bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Charting the Higgs self-coupling boundaries
Authors: Durieux Gauthier , McCullough Matthew , Salvioni Ennio
Published: December 2022

Abstract

Could new physics first manifest itself in Higgs self-coupling measurements? In other words, how large could deviations in the Higgs self-coupling be, if other Higgs and electroweak measurements are compatible with Standard Model predictions? Using theoretical arguments supported by concrete models, we derive a bound on the ratio of self-coupling to single-Higgs coupling deviations in ultraviolet completions of the Standard Model where parameters are not fine-tuned. Broadly speaking, a one-loop hierarchy is allowed. We thus stress that self-coupling measurements at the LHC and future colliders probe uncharted parameter space, presenting discovery potential even in the absence of emerging hints in single-Higgs coupling measurements. For instance, if other observables show less than two-sigma deviations by the end of the LHC programme, the Higgs self-coupling deviations could still exceed 200% in the models discussed, without introducing fine-tuning of ultraviolet parameters.
Robustness of texture-based roundwood tracking
Authors: Wimmer Georg , Schraml Rudolf , Hofbauer Heinz , Petutschnigg Alexander , Uhl Andreas
Published: December 2022

The proof of origin of wood logs is becoming more and more important. In the context of Industry 4.0 and to combat illegal logging, there is an increased interest to track each individual log. There were already previous publications on wood log tracing using image data from logs, but these publications used experimental setups that cannot simulate a practical application where logs are tracked between different stages of the wood processing chain, like e.g. from the forest to the sawmill. In this work, we employ image data from the same 100 logs that were acquired at different stages of the wood processing chain (two datasets at the forest, one at a laboratory and two at the sawmill including one acquired with a CT scanner). Cross-dataset wood tracking experiments are applied using (a) the two forest datasets, (b) one forest and the RGB sawmill dataset and (c) different RGB datasets and the CT sawmill dataset. In our experiments we employ two CNN based method, 2 shape descriptors and two methods from the biometric areas of iris and fingerprint recognition. We will show that wood log tracing between different stages of the wood processing chain is feasible, even if the images at different stages are obtained at different image domains (RGB-CT). But it only works if the log cross sections from different stages of the wood processing chain either offer a good visibility of the annual ring pattern or share the same woodcut pattern.
Association between iron accumulation in the dorsal striatum and compulsive drinking in alcohol use disorder
Authors: Tan Haoye , Hubertus Simon , Thomas Sebastian , Lee Alycia M. , Gerhardt Sarah , Gerchen Martin Fungisai , Sommer Wolfgang H. , Kiefer Falk , Schad Lothar , Vollstädt-Klein Sabine
Published: December 2022

Rationale

Brain iron accumulation has been observed in neuropsychiatric disorders and shown to be related to neurodegeneration.

Objectives

In this study, we used quantitative susceptibility mapping (QSM), an emerging MRI technique developed for quantifying tissue magnetic susceptibility, to examine brain iron accumulation in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD) and its relation to compulsive drinking.

Methods

Based on our previous projects, QSM was performed as a secondary analysis with gradient echo sequence images, in 186 individuals with AUD and 274 healthy participants. Whole-brain susceptibility values were calculated with morphology-enabled dipole inversion and referenced to the cerebrospinal fluid. Then, the susceptibility maps were compared between AUD individuals and healthy participants. The relationship between drinking patterns and susceptibility was explored.

Results

Whole-brain analyses showed that the susceptibility in the dorsal striatum (putamen and caudate) among AUD individuals was higher than healthy participants and was positively related to the Obsessive Compulsive Drinking Scale (OCDS) scores and the amount of drinking in the past three months.

Conclusions

Increased susceptibility suggests higher iron accumulation in the dorsal striatum in AUD. This surrogate for the brain iron level was linearly associated with the compulsive drinking pattern and the recent amount of drinking, which provides us a new clinical perspective in relation to brain iron accumulation, and also might indicate an association of AUD with neuroinflammation as a consequence of brain iron accumulation. The iron accumulation in the striatum is further relevant for functional imaging studies in AUD by potentially producing signal dropout and artefacts in fMRI images.
Skin laceration caused by a short distance shot from a pepper spray launcher: a case report
Authors: Weber Anja , Wöss Claudia , Kneubuehl Beat P. , Rabl Walter
Published: December 2022

Pepper spray launchers are more precise and wind stable compared to conventional pepper sprays and are commonly used as a self-defensive tool. With the advanced potential, they may also harbour a greater risk for injuries, especially if they are not used within the suggested safety distance. If the shooting distance is below 1.5 m, energy densities may exceed the threshold energy density for the penetration of skin leading to skin laceration. We present a case where a man is hit by the liquid jet of a JPX Jet Protector® with an estimated shooting distance of 0.3 m. The man suffered from a bleeding skin laceration, which had to be sewed in the hospital. This case report furthermore outlines the potentially dangerous effect of pepper spray launchers and thereby their role in forensic investigations.
Retinal microvascular density analysis in patients with rheumatoid arthritis treated with hydroxychloroquine
Authors: Esser Eliane Luisa , Zimmermann Julian Alexander , Storp Jens Julian , Eter Nicole , Mihailovic Nataša
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common inflammatory joint disease, and hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) is an established treatment. The extent to which HCQ impacts ocular microvascular vessel density (VD) in patients with RA without evidence of HCQ retinopathy has not yet been conclusively clarified. The main aim of this study was to evaluate VD measured by optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with RA treated with HCQ.

Methods

The VD data of the 3 × 3 mm OCT angiogram (RTVue XR Avanti, Optovue Inc., Fremont, California, USA) as well as the retinal thickness (RT) data of patients with RA (n = 30) and healthy controls (n = 30) were extracted and analyzed. The study group was further divided into patients undergoing HCQ treatment for > 5 years (high-risk-group) and < 5 years (low-risk group).

Results

Patients with RA showed no evidence of VD reduction compared to the control group in all obtained regions (p > 0.05). Correlation analysis revealed no dependency between VD, RT, and HCQ therapy duration or cumulative HCQ dose (p > 0.05). High-risk patients showed a decreased VD in the superficial quadrant of the superficial capillary plexus compared to low-risk-patients (p = 0.022). Whole-en-face RT was reduced in the high-risk group compared to the control group (p = 0.019).

Conclusion

Our study showed no evidence that HCQ diminishes VD in patients with RA without HCQ retinopathy measured by OCTA. However, RA patients with a long duration of therapy showed a significantly reduced RT. Our results suggest that quantitative VD analysis by OCTA may not be suitable for early detection of HCQ retinopathy and that the focus on detecting early HCQ retinopathy should be on intensive and sequential OCT diagnostics.
International Consensus Classification of myeloid and lymphoid neoplasms: myeloproliferative neoplasms
Authors: Gianelli Umberto , Thiele Jürgen , Orazi Attilio , Gangat Naseema , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Tefferi Ayalew , Kvasnicka Hans Michael
Published: December 2022

The recently published International Consensus Classification (ICC) of myeloid neoplasms summarized the results of an in-depth effort by pathologists, oncologists, and geneticists aimed to update the 2017 World Health Organization classification system for hematopoietic tumors. Along these lines, several important modifications were implemented in the classification of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs). For chronic myeloid leukemia, BCR::ABL1-positive, the definition of accelerated and blast phase was simplified, and in the BCR::ABL1-negative MPNs, the classification was slightly updated to improve diagnostic specificity with a more detailed and better validated morphologic approach and the recommendation of more sensitive molecular techniques to capture in particular early stage diseases. In this regard, high sensitive single target (RT-qPCR, ddPCR) or multi-target next-generation sequencing assays with a minimal sensitivity of VAF 1% are now important for a proper diagnostic identification of MPN cases with low allelic frequencies at initial presentation. This review discusses the updated diagnostic criteria of MPN according to the ICC, particularly by highlighting the new concepts and how they can be applied in clinical settings to obtain an appropriate prognostic relevant diagnosis.
Reproduktives Timing. Neue Formen und Ambivalenzen zeitlicher Optimierung von Fortpflanzung und ihre ethischen Herausforderungen
Authors: King Vera , Lodtka Pia , Marcinski-Michel Isabella , Schreiber Julia , Wiesemann Claudia
Published: December 2022

Der Beitrag befasst sich mit dem Zusammenhang von Fortpflanzung, Zeit und gutem Leben. Angebote der Reproduktionsmedizin und Konzeptionen des guten Lebens in der Zeit beeinflussen einander wechselseitig, wobei diese Wechselwirkung durch implizite oder explizite normative Setzungen und Erwartungen von angemessener Zeitlichkeit gekennzeichnet ist. Wir erörtern zunächst die Bedeutung von Zeit für Lebenslauf und Elternschaft aus einer soziologisch-sozialpsychologischen Perspektive. Fortpflanzungsmedizin kann die Spielräume für Elternwerden und für lebenszeitliche Autonomie vergrößern, aber im Kontext gesellschaftlicher Optimierungs- und Effizienzimperative auch gegenteilige Auswirkungen haben und Heteronomie verstärken. Insgesamt ergeben sich daraus veränderte Formen von Anpassung und Selbstbestimmung, neue Dilemmata und Ambivalenzen der zeitlichen Optimierung von Elternschaft. Vor diesem Hintergrund erläutern wir, wie die Ethik der Fortpflanzungsmedizin von einer interdisziplinären, das Leben in seinem zeitlichen Verlauf in den Blick nehmenden Forschung profitieren könnte.
Studies of the symmetric binding mode of daclatasvir and analogs using a new homology model of HCV NS5A GT-4a
Authors: Saad Kholoud A. , Eldawy Mohammed A. , Elokely Khaled M.
Published: December 2022

Context

Egypt has a high prevalence of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 4a (GT-4a). Unfortunately, the high resistance it exhibited still was not given the deserved attention in the scientific community. There is currently no consensus on the NS5A binding site because the crystal structure of HCV NS5A has not been resolved. The prediction of the binding modes of direct-acting antivirals (DAA) with the NS5A is a point of controversy due to the fact that several research groups presented different interaction models to elucidate the NS5A binding site. Consequently, a 3D model of HCV NS5A GT-4a was constructed and evaluated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The generated model implies an intriguing new orientation of the AH relative to domain I. Additionally, the probable binding modes of marketed NS5A inhibitors were explored. MD simulations validated the stability of the predicted protein–ligand complexes. The suggested model predicts that daclatasvir and similar drugs bind symmetrically to HCV NS5A GT-4a. This will allow for the development of new NS5A-directed drugs, which may result in reduced resistance and/or a wider range of effectiveness against HCV.

Methods

The 3D model of HCV NS5A GT-4a was constructed using the comparative modeling approach of the web-based application Robetta. Its stability was tested with 200-ns MD simulations using the Desmond package of Schrodinger. The OPLS2005 force field was assigned for minimization, and the RMSD, RMSF, and rGyr were tracked throughout the MD simulations. Fpocket was used to identify druggable protein pockets (cavities) over the simulation trajectories. The binding modes of marketed NS5A inhibitors were then generated and refined with the aid of docking predictions made by FRED and AutoDock Vina. The stability of these drugs in complex with GT-4a was investigated by using energetic and structural analyses over MD simulations. The Prime MM-GBSA (molecular mechanics/generalized Born surface area) method was used as a validation tool after the docking stage and for the averaged clusters after the MD simulation stage. We utilized PyMOL and VMD to visualize the data.
Improving clogging predictions at managed aquifer recharge sites: a quantitative assessment on the vertical distribution of intrusive fines
Authors: Lippera Maria Chiara , Werban Ulrike , Vienken Thomas
Published: December 2022

Managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is an emerging approach to enhancing water storage capacity, improving water supply security and countering groundwater overexploitation. However, physical clogging, i.e. accumulation of suspended organic and inorganic solids within a sediment matrix, can lead to a significant reduction of infiltration rates and present difficulties in the functioning of MAR infrastructure. Clogging and subsequent reduction in infiltration capacity are often quantified based on monitoring data or field investigations, rather than on forecasts. Existing predictive models require specific parameterisation, making an application to heterogeneous sites, or under changing conditions, difficult. Hence, a generalised understanding of how intrusive fine particles distribute over depth during water recharge cycles for typical MAR infiltration basin sediments is needed to predict clogging susceptibility and clogging patterns already in the planning phase and before operation of MAR schemes. The study will contribute to operational reliability, deduce optimised management practices, and, ideally, reduce maintenance efforts. To achieve this goal, data from different soil-column clogging experiments are reviewed and complemented with experiments to establish a generally valid relationship for the vertical distribution of intrusive fines under consideration of the primary porous media’s and intruding particles’ characteristics. Obtained results allow for quantification of the amount of particles retained at the surface of the porous media, i.e. formation of a filter cake, a description of the distribution of fines over depth, and total clogging depth. Finally, the findings are applied to a real MAR case study site to showcase the quantification of clogging effects on recharge rates.
Characterization of land cover-specific fire regimes in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Cano-Crespo Ana , Traxl Dominik , Prat-Ortega Genís , Rolinski Susanne , Thonicke Kirsten
Published: December 2022

Humans profoundly alter fire regimes both directly, by introducing changes in fuel dynamics and ignitions, and indirectly, by increasing the release of greenhouse gases and aerosols from fires, which can alter regional climate and, as a consequence, modify fuel moisture and availability. Interactions between vegetation dynamics, regional climate change and anthropogenic pressure lead to high heterogeneity in the spatio-temporal fire distribution. We use the new FireTracks Scientific Dataset that tracks the spatio-temporal development of individual fires to analyse fire regimes in the Brazilian Legal Amazon over the period 2002–2020. We analyse fire size, duration, intensity and rate of spread in six different land-cover classes. Particular combinations of fire features determine the dominant and characteristic fire regime in each of them. We find that fires in savannas and evergreen forests burn the largest areas and are the most long lasting. Forest fires have the potential for burning at the highest intensities, whereas higher rates of spread are found in savannas. Woody savanna and grassland fires are usually affected by smaller, shorter, less-intense fires compared with fires in evergreen forest and savanna. However, fires in grasslands can burn at rates of spread as high as savanna fires as a result of the easily flammable fuel. We observe that fires in deciduous forests and croplands are generally small, short and low intense, although the latter can sustain high rates of spread due to the dry post-harvest residuals. The reconstructed fire regimes for each land cover can be used to improve the simulated fire characteristics by models and, thus, future projections.
A preliminary study on home range and daily travel distance of François’ langur in a high-altitude area
Authors: Deng Huaiqing , Hong Wenqing , Zhou Jiang , Li Jixiang
Published: December 2022

François’ langur (Trachypithecus francoisi) is an indicator species living in Karst rocky habitats. To understand the François’ langurs ecological adaptation to high-altitude habitat, we used the field tracking method to collect home-range data and daily travel distance of François’ langur at high-altitude (800–1400 m) areas of Kuankuoshui National Nature Reserve between April 2008 and March 2009. The results revealed the following: (1) according to the grid cell method, the home range of François’ langurs was estimated to be 50.7 ha. The area in the winter-spring season was larger than in the summer-autumn season (37.7 vs. 27.7 ha). According to the minimum convex polygon method by GIS, the home range of François’ langurs in the winter-spring season and the summer-autumn season was 123.5 and 68.8 ha, respectively. The whole-year home range of François’ was clearly larger than the grid cell method (140.4 vs. 50.7 ha). (2) The home range of François’ langurs had clear superposition. Langur's core areas were concentrated in three small areas, which only occupied 18.2% of the home range. (3) The langur had a short daily travel distance (230–1115 m) and significant seasonal differences. The summer-autumn season moving distances being obviously shorter than the winter-spring season (517 vs. 785 m). (4) With the decrease in the availability of food resource in winter-spring season, the home range and daily travel distance of François’ langurs significantly increased. (5) Living in the high altitudes, François' langurs tended to form a larger group (≥ 8 individuals), which is larger than other groups at lower altitude, had the larger home range, and had shorter daily travel distance. Our results indicate that colobines’ survival strategies tend to form a larger home range and shorter day-traveling distance to adapt to high-altitude and low-temperature habitat.
Proteolysis of vaginally administered bovine lactoferrin: clearance, inter-subject variability, and implications for clinical dosing
Authors: Hopp Thomas P. , Matthews Maura-Ann H. , Spiewak Klaudyna , Athanasiou Zafeiria , Blackmore Richard S. , Gelbfish Gary A.
Published: December 2022

This report describes proteolytic fragmentation and clearance of bovine lactoferrin (bLF) upon intravaginal administration in premenopausal women. Tablet formulations (MTbLF) containing 300 mg of bLF progressed through three phases: Pre-Dissolution, Dissolution, and Washout, over a 30-h time course. Tablets dissolved slowly, replenishing intact 80 kDa bLF in vaginal fluid (VF) as proteolysis occurred. bLF was initially cleaved approximately in half between its N- and C-lobes, then degraded into sub-fragments and small peptides. The extent of proteolysis was less than 10–20% across multiple subjects. Concentrations of both intact 80 kDa bLF and smaller fragments decreased in VF with a similar time course suggesting washout not proteolysis was the main clearance mechanism. Concentrations of intact and/or nicked 80 kDa bLF peaked between 4 and 8 h after administration and remained above 5 mg/mL for approximately 24 h. Experiments with protease inhibitors in ex vivo VF digests suggested an aspartyl protease was at least partially responsible for bLF cleavage. However, digestion with commercial pepsin or in vivo in the human stomach, demonstrated distinctly different patterns of fragments compared to vaginal proteolysis. Furthermore, the 3.1 kDa antimicrobial peptide lactoferricin B was not detected in VF. This suggests pepsin-like aspartyl proteases are not responsible for vaginal proteolysis of bLF.
Increasing 3D elongation potential in fixed blank forming via fiber curlation
Authors: Laukala Teija , Tanninen Panu , Aghamohammadi Golnoosh , Leminen Ville
Published: December 2022

Wood-fiber-based packaging materials offer only limited formability in 3D, which is an obstacle to their usability for complex 3D shapes. Although the requirements of good formability differ for the different forming processes, paperboard with a high elongation capability in 3D forming processes is often desirable. In this study, paperboard elongation in 3D tray forming (fixed blank process) was succesfully increased by curlation treatment of bleached birch kraft pulp and bleached pine kraft pulp fibers, and by the use of a dry strength agent (starch) which was used to produce a high level of bonding. The clearest correlations observed with the 3D elongation were for fiber curl and in plane elongation of paperboard. Instead, the correlation with tensile strength and tensile index was poor. These key correlations agreed with the elongation potential of fiber concept, previously presented for in plane elongation situation and suggested to apply for 3D elongation situation as well.

Graphical abstract
Maliciously circuit-private multi-key FHE and MPC based on LWE
Authors: Attrapadung Nuttapong , Hanaoka Goichiro , Hiromasa Ryo , Matsuda Takahiro , Schuldt Jacob C. N.
Published: December 2022

In this paper, we construct multi-key homomorphic and fully homomorphic encryption (resp. MKHE and MKFHE) schemes with malicious circuit privacy. Our schemes are based on learning with errors (LWE) besides appropriate circular security assumptions. In contrast, the previous maliciously circuit-private MKFHE scheme by Chongchitmate and Ostrovsky (PKC, 2017) is based on the non-standard decisional small polynomial ratio (DSPR) assumption with a super-polynomial modulus, besides ring learning with errors and circular security assumptions. We note that it was shown by Albrecht et al. (CRYPTO, 2016) that there exists a sub-exponential time attack against this type of DSPR assumption. The main building block of our maliciously circuit-private MKFHE scheme is a (plain) MKFHE scheme by Brakerski et al. (TCC, 2017), and the security of our schemes is proven under the hardness of LWE with sub-exponential modulus-to-noise ratio and circular security assumptions related to the Brakerski et al. scheme. Furthermore, based on our MKFHE schemes, we construct four-round multi-party computation (MPC) protocols with circuit privacy against a semi-honest server and malicious clients in the plain model. The protocols are obtained by combining our schemes with a maliciously sender-private oblivious transfer protocol and a circuit garbling scheme, all of which can be instantiated only assuming LWE.
States vs. Changes of States: A Reformulation of the Ontic vs. Epistemic Distinction in Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Luc Joanna
Published: December 2022

In this paper, I challenge the distinction between “epistemic” and “ontic” states propounded by Harrigan and Spekkens (Found Phys 40:125–157, 2010) by pointing out that because knowledge is factive, any state that represents someone’s knowledge about a physical system thereby also represents something about the physical system itself, so there is no such thing as “mere knowledge”. This criticism leads to the reformulation of the main question of the debate: instead of asking whether a given state is ontic or epistemic, we should instead ask whether a given change of a state is ontic or epistemic. In particular, in the context of quantum mechanics, one can ask whether the collapse of the quantum state could be understood as an epistemically successful change of the observer’s beliefs about the complete state of the system that is not associated with any change in the physical reality. I argue that the answer to this question should be in the negative because it is possible that, in a series of measurements, the collapse rule tells us to update a certain state to a different one and then back to the same state; if both of these updates are merely changes of our beliefs, then they could not both be epistemically successful.
Deformations of cluster mutations and invariant presymplectic forms
Authors: Hone Andrew N. W. , Kouloukas Theodoros E.
Published: December 2022

We consider deformations of sequences of cluster mutations in finite type cluster algebras, which destroy the Laurent property but preserve the presymplectic structure defined by the exchange matrix. The simplest example is the Lyness 5-cycle, arising from the cluster algebra of type $$A_2$$

A
2

: this deforms to the Lyness family of integrable symplectic maps in the plane. For types $$A_3$$

A
3

and $$A_4$$

A
4

, we find suitable conditions such that the deformation produces a two-parameter family of Liouville integrable maps (in dimensions two and four, respectively). We also perform Laurentification for these maps, by lifting them to a higher-dimensional space of tau functions with a cluster algebra structure, where the Laurent property is restored. More general types of deformed mutations associated with affine Dynkin quivers are shown to correspond to four-dimensional symplectic maps arising as reductions in the discrete sine-Gordon equation.
The Invisibility of the Soul and the Rhetoric of Dissent: Conscience and the Wycliffite Heresy
Authors: Plimmer Liam Michael
Published: December 2022

This essay argues that the use of conscience as a justification for dissent has an even longer history than has often been assumed by intellectual historians of the Reformation. Through a close examination of the English Wycliffite Sermons (c.1380s–1390s) and the Testimony of William Thorpe (1407), it offers the first extended consideration of the use of the word “conscience” in Wycliffite texts, using this as the point of departure for an assessment of Lollard characterisations of human interiority more generally. Wycliffite writers repeatedly emphasise the opacity of the inner life and its consequent authority, a rhetorical tendency inherited and adapted from Wyclif’s own writings and other Latinate discourses. This not only provides Lollards with a helpful strategy in their attempts to avoid prosecution for heresy, but also provides the somewhat shaky ground upon which a number of their doctrinal convictions rest—especially those pertaining to oral confession and membership of the Church. Conscience also provides an obvious connection between religious dissent and political rebellion, which is why it must be central to any future account of Lollardy’s relationship to class struggle or sedition more generally conceived. When writers like Thorpe refer to the soul as invisible, or to God as their only judge, they invoke a fundamental, if unstable, aspect of Wycliffite belief: an incipient but dynamic account of the relationship between individual conscience, interiority, and authority that was to find even greater expression in figures such as Martin Luther, Jan Huss, and Henry VIII.
An asymptotic expansion of the hyberbolic umbilic catastrophe integral
Authors: Ferreira Chelo , López José L. , Pérez Sinusía Ester
Published: December 2022

We obtain an asymptotic expansion of the hyperbolic umbilic catastrophe integral $$\Psi ^{(H)}(x,y,z):= \int _{-\infty }^{\infty }\int _{-\infty }^{\infty }\exp (i(s^3+t^3+zst$$

Ψ

(
H
)

(
x
,
y
,
z
)

:
=

∫

-
∞

∞

∫

-
∞

∞

exp

(
i
(

s
3

+

t
3

+
z
s
t

$$+yt+xs))\mathrm{{d}}s\,\mathrm{{d}}t$$

+
y
t
+
x
s
)
)
d
s

d
t

for large values of |x| and bounded values of |y| and |z|. The expansion is given in terms of Airy functions and inverse powers of x. There is only one Stokes ray at $$\arg x=\pi $$

arg
x
=
π

. We use the modified saddle point method introduced in (López et al. J Math Anal Appl 354(1):347–359, 2009). The accuracy and the asymptotic character of the approximations are illustrated with numerical experiments.
Hybrid Marketplaces with Free Entry of Sellers
Authors: Etro Federico
Published: December 2022

We study a hybrid marketplace such as Amazon that sells its own products and sets commissions on third-party sellers that engage in monopolistic competition with free entry. For a large class of microfoundations based on a representative agent, the introduction of its own products by the marketplace is neutral for consumer welfare for a given commission; but this product introduction exerts an ambiguous impact through changes of the commission. A “demand substitution mechanism” pushes for a higher commission; but an “extensive margin mechanism” pushes for a lower commission that is aimed at attracting new sellers and more purchases on the marketplace. For instance, with constant demand elasticities, a hybrid marketplace sets a lower (higher) commission rate and increases (decreases) consumer welfare compared to a pure marketplace if its products face a less (more) elastic demand.
From Maximal Intersubjectivity to Objectivity: An Argument from the Development of Arithmetical Cognition
Authors: Pantsar Markus
Published: December 2022

One main challenge of non-platonist philosophy of mathematics is to account for the apparent objectivity of mathematical knowledge. Cole and Feferman have proposed accounts that aim to explain objectivity through the intersubjectivity of mathematical knowledge. In this paper, focusing on arithmetic, I will argue that these accounts as such cannot explain the apparent objectivity of mathematical knowledge. However, with support from recent progress in the empirical study of the development of arithmetical cognition, a stronger argument can be provided. I will show that since the development of arithmetic is (partly) determined by biologically evolved proto-arithmetical abilities, arithmetical knowledge can be understood as maximally intersubjective. This maximal intersubjectivity, I argue, can lead to the experience of objectivity, thus providing a solution to the problem of reconciling non-platonist philosophy of mathematics with the (apparent) objectivity of mathematical knowledge.
Lead, cadmium, and other trace elements in the liver of golden eagles and white-tailed eagles: recent data from Poland and a systematic review of previous studies
Authors: Durkalec Maciej Marcin , Nawrocka Agnieszka , Kitowski Ignacy , Filipek Aleksandra , Sell Bartosz , Kmiecik Mirosława , Jedziniak Piotr
Published: December 2022

The golden eagle (Aquila chrysaetos) and the white-tailed eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla), being apex predators and facultative scavengers, can bioaccumulate different environmental contaminants, including toxic elements that may adversely affect their health. We analyzed the levels of cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), and other metals and metalloids, including arsenic (As), barium (Ba), beryllium (Be), cobalt (Co), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), selenium (Se), thorium (Th), thallium (Tl), uranium (U), vanadium (V), and zinc (Zn) in liver samples taken from three golden eagles and 36 white-tailed eagles that were found dead across Poland to verify their exposure. We also used a systematic review to summarize the available literature data on Cd, Pb, and other studied elements in the liver of both eagle species. Analyses of trace elements in the liver samples of the Polish eagles revealed interspecific differences in Cd, Cu, and Mn and differences in Co, Mn, Tl, and Zn among study regions. All elements tested except Pb were below the suggested thresholds linked with adverse health effects in birds. The hepatic Pb found in almost half of all the tested individuals suggests environmental exposure to this toxic element. One of the tested white-tailed eagles had hepatic Pb above the threshold of sublethal poisoning. Although our results seem optimistic, as previous Polish studies showed a higher prevalence of birds with hepatic Pb exceeding the toxicity threshold, they indicate that exposure to this toxic metal could still pose an additional threat to the health of Polish eagles.

Graphical abstract
Geschlechtersensible Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung für Kinder: Chancen und Herausforderungen bei der Umsetzbarkeit
Authors: Kreffter Katharina , Wessely Stefanie , Nguyen Thuy Ha , Lisak-Wahl Stefanie , Joisten Christine , Weyers Simone
Published: December 2022

Hintergrund

Bei Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung sollten Geschlechterunterschiede bereits im Kindesalter berücksichtigt werden. Allerdings fehlen hierzu sowohl theoretisch fundierte Konzepte als auch insbesondere praktische Handlungsempfehlungen.

Ziel der Arbeit

Daher sollte ermittelt werden, was Wissenschaftler/innen und Praktiker/innen empfehlen, um Anbietende bei der Entwicklung geschlechtersensibler präventiver und gesundheitsförderlicher Maßnahmen für Kinder zu unterstützen.

Material und Methoden

Es wurde ein mehrschrittiges qualitatives Vorgehen gewählt, um die Erfahrungs- und Wissensbestände aus Wissenschaft und Praxis zu erfassen. Das Vorgehen bestand aus einem Expertenworkshop mit Wissenschaftler/innen (n = 12) angelehnt an die nominale Gruppentechnik, sechs Fokusgruppen mit Fachkräften (n = 7; 6; 8; 6; 8; 4) und einem abschließenden Online-Workshop mit beiden Gruppen (n = 12).

Ergebnisse

Die resultierenden Handlungsempfehlungen beinhalten die folgenden Punkte: Geschlecht und Lebenslage adressieren, Geschlechterrollen und Lebensweisen kennenlernen, Partizipation und Qualitätssicherung, Dokumentation von Praxisprojekten, Diversität in professionellen Teams, Geschlechtersensibilität in Qualifikationsmaßnahmen, Austausch und Vernetzung.

Schlussfolgerung

Bei der Umsetzung von geschlechtersensibler Prävention und Gesundheitsförderung bei Kindern sind sowohl politische als auch gesellschaftliche und individuelle Ebenen zu berücksichtigen. Während das Thema in der praktischen Arbeit schon Beachtung findet und umgesetzt wird, besteht Forschungsbedarf insbesondere hinsichtlich konzeptioneller Entwicklung und Evaluationen.
The Brouwer fixed point theorem and periodic solutions of differential equations
Authors: Cid José Ángel , Mawhin Jean
Published: December 2022

The Brouwer fixed point theorem is a key ingredient in the proof that a periodic differential equation has a periodic solution in a set that satisfies a suitable tangency condition on its boundary. The main goal of this note is to show that both results are in fact equivalent.
Copy Number Variations and Schizophrenia
Authors: Szecówka Kamila , Misiak Błażej , Łaczmańska Izabela , Frydecka Dorota , Moustafa Ahmed A.
Published: December 2022

Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder with genetic and environmental factors involved in its aetiology. Genetic liability contributing to the development of schizophrenia is a subject of extensive research activity, as reliable data regarding its aetiology would enable the improvement of its therapy and the development of new methods of treatment. A multitude of studies in this field focus on genetic variants, such as copy number variations (CNVs) or single-nucleotide variants (SNVs). Certain genetic disorders caused by CNVs including 22q11.2 microdeletion syndrome, Burnside-Butler syndrome (15q11.2 BP1-BP2 microdeletion) or 1q21.1 microduplication/microdeletion syndrome are associated with a higher risk of developing schizophrenia. In this article, we provide a unifying framework linking these CNVs and their associated genetic disorders with schizophrenia and its various neural and behavioural abnormalities.
Dietary reconstruction of the Bronze Age necropolis of Cova des Pas (Minorca Island): evidence from δ13C and δ15N analyses
Authors: Sotiriadou T. , Tornero C. , Malgosa A. , Sureda P. , Jordana X.
Published: December 2022

Current paleodietary studies about the Naviform and Talayotic groups that took place in Minorca (Balearic Islands) during the Late Bronze Age–Early Iron Age (ca.1600–850/800 BC) have suggested a mixed and variable diet, largely depending on terrestrial sources of vegetables and meat. This study explores the nutritional pattern of the individuals buried in the Cova des Pas site (Minorca Island, Spain), a cave used as a collective sepulcher and the most exceptional and major human assemblage found in the Balearic Islands during this period. Carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N) stable isotopic signatures were measured on extracted bone collagen from 49 individuals. Further, faunal remains from the Son Mercer de Baix site, the closest contemporaneous village to the collective sepulcher, were also analyzed to provide a baseline corpus of data to interpret human isotopic data. The results indicate a human diet based mainly on C3plants with an important consumption of animal protein. The δ15N values of infants up to 4 years were high, indicating the enriched isotopic signature of breast milk, and weaning is assumed to occur around this age. Differences between sexes and the age subcategories were not statistically significant, assuming that the different groups of society had the same access to food. The data obtained in this isotopic study provides insight into the palaeodietary pattern of the human groups dated to the Late Bronze Age–Early Iron Age ages in the island of Minorca, contributing to the present debate on the emergence and development of complex societies on the Balearic archipelago.
EARLY BABYLONIAN TABLETS IN THE BRITISH MUSEUM'S KUYUNJIK COLLECTION 2: A NEW MANUSCRIPT OF THE COMPOSITION “LETTER FROM SÎN-ŠAMUḪ TO THE GOD ENKI”
Authors: Földi Zsombor J. , Zólyomi Gábor
Published: December 2022

This short paper publishes a new manuscript of the literary composition “Letter from Sîn-šamuḫ to the god Enki” (ETCSL 3.3.19). K.8755 is one of the tablets which proved to be Old Babylonian in spite of their assignment to the British Museum's Kuyunjik Collection. It preserves parts of ll. 8–15 of the composition and probably belonged to a multiple columns tablet. The present paper offers a score transliteration of the lines concerned, based both on the recently published copies and the online photos of the other mss. It provides a number of new readings and interpretations on individual lines.
A unified theoretical model for spatiotemporal development of Rayleigh–Taylor and Richtmyer–Meshkov fingers
Authors: Liu Changwen , Zhang Yousheng , Xiao Zuoli
Published: December 2022

An initially perturbed interface between two fluids of different densities is usually unstable when driven by an acceleration or a shock wave; it is known as a Rayleigh–Taylor instability or a Richtmyer–Meshkov instability. One of the most significant issues in these instabilities is the spatiotemporal development of fingers generated at the interface, which plays an important role in both scientific research (e.g. supernova explosion) and engineering applications (e.g. inertial confinement fusion). Accurate theoretical solution of these interfacial fingers remains as an unsolved and challenging problem since Taylor's seminal work more than seven decades ago. This paper reports a unified theory established for such phenomena by combining the classical potential-flow theory and a dual-source model to address the long-standing difficulty highlighted by the initial-value sensitivity and strong nonlinearity. It is the first time for a theory to accurately predict the long-time developments in both growth rate and shape curvature of interfacial fingers at all density ratios in two and three dimensions. Moreover, the new theory clearly reveals the nonlinear coupling mechanism for interfacial evolution, and especially explains the origin of overshot in the growth rate curve.
Rayleigh–Bénard thermal convection perturbed by a horizontal heat flux
Authors: Huang Jinzi Mac , Zhang Jun
Published: December 2022

In Rayleigh–Bénard convection, it has been found that the amount of heat passing through the fluid has a power-law dependence on the imposed temperature difference. Modifying this dependence, either enhancing or reducing the heat transfer capability of fluids, is important in many scientific and practical applications. Here, we present a simple means to control the vertical heat transfer in Rayleigh–Bénard convection by injecting heat through one lateral side of the fluid domain and extracting the same amount of heat from the opposite side. This horizontal heat flux regulates the large-scale circulation, and increases the heat transfer rate in the vertical direction. Our numerical and theoretical studies demonstrate how a classical Rayleigh–Bénard convection responds to such a perturbation when the system is near or well above the onset of convection.
New evidence from heavy minerals and detrital zircons in Quaternary fluvial sediments for the evolution of the upper Yangtze River, South China
Authors: Huang Hengxu , Xiang Fang , Zhang Deyan , Guo Yuming , Yang Qi , Ding Li
Published: December 2022

In the Three Gorges and adjacent areas, there are three planation surfaces and five terraces along the Yangtze River that record the evolution history of the river system. Here, we used diagnostic heavy minerals, U-Pb geochronology, and trace elements of detrital zircons from one planation surface, two terraces, and a modern point bar to reconstruct the evolution history of the upper Yangtze River, specifically the Chuan River in the Sichuan Basin. The sediments in the lowest planation surface had different felsic source rocks derived from east of the Three Gorges, which indicated that before the disintegration of the lowest planation surface (0.75 Ma), there were two paleorivers: the westward-flowing paleo-Chuan River and eastward-flowing paleo-Yangtze River separated by the Huangling Dome. At 0.75–0.73 Ma, the dominant detrital zircons from the Sichuan Basin in the sediments of terrace T5 (the highest terrace) confirmed that the paleo-Yangtze River cut through the Three Gorges and captured the paleo-Chuan River, and the Daliang Mountains became the new drainage divide. Finally, the appearance of materials from the upper Jinsha River in terrace T2 indicated that the paleo-Yangtze River progressively captured the paleo-Jinsha River, and the modern upper Yangtze River formed before 0.05 Ma. These river capture events of the upper Yangtze River confirmed the Quaternary uplift of the SE Tibetan Plateau.
SHP-2 and PD-1-SHP-2 signaling regulate myeloid cell differentiation and antitumor responses
Authors: Christofides Anthos , Katopodi Xanthi-Lida , Cao Carol , Karagkouni Dimitra , Aliazis Konstantinos , Yenyuwadee Sasitorn , Aksoylar Halil-Ibrahim , Pal Rinku , Mahmoud Mohamed A. A. , Strauss Laura , Tijaro-Ovalle Natalia M. , Boon Louis , Asara John , Vlachos Ioannis S. , Patsoukis Nikolaos , Boussiotis Vassiliki A.
Published: December 2022

The inhibitory receptor PD-1 suppresses T cell activation by recruiting the phosphatase SHP-2. However, mice with a T-cell-specific deletion of SHP-2 do not have improved antitumor immunity. Here we showed that mice with conditional targeting of SHP-2 in myeloid cells, but not in T cells, had diminished tumor growth. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) followed by gene set enrichment analysis indicated the presence of polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) with enriched gene expression profiles of enhanced differentiation, activation and expression of immunostimulatory molecules. In mice with conditional targeting of PD-1 in myeloid cells, which also displayed diminished tumor growth, TAMs had gene expression profiles enriched for myeloid differentiation, activation and leukocyte-mediated immunity displaying >50% overlap with enriched profiles of SHP-2-deficient TAMs. In bone marrow, GM-CSF induced the phosphorylation of PD-1 and recruitment of PD-1-SHP-2 to the GM-CSF receptor. Deletion of SHP-2 or PD-1 enhanced GM-CSF-mediated phosphorylation of the transcription factors HOXA10 and IRF8, which regulate myeloid differentiation and monocytic-moDC lineage commitment, respectively. Thus, SHP-2 and PD-1-SHP-2 signaling restrained myelocyte differentiation resulting in a myeloid landscape that suppressed antitumor immunity.
Hippocampal spatial representations exhibit a hyperbolic geometry that expands with experience
Authors: Zhang Huanqiu , Rich P. Dylan , Lee Albert K. , Sharpee Tatyana O.
Published: December 2022

Daily experience suggests that we perceive distances near us linearly. However, the actual geometry of spatial representation in the brain is unknown. Here we report that neurons in the CA1 region of rat hippocampus that mediate spatial perception represent space according to a non-linear hyperbolic geometry. This geometry uses an exponential scale and yields greater positional information than a linear scale. We found that the size of the representation matches the optimal predictions for the number of CA1 neurons. The representations also dynamically expanded proportional to the logarithm of time that the animal spent exploring the environment, in correspondence with the maximal mutual information that can be received. The dynamic changes tracked even small variations due to changes in the running speed of the animal. These results demonstrate how neural circuits achieve efficient representations using dynamic hyperbolic geometry.
Attention and working memory in patients with prolactinomas: a case–control study
Authors: Bala Aleksandra , Dziedzic Tomasz , Olejnik Agnieszka , Marchel Andrzej
Published: December 2022

Prolactinomas (prolactin-secreting adenomas) are the most common type of hormone-secreting pituitary tumor. Mounting evidence indicates that excess prolactin impairs cognitive function, but specific assessments of attention in patients with prolactinomas are lacking. Case–control study gathered 54 participants—27 patients with prolactinoma and 27 healthy controls. Neuropsychological assessment included a comprehensive set of diagnostic methods for the evaluation of attention and working memory. Patients showed slower information processing, expressed as a longer working time on the d2 Test of Attention and Color Trails Test (CTT-2), and lower attention-switching shown in the CTT-2 and in two subtests of the Tests of Everyday Attention (Visual Elevator), and Telephone Search While Counting. Working memory disturbances were observed in Digit Span and Symbol Span tests. A level of prolactin correlated negatively with scores in some of the neuropsychological tests measuring attentional switching (Visual Elevator), spatial screening and working memory (CTT-2), spatial working memory (Symbol Span) and auditory-verbal working memory (Digit Span backwards). There were no significant correlations between cognitive performance and tumor size. In conclusion, patients with prolactinoma suffer from impaired cognitive functions, including attention and working memory. Comprehensive neuropsychological assessment should be a permanent element of the diagnostics of this group of patients.