bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the complexity of the bilevel minimum spanning tree problem
Authors: Buchheim Christoph , Henke Dorothee , Hommelsheim Felix
Published: June 2022

We consider the bilevel minimum spanning tree (BMST) problem where the leader and the follower choose a spanning tree together, according to different objective functions. We show that this problem is NP‐hard, even in the special case where the follower only controls a matching. Moreover, we give some evidence that BMST might even remain hard in case the follower controls only few edges. On the positive side, we present a ‐approximation algorithm for BMST, where  is the number of vertices. Moreover, we show that 2‐approximating BMST is fixed‐parameter tractable and that, in case of uniform costs on leader's edges, even solving BMST exactly is fixed‐parameter tractable. We finally consider bottleneck variants of BMST and settle the complexity landscape of all combinations of sum or bottleneck objective functions for the leader and follower, for the optimistic as well as the pessimistic setting.
Coherent atomic orbital polarization probes the geometric phase in photodissociation of polyatomic molecules
Authors: Weeraratna Chaya , Suits Arthur G. , Vasyutinskii Oleg S.
Published: June 2022

Quantum interference between multiple pathways in molecular photodissociation often results in angular momentum polarization of atomic products and this can give deep insight into fundamental physical processes. For dissociation of diatomic molecules, the resulting orbital polarization is fully understood and consistent with quantum mechanical theory. For polyatomic molecules, however, coherent photofragment orbital polarization is frequently observed but so far has eluded theoretical explanation, and physical insight is lacking. Here, we present a model of these effects for ozone photodissociation that reveals the importance of a novel manifestation of the geometric phase. We show this geometric phase effect permits the existence of coherent polarization in cases where it would otherwise vanish, and cancels it in some cases where it might otherwise exist. The model accounts for measurements in ozone that have hitherto defied explanation, and represents a step toward a deeper understanding of coherent electronic excitation in polyatomic molecules and a new role of the geometric phase.

Key Points

Coherent photofragment atomic orbital polarization reveals matter wave interference in dissociation along multiple paths.

In diatomic molecules, this is well‐understood, but in polyatomic molecules, large effects are seen but these have defied a rigorous explanation.

A model is developed describing these phenomena in the UV dissociation of ozone that accounts for a number of conflicting observations and reveals a new manifestation of the geometric phase in molecular physics.
Echolocation repetition rate as a proxy to monitor population structure and dynamics of sperm whales
Authors: Solsona‐Berga Alba , Posdaljian Natalie , Hildebrand John A. , Baumann‐Pickering Simone
Published: June 2022

Characterizing population structure and dynamics is critical for the conservation of endangered species. Monitoring sperm whales Physeter macrocephalus is especially difficult because it requires monitoring different latitudes to capture the dynamics of most populations. Since their remarkable sexual dimorphism in body size is reflected in their sounds, passive acoustic monitoring presents an opportunity to capture contiguous patterns in time, space, and over large scales. We show that the echolocation repetition rate (measured as inter‐click interval, ICI) as a proxy for body length is a suitable approach for large‐scale acoustic monitoring. Body length has previously been estimated from the time interval between pulses (IPI) within sperm whale echolocation clicks. These estimates can only be achieved when whales are oriented toward the recorder or directly facing away, resulting in sparse data. A representative subsample of data demonstrated that ICI and IPI are linearly correlated, allowing conversion of ICI distributions into likely body length categories. This approach was applied to three monitoring sites in the Gulf of Mexico (2010–2017), where sperm whale population structure and male movements were poorly understood. We identified three classes: large animals between 12–15 m (ICI between 0.72 and 1 sec), presumed to correspond to adult males, and small animals below 12 m (ICI between 0.44 and 0.64 sec) likely pertaining to social groups (mixed groups with adult females and their offspring), and the third class with mid‐sized animals (ICI between 0.64 and 0.83 sec) believed to contain adult females or sub‐adult males. Our results revealed spatial and seasonal variability of the population structure including possible male presence throughout the year and migratory patterns of the population. This approach provides a means to efficiently characterize the putative population structure of sperm whales to understand the population's geographical dynamics and population status, which is relevant under rapidly changing habitat conditions.
Toward evaluation of disseminated effects of medications for opioid use disorder within provider‐based clusters using routinely‐collected health data
Authors: Buchanan Ashley , Sun Tianyu , Wu Jing , Aroke Hilary , Bratberg Jeffrey , Rich Josiah , Kogut Stephen , Hogan Joseph
Published: June 2022

Routinely‐collected health data can be employed to emulate a target trial when randomized trial data are not available. Patients within provider‐based clusters likely exert and share influence on each other's treatment preferences and subsequent health outcomes and this is known as dissemination or spillover. Extending a framework to replicate an idealized two‐stage randomized trial using routinely‐collected health data, an evaluation of disseminated effects within provider‐based clusters is possible. In this article, we propose a novel application of causal inference methods for dissemination to retrospective cohort studies in administrative claims data and evaluate the impact of the normality of the random effects distribution for the cluster‐level propensity score on estimation of the causal parameters. An extensive simulation study was conducted to study the robustness of the methods under different distributions of the random effects. We applied these methods to evaluate baseline prescription for medications for opioid use disorder among a cohort of patients diagnosed with opioid use disorder and adjust for baseline confounders using information obtained from an administrative claims database. We discuss future research directions in this setting to better address unmeasured confounding in the presence of disseminated effects.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of a Novel Ultra‐High Strength Hot‐Stamped Steel with High Hardenability
Authors: Chen Weijian , Chu Xiaohong , Li Feng , Liu Jie , Lu Hongzhou , Kuang Shuang , Zou Yu , Zhao Zhengzhi
Published: June 2022

Herein, it is shown that the hot‐stamped steel exhibits high hardenability with a critical cooling rate of about 0.7 °C s−1 due to its unique chemical composition. The microstructure of the annealed sheet consists of ferrite, spherical carbides, and intergranular martensite. Thereinto, the generation of intergranular martensite can eliminate the yield point elongation and reduce the ratio of yield strength to ultimate tensile strength. Furthermore, compared with commercial 30MnB5 steel, the experimental steel (40Mn2CrNbV) quenched sheet shows excellent mechanical properties: yield strength (YS) = 1361 MPa, ultimate tensile strength (UTS) = 2422 MPa, and total elongation (TE) = 6.1%. Additionally, it is found that the Cr7C3 with a mean diameter of 240 ± 50 nm in the annealed quenching sheet can hinder dislocation movement to increase the yield strength. The coherent Nb‐rich (Nb, V)C precipitate (a mean diameter is <50 nm) in the cold‐rolled quenched sheet can improve the mechanical properties of the hot‐stamped steel.
Surgical correction of left auricular aneurysm herniation through a pericardial defect in a dog with atrial fibrillation and mitral valve disease
Authors: Freire Mila , Conversy Bérénice , De Lasalle Julie , Fontaine Pascal , Rousseau‐Blass Frédérik , Pang Daniel S. J.
Published: June 2022

Pericardial defect is a rare condition, with risk of cardiac chamber strangulation or incarceration. Surgical correction is recommended when clinical signs are unmanageable and to decrease the risk of thromboemboli. A 15‐year‐old, 4.1‐kg, spayed female Shih Tzu dog presented to the hospital with a 6‐month history of weakness and syncope episodes. The dog had been diagnosed with degenerative mitral valve disease 9 years earlier. Thoracic radiographs, echocardiography and computed tomography indicated a left auricular herniation through a pericardial defect. Clinical signs were temporarily controlled with pimobendan, benazepril and clopidogrel, until the syncope episodes returned along with atrial fibrillation (unresponsive to oral digoxin). Surgical correction (auriculectomy and partial pericardiectomy) was performed via thoracotomy. Atrial fibrillation reverted to normal sinus rhythm following surgery and recovery was uneventful. The patient survived, arrhythmia‐free, for 25 months postoperatively. Syncope episodes never resolved.
Spontaneous haemoabdomen due to a ruptured primary splenic mast cell tumour in a dog
Authors: Alves‐Nores Victor , Naranjo Carolina , Fernández Yordan
Published: June 2022

A 14‐year‐old, female, spayed warren hound presented with an acute history of collapse, pale mucous membranes and abdominal distension. Abdominal ultrasound and abdominocentesis revealed a haemoabdomen secondary to a ruptured splenic mass. The dog underwent an emergency splenectomy and splenic histopathology, including toluidine blue staining, was consistent with a mast cell tumour. The dog was diagnosed with a primary splenic mast cell tumour based on the absence of a primary mast cell tumour in another location at the time of presentation or in a review of the dog's medical record. Following surgery, staging identified hepatic infiltration, and adjuvant chemotherapy with vinblastine and prednisolone was started. The dog was euthanased 97 days after surgery due to progressive disease and recurrence of the haemoabdomen. Visceral mast cell tumours should be considered as an uncommon differential diagnosis in dogs presenting with haemoabdomen due to a ruptured splenic mass.
Intelligent design of polymersomes for antibacterial and anticancer applications
Authors: Wang Tao , Qin Jinlong , Cheng Jiajing , Li Chang , Du Jianzhong
Published: June 2022

Polymersomes (or polymer vesicles) have attracted much attention for biomedical applications in recent years because their lumen can be used for drug delivery and their coronas and membrane can be modified with a variety of functional groups. Thus, polymersomes are very suitable for improved antibacterial and anticancer therapy. This review mainly highlighted recent advances in the synthetic protocols and design principles of intelligent antibacterial and anticancer polymersomes. Antibacterial polymersomes are divided into three categories: polymersomes as antibiotic nanocarriers, intrinsically antibacterial polymersomes, and antibacterial polymersomes with supplementary means including photothermal and photodynamic therapy. Similarly, the anticancer polymersomes are divided into two categories: polymersomes‐based delivery systems and anticancer polymersomes with supplementary means. In addition, the bilateral relationship between bacteria and cancer is addressed, since more and more evidences show that bacteria may cause cancer or promote cancer progression. Finally, prospective on next‐generation antibacterial and anticancer polymersomes are discussed.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease

Biology‐Inspired Nanomaterials > Lipid‐Based Structures
Marsh bird response to restored shallow lakes: Implications for future management
Authors: Vanausdall Rachel A. , Harms Tyler M. , Dinsmore Stephen J.
Published: June 2022

The restoration of shallow lakes has the potential to provide habitat for obligate breeding marsh birds, including secretive marsh birds. However, the degree of marsh bird response to wetland restoration may vary over time as prairie wetlands are subject to variation in water depth and vegetation characteristics (e.g., height, density, distribution) because of management and biotic and abiotic factors. We investigated the effects of shallow lake restoration age and habitat covariates on the abundance of 3 secretive marsh bird species and marsh bird species richness at shallow lakes in northern Iowa from 2009–2010 and again from 2016–2017. We found that the interspersion of water and emergent vegetation, shallow lake area, and water depth influenced the abundance of pied‐billed grebes (Podilymbus podiceps). Restoration age (β = −0.52, 95% CI = −0.87, −0.18) had a quadratic effect on abundance of pied‐billed grebes, peaking at 6 years post‐restoration. Percent cattail (β = 1.95, 95% CI = 0.55, 3.35) and restoration age (β = 0.51, 95% CI = 0.14, 0.87) were important predictors for Virginia rail (Rallus limicola) abundance. Species richness was greater at restored shallow lakes ( = 2.72, 95% CI = 2.23, 3.23) compared to non‐restored shallow lakes ( = 3.91, 95% CI = 3.41, 4.56) and at shallow lakes with a greater percentage of cattail ( = 2.54, 95% CI = 2.13, 3.07 at 0% cattail to  = 4.27, 95% CI = 3.47, 5.15 at 100% cattail). Restoration age did not significantly influence least bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) abundance or species richness, but both variables tended to peak between 5 to 8 years after restoration. Our findings illustrate the need to evaluate habitat characteristics of individual shallow lake restorations as they age to inform continued management efforts for breeding marsh birds.
Use of cellular‐linked cameras to monitor live‐trapping of wildlife
Authors: Keiter David A. , Stoddart Tiffany R. , Jackson DeWaine H.
Published: June 2022

Maintaining a restrained animal's safety is imperative when live‐trapping wildlife for research or management purposes. Trap monitor systems, which allow remote checking of traps, can reduce the amount of time animals are restrained and lower the risk of negative health effects. Although a number of trap monitor systems have been developed, no prior study has evaluated the use of commercially‐available, cellular network‐linked cameras (hereafter, cellular cameras) for remote trap monitoring. We used cellular cameras to monitor Columbian black‐tailed deer (Odocoileus hemionus columbianus) capture efforts in southern Oregon, USA, to determine whether they acted as an effective trap monitor system. Using cellular cameras, we monitored 40 live‐traps in 12 locations for 523 camera‐days in 2020. We estimated a >7 hr reduction in response time to captured deer when monitoring live‐traps via cellular cameras as compared to daily, visual trap checks. Additionally, we noted occasional camera failures caused by drained batteries, inconsistent cellular signal, and photo‐processing issues and provide recommendations for avoiding or remediating these problems. Data gathered from cellular cameras also helped inform other animal welfare considerations and guide refinement of trapping efforts. We provide discussion of the benefits and limitations of cellular cameras as a trap monitor system. Overall, we suggest that cellular cameras are a promising tool for monitoring live‐trapping efforts and improving trapping programs but require a robust failsafe mechanism be in place to guarantee animal safety.
Toward an Agile Product Management: What Do Product Managers Do in Agile Companies?
Authors: Tkalich Anastasiia , Ulfsnes Rasmus , Moe Nils Brede
Published: June 2022

The product manager (PM) role is well established in leading technological companies, such as Google, Amazon, Microsoft, and Facebook. PMs are responsible for integrating technical, design, and business perspectives when developing software products and product portfolios. In agile methods (e.g., Scrum), similar responsibilities are linked to the Product Owner (PO) role. In contrast, in large-scale agile, one can find both Product Owners and product managers who sometimes compete. Despite the widespread adoption of the product manager role, the attention toward it in the agile academic community has been surprisingly limited. In this multiple case study, we analyzed 17 interviews with 11 product managers from four agile companies. We found that the PMs facilitated continuous product experimentation and innovation, supported the product teams, and engaged in additional activities to achieve optimal product development. Our summary of the product management activities can guide product managers working in agile companies.
Agile Data Management in NAV: A Case Study
Authors: Vestues Kathrine , Hanssen Geir Kjetil , Mikalsen Marius , Buan Thor Aleksander , Conboy Kieran
Published: June 2022

To satisfy the need for analytical data in the development of digital services, many organizations use data warehouse, and, more recently, data lake architectures. These architectures have traditionally been accompanied by centralized organizational models, where a single team or department has been responsible for gathering, transforming, and giving access to analytical data. However, such centralized models presuppose stability and are incompatible with agile software development where applications and databases are continuously updated. To achieve more agile forms of data management, some organizations have therefore begun to experiment with distributed data management models such as “data meshes”. Research on this topic is however limited. In this paper, we report findings from a case study of a public sector organization in Norway that has begun the transition from centralized to distributed data management, outlining both the benefits and challenges of a distributed approach.
Building a Toolbox for Working with Psychological Safety in Agile Software Teams
Authors: Christensen Mikkel Agerlin , Tell Paolo
Published: June 2022

This paper presents the design of eight tools for working with psychological safety in agile software teams, which were designed in collaboration with industry practitioners using design science. The tools were adopted over a two-week period by four Danish industry software teams and evaluated through team interviews and surveys. Results show that the designed tools can be successfully adopted and integrated in the practices of a software team. Participating teams found the tool format valuable, as it allowed them (i) to engage in discussions they were not always capable of having, (ii) to find the right shared vocabulary to frame these discussions, and (iii) to provide them with needed prompts to let such discussion surface. Finally, teams unanimously reported interest in the continued use of the designed tools.
Multi-stakeholder Approach to Conserving Agricultural Biodiversity and Enhancing Food Security and Community Health During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Kampong Cham, Cambodia
Authors: Sakkhamduang Jeeranuch , Arimitsu Mari , Mihara Machito
Published: June 2022

Agricultural biodiversity plays a vital role in enhancing food security and human health. Sustainable agriculture practices that conserve soil and water can result in good environmental and human health. In view of this, a project on capacity-building for sustainable agricultural practices targeting extension officers was implemented between September 2017 and February 2021 in Kampong Cham Province, Cambodia, by the Institute of Environmental Rehabilitation and Conservation (ERECON), Japan. The project involved government agencies, educational institutes, NGOs, and farmers, and employed a multi-stakeholder approach to promote sustainable farming practices among local farmers and enable conditions for the sale of agricultural products with low chemical inputs, especially in a province where agrochemical application is prevalent. A questionnaire survey, key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and observations from farmers were used for programme monitoring. Farmers reported that soil quality was improved after applying compost, and more beneficial insects were found after integrated pest management techniques were applied. The amount of agrochemicals applied to farmlands decreased compared to usage before the project start, implying that the project was successful in promoting sustainable agriculture in the province. During the COVID-19 pandemic, communities in the project areas are struggling to cope with food and health insecurity. The intervention has helped communities become more resilient during this hard time. After 3 years, many of the approximate 1500 farmers involved in the project are applying organic fertilisers and enhancing agricultural biodiversity in their farmlands. This case is a grassroots-level activity, but the concept of multi-stakeholder activities for agricultural biodiversity conservation can be replicated in other areas of Cambodia for achieving the sustainable development goals.
Community “Bio-Rights” in Augmenting Health and Climate Resilience of a Socio-Ecological Production Landscape in Peri-urban Ramsar Wetlands
Authors: Dey Dipayan , Amerasinghe Priyani H.
Published: June 2022

In the climate milieu, peri-urban wetlands are facing the serious threats of habitat destruction, biodiversity loss, and deteriorating ecosystem services owing to anthropogenic pressure and rapidly changing microclimates. Although some of these wetlands are unique socio-ecological production landscapes and seascapes (SEPLS) that ensure the food, water, and livelihood security of urban poor, they remain excluded from mainstream conservation. Ecosystem-based adaptive conservation and wise use by communities are sustainable solutions to protect these SEPLS, wherein the opportunity costs of wetland conservation to the ultra-poor are compensated with payments for ecosystem services. This chapter documents the success of a rights-based, neo-economic conservation model, entitled “‘Bio-rights of commons”, in two such peri-urban Ramsar wetlands, the East Kolkata Wetlands (EKW) and the Deepor Beel Wetland (DBW), both on the brink of extinction. The bio-rights model was developed by the South Asian Forum for Environment (SAFE) under the aegis of the Ramsar Secretariat in 2010 and implemented in the East Kolkata Ramsar wetlands. Perusal of results revealed that in both SEPLS, a rights-based conservation approach could ensure livelihood security as well as health and well-being during post-pandemic stress. A circular economic intervention was enabled at the community-ecosystem interface, through capacity-building in wastewater-fed captive fisheries, ecotourism in wetlands, and organic waste recycling as alternative livelihood opportunities. This compensated for the opportunity costs incurred by the wetland communities in conserving the SEPLS and also ensured community “bio-rights” to the wetlands’ ecosystem services. While these efforts steadied biodiversity indices and waterbody permanence of these Ramsar wetlands, they also provided fresh air for the pollution-wracked cities of Kolkata and Guwahati during the COVID-19 pandemic, and augmented economic opportunities in fisheries for landless casual labourers migrating back home during the countrywide lockdown. The intervention recommended an operational guideline for policy frameworks in sustainably conserving these wetland SEPLS for enriching biodiversity, human health, and well-being.
Mixed QCD-electroweak corrections to dilepton production at the LHC in the high invariant mass region
Authors: Buccioni Federico , Caola Fabrizio , Chawdhry Herschel A. , Devoto Federica , Heller Matthias , von Manteuffel Andreas , Melnikov Kirill , Röntsch Raoul , Signorile-Signorile Chiara
Published: June 2022

Abstract

We compute mixed QCD-electroweak corrections to the neutral-current Drell-Yan production of a pair of massless leptons in the high invariant mass region. Our computation is fully differential with respect to the final state particles. At relatively low values of the dilepton invariant mass, mℓℓ ∼ 200 GeV, we find unexpectedly large mixed QCD-electroweak corrections at the level of −1%. At higher invariant masses, mℓℓ ∼ 1 TeV, we observe that these corrections can be well approximated by the product of QCD and electroweak corrections. Hence, thanks to the well-known Sudakov enhancement of the latter, they increase at large invariant mass and reach e.g. −3% at mℓℓ = 3 TeV. Finally, we note that the inclusion of mixed corrections reduces the theoretical uncertainty related to the choice of electroweak input parameters to below the percent level.
Identifying a minimal flavor symmetry of the seesaw mechanism behind neutrino oscillations
Authors: Xing Zhi-zhong
Published: June 2022

Abstract

In the canonical seesaw framework flavor mixing and CP violation in weak charged-current interactions of light and heavy Majorana neutrinos are correlated with each other and described respectively by the 3 × 3 matrices U and R. We show that the very possibility of |Uμi| = |Uτi| (for i = 1, 2, 3), which is strongly indicated by current neutrino oscillation data, automatically leads to a novel prediction |Rμi| = |Rτi| (for i = 1, 2, 3). We prove that behind these two sets of equalities and the experimental evidence for leptonic CP violation lies a minimal flavor symmetry — the overall neutrino mass term keeps invariant when the left-handed neutrino fields transform as νeL→ (νeL)c, νμL→ (ντL)c, ντL→ (νμL)c and the right-handed neutrino fields undergo an arbitrary unitary CP transformation. Such a generalized μ-τ reflection symmetry may help constrain the flavor textures of active and sterile neutrinos to some extent in the seesaw mechanism.
Free fermions, KdV charges, generalised Gibbs ensembles and modular transforms
Authors: Downing Max , Watts Gérard M. T.
Published: June 2022

Abstract

In this paper we consider the modular properties of generalised Gibbs ensembles in the Ising model, realised as a theory of one free massless fermion. The Gibbs ensembles are given by adding chemical potentials to chiral charges corresponding to the KdV conserved quantities. (They can also be thought of as simple models for extended characters for the W-algebras). The eigenvalues and Gibbs ensembles for the charges can be easily calculated exactly using their expression as bilinears in the fermion fields. We re-derive the constant term in the charges, previously found by zeta-function regularisation, from modular properties. We expand the Gibbs ensembles as a power series in the chemical potentials and find the modular properties of the corresponding expectation values of polynomials of KdV charges. This leads us to an asymptotic expansion of the Gibbs ensemble calculated in the opposite channel. We obtain the same asymptotic expansion using Dijkgraaf’s results for chiral partition functions. By considering the corresponding TBA calculation, we are led to a conjecture for the exact closed-form expression of the GGE in the opposite channel. This has the form of a trace over multiple copies of the fermion Fock space. We give analytic and numerical evidence supporting our conjecture.
Irrupting prey populations in the absence of a mammalian apex predator drive shifts in prey selection by eagles
Authors: Brun Matthew , Oliver Amoi Stubbs , Alves Joel , Nankivell Alex , Letnic Mike
Published: June 2022

Removal of apex predators can have far-reaching effects on the organization and structure of ecosystems. This occurs because apex predators can exert strong suppressive effects on their prey and competitors and perturbation of these interactions can shift the balance of interactions between dyads of species at lower trophic levels and trigger trophic cascades. Dingoes (Canis dingo) are Australia’s largest mammalian carnivore. Because they are a pest to livestock producers, dingo populations are suppressed in many regions. Suppression of dingo populations has been linked to a suite of ecosystem changes due to ensuing population irruptions of their prey and competitors. Here, we investigate the impact that the suppression of dingoes has on the diet of wedge-tailed eagles (Aquila audax) in Australia’s Strzelecki Desert. Wedge-tailed eagles are generalist predators that readily shift their diet in relation to prey availability. We assessed the abundance of species frequently preyed on by eagles and quantified prey remains at eagle nests located on either side of a dingo-proof fence where dingoes were common and rare, respectively. Wedge-tailed eagles consumed more species where dingoes were rare compared to where dingoes were common. Kangaroos (Macropodidae) and western bearded dragons (Pogona vitticeps) were more abundant and were consumed more frequently by eagles where dingoes were rare. Introduced European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) were the prey item most frequently identified at eagle nests. However, rabbits were more abundant and their remains were found at a higher proportion of nests where dingoes were common. Our results provide evidence that shifts in the composition of vertebrate assemblages associated with the presence/absence of dingoes, particularly the irruption of kangaroos, influence the diet of wedge-tailed eagles. More generally, by showing that the presence/absence of dingoes can influence the diet of wedge-tailed eagles, our study highlights how pervasive apex predators’ effects on ecosystems can be.
Generalized joint hypermobility does not influence 1-year patient satisfaction or functional outcome after ACL reconstruction
Authors: Sundemo David , Jacobsson Melker Svärd , Karlsson Jón , Samuelsson Kristian , Beischer Susanne , Thomeé Roland , Thomeé Christoffer , Senorski Eric Hamrin
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) influences postoperative results, including return to sport, patientreported outcomes, functional performance (hop tests), muscular strength, and the occurrence of ACL re-injury, in patients 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction.

Methods

Data was extracted from a regional rehabilitation-specific registry containing information on patients with ACL injury. Patients between the ages of 16–50 years previously undergoing ACL reconstruction with available 1 year follow-up data were eligible for inclusion. Generalized joint hypermobility was assessed using the Beighton score (BS). Patients were examined one year postoperatively in terms of return to sport, patient-reported outcome, hop tests, muscular strength and the occurrence of reinjury. For purpose of analysis, patients were allocated into two groups, depending on the existence of GJH. The KOOS subscale of sports and recreation was considered the primary outcome. Analyses were performed both dichotomously and by using adjusted logistic regression, to consider potential confounders.

Results

A total of 356 patients (41% males) were included, of which 76 (24% male) were categorized as having GJH. Patients with GJH had an inferior limb symmetry index preoperatively in terms of knee extension (mean 81.6 [SD 16.4] vs. 91.4 [SD 15.9], p = 0.02) and flexion strength (mean 91.9 vs. 99.1, p = 0.047) compared to patients without GJH. There was no difference between the groups in terms of the primary outcome, nor in any of the other postoperative outcomes. Nine patients (11.8%) in the group with GJH suffered ACL re-injury, compared with 13 patients (4.6%) in the control group (n.s.).

Conclusion

One year after ACL reconstruction the existence of GJH did not affect postoperative patient satisfaction, strength or functional outcome. No conclusive statements can be made regarding the influence of GJH on the risk of ACL re-injury in this particular study.

Level of evidence

Level II.
Complications and outcomes of tubeless versus nephrostomy tube in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials
Authors: Gauhar Vineet , Traxer Olivier , García Rojo Esther , Scarcella Simone , Pavia Maria Pia , Chan Vinson Wai-Shun , Pretore Eugenio , Wroclawski Marcelo Langer , Corrales Mariela , Tiong Ho Yee , Lim Ee Jean , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun , Heng Chin-Tiong , de la Rosette Jean , Somani Bhaskar Kuman , Castellani Daniele
Published: June 2022

We aimed to perform a systematic review of randomized trials to summarize the evidence on the safety and stone-free rate after Tubeless percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) (ureteral stent/catheter, no nephrostomy) compared to Standard PCNL (nephrostomy, with/without ureteral stent/catheter) to evaluate if the tubeless approach is better. The inverse variance of the mean difference with a random effect, 95% Confidence Interval (CI), and p values was used for continuous variables. Categorical variables were assessed using Cochran–Mantel–Haenszel method with the random effect model, and reported as Risk Ratio (RR), 95% CI, and p values. Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05 and a 95% CI. 26 studies were included. Mean operative time was significantly shorter in the Tubeless group (MD—5.18 min, 95% CI − 6.56, − 3.80, p < 0.00001). Mean postoperative length of stay was also significantly shorter in the Tubeless group (MD—1.10 day, 95% CI − 1.48, − 0.71, p < 0.00001). Incidence of blood transfusion, angioembolization for bleeding control, pain score at the first postoperative day, the number of patients requiring postoperative pain medication, fever, urinary infections, sepsis, perirenal fluid collection, pleural breach, hospital readmission, and SFR did not differ between the two groups. Incidence of postoperative urinary fistula was significantly lower in the Tubeless group (RR 0.18, 95% CI 0.07, 0.47, p = 0.0005). This systematic review shows that tubeless PCNL can be safely performed and the standout benefits are shorter operative time and hospital stay, and a lower rate of postoperative urinary fistula.
Controlling strokes in fast neural style transfer using content transforms
Authors: Reimann Max , Buchheim Benito , Semmo Amir , Döllner Jürgen , Trapp Matthias
Published: June 2022

Fast style transfer methods have recently gained popularity in art-related applications as they make a generalized real-time stylization of images practicable. However, they are mostly limited to one-shot stylizations concerning the interactive adjustment of style elements. In particular, the expressive control over stroke sizes or stroke orientations remains an open challenge. To this end, we propose a novel stroke-adjustable fast style transfer network that enables simultaneous control over the stroke size and intensity, and allows a wider range of expressive editing than current approaches by utilizing the scale-variance of convolutional neural networks. Furthermore, we introduce a network-agnostic approach for style-element editing by applying reversible input transformations that can adjust strokes in the stylized output. At this, stroke orientations can be adjusted, and warping-based effects can be applied to stylistic elements, such as swirls or waves. To demonstrate the real-world applicability of our approach, we present StyleTune, a mobile app for interactive editing of neural style transfers at multiple levels of control. Our app allows stroke adjustments on a global and local level. It furthermore implements an on-device patch-based upsampling step that enables users to achieve results with high output fidelity and resolutions of more than 20 megapixels. Our approach allows users to art-direct their creations and achieve results that are not possible with current style transfer applications.
Evaluation of exclusive enteral nutrition and corticosteroid induction treatment in new-onset moderate-to-severe luminal paediatric Crohn’s disease
Authors: Jongsma Maria M. E. , Vuijk Stephanie A. , Cozijnsen Martinus A. , van Pieterson Merel , Norbruis Obbe F. , Groeneweg Michael , Wolters Victorien M. , van Wering Herbert M. , Hojsak Iva , Kolho Kaija-Leena , van Wijk Michiel P. , Teklenburg-Roord Sarah T. A. , de Meij Tim G. J. , Escher Johanna C. , de Ridder Lissy
Published: June 2022

To induce remission in luminal paediatric Crohn’s disease (CD), the ESPGHAN/ECCO guideline recommends treatment with exclusive enteral nutrition (EEN) or oral corticosteroids. In newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe paediatric CD patients, we determined the proportion of patients in which EEN or corticosteroids induced remission and maintained remission on azathioprine monotherapy. We included patients from the “TISKids” study assigned to the conventional treatment arm. Patients were aged 3–17 years and had new-onset, untreated luminal CD with weighted paediatric CD activity index (wPCDAI) > 40. Induction treatment consisted of EEN or oral corticosteroids; all received azathioprine maintenance treatment from start of treatment. The primary outcome of this study was endoscopic remission defined as a SES-CD score < 3 without treatment escalation at week 10. Secondary outcomes included proportion of patients without treatment escalation at week 52. In total, 27/47 patients received EEN and 20/47 corticosteroids. At baseline, patient demographics and several inflammation parameters were similar between the two treatment groups. At 10 weeks, clinical remission rates were 7/23 (30%) for EEN and 7/19 (37%) for corticosteroids (p = 0.661). Twenty-nine of 47 consented to endoscopy at 10 weeks, showing endoscopic remission rates without treatment escalation in 2/16 (13%) of EEN-treated patients and in 1/13 (8%) of corticosteroid-treated patients (p = 1.00). At week 52, 23/27 (85%) EEN-treated patients received treatment escalation (median 14 weeks) and 13/20 (65%) corticosteroid-treated patients (median 27 weeks), p = 0.070.

Conclusion: In children with moderate-to-severe newly diagnosed CD, induction treatment with EEN or CS regularly is insufficient to achieve endoscopic remission without treatment escalation at week 10. Trial registration number: NCT02517684

What is Known:• Endoscopic remission is associated with a low risk of disease progression.• FL-IFX was superior to conventional treatment in achieving and maintaining remission in paediatric patients with moderate-to-severe CD the first year from diagnosis.

What is New:• In children with newly diagnosed moderate-to-severe CD, clinical remission rates and endoscopic remission rates without treatment escalation at week 10 were 30% and 13% after EEN and 37% and 8% after corticosteroid induction treatment.• The current treatment target was often not achieved by either EEN or corticosteroid induction treatment after bridging to azathioprine.
Multisensory mental representation of objects in typical and Gifted Word Learner dogs
Authors: Dror Shany , Sommese Andrea , Miklósi Ádám , Temesi Andrea , Fugazza Claudia
Published: June 2022

Little research has been conducted on dogs’ (Canis familiaris) ability to integrate information obtained through different sensory modalities during object discrimination and recognition tasks. Such a process would indicate the formation of multisensory mental representations. In Experiment 1, we tested the ability of 3 Gifted Word Learner (GWL) dogs that can rapidly learn the verbal labels of toys, and 10 Typical (T) dogs to discriminate an object recently associated with a reward, from distractor objects, under light and dark conditions. While the success rate did not differ between the two groups and conditions, a detailed behavioral analysis showed that all dogs searched for longer and sniffed more in the dark. This suggests that, when possible, dogs relied mostly on vision, and switched to using only other sensory modalities, including olfaction, when searching in the dark. In Experiment 2, we investigated whether, for the GWL dogs (N = 4), hearing the object verbal labels activates a memory of a multisensory mental representation. We did so by testing their ability to recognize objects based on their names under dark and light conditions. Their success rate did not differ between the two conditions, whereas the dogs’ search behavior did, indicating a flexible use of different sensory modalities. Little is known about the cognitive mechanisms involved in the ability of GWL dogs to recognize labeled objects. These findings supply the first evidence that for GWL dogs, verbal labels evoke a multisensory mental representation of the objects.
SVR and ARIMA models as machine learning solutions for solving the latency problem in real-time clock corrections
Authors: Qafisheh Mutaz , Martín Angel , Capilla Raquel M. , Anquela Ana B.
Published: June 2022

Real-time precise point positioning (PPP) has become a prevalent technique in global navigation satellite systems (GNSS). However, GNSS real-time users must receive space state representation (SSR) products to correct for satellite clock, orbit, and phase biases. The International GNSS Service (IGS) provides GNSS users with real-time services (RTSs) through different real-time correction SSR products. These products arrive at the GNSS users with some latency, which affects the quality of real-time PPP positioning. The autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) and support vector regression (SVR) models are used in this research to predict those corrections to eliminate the latency effect. ARIMA model reduces the standard deviation by 28% and 13% for GPS and GLONASS constellations, respectively, compared to the real-time solution, which includes the latency effect, the research simulated the latency effect and named it a forced-latency solution, and the SVR model reduces the standard deviation by 28% and 23% for GPS and GLONASS constellations, respectively. The results for the permanent GNSS stations used in this study across different years 2013, 2014, 2015, 2019, and 2021 show a mean reduction in the 3D positioning standard deviation by 13% compared with the forced-latency solution for the ARIMA solution and 9% for the SVR solution. The potential of both models to overcome the latency effect is apparent based on the findings.
Associations of Social Network- and Individual-Level Factors with HIV Testing, Condom Use, and Interest in PrEP Among Young Black Women
Authors: Craddock Jaih B. , Franke Nancy D. , Kingori Caroline
Published: June 2022

To achieve the 2030 goal of ending the HIV epidemic, we must consider social network- along with individual-level factors related to HIV prevention among young Black women (YBW). This cross-sectional study examined egocentric social network- and individual-level data of 180 YBW aged 18–24. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to study social network characteristics and individual sexual behaviors related to HIV prevention behaviors (e.g., HIV testing, condom use, and interest in preexposure prophylaxis, or PrEP). On average, YBW nominated 11 social network members (SNMs; seven friends, two family members, and one sex partner). About 92% of YBW spoke to at least one SNM about condom use and 58% spoke to at least one SNM about HIV testing. Respondents who spoke to a sex partner about condom use had 70% lower odds of being interested in PrEP, but 2.99 times the odds of reporting condom use during last sex. Odds of being tested for HIV in the prior 3 months were significantly increased by 3.97 times for those who spoke to at least one sex partner about HIV testing. However, odds of being interested in PrEP were significantly decreased by 63% for YBW who were tested for HIV in the prior 3 months. Findings underscore that understanding network- and individual-level factors is crucial in increasing HIV testing, condom use, and interest in PrEP among YBW.
Hospitalisation rate and mortality among people with and without diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic year 2020
Authors: Narres Maria , Claessen Heiner , Kvitkina Tatjana , Rosenbauer Joachim , Scheider Maria , Morbach Stephan , Icks Andrea
Published: June 2022

Most studies reported reduced health care use among people with diabetes during the COVID-19 pandemic. This may be due to restricted medical services or people avoiding health care services because they fear being infected with COVID-19 in health care facilities. The aim of our study was to analyse hospitalisation and mortality in people with and without diabetes in Germany during the COVID-19 pandemic year 2020 compared to 2017–2019. The data were sourced from a German statutory health insurance company covering 3.2 million people. We estimated age-sex standardised rates of mortality, all-cause hospitalisation, hospitalisation due to coronary heart disease (CHD), acute myocardial infarction (AMI), stroke, diabetic foot syndrome (DFS), and major and minor amputations in people with and without diabetes. We predicted rates for 2020 using Poisson regression based on results from 2017–2019 and compared these with the observed rates.In people with diabetes, the hospitalisation rate for major amputation was significantly increased, while all-cause hospitalisation rate and hospitalisation due to CHD, AMI and DFS were significantly decreased compared to the previous period. Moreover, we found a significantly increased mortality and hospitalisation rate for minor amputation in people without diabetes while all-cause hospitalisation and hospitalisation due to CHD and AMI was significantly lower during the COVID-19 pandemic year 2020.We observed changes in health care utilisation and outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to previous years in people with and without diabetes. Concerning diabetes care, the increase of hospitalisations due to amputation in people with diabetes with a simultaneous reduction in DFS needs special attention.
On the construction of Riemannian three-spaces with smooth inverse mean curvature foliation
Authors: Rácz István
Published: June 2022

Consider a one-parameter family of smooth Riemannian metrics on a two-sphere, $${\mathscr {S}}$$
S
. By choosing a one-parameter family of smooth lapse and shift, these Riemannian two-spheres can always be assembled into smooth Riemannian three-space, with metric $$h_{ij}$$

h

ij

on a three-manifold $$\Sigma $$
Σ
foliated by a one-parameter family of two-spheres $${\mathscr {S}}_\rho $$

S
ρ

. It is shown first that we can always choose the shift such that the $${\mathscr {S}}_\rho $$

S
ρ

surfaces form a smooth inverse mean curvature foliation of $$\Sigma $$
Σ
. An integrodifferential expression, referring only to the area of the level sets and the lapse function, is also derived that can be used to quantify the Geroch mass. If the constructed Riemannian three-space happens to be asymptotically flat and the $$\rho $$
ρ
-integral of the integrodifferential expression is non-negative, then not only the positive mass theorem but, if one of the $${\mathscr {S}}_{\rho }$$

S
ρ

level sets is a minimal surface, the Penrose inequality also holds. Notably, neither of the above results requires the scalar curvature of the constructed three-metric to be non-negative.