bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Higher-order non-global logarithms from jet calculus
Authors: Banfi Andrea , Dreyer Frédéric A. , Monni Pier Francesco
Published: March 2022

Abstract

Non-global QCD observables are characterised by a sensitivity to the full angular distribution of soft radiation emitted coherently in hard scattering processes. This complexity poses a challenge to their all-order resummation, that was formulated at the leading-logarithmic order about two decades ago. In this article we present a solution to the long-standing problem of their resummation beyond this order, and carry out the first complete next-to-leading logarithmic calculation for non-global observables. This is achieved by solving numerically the recently derived set of non-linear differential equations which describe the evolution of soft radiation in the planar, large-Nc limit. As a case study we address the calculation of the transverse energy distribution in the interjet rapidity region in e+e−→ dijet production. The calculation is performed by means of an algorithm that we formulate in the language of jet-calculus generating functionals, which also makes the resummation technique applicable to more general non-global problems, such as those that arise in hadronic collisions. We find that NLL corrections are substantial and their inclusion leads to a significant reduction of the perturbative scale uncertainties for these observables. The computer code used in the calculations is made publicly available.
Strategies of preserving genetic diversity while maximizing genetic response from implementing genomic selection in pulse breeding programs
Authors: Li Yongjun , Kaur Sukhjiwan , Pembleton Luke W. , Valipour-Kahrood Hossein , Rosewarne Garry M. , Daetwyler Hans D.
Published: March 2022

Key message

Genomic selection maximizes genetic gain by recycling parents to germplasm pool earlier and preserves genetic diversity by restricting the number of fixed alleles and the relationship in pulse breeding programs.

Using a stochastic computer simulation, we investigated the benefit of optimization strategies in the context of genomic selection (GS) for pulse breeding programs. We simulated GS for moderately complex to highly complex traits such as disease resistance, grain weight and grain yield in multiple environments with a high level of genotype-by-environment interaction for grain yield. GS led to higher genetic gain per unit of time and higher genetic diversity loss than phenotypic selection by shortening the breeding cycle time. The genetic gain obtained from selecting the segregating parents early in the breeding cycle (at F1 or F2 stages) was substantially higher than selecting at later stages even though prediction accuracy was moderate. Increasing the number of F1 intercross (F1i) families and keeping the total number of progeny of F1i families constant, we observed a decrease in genetic gain and increase in genetic diversity, whereas increasing the number of progeny per F1i family while keeping a constant number of F1i families increased the rate of genetic gain and had higher genetic diversity loss per unit of time. Adding 50 F2 family phenotypes to the training population increased the accuracy of genomic breeding values (GEBVs) and genetic gain per year and decreased the rate of genetic diversity loss. Genetic diversity could be preserved by applying a strategy that restricted both the percentage of alleles fixed and the average relationship of the group of selected parents to preserve long-term genetic improvement in the pulse breeding program.
Mortality trends in type 1 diabetes: a multicountry analysis of six population-based cohorts
Authors: Ruiz Paz L. D. , Chen Lei , Morton Jedidiah I. , Salim Agus , Carstensen Bendix , Gregg Edward W. , Pavkov Meda E. , Mata-Cases Manel , Mauricio Didac , Nichols Gregory A. , Pildava Santa , Read Stephanie H. , Wild Sarah H. , Shaw Jonathan E. , Magliano Dianna J.
Published: March 2022

Aims/hypothesis

Mortality has declined in people with type 1 diabetes in recent decades. We examined how the pattern of decline differs by country, age and sex, and how mortality trends in type 1 diabetes relate to trends in general population mortality.

Methods

We assembled aggregate data on all-cause mortality during the period 2000–2016 in people with type 1 diabetes aged 0–79 years from Australia, Denmark, Latvia, Scotland, Spain (Catalonia) and the USA (Kaiser Permanente Northwest). Data were obtained from administrative sources, health insurance records and registries. All-cause mortality rates in people with type 1 diabetes, and standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) comparing type 1 diabetes with the non-diabetic population, were modelled using Poisson regression, with age and calendar time as quantitative variables, describing the effects using restricted cubic splines with six knots for age and calendar time. Mortality rates were standardised to the age distribution of the aggregate population with type 1 diabetes.

Results

All six data sources showed a decline in age- and sex-standardised all-cause mortality rates in people with type 1 diabetes from 2000 to 2016 (or a subset thereof), with annual changes in mortality rates ranging from −2.1% (95% CI −2.8%, −1.3%) to −5.8% (95% CI −6.5%, −5.1%). All-cause mortality was higher for male individuals and for older individuals, but the rate of decline in mortality was generally unaffected by sex or age. SMR was higher in female individuals than male individuals, and appeared to peak at ages 40–70 years. SMR declined over time in Denmark, Scotland and Spain, while remaining stable in the other three data sources.

Conclusions/interpretation

All-cause mortality in people with type 1 diabetes has declined in recent years in most included populations, but improvements in mortality relative to the non-diabetic population are less consistent.

Graphical abstract
Quantifying within-group variation in sociality—covariation among metrics and patterns across primate groups and species
Authors: Schülke Oliver , Anzà Simone , Crockford Catherine , De Moor Delphine , Deschner Tobias , Fichtel Claudia , Gogarten Jan F. , Kappeler Peter M. , Manin Virgile , Müller-Klein Nadine , Prox Lea , Sadoughi Baptiste , Touitou Sonia , Wittig Roman M. , Ostner Julia
Published: March 2022

It has long been recognized that the patterning of social interactions within a group can give rise to a social structure that holds very different places for different individuals. Such within-group variation in sociality correlates with fitness proxies in fish, birds, and mammals. Broader integration of this research has been hampered by the lack of agreement on how to integrate information from a plethora of dyadic interactions into individual-level metrics. As a step towards standardization, we collected comparative data on affinitive and affiliative interactions from multiple groups each of five species of primates to assess whether the same aspects of sociality are measured by different metrics and indices. We calculated 16 different sociality metrics used in previous research and thought to represent three different sociality concepts. We assessed covariation of metrics within groups and then summarized covariation patterns across all 15 study groups, which varied in size from 5 to 41 adults. With some methodological and conceptual caveats, we found that the number of weak ties individuals formed within their groups represented a dimension of sociality that was largely independent from the overall number of ties as well as from the number and strength of the strong ties they formed. Metrics quantifying indirect connectedness exhibited strong covariation with strong tie metrics and thus failed to capture a third aspect of sociality. Future research linking affiliation and affinity to fitness or other individual level outcomes should quantify inter-individual variation in three aspects: the overall number of ties, the number of weak ties, and the number or strength of strong ties individuals form, after taking into account effects of social network density.

Significance statement

In recent years, long-term studies of individually known animals have revealed strong correlations between individual social bonds and social integration, on the one hand, and reproductive success and survival on the other hand, suggesting strong natural selection on affiliative and affinitive behavior within groups. It proved difficult to generalize from these studies because they all measured sociality in slightly different ways. Analyzing covariation between 16 previously used metrics identified only three rather independent dimensions of variation. Thus, different studies have tapped into the same biological phenomenon. How individuals are weakly connected within their group needs further attention.
Associations of specific types of fruit and vegetables with perceived stress in adults: the AusDiab study
Authors: Radavelli-Bagatini Simone , Sim Marc , Blekkenhorst Lauren C. , Bondonno Nicola P. , Bondonno Catherine P. , Woodman Richard , Dickson Joanne M. , Magliano Dianna J. , Shaw Jonathan E. , Daly Robin M. , Hodgson Jonathan M. , Lewis Joshua R.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Higher total fruit and vegetable (FV) intakes have been associated with lower perceived stress. The relationship between specific types of FV and perceived stress remains uncertain. The aims of this cross-sectional study were to explore the relationship between consumption of specific types of FV with perceived stress in a population-based cohort of men and women aged ≥ 25 years from the Australian Diabetes, Obesity and Lifestyle (AusDiab) Study.

Methods

Dietary intake was assessed using a validated Food Frequency Questionnaire (n = 8,640). Perceived stress was evaluated using a validated Perceived Stress Questionnaire, with values ranging 0–1 (lowest to highest). High perceived stress cut-offs of ≥0.34 for men and ≥0.39 for women were obtained from the highest quartile of the perceived stress score for each sex. Multivariable-adjusted logistic regression was performed to investigate the associations.

Results

The mean age of participants (50.1% females) was 47.8 (SD 15) years. Persons in the highest, versus lowest, quartiles of apples and pears, orange and other citrus, and banana intakes had a significantly lower odds (24–31%) of having high perceived stress. Similarly, persons with higher intakes of cruciferous, yellow/orange/red, and legume vegetables had significantly lower odds (25–27%) of having high perceived stress.

Conclusion

In Australian adults, a higher consumption of apples and pears, oranges and other citrus, and bananas, as well as cruciferous, yellow/orange/red, and legume vegetables were associated with lower odds of having high perceived stress. The recommendations of “eating a rainbow” of colours may assist in preventing and/or reducing perceived stress.
Decline in the number of patients with meningitis in German hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Völk Stefanie , Pfirrmann Markus , Koedel Uwe , Pfister Hans-Walter , Lang Thomas , Scheibe Franziska , Salih Farid , Herzig-Nichtweiss Julia , Zimmermann Julian , Alonso Angelika , Wittstock Matthias , Totzeck Andreas , Schramm Patrick , Schirotzek Ingo , Onur Oezguer A. , Pelz Johann Otto , Ottomeyer Caroline , Luger Sebastian , Barlinn Kristian , Binder Tobias , Wöbker Gabriele , Reimann Gernot , Urbanek Christian , Heckelmann Jan , Lochner Piergiorgio , Berghoff Martin , Schönenberger Silvia , Neumann Bernhard , Niesen Wolf-Dirk , Dohmen Christian , Huttner Hagen B. , Günther Albrecht , Klein Matthias
Published: March 2022

Background and objectives

In 2020, a wide range of hygiene measures was implemented to mitigate infections caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). In consequence, pulmonary infections due to other respiratory pathogens also decreased. Here, we evaluated the number of bacterial and viral meningitis and encephalitis cases during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.

Methods

In a multicentre retrospective analysis of data from January 2016 until December 2020, numbers of patients diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and other types of CNS infections (such as viral meningitis and encephalitis) at 26 German hospitals were studied. Furthermore, the number of common meningitis-preceding ear-nose-throat infections (sinusitis, mastoiditis and otitis media) was evaluated.

Results

Compared to the previous years, the total number of patients diagnosed with pneumococcal meningitis was reduced (n = 64 patients/year in 2020 vs. n = 87 to 120 patients/year between 2016 and 2019, all p < 0.05). Additionally, the total number of patients diagnosed with otolaryngological infections was significantly lower (n = 1181 patients/year in 2020 vs. n = 1525 to 1754 patients/year between 2016 and 2019, all p < 0.001). We also observed a decline in viral meningitis and especially enterovirus meningitis (n = 25 patients/year in 2020 vs. n = 97 to 181 patients/year between 2016 and 2019, all p < 0.001).

Discussion

This multicentre retrospective analysis demonstrates a decline in the number of patients treated for viral and pneumococcal meningitis as well as otolaryngological infections in 2020 compared to previous years. Since the latter often precedes pneumococcal meningitis, this may point to the significance of the direct spread of pneumococci from an otolaryngological focus such as mastoiditis to the brain as one important pathophysiological route in the development of pneumococcal meningitis.
Increased trunk movements in people with hereditary spastic paraplegia: do these involve balance correcting strategies?
Authors: van de Venis Lotte , Weerdesteyn Vivian , Konijnenburg Aletta , van de Warrenburg Bart P. C. , Geurts Alexander C. H. , Nonnekes Jorik
Published: March 2022

Objective

Hereditary spastic paraplegia (HSP) is characterized by a bilaterally spastic gait pattern. During gait, increased trunk movements are often observed. People with HSP likely generate trunk movements to improve foot clearance and step length, but there may be additional explanations. Here, we investigate whether there is an association between reduced balance performance and increased trunk movements, as an increase in trunk movements may partly reflect balance correcting strategies.

Methods

We analyzed an historic cohort of 86 people with HSP who underwent gait analysis and balance examination. Two researchers reviewed gait analyses videos and classified the observed trunk movement as (1) normal, (2) moderately increased, or (3) markedly increased, and categorized participants as ‘toe walkers’ (yes/no). Balance performance and spatiotemporal gait parameters were collected from the medical files. Parameters were compared between people with normal vs. moderately increased trunk movements, moderately vs. markedly increased trunk movements, and normal vs. markedly increased trunk movements.

Results

Patients with moderately increased trunk movements during gait scored lower on the Berg Balance Scale (p = 0.002) and/or the Mini Balance Evaluation Test (p = 0.043) than patients with normal trunk movements. Likewise, patients with markedly increased trunk movements performed worse on the BBS (p = 0.037) and/or the Mini-BESTest (p = 0.004) than patients with moderately increased trunk movements. Patients with markedly increased trunk movements were more often toe walkers than patients with moderately increased (68% vs. 6%; p < 0.001).

Conclusions

We found an association between increased trunk movements and reduced balance capacity. This may have several—not mutually exclusive—explanations. One of these explanations is that trunk movements, at least partly, reflect balance correcting strategies. With the disease progression, ankle strategies and foot placement strategies become impaired and insufficient to restore balance after intrinsic perturbations. Hip strategies are then potentially recruited to maintain balance, resulting in increased trunk movements.
C-reactive protein identifies patients at risk of postpancreatectomy hemorrhage
Authors: Vilhav C. , Fagman J. B. , Holmberg E. , Naredi P. , Engström C.
Published: March 2022

Background

Postpancreatectomy hemorrhage grade C (PPH C) is a dreaded complication after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) with high mortality rate. Concurrent risk factors for PPH C have been difficult to recognize. Connection between postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPF) and PPH C is well known, but POPF is often unknown prior to the PPH. The aim of this retrospective study was to define potential predictive factors for PPH C.

Methods

Retrospectively, 517 patients who underwent PD between 2003 and 2018 were included in the study. Twenty-three patients with PPH C were identified, and a matched control group of 92 patients was randomly selected. Preoperative data (body mass index, cardiovascular disease, history of abdominal surgery, biliary stent, C-reactive protein (CRP), ASA-score), perioperative data (bleeding, pancreatic anastomosis, operation time), and postoperative data (CRP, drain amylase, POPF, biliary fistula) were analyzed as potential predictors of PPH C.

Results

High postoperative CRP (median 140 mg/L on day 5 or 6) correlated with the development of PPH C (p < 0.05). Postoperative drain amylase levels were not clinically relevant for occurrence of PPH C. Grade C POPF or biliary leak was observed in the majority of the PPH C patients, but the leaking anastomoses were not detected before the bleeding started.

Discussion

High postoperative CRP levels are related to an increased risk of PPH C.
Microarchitecture of historic bone samples with tuberculosis
Authors: Vekszler György , Granner Matthias , Nebot Valenzuela Elena , Winter Eduard , Dockner Martin , Weber Gerhard W. , Pretterklieber Michael , Teschler-Nicola Maria , Pietschmann Peter
Published: March 2022

Tuberculosis is among the leading causes of death from infectious diseases and affects many organ systems, including the skeleton. Skeletal tuberculosis is an extrapulmonary stage of tuberculosis, which occurs after the early and post-primary pulmonary stages of the disease. The aim of our study was to assess the microarchitecture of historic dry bone samples of subjects who have died of tuberculosis documented by post-mortem examinations. These preparations date to the pre-antibiotic era, and were provided by the Pathological-Anatomical Collection in the “Fools Tower” of the Natural History Museum Vienna (PASiN-NHM).

We investigated macerated samples of 20 vertebral bodies, 19 femoral heads, and 20 tibiae of a total of 59 individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis from the nineteenth and early twentieth century. 10 femora and 10 tibiae from body donors that did not exhibit signs of infection and 10 (unaffected) vertebrae kept at the PASiN-NHM were studied as controls. The affected regions of the bone samples (and the corresponding regions of the control bones) were analyzed by microcomputed tomography using a Viscom X 8060 II system. Obtained images were analyzed semi-quantitatively. In samples with tuberculosis, independent of the investigated skeletal region, trabecular defects and decreased trabecular thickness were observed. Cortical porosity was seen in affected vertebrae and tibia; in tuberculous tibiae (but not in the femora) cortical thickness was decreased. In half of the individuals, cortical sclerosis was present; signs of ankylosis were observed mainly at the femoral heads affected with tuberculosis. We conclude that a combination of several alterations at the trabecular compartment could be suggestive of the presence of tuberculosis in historic skeletal remains.
Locus Coeruleus magnetic resonance imaging: a comparison between native-space and template-space approach
Authors: Giorgi F. S. , Martini N. , Lombardo F. , Galgani A. , Bastiani L. , Della Latta D. , Hlavata H. , Busceti C. L. , Biagioni F. , Puglisi-Allegra S. , Pavese N. , Fornai F.
Published: March 2022

Locus Coeruleus (LC) is the main noradrenergic nucleus of the brain, which is involved in many physiological functions including cognition; its impairment may be crucial in the neurobiology of a variety of brain diseases. Locus Coeruleus-Magnetic Resonance Imaging (LC-MRI) allows to identify in vivo LC in humans. Thus, a variety of research teams have been using LC-MRI to estimate LC integrity in normal aging and in patients affected by neurodegenerative disorders, where LC integrity my work as a biomarker. A number of variations between LC-MRI studies exist, concerning post-acquisition analysis and whether this had been performed within MRI native space or in ad hoc-built MRI template space. Moreover, the reproducibility and reliability of this tool is still to be explored. Therefore, in the present study, we analyzed a group of neurologically healthy, cognitively intact elderly subjects, using both a native space- and a template space-based LC-MRI analysis. We found a good inter-method agreement, particularly considering the LC Contrast Ratio. The template space-based approach provided a higher spatial resolution, lower operator-dependency, and allowed the analysis of LC topography. Our ad hoc-developed LC template showed LC morphological data that were in line with templates published very recently. Remarkably, present data significantly overlapped with a recently published LC “metaMask”, that had been obtained by averaging the results of a variety of previous LC-MRI studies. Thus, such a template space-based approach may pave the way to a standardized LC-MRI analysis and to be used in future clinic–anatomical correlations.
A semi-empirical re-evaluation of the influence of state on elastic stiffness in granular materials
Authors: Liu Deyun , Morimoto Tokio , Carraro J. Antonio H. , O’Sullivan Catherine
Published: March 2022

This study uses data acquired from three-dimensional discrete element method simulations to reconsider what measure of state can be used to predict stiffness in granular materials. A range of specimens with linear and gap-graded particle size distributions are considered and stiffness is measured using small amplitude strain probes. Analysis of the data firstly confirms that the void ratio, which is typically used as a measure of state in experimental soil mechanics, does not correlate well with shear stiffness. However, the empirical expressions developed by Hardin and his colleagues can capture variations in stiffness, provided an appropriate state variable is used. The study then highlights that the contribution of individual contacts to the overall stiffness is highly variable, depending on both the contact force transmitted and the particle size. Analyses explore how the stress transmission both within and between the different size fractions affects the overall stiffness. This heterogeneity in stiffness relates to the heterogeneity in the stress transmission amongst the different fractions. By considering the heterogeneity of stress distribution amongst different particle size fractions, a new semi-empirical stress-based state variable is proposed that provides insight into the factors that influence stiffness.
Infection fatality rate of COVID-19 in community-dwelling elderly populations
Authors: Axfors Cathrine , Ioannidis John P. A.
Published: March 2022

This mixed design synthesis aimed to estimate the infection fatality rate (IFR) of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in community-dwelling elderly populations and other age groups from seroprevalence studies. Protocol: https://osf.io/47cgb. Eligible were seroprevalence studies done in 2020 and identified by any of four existing systematic reviews; with ≥ 500 participants aged ≥ 70 years; presenting seroprevalence in elderly people; aimed to generate samples reflecting the general population; and whose location had available data on cumulative COVID-19 deaths in elderly (primary cutoff ≥ 70 years; ≥ 65 or ≥ 60 also eligible). We extracted the most fully adjusted (if unavailable, unadjusted) seroprevalence estimates; age- and residence-stratified cumulative COVID-19 deaths (until 1 week after the seroprevalence sampling midpoint) from official reports; and population statistics, to calculate IFRs adjusted for test performance. Sample size-weighted IFRs were estimated for countries with multiple estimates. Thirteen seroprevalence surveys representing 11 high-income countries were included in the main analysis. Median IFR in community-dwelling elderly and elderly overall was 2.9% (range 1.8–9.7%) and 4.5% (range 2.5–16.7%) without accounting for seroreversion (2.2% and 4.0%, respectively, accounting for 5% monthly seroreversion). Multiple sensitivity analyses yielded similar results. IFR was higher with larger proportions of people > 85 years. The IFR of COVID-19 in community-dwelling elderly is lower than previously reported.
A Deterministic Portable Parallel Pseudo-Random Number Generator for Pattern-Based Programming of Heterogeneous Parallel Systems
Authors: Ernstsson August , Vandenbergen Nicolas , Keller Jörg , Kessler Christoph
Published: March 2022

SkePU is a pattern-based high-level programming model for transparent program execution on heterogeneous parallel computing systems. A key feature of SkePU is that, in general, the selection of the execution platform for a skeleton-based function call need not be determined statically. On single-node systems, SkePU can select among CPU, multithreaded CPU, single or multi-GPU execution. Many scientific applications use pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) as part of the computation. In the interest of correctness and debugging, deterministic parallel execution is a desirable property, which however requires a deterministically parallelized pseudo-random number generator. We present the API and implementation of a deterministic, portable parallel PRNG extension to SkePU that is scalable by design and exhibits the same behavior regardless where and with how many resources it is executed. We evaluate it with four probabilistic applications and show that the PRNG enables scalability on both multi-core CPU and GPU resources, and hence supports the universal portability of SkePU code even in the presence of PRNG calls, while source code complexity is reduced.
A behavioral decomposition of willingness to pay for health insurance
Authors: Baillon Aurélien , Kraft Aleli , O’Donnell Owen , van Wilgenburg Kim
Published: March 2022

Despite widespread exposure to substantial medical expenditure risk in low-income populations, health insurance enrollment is typically low. This is puzzling from the perspective of expected utility theory. To help explain it, this paper introduces a decomposition of the stated willingness to pay (WTP) for insurance into its fair price and three behavioral deviations from that price due to risk perception and risk attitude consistent with prospect theory, plus a residual. To apply this approach, we elicit WTP, subjective distributions of medical expenditures and risk attitude (utility curvature and probability weighting) from Filipino households in a nationwide survey. We find that the mean stated WTP of the uninsured is less than both the actuarially fair price and the subsidized price at which public insurance is offered. This is not explained by downwardly biased beliefs: both the mean and the median subjective expectation are greater than the subsidized price. Convex utility in the domain of losses pushes mean WTP below the fair price and the subsidized price, and the transformation of probabilities into decision weights depresses the mean further, at least using one of two specific decompositions. WTP is reduced further by factors other than risk perception and attitude.
Do self-talk phrases affect behavior in ultimatum games?
Authors: Frey Vincenz , De Mulder Hannah N. M. , ter Bekke Marlijn , Struiksma Marijn E. , van Berkum Jos J. A. , Buskens Vincent
Published: March 2022

The current study investigates whether self-talk phrases can influence behavior in Ultimatum Games. In our three self-talk treatments, participants were instructed to tell themselves (i) to keep their own interests in mind, (ii) to also think of the other person, or (iii) to take some time to contemplate their decision. We investigate how such so-called experimenter-determined strategic self-talk phrases affect behavior and emotions in comparison to a control treatment without instructed self-talk. The results demonstrate that other-focused self-talk can nudge proposers towards fair behavior, as offers were higher in this group than in the other conditions. For responders, self-talk tended to increase acceptance rates of unfair offers as compared to the condition without self-talk. This effect is significant for both other-focused and contemplation-inducing self-talk but not for self-focused self-talk. In the self-focused condition, responders were most dissatisfied with unfair offers. These findings suggest that use of self-talk can increase acceptance rates in responders, and that focusing on personal interests can undermine this effect as it negatively impacts the responders’ emotional experience. In sum, our study shows that strategic self-talk interventions can be used to affect behavior in bargaining situations.
Collect them all! Increasing product category cross-selling using the incompleteness effect
Authors: Bauer Christoph , Spangenberg Katie , Spangenberg Eric R. , Herrmann Andreas
Published: March 2022

The familiar state of tension associated with an incomplete collection or an unfinished jigsaw puzzle is predicted by Lewin’s (1926; 1935) field theory. This feeling evokes a drive to completion—a phenomenon we label the incompleteness effect—which is useful to marketers endeavoring to cross-sell products and services. In three studies using online product configurators, we find that consumers faced with visual representations of incomplete product category collections, such as an evening drinks menu or a puzzle with its pieces representing services, are significantly more likely to complete the collection or finish the puzzle by cross-purchasing from a greater number of product or service categories as compared to those using a conventional online shopping format. We identify theoretical mechanisms through which the incompleteness effect works and potential moderators for the effect. Findings suggest that managers offering products or services across several categories can increase cross-selling by eliciting people’s drive toward completion.
A prospective study comparing two methods of pre-hospital triage for trauma
Authors: Bagnato C. , Ranzato K. , Giarraca A. , Restelli P. , Saronni S. , Gadda G. , Chiara O. , Cimbanassi S.
Published: March 2022

We conducted a prospective study comparing two different pre-hospital triage tools for trauma: the American College of Surgeons Committee on Trauma (ACS-COT) field triage decision scheme and the TRENAU score. The main objective was to evaluate which triage tool was more appropriate in the setting of Lombardy's trauma system. Data were collected from the population of trauma patients admitted to Niguarda hospital in Milan from January to June 2021. RStudio and Excel were used for data analysis. For each triage tool performance measures, Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) curves, and overtriage and undertriage rates were obtained. A total of 1439 injured patients admitted through 118 pre-hospital Emergency Medical Services (EMS) were included in the study. The ACS-COT triage tool showed a good accuracy but an excessive overtriage rate (59%). The TRENAU triage tool had a moderately good accuracy and a low overtriage rate (23%) while maintaining an acceptable undertriage rate (3.9%). The TRENAU triage tool proved to be efficient in optimizing the use of resources dedicated to trauma care while resulting safe for the injured patient. In a modern trauma system such as Lombardy's it would be more appropriate to adopt the TRENAU score over the ACS-COT field triage decision scheme.
Toward an optimal theory of integration for functions taking values in quasi-Banach spaces
Authors: Ansorena José L. , Bello Glenier
Published: March 2022

We present a new approach to define a suitable integral for functions with values in quasi-Banach spaces. The integrals of Bochner and Riemann have deficiencies in the non-locally convex setting. The study of an integral for p-Banach spaces initiated by Vogt is neither totally satisfactory, since there are quasi-Banach spaces which are p-convex for all $$0<p<1$$

0
<
p
<
1

, so it is not always possible to choose an optimal p to develop the integration. Our method puts the emphasis on the galb of the space, which permits a precise definition of its convexity. The integration works for all spaces of galbs known in the literature. We finish with a fundamental theorem of calculus for our integral.
Quasi-invariance of Gaussian measures for the periodic Benjamin-Ono-BBM equation
Authors: Genovese Giuseppe , Lucà Renato , Tzvetkov Nikolay
Published: March 2022

The BBM equation is a Hamiltonian PDE which revealed to be a very interesting test-model to study the transformation property of Gaussian measures along the flow, after Tzvetkov (Sigma 3:e28-35). In this paper we study the BBM equation with critical dispersion (which is a Benjamin-Ono type model). We prove that the image of the Gaussian measures supported on fractional Sobolev spaces of increasing regularity are absolutely continuous, but we cannot identify the density, for which new ideas are needed.
Rare earth monosilicates as oxidation resistant interphase for SiCf/SiC CMC: Investigation of SiCf/Yb2SiO5 model composites
Authors: Lv Xirui , Yue Mengkun , Feng Xue , Li Xiaoyan , Wang Yumin , Wang Jiemin , Zhang Jie , Wang Jingyang
Published: March 2022

Model composites consisting of SiC fiber and Yb2SiO5 were processed by the spark plasma sintering (SPS) method. The mechanical compatibility and chemical stability between Yb2SiO5 and SiC fiber were studied to evaluate the potential application of Yb monosilicate as the interphase of silicon carbide fiber reinforced silicon carbide ceramic matrix composite (SiCf/SiC CMC). Two kinds of interfaces, namely mechanical and chemical bonding interfaces, were achieved by adjusting sintering temperature. SiCf/Yb2SiO5 interfaces prepared at 1450 and 1500 °C exhibit high interface strength and debond energy, which do not satisfy the crack deflection criteria based on He-Hutchison diagram. Raman spectrum analyzation indicates that the thermal expansion mismatch between Yb2SiO5 and SiC contributes to high compressive thermal stress at interface, and leads to high interfacial parameters. Amorphous layer at interface in model composite sintered at 1550 °C is related to the diffusion promoted by high temperature and DC electric filed during SPS. It is inspired that the interfacial parameters could be adjusted by introducing Yb2Si2O7−Yb2SiO5 interphase with controlled composition to optimize the mechanical fuse mechanism in SiCf/SiC CMC.
Medical versus social egg freezing: the importance of future choice for women’s decision-making
Authors: De Proost Michiel , Paton Alexis
Published: March 2022

While the literature on oncofertility decision-making was central to the bioethics debate on social egg freezing when the practice emerged in the late 2000s, there has been little discussion juxtaposing the two forms of egg freezing since. This article offers a new perspective on this debate by comparing empirical qualitative data of two previously conducted studies on medical and social egg freezing. We re-analysed the interview data of the two studies and did a thematic analysis combined with interdisciplinary collaborative auditing for empirical ethics projects. Despite their different contexts, major similarities in women’s decision-making and reasoning were found. We developed two main common themes. Firstly, women felt a clear need to plan for future options. Secondly, they manipulated decision-times by postponing definitive decisions and making micro-decisions. The comparison highlights that the passage of time and the preservation of future choice seems to permeate all aspects of the patient experiences in both studies. As a result of considering real-world lived experiences, we suggest that there are many overlaps in women’s reasoning about egg freezing regardless of why they are making a decision to freeze. These overlaps are morally relevant and thus need to be further integrated into the existing arguments that have been canvassed in the flourishing egg freezing and fertility preservation debates across the field, and in policy and practice globally.
COMPACT AND HILBERT–SCHMIDT WEIGHTED COMPOSITION OPERATORS ON WEIGHTED BERGMAN SPACES
Authors: LO CHING-ON , LOH ANTHONY WAI-KEUNG
Published: March 2022

Let u and
$\varphi $
be two analytic functions on the unit disk D such that
$\varphi (D) \subset D$
. A weighted composition operator
$uC_{\varphi }$
induced by u and
$\varphi $
is defined on
$A^2_{\alpha }$
, the weighted Bergman space of D, by
$uC_{\varphi }f := u \cdot f \circ \varphi $
for every
$f \in A^2_{\alpha }$
. We obtain sufficient conditions for the compactness of
$uC_{\varphi }$
in terms of function-theoretic properties of u and
$\varphi $
. We also characterize when
$uC_{\varphi }$
on
$A^2_{\alpha }$
is Hilbert–Schmidt. In particular, the characterization is independent of
$\alpha $
when
$\varphi $
is an automorphism of D. Furthermore, we investigate the Hilbert–Schmidt difference of two weighted composition operators on
$A^2_{\alpha }$
.
SHUFFLE ALGEBRAS FOR QUIVERS AND R-MATRICES
Authors: Neguț Andrei
Published: March 2022

We define slope subalgebras in the shuffle algebra associated to a (doubled) quiver, thus yielding a factorization of the universal R-matrix of the double of the shuffle algebra in question. We conjecture that this factorization matches the one defined by [1, 18, 32, 33, 34] using Nakajima quiver varieties.
Predicting COVID‐19 Cases From Atmospheric Parameters Using Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Ogunjo S. T. , Fuwape I. A. , Rabiu A. B.
Published: March 2022

The dynamical nature of COVID‐19 cases in different parts of the world requires robust mathematical approaches for prediction and forecasting. In this study, we aim to (a) forecast future COVID‐19 cases based on past infections, (b) predict current COVID‐19 cases using PM2.5, temperature, and humidity data, using four different machine learning classifiers (Decision Tree, K‐nearest neighbor, Support Vector Machine, and Random Forest). Based on RMSE values, k‐nearest neighbor and support vector machine algorithms were found to be the best for predicting future incidences of COVID‐19 based on past histories. From the RMSE values obtained, temperature was found to be the best predictor for number of COVID‐19 cases, followed by relative humidity. Decision tree models was found to perform poorly in the prediction of COVID‐19 cases considering particulate matter and atmospheric parameters as predictors. Our results suggests the possibility of predicting virus infection using machine learning. This will guide policy makers in proactive monitoring and control.
Coccolithophore Abundance, Degree of Calcification, and Their Contribution to Particulate Inorganic Carbon in the South China Sea
Authors: Jin Xiaobo , Liu Chuanlian , Xu Juan , Guo Xianghui
Published: March 2022

Particulate inorganic carbon (PIC) production and export to deep ocean are important processes in water column carbonate cycling. Biochemistry investigations have shown that the seawater PIC in eutrophic high‐latitude waters is contributed by marine calcifying algae coccolithophores which are constituted by the nearly monospecies Emiliania huxleyi. This allows the seawater PIC to be predicted in these high‐fertility regions based on satellite remote sensing. However, in waters with low surface PIC productivity, which still account for 70% of global ocean areas, the subsurface PIC maximum may not be well disclosed by satellite. Here, with a biochemistry cruise, we investigated the seawater coccolithophore cell and coccolith abundances, degree of E. huxleyi coccolith calcification, and PIC concentration in the deep chlorophyll maximum layers in the South China Sea, with the aim to improve our understanding of PIC production in these low productivity regions. Our results demonstrate the control of nutrient levels in the water column on the geographical (horizontal) distribution of Noelaerhabdaceae coccolithophores (E. huxleyi and Gephyrocapsa oceanica) in the investigated area, as well as an insensitive response of the calcification degree of E. huxleyi coccolith to carbonate chemistry. Although Noelaerhabdaceae coccoliths were the major components of deep‐sea sediment carbonate, they on average contributed to <18% of suspended PIC for the investigated seawater, indicating multiple sources of highly variable suspended PIC in the subsurface oligotrophic water. The production of Noelaerhabdaceae coccoliths greatly depends on local environments, which highlights the importance of field investigations in low‐fertility areas for global PIC productivity evaluation.
The FastEddy®Resident‐GPU Accelerated Large‐Eddy Simulation Framework: Moist Dynamics Extension, Validation and Sensitivities of Modeling Non‐Precipitating Shallow Cumulus Clouds
Authors: Muñoz‐Esparza Domingo , Sauer Jeremy A. , Jensen Anders A. , Xue Lulin , Grabowski Wojciech W.
Published: March 2022

Herein we describe the moist dynamics formulation implemented within the graphics processing unit‐resident large‐eddy simulation FastEddy®model, which includes a simple saturation adjustment scheme for condensation and evaporation processes. Two LES model intercomparison exercises for non‐precipitating shallow cumulus clouds are simulated in order to validate this model extension, including a static forcing and a time‐dependent forcing case. Overall, we find our dynamical, thermodynamical and microphysical quantities, along with turbulence variability and fluxes, to be commensurate with the corresponding model intercomparison results. In addition, sensitivities to specific model settings are investigated. Among these settings, it is shown that boundary layer and cloud layer structure and characteristics are sensitive to use of higher‐order advection schemes impacting the vertical distribution of cloud content and associated turbulence statistics. Increasing the timescale of the saturation scheme leads to enhanced liquid water presence and decreases vertical velocity variance within the cloud deck. In some cases, these sensitivities agree with the model‐to‐model variability reported in the intercomparison exercises, highlighting the important role of specific model implementation choices in the context of shallow cumulus convection simulations. These analyses and findings also provide the basis for future extensions and applications of FastEddy®for modeling moist convection and precipitation scenarios.
VIVA1: a more invasive subclone of MDA-MB-134VI invasive lobular carcinoma cells with increased metastatic potential in xenograft models
Authors: Allen Victoria , Coulombe Josée , Zhao Huijun , Kreps Lauren M. , Cook David P. , Pryce Benjamin , Clemons Mark , Vanderhyden Barbara C. , Gray Douglas A. , Addison Christina L.
Published: March 2022

Background

Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) is the second most common type of breast cancer. As few tools exist to study ILC metastasis, we isolated ILC cells with increased invasive properties to establish a spontaneously metastasising xenograft model.

Methods

MDA-MB-134VI ILC cells were placed in transwells for 7 days. Migrated cells were isolated and expanded to create the VIVA1 cell line. VIVA1 cells were compared to parental MDA-MB-134VI cells in vitro for ILC marker expression and relative proliferative and invasive ability. An intraductally injected orthotopic xenograft model was used to assess primary and metastatic tumour growth in vivo.

Results

Similar to MDA-MB-134VI, VIVA1 cells retained expression of oestrogen receptor (ER) and lacked expression of E-cadherin, however showed increased invasion in vitro. Following intraductal injection, VIVA1 and MDA-MB-134VI cells had similar primary tumour growth and survival kinetics. However, macrometastases were apparent in 7/10 VIVA1-injected animals. Cells from a primary orthotopic tumour (VIVA-LIG43) were isolated and showed similar proliferative rates but were also more invasive than parental cells. Upon re-injection intraductally, VIVA-LIG43 cells had more rapid tumour growth with similar metastatic incidence and location.

Conclusions

We generated a new orthotopic spontaneously metastasising xenograft model for ER+ ILC amenable for the study of ILC metastasis.
Exon skipping induced by CRISPR-directed gene editing regulates the response to chemotherapy in non-small cell lung carcinoma cells
Authors: Banas Kelly , Modarai Shirin , Rivera-Torres Natalia , Yoo Byung-Chun , Bialk Pawel A. , Barrett Connor , Batish Mona , Kmiec Eric B.
Published: March 2022

We have been developing CRISPR-directed gene editing as an augmentative therapy for the treatment of non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) by genetic disruption of Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (NRF2). NRF2 promotes tumor cell survival in response to therapeutic intervention and thus its disablement should restore or enhance effective drug action. Here, we report how NRF2 disruption leads to collateral damage in the form of CRISPR-mediated exon skipping. Heterogeneous populations of transcripts and truncated proteins produce a variable response to chemotherapy, dependent on which functional domain is missing. We identify and characterize predicted and unpredicted transcript populations and discover that several types of transcripts arise through exon skipping; wherein one or two NRF2 exons are missing. In one specific case, the presence or absence of a single nucleotide determines whether an exon is skipped or not by reorganizing Exonic Splicing Enhancers (ESEs). We isolate and characterize the diversity of clones induced by CRISPR activity in a NSCLC tumor cell population, a critical and often overlooked genetic byproduct of this exciting technology. Finally, gRNAs must be designed with care to avoid altering gene expression patterns that can account for variable responses to solid tumor therapy.
Exploring the enhancement of the thermoelectric properties of bilayer graphyne nanoribbons
Authors: C. M. Rodrigues D. , L. Lage L. , Venezuela P. , Latgé A.
Published: March 2022

The electronic and thermoelectric properties of bilayer α-graphyne nanoribbons are investigated using density functional theory and the NEGF method. The power factor (σS2) is increased for the bilayer nanoribbons in comparison with isolated ribbons.
Finite-momentum excitons and the role of electron–phonon couplings in the electronic and phonon transport properties of boron arsenide
Authors: Mei Haodong , Xia Yujie , Zhang Yiming , Wu Yu , Chen Ying , Ma Congcong , Kong Mingran , Peng Lei , Zhu Heyuan , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2022

Different from traditional materials, the carrier scattering processes in cubic BAs are dominantly determined by the ionized impurity scattering, in which electron scatterings are more sensitive to the ionized impurity compared to hole scatterings.
Sustainable and safer nanoclay composites for multifaceted applications
Authors: Padil Vinod V. T. , Akshay Kumar K. P. , Murugesan Selvakumar , Torres-Mendieta Rafael , Wacławek Stanisław , Cheong Jun Young , Černík Miroslav , Varma Rajender S.
Published: March 2022

Assorted nanoclay composites with sustainable, safer features and innovations are described for multifaceted applications.
A PEGylated water-soluble fluorescent and colorimetric probe for carbon monoxide detection
Authors: Xiao Peng , Guo Dongliang , Yan Liting , Xu Hu , Ma Yong , Liu Jianjun , Yang Jinggang , Sun Wen , Zhang Boyu
Published: March 2022

A PEGylated water-soluble CO probe is synthesized, achieving the detection of CO with high intensity color change and fluorescence enhancement.
Formation and aspect ratio control of rhabdophane-type yttrium orthophosphate hexagonal prism particles synthesized by a citrate-assisted hydrothermal process
Authors: Shiba Fumiyuki , Fujiwara Takumi , Takeda Yamato , Okawa Yusuke
Published: March 2022

The rhabdophane-type YPO4 particles have been synthesized in the presence of citrate ions under systematically varied reaction conditions.