bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Abnormal Site Preference of Al and Ga in Gd3Al2.3Ga2.7O12:Ce Crystals
Authors: Li Mingqing , Meng Meng , Chen Jie , Sun Yiyang , Cheng Guofeng , Chen Lu , Zhao Shuwen , Wan Bo , Feng He , Ren Guohao , Ding Dongzhou
Published: May 2021

Large‐sized Gd3Al2.3Ga2.7O12:Ce single crystals are grown by the Czochralski method. The distribution of Al and Ga at octahedral (oct‐, 6‐oxygen‐coordinated) and tetrahedral (tet‐, 4‐oxygen‐coordinated) sites in the crystal is studied. Rietveld refinement is used to analyze the site occupation of Al and Ga. The results show that Ga ions with a larger radius than Al ions prefer to occupy the more compact tetrahedral sites. Density functional theory calculations show that the energy for a Ga ion at the tetrahedral site is lower than that at the octahedral site in the Gd3Al5O12 crystal, whereas the case for Al occupation in the Gd3Ga5O12 crystal is opposite. Slater rules are used to estimate the effective charge number of different ions, and the distribution of coordination ions around the octahedral and tetrahedral sites is analyzed. Then, the interaction between ions is simplified and the repulsive energy between Al/Ga and the coordination ions is calculated, which could provide reasonable understanding on the abnormal occupation. In addition, the occupation of Sc in Gd/Y garnet systems is also discussed using this method.
Unconventional Photon Blockade in Quantum‐Well Microcavities with Squeezed Light
Authors: Jabri Houcem , Eleuch Hichem
Published: May 2021

The single‐photon blockade effect arising in a cavity containing a quantum well and interacting with squeezed light, resulting from a down‐conversion process through a nonlinear medium, is investigated. Optical parametric oscillator (OPO) materials with positive and negative second‐order susceptibilities are considered. By solving the master equation analytically in the weak‐driving limit and calculating the second‐order equal‐time correlation function, it is found that strong photon antibunching can be achieved in this system with weak excitonic nonlinearity or squeezed light via a destructive quantum interference mechanism. The optimal conditions for the photon blockade are derived analytically and discussed in details. Unlike the excitonic nonlinearity, a strong photon blockade occurs with the squeezed light at total or quasitotal resonance, even in the weak coupling regime, using an OPO material with negative second‐order nonlinear susceptibility. By acting on the driving coherent pump frequency, the control of the cavity output is achieved and the scheme can serve as a tunable single‐photon emission source.
Propensity score weighting for causal subgroup analysis
Authors: Yang Siyun , Lorenzi Elizabeth , Papadogeorgou Georgia , Wojdyla Daniel M. , Li Fan , Thomas Laine E.
Published: May 2021

A common goal in comparative effectiveness research is to estimate treatment effects on prespecified subpopulations of patients. Though widely used in medical research, causal inference methods for such subgroup analysis (SGA) remain underdeveloped, particularly in observational studies. In this article, we develop a suite of analytical methods and visualization tools for causal SGA. First, we introduce the estimand of subgroup weighted average treatment effect and provide the corresponding propensity score weighting estimator. We show that balancing covariates within a subgroup bounds the bias of the estimator of subgroup causal effects. Second, we propose to use the overlap weighting (OW) method to achieve exact balance within subgroups. We further propose a method that combines OW and LASSO, to balance the bias‐variance tradeoff in SGA. Finally, we design a new diagnostic graph—the Connect‐S plot—for visualizing the subgroup covariate balance. Extensive simulation studies are presented to compare the proposed method with several existing methods. We apply the proposed methods to the patient‐centered results for uterine fibroids (COMPARE‐UF) registry data to evaluate alternative management options for uterine fibroids for relief of symptoms and quality of life.
Ultrasensitive Molecule Detection Based on Infrared Metamaterial Absorber with Vertical Nanogap
Authors: Hwang Inyong , Kim Mingyun , Yu Jaeyeon , Lee Jihye , Choi Jun‐Hyuk , Park Su A. , Chang Won Seok , Lee Jongwon , Jung Joo‐Yun
Published: May 2021

Surface‐enhanced infrared absorption (SEIRA) spectroscopy is a powerful methodology for sensing and identifying small quantities of analyte molecules via coupling between molecular vibrations and an enhanced near‐field induced in engineered structures. A metamaterial absorber (MA) is proposed as an efficient SEIRA platform; however, its efficiency is limited because it requires the appropriate insulator thickness and has a limited accessible area for sensing. SEIRA spectroscopy is proposed using an MA with a 10 nm thick vertical nanogap, and a record‐high reflection difference SEIRA signal of 36% is experimentally achieved using a 1‐octadecanethiol monolayer target molecule. Theoretical and experimental comparative studies are conducted using MAs with three different vertical nanogaps. The MAs with a vertical nanogap are processed using nanoimprint lithography and isotropic dry etching, which allow cost‐effective large‐area patterning and mass production. The proposed structure may provide promising routes for ultrasensitive sensing and detection applications.
Effect of Coal and Coke Ash on Blast Furnace Slag Properties: A Comparison Between Pulverized Coal, Charcoal, Fossil‐Based Coke, and Biocoke
Authors: Heikkilä Anne , Iljana Mikko , Heikkinen Eetu-Pekka , Koskela Aki , Fabritius Timo
Published: May 2021

Blast furnace (BF) is the most used equipment for production of iron in the world. It is charged mainly with metallurgical coke and ferrous materials. When descending inside the BF, iron‐bearing materials start reducing and melting with other burden materials. This melting leads to the formation of so‐called primary slags from which the final slag is formed as materials descend inside the furnace. Each charge material has a unique effect on the total composition of the BF slag. Herein, the parts of the slag, which originate from ash of metallurgical coke and pulverized coal, and changes in the final slag compositions and properties are focused on. The global trend is to decrease the use of fossil‐based carbon by replacing it with bio‐based coal. Ash from coke and pulverized coal eventually dissolve in the final slag, affecting its properties. The purpose herein is to evaluate how BF slag composition changes when fossil‐based coke is replaced with biocoke and pulverized coal is replaced with charcoal. Based on mass balance calculations, these replacements have both increasing and decreasing effects on solidus and liquidus temperatures, viscosity, and CaO/SiO2 and MgO/Al2O3 ratios depending on the used replacement materials.
Weak Electrostatic Interaction Enabled Highly Oriented Assembly of Gold Nanorods onto Ultrathin Flagella Bionanofibers
Authors: Qiu Penghe , Wang Lin , Li Yan , Mao Chuanbin
Published: May 2021

Biological substrates are generally considered unfavored for electrostatic uptake of nanoparticles due to their low surface charges. Herein, the electrostatic interaction between weakly charged ultrathin flagella bionanofibers and gold nanorods (AuNRs) is investigated. It is discovered that compared with the reported AuNRs assembly onto one‐dimensional (1D) templates of strong charges, the weak electrostatic interaction here can generate more ordered 1D AuNRs array. Under strong attraction force, AuNRs can bind firmly on templates by either narrow heads or long sidewalls, resulting in less ordered 1D structure. While under weak attraction force, AuNRs can be captured only if interacting with flagella using their long sidewalls to obtain accumulative strong enough force. Another discovery is that under weak AuNRs–flagella electrostatic attraction force, the relatively stronger AuNRs–AuNRs repulsion force plays a significant role in determining the interparticle gap and the single‐ or double‐string pattern of AuNRs on ultrathin flagella. Advantage is also taken of the bio‐origin of flagella by assembling AuNRs onto flagella that are still attached to living bacterium. Such a capability makes our approach highly feasible for potential device fabrication, as individual nanoarray is hard to manipulate, but would be greatly facilitated if it is associated with a micron‐sized base, like bacteria.
Shear force redistributions and resistance of slabs and wide beams
Authors: Cantone Raffaele , Fernández Ruiz Miguel , Muttoni Aurelio
Published: May 2021

Redistribution of shear forces in reinforced concrete members without shear reinforcement is a key aspect for the assessment of the shear capacity of wide beams and slabs. Such redistributions are due to the nonlinear response of reinforced concrete (both in bending and shear) and have the potential to significantly modify the internal forces during loading. This phenomenon allows in many cases, as for slabs linearly supported and subjected to concentrated forces, to increase the level of load even when some regions have already attained their local shear resistance. This work introduces the results of an experimental programme performed on three cantilever slabs subjected either to strip loads or to concentrated loads. Shear redistributions close to failure are investigated on the basis of refined measurements performed on the concrete surface and on the reinforcement bars. The results show the significance of several mechanical parameters, as well as how shear redistributions occur when some regions are in softening (post‐peak behavior) while others have still not attained their local shear resistance. On this basis, a comprehensive approach is presented for determining the redistributions of internal forces and to predict the shear capacity of reinforced concrete slabs subjected to concentrated loads near linear supports. The performance of such approach is eventually validated against test data and practical recommendations are proposed for design and assessment.
Ontogenetic Changes in Behavioral and Energetic Responses of Juvenile Atlantic Croaker to an Estuarine Salinity Gradient
Authors: Lankford Thomas E. , Targett Timothy E.
Published: May 2021

Larval Atlantic Croakers Micropogonias undulatus ingress into estuaries from offshore spawning sites during fall and winter. Larvae and early juveniles migrate up‐estuary to oligohaline nurseries where they reside for several months before emigrating seaward. We examined the ontogenetic changes in behavioral salinity preference and avoidance as potential contributors to these movement patterns along the estuarine salinity gradient. Four size‐classes (26–40, 41–55, 56–70, and 71–85 mm SL) were acclimated to 10‰ and 18°C and exposed to horizontal salinity gradients providing five discrete salinity choices: 2, 6, 10, 14, and 18‰. Behavioral salinity preference varied ontogenetically: 26–40‐mm juveniles avoided salinities ≤10‰ and preferred higher salinities, 41–55‐mm juveniles showed a shift toward lower salinities, and 56–70‐mm fish continued this trend by preferring 2‰ and avoiding 18‰. The largest fish tested (71–85 mm) showed no significant preference or avoidance behavior, although they tended to avoid the low and prefer the high salinities that were tested. The preference for higher salinities among early (26–40 mm) juveniles may facilitate orientation in higher‐salinity bottom waters by assisting up‐estuary immigration to oligohaline nurseries via the residual bottom‐layer inflow. The preference for low salinity of 56–70‐mm juveniles is consistent with their residence in oligohaline areas. We also conducted feeding and growth experiments, at 18°C, on 30–40‐mm and 75–85‐mm fish, corresponding to the smallest and largest fish in the salinity preference trials. Smaller juveniles showed no significant energetic advantage in oligohaline versus mesohaline conditions. However, larger juveniles grew significantly faster at 18‰ than at 2‰, indicating that down‐estuary movement during summer and fall improves growth capacity later in the nursery season. The increased precipitation and river discharge that is predicted from climate change and its associated stronger net up‐estuary flow of saline bottom waters may facilitate the up‐estuary immigration of early juvenile Atlantic Croakers through their attraction to higher salinity, as is demonstrated by the present work.
Effects of Temperature Fluctuation on Burbot Embryos: Implications of Hydropower and Climate Change
Authors: Ashton Neil K. , Ross Tyler J. , Hardy Ryan S. , Stephenson Sarah M. , Evans Valerie , Jensen Nathan R. , Young Shawn P. , Cain Kenneth D.
Published: May 2021

Populations of Burbot Lota lota across the Holarctic ecozone are facing imperilment from environmental warming, particularly in ecosystems impacted by hydropower and climate change. We conducted a series of laboratory experiments to evaluate the tolerance of Burbot embryos to various thermal regimes. Both cyclical and constant warming between 4.0°C and 5.5°C during the initial 25 degree‐days of embryo development led to significant deformity and mortality of protolarvae, with faster rates of temperature increase (i.e., 0.4°C/d) causing greater harm than gradual rates of warming. Random family effects interacted with incubation temperature of embryos to account for significant variability in deformity and survival of protolarvae. These findings have management implications for identifying and/or augmenting the thermal fitness of populations in modified ecosystems, particularly in Burbot populations where aquaculture production supports abundance. A model of hatching time based on degree‐days of embryo development was also developed to improve predictions of natural emergence, peak larvae abundance, and optimal timing for larvae stocking. It is recommended that hydropower operations avoid thermopeaking during winter spawning of Burbot, especially if reservoir discharges exceed 4°C. Maintaining water temperatures below 3°C for at least the first 2 weeks of embryogenesis is critical for Burbot reproduction and underscores the importance of ice‐covered spawning habitats. Global climate trends are expected to exacerbate warming in rivers, and many challenges lie ahead for conservation efforts seeking to mitigate the risks of Burbot extirpation.
Spatial distribution of sulfur accumulation in urban dust and its societal implications in Al Hashemiya, Jordan
Authors: Mashal Kholoud , Ali Yahya , Al‐Qinna Mohammed , Salahat Mohammed , Al‐Degs Yahya S.
Published: May 2021

The importance of this study stems from incorporating social aspects with environmental indicators. A field survey was conducted using a multistage representative sample of 120 households, in addition to 43 dust samples. The results revealed a consensus of local residents who believe that the petroleum refinery, thermal plant, and wastewater treatment plant are harming their environment and causing negative health impacts. Moreover, more than 70% of residents believe that the Al‐Samra plant in addition 50% of residents believe that the thermal plant has negative impact on families’ health. The generated Krig map indicates the nonisotropic spatial distribution behavior of sulfur and contains high sulfate values (above 500 mg/kg) close to the petroleum refinery. The results demonstrate the importance of implementing more environment friendly systems to minimize the tremendous impact of local heavy industries on local communities and the natural environment.
A feasibility trial of gamma sensory flicker for patients with prodromal Alzheimer's disease
Authors: He Qiliang , Colon‐Motas Kay M. , Pybus Alyssa F. , Piendel Lydia , Seppa Jonna K. , Walker Margaret L. , Manzanares Cecelia M. , Qiu Deqiang , Miocinovic Svjetlana , Wood Levi B. , Levey Allan I. , Lah James J. , Singer Annabelle C.
Published: May 2021

Introduction

We and collaborators discovered that flickering lights and sound at gamma frequency (40 Hz) reduce Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology and alter immune cells and signaling in mice. To determine the feasibility of this intervention in humans we tested the safety, tolerability, and daily adherence to extended audiovisual gamma flicker stimulation.

Methods

Ten patients with mild cognitive impairment due to underlying AD received 1‐hour daily gamma flicker using audiovisual stimulation for 4 or 8 weeks at home with a delayed start design.

Results

Gamma flicker was safe, tolerable, and adherable. Participants’ neural activity entrained to stimulation. Magnetic resonance imaging and cerebral spinal fluid proteomics show preliminary evidence that prolonged flicker affects neural networks and immune factors in the nervous system.

Discussion

These findings show that prolonged gamma sensory flicker is safe, tolerable, and feasible with preliminary indications of immune and network effects, supporting further study of gamma stimulation in AD.
The electro-weak phase transition at colliders: confronting theoretical uncertainties and complementary channels
Authors: Papaefstathiou Andreas , White Graham
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We explore and contrast the capabilities of future colliders to probe the nature of the electro-weak phase transition. We focus on the real singlet scalar field extension of the Standard Model, representing the most minimal, yet most elusive, framework that can enable a strong first-order electro-weak phase transition. By taking into account the theoretical uncertainties and employing the powerful complementarity between gauge and Higgs boson pair channels in the searches for new scalar particles, we find that a 100 TeV proton collider has the potential to confirm or falsify a strong first-order transition. Our results hint towards this occurring relatively early in its lifetime. Furthermore, by extrapolating down to 27 TeV, we find that a lower-energy collider may also probe a large fraction of the parameter space, if not all. Such early discoveries would allow for precise measurements of the new phenomena to be obtained at future colliders and would pave the way to definitively verify whether this is indeed the physical remnant of a scalar field that catalyses a strong first-order transition.
Holographic Coulomb branch solitons, quasinormal modes, and black holes
Authors: Kumar S. Prem , O’Bannon Andy , Pribytok Anton , Rodgers Ronnie
Published: May 2021

Abstract

Four-dimensional $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 supersymmetric Yang-Mills theory, at a point on the Coulomb branch where SU(N) gauge symmetry is spontaneously broken to SU(N − 1) × U(1), admits BPS solitons describing a spherical shell of electric and/or magnetic charges enclosing a region of unbroken gauge symmetry. These solitons have been proposed as gauge theory models for certain features of asymptotically flat extremal black holes. In the ’t Hooft large N limit with large ’t Hooft coupling, these solitons are holographically dual to certain probe D3-branes in the AdS5 × S5 solution of type IIB supergravity. By studying linearised perturbations of these D3-branes, we show that the solitons support quasinormal modes with a spectrum of frequencies sharing both qualitative and quantitative features with asymptotically flat extremal black holes.
Stochastic computation of g − 2 in QED
Authors: Kitano Ryuichiro , Takaura Hiromasa , Hashimoto Shoji
Published: May 2021

Abstract

We perform a numerical computation of the anomalous magnetic moment (g − 2) of the electron in QED by using the stochastic perturbation theory. Formulating QED on the lattice, we develop a method to calculate the coefficients of the perturbative series of g − 2 without the use of the Feynman diagrams. We demonstrate the feasibility of the method by performing a computation up to the α3 order and compare with the known results. This program provides us with a totally independent check of the results obtained by the Feynman diagrams and will be useful for the estimations of not-yet-calculated higher order values. This work provides an example of the application of the numerical stochastic perturbation theory to physical quantities, for which the external states have to be taken on-shell.
On a stochastic order induced by an extension of Panjer’s family of discrete distributions
Authors: Beknazaryan Aleksandr , Adamic Peter
Published: May 2021

We factorize probability mass functions of discrete distributions belonging to Panjer’s family and to its certain extensions to define a stochastic order on the space of distributions supported on $${\mathbb {N}}_0$$

N
0

. Main properties of this order are presented. Comparison of some well-known distributions with respect to this order allows to generate new families of distributions that satisfy various recurrrence relations. The recursion formula for the probabilities of corresponding compound distributions for one such family is derived. Applications to various domains of reliability theory are provided.
Correction to: Intensification of agriculture in southwestern Germany between the Bronze Age and Medieval period, based on archaeobotanical data from Baden-Württemberg
Authors: Tserendorj Gegeensuvd , Marinova Elena , Lechterbeck Jutta , Behling Hermann , Wick Lucia , Fischer Elske , Sillmann Marion , Märkle Tanja , Rösch Manfred
Published: May 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00334-021-00835-0
Correlations between IL-6 serum level and olfactory dysfunction severity in COVID-19 patients: a preliminary study
Authors: Vaira Luigi Angelo , De Vito Andrea , Deiana Giovanna , Pes Chiara , Giovanditto Federica , Fiore Vito , Lechien Jerome R. , Le Bon Serge-Daniel , Saussez Sven , Madeddu Giordano , Babudieri Sergio , Pazzola Antonio , Bandiera Franco , Fois Alessandro Giuseppe , Piana Andrea Fausto , Hopkins Claire , De Riu Giacomo
Published: May 2021

Background

Interleukin 6 (IL-6) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is secreted by cells infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and it is widely recognized as a negative prognostic factor. The purpose of this study was to analyze the correlations between the olfactory scores determined by psychophysical tests and the serum levels of IL-6 in patients affected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)

Methods

Patients underwent psychophysical olfactory assessment with Connecticut Chemosensory Clinical Research Center test and IL-6 plasma level determination within 10 days of the clinical onset of COVID-19.

Results

Seventy-four COVID-19 patients were included in this study. COVID-19 staged as mild in 34 patients, moderate in 26 and severe in 14 cases. There were no significant differences in olfactory scores across the different COVID-19 severity groups. In the patient series, the median plasma level of IL-6 was 7.7 pg/mL (IQR 3.7–18.8). The concentration of IL-6 was found to be significantly correlated with the severity of COVID-19 with a directly proportional relationship. The correlation between IL-6 plasma concentrations and olfactory scores was weak (rs = 0.182) and not significant (p = 0.12).

Conclusions

In COVID-19 patients, psychophysical olfactory scores did not show significant correlations with the plasma levels of a well-recognized negative prognostic factor such as IL-6. This observation casts some shadows on the positive prognostic value of olfactory dysfunctions.
Missense variant in LOXHD1 is associated with canine nonsyndromic hearing loss
Authors: Hytönen Marjo K. , Niskanen Julia E. , Arumilli Meharji , Brookhart-Knox Casey A. , Donner Jonas , Lohi Hannes
Published: May 2021

Hearing loss is a common sensory deficit in both humans and dogs. In canines, the genetic basis is largely unknown, as genetic variants have only been identified for a syndromic form of hearing impairment. We observed a congenital or early-onset sensorineural hearing loss in a Rottweiler litter. Assuming an autosomal recessive inheritance, we used a combined approach of homozygosity mapping and genome sequencing to dissect the genetic background of the disorder. We identified a fully segregating missense variant in LOXHD1, a gene that is known to be essential for cochlear hair cell function and associated with nonsyndromic hearing loss in humans and mice. The canine LOXHD1 variant was specific to the Rottweiler breed in our study cohorts of pure-bred dogs. However, it also was present in some mixed-breed dogs, of which the majority showed Rottweiler ancestry. Low allele frequencies in these populations, 2.6% and 0.04%, indicate a rare variant. To summarize, our study describes the first genetic variant for canine nonsyndromic hearing loss, which is clinically and genetically similar to human LOXHD1-related hearing disorder, and therefore, provides a new large animal model for hearing loss. Equally important, the affected breed will benefit from a genetic test to eradicate this LOXHD1-related hearing disorder from the population.
Ectomycorrhiza resilience and recovery to extreme flood events in Tuber aestivum and Quercus robur
Authors: Thomas P. W.
Published: May 2021

Very little is known about the impact of flooding and ground saturation on ectomycorrhizal fungi (EcM) and increasing flood events are expected with predicted climate change. To explore this, seedlings inoculated with the EcM species Tuber aestivum were exposed to a range of flood durations. Oak seedlings inoculated with T. aestivum were submerged for between 7 and 65 days. After a minimum of 114-day recovery, seedling growth measurements were recorded, and root systems were destructively sampled to measure the number of existing mycorrhizae in different zones. Number of mycorrhizae did not display correlation with seedling growth measurements. Seven days of submersion resulted in a significant reduction in mycorrhizae numbers and numbers reduced most drastically in the upper zones. Increases in duration of submersion further impacted mycorrhizae numbers in the lowest soil zone only. T. aestivum mycorrhizae can survive flood durations of at least 65 days. After flooding, mycorrhizae occur in higher numbers in the lowest soil zone, suggesting a mix of resilience and recovery. The results will aid in furthering our understanding of EcM but also may aid in conservation initiatives as well as providing insight for those whose livelihoods revolve around the collection of EcM fruiting bodies or cropping of the plant partners.
The Turbulent Flow over the BARC Rectangular Cylinder: A DNS Study
Authors: Chiarini Alessandro , Quadrio Maurizio
Published: May 2021

A direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the incompressible flow around a rectangular cylinder with chord-to-thickness ratio 5:1 (also known as the BARC benchmark) is presented. The work replicates the first DNS of this kind recently presented by Cimarelli et al. (J Wind Eng Ind Aerodyn 174:39–495, 2018), and intends to contribute to a solid numerical benchmark, albeit at a relatively low value of the Reynolds number. The study differentiates from previous work by using an in-house finite-differences solver instead of the finite-volumes toolbox OpenFOAM, and by employing finer spatial discretization and longer temporal average. The main features of the flow are described, and quantitative differences with the existing results are highlighted. The complete set of terms appearing in the budget equation for the components of the Reynolds stress tensor is provided for the first time. The different regions of the flow where production, redistribution and dissipation of each component take place are identified, and the anisotropic and inhomogeneous nature of the flow is discussed. Such information is valuable for the verification and fine-tuning of turbulence models in this complex separating and reattaching flow.
The role of infiltrating lymphocytes in the neo-adjuvant treatment of women with HER2-positive breast cancer
Authors: Eustace A. J. , Madden S. F. , Fay J. , Collins D. M. , Kay E. W. , Sheehan K. M. , Furney S. , Moran B. , Fagan A. , Morris P. G. , Teiserskiene A. , Hill A. D. , Grogan L. , Walshe J. M. , Breathnach O. , Power C. , Duke D. , Egan K. , Gallagher W. M. , O’Donovan N. , Crown J. , Toomey S. , Hennessy B. T.
Published: May 2021

Background

Pre-treatment tumour-associated lymphocytes (TILs) and stromal lymphocytes (SLs) are independent predictive markers of future pathological complete response (pCR) in HER2-positive breast cancer. Whilst studies have correlated baseline lymphocyte levels with subsequent pCR, few have studied the impact of neoadjuvant therapy on the immune environment.

Methods

We performed TIL analysis and T-cell analysis by IHC on the pretreatment and ‘On-treatment’ samples from patients recruited on the Phase-II TCHL (NCT01485926) clinical trial. Data were analysed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test and the Spearman rank correlation.

Results

In our sample cohort (n = 66), patients who achieved a pCR at surgery, post-chemotherapy, had significantly higher counts of TILs (p = 0.05) but not SLs (p = 0.08) in their pre-treatment tumour samples. Patients who achieved a subsequent pCR after completing neo-adjuvant chemotherapy had significantly higher SLs (p = 9.09 × 10–3) but not TILs (p = 0.1) in their ‘On-treatment’ tumour biopsies. In a small cohort of samples (n = 16), infiltrating lymphocyte counts increased after 1 cycle of neo-adjuvant chemotherapy only in those tumours of patients who did not achieve a subsequent pCR. Finally, reduced CD3 + (p = 0.04, rho = 0.60) and CD4 + (p = 0.01, rho = 0.72) T-cell counts in 'On-treatment' biopsies were associated with decreased residual tumour content post-1 cycle of treatment; the latter being significantly associated with increased likelihood of subsequent pCR (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The immune system may be ‘primed’ prior to neoadjuvant treatment in those patients who subsequently achieve a pCR. In those patients who achieve a pCR, their immune response may return to baseline after only 1 cycle of treatment. However, in those who did not achieve a pCR, neo-adjuvant treatment may stimulate lymphocyte influx into the tumour.
How to Believe Long Conjunctions of Beliefs: Probability, Quasi-Dogmatism and Contextualism
Authors: Bonzio Stefano , Cevolani Gustavo , Flaminio Tommaso
Published: May 2021

According to the so-called Lockean thesis, a rational agent believes a proposition just in case its probability is sufficiently high, i.e., greater than some suitably fixed threshold. The Preface paradox is usually taken to show that the Lockean thesis is untenable, if one also assumes that rational agents should believe the conjunction of their own beliefs: high probability and rational belief are in a sense incompatible. In this paper, we show that this is not the case in general. More precisely, we consider two methods of computing how probable must each of a series of propositions be in order to rationally believe their conjunction under the Lockean thesis. The price one has to pay for the proposed solutions to the paradox is what we call “quasi-dogmatism”: the view that a rational agent should believe only those propositions which are “nearly certain” in a suitably defined sense.
The trauma of no-choice: Wild food ethnobotany in Yaghnobi and Tajik villages, Varzob Valley, Tajikistan
Authors: Sõukand Renata , Prakofjewa Julia , Pieroni Andrea
Published: May 2021

Due to global change and the migration crisis both needing rapid attention, there has been growing debate about the drivers of change in the diet of migrants. Our study aimed to evaluate the consequences of forced resettlement on local ecological knowledge related to wild food plants among forcefully resettled Yaghnobi people in Tajikistan. We conducted 49 semi-structured in-depth interviews and recorded 27 wild food taxa and five unidentified folk taxa used by Yaghnobis and Tajiks in the villages surrounding Yaghnob Valley (including families ressetteled from Yaghnob Valley) in central Tajikitsan. The comparision between the two considered groups showed a high level of Tajikisation among Yaghnobis, both those who live alongside Tajiks as well as those living separately. The few families that still have distinct Yaghnobi plant uses are the ones which were given the opportunity to choose the spot in which to relocate and still visit the Yaghnob Valley regularly. On the basis of our study, we suggest that affording a choice of where to relocate is better than no choice, as the loss of motivation also affects the use of wild food plants. Given the pressure of the possible relocation of many groups of people in the light of global change, we suggest focusing efforts on studying similar cases in order to minimize the damage caused to people by relocation. The trauma of forced relocation, even just a few kilometers away, directly or indirectly affects wild food plant use and with this the food security of the community.
Distribution of diandric and digynic triploidy depending on gestational age
Authors: Massalska Diana , Ozdarska Katarzyna , Roszkowski Tomasz , Bijok Julia , Kucińska-Chahwan Anna , Panek Grzegorz Mieczysław , Zimowski Janusz Grzegorz
Published: May 2021

Purpose

To establish the distribution of diandric and digynic triploidy depending on gestational age.

Methods

107 triploid samples tested prospectively in a single genetic department during a four-year period were analyzed for parental origin of triploidy by Quantitative Fluorescent Polymerase Chain Reaction (QF-PCR) (n=95) with the use of matching parental samples or by MS-MLPA (n=12), when parental samples were unavailable. Tested pregnancies were divided into three subgroups with regard to the gestational age at spontaneous pregnancy loss: <11 gestational weeks, 11–14 gestational weeks, and >14 gestational weeks.

Results

Diandric triploidy constituted overall 44.9% (46.5% in samples miscarried <11 gestational weeks, 64.3% in samples miscarried between 11 and 14 gestational weeks, and 27.8% in pregnancies which survived >14 gestational weeks).

Conclusions

The distribution of diandric and digynic triploidy depends on gestational age. The majority of diandric triploid pregnancies is lost in the first trimester of pregnancy. In the second trimester, diandric cases are at least twice less frequent than digynic ones.
Drivers of autonomous vehicles—analyzing consumer preferences for self-driving car brand extensions
Authors: Eggers Felix , Eggers Fabian
Published: May 2021

Autonomous cars are considered to be the next disruptive innovation that will affect consumers. It can be expected that not only traditional automakers will enter this market (e.g., Ford) but also technology companies (e.g., Google) and newer companies dedicated to self-driving cars (e.g., Tesla). We take a brand extension perspective and analyze to what extent consumers prefer autonomous cars from these brand categories. Our empirical study is based on discrete choice experiments about adopting autonomous vehicles in a purchase scenario and in a renting context. Our findings show that brands play a central role when making autonomous driving decisions. Brand preferences differ systematically when buying versus renting a self-driving car. While technology brands are most preferred overall, consumers favor automaker brands over new brands only when purchasing, not when renting. We further disentangle the brand strength into the marginal effects of image associations. For example, Google’s strong brand positioning can be explained by experiences with the parent brand, but it could still improve brand strength by highlighting the relevance of the associated brand portfolio for self-driving cars. The effect of these brand extension success factors differs between parent-brand categories and also between the renting and purchasing scenarios, which requires a dedicated brand management.
Comment on “An encryption protocol for NEQR images based on one-particle quantum walks on a circle”
Authors: Grassl Markus
Published: May 2021

In [1], the authors propose a protocol to encrypt quantum images. Below we show that the protocol is incorrect.
A two-step, test-guided Mokken scale analysis, for nonclustered and clustered data
Authors: Koopman Letty , Zijlstra Bonne J. H. , van der Ark L. Andries
Published: May 2021

Purpose

Mokken scale analysis (MSA) is an attractive scaling procedure for ordinal data. MSA is frequently used in health-related quality of life research. Two of MSA's prime features are the scalability coefficients and the automated item selection procedure (AISP). The AISP partitions a (large) set of items into scales based on the observed item scores; the resulting scales can be used as measurement instruments. There exist two issues in MSA: First, point estimates, standard errors, and test statistics for scalability coefficients are inappropriate for clustered item scores, which are omnipresent in quality of life research data. Second, the AISP insufficiently takes sampling fluctuation of Mokken’s scalability coefficients into account.

Methods

We solved both issues by providing point estimates and standard errors for the scalability coefficients for clustered data and by implementing a Wald-based significance test in the AISP algorithm, resulting in a test-guided AISP (T-AISP), that is available for both nonclustered and clustered test scores.

Results

We integrated the T-AISP into a two-step, test-guided MSA for scale construction, to guide the analysis for nonclustered and clustered data. The first step is performing a T-AISP and select the final scale(﻿s﻿). For clustered data, within-group dependency is investigated on the final scale(s). In the second step, the strength of the scale(s) is determined and further analyses are performed. The procedure was demonstrated on clustered item scores obtained from administering a questionnaire on quality of life in schools to 639 students nested in 30 classrooms.

Conclusions

We developed a two-step, test-guided MSA for scale construction that takes into account sample fluctuation of all scalability coefficients and that can be applied to item scores obtained by a nonclustered or clustered sampling design.
Factors affecting farmers’ use of organic and inorganic fertilizers in South Asia
Authors: Aryal Jeetendra Prakash , Sapkota Tek Bahadur , Krupnik Timothy J. , Rahut Dil Bahadur , Jat Mangi Lal , Stirling Clare M.
Published: May 2021

Fertilizer, though one of the most essential inputs for increasing agricultural production, is a leading cause of nitrous oxide emissions from agriculture, contributing significantly to global warming. Therefore, understanding factors affecting farmers’ use of fertilizers is crucial to develop strategies to improve its efficient use and to minimize its negative impacts. Using data from 2528 households across the Indo-Gangetic Plains in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh, this study examines the factors affecting farmers’ use of organic and inorganic fertilizers for the two most important cereal crops – rice and wheat. Together, these crops provide the bulk of calories consumed in the region. As nitrogen (N) fertilizer is the major source of global warming and other environmental effects, we also examine the factors contributing to its overuse. We applied multiple regression models to understand the factors influencing the use of inorganic fertilizer, Heckman models to understand the likelihood and intensity of organic fertilizer (manure) use, and a probit model to examine the over-use of N fertilizer. Our results indicate that various socio-economic and geographical factors influence the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers in rice and wheat. Across the study sites, N fertilizer over-use is the highest in Haryana (India) and the lowest in Nepal. Across all locations, farmers reported a decline in manure application, concomitant with a lack of awareness of the principles of appropriate fertilizer management that can limit environmental externalities. Educational programs highlighting measures to improving nutrient-use-efficiency and reducing the negative externalities of N fertilizer over-use are proposed to address these problems.
Assessing standards for prevention of early onset group B streptococcal (GBS) disease in Ireland
Authors: Dakin Alex , Ferguson Wendy , Drew Richard , McCallion Naomi , Higgins Mary F. , Eogan Maeve
Published: May 2021

Background:

Early onset group B streptococcal (GBS) disease can cause significant neonatal morbidity and mortality. There is currently no Irish national guideline for GBS screening, and protocols vary across maternity units. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing at induction or labour onset informs triage for antibiotic prophylaxis; however, there are human and infrastructural resource requirements to enable widespread implementation.

Aim:

Our aim was to identify current standard practices for GBS prevention in Irish obstetric and neonatal services and to utilise this data to inform the need for, and potential impact of implementation of, a national guideline.

Methods:

A questionnaire on GBS screening, management and existing resources was completed by an informed staff member from each of the 19 Irish maternity units, including questions regarding timing and method of screening, antibiotic usage, and neonatal management.

Results:

One unit (5.2%) performs routine GBS screening at 35–37 weeks of gestation. Twelve units (63%) screen for GBS following spontaneous rupture of membranes (SROM) after 37 weeks, of which two (17%) perform PCR and ten (83%) culture testing. Seventeen units (89.3%) have access to a GeneXpert PCR machine, and of these, two (11.7%) use the machine for rapid GBS testing. Two units screen patients for GBS at either the start of labour or induction of labour. Four units (21%) use the neonatal early onset sepsis (EOS) calculator. Sixteen units (84%) do not treat asymptomatic infants born to GBS-positive mothers.

 Conclusion:

There is a lack of consistency in the methods for GBS screening and disease prevention across the country, highlighting the need for a national guideline accompanied by an implementation plan and budget to standardise care.
Methamphetamine Enhances HIV-Induced Aberrant Proliferation of Neural Progenitor Cells via the FOXO3-Mediated Mechanism
Authors: Park Minseon , Baker William , Cambow Dilraj , Gogerty Danielle , Leda Ana Rachel , Herlihy Bridget , Pavlenko Darya , Van Den Nieuwenhuizen Schuyler , Toborek Michal
Published: May 2021

Maintaining an intact pool of neural progenitor cells (NPCs) is crucial for generating new and functionally active neurons. Methamphetamine (METH) can exacerbate the HIV-induced deficit of adult neurogenesis; however, potential mechanisms of this influence are still poorly understood. In the present study, we present evidence that chronic exposure to METH combined with brain infection by EcoHIV results in enhanced proliferation of NPCs in the subventricular zone (SVZ) in mice. This effect was long-lasting as it was preserved ex vivo in NPCs isolated from the exposed mice over several passages in the absence of additional treatments. Increased proliferation in response to METH plus HIV was associated with dysregulation of cyclin B1 and cyclin D. Transcriptomic studies indicated that 27 out of the top 30 differentially expressed genes in response to METH plus EcoHIV were targets of the forkhead box O transcriptional factor (FOXO) and primarily FOXO3. Additional ex vivo studies and in vitro experiments using human NPCs exposed to METH and infected with HIV revealed upregulation of the CXCL12-CXCR4 axis, leading to activation of downstream pAkt and pErk, the pathways that can phosphorylate FOXO3 and force its exports from the nuclei into the cytoplasm. Indeed, nuclear expulsion of FOXO3 was demonstrated both in mice exposed to METH and infected with EcoHIV and in cell cultures of human NPCs. These results provide novel information that exposure to METH combined with HIV infection can induce aberrant proliferation of SVZ-derived NPCs and identifies CXCL12-CXCR4-Akt-1-mediated phosphorylation of FOXO3 as the mechanism responsible for this effect.
A non-stationary relay-based 3D MIMO channel model with time-variant path gains for human activity recognition in indoor environments
Authors: Hicheri Rym , Abdelgawwad Ahmed , Pätzold Mathias
Published: May 2021

Extensive research showed that the physiological response of human tissue to exposure to low-frequency electromagnetic fields is the induction of an electric current in the body segments. As a result, each segment of the human body behaves as a relay, which retransmits the radio-frequency (RF) signal. To investigate the impact of this phenomenon on the Doppler characteristics of the received RF signal, we introduce a new three-dimensional (3D) non-stationary channel model to describe the propagation phenomenon taking place in an indoor environment. Here, the indoor space is equipped with a multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) system. A single person is moving in the indoor space and is modelled by a cluster of synchronized moving point scatterers, which behave as relays. We derive the time-variant (TV) channel transfer function (CTF) with TV path gains and TV path delays. The expression of the TV path gains is obtained from the instantaneous total received power at the receiver side. This TV total received power is expressed as the product of the TV power of the RF signal initially transmitted and received by a body segment and the TV received power of the redirected signal. These TV powers are determined according the free-space path-loss model. Also, a closed-form approximate solution to the spectrogram of the TVCTF is derived. Here, we analyse the effect of the motion of the person and the validity of the relay assumption on the spectrogram, the TV mean Doppler shift (MDS), and the TV Doppler shift (DS) of the TVCTF. Simulation results are presented to illustrate the proposed channel model.
Two-Arm Robotic-Assisted High Anterior Resection: a Cost-Effective Way to Perform Robotic Surgery
Authors: Sharma Vivek , Hettiarachchi Thusitha , Sharma Dhiraj , Shaikh Irshad
Published: May 2021

In the era where laparoscopic colorectal surgery is well established, robotic- assisted colorectal surgery is gaining increasing popularity and acceptability. Stable camera platform, superior 3D views, and articulating instruments help to overcome difficulties associated with standard laparoscopic surgery. However, a significant drawback of robotic surgery is the cost of the robotic system and relevant disposable equipment compared to conventional laparoscopic surgery. This image series depicts a novel method to perform laparoscopic high anterior resection in a more cost-effective way.
Cervical cancer risk prediction with robust ensemble and explainable black boxes method
Authors: Curia Francesco
Published: May 2021

Clinical decision support systems (CDSS) that make use of algorithms based on intelligent systems, such as machine learning or deep learning, they suffer from the fact that often the methods used are hard to interpret and difficult to understand on how some decisions are made; the opacity of some methods, sometimes voluntary due to problems such as data privacy or the techniques used to protect intellectual property, makes these systems very complicated. Besides this series of problems, the results obtained also suffer from the poor possibility of being interpreted; in the clinical context therefore it is required that the methods used are as accurate as possible, transparent techniques and explainable results. In this work the problem of the development of cervical cancer is treated, a disease that mainly affects the female population. In order to introduce advanced machine learning techniques in a clinical decision support system that can be transparent and explainable, a robust, accurate ensemble method is presented, in terms of error and sensitivity linked to the classification of possible development of the aforementioned pathology and advanced techniques are also presented of explainability and interpretability (Explanaible Machine Learning) applied to the context of CDSS such as Lime and Shapley. The results obtained, as well as being interesting, are understandable and can be implemented in the treatment of this type of problem.