bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Nazarov‐Ene Tandem Reaction for the Stereoselective Construction of Spiro Compounds
Authors: Etling Christoph , Tedesco Giada , Kalesse Markus
Published: April 2021

The different reactivity of trienones under Lewis and Brønsted acids catalysis was investigated, resulting in distinct cyclization products and carbon backbones that originated either from a conjugate Prins cyclization or an interrupted Nazarov cyclization. In particular, an unprecedented Nazarov cyclization tandem reaction is presented, terminating the oxyallyl cation by an ene‐type reaction, and leading stereoselectively to bicyclic spiro compounds. The terminal olefin of this motif represents a useful handle for further functionalization, making it a strategic intermediate in total syntheses. The tandem Nazarov/ene cyclization was shown to be preferred over a Nazarov/[3+2] tandem reaction for all our substrates, independent of chain length. Deuteration studies further support the mechanistic hypothesis of the terminating ene reaction.
Organofunktionelle Silane als Haftvermittler
Authors: Wolf Andreas T.
Published: April 2021

Organofunktionelle Silanhaftvermittler sind hybride, multi‐funktionelle Verbindungen, welche in einer Vielzahl von Anwendungen zur Verbesserung der Adhäsion eingesetzt werden können. Aufgabe der Silanhaftvermittler ist es, eine möglichst gute Verträglichkeit und effektive Anbindung der beiden Partner in der Grenzflächenschicht zu schaffen. Silanhaftvermittler finden Anwendung bei der Oberflächenfunktionalisierung von Füllstoffen, Fasern oder Substraten; der reaktiven Compoundierung von mit Fasern oder Füllstoffen verstärkten Kunststoffen oder Gummi sowie als adhäsionsverstärkendes Additiv in flüssigen oder pastösen Produktformulierungen. In diesem zweiten Teil der Artikelserie werden Anwendungen aus den genannten Bereichen beispielhaft vorgestellt. Die aufgeführten Beispiele zeigen, dass die Auswahl eines geeigneten Silanhaftvermittlers recht komplex sein kann, insbesondere wenn dieser als adhäsionsverstärkendes Additiv in flüssigen oder pastösen Produktformulierungen eingesetzt werden soll.
Access to Polycyclic Indol(en)ines viaBase‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Dearomatizing 3‐Alkenylation of Alkynyl Indoles
Authors: Lu Lin , Zheng Zuoliang , Yang Yongjie , Liu Bo , Yin Biaolin
Published: April 2021

Main observation and conclusion

Polycyclic indolines and indolenines were synthesized via base‐catalyzed intramolecular dearomatizing 3‐alkenylation reactions of alkynyl indoles 1 at room temperature. The base enhanced the nucleophilicity of the carbon at the 3‐position of the indole moiety, facilitating an exclusive 5‐exo‐dig cyclization reaction with the alkyne to form spiroindolenines 2. The imine functionality of 2 could undergo in situ nucleophilic addition to form spiroindolines 3 when R was a carbamoyl group or reduction to form spiroindolines 4 when R was H.
Studying Sex Differences in Rodent Models of Addictive Behavior
Authors: Radke Anna K. , Sneddon Elizabeth A. , Monroe Sean C.
Published: April 2021

Animal models of addictive behaviors are useful for uncovering neural mechanisms involved in the development of dependence and for identifying risk factors for drug abuse. One such risk factor is biological sex, which strongly moderates drug self‐administration behavior in rodents. Female rodents are more likely to acquire drug self‐administration behaviors, consume higher amounts of drug, and reinstate drug‐seeking behavior more readily. Despite this female vulnerability, preclinical addiction research has largely been done in male animals. The study of sex differences in rodent models of addictive behavior is increasing, however, as more investigators are choosing to include both male and female animals in experiments. This commentary is meant to serve as an introductory guide for preclinical investigators new to the study of sex differences in addiction. We provide an overview of self‐administration models, a broad view of female versus male self‐administration behaviors, and suggestions for study design and implementation. Inclusion of female subjects in preclinical addiction research is timely, as problem drug and alcohol use in women is increasing. With proper attention, design, and analysis, the study of sex differences in addiction has the potential to uncover novel neural mechanisms and lead to greater translational success for addiction research. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC
Growth Rate Calculations for Edge‐Defined, Film‐Fed Growth of Sapphire Crystals
Authors: Bruni Frank J.
Published: April 2021

A new model for the calculation of the growth rate of edge‐defined, film‐fed growth (EFG) crystals is proposed based on surface tension proportional to the area of the crystal/die interface. A comparison to the classical model, which includes a surface tension factor proportional to the length of the crystal's peripheral edge, is shown. Equations are derived that accurately predict the growth rate derived from weight versus time calculations. Examples are shown for various geometries of crystal shape.
Project management efficacy is critical for academic leaders
Authors: Hodges Dawn Z.
Published: April 2021

During my years working in higher education, I have often led, or been a team member of, a group managing a project. These projects have included: preparing for a 10‐year accreditation review; building or furnishing new buildings or campuses; creating emergency protocols; writing documents such as the curriculum catalog, faculty manual, or staff handbook; revising the general education curriculum; merging with other colleges; holding a major event on the campus; and helping the college system in your state host a conference. If you're new to administration, you will receive many project management assignments in the future.
Raiders of the last ark: the impacts of feral cats on small mammals in Tasmanian forest ecosystems
Authors: Lazenby B. T. , Mooney N. J. , Dickman C. R.
Published: April 2021

Feral individuals of the catFelis catusare recognized internationally as a threat to biodiversity. Open, non‐insular systems support a large proportion of the world’s biodiversity, but the population‐level impacts of feral cats in these systems are rarely elucidated. This limits prioritization and assessment of the effectiveness of management interventions. We quantified the predatory impact of feral cats on small mammals in open, non‐insular forest systems in Tasmania, Australia in the context of other factors hypothesized to affect small mammal densities and survival, namely the density of a native carnivore, co‐occurring small mammals, and rainfall. Change in feral cat density was the most important determinant of small mammal density and survival. We calculated that, on average, a 50% reduction in feral cat density could result in 25% and 10% increases in the density of the swamp ratRattus lutreolusand long‐tailed mousePseudomys higginsi, respectively. Low‐level culling of feral cats that we conducted on two of our four study sites to experimentally alter feral cat densities revealed that swamp rat survival was highest when feral cat densities were stable. We conclude that feral cats exert downward pressure on populations of indigenous small mammals in temperate forest systems. However, alleviating this downward pressure on prey by culling a large proportion of the feral cat population is difficult as current methods for reducing feral cat populations in cool temperate forest systems are ineffective, and potentially even counterproductive. We suggest using an adaptive approach that regularly and robustly monitors how feral cats and small mammals respond to management interventions that are intended to conserve vulnerable prey species.
Modulator Induced Formation of a Neutral Framework Based on Trinuclear Cobalt(II) Clusters and Nitrilotribenzoic Acid: Synthesis, Magnetism, and Sorption Properties
Authors: Akintola Oluseun , Buchholz Axel , Görls Helmar , Plass Winfried
Published: April 2021

The solvothermal reaction of cobalt(II) chloride and 4,4′,4′′‐nitrilotribenzoic acid (H3ntb) in dmf employing a modulator based approach leads to the formation of the neutral framework with the formula [Co9(ntb)6(solv)12]n (JUMP‐3). Different mono‐ and dicarboxylic acids such as benzoic, phthalic, isophthalic, and acetic acid could be used as appropriate modulator to trigger the reaction toward the formation of the neutral framework. X‐ray crystallography revealed a three‐dimensional network composed of linear trinuclear cobalt(II) units as metal nodes and the triarylamine linkers. The topological analysis showed that the framework adopts a 3,6‐coordinated net with 3,6T80 topology. Magnetic measurements performed in the temperature range of 2–300 K indicate antiferromagnetic interactions between the cobalt(II) ions within its linear trinuclear clusters. The N2 sorption properties were investigated and show the presence of micropores, which is consistent with the presence of the 1D channels in the crystal structure of JUMP‐3.
A novel approach on femtocell placement in the commercial buildings using genetic algorithm
Authors: Nassiri Mohammad Javad , Etemadi Borujeni Shahram
Published: April 2021

The femtocell networks have been developed to solve the indoor coverage issues. In the large commercial buildings, finding the minimum number of femtocells and their locations with a full coverage of the building is a complicated problem. This article attempts to minimize the number of femtocells in a large building while providing maximum coverage. In this article, the locations of the femtocells are determined such that the total number of handovers in the building is minimal. For this purpose, the building area is divided into small and equal‐sized subregions, and a femtocell matrix coverage is obtained for each subregion using the path‐loss equation. We utilize the femtocell matrix coverage and propose a mathematical model to minimize the number of femtocells with a maximum (almost complete) coverage of the building area. We employ the genetic algorithm to solve this NP‐hard problem. An efficient algorithm is also presented to create the initial population for the genetic algorithm. Based on the past behavior of the users, we select the locations for the femtocells to reduce the number of handovers. Numerical results indicate that with almost complete coverage, our proposed method reduces the femtocell counts up to 55% and reduces the number of handovers up to 30% compared with the previous work.
Promoting evaluation in youth character development through enhanced Evaluation Capacity Building: Empirical findings from the PACE Project
Authors: Chauveron Lisa M. , Urban Jennifer Brown , Samtani Satabdi , Cox Milira , Moorman Leslie , Hargraves Monica , Buckley Jane , Linver Miriam R.
Published: April 2021

In this paper, we present empirical findings from a mixed‐methods study of an Evaluation Capacity Building (ECB) initiative called the Partnerships for Advancing Character program Evaluation (PACE) Project that applied the Relational Systems Evaluation (RSE) approach. We focused especially on how participation in this partnership‐based ECB program is associated with changes in attitudes and behaviors related to evaluation capacity and Evaluative Thinking. We used a repeated measures design with semi‐structured interviews and surveys to examine two research questions: (1) Do Program Professionals participating in PACE adopt Evaluative Thinking behaviors? And (2) Do Program Professionals participating in PACE demonstrate increased evaluation capacity, including improved attitudes about evaluation? We found that PACE successfully increased Program Professional's behaviors, attitudes, and capacity; in particular, participants overwhelmingly noted that the emphasis on Evaluative Thinking changed the way they think about and approach evaluation, such that evaluation is now more well‐integrated into their practice.
A novel comprehensive analysis on generalized harmonically ψ‐convex with respect to Raina's function on fractal set with applications
Authors: Chu Yu‐ming , Rashid Saima , Singh Jagdev
Published: April 2021

The pivotal proposal of this work is to present a new class of harmonically convex functions, namely, generalized harmonically ψ‐convex functions based on the fractal set technique for establishing inequalities of Hermite–Hadamard type, Pachpatte type, and certain related variants with respect to the Raina's function. With the aid of an auxiliary identity correlated with Raina's function, by generalized Hölder inequality, two Hermite–Hadamard‐type local fractional integral inequalities for generalized harmonically ψ‐convex functions are apprehended. The proposed technique provides the results by giving some special values to the parameters or imposing restrictive assumptions and is completely feasible for recapturing the existing results in the relative literature. To determine the computational efficiency of offered scheme, some numerical applications are discussed. The results of the scheme show that the approach is straightforward to apply and computationally very user‐friendly and accurate.
Exercise and Adipose Tissue Immunity: Outrunning Inflammation
Authors: Winn Nathan C. , Cottam Matthew A. , Wasserman David H. , Hasty Alyssa H.
Published: April 2021

Chronic inflammation is considered a precipitating factor and possibly an underlying cause of many noncommunicable diseases, including cardiovascular disease, metabolic diseases, and some cancers. Obesity, which manifests in more than 650 million people worldwide, is the most common chronic inflammatory condition, with visceral adiposity thought to be the major inflammatory hub that links obesity and chronic disease. Adipose tissue (AT) inflammation is triggered or heightened in large part by (1) accelerated immune cell recruitment, (2) reshaping of the AT stromal‐immuno landscape (e.g., immune cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts, adipocyte progenitors), and (3) perturbed AT immune cell function. Exercise, along with diet management, is a cornerstone in promoting weight loss and preventing weight regain. This review focuses on evidence that increased physical activity reduces AT inflammation caused by hypercaloric diets or genetic obesity. The precise cell types and mechanisms responsible for the therapeutic effects of exercise on AT inflammation remain poorly understood. This review summarizes what is known about obesity‐induced AT inflammation and immunomodulation and highlights mechanisms by which aerobic exercise combats inflammation by remodeling the AT immune landscape. Furthermore, key areas are highlighted that require future exploration and novel discoveries into the burgeoning field of how the biology of exercise affects AT immunity.
Thermal‐aging characteristics of epoxy/glass fiber composite materials fordry‐typeair‐core reactors
Authors: Bian Bo , Xia Guowei , Li Jingwei , Shao Shuai , Duan Qijun , Xie Qing
Published: April 2021

In recent years, dry‐type air‐core reactors have frequently experienced inter‐turn short circuits due to the aging of the inter‐turn insulation. In this paper, we prepared epoxy/glass fiber samples and carried out an accelerated thermal aging test up to 840 hours. In different stages of aging, we tested the surface insulation properties, dielectric properties, thermal and mechanical properties of the samples. The results show that: Flashover voltage drops significantly, and when aging for 35 days, it has dropped by 12.4%. This is because aging is accompanied by the conversion of shallow traps to deep traps and the reduction of conductive channels, which slows down the charge dissipation rate and decreases the flashover voltage. Dielectric, thermal, and mechanical properties also show a deteriorating trend. Through the analysis of the changes in thermal and mechanical properties, it is inferred that thermal aging will damage the epoxy matrix more than the glass fiber. In addition, combined with the scanning electron microscope, Fourier transform infrared spectrometer, and X‐ray photoelectron spectrometer characterization results, we believed that the main reason for the material deterioration is the detachment of the glass fiber and the break of the long chain of the matrix. This article has certain reference value for the subsequent engineering application and online monitoring of this material.
Validation of an electronic algorithm for Hodgkin and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma in ICD‐10‐CM
Authors: Epstein Mara M. , Dutcher Sarah K. , Maro Judith C. , Saphirak Cassandra , DeLuccia Sandra , Ramanathan Muthalagu , Dhawale Tejaswini , Harchandani Sonali , Delude Christopher , Hou Laura , Gertz Autumn , DiNunzio Nina , McMahill‐Walraven Cheryl N. , Selvan Mano S. , Vigeant Justin , Cole David V. , Leishear Kira , Gurwitz Jerry H. , Andrade Susan , Cocoros Noelle M.
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Lymphoma is a health outcome of interest for drug safety studies. Studies using administrative claims data require the accurate identification of lymphoma cases. We developed and validated an International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision, Clinical Modification (ICD‐10‐CM)‐based algorithm to identify lymphoma in healthcare claims data.

Methods

We developed a three‐component algorithm to identify patients aged ≥15 years who were newly diagnosed with Hodgkin (HL) or non‐Hodgkin (NHL) lymphoma from January 2016 through July 2018 among members of four Data Partners within the FDA's Sentinel System. The algorithm identified potential cases as patients with ≥2 ICD‐10‐CM lymphoma diagnosis codes on different dates within 183 days; ≥1 procedure code for a diagnostic procedure (e.g., biopsy, flow cytometry) and ≥1 procedure code for a relevant imaging study within 90 days of the first lymphoma diagnosis code. Cases identified by the algorithm were adjudicated via chart review and a positive predictive value (PPV) was calculated.

Results

We identified 8723 potential lymphoma cases via the algorithm and randomly sampled 213 for validation. We retrieved 138 charts (65%) and adjudicated 134 (63%). The overall PPV was 77% (95% confidence interval: 69%–84%). Most cases also had subtype information available, with 88% of cases identified as NHL and 11% as HL.

Conclusions

Seventy‐seven percent of lymphoma cases identified by an algorithm based on ICD‐10‐CM diagnosis and procedure codes and applied to claims data were true cases. This novel algorithm represents an efficient, cost‐effective way to target an important health outcome of interest for large‐scale drug safety and public health surveillance studies.
Potential mechanisms of the fatigue‐reducing effect of cognitive‐behavioral therapy in cancer survivors: Three randomized controlled trials
Authors: Müller Fabiola , Wijayanto Feri , Abrahams Harriët , Gielissen Marieke , Prinsen Hetty , Braamse Annemarie , van Laarhoven Hanneke W.M. , Groot Perry , Heskes Tom , Knoop Hans
Published: April 2021

Objective

Fatigue is a common symptom among cancer survivors that can be successfully treated with cognitive‐behavioral therapy (CBT). Insights into the working mechanisms of CBT are currently limited. The aim of this study was to investigate whether improvements in targeted cognitive‐behavioral variables and reduced depressive symptoms mediate the fatigue‐reducing effect of CBT.

Methods

We pooled data from three randomized controlled trials that tested the efficacy of CBT to reduce severe fatigue. In all three trials, fatigue severity (checklist individual strength) decreased significantly following CBT. Assessments were conducted pre‐treatment and 6 months later. Classical mediation analysis testing a pre‐specified model was conducted and its results compared to those of causal discovery, an explorative data‐driven approach testing all possible causal associations and retaining the most likely model.

Results

Data from 250 cancer survivors (n = 129 CBT, n = 121 waitlist) were analyzed. Classical mediation analysis suggests that increased self‐efficacy and decreased fatigue catastrophizing, focusing on symptoms, perceived problems with activity and depressive symptoms mediate the reduction of fatigue brought by CBT. Conversely, causal discovery and post‐hoc analyses indicate that fatigue acts as mediator, not outcome, of changes in cognitions, sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms.

Conclusions

Cognitions, sleep disturbance and depressive symptoms improve during CBT. When assessed pre‐ and post‐treatment, fatigue acts as a mediator, not outcome, of these improvements. It seems likely that the working mechanism of CBT is not a one‐way causal effect but a dynamic reciprocal process. Trials integrating intermittent assessments are needed to shed light on these mechanisms and inform optimization of CBT.
Bilateral vocal fold palsy due to ingested battery in the postcricoid area/proximal esophagus
Authors: Goussard Pierre , Morrison Julie , Nel Etienne , Mfingwana Lunga , Andronikou Savvas , Blokland Rachel A. , Mukhtar Abdiwahab , Loock James W. , de Bruyn G. H. M.
Published: April 2021

Stridor is a common symptom associated with foreign body aspiration. In most cases, this is due to the foreign bodies lodging in the supraglottis, glottis, subglottis, or high extra‐thoracic trachea. Infrequently, foreign bodies located in the esophagus cause stridor. The ingestion of button batteries (BBs) has been reported to cause multiple problems. The incidence has been estimated at 10.5 per million people per year with a case fatality rate of 0.5%. BBs predominantly cause esophageal mucosal injury. Mechanisms of injury include pressure necrosis, electrolysis, caustic exposure, or heavy metal toxicity. The reported complications include severe esophageal ulceration, trachea‐esophageal fistula or aorto‐esophageal fistula, and pneumonia. Vocal fold pathology after battery ingestion, other than edema of cords, has been rarely reported. We describe a case of acute bilateral vocal fold dysfunction and review the literature.
Insight into the semiconducting performance of tetraphenyldipyranylidene derivatives in organic field‐effect transistors
Authors: Naserian Samira , Izadyar Mohammad , Arkan Foroogh
Published: April 2021

In this paper, tetraphenyldipyranylidene (DPPh) was considered as the primary organic molecule in organic field‐effect transistors (OFETs). Electron‐withdrawing atoms (F, Cl, and Br) were attached to the H‐atoms of four peripheral phenyl groups of para‐positions relative to the O‐atoms of DPPh. The influences of different electron‐withdrawing atoms on the electronic and optical properties, charge transport parameters, and charge carrier mobility were investigated at the M06‐2X/6‐311++G(d,p) level. The absorption and emission spectra were theoretically simulated and an intense peak in the visible region was obtained. Moreover, the charge injection energy barriers were calculated by considering Pt as the source electrode and a greater hole transport than electron transport was confirmed. Also, the obtained ratio of the hole/electron mobility shows that the insertion of the electron‐withdrawing atoms in DPPh is a promising strategy to have an ambipolar or n‐type semiconductor. Finally, DPPh‐Br shows a greater performance in the OFETs.
Predicting the lifetime of pull requests in open‐source projects
Authors: de Lima Júnior Manoel Limeira , Soares Daricélio , Plastino Alexandre , Murta Leonardo
Published: April 2021

A recent survey using industrial projects has shown that providing an estimate of the lifetime of pull requests to developers helps to speed up their conclusion. Previous work has explored pull request lifetime prediction in open‐source projects using regression techniques but with a broad margin of error. The first objective of our work was to reduce the average error rate of the prediction obtained by the regression techniques so far. We performed experiments with different regression techniques and achieved a significant decrease in the mean error rate. The second objective of our work was to obtain a more effective and useful predictive model that can classify pull requests according to five discrete time intervals. We proposed new predictive attributes for the estimation of the time intervals and employed attribute selection strategies to identify subsets of attributes that could improve the predictive behavior of the classifiers. Our classification approach achieved the best accuracy in all the 20 projects evaluated in comparison with the literature. The average accuracy was of 45.28% to predict pull request lifetime, with an average normalized improvement of 14.68% in relation to the majority class and 6.49% in relation to the state‐of‐the‐art.
Interstitial nephritis of unknown aetiology in captive slender‐horned gazelles (Gazella leptoceros)
Authors: Vercammen Francis , Rutjens Sofie , Chiers Koen
Published: April 2021

Four captive slender‐horned gazelles (Gazella leptoceros) died in a short period. The clinical signs were lethargy progressing rapidly to stupor and death. Differential diagnoses included trauma, intoxication, hepatic and renal failure. Blood analyses revealed increased blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase. Serum mean copper levels had risen almost two‐fold. No trauma was found and salient post‐mortem examination results were friable livers and granular and/or pitted renal capsular surfaces with indentations. The most consistent histological change was chronic interstitial lymphoplasmacytic nephritis, tubular degeneration and glomerulosclerosis. Potential causes were investigated and ruled out. Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae was cultured from the liver and the kidney of three animals, but could not be confirmed histopathologically. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) carried out on kidney and liver and serological screening were negative for leptospirosis. Copper involvement could not be confirmed by toxicological analysis of liver and kidney tissue or by histopathology. The aetiology remains unknown.
Two‐dimensional thin layer convective flow with heat transfer from magneto‐hydrodynamic uniform free convection flow driven by nonlinear stretching surface
Authors: Ferdows Mohammad , Alzahrani Faris
Published: April 2021

A uniform two‐dimensional magneto‐hydrodynamic convection flow of an adhesive incompressible fluid along a vertical stretching surface in accordance with varying thermal conductivity and radiation is analyzed. The uppermost layer temperature, the transverse magnetic field and the stretching velocity are presumed to alter as a power function of the distance from the origin. The non‐linear PDE (partial differential equations) which run our examined problem are converted into a set of non‐linear ordinary differential equations by the use of a relevant transformations followed by a numerical solution implementing a shooting method together with Runge‐Kutta integration formula. We examine the effects of a variety of regulating parameters, viz the magnetic parameter, the velocity and temperature exponents, the variable thermal conductivity parameter, buoyancy parameter and the radiation parameter. The graphs and tables express a powerful impact of these parameters on the behavior of the flow and heat transfer.
A technical analog of the cosmological constant problem and a solution thereof
Authors: Kourkoulou Ioanna , Nicolis Alberto , Sun Guanhao
Published: April 2021

Abstract

The near vanishing of the cosmological constant is one of the most puzzling open problems in theoretical physics. We consider a system, the so-called framid, that features a technically similar problem. Its stress-energy tensor has a Lorentz-invariant expectation value on the ground state, yet there are no standard, symmetry-based selection rules enforcing this, since the ground state spontaneously breaks boosts. We verify the Lorentz invariance of the expectation value in question with explicit one-loop computations. These, however, yield the expected result only thanks to highly nontrivial cancellations, which are quite mysterious from the low-energy effective theory viewpoint.
A generalized Momentum/Complexity correspondence
Authors: Barbón J. L. F. , Martín-García J. , Sasieta M.
Published: April 2021

Abstract

Holographic complexity, in the guise of the Complexity = Volume prescription, comes equipped with a natural correspondence between its rate of growth and the average infall momentum of matter in the bulk. This Momentum/Complexity correspondence can be related to an integrated version of the momentum constraint of general relativity. In this paper we propose a generalization, using the full Codazzi equations as a starting point, which successfully accounts for purely gravitational contributions to infall momentum. The proposed formula is explicitly checked in an exact pp-wave solution of the vacuum Einstein equations.
Exothermic dark mesons in light of electron recoil excess at XENON1T
Authors: Choi Soo-Min , Lee Hyun Min , Zhu Bin
Published: April 2021

Abstract

We consider a novel mechanism to realize exothermic dark matter with dark mesons in the limit of approximate flavor symmetry in a dark QCD. We introduce a local dark U(1)′ symmetry to communicate between dark mesons and the Standard Model via Z′ portal by partially gauging the dark flavor symmetry with flavor-dependent charges for cancelling chiral anomalies in the dark sector. After the dark local U(1)′ is broken spontaneously by the VEV of a dark Higgs, there appear small mass splittings between dark quarks, consequently, leading to small split masses for dark mesons, required to explain the electron recoil excess in XENON1T by the inelastic scattering between dark mesons and electron. We propose a concrete benchmark model for split dark mesons based on SU(3)L× SU(3)R/SU(3)V flavor symmetry and SU(Nc) color group and show that there exists a parameter space making a better fit to the XENON1T data with two correlated peaks from exothermic processes and satisfying the correct relic density, current experimental and theoretical constraints.
MRI after Whoops procedure: diagnostic value for residual sarcoma and predictive value for an incomplete second resection
Authors: Alramdan Mohammed H. A. , Kasalak Ömer , Been Lukas B. , Suurmeijer Albert J. H. , Yakar Derya , Kwee Thomas C.
Published: April 2021

Objective

To determine the value of MRI for the detection and assessment of the anatomic extent of residual sarcoma after a Whoops procedure (unplanned sarcoma resection) and its utility for the prediction of an incomplete second resection.

Materials and methods

This study included consecutive patients who underwent a Whoops procedure, successively followed by gadolinium chelate-enhanced MRI and second surgery at a tertiary care sarcoma center.

Results

Twenty-six patients were included, of whom 19 with residual tumor at the second surgery and 8 with an incomplete second resection (R1:n = 6 and R2:n = 2). Interobserver agreement for residual tumor at MRI after a Whoops procedure was perfect (κvalue: 1.000). MRI achieved a sensitivity of 47.4% (9/19), a specificity of 100% (7/7), a positive predictive value of 100% (9/9), and a negative predictive value of 70.0% (7/17) for the detection of residual tumor. MRI correctly classified 2 of 19 residual sarcomas as deep-seated (i.e., extending beyond the superficial muscle fascia) but failed to correctly classify 3 of 19 residual sarcomas as deep-seated. There were no significant associations between MRI findings (presence of residual tumor, maximum tumor diameter, anatomic tumor extent, tumor margins, tumor spiculae, and tumor tail on the superficial fascia) with an incomplete (R1 or R2) second resection.

Conclusion

Gadolinium chelate-enhanced MRI is a reproducible method to rule in residual sarcoma, but it is insufficiently accurate to rule out and assess the anatomic extent or residual sarcoma after a Whoops procedure. Furthermore, MRI has no utility in predicting an incomplete second resection.
“Rust stain”: a rare mark in firearm suicide—a case report and review of the literature
Authors: Tomassini Luca , Paolini Daniele , Manta Anna Maria , Bottoni Edoardo , Ciallella Costantino
Published: April 2021

Rust stains are marks left by firearms in case of prolonged contact with the cutaneous surfaces. These peculiar signs along with other well-documented findings can guide the medical examiner in the determination of the manner of death, especially in case of firearm suicide. This paper presents the case of a 33-year-old male soldier who committed suicide by using a short-barreled weapon, whose trigger remained in contact with the first finger of his right hand, leading to the formation of a rust stain that perfectly reproduced its design. The forensic examination of the scene, the external cadaveric inspection, and the autopsy are described. For the evaluation of the histological findings typical of rust spots, the authors decided to replicate the phenomenon in an experimental setting using porcine skin. In order to provide an exhaustive overview on the formation and the features of rust stains, a review of the forensic literature concerning this rare mark was performed.
Medical care at a mass gathering music festival
Authors: Maleczek Mathias , Rubi Simon , Fohringer Christian , Scheriau Georg , Meyer Elias , Uray Thomas , Duma Andreas
Published: April 2021

Background

Knowledge about longitudinal changes in epidemiological data at mass gathering events is sparse. The goal of this study was to determine and compare the type, severity and frequency of illnesses at a large music festival over 7 consecutive years (2011–2017).

Methods

Prospectively collected data from the rescue operation protocols of an Austrian music festival were retrieved and analyzed. Patient presentation rates (PPR) and transport to hospital rates (TTHR) were calculated and compared between years. Linear regression was used to investigate the association between (a) total number of visitors and number of patient presentations, and (b) environmental factors and temperature related medical emergencies. A descriptive analysis of pertinent medical logistics management was performed.

Results

The median (minimum to maximum) PPR and TTHR were 12.01 (9.33 in 2016 to 20.86 in 2011) and 0.57 (0.40 in 2017 to 1.06 in 2013) per 1000 visitors, respectively. In linear regression models, no significant associations were found between the number of visitors and either the total number of patient presentations, NACA 1–2 or NACA 3–5 classified emergencies.

Environmental temperature had a significant impact on heat related patient presentations (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

There were significant differences and a high variance in both PPR and TTHR over the years. Contrary to our expectations, the number of visitors did not predict the number of patient presentations. Ambient temperature was associated with the number of heat related emergencies but not with the number of cold related emergencies. Prevention strategies, such as the removal of insect nests, resulted in significantly fewer insect related emergencies.
The trouble with the second quantifier
Authors: Woeginger Gerhard J.
Published: April 2021

We survey optimization problems that allow natural simple formulations with one existential and one universal quantifier. We summarize the theoretical background from computational complexity theory, and we present a multitude of illustrating examples. We discuss the connections to robust optimization and to bilevel optimization, and we explain the reasons why the operational research community should be interested in the theoretical aspects of this area.
Perceptions and effects of COVID-19 related information in Denmark and Sweden – a web-based survey about COVID-19 and social media
Authors: Stjernswärd Sigrid , Ivert Anna-Karin , Glasdam Stinne
Published: April 2021

Aim

Extensive COVID-19 information can generate information overload and confusion. Denmark and Sweden adopted different COVID-19 management strategies.

Aim

This study aimed to compare search strategies, perceptions and effects of COVID-19 information, in general and specifically in social media, in residents in Denmark and Sweden.

Subject and methods

Quantitative data from a sample of respondents (n = 616) from Denmark and Sweden on an international web-based survey was analysed using descriptive and analytical statistics.

Results

The results showed similarities between the countries regarding preferred and trusted information sources, use of (social) media, and psychosocial and behavioural effects of such information. Traditional media and social media were frequently used for COVID-19 information. Especially health authorities and researchers were trusted sources, representing the dominant medico-political discourse. There were no differences in negative effect and social behaviour. Residents in Denmark experienced significantly more positive effects than residents in Sweden.

Conclusion

Summarily, the study showed similarities and small differences among residents in both countries related to usage patterns, perceptions and effects of COVID-19 information from (social) media, despite diverging strategies.
Coherent lower and upper conditional previsions defined by Hausdorff inner and outer measures to represent the role of conscious and unconscious thought in human decision making
Authors: Doria Serena
Published: April 2021

The model of coherent lower and upper conditional previsions, based on Hausdorff inner and outer measures, is proposed to represent the preference orderings and the equivalences, respectively assigned by the conscious and unconscious thought in human decision making under uncertainty. Complexity of partial information is represented by the Hausdorff dimension of the conditioning event. When the events, that describe the decision problem, are measurable is represented to the s-dimensional Hausdorff outer measure, where s is the Hausdorff dimension of the conditioning event, an optimal decision can be reached. The model is applied and discussed in Linda’s Problem and the conjunction fallacy is resolved.
Habitat use and activity patterns of female Deacon Rockfish (Sebastes diaconus) at seasonal scales and in response to episodic hypoxia
Authors: Rasmuson Leif K. , Blume Mathew T. O. , Rankin Polly S.
Published: April 2021

We combined a high-resolution acoustic telemetry array with presence/absence receivers to conduct a preliminary study of the seasonal movements, activity patterns, and habitat associations of the newly described Deacon Rockfish (Sebastes diaconus). Eleven mature female Deacon Rockfish were tagged and monitored during an 11-month period, at a nearshore rocky reef off Seal Rock, Oregon, USA, an area of recurring seasonal hypoxia (defined as dissolved oxygen concentration [DO] < 2 mg l−1). Two tags were detected leaving the study area by day 35, indicating predation or emigration. Three tags became inactive within the array, indicating tag loss or fish death. Six “resident” fish inhabited the array for 246–326 days. Resident fish exhibited high site fidelity, small home ranges (mean 95% KDE = 4907 m2), and consistent activity patterns for the duration of the summertime high-resolution array (5 months), except during seasonal hypoxia. Resident fish were strongly diurnal in summer, with high levels of daytime activity above the bottom in relatively rugose habitat, followed by nighttime rest periods in deeper, less rugose habitat. During summertime hypoxia, resident fish exhibited less daytime activity during daytime hours with no rest periods at night, inhabited shallower water depths, and moved well away from their core activity areas on long, erratic forays. During the winter, diel patterns were less evident with higher activity levels at night (than in the summer) and lower activity levels in the day (than in the summer). We propose that some Deacon Rockfish continuously inhabit nearshore reefs throughout the year, but that daily/seasonal movement patterns, seasonally occurring hypoxia, and prey preferences for planktonic organisms influence relocation.
Utilization of preimplantation genetic testing in the USA
Authors: Roche Kaitlyn , Racowsky Catherine , Harper Joyce
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the use of preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and live birth rates (LBR) in the USA from 2014 to 2017 and to understand how PGT is being used at a clinic and state level.

Methods

This study accessed SART data for 2014 to 2017 to determine LBR and the CDC for years 2016 and 2017 to identify PGT usage. Primary cycles included only the first embryo transfer within 1 year of an oocyte retrieval; subsequent cycles included transfers occurring after the first transfer or beyond 1 year of oocyte retrieval.

Results

In the SART data, the number of primary PGT cycles showed a significant monotonic annual increase from 18,805 in 2014 to 54,442 in 2017 (P = 0.042) and subsequent PGT cycles in these years increased from 2946 to 14,361 (P = 0.01). There was a significant difference in primary PGT cycle use by age, where younger women had a greater percentage of PGT treatment cycles than older women. In both PGT and non-PGT cycles, the LBR per oocyte retrieval decreased significantly from 2014 to 2017 (P<0001) and younger women had a significantly higher LBR per oocyte retrieval compared to older women (P < 0.001). The CDC data revealed that in 2016, just 53 (11.4%) clinics used PGT for more than 50% of their cycles, which increased to 99 (21.4%) clinics in 2017 (P< 0.001).

Conclusions

A growing number of US clinics are offering PGT to their patients. These findings support re-evaluation of the application for PGT.
Impact of thyroid cancer treatment on assisted reproductive technology outcomes in women with infertility
Authors: Huang Ning , Zeng Lin , Yan Jie , Chi Hongbin , Qiao Jie
Published: April 2021

Purpose

We investigated the effect of different surgical procedures and radioactive iodine treatment (RAIT) on in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection (IVF/ICSI) outcomes and evaluated whether possible risk factors, including age, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and thyroid antibody positivity, were associated with adverse IVF/ICSI outcomes.

Methods

This retrospective study included 76 women with infertility who had received thyroid cancer (TC) treatment among 137,698 infertile women who underwent IVF/ICSI cycles at the Peking University Third Hospital between 2010 and 2019. Clinical pregnancy and live birth rates were assessed.

Results

We found that the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in women who underwent partial thyroidectomy were 7- and 6-fold higher, respectively, than those in women who underwent total thyroidectomy. We observed no significant differences in the clinical pregnancy and live birth rates between the RAIT and non-RAIT groups, even after adjusting for age, TSH levels, surgical treatment, and thyroid antibody positivity. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age and TSH levels were not associated with decreased clinical pregnancy and live birth rates. Women with thyroid antibody positivity had significantly lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rates than women without thyroid antibody positivity.

Conclusion

Our study showed lower clinical pregnancy and live birth rates in women who underwent total thyroidectomy than in women who underwent partial thyroidectomy. Thyroid antibody positivity is an important risk factor for adverse IVF/ICSI outcomes in women who have received TC treatment.
Resilience and Mental Health Among Syrian Refugee Children in Jordan
Authors: Dehnel Rebecca , Dalky Heyam , Sudarsan Subashini , Al-Delaimy Wael K.
Published: April 2021

Refugee populations are at high risk of experiencing trauma and developing negative mental health outcomes. The resilience of Syrian refugee children is not well established as far as modifying the association between trauma and mental illness. A total of 339 Syrian refugee children aged 10 to 17 were surveyed to assess resilience, depression and history of trauma. All children reported exposure to at least one traumatic event, 48.6% reported exposure to highly salient traumatic events such as being held hostage, kidnapping or imprisonment. High rates of suicidal ideation and depression symptomatology were found. Resilience was strongly inversely related to depression. Relational support was found to be the most protective resilience factor and was the most highly correlated with less depressive symptomatology. Empowering children and families to build resilience through social support may be a viable prevention and management approach to other unaffordable or unavailable treatments for mental illnesses.
Evaluation of nutritional value and microbiological safety in commercial dog food
Authors: Kazimierska Katarzyna , Biel Wioletta , Witkowicz Robert , Karakulska Jolanta , Stachurska Xymena
Published: April 2021

In addition to properly balancing nutritional value in accordance with the needs of a dog, estimating the microbiological quality of dog food is crucial in providing healthy and safe foods. The aim of this study was to examine the quality of dry food for adult dogs, with particular reference to: (1) evaluating the nutritional value and compliance with nutritional guidelines for dogs, (2) comparing the nutritional value of dog foods, with particular emphasis on the division into cereal and cereal-free foods, and (3) evaluating their microbiological safety. All thirty-six evaluated dry dog foods met the minimum European Pet Food Industry FEDIAF requirement for total protein and fat content. The total aerobic microbial count in the analyzed dry dog foods ranged from 2.7 × 102 to above 3.0 × 107 cfu/g. In five (14%) dog foods the presence of staphylococci was detected; however, coagulase positive Staphylococcus (CPS) was not found. Mold presence was reported in one cereal-free dog food and in six cereal foods. In none of the analyzed foods Enterobacteriaceae were found, including coliforms, Escherichia coli and Salmonella spp. Bacteria of the genus Listeria and Clostridium as well as yeasts were also not detected. In conclusion, the evaluated dry dog foods had varied microbiological quality. The detected number of microorganisms may have some implications for long-term consumption of contaminated food. The lack of European Commission standards regarding the permissible amounts of microorganisms in pet food may result in insufficient quality control of these products.
Real-time face alignment: evaluation methods, training strategies and implementation optimization
Authors: Álvarez Casado Constantino , Bordallo López Miguel
Published: April 2021

Face alignment is a crucial component in most face analysis systems. It focuses on identifying the location of several keypoints of the human faces in images or videos. Although several methods and models are available to developers in popular computer vision libraries, they still struggle with challenges such as insufficient illumination, extreme head poses, or occlusions, especially when they are constrained by the needs of real-time applications. Throughout this article, we propose a set of training strategies and implementations based on data augmentation, software optimization techniques that help in improving a large variety of models belonging to several real-time algorithms for face alignment. We propose an extended set of evaluation metrics that allow novel evaluations to mitigate the typical problems found in real-time tracking contexts. The experimental results show that the generated models using our proposed techniques are faster, smaller, more accurate, more robust in specific challenging conditions and smoother in tracking systems. In addition, the training strategy shows to be applicable across different types of devices and algorithms, making them versatile in both academic and industrial uses.
Eine soziologische Unschärferelation
Authors: Meier Lars
Published: April 2021

Problematisiert wird, dass der Aufsatz von Revers und Traunmüller Erkenntnisinteresse und Positionalität der durchgeführten Forschung verschleiert. Eine Offenlegung wäre notwendig, um die Grundlagen der schwerwiegenden methodischen Probleme, der Fallauswahl und der unbelegten Behauptungen des Aufsatzes verstehen zu können. Im Widerspruch zu der falschen Annahme, dass Meinungsfreiheit grenzenlos sei und auch mit einer Freiheit einhergehe, andere zu diskriminieren, legt meine Replik die Notwendigkeit (siehe Grundgesetz und Gleichbehandlungsgesetz) dar, dass auch an den Universitäten Diskriminierungen aktiv vermieden werden müssen.