within cortical bone and are distinct from osteocytes. Our aims were to characterize this stromal population of transcortical perivascular cells (TPCs) in their resident niche and evaluate their osteogenic potential. To distinguish this population from osteoblasts/osteocytes, we crossed mice containing inducible DMP1CreERT2/Ai9 Tomato reporter (iDMP/T) with Col2.3GFP reporter (ColGFP), a marker of osteoblasts and osteocytes. We observed iDMP/T+;ColGFP− TPCs within cortical bone following tamoxifen injection. These cells were perivascular and located within transcortical channels. Ex vivo bone outgrowth cultures showed TPCs migrated out of the channels onto the plate and expressed stem cell markers such as Sca1, platelet derived growth factor receptor beta (PDGFRβ), and leptin receptor. In a cortical bone transplantation model, TPCs migrate from their vascular niche within cortical bone and contribute to new osteoblast formation and bone tube closure. Treatment with intermittent parathyroid hormone increased TPC number and differentiation. TPCs were unable to differentiate into adipocytes in the presence of rosiglitazone in vitro or in vivo. Altogether, we have identified and characterized a novel stromal lineage-restricted osteoprogenitor that is associated with transcortical vessels of long bones. Functionally, we have demonstrated that this population can migrate out of cortical bone channels, expand, and differentiate into osteoblasts, therefore serving as a source of progenitors contributing to new bone formation.
In the logic of certainty, the material conditional corrective is stronger than the indicative conditional connective
Authors: Norlin Kurt ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2020

It is almost universally assumed that the indicative conditional connective is stronger than the material conditional connective. In the logic of certainty, however, the deduction theorem for the material conditional connective fails, and consequently the material conditional connective is stronger than the indicative conditional connective. One implication of this is that the import–export rule and modus ponens for the indicative conditional connective can both hold, without the indicative conditional connective collapsing into material conditional connective.
Isospin-violating contributions to ∈′/∈
Authors: Cirigliano V. , Gisbert H. , Pich A. , Rodríguez-Sánchez A.
Published: February 2020

Abstract

The known isospin-breaking contributions to theK → ππamplitudes are reanalyzed, taking into account our current understanding of the quark masses and the relevant non-perturbative inputs. We present a complete numerical reappraisal of the direct CP-violating ratio ∈′/∈, where these corrections play a quite significant role. We obtain the Standard Model prediction Re (∈′/∈) = (14±5)·10−4, which is in very good agreement with the measured ratio. The uncertainty, which has been estimated conservatively, is dominated by our current ignorance about 1/NC-suppressed contributions to some relevant chiral-perturbation-theory low-energy constants.
Hot cosmic qubits: late-time de Sitter evolution and critical slowing down
Authors: Kaplanek Greg , Burgess C.P.
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Temporal evolution of a comoving qubit coupled to a scalar field in de Sitter space is studied with an emphasis on reliable extraction of late-time behaviour. The phenomenon of critical slowing down is observed if the effective mass is chosen to be sufficiently close to zero, which narrows the window of parameter space in which the Markovian approximation is valid. The dynamics of the system in this case are solved in a more general setting by accounting for non-Markovian effects in the evolution of the qubit state. Self-interactions for the scalar field are also incorporated, and reveal a breakdown of late-time perturbative predictions due to the presence of secular growth.
Chiral anomaly, Schwinger effect, Euler-Heisenberg Lagrangian and application to axion inflation
Authors: Domcke Valerie , Ema Yohei , Mukaida Kyohei
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Particle production in strong electromagnetic fields is a recurring theme in solid state physics, heavy ion collisions, early universe cosmology and formal quantum field theory. In this paper we discuss the Dirac equation in a background of parallel electric and magnetic fields. We review the Schwinger particle production rate, clarify the emergence of the chiral anomaly equation and compute the induced current of charged fermions. We distinguish the contributions from non-perturbative particle production, from the running of the gauge coupling constant and from non-linearities in the effective QED Lagrangian, and clarify how these contributions arise within a single framework. We apply these results to axion inflation. A Chern-Simons coupling between the pseudoscalar particle driving cosmic inflaton and an abelian gauge group induces a dual production of gauge fields and charged fermions. We show that the resulting scalar and gravitational wave power spectra strongly depend on the fermion mass.
Localization of effective actions in heterotic string field theory
Authors: Erbin Harold , Maccaferri Carlo , Vošmera Jakub
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We consider the algebraic couplings in the tree level effective action of the heterotic string. We show how these couplings can be computed from closed string field theory. When the light fields we are interested in are charged under an underlying $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 R-charge in the left-moving sector, their quartic effective potential localizes at the boundary of the worldsheet moduli space, in complete analogy to the previously studied open string case. In particular we are able to compute the quartic closed string field theory potential without resorting to any explicit expression for the 3- and the 4-strings vertices but only using the L∞ relations between them. As a non trivial example we show how the heterotic Yang-Mills quartic potential arises in this way.
Quantum log-corrections to swampland conjectures
Authors: Blumenhagen Ralph , Brinkmann Max , Makridou Andriana
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Taking the anti-de Sitter minimum of KKLT and the large volume scenario at face value, we argue for the existence of logarithmic quantum corrections to AdS swampland conjectures. If these conjectures receive such corrections, it is natural to suspect that they also arise for other swampland conjectures, in particular the dS swampland conjecture. We point out that the proposed log-corrections are in accord with the implications of the recently proposed trans-Planckian censorship conjecture. We also comment on the emergence proposal in the context of both perturbative flux models and the KKLT construction.
Conformal properties of soft-operators. Part II. Use of null-states
Authors: Banerjee Shamik , Pandey Pranjal
Published: February 2020

Abstract

Representations of the (Lorentz) conformal group with the soft operators as highest weight vectors have two universal properties, which we clearly state in this paper. Given a soft operator with a certain dimension and spin, the first property is about the existence of “(large) gauge transformation” that acts on the soft operator. The second property is the decoupling of (large) gauge-invariant null-states of the soft operators from theS-matrix elements. In each case, the decoupling equation has the form of zero field-strength condition with the soft operator as the (gauge) potential. Null-state decoupling effectively reduces the number of polarisation states of the soft particle and is crucial in deriving soft-theorems from the Ward identities of asymptotic symmetries. To the best of our understanding, these properties are not directly related to the Lorentz invariance of theS-matrix or the existence of asymptotic symmetries. We also verify that the results obtained from the decoupling of null-states are consistent with the leading and subleading soft-theorems with finite energy massive and massless particles in the external legs.
Heavy neutrinos in displaced vertex searches at the LHC and HL-LHC
Authors: Drewes Marco , Hajer Jan
Published: February 2020

Abstract

We study the sensitivity of displaced vertex searches for heavy neutrinos produced in W boson decays in the LHC detectors ATLAS, CMS and LHCb. We also propose a new search that uses the muon chambers to detect muons from heavy neutrino decays outside the tracker. The sensitivity estimates are based on benchmark models in which the heavy neutrinos mix exclusively with one of the three Standard Model generations. In the most sensitive mass regime the displaced vertex searches can improve existing constraints on the mixing with the first two SM generations by more than four orders of magnitude and by three orders of magnitude for the mixing with the third generation.
The Gauge-Natural Bilinear Operators Similar to the Dorfman–Courant Bracket
Authors: Mikulski Włodzimierz M.
Published: February 2020

All gauge-natural bilinear operators $$A: \Gamma ^l_E(TE\oplus T^*E)\times \Gamma ^l_E(TE\oplus T^*E)\rightarrow \Gamma ^l_E(TE\oplus T^*E)$$A:ΓEl(TE⊕T∗E)×ΓEl(TE⊕T∗E)→ΓEl(TE⊕T∗E) transforming pairs of linear sections of the “doubled” tangent bundle $$TE\oplus T^*E$$TE⊕T∗E of a vector bundle E into linear sections of $$TE\oplus T^*E$$TE⊕T∗E are completely described. Then, all such A with the Jacobi identity in Leibniz form are extracted.
Classifying equivalence relations in the Ershov hierarchy
Authors: Bazhenov Nikolay , Mustafa Manat , San Mauro Luca , Sorbi Andrea , Yamaleev Mars
Published: February 2020

Computably enumerable equivalence relations (ceers) received a lot of attention in the literature. The standard tool to classify ceers is provided by the computable reducibility $$\leqslant _c$$

⩽
c

. This gives rise to a rich degree structure. In this paper, we lift the study of c-degrees to the $$\Delta ^0_2$$

Δ
2
0

case. In doing so, we rely on the Ershov hierarchy. For any notation a for a non-zero computable ordinal, we prove several algebraic properties of the degree structure induced by $$\leqslant _c$$

⩽
c

on the $$\Sigma ^{-1}_{a}\smallsetminus \Pi ^{-1}_a$$

Σ
a

-
1

\

Π
a

-
1

equivalence relations. A special focus of our work is on the (non)existence of infima and suprema of c-degrees.
Penetrierende Schädelverletzungen mit elektrischen Bohrmaschinen – ungewöhnliche Verletzungsmuster
Authors: Schädler J. , Gehl A. , Püschel K.
Published: February 2020

Zwei außergewöhnliche Fälle von fremdbeigebrachten penetrierenden Kopfverletzungen durch elektrische Bohrmaschinen werden präsentiert. Derartige Abläufe stellen als Tötungsdelikt bzw. versuchtes Tötungsdelikt eine extreme Rarität dar. Wenige Beschreibungen betreffen Suizide, Suizidversuche oder unfallbedingte Verletzungen durch Bohrmaschinen. Im Fall eines 47 Jahre alten Mannes wurde dem Opfer von seiner in Scheidung lebenden Exfrau mit einer ausgeschalteten Bohrmaschine im Schlaf durch das Ohr in den Schädel gestochen. Der Mann überlebte den Angriff. In dem anderen Fall kam es zu einer Auseinandersetzung zwischen zwei jungen Männern, wobei der Beschuldigte seinem Opfer zunächst Messerstiche und anschließend Bohrerverletzungen zufügte. Insgesamt konnten autoptisch drei durch das Auge in das Schädelinnere eindringende Bohrkanäle festgestellt werden. Das Opfer verstarb unmittelbar am Geschehensort.
Percutaneous Device Closure of Congenital Isolated Ventricular Septal Defects: A Single-Center Retrospective Database Study Amongst 412 Cases
Authors: Walavalkar Varsha , Maiya Shreesha , Pujar Suresh , Ramachandra Prakash , Siddaiah Satheesh , Spronck Bart , Vanagt Ward Y. , Delhaas Tammo
Published: February 2020

To identify suitable cases and reduce failure/complication rates for percutaneous ventricular septal defect (VSD) closure, we aimed to (1) study causes of device failure and (2) compare outcomes with different VSD types and devices in a high-volume single center with limited resources. Retrospective data of 412 elective percutaneous VSD closure of isolated congenital VSDs between 2003 and 2017 were analyzed. Out of 412, 363 were successfully implanted, in 30 device implantation failed, and in 19 the procedure was abandoned. Outcome was assessed using echocardiography, electrocardiography, and catheterization data (before procedure, immediately after and during follow-up). Logistic regression analyses were performed to assess effects of age, VSD type, and device type and size on procedural outcome. Median [interquartile range] age and body surface area were 6.6 [4.1–10.9] years and 0.7 [0.5–1.0] m2, respectively. Device failure was not associated with age (p = 0.08), type of VSD (p = 0.5), device type (p = 0.2), or device size (p = 0.1). Device failure occurred in 7.6% of patients. As device type is not related to failure rate and device failure and complication risk was not associated with age, it is justifiable to use financially beneficial ductal devices in VSD position and to consider closure of VSD with device in clinically indicated children.
Positive Lymph Node Counts in American Thyroid Association Low‐Risk Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Griffin Martha J. , Baik Fred M. , Brandwein‐Weber Margaret , Qazi Muhammad , Yue Lauren E. , Osorio Marcela , Urken Mark L.
Published: February 2020

Background

Current American Thyroid Association (ATA) guidelines state that patients with intermediate‐risk papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) may benefit from remnant ablation. One criterion for intermediate‐risk classification is >5 positive lymph nodes (LNs). We investigate whether performing step‐sectioning of LNs increases the metastatic detection rate, thereby influencing ATA risk of recurrence (ROR) classification.

Methods

A retrospective review was conducted of cases in which ≥ 5 LNs were removed during thyroidectomy and ≤5 LNs were found positive for PTC. Step‐sectioning was performed on the original tissue blocks. All slides were re‐reviewed by a senior pathologist.

Results

Twenty patients met study criteria. Step‐sectioning significantly increased LN yield compared to standard sectioning. In total, we found 12 new positive lymph nodes; seven (58%) were in totally new lymph nodes, while five (42%) were in lymph nodes previously read as negative. All newly discovered metastases were classified as micrometastases (≤2 mm). Of the 15 patients originally classified as low‐risk, the step‐sectioning protocol impacted two patients (13%), increasing ROR stratification.

Conclusion

Intensive step‐sectioning reveals additional micrometastases. More detailed analysis did not identify clinically significant nodal disease likely to impact the clinical course of patients in this study. Our study supports current standards of pathology specimen handling related to LN assessment and the impact on ATA ROR classification. Nonetheless, it is important for clinicians to understand their institution's sectioning protocol utilized to report positive and total LN counts, which could impact ATA risk stratification and denote the comprehensive nature of the LN dissection that was performed.
Surgery for Pheochromocytoma: A Single‐Center Review of 60 Cases from South Africa
Authors: Nel D. , Panieri E. , Malherbe F. , Steyn R. , Cairncross L.
Published: February 2020

Background

There is a paucity of data on the presentation and surgical management of pheochromocytoma in developing nations, particularly in Africa.

Methods

This study was a retrospective review, which included all patients managed by the Groote Schuur Hospital/University of Cape Town Endocrine Surgery unit for pheochromocytoma and abdominal paragangliomas, from January 2002 to June 2019.

Results

Sixty patients were included in the study, of which 33% were male and 67% female. The mean age was 47 years (range 14–81). The median tumor size was 6 cm, with 45% larger than 6 cm. 92% were located in the adrenal gland (87% unilateral, 5% bilateral), and 8% were extra‐adrenal. The conversion rate for laparoscopic cases was 20%, with 55% of cases overall completed laparoscopically. Eleven patients with tumors > 6 cm were initially attempted laparoscopically, of which 3 were converted to open, without any associated increased morbidity. A major adverse event was recorded for 5 cases (8%), including 1 mortality. Overall morbidity, blood loss, operating time and hospital stay were all significantly reduced in the laparoscopic group. There were 5 patients with malignant disease (8%).

Conclusion

This large series, from an established academic endocrine surgery unit in Africa, can serve as a benchmark for units with similar settings and resource limitations, to compare their surgical management and perioperative outcomes.
Serum Magnesium Measurements After Parathyroidectomy for Primary Hyperparathyroidism: Should It be Routine?
Authors: Novodvorsky Peter , Lowry Andrew F. , Lim C. Beverly B. , Balasubramanian Sabapathy P.
Published: February 2020

Background

Parathyroidectomy is the treatment of choice in primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT). Following surgery, significant changes in bone and mineral metabolism may follow, but routine magnesium monitoring is not standard practice. The occurrence of significant clinical events linked to hypomagnesaemia in 3 patients after parathyroidectomy led to our evaluation of magnesium levels after surgery for PHPT.

Methods

Serum magnesium levels before and after parathyroidectomy for PHPT were prospectively evaluated in a single centre over a year. The incidence and severity of hypomagnesaemia and its correlation with other biochemical variables were assessed.

Results

A total of 138 patients underwent parathyroidectomy for PHPT. Pre‐operative and day 1 post‐operative serum magnesium levels were available in 57/138 (41.3%) and 99/138 (71.7%) patients, respectively. Serum magnesium decreased significantly after surgery (mean ± SD of 0.85 ± 0.08 and 0.75 ± 0.11 mmol/L, respectively, p < 0.001). On the day after parathyroidectomy, 31/99 (31.3%) patients had hypomagnesaemia (<0.70 mmol/L); in 3 of whom it was severe (<0.50 mmol/L). Patients with hypomagnesaemia had lower pre‐operative magnesium (mean ± SD of 0.78 ± 0.06 and 0.87 ± 0.07 mmol/L, p < 0.001), higher pre‐operative calcium [median (IQR) of 2.83 (2.71–2.99) and 2.71 (2.63–2.80) mmol/L, p = 0.001] and higher post‐operative calcium [median (IQR) of 2.41 (2.30–2.51) and 2.35 (2.28–2.43) mmol/L, p = 0.046] compared to those with normomagnesaemia. In addition, these patients demonstrated higher drop in calcium levels after surgery (0.44 ± 0.20 and 0.35 ± 0.18 mmol/L, p = 0.033). Magnesium levels after surgery correlated positively with pre‐operative magnesium (r = 0.561, p < 0.001) and post‐operative PTH (r = 0.210, p = 0.037) and negatively with pre‐operative adjusted calcium (r = − 0.389, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum magnesium decreased significantly following parathyroidectomy for PHPT and nearly a third of patients developed post‐operative, mostly mild hypomagnesaemia. Whilst routine serum magnesium measurements could facilitate prompt recognition and treatment of this electrolyte disturbance, further research needs to establish the clinical importance of mild hypomagnesaemia in these clinical settings and, if indicated, to devise optimal treatment strategies.
Discordant nodal staging identifies intermediate-risk group for overall survival in patients with cT3 oesophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Carder Charles , Fielding Patrick , Roberts Ashley , Foley Kieran
Published: February 2020

Objectives

Oesophageal adenocarcinoma has a poor prognosis and relies on multi-modality assessment for accurate nodal staging. The aim of the study was to determine the prognostic significance of nodal concordance between PET/CT and EUS in oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Methods

Consecutive patients with oesophageal adenocarcinoma staged between 2010 and 2016 were included. Groups comprising concordant node–negative (C−ve), discordant (DC), and concordant node–positive (C+ve) patients were analysed. Survival analysis using log-rank tests and Cox proportional hazards model was performed. The primary outcome was overall survival. A p value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In total, 310 patients (median age = 66.0; interquartile range 59.5–72.5, males = 264) were included. The median overall survival was 23.0 months (95% confidence intervals (CI) 18.73–27.29). There was a significant difference in overall survival between concordance groups (X2 = 44.91, df = 2, p < 0.001). The hazard ratios for overall survival of DC and C+ve patients compared with those of C−ve patients with cT3 tumours were 1.21 (95% CI 0.81–1.79) and 1.79 (95% CI 1.23–2.61), respectively. On multivariable analysis, nodal concordance was significantly and independently associated with overall survival (HR 1.44, 95% CI 1.12–1.83, p = 0.004) and performed better than age at diagnosis (HR 1.02, 95% CI 1.003–1.034, p = 0.016) and current cN-staging methods (HR 1.20, 95% CI 0.978–1.48, p = 0.080).

Conclusions

Patients with discordant nodal staging on PET/CT and EUS represent an intermediate-risk group for overall survival. This finding was consistent in patients with cT3 tumours. These findings will assist optimum treatment decisions based upon perceived prognosis for each patient.

Key Points

• Clinicians are commonly faced with results of discordant nodal staging in oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

• There is a significant difference in overall survival between patients with negative, discordant, and positive lymph node staging.

• Patients with discordant lymph node staging between imaging modalities represent an intermediate-risk group for overall survival.
Mirror patterns of physical variables in the ocean
Authors: Wang Gang , Qiao Fangli
Published: February 2020

Temperature and salinity are independent thermodynamic variables of seawater. However, it was determined from monthly Argo data that the correlation coefficient between layer-averaged temperature and salinity (T–S) time series peaks at a depth of approximately 300 m. Meanwhile, T–S patterns around that depth are consistent. Therefore, this layer is named “T–S mirror layer”. Since the major feature of the T–S mirror layer is the high similarity of temperature and salinity patterns in it, spatial correlation should be a more direct way to determine it. Following this idea we introduce another kind of “T–S mirror layer”, which resides at 100–200 m in four sets of objectively analyzed ocean data products (WOA13, EN4, Ishii and Argo). The “T–S mirror layer” derived in this way couples with the quasi-linear “slender waist” in T–S scatter diagrams; and this coupling is typical in mid- and low-latitude oceans. The slender waist in T–S scatter diagram implies that the profiles of temperature and salinity are in phase around it. We can then give a first guess for the depth of mirror patterns of two variables just according to their local profiles. Hereby, we find mirror patterns between other variable pair (e.g., temperature and sound velocity), inverse mirror patterns (i.e. the highest spatial correlation between variable pair, e.g., temperature and density, are negative), and malposed mirror patterns (spatial correlation peaks for variable patterns in different layers). This work reveals a phenomenon that bridges horizontal patterns of variable pairs in the ocean to their vertical profiles.
The evolution process of warm season intense regional rainfall events in Yaan
Authors: Hu Xuelin , Yuan Weihua , Yu Rucong , Zhang Minghua
Published: February 2020

Accurate simulation and prediction of intense precipitation events require better understanding of their physical mechanisms. This study uses Yaan—a place with regional maximum rainfall in central China—to investigate the cause and process of intense precipitation. Hourly rain gauge records and the new ERA5 reanalysis are used to characterize the evolution process of warm season intense regional rainfall events (RREs) in Yaan and its associated three-dimensional circulation. Results show that before the start of the Yaan intense RREs, moderate rainfall amount (frequency) appears northeast of the key region. The rainfall then moves southward in the following several hours along the eastern periphery of the Tibetan Plateau where it reaches peak. It then moves to and end up in the south and southeast Sichuan Basin. The progression of the RREs is found to be associated with a counter-clockwise rotation of anomalous surface winds associated with a developing mesoscale surface low-pressure center, which is further associated with the southeastward progression of a large-scale synoptic scale wave. The easterly phase of the winds in the counter-clockwise rotation causes upslope motion perpendicularly toward the terrain that leads to maximum rainfall. The findings illustrate how large-scale circulations, mesoscale systems, and specific topographic features interact to create the RREs evolution in Yaan.
A positive influence of basal ganglia iron concentration on implicit sequence learning
Authors: Persson Jonas , Garzón Benjamín , Sitnikov Rouslan , Bäckman Lars , Kalpouzos Grégoria
Published: February 2020

Iron homeostasis is important for maintaining normal physiological brain functioning. In two independent samples, we investigate the link between iron concentration in the basal ganglia (BG) and implicit sequence learning (ISL). In Study 1, we used quantitative susceptibility mapping and task-related fMRI to examine associations among regional iron concentration measurements, brain activation, and ISL in younger and older adults. In Study 2, we examined the link between brain iron and ISL using a metric derived from fMRI in an age-homogenous sample of older adults. Three main findings were obtained. First, BG iron concentration was positively related to ISL in both studies. Second, ISL was robust for both younger and older adults, and performance-related activation was found in fronto-striatal regions across both age groups. Third, BG iron was positively linked to task-related BOLD signal in fronto-striatal regions. This is the first study investigating the relationship among brain iron accumulation, functional brain activation, and ISL, and the results suggest that higher brain iron concentration may be linked to better neurocognitive functioning in this particular task.
A good career start can open doors: the plusses and minuses of an international graduate student program—a student’s perspective
Authors: Malik Anchal
Published: February 2020

There are many Ph.D. programs from various funding agencies that provide excellent starts to a scientific career. Multinational Ph.D. positions attract students because they provide students with much-required exposure to the international scientific community at an early stage of the career. For this reason, multinational Ph.D. positions can be considered as a better career opportunity over Ph.D. positions confined to a single country. In addition, these multidisciplinary research programs connect different organizations to deal with the problems of global interest. One of these multi-disciplinary research programs is the viral and bacterial adhesion network training-innovative training network (ViBrANT). ViBrANT is a multifaceted platform that develops the required skillsets in young researchers and thereby also contributes to building a multidisciplinary research community. Is this the only parameter to be considered or are there other factors that can also stimulate one’s career development? In this perspective article, I will discuss the key reasons why I chose a multinational Ph.D. program along with the merits of being part of ViBrANT. I also discuss the challenges I faced while moving from India to the United Kingdom.
Human genetics of leishmania infections
Authors: Blackwell Jenefer M. , Fakiola Michaela , Castellucci Léa C.
Published: February 2020

Identifying genetic risk factors for parasitic infections such as the leishmaniases could provide important leads for improved therapies and vaccines. Until recently most genetic studies of human leishmaniasis were underpowered and/or not replicated. Here, we focus on recent genome-wide association studies of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). For VL, analysis across 2287 cases and 2692 controls from three cohorts identified a single major peak of genome-wide significance (Pcombined = 2.76 × 10–17) at HLA-DRB1–HLA-DQA1. HLA-DRB1*1501 and DRB1*1404/DRB1*1301 were the most significant protective versus risk alleles, respectively, with specific residues at amino acid positions 11 and 13 unique to protective alleles. Epitope-binding studies showed higher frequency of basic AAs in DRB1*1404-/*1301-specific epitopes compared to hydrophobic and polar AAs in DRB1*1501-specific epitopes at anchor residues P4 and P6 which interact with residues at DRB1 positions 11 and 13. For CL, genome-wide significance was not achieved in combined analysis of 2066 cases and 2046 controls across 2 cohorts. Rather, multiple top hits at P < 5 × 10–5 were observed, amongst which IFNG-AS1 was of specific interest as a non-coding anti-sense RNA known to influence responses to pathogens by increasing IFN-γ secretion. Association at LAMP3 encoding dendritic cell lysosomal associated membrane protein 3 was also interesting. LAMP3 increases markedly upon activation of dendritic cells, localizing to the MHC Class II compartment immediately prior to translocation of Class II to the cell surface. Together these GWAS results provide firm confirmation for the importance of antigen presentation and the regulation of IFNγ in determining the outcome of Leishmania infections.
Technological and Societal Changes and Their Impacts on Resource Production and Use
Authors: Grubler Arnulf
Published: February 2020

The traditional narrative of continued economic growth driven by development aspirations towards material-intensive lifestyles and associated ever larger extraction and use of resources is contrasted with an alternative perspective. This alternative may lead to much lower growth, even to a “de-growth” of biogenic, energetic, and mineral resources. Disruptive innovations, above all digitalization, combined with changing consumer preferences and lifestyles as well as public policies to address climate change could challenge traditional business models and forms of service provision. Examples of such disruptive innovations in the domains of digital convergence and the sharing economy are given with their potential implications on resource use. Two contrasting scenarios, quantified to 2050, illustrate the wide divergence of potential developments in resource extraction and use over the coming decades.
Die Beprobung von Jahresschmutzfrachten in einem Mischwasser- und einem Niederschlagswasserkanal bei Regenwetter
Authors: Gruber Günter , Pichler Markus , Hofer Thomas , Maier Roman , Clara Manfred
Published: February 2020

Niederschlagswasser- und Mischwassereinleitungen können für einige Spurenstoffe aus dem urbanen Bereich der dominierende Eintragspfad in die Gewässer sein. Im Rahmen eines österreichischen Forschungsprojekts wurden an einer Niederschlagswasserkanaleinleitungsstelle in ein Gewässer sowie an einem Mischwasserüberlauf zwei mengenproportionale Jahresmischproben generiert, um die daraus resultierenden ein- bzw. abgeleiteten Jahresschmutzfrachten an Spurenstoffen zum einen messtechnisch zu bestimmen und zum anderen nach einer detaillierten Analyse der Oberflächenbeschaffenheiten in den Einzugsgebieten und entsprechenden Stoffflussanalysen theoretisch ermittelbaren Stofffrachtpotenzialen aus der Literatur gegenüberzustellen. Die dafür gewählte Probenahmestrategie, die dabei gesammelten Erfahrungen bei der Probenahme und die erzielten Ergebnisse aus den Beprobungen werden im Beitrag beschrieben und diskutiert.
Modeling the capacitated p-cable trench problem with facility costs
Authors: Schwarze Silvia , Lalla-Ruiz Eduardo , Voß Stefan
Published: February 2020

In this work, two network design concepts which have been proven to be relevant with respect to telecommunication applications, are joined within a unified approach. First, the cable trench problem searches for cost-minimizing network structures that take into account two types of edge costs appearing in the installation of wire-based networks, namely trenching costs and cable costs. Second, the facility location problem considers the placement of shared telecommunication equipment, like switches or concentrators, together with an assignment of entities to demand nodes. Following practical needs, we join these concepts within the new capacitated cable trench problem with facility costs and service capacity in terms of number of customers that can be served by facilities. Within this setting, facility location decisions in wire-based networks can be taken under a more realistic cost scenario. A mixed-integer linear program and valid inequalities are proposed. Experiments indicate a positive impact of the valid inequalities on computational time and integrality gap.
Classical Schwarz reflection principle for Jenkins–Serrin type minimal surfaces
Authors: Sa Earp Ricardo , Toubiana Eric
Published: February 2020

We give a proof of the classical Schwarz reflection principle for Jenkins–Serrin type minimal surfaces in the homogeneous three manifolds $$\mathbb E(\kappa ,\tau )$$E(κ,τ) for $$\kappa \leqslant 0$$κ⩽0 and $$\tau \geqslant 0$$τ⩾0. In our previous paper, we proved a reflection principle in Riemannian manifolds. The statements and techniques in the two papers are distinct.
Seasonal variability of sediment controls of nitrogen cycling in an agricultural stream
Authors: Comer-Warner Sophie A. , Gooddy Daren C. , Ullah Sami , Glover Luke , Kettridge Nicholas , Wexler Sarah K. , Kaiser Jan , Krause Stefan
Published: February 2020

Agricultural streams receive large inputs of nutrients, such as nitrate (NO3−) and ammonium (NH4+), which impact water quality and stream health. Streambed sediments are hotspots of biogeochemical reactivity, characterised by high rates of nutrient attenuation and denitrification. High concentrations of nitrous oxide (N2O) previously observed in stream sediments point to incomplete denitrification, with sediments acting as a potentially significant source of global N2O. We investigated the effect of sediment type and seasonal variation on denitrification and N2O production in the streambed of an agricultural UK stream. Denitrification was strongly controlled by sediment type, with sand-dominated sediments exhibiting potential rates of denitrification almost 10 times higher than those observed in gravel-dominated sediments (0.026 ± 0.004 N2O–N μg g−1 h−1 for sand-dominated and 0.003 ± 0.003 N2O–N μg g−1 h−1 for gravel-dominated). In-situ measurements supported this finding, with higher concentrations of NO3−, nitrite (NO2−) and N2O observed in the porewaters of gravel-dominated sediments. Denitrification varied substantially between seasons, with denitrification increasing from winter to autumn. Our results indicate highest NO3− reduction occurred in sand-dominated sediments whilst highest N2O concentrations occurred in gravel-dominated sediments. This suggests that finer-grained streambeds could play an important role in removing excess nitrogen from agricultural catchments without producing excess N2O.
A multi-vendor, multi-center study on reproducibility and comparability of fast strain-encoded cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Erley Jennifer , Zieschang Victoria , Lapinskas Tomas , Demir Aylin , Wiesemann Stephanie , Haass Markus , Osman Nael F , Simonetti Orlando P , Liu Yingmin , Patel Amit R , Mor-Avi Victor , Unal Orhan , Johnson Kevin M , Pieske Burkert , Hansmann Jochen , Schulz-Menger Jeanette , Kelle Sebastian
Published: February 2020

Myocardial strain is a convenient parameter to quantify left ventricular (LV) function. Fast strain-encoding (fSENC) enables the acquisition of cardiovascular magnetic resonance images for strain-measurement within a few heartbeats during free-breathing. It is necessary to analyze inter-vendor agreement of techniques to determine strain, such as fSENC, in order to compare existing studies and plan multi-center studies. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate inter-vendor agreement and test-retest reproducibility of fSENC for three major MRI-vendors. fSENC-images were acquired three times in the same group of 15 healthy volunteers using 3 Tesla scanners from three different vendors: at the German Heart Institute Berlin, the Charité University Medicine Berlin-Campus Buch and the Theresien-Hospital Mannheim. Volunteers were scanned using the same imaging protocol composed of two fSENC-acquisitions, a 15-min break and another two fSENC-acquisitions. LV global longitudinal and circumferential strain (GLS, GCS) were analyzed by a trained observer (Myostrain 5.0, Myocardial Solutions) and for nine volunteers repeatedly by another observer. Inter-vendor agreement was determined using Bland-Altman analysis. Test-retest reproducibility and intra- and inter-observer reproducibility were analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficients of variation (CoV). Inter-vendor agreement between all three sites was good for GLS and GCS, with biases of 0.01–1.88%. Test-retest reproducibility of scans before and after the break was high, shown by ICC- and CoV values of 0.63–0.97 and 3–9% for GLS and 0.69–0.82 and 4–7% for GCS, respectively. Intra- and inter-observer reproducibility were excellent for both parameters (ICC of 0.77–0.99, CoV of 2–5%). This trial demonstrates good inter-vendor agreement and test–retest reproducibility of GLS and GCS measurements, acquired at three different scanners from three different vendors using fSENC. The results indicate that it is necessary to account for a possible bias (< 2%) when comparing strain measurements of different scanners. Technical differences between scanners, which impact inter-vendor agreement, should be further analyzed and minimized.

DRKS Registration Number: 00013253.

Universal Trial Number (UTN): U1111-1207-5874.
The impacts of climate change on Greek airports
Authors: Gratton Guy , Padhra Anil , Rapsomanikis Spyridon , Williams Paul D.
Published: February 2020

Time series of meteorological parameters at ten Greek airports since 1955 indicated the level of climate change in the Eastern Mediterranean area. Using this data, take-off performance was analysed for the DHC-8-400—a typical short range turboprop airliner, and the A320, a typical medium scale turbofan airliner. For airports with longer runways, a steady but unimportant increase in take-off distances was found. For airports with shorter runways, the results indicate a steady reduction in available payload. At the most extreme case, results show that for an Airbus A320, operating from the, relatively short, 1511m runway at Chios Airport, the required reduction in payload would be equivalent to 38 passengers with their luggage, or fuel for 700 nautical miles (1300 km) per flight, for the period between the A320’s entry to service in 1988 and 2017. These results indicate that for airports where aeroplane maximum take-off mass is a performance limited function of runway length, and where minimum temperatures have increased and/or mean headwind components decreased, climate change has already had a marked impact on the economic activity in the airline industry. Similar analyses could be usefully carried out for other runway-length–limited airports, which may often include island airports. It is also noted that previous research has only considered temperature effects, and not wind effects. Wind effects in this study are less significant than temperature, but nonetheless have an effect on both field performance noise and pollution nuisance around airports.
Cubic bent functions outside the completed Maiorana-McFarland class
Authors: Polujan Alexandr A. , Pott Alexander
Published: February 2020

In this paper we prove that in opposite to the cases of 6 and 8 variables, the Maiorana-McFarland construction does not describe the whole class of cubic bent functions in n variables for all $$n\ge 10$$

n
≥
10

. Moreover, we show that for almost all values of n, these functions can simultaneously be homogeneous and have no affine derivatives.
Oscillometric versus invasive blood pressure measurement in patients with shock: a prospective observational study in the emergency department
Authors: Meidert Agnes S. , Dolch Michael E. , Mühlbauer Konstanze , Zwissler Bernhard , Klein Matthias , Briegel Josef , Czerner Stephan
Published: February 2020

In emergency medicine, blood pressure is often measured by an oscillometric device using an upper arm cuff. However, measurement accuracy of this technique in patients suffering from hypotensive shock has not been sufficiently evaluated. We designed a prospective observational study investigating the accuracy of an oscillometric device in hypotensive patients admitted to the resuscitation area of the emergency department. Patients admitted to the resuscitation area of a university hospital, who were equipped with an arterial catheter and found to be hypotensive (mean arterial pressure (MAP) < 60 mmHg) were eligible for the study. Blood pressure was measured simultaneously via upper arm cuff and invasively under routine clinical conditions. After data extraction, Bland–Altman analysis, correlation coefficient and percentage error of mean and systolic blood pressure pairs were performed. We analysed 75 simultaneously obtained blood pressure measurements of 30 patients in hypotension, 11 (37%) were female, median age was 76.5 years (IQR 63–82). Oscillometric MAP was markedly higher than invasive MAP with a mean of the differences of 13 ± 15 mmHg (oscillometric—invasive), 95% limits of agreement − 16 to 41 mmHg, percentage error was 76%. In 64% of readings, values obtained by the upper arm cuff were not able to detect hypotension. Oscillometric blood pressure measurement is not able to reliably detect hypotension in emergency patients. Therefore, direct measurement of blood pressure should be established as soon as possible in patients suffering from shock.