bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unified framework for B-anomalies, muon g − 2 and neutrino masses
Authors: Babu K. S. , Dev P. S. Bhupal , Jana Sudip , Thapa Anil
Published: March 2021

Abstract

We present a model of radiative neutrino masses which also resolves anomalies reported in B-meson decays, $$ {R}_{D^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

D

∗

and $$ {R}_{K^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

K

∗

, as well as in muon g − 2 measurement, ∆aμ. Neutrino masses arise in the model through loop diagrams involving TeV-scale leptoquark (LQ) scalars R2 and S3. Fits to neutrino oscillation parameters are obtained satisfying all flavor constraints which also explain the anomalies in $$ {R}_{D^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

D

∗

, $$ {R}_{K^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

K

∗

and ∆aμ within 1 σ. An isospin-3/2 Higgs quadruplet plays a crucial role in generating neutrino masses; we point out that the doubly-charged scalar contained therein can be produced in the decays of the S3 LQ, which enhances its reach to 1.1 (6.2) TeV at $$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 14 TeV high-luminosity LHC ($$ \sqrt{s} $$

s

= 100 TeV FCC-hh). We also present flavor-dependent upper limits on the Yukawa couplings of the LQs to the first two family fermions, arising from non-resonant dilepton (pp → ℓ+ℓ−) processes mediated by t-channel LQ exchange, which for 1 TeV LQ mass, are found to be in the range (0.15 − 0.36). These limits preclude any explanation of $$ {R}_{D^{\left(\ast \right)}} $$

R

D

∗

through LQ-mediated B-meson decays involving νe or νμ in the final state. We also find that the same Yukawa couplings responsible for the chirally-enhanced contribution to ∆aμ give rise to new contributions to the SM Higgs decays to muon and tau pairs, with the modifications to the corresponding branching ratios being at (2–6)% level, which could be tested at future hadron colliders, such as HL-LHC and FCC-hh.
Electric dipole moments, new forces and dark matter
Authors: Pérez Pavel Fileviez , Plascencia Alexis D.
Published: March 2021

Abstract

New sources of CP violation beyond the Standard Model are crucial to explain the baryon asymmetry in the Universe. We discuss the impact of new CP violating interactions in theories where a dark matter candidate is predicted by the cancellation of gauge anomalies. In these theories, the constraint on the dark matter relic density implies an upper bound on the new symmetry breaking scale from which all new states acquire their masses. We investigate in detail the predictions for electric dipole moments and show that if the relevant CP-violating phase is large, experiments such as the ACME collaboration will be able to fully probe the theory.
The median rule in judgement aggregation
Authors: Nehring Klaus , Pivato Marcus
Published: March 2021

Ajudgement aggregation ruletakes the views of a collection of voters over a set of interconnected issues and yields a logically consistent collective view. Themedian ruleis a judgement aggregation rule that selects the logically consistent view which minimizes theaverage distanceto the views of the voters (where the “distance” between two views is the number of issues on which they disagree). In the special case of preference aggregation, this is called theKemeny rule. We show that, under appropriate regularity conditions, the median rule is the unique judgement aggregation rule which satisfies three axioms:Ensemble Supermajority Efficiency,Reinforcement, andContinuity. Our analysis covers aggregation problems in which the consistency restrictions on input and output judgements may differ. We also allow for issues to be weighted, and provide numerous examples in which issue weights arise naturally.
Patient Acceptance of Routine Serial Postoperative Endoscopy Following Low Anterior Resection (LAR) and Its Ability to Detect Biomarkers in Anastomotic Lavage Fluid
Authors: Guyton Kristina , Belogortseva Natalia , Levine Zoe , Kaiser Brooke Deatherage , Sangwan Naseer , Hyman Neil , Shogan Benjamin D. , Zaborina Olga , Alverdy John C.
Published: March 2021

Background

Various reports have now established that postoperative endoscopy to examine and intervene in the process of anastomotic healing is both feasible and safe. Here we present our preliminary experience with serial postoperative endoscopy to determine its feasibility, patient acceptance and the ability to obtain and the utility of perianastomotic material for molecular analysis.

Methods

Patients undergoing LAR with ileostomy for rectal cancer were recruited for study to undergo routine serial endoscopic surveillance (SES) at three time points during the course of LAR: intraoperatively, before discharge (postoperative day 3–7) and at follow‐up (postoperative day 10–28). At each endoscopy, images were captured, anastomotic tissues were lavaged and lavage fluid was retrieved. Fluid samples were analyzed using proteomics, zymography, ELISA and bacteria via 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing and culture of collagenolytic strains.

Results

SES is feasible and acceptable to this limited set of patients following LAR. Biologic analysis of perianastomotic fluids was able to detect the presence of proteins, microbiota and inflammatory mediators previously identified at anastomotic sites in animals with pathologic healing.

Conclusion

SES can be implemented in patients undergoing LAR with a high degree of patient compliance and capture of biologic information and imaging. Application of this approach has the potential to uncover, for the first time, the natural history of normal versus pathologic anastomotic healing in patients undergoing anastomotic surgery.
Population genomic structure of the black coral Antipathella subpinnata in Mediterranean Vulnerable Marine Ecosystems
Authors: Terzin Marko , Paletta Maria Grazia , Matterson Kenan , Coppari Martina , Bavestrello Giorgio , Abbiati Marco , Bo Marzia , Costantini Federica
Published: March 2021

Antipathella subpinnata (Ellis and Solander 1786) is one of the most frequently observed black corals at mesophotic depths (60–200 m) of the Mediterranean Sea, particularly in the northwestern part of the basin, where its populations can reach high densities and create forest-like aggregations, both along the coast and in offshore locations such as seamounts. Similar to other marine underwater forests, black coral gardens host a rich associated fauna and attract numerous species of commercial interest. As such, these corals are targeted by recreational and artisanal fisheries and are vulnerable to human impact due to their arborescent morphology and low growth rates. Genetic connectivity can provide valuable insight into the processes of population maintenance and replenishment following environmental disturbance and is often used as a proxy for population resilience. In our study, a restriction-site associated DNA analysis (2bRAD) was used to evaluate fine-scale population structure of the Mediterranean black coral A. subpinnata, and to understand which populations could serve as a potential source of genetic diversity for adjacent populations. Colonies from two offshore localities (a Ligurian seamount and a Tyrrhenian canyon) and four coastal populations from Liguria and Sicily were sampled and genotyped. Significant genetic differentiation was recorded between coastal and offshore localities. Moreover, offshore localities were genetically distinct from one another, while all coastal populations were characterized by panmixia. This indicates that offshore A. subpinnata gardens are potentially less resilient to human impact (i.e., demersal fishing activities) due to a limited influx of larvae from adjacent habitats. In addition, they are unlikely to supply coral propagules to coastal populations. Overall, this study highlights the vulnerability of Mediterranean A. subpinnata forests, and the importance of enforcing conservation and management measures to achieve Good Environmental Status (GES, EU Marine Strategy Framework Directive) of these valuable marine ecosystems.
Quadriceps and hamstring tendon autografts in ACL reconstruction yield comparably good results in a prospective, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Horstmann Hauke , Petri Maximilian , Tegtbur Uwe , Felmet Gernot , Krettek Christian , Jagodzinski Michael
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Comparable data of functional outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using either hamstring- or quadriceps tendon grafts is controversial. This prospective, randomized controlled trial aims to provide data comparing both grafts regarding the functional outcome.

Materials and methods

A two centre trial involving symptomatic patients 18 years of age or older with an anterior cruciate ligament tear was conducted. We randomly assigned 27 patients to quadruple hamstring tendon reconstruction and 24 to quadriceps tendon reconstruction. The patients were evaluated preoperatively, at 3, 6, 12 and 24 months post-surgery. The primary outcome parameter was the side-to-side knee laxity measured with an arthrometer. Secondary outcomes included results in the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) and Lysholm Scores and isokinetic testing of strength in knee extension and flexion.

Results

Forty-four patients (86%) completed the 2-year follow-up. There was significantly improved knee stability at all time intervals with no difference between the two study groups. The manual side-to-side displacement improved by 4.7 ± 3.0 mm in patients with hamstring tendon reconstruction and 5.5 ± 2.9 mm in patients with quadriceps tendon reconstruction. In addition, muscle strength and outcome scores (IKDC and Lysholm Score) did not show any differences between the hamstring tendon group and the quadriceps tendon group. Patients in the hamstring tendon group returned to their pre-injury activity level after 95.2 ± 45.5 days while patients in the quadriceps tendon group needed 82.1 ± 45.6 days.

Conclusion

Quadriceps and hamstring tendon autografts yield comparably good results in primary anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
Efficiency of bioaerosol samplers: a comparison study
Authors: Mescioglu Esra , Paytan Adina , Mitchell Bailey W. , Griffin Dale W.
Published: March 2021

Bioaerosols, including bacteria and fungi, are ubiquitous and have been shown to impact various organisms as well as biogeochemical cycles and human health. However, sample collection poses a challenge for aeromicrobiologists and can determine the success of a study. Establishing a standard collection procedure for bioaerosol sampling could help advance the field. We tested the efficiency (number of organisms collected and DNA yield per unit time) of three sampling devices: a membrane filtration device, a liquid impinger, and a portable electrostatic precipitator bioaerosol collector. We compared the efficiency of these three devices for both culture-dependent studies, by enumerating colony forming units (CFUs), and culture-independent studies, by extracting and quantifying total DNA. Our results show that the electrostatic precipitator collected microorganisms significantly more efficiently than the membrane filtration and liquid impingement in both types of studies over the same time interval. This is due to the high flow rate of the device. This work is important and timely because aeromicrobiology is currently restricted by long sampling times and  risk of evaporation, desiccation, or freezing during sample, which increases with sampling times.  Fieldwork convenience and portability of instruments are an additional challenge for sampling. Using a sampler that can overcome these technical hurdles can accelerate the advancement of the field, and the use of a lightweight, battery-powered, inexpensive, and portable bioaerosol collection device could address these limitations.
Re-envisioning paradigms of education: towards awareness, alignment, and pluralism
Authors: Baker Lindsay R. , Phelan Shanon , Woods Nicole N. , Boyd Victoria A. , Rowland Paula , Ng Stella L.
Published: March 2021

In this article we introduce a synthesis of education “paradigms,” adapted from a multi-disciplinary body of literature and tailored to health professions education (HPE). Each paradigm involves a particular perspective on the purpose of education, the nature of knowledge, what knowledge is valued and included in the curriculum, what it means to learn and how learning is assessed, and the roles of teachers and learners in the learning process. We aim to foster awareness of how these different paradigms look in practice and to illustrate the importance of alignment between teaching, learning and assessment practices with paradigmatic values and assumptions. Finally, we advocate for a pluralistic approach that purposefully and meaningfully integrates paradigms of education, enhancing our ability to drive quality in HPE.
Multi-criteria optimization in regression
Authors: Tsionas Mike G.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we consider standard as well as instrumental variables regression. Specification problems related to autocorrelation, heteroskedasticity, neglected non-linearity, unsatisfactory out-of-small performance and endogeneity can be addressed in the context of multi-criteria optimization. The new technique performs well, it minimizes all these problems simultaneously, and eliminates them for the most part. Markov Chain Monte Carlo techniques are used to perform the computations. An empirical application to NASDAQ returns is provided.
Dreissenids’ breaking loose: differential attachment as a possible driver of the dominance shift between two invasive mussel species
Authors: D’Hont Anouk , Gittenberger Adriaan , Hendriks A. Jan , Leuven Rob S. E. W.
Published: March 2021

Ponto-Caspian dreissenids are notorious freshwater invaders. Recently, widespread observations show a dominance shift from the early invader, Dreissena polymorpha, to its successor, Dreissena bugensis. These observations likely reflect congeneric species differences in physiological and behavioural traits. Here, we assessed the mussel attachment strength, attachment rate, and the mode of byssal failure as trait differences that could potentially contribute to dominance shifts. The attachment traits were measured in field and laboratory experiments. Fouling plates were deployed in the Rhine-Meuse river delta and dreissenids were collected and acclimatised in 60 L non-aerated freshwater tanks. Attachment strength was positively correlated with shell size. The attachment strength of D. bugensis was significantly greater compared to slower growing D. polymorpha individuals of a dreissenid field assemblage. This corresponded to the superior byssal thread morphology of D. bugensis (i.e. higher number and two times wider byssal threads). Moreover, our results indicated that byssal threads of D. bugensis are stronger than those of D. polymorpha, as the latter ruptured more often. Additionally, D. bugensis had a significantly lower attachment rate than D. polymorpha. Having a greater attachment strength gives D. bugensis an advantage when it comes to withstanding currents and predators. On the other hand, not being attached allows an individual to actively move around. This would allow them to move away from fast changing unfavourable environmental conditions. These attachment traits indicate competitive benefits for D. bugensis over D. polymorpha, therefore possibly contributing to the dominance shifts.
Power Imbalance and the Dark Side of the Captive Agri-food Supplier–Buyer Relationship
Authors: Glavee-Geo Richard , Engelseth Per , Buvik Arnt
Published: March 2021

This paper highlights the dark side of power imbalance regarding its consequences in agri-food supplier–buyer relationships. We report on findings from two studies. The first study is based on a sample of 105 key informants, while study 2 is based on a sample of 444 key informants, all from the cocoa agri-food supply market of Ghana. While the first study focuses on the antecedents of power imbalance and its consequences, the second study explores the role of cooperatives/collective action in minimizing supplier exploitation. Data from these studies were analysed using the partial least squares technique (SmartPLS). Analysis of these findings shows switching costs’ impact on power imbalance to be curvilinear, while power imbalance has a curvilinear relationship with opportunism. The negative consequences of power imbalance are further exacerbated by dependency and the lack of joint action. Furthermore, we found the negative impact of power imbalance on financial performance to be stronger for non-cooperative members than for cooperative members, while, counterintuitively, we found the positive impact of economic satisfaction on financial performance to be stronger for non-cooperative members than for cooperative members.
Insulin Rescued MCP-1-Suppressed Cholesterol Efflux to Large HDL2 Particles via ABCA1, ABCG1, SR-BI and PI3K/Akt Activation in Adipocytes
Authors: Sun Runlu , Fang Pu , Jiang Jieyu , Huang Canxia , Wang Junjie , Guo Qi , Li Hongwei , Wu Xiaoying , Xie Xiangkun , Jiang Yuan , Chen Qian , Bao Jinlan , Wang Jingfeng , Wang Hong , Zhang Yuling
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Intracellular cholesterol imbalance plays an important role in adipocyte dysfunction of obesity. However, it is unclear whether obesity induced monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) causes the adipocyte cholesterol imbalance. In this study, we hypothesize that MCP-1 impairs cholesterol efflux of adipocytes to HDL2 and insulin rescues this process.

Methods

We recruited coronary artery disease (CAD) patients with obesity and overweight to analyze the association between MCP-1 and HDL2-C by Pearson correlation coefficients. We performed [3H]-cholesterol efflux assay to demonstrate the effect of MCP-1 and insulin on cholesterol efflux from 3T3-L1 adipocytes to large HDL2 particles. Western blot, RT-qPCR, cell-surface protein assay, and confocal microscopy were performed to determine the regulatory mechanism.

Results

Plasma MCP-1 concentrations were negatively correlated with HDL2-C in CAD patients with obesity and overweight (r = −0.60, p < 0.001). In differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes, MCP-1 reduced cholesterol efflux to large HDL2 particles by 55.4% via decreasing ATP-binding cassette A1 (ABCA1), ABCG1, and scavenger receptor class B type I (SR-BI) expression. Intriguingly, insulin rescued MCP-1 mediated-inhibition of cholesterol efflux to HDL2 in an Akt phosphorylation-dependent manner. The rescue efficacy of insulin was 138.2% for HDL2. Moreover, insulin increased mRNA and protein expression of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI at both transcriptional and translational levels via the PI3K/Akt activation.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that MCP-1 impairs cholesterol efflux to large HDL2 particles in adipocytes, which is reversed by insulin via the upregulation of ABCA1, ABCG1, and SR-BI. Therefore, insulin might improve cholesterol imbalance by an anti-inflammatory effect in adipocytes. Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR2000033297; Date of registration: 2020/05/ 27; Retrospectively registered.
Exploring cross-national public support for the use of enhanced weathering as a land-based carbon dioxide removal strategy
Authors: Spence Elspeth , Cox Emily , Pidgeon Nick
Published: March 2021

This study explores how public attitudes across three countries influence support towards terrestrial enhanced weathering, whereby silicate minerals are applied to agricultural land to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. An online survey was administered in Australia (N = 1000), the UK (N = 1000), and the USA (N = 1026) where there are ongoing field trials of this technique. Findings are similar across all three countries with many participants unfamiliar with enhanced weathering and unsure about supporting the use of enhanced weathering. Results show that positive affect is the main predictor for support of this technique, along with perceived benefits and level of concern about climate change. Open-ended questions asking why respondents would or would not support the use of enhanced weathering elicit mainly affective concepts, with enhanced weathering seen by individual respondents as either something mainly positive or mainly negative, with others saying it sounds risky and/or would have impacts on the environment. The way in which enhanced weathering is communicated is likely to influence support of the use of this strategy so must be undertaken carefully. Overall, our findings show that it is imperative to continue to engage the public, thereby allowing their views to be incorporated as enhanced weathering technology develops over time.
What If We Look at the Body? An Embodied Perspective of Collaborative Learning
Authors: Ferreira Juliene Madureira
Published: March 2021

The bodily experiences and implications of understanding the functioning of the human brain–body mechanism has been a center of attention in the field of cognitive neurosciences for over two decades. Research in this field has enlarged the theories of learning and development, and contributed to changes in educational practices involving language processing, mathematics, and spatial thinking; however, these changes have not yet been applied to the analysis of transversal competencies such as collaborative learning. The aim of this paper is to bridge the theoretical and applied advances in the field of embodied cognition, specifically collaborative learning. The definitions, theoretical frameworks, and current methodological approaches in the field of collaborative learning are reviewed, with a particular focus on those studies that have investigated interactive dynamics in collaborative situations. The need to take the field further by exploring the theoretical perspective of embodied cognition as a possibility that can open the field is also presented. The relevance of investigating learning in groups by analyzing bodily engagements and intersubjectivity is demonstrated and methodological considerations are raised.
Radiation effects on atherosclerosis in atomic bomb survivors: a cross‐sectional study using structural equation modeling
Authors: Nakamizo Tomoki , Cologne John , Cordova Kismet , Yamada Michiko , Takahashi Tetsuya , Misumi Munechika , Fujiwara Saeko , Matsumoto Masayasu , Kihara Yasuki , Hida Ayumi , Ohishi Waka
Published: March 2021

Past reports indicated that total-body irradiation at low to moderate doses could be responsible for cardiovascular disease risks, but the mechanism remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between radiation exposure and atherosclerosis, an underlying pathology of cardiovascular diseases, in the Japanese atomic bomb survivors. We performed a cross-sectional study measuring 14 clinical-physiological atherosclerosis indicators during clinical exams from 2010 to 2014 in 3274 participants of the Adult Health Study cohort. Multivariable analyses were performed by using a structural equation model with latent factors representing underlying atherosclerotic pathologies: (1) arterial stiffness, (2) calcification, and (3) plaque　as measured with indicators chosen a priori on the basis of clinical-physiological knowledge. Radiation was linearly associated with calcification (standardized coefficient per Gy 0.15, 95 % confidence interval: CI [0.070, 0.23]) and plaque (0.11, 95 % CI [0.029, 0.20]), small associations that were comparable to about 2 years of aging per Gy of radiation exposure, but not with arterial stiffness (0.036, 95 % CI [− 0.025, 0.095]). The model fitted better and had narrower confidence intervals than separate ordinary regression models explaining individual indicators independently. The associations were less evident when the dose range was restricted to a maximum of 2 or 1 Gy. By combining individual clinical-physiological indicators that are correlated because of common, underlying atherosclerotic pathologies, we found a small, but significant association of radiation with atherosclerosis.
The Liar Without Relativism
Authors: Mankowitz Poppy
Published: March 2021

Some in the recent literature have claimed that a connection exists between the Liar paradox andsemantic relativism: the view that the truth values of certain occurrences of sentences depend on the contexts at which they are assessed. Sagi (Erkenntnis 82(4):913–928, 2017) argues that contextualist accounts of the Liar paradox are committed to relativism, and Rudnicki and Łukowski (Synthese 1–20, 2019) propose a new account that they classify as relativist. I argue that a full understanding of how relativism is conceived within theories of natural language shows that neither of the purported connections can be maintained. There is no reason why a solution to the Liar paradox needs to accept relativism.
How Real are Quantum States in $$\psi$$-Ontic Models?
Authors: Hermens R.
Published: March 2021

There is a longstanding debate on the metaphysical relation between quantum states and the systems they describe. A series of relatively recent $$\psi$$
ψ
-ontology theorems have been taken to show that, provided one accepts certain assumptions, “quantum states are real”. In this paper I investigate the question of what that claim might be taken to mean in light of these theorems. It is argued that, even if one accepts the framework and assumptions employed by such theorems, such a conclusion is not warranted. Specifically, I argue that when a so-called ontic state is taken to describe the properties of a system, the relation between this state and some quantum state as established by $$\psi$$
ψ
-ontology theorems, is not of the kind that would warrant counting the quantum state among these properties in any way.
Genome-wide diversity and structure variation among lablab [Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet] accessions and their implication in a Forage breeding program
Authors: Sserumaga Julius Pyton , Kayondo Siraj Ismail , Kigozi Abasi , Kiggundu Muhammad , Namazzi Clementine , Walusimbi Kato , Bugeza James , Molly Allen , Mugerwa Swidiq
Published: March 2021

Most orphan crops have not been fully sequenced, hence we rely on genome sequences of related species to align markers to different chromosomes. This hinders their utilisation in plant population improvement programs. Utilising the advances in the science of sequencing technologies, the population structure, relatedness, and genetic diversity among accessions can be assessed quickly for better exploitation in forage breeding programs. Using DArTseq technology, we studied the genetic and structural variation in 65 Lablab purpureus (L.) Sweet conserved gene-bank accessions using 9320 DArTseq-based SNPs and 15,719 SilicoDart markers. These markers had a low discriminating ability with mean polymorphic information content (P.I.C.) of 0.14 with DArTseq-based SNPs and 0.13 with SilicoDart markers. However, the markers had a high mean call rate of 73% with DArTseq-based SNPs and 97% with SilicoDart markers. Analysis of molecular variance revealed a high within populations variance (99.4%), indicating a high gene exchange or low genetic differentiation (PhiPT = 0.0057) among the populations. Structure analysis showed three allelic pools in variable clusters of ΔK = 3 and 6. Phylogenetic tree of lablab accessions showed three main groups with variable membership coefficients. Most pairs of accessions (40.3%) had genetic distances between 0.10 and 0.15 for SilicoDart markers, while for DArTseq-based SNPs, (46.5%) had genetic distances between 0.20 and 0.25. Phylogenetic clustering and minimum spanning analysis divided the 65 accessions into three groups, irrespective of their origin. For the first time, this study produced high-density markers with good genom coverage. The utilisation of these accessions in a forage program will base on the information from molecular-based grouping. The outcomes uncovered the presence of noteworthy measure of variety in Uganda, CIAT and ILRI accessions, thus demonstrating an opportunity for further marker-trait-association studies.
Simulation of global distribution of rare earth elements in the ocean using an ocean general circulation model
Authors: Oka Akira , Tazoe Hirofumi , Obata Hajime
Published: March 2021

In this study, we report our ocean general circulation model simulations of the global distribution of rare earth elements (REEs) in the ocean. As previously reported (Oka et al. in Glob Biogeochem Cycles 23:1–16, 2009), the vertical profiles of REEs in the North Pacific Ocean are strongly controlled by the reversible scavenging process, and the systematic differences between REEs can be reproduced in the model by selecting an appropriate model parameter which controls affinity to particles. We here demonstrate that the external REE input from the coastal regions also plays a role in controlling the vertical profiles of dissolved REE and their inter-basin differences. The role of the external inputs is especially important for light REEs, such as neodymium (Nd). The linear increase in Nd concentration in the North Pacific Ocean cannot be sufficiently reproduced by the reversible scavenging alone; rather, a combination of the reversible scavenging and the external inputs is necessary. On the other hand, the distribution of heavy REEs, such as lutetium (Lu), can be broadly reproduced without the external inputs, suggesting that Lu has similarity with conservative nutrient-like tracer. When compared with REE observations compiled from both the recently obtained GEOTRACES dataset and pre-GEOTRACES reported data, our simulations successfully reproduced the overall features of these observations. Observational data suggested that the vertical profiles of REEs are not the same among the basins; our model simulations demonstrate that this feature can be clearly reproduced by considering both the reversible scavenging and the external REE inputs from the coastal regions.
Guided Self-help Teletherapy for Behavioural Difficulties in Children with Epilepsy
Authors: Bennett Sophie , Heyman Isobel , Varadkar Sophia , Coughtrey Anna , Walji Fahreen , Shafran Roz
Published: March 2021

Behavioural difficulties impact greatly upon quality of life for children with chronic illness and their families but are often not identified or adequately treated, possibly due to the separation of physical and mental health services. This case study describes the content and outcomes of guided self-help teletherapy for behavioural difficulties in a child with epilepsy and complex needs using an evidence-based behavioural parenting protocol delivered within a paediatric hospital setting. Behavioural difficulties and progress towards the family’s self-identified goals were monitored at each session. Validated measures of mental health and quality of life in children were completed before and after intervention and satisfaction was measured at the end of treatment. Measures demonstrated clear progress towards the family’s goals and reduction in weekly ratings of behavioural difficulties. This case demonstrates that a guided self-help teletherapy approach delivered from within the paediatric setting may be one way of meeting unmet need.
Detecting optimality and extracting solutions in polynomial optimization with the truncated GNS construction
Authors: Quijorna María López
Published: March 2021

A basic closed semialgebraic subset of$${\mathbb {R}}^{n}$$Rnis defined by simultaneous polynomial inequalities$$p_{1}\ge 0,\ldots ,p_{m}\ge 0$$p1≥0,…,pm≥0. We consider Lasserre’s relaxation hierarchy to solve the problem of minimizing a polynomial over such a set. These relaxations give an increasing sequence of lower bounds of the infimum. In this paper we provide a new certificate for the optimal value of a Lasserre relaxation to be the optimal value of the polynomial optimization problem. This certificate is to check if a certain matrix has a generalized Hankel form. This certificate is more general than the already known certificate of an optimal solution being flat. In case we have detected optimality we will extract the potential minimizers with a truncated version of the Gelfand–Naimark–Segal construction on the optimal solution of the Lasserre relaxation. We prove also that the operators of this truncated construction commute if and only if the matrix of this modified optimal solution is a generalized Hankel matrix. This generalization of flatness will enable us to prove, with the use of the GNS truncated construction, a result of Curto and Fialkow on the existence of quadrature rule if the optimal solution is flat and a result of Xu and Mysovskikh on the existence of a Gaussian quadrature rule if the modified optimal solution is a generalized Hankel matrix . At the end, we provide a numerical linear algebraic algorithm for detecting optimality and extracting solutions of a polynomial optimization problem.
Near optimal minimal convex hulls of disks
Authors: Kallrath Josef , Ryu Joonghyun , Song Chanyoung , Lee Mokwon , Kim Deok-Soo
Published: March 2021

The minimal convex hulls of disks problem is to find such arrangements of circular disks in the plane that minimize the length of the convex hull boundary. The mixed-integer non-linear programming model, named [17], works only for small to moderate-sized problems. Here we propose a polylithic framework of the problem for big problem instances by combining the following algorithms and models: (i) A fast disk-packing algorithm based on Voronoi diagrams, non-linear programming (NLP) models for packing disks, and an NLP model for minimizing the discretized perimeter of convex hull; (ii) A fast convex-hull algorithm to compute the convex hulls of disk arrangements and their perimeter lengths; (iii) A mixed-integer NLP model taking the output of as its input. We present complete analytic solutions for small problems up to four disks and a semi-analytic mixed-integer linear programming model which yields exact solutions for strip packing problems with up to one thousand congruent disks. It turns out that the proposed polylithic approach works fine for large problem instances containing up to 1,000 disks. Monolithic and polylithic solutions using usually outperform other approaches. The polylithic approach yields better solutions than the results in [17] and provides a benchmark suite for further research.
Fiction and importation
Authors: Stokke Andreas
Published: March 2021

Importation in fictional discourse is the phenomenon by which audiences include information in the story over and above what is explicitly stated by the narrator. This paper argues that importation is distinct from generation, the phenomenon by which truth in fiction may outstrip what is made explicit, and draws a distinction between fictional truth and fictional records. The latter comprises the audience’s picture of what is true according to the narrator. The paper argues that importation into fictional records operates according to principles that also govern ordinary conversation. An account of fictional records as a species of common ground information is proposed. Two sources of importation are described in detail, presupposition accommodation and conversational implicatures. It is shown that presuppositions are both mandatorily imported and mandatorily generated. By contrast, conversational implicatures are neither mandatorily imported nor mandatorily generated. The paper distinguishes conversational implicatures from contextual inferences. Both rely on background assumptions, yet conversational implicatures moreover depend on assumptions concerning Gricean cooperation.
Predicting response to radiotherapy of intracranial metastases with hyperpolarized $$^{13}$$C MRI
Authors: Lee Casey Y. , Soliman Hany , Bragagnolo Nadia D. , Sahgal Arjun , Geraghty Benjamin J. , Chen Albert P. , Endre Ruby , Perks William J. , Detsky Jay S. , Leung Eric , Chan Michael , Heyn Chris , Cunningham Charles H.
Published: March 2021

Background

Stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) is used to manage intracranial metastases in a significant fraction of patients. Local progression after SRS can often only be detected with increased volume of enhancement on serial MRI scans which may lag true progression by weeks or months.

Methods

Patients with intracranial metastases (N = 11) were scanned using hyperpolarized $$^{13}$$

13

C MRI prior to treatment with stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS). The status of each lesion was then recorded at six months post-treatment follow-up (or at the time of death).

Results

The positive predictive value of $$^{13}$$

13

C-lactate signal, measured pre-treatment, for prediction of progression of intracranial metastases at six months post-treatment with SRS was 0.8 $$p < 0.05$$

p
<
0.05

, and the AUC from an ROC analysis was 0.77 $$p < 0.05$$

p
<
0.05

. The distribution of $$^{13}$$

13

C-lactate z-scores was different for intracranial metastases from different primary cancer types (F = 2.46, $$p = 0.1$$

p
=
0.1

).

Conclusions

Hyperpolarized $$^{13}$$

13

C imaging has potential as a method for improving outcomes for patients with intracranial metastases, by identifying patients at high risk of treatment failure with SRS and considering other therapeutic options such as surgery.
microRNA-29b prevents renal fibrosis by attenuating renal tubular epithelial cell–mesenchymal transition through targeting the PI3K/AKT pathway
Authors: Hu Shuang , Hu Hongtao , Wang Rui , He Hong , Shui Hua
Published: March 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the effects of miR-29b on renal interstitial fibrosis in the obstructed kidney of mouse with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) via inhibiting phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinaseB (PI3K/AKT) signaling pathway.

Methods

Adult male CD-1 mice were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or PI3K inhibitor LY294002 (3 mg/kg, 30 mg/kg) daily for 1 or 2 weeks after performing UUO or sham operation. The mice were sacrificed on days 7 and 14 after surgery. The rat proximal tubular epithelial cell (TEC) line NRK-52E was cultured in DMEM and treated with various concentrations angiotensin II (AngII). Obstructed and sham mouse kidneys were analyzed via HE, Masson and immunohistochemistry to assess the degree of renal fibrosis. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction assays (RT-PCR) were performed to investigate changes in the levels of expression of miR-29b and Western blot was used to analyze the activation of PI3K/AKT signaling and expression of E-cadherin, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA).

Results

Histologic analyses of obstructed kidney revealed that LY294002 attenuated the degree of renal fibrosis. In this study, loss of miR-29b accompanied with increased epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) was observed in renal tubules of mice after UUO and cultured NRK-52E cells exposed to AngII. LY294002 also prominently decreased phosphorylation of AKT in vivo and vitro. By RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, LY294002 blocked the PI3K/AKT-induced loss of E-cadherin expression and de novo increase of the expression of α-SMA in a time- and dose-dependent manner. The overexpression of miR-29b markedly reversed the phenotype induced by AngII in NRK-52E cells and the downregulation miR-29b expression with an miR-29b inhibitor resulted in enhanced EMT. In addition, the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway was found to be suppressed in the presence of overexpression of miR-29b by direct hybridization with 3′-untranslated region (3′-UTR) of PIK3R2.

Conclusion

Our findings suggested that miR-29b significantly prevented tubulointerstitial injury in mouse model of UUO by attenuating renal tubular epithelial cell–mesenchymal transition via repressing PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
A real-time video smoke detection algorithm based on Kalman filter and CNN
Authors: Gagliardi Alessio , de Gioia Francesco , Saponara Sergio
Published: March 2021

Smoke detection represents a critical task for avoiding large scale fire disaster in industrial environment and cities. Including intelligent video-based techniques in existing camera infrastructure enables faster response time if compared to traditional analog smoke detectors. In this work presents a hybrid approach to assess the rapid and precise identification of smoke in a video sequence. The algorithm combines a traditional feature detector based on Kalman filtering and motion detection, and a lightweight shallow convolutional neural network. This technique allows the automatic selection of specific regions of interest within the image by the generation of bounding boxes for gray colored moving objects. In the final step the convolutional neural network verifies the actual presence of smoke in the proposed regions of interest. The algorithm provides also an alarm generator that can trigger an alarm signal if the smoke is persistent in a time window of 3 s. The proposed technique has been compared to the state of the art methods available in literature by using several videos of public and non-public dataset showing an improvement in the metrics. Finally, we developed a portable solution for embedded systems and evaluated its performance for the Raspberry Pi 3 and the Nvidia Jetson Nano.
Optimal Policies for Quantum Markov Decision Processes
Authors: Ying Ming-Sheng , Feng Yuan , Ying Sheng-Gang
Published: March 2021

Markov decision process (MDP) offers a general framework for modelling sequential decision making where outcomes are random. In particular, it serves as a mathematical framework for reinforcement learning. This paper introduces an extension of MDP, namely quantum MDP (qMDP), that can serve as a mathematical model of decision making about quantum systems. We develop dynamic programming algorithms for policy evaluation and finding optimal policies for qMDPs in the case of finite-horizon. The results obtained in this paper provide some useful mathematical tools for reinforcement learning techniques applied to the quantum world.
Diagnostic efficiency of hybrid imaging using PSMA ligands, PET/CT, PET/MRI and MRI in identifying malignant prostate lesions
Authors: Scobioala Sergiu , Kittel Christopher , Wolters Heidi , Huss Sebastian , Elsayad Khaled , Seifert Robert , Stegger Lars , Weckesser Matthias , Haverkamp Uwe , Eich Hans Theodor , Rahbar Kambiz
Published: March 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the accuracy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/MRI, 18F-PSMA-1007 PET/CT, 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT, and multiparametric (mp)MRI for the delineating of dominant intraprostatic lesions (IPL).

Materials and methods

35 patients with organ-confined prostate cancer who were assigned to definitive radiotherapy (RT) were divided into three groups based on imaging techniques: 68Ga-PSMA-PET/MRI (n = 9), 18F-PSMA-PET/CT (n = 16) and 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT (n = 10). All patients without PSMA-PET/MRI received an additional mpMRI. PSMA-PET-based automatic isocontours and manual contours of the dominant IPLs were generated for each modality. The biopsy results were then used to validate whether any of the prostate biopsies were positive in the marked lesion using Dice similarity coefficient (DSC), Youden index (YI), sensitivity and specificity. Factors that can predict the accuracy of IPLs contouring were analysed.

Results

Diagnostic performance was significantly superior both for manual and automatic IPLs contouring using 68Ga-PSMA-PET/MRI (DSC/YI SUV70%—0.62/0.51), 18F-PSMA-PET/CT (DSC/YI SUV70%—0.67/0.53) or 68Ga-PSMA-PET/CT (DSC/YI SUV70%—0.63/0.51) compared to mpMRI (DSC/YI—0.47/0.41; p < 0.001). The accuracy for delineating IPLs was not improved by combination of PET/CT and mpMRI images compared to PET/CT alone. Significantly superior diagnostic accuracy was found for large prostate lesions (at least 15% from the prostate volume) and higher Gleason score (at least 7b) comparing to smaller lesions with lower GS.

Conclusion

IPL localization was significantly improved when using PSMA-imaging procedures compared to mpMRI. No significant difference for delineating IPLs was found between hybrid method PSMA-PET/MRI and PSMA-PET/CT. PSMA-based imaging technique should be considered for the diagnostics of IPLs and focal treatment modality.
Reliability of spring recession curve analysis as a function of the temporal resolution of the monitoring dataset
Authors: Cerino Abdin Elena , Taddia Glenda , Gizzi Martina , Lo Russo Stefano
Published: March 2021

Mountain springs represent one of the largest and most precious sources of potable water in Italy, necessary to meet the water needs of the population. Optimizing the present and future management strategies of mountain groundwater resources has become increasingly necessary. The accuracy and frequency of the flow rate (Q) measurements determine and restrict the processes that can be studied using spring hydrograph and recession curve analysis. Therefore, to properly define mountain aquifers’ hydrogeological properties, it turns out important to highlight the variation of the error in the estimation of the hydrogeological parameters as the time interval of sampling varies. In this paper, recession curve analysis was performed on two different mountain springs (Spring 1 and Spring 2) of north-western Italy, firstly considering available 4-h resolution measuring data and subsequently by resampling data to simulate longer sampling intervals of 1, 3, 7, 15, and 30 days.

The resulting distribution of errors introduced by longer acquisition intervals underlined how the percentage error increases with increasing acquisition interval. For obtaining an adequate estimation of mountain aquifer hydrodynamic parameters, in place of continuous hourly data, 1-day and 3-day sampling intervals with associated errors respectively lower than 5% and 10% were found to be valid.
Correction to: A nanoemulsion/micelles mixed nanosystem for the oral administration of hydrophobically modified insulin
Authors: Santalices Irene , Vázquez‑Vázquez Carlos , Santander‑Ortega Manuel J. , Lozano Victoria , Araújo Francisca , Sarmento Bruno , Shrestha Neha , Préat Veronique , Chenlo Miguel , Alvarez Clara V. , Benetti Federico , Cuñarro Juan , Tovar Sulay , Torres Dolores , Alonso María José
Published: March 2021

A correction to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1007/s13346-021-00957-y
The Impact of COVID-19 on the mental health of dialysis patients
Authors:   the DOMESTICO study group, Bonenkamp Anna A. , Druiventak Theresia A. , van Eck van der Sluijs Anita , van Ittersum Frans J. , van Jaarsveld Brigit C. , Abrahams Alferso C.
Published: March 2021

Background

Studies have shown increased anxiety, depression, and stress levels among different populations during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. However, the impact of the pandemic on the mental health of dialysis patients remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the mental health of dialysis patients during the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the period preceding the pandemic.

Methods

Data originate from the ongoing multicentre observational Dutch nOcturnal and hoME dialysis Study To Improve Clinical Outcomes (DOMESTICO). Patients who filled in a health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaire during the pandemic and six to three months prior were included. The mean difference in Mental Component Summary (MCS) score of the Short Form 12 (SF-12) was analysed with multilevel linear regression. A McNemar test was used to compare presence of mental health-related symptoms during and prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Results

A total of 177 patients were included. The mean MCS score prior to COVID-19 was 48.08 ± 10.15, and 49.00 ± 10.04 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The adjusted mean MCS score was 0.93 point (95% CI − 0.57 to 2.42) higher during the COVID-19 pandemic than during the period prior to the pandemic. Furthermore, no difference in the presence of the following mental health-related symptoms was found during the COVID-19 pandemic: feeling anxious, feeling sad, worrying, feeling nervous, trouble falling asleep, and trouble staying asleep.

Conclusions

The mental health of dialysis patients appears to be unaffected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Dialysis patients may be better able to cope with the pandemic, since they have high resilience and are less impacted by social distancing measures.

Trial registration number

Netherlands Trial Register NL6519, date of registration: 22 August 2017.

Graphic abstract