bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ScotoSinglet Model: a scalar singlet extension of the Scotogenic Model
Authors: Beniwal Ankit , Herrero-García Juan , Leerdam Nicholas , White Martin , Williams Anthony G.
Published: June 2021

Abstract

The Scotogenic Model is one of the most minimal models to account for both neutrino masses and dark matter (DM). In this model, neutrino masses are generated at the one-loop level, and in principle, both the lightest fermion singlet and the lightest neutral component of the scalar doublet can be viable DM candidates. However, the correct DM relic abundance can only be obtained in somewhat small regions of the parameter space, as there are strong constraints stemming from lepton flavour violation, neutrino masses, electroweak precision tests and direct detection. For the case of scalar DM, a sufficiently large lepton-number-violating coupling is required, whereas for fermionic DM, coannihilations are typically necessary. In this work, we study how the new scalar singlet modifies the phenomenology of the Scotogenic Model, particularly in the case of scalar DM. We find that the new singlet modifies both the phenomenology of neutrino masses and scalar DM, and opens up a large portion of the parameter space of the original model.
1-loop matching of a thermal Lorentz force
Authors: Laine M.
Published: June 2021

Abstract

Studying the diffusion and kinetic equilibration of heavy quarks within a hot QCD medium profits from the knowledge of a coloured Lorentz force that acts on them. Starting from the spatial components of the vector current, and carrying out two matching computations, one for the heavy quark mass scale (M) and another for thermal scales $$ \left(\sqrt{MT},T\right) $$

MT

T

, we determine 1-loop matching coefficients for the electric and magnetic parts of a Lorentz force. The magnetic part has a non-zero anomalous dimension, which agrees with that extracted from two other considerations, one thermal and the other in vacuum. The matching coefficient could enable a lattice study of a colour-magnetic 2-point correlator.
Distribution of Cracks in a Chain of Atoms at Low Temperature
Authors: Jansen Sabine , König Wolfgang , Schmidt Bernd , Theil Florian
Published: June 2021

We consider a one-dimensional classical many-body system with interaction potential of Lennard–Jones type in the thermodynamic limit at low temperature $$1/\beta \in (0,\infty )$$

1
/
β
∈
(
0
,
∞
)

. The ground state is a periodic lattice. We show that when the density is strictly smaller than the density of the ground state lattice, the system with N particles fills space by alternating approximately crystalline domains (clusters) with empty domains (voids) due to cracked bonds. The number of domains is of the order of $$N\exp (- \beta e_\mathrm {surf}/2)$$

N
exp
(
-
β

e
surf

/
2
)

with $$e_\mathrm {surf}>0$$

e
surf

>
0

a surface energy. For the proof, the system is mapped to an effective model, which is a low-density lattice gas of defects. The results require conditions on the interactions between defects. We succeed in verifying these conditions for next-nearest neighbor interactions, applying recently derived uniform estimates of correlations.
Gliflozine – in Zukunft Kardioprotektiva?
Authors: Rauch-Kröhnert Ursula , Landmesser Ulf
Published: June 2021

Gliflozine (Inhibitoren der „sodium-dependent glucose cotransporter“, SGLT) sind Arzneistoffe, die ursprünglich zur Behandlung des Diabetes mellitus eingesetzt und der Gruppe der Antidiabetika zugeordnet wurden. Seit November 2020 ist mit Dapagliflozin erstmalig ein SGLT2-Inhibitor zur Behandlung von Patienten mit Herzinsuffizienz (mit reduzierter linksventrikulärer Funktion), unabhängig vom Diabetesstatus, zugelassen worden. Das Präparat Empagliflozin hat gerade – im Juni 2021 – von der europäischen Arzneimittelbehörde (EMA) eine Zulassung für die Therapie der Herzinsuffizienz mit reduzierter Ejektionsfraktion erhalten. Somit stehen verschiedene Gliflozine nicht nur zur Behandlung des Diabetes mellitus, sondern auch der Herzinsuffizienz zur Verfügung. Der vorliegende Beitrag vermittelt Grundlagenkenntnisse zu den Gliflozinen und bietet eine Übersicht zur ihrer Bedeutung sowohl in der Behandlung des Diabetes mellitus Typ 2 als auch aufgrund ihrer kardio- und nephroprotektiven Funktion.
Design of a contactless powered and piezoelectric-actuated tool for non-resonant low-frequency vibration-assisted machining of brittle-hard materials
Authors: Brier Jens , Bleicher Friedrich
Published: June 2021

Ultrasonic-assisted grinding (UAG) is the state-of-the-art process for machining of brittle-hard materials. In comparison to conventional processes, the main advantages lie in the reduction of tool wear and process forces. Such a vibration system is based on a resonant actuator and a power supply unit generating the alternating current. Both units are interconnected by a contactless energy transfer (CET) system. This system configuration shows one optimal working point at the resonant frequency with maximum amplitude, which is significantly depending on the tool shape. In this work, a piezo-activated tool system is designed to realize non-resonant low-frequency vibrations. Major emphasis is put on the thermal behavior of the piezo drive, particularly on the in-process heating depending on the working frequency. In addition, focus lays on the theoretical and numerical design of the radial operating transducer CET system for a previously set actuator design. As a result, this system configuration offers a fully variable adjustment of the amplitude from under 1 to over 50 μm at frequency range. Outside this range, higher amplitudes can be achieved for short periods to the detriment of the fatigue strength according to FKM.
Influence of monoterpenoids on the growth of freshwater cyanobacteria
Authors: Balcerzak Lucyna , Lochyński Stanisław , Lipok Jacek
Published: June 2021

Cyanobacteria are characterized by a very high tolerance to environmental factors. They are found in salt water, fresh water, thermal springs, and Antarctic waters. The wide spectrum of habitats suitable for those microorganisms is related to their particularly effective metabolism; resistance to extreme environmental conditions; and the need for only limited environmental resources such as water, carbon dioxide, simple inorganic salts, and light. These metabolic characteristics have led to cyanobacterial blooms and the production of cyanotoxins, justifying research into effective ways to counteract the excessive proliferation of these microorganisms. A new and interesting idea for the immediate reduction of cyanobacterial abundance is to use natural substances with broad-spectrum biological activity to restore phytoplankton diversity. This study describes the effects of selected monoterpenoid derivatives on the development of cyanobacterial cultures. In the course of the study, some compounds ((±)-citronellal, (+)-α-pinene) showed the ability to inhibit the colonization of the tested photosynthetic bacteria, while others (eugenol, eucalyptol) stimulated the growth of these microorganisms. By analyzing the results of these experiments, information was obtained on the mutual relations of cyanobacteria and the tested monoterpenes, which are present in the aquatic environment.

Key points

• Monoterpenoids significantly inhibit the growth of single cyanobacterial strains.

• Monoterpenoids can inhibit the growth of cyanobacterial consortia.

• Natural substances can control the growth of freshwater cyanobacteria.
Cholangiojejunostomy Using a Novel Magnamosis Device: Initial Clinical Results
Authors: Li Yu , Liu Xue‐min , Zhang Hong‐ke , Zhang Xu‐feng , Tang Bo , Bai Ji‐gang , Lv Yi
Published: June 2021

Background

Cholangiojejunostomy (CJ) is a popular operation; however, no specific anastomotic device is available. A novel magnamosis device for CJ was developed in 2017; here, we evaluated the feasibility and safety of the device.

Methods

Between January 2017 and December 2019, 23 patients who underwent CJ using a novel magnamosis device were enrolled. For the CJ: the parent magnet was placed in the proximal duct, and the purse–string suture was tightened over the rod of the parent magnet. The magnamosis device was introduced into the jejunum, and the mandrel penetrated the jejunum at the anastomotic site, before insertion into the rod of the parent magnet. After rotating the knob, the distance between two magnets was shortened enough to achieve coupling.

Results

Sixteen patients (69.6%) underwent open CJ, while 7 (30.4%) underwent laparoscopic CJ; 21 patients (91.3%) underwent choledochojejunostomy, and 2 (8.7%) underwent right or left hepatic duct jejunostomy. The mean time for completion of CJ was 9.2±2.5 min; it was significantly shorter for open CJ than for the laparoscopic way (8±1.2 min vs. 11.8±2.5 min, P<0.05). Only one patient (4.3%) suffered bile leakage after operation and was cured by conservative treatment. The magnets were discharged with a postoperative duration of 66.7±47.2 days, with a 100% expulsion rate. After a median follow‐up of 15 months, only one patient (4.3%) developed inflammatory anastomotic stricture.

Conclusion

The novel magnamosis device is a simple, safe, and effective modality for CJ.
Deep neck infections with and without mediastinal involvement: treatment and outcome in 218 patients
Authors: Gehrke Thomas , Scherzad Agmal , Hagen Rudolf , Hackenberg Stephan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Infections of the deep neck, although becoming scarcer due to the widespread use of antibiotics, still represent a dangerous and possibly deadly disease, especially when descending into the mediastinum. Due to the different specialities involved in the treatment and the heterogenous presentation of the disease, therapeutic standard is still controversial. This study analyzes treatment and outcome in these patients based on a large retrospective review and proposes a therapeutic algorithm.

Methods

The cases of 218 adult patients treated with deep neck abscesses over a 10-year period at a tertiary university hospital were analyzed retrospectively. Clinical, radiological, microbiological and laboratory findings were compared between patients with and without mediastinal involvement.

Results

Forty-five patients (20.64%) presented with abscess formation descending into the mediastinum. Those patients had significantly (all items p < 0.0001) higher rates of surgical interventions (4.27 vs. 1.11) and tracheotomies (82% vs. 3.4%), higher markers of inflammation (CRP 26.09 vs. 10.41 mg/dl), required more CT-scans (3.58 vs. 0.85), longer hospitalization (39.78 vs 9.79 days) and more frequently needed a change in antibiotic therapy (44.44% vs. 6.40%). Multi-resistant pathogens were found in 6.67% vs. 1.16%. Overall mortality rate was low with 1.83%.

Conclusion

Despite of the high percentage of mediastinal involvement in the present patient collective, the proposed therapeutic algorithm resulted in a low mortality rate. Frequent CT-scans, regular planned surgical revisions with local drainage and lavage, as well as an early tracheotomy seem to be most beneficial regarding the outcome.
Two billion years of episodic and simultaneous websteritic and eclogitic diamond formation beneath the Orapa kimberlite cluster, Botswana
Authors: Gress M. U. , Timmerman S. , Chinn I. L. , Koornneef J. M. , Thomassot E. , van der Valk E. A. S. , van Zuilen K. , Bouden N. , Davies G. R.
Published: June 2021

The Sm–Nd isotope systematics and geochemistry of eclogitic, websteritic and peridotitic garnet and clinopyroxene inclusions together with characteristics of their corresponding diamond hosts are presented for the Letlhakane mine, Botswana. These data are supplemented with new inclusion data from the nearby (20–30 km) Orapa and Damtshaa mines to evaluate the nature and scale of diamond-forming processes beneath the NW part of the Kalahari Craton and to provide insight into the evolution of the deep carbon cycle. The Sm–Nd isotope compositions of the diamond inclusions indicate five well-defined, discrete eclogitic and websteritic diamond-forming events in the Orapa kimberlite cluster at 220 ± 80 Ma, 746 ± 100 Ma, 1110 ± 64 Ma, 1698 ± 280 Ma and 2341 ± 21 Ma. In addition, two poorly constrained events suggest ancient eclogitic (> 2700 Ma) and recent eclogitic and websteritic diamond formation (< 140 Ma). Together with sub-calcic garnets from two harzburgitic diamonds that have Archaean Nd mantle model ages (TCHUR) between 2.86 and 3.38 Ga, the diamonds studied here span almost the entire temporal evolution of the SCLM of the Kalahari Craton. The new data demonstrate, for the first time, that diamond formation occurs simultaneously and episodically in different parageneses, reflecting metasomatism of the compositionally heterogeneous SCLM beneath the area (~ 200 km2). Diamond formation can be directly related to major tectono-magmatic events that impacted the Kalahari Craton such as crustal accretion, continental breakup and large igneous provinces. Compositions of dated inclusions, in combination with marked variations in the carbon and nitrogen isotope compositions of the host diamonds, record mixing arrays between a minimum of three components (A: peridotitic mantle; B: eclogites dominated by mafic material; C: eclogites that include recycled sedimentary material). Diamond formation appears dominated by local fluid–rock interactions involving different protoliths in the SCLM. Redistribution of carbon during fluid–rock interactions generally masks any potential temporal changes of the deep carbon cycle.
Atypical resting-state gamma band trajectory in adult attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder
Authors: Tombor László , Kakuszi Brigitta , Papp Szilvia , Réthelyi János , Bitter István , Czobor Pál
Published: June 2021

Decreased gamma activity has been reported both in children and adults with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, while ADHD is a lifelong neurodevelopmental disorder, our insight into the associations of spontaneous gamma band activity with age is limited, especially in adults. Therefore, we conducted an explorative study to investigate trajectories of resting gamma activity in adult ADHD patients (N = 42) versus matched healthy controls (N = 59). We investigated the relationship of resting gamma activity (30–48 Hz) with age in four right hemispheric electrode clusters where diminished gamma power in ADHD had previously been demonstrated by our group. We found significant non-linear association between resting gamma power and age in the lower frequency gamma1 range (30–39 Hz) in ADHD as compared to controls in all investigated locations. Resting gamma1 increased with age and was significantly lower in ADHD than in control subjects from early adulthood. We found no significant association between gamma activity and age in the gamma2 range (39–48 Hz). Alterations of gamma band activity might reflect altered cortical network functioning in adult ADHD relative to controls. Our results reveal that abnormal gamma power is present at all ages, highlighting the lifelong nature of ADHD. Nonetheless, longitudinal studies are needed to confirm our results.
Effect of anisotropy on the onset of convection in rotating bi-disperse Brinkman porous media
Authors: Capone Florinda , De Luca Roberta , Massa Giuliana
Published: June 2021

Thermal convection in a horizontally isotropic bi-disperse porous medium (BDPM) uniformly heated from below is analysed. The combined effects of uniform vertical rotation and Brinkman law on the stability of the steady state of the momentum equations in a BDPM are investigated. Linear and nonlinear stability analysis of the conduction solution is performed, and the coincidence between linear instability and nonlinear stability thresholds in the$$L^2$$L2-norm is obtained.
The interstellar medium in young supernova remnants: key to the production of cosmic X-rays and $\gamma $-rays
Authors: Sano Hidetoshi , Fukui Yasuo
Published: June 2021

We review recent progress in elucidating the relationship between high-energy radiation and the interstellar medium (ISM) in young supernova remnants (SNRs) with ages of ∼2000 yr, focusing in particular on RX J1713.7−3946 and RCW 86. Both SNRs emit strong nonthermal X-rays and TeV $\gamma $
γ
-rays, and they contain clumpy distributions of interstellar gas that includes both atomic and molecular hydrogen. We find that shock–cloud interactions provide a viable explanation for the spatial correlation between the X-rays and ISM. In these interactions, the supernova shocks hit the typically pc-scale dense cores, generating a highly turbulent velocity field that amplifies the magnetic field up to 0.1–1 mG. This amplification leads to enhanced nonthermal synchrotron emission around the clumps, whereas the cosmic-ray electrons do not penetrate the clumps. Accordingly, the nonthermal X-rays exhibit a spatial distribution similar to that of the ISM on the pc scale, while they are anticorrelated at sub-pc scales. These results predict that hadronic $\gamma $
γ
-rays can be emitted from the dense cores, resulting in a spatial correspondence between the $\gamma $
γ
-rays and the ISM. The current pc-scale resolution of $\gamma $
γ
-ray observations is too low to resolve this correspondence. Future $\gamma $
γ
-ray observations with the Cherenkov Telescope Array will be able to resolve the sub-pc-scale $\gamma $
γ
-ray distribution and provide clues to the origin of these cosmic $\gamma $
γ
-rays.
Responsible Leadership and the Reflective CEO: Resolving Stakeholder Conflict by Imagining What Could be done
Authors: Pless Nicola M. , Sengupta Atri , Wheeler Melissa A. , Maak Thomas
Published: June 2021

In light of grand societal challenges, most recently the global Covid-19 pandemic, there is a call for research on responsible leadership. While significant advances have been made in recent years towards a better understanding of the concept, a gap exists in the understanding of responsible leadership in emerging countries, specifically how leaders resolve prevalent moral dilemmas. Following Werhane (1999), we use moral imagination as an analytical approach to analyze a dilemmatic stakeholder conflict (between indigenous communities in rural India and an emerging market multinational enterprise headquartered in the same country) through the lense of different responsible leadership mindsets and in light of different ethical principles and moral background theories. Based on this analysis, we arrive at a tentative moral judgement, concluding that the instrumental approach is morally inferior and recommending theintegrative approach as the morally superior choice. In the subsequent discussion—focussed on what “could” (instead of “should”) be done, we apply the integrative script and use moral imagination as a pathway for generating morally justifiable solutions. Through this analysis, we provide novel insights on how to apply an integrative responsible leadership approach to a stakeholder conflict situation, using the single case study to expand the responsible leadership discussion to emerging markets.
Weighted software metrics aggregation and its application to defect prediction
Authors: Ulan Maria , Löwe Welf , Ericsson Morgan , Wingkvist Anna
Published: June 2021

It is a well-known practice in software engineering to aggregate software metrics to assess software artifacts for various purposes, such as their maintainability or their proneness to contain bugs. For different purposes, different metrics might be relevant. However, weighting these software metrics according to their contribution to the respective purpose is a challenging task. Manual approaches based on experts do not scale with the number of metrics. Also, experts get confused if the metrics are not independent, which is rarely the case. Automated approaches based on supervised learning require reliable and generalizable training data, a ground truth, which is rarely available. We propose an automated approach to weighted metrics aggregation that is based on unsupervised learning. It sets metrics scores and their weights based on probability theory and aggregates them. To evaluate the effectiveness, we conducted two empirical studies on defect prediction, one on ca. 200 000 code changes, and another ca. 5 000 software classes. The results show that our approach can be used as an agnostic unsupervised predictor in the absence of a ground truth.
Metaphors in Mentalization-Based Treatment: Reintroducing the Language of Change in “Plain Old Therapy”
Authors: Folmo E. J. , Langjord T. , Myhrvold N. C. S. , Lind M.
Published: June 2021

Metaphors, a central conduit of change in psychotherapy, have not been taken adequately into account in Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT). Despite successfully utilized by other evidence-based treatments for borderline personality disorder (BPD), MBT considers metaphors confusing for patients with low mentalizing abilities. For metaphors and teaching stories to stimulate growth within the window of tolerance, interventions should be responsively tailored (e.g., explained). Metaphors might be a route to making spoken matter more apprehensible, and bridge emotions with cognitive content. They hold the potential for challenging without being too confronting, and to translate knowledge between different range of understanding. This theoretical article presents why the use of metaphors in MBT—in the hands of a responsive therapists—may prove a powerful tool to open social trust, despite being considered a “high risk” intervention. The timeless lens of the metaphor may help us connect with archetypical versions of our own narratives, hence understanding our subjectivity in a larger perspective. By reaching towards concepts beyond our normal reasoning, typically denoted perennial philosophy or wisdom, they may substitute and/or supplement mentors in a memorable way.
Morphology and ecology of the bradoriid arthropods Spinospitella and Nikolarites from the Cambrian (Series 2, Stage 4) of North Greenland (Laurentia)
Authors: Peel John S. , Skovsted Christian B. , Wallet Elise
Published: June 2021

Tuberculate fragments referred toNikolarites spasskyiare compared with a complete carapace and other material ofSpinospitellafrom Cambrian Series 2, Stage 4 in North Greenland. The descriptions expand earlier brief records from Laurentia of the two bradoriids, originally described from Siberia and Australia, respectively. The mutually exclusive occurrences of the two taxa indicate ecological control of their distribution in North Greenland. Robust fragments ofNikolarites spasskyioccur in reworked higher energy deposits of the Aftenstjernesø Formation, while thin-walled carapaces ofSpinospitellacharacterise deeper water mudstones within the Buen and Aftenstjernesø formations.
Heterodyne Standing-Wave Interferometer with Improved Phase Stability
Authors: Ortlepp Ingo , Zöllner Jens-Peter , Rangelow Ivo W. , Manske Eberhard
Published: June 2021

This paper describes a standing-wave interferometer with two laser sources of different wavelengths, diametrically opposed and emitting towards each other. The resulting standing wave has an intensity profile which is moving with a constant velocity, and is directly detected inside the laser beam by two thin and transparent photo sensors. The first sensor is at a fixed position, serving as a phase reference for the second one which is moved along the optical axis, resulting in a frequency shift, proportional to the velocity. The phase difference between both sensors is evaluated for the purpose of interferometric length measurements.
Between the Rhetoric of Employability and the Reality of Youth (Under)Employment: NEET Policy Rhetoric in the UK and Scotland
Authors: McPherson Charlotte
Published: June 2021

In the UK and Scotland, considerable resources have been devoted to tackling the persistent issue of young people who are, or are at risk of becoming, not in education, employment or training (NEET), a pathologized status that incurs significant penalties for young people and the economy. Using critical discourse analysis, this paper analyses and evaluates policy rhetoric to explore how the NEET ‘problem’, agenda and population are constituted by the UK and Scottish governments. In doing so, numerous unifying and problematic NEET policy tropes are identified, challenging the popular notion of significant policy divergence between the punitive reputation of Westminster and the image of Scottish governance as more socially democratic. Moreover, this paper differs from traditional policy analysis by also evaluating policy from the perspective of young people, drawing on empirical data from a qualitative study of the school-to-work transitions of NEET and marginally employed young people in Scotland.
Determinants of use of solar energy as an alternative means of energy by small and medium enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria
Authors: Anaba Sylvester Anani , Olubusoye Olusanya Elisa
Published: June 2021

Frequent power outages and general electricity problems from the national grid in Nigeria have significantly increased in the last 5 years, and these are part of the reasons why many Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria find it difficult to survive and some have already folded up. Consequently, some Small and Medium Enterprises have relocated to other places, whilst others have resorted to the use of some alternative means of energy as backup facilities (inclusive of generating sets, and solar energy) to reduce the negative effect of frequent power outages from the national grid. Based on the foregoing, the aim of the study is to investigate whether Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria have considered solar energy as an alternative means of energy, find out whether Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria prefer solar energy to electricity from the national grid, and to also identify the determinants of use of solar energy as an alternative means of energy by Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study covered selected Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria and primary data were generated from direct distribution of questionnaires to six hundred (600) qualified Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos State. Using Descriptive Statistics and Binary Logistic Regression Model to analyze data generated from the questionnaires, the study affirmed that general cost of electricity from the national grid, poor organizational processes and procedures of Electricity Distribution Companies as well as policy support for solar energy by the government were major determinants of use of solar energy as an alternative means of power by Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria. However, the findings from the study indicate that poor customer services of Electricity Distribution Companies, inadequate access to electricity facilities of Electricity Distribution Companies, and frequent power outages were not major determinants of use of solar energy as an alternative means of energy by Small and Medium Enterprises in Lagos State, Nigeria as at the time of the research. Consequently, this study recommends that Electricity Distribution Companies should improve their organizational processes and procedures. The study also recommends that cost of maintenance and replacement of major facilities like defective transformers should not be transferred to Small and Medium Enterprises (inclusive of other clients).
The Usefulness of Platelet Distribution Width and Platelet Distribution Width to Lymphocyte Ratio in Predicting Severity and Outcomes in Patients with Snakebite
Authors: Köse Ataman , Akdeniz Aydan , Babus Seyran Bozkurt , Göçmen Mert , Temel Gülhan Orekici
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Tissue damage, inflammatory response, and hematologic abnormalities may occur in snakebite envenomation. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of platelet distribution width (PDW) and platelet distribution width to lymphocyte ratio (PDWLR) in the severity and outcome of envenomation in patients with snakebites in the emergency department (ED).

Methods

All adult patients admitted to the ED after a snakebite were retrospectively evaluated. Patients were classified according to the severity of envenomation. The relationship between the PDW and PDWLR and envenomation severity and patient outcomes was analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the predictors of severe envenomation. Results were presented as 95% CIs with odds ratios. Statistical significance was accepted at P<0.05.

Results

Envenomation was classified as none/minimal in 42 patients and moderate/severe in 29. PDW and PDWLR were significantly higher in the moderate/severe group ( P=0.016 and P<0.001, respectively). Cut-off values of 16.5 for PDW and 6.15 for PDWLR were related to more severe envenomation (area under the curve 0.67, 95% CI 0.55–0.78 and area under the curve 0.85, 95% CI: 0.74–0.92, respectively). Blood product replacement, thrombocytopenia, hematologic abnormality, advanced local findings, compartment syndrome/fasciotomy, antivenom dosing, and moderate/severe envenomation were associated with PDWLR >6.15 ( P<0.05). In multivariate analysis, PDWLR (odds ratio 1.19 [95% CI 1–1.4]; P=0.04) was an independent predictor of severe envenomation.

Conclusions

Higher PDW and PDWLR were associated with severe envenomation in patients with snakebites in the ED. PDWLR may be used as a predictor of severe envenomation and adverse outcomes.
Music, Liturgy, and Confraternity Devotions in Paris and Tournai, 1300-1550
Authors: Long Sarah Ann
Published: June 2021

The first study focusing on the composition of new plainchant in northern-French confraternities for masses and offices in honor of saints thought to have healing powers.
An Empirical Evaluation of Egg Demand in the United States
Authors: Bakhtavoryan Rafael , Hovhannisyan Vardges , Devadoss Stephen , Lopez Jose
Published: June 2021

We adopt an EASI model to estimate demand for omega-3, organic, cage-free, and conventional eggs in the United States. Our empirical framework accounts for demand inter-dependencies among these egg types, while allowing for unrestricted Engel curves, unobserved consumer heterogeneity, and a broader product and geographic coverage. We further address endogeneity of prices and expenditures and left-censoring induced by disaggregate data. Our results indicate that the demand for organic and cage-free eggs is price-elastic, while the demand for omega-3 and conventional eggs is price-inelastic. Additionally, we establish strong substitutability relationships between the eggs. Finally, we measure consumer welfare consequences of rising domestic egg prices brought by Japan’s egg import tariff reductions.
Five-year Psychosocial Impact of Living in Post-Disaster Prefabricated Temporary Housing
Authors: Akaishi Tetsuya , Suzuki Tomomi , Nemoto Harumi , Utsumi Yusuke , Seto Moe , Usukura Hitomi , Kunii Yasuto , Sugawara Yumi , Nakaya Naoki , Nakamura Tomohiro , Tsuchiya Naho , Narita Akira , Kogure Mana , Hozawa Atsushi , Tsuji Ichiro , Ishii Tadashi , Tomita Hiroaki
Published: June 2021

Objective:

This study aims to evaluate the long-term impact of living in post-disaster prefabricated temporary housing on social interaction activities and mental health status.

Methods:

A total of 917 adult residents in a coastal town, whose residences were destroyed by the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE), were enrolled for the assessment held five years after the disaster. They answered questions about their experience and consequence of living in prefabricated temporary housing after the disaster. Their present scores on five types of self-reported measures regarding the psychosocial or psychiatric status and their present and recalled social interaction activities were cross-sectionally collected.

Results:

A total of 587 (64.0%) participants had a history of living in prefabricated temporary housing, while the other 330 (36.0%) had not. The prevalence of social interaction activities significantly decreased after the GEJE. However, the experience of living in prefabricated temporary housing did not adversely affect the subsequent social interaction activities or mental conditions of the participants five years after the disaster.

Conclusions:

Living in post-disaster prefabricated temporary housing may not negatively impact subsequent psychosocial conditions or social interaction activities five years later.
The Weight of the Past: Political Parties’ ‘Genetic’ Heritage and the Ease of their Organizational Professionalization
Authors: Koskimaa Vesa
Published: June 2021

How do political parties react organizationally when the competitive context changes? Are all parties equally accustomed to adapting? In recent decades, the emergence of an electorally volatile and publicity-oriented style of politics has pushed Western parties to replace member-centred mass organizations with centralized ‘media agencies’. However, as has long been speculated, parties’ ‘genetic’ heritage may condition their adaptive capacity and threaten their competitiveness. This study presents the first comprehensive quantitative test of the impact of party ‘genetics’ on the ease of parties’ organizational professionalization in the cartel party era (1983–2018). It utilizes uniquely fine-grained time-series data on the financial and staff resources of central party offices to compare the adaptive processes of two ‘genetically’ distinct major Finnish parties – a social democratic mass party and a conservative cadre party. The study finds that although both parties have professionalized under strong external pressure, the ‘genetically’ election-driven cadre party case adapted much faster, and the member-oriented mass party case continues to invest much more in its membership organization.
Queues with path-dependent arrival processes
Authors: Fendick Kerry , Whitt Ward
Published: June 2021

We study the transient and limiting behavior of a queue with a Pólya arrival process. The Pólya process is interesting because it exhibits path-dependent behavior, e.g. it satisfies a non-ergodic law of large numbers: the average number of arrivals over time [0,t] converges almost surely to a nondegenerate limit as$t \rightarrow \infty$. We establish a heavy-traffic diffusion limit for the$\sum_{i=1}^{n} P_i/GI/1$queue, with arrivals occurring exogenously according to the superposition ofnindependent and identically distributed Pólya point processes. That limit yields a tractable approximation for the transient queue-length distribution, because the limiting net input process is a Gaussian Markov process with stationary increments. We also provide insight into the long-run performance of queues with path-dependent arrival processes. We show how Little’s law can be stated in this context, and we provide conditions under which there is stability for a queue with a Pólya arrival process.
Stochastic analysis of average-based distributed algorithms
Authors: Mocquard Yves , Robin Frédérique , Séricola Bruno , Anceaume Emmanuelle
Published: June 2021

We analyze average-based distributed algorithms relying on simple and pairwise random interactions among a large and unknown number of anonymous agents. This allows the characterization of global properties emerging from these local interactions. Agents start with an initial integer value, and at each interaction keep the average integer part of both values as their new value. The convergence occurs when, with high probability, all the agents possess the same value, which means that they all know a property of the global system. Using a well-chosen stochastic coupling, we improve upon existing results by providing explicit and tight bounds on the convergence time. We apply these general results to both the proportion problem and the system size problem.
Sensitivity of mean-field fluctuations in Erlang loss models with randomized routing
Authors: Vasantam Thirupathaiah , Mazumdar Ravi R.
Published: June 2021

In this paper we study a large system of N servers, each with capacity to process at most C simultaneous jobs; an incoming job is routed to a server if it has the lowest occupancy amongst d (out of N) randomly selected servers. A job that is routed to a server with no vacancy is assumed to be blocked and lost. Such randomized policies are referred to JSQ(d) (Join the Shortest Queue out of d) policies. Under the assumption that jobs arrive according to a Poisson process with rate
$N\lambda^{(N)}$
where
$\lambda^{(N)}=\sigma-\frac{\beta}{\sqrt{N}\,}$
,
$\sigma\in\mathbb{R}_+$
and
$\beta\in\mathbb{R}$
, we establish functional central limit theorems for the fluctuation process in both the transient and stationary regimes when service time distributions are exponential. In particular, we show that the limit is an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck process whose mean and variance depend on the mean field of the considered model. Using this, we obtain approximations to the blocking probabilities for large N, where we can precisely estimate the accuracy of first-order approximations.
NOWCASTING ‘TRUE’ MONTHLY U.S. GDP DURING THE PANDEMIC
Authors: Koop Gary , McIntyre Stuart , Mitchell James , Poon Aubrey
Published: June 2021

Expenditure-side and income-side gross domestic product (GDP) are measured at the quarterly frequency and contain measurement error. Econometric methods exist for producing reconciled estimates of underlying true GDP from these noisy estimates. Recently, the authors of this paper developed a mixed-frequency reconciliation model which produces monthly estimates of true GDP. In the present paper, we investigate whether this model continues to work well in the face of the extreme observations that occurred during the pandemic year and consider several extensions of it. These include stochastic volatility and error distributions that are fat-tailed or explicitly allow for outliers.
Comparative efficiency of Mytilus edulis as engineering species for shallow-water fouling communities on artificial structures in the White Sea
Authors: Khalaman Vyacheslav V. , Komendantov Alexander Yu. , Golubovskaya Nina S. , Manoylina Polina A.
Published: June 2021

Currently, there is little comparative data on ‘efficiency’ of different engineering species, i.e. species richness, density and biomass of the associated organisms that have been supported by engineering species. The use of fouling communities makes it possible to compare the efficiency of different engineering species under the same conditions, which is necessary to obtain correct estimates and difficult to do when studying natural bottom communities. In this study, we have analysed the fouling communities in four different mussel culture farms in the White Sea to test the following hypotheses. (1) Different engineering species (mussel Mytilus edulis, solitary ascidian Styela rustica, sponge Halichondria panicea) have different assemblages of the associated vagile fauna. (2) Mytilus edulis is the most efficient engineering species, i.e. species richness, species diversity, density and biomass of the associated vagile fauna is higher in the mussel communities than in those dominated by Styela rustica or Halichondria panicea. The first hypothesis was confirmed, while the second was rejected. In all the culture farms studied, all parameters of the mussel-associated vagile fauna were not higher and in most cases were even lower than those of the fauna associated with ascidians or sponges. The reason for this seems to be the very dense packing of mussels in patches. Therefore, Mytilus edulis is not the most efficient engineering species among fouling organisms, at least in the conditions of the subarctic White Sea. The data obtained are particularly important in view of the ever-increasing volume of anthropogenic substrate and fouling communities in coastal marine ecosystems.
Joint Poisson distribution of prime factors in sets
Authors: FORD KEVIN
Published: June 2021

Abstarct

Given disjoint subsets T1, …, Tm of “not too large” primes up to x, we establish that for a random integer n drawn from [1, x], the m-dimensional vector enumerating the number of prime factors of n from T1, …, Tm converges to a vector of m independent Poisson random variables. We give a specific rate of convergence using the Kubilius model of prime factors. We also show a universal upper bound of Poisson type when T1, …, Tm are unrestricted, and apply this to the distribution of the number of prime factors from a set T conditional on n having k total prime factors.
Quantifiers on languages and codensity monads
Authors: Gehrke Mai , Petrişan Daniela , Reggio Luca
Published: June 2021

This paper contributes to the techniques of topo-algebraic recognition for languages beyond the regular setting as they relate to logic on words. In particular, we provide a general construction on recognisers corresponding to adding one layer of various kinds of quantifiers and prove a corresponding Reutenauer-type theorem. Our main tools are codensity monads and duality theory. Our construction hinges on a measure-theoretic characterisation of the profinite monad of the free S-semimodule monad for finite and commutative semirings S, which generalises our earlier insight that the Vietoris monad on Boolean spaces is the codensity monad of the finite powerset functor.
Role of Convergence and Collection Angles in the Excitation of Long- and Short-Wavelength Phonons with Vibrational Electron Energy-Loss Spectroscopy
Authors: Venkatraman Kartik , Crozier Peter A.
Published: June 2021

Current generation electron monochromators employed as attachments to scanning transmission electron microscopes (STEM) offer the ability to obtain vibrational information from materials using electron energy-loss spectroscopy (EELS). We show here that in crystals, long- and short-wavelength phonon modes can be probed simultaneously with on-axis vibrational STEM EELS. The long-wavelength phonons are probed via dipole scattering, while the short-wavelength modes are probed via impact scattering of the incident electrons. The localized character of the short-wavelength modes is demonstrated by scanning the electron beam across the edge of a hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticle. It is found that employing convergence angles that encompass multiple Brillouin zone boundaries enhances the short-wavelength phonon contribution to the vibrational energy-loss spectrum much more than that achieved by employing collection angles that encompass multiple Brillouin zone boundaries. Probing short-wavelength phonons at high spatial resolution with on-axis vibrational STEM EELS will help develop a fundamental connection between vibrational excitations and bonding arrangements at atomic-scale heterogeneities in materials.
A third of dying patients do not have end-of-life discussions with a physician: A nationwide registry study
Authors: Melin-Johansson Christina , Sveen Josefin , Lövgren Malin , Udo Camilla
Published: June 2021

Objective

The aim of the study was to explore the proportion of adult patients and next-of-kin who had end-of-life (EOL) discussions and associated factors.

Method

A retrospective nationwide registry study was reported with data from the Swedish Register of Palliative Care. All patients in Sweden in hospitals, nursing homes, own homes, community, and palliative care units during 2015–2017 and their next-of-kin were included. Data were reported to the register by healthcare staff, based on diseased patients’ records regarding their last days of life, and were voluntary. Descriptive statistics illustrated the proportion of patients/next-of-kin who had EOL discussions and logistic regressions were used to examine associated factors.

Results

About half of the patients (46%) did have an EOL discussion, but a third (32%) did not. Associated factors of those who did not have an EOL discussion were dementia (48.5%) or stroke (47.5%), older age (38.4%), being female (33.6%), being cared for in a nursing home (41.3%), or hospital (40.3%), having lost decision-making ability months before death (58.9%), and not having a documented decision to shift to EOL care (82.7%). Younger patients diagnosed with cancer and cared for at a palliative unit were more likely to have EOL discussions. The regression analysis showed similar results for next-of-kin.

Significance of results

The result shows that not all patients with palliative care needs have equal access to EOL discussions, despite efforts at a national level and the recognized benefits of timely communication about the EOL care. Further efforts must be made to achieve EOL discussions for all patients.
The Hubble Deep Field
Authors: Williams Robert
Published: June 2021

Great progress has been made in recent years in understanding the large-scale structure of the universe. Recall that it is only within this century that we have even come to realize the existence of other galaxies as separate entities. Until the 1920’s the universe did not extend beyond the Milky Way. Novae and Cepheid variables changed that picture, and for the past 75 years extragalactic astronomy has been one of the most active and fertile areas of science. The concept of an expanding universe and its beginning in a Big Bang all derive from the discovery of external galaxies.

Distant galaxies are faint and have small angular sizes, therefore their study has remained the province of the largest telescopes. Before the launch of Hubble Space Telescope, ground-based telescopes had succeeded in detecting distant galaxies out to redshifts of z ~ 1, and in establishing certain of their characteristics. But, there was uncertainty as to how much further HST could push the study of distant galaxies given its modest 2.4m diameter mirror and the fact that the surface brightnesses of cosmologically distant objects decrease as (1 + z)4.

For this reason, one of the early observations that was scheduled immediately after the first servicing mission of HST in December 1993 to repair spherical aberration was the re-imaging of the cluster of galaxies 0939+4713 at z = 0.4 that had been observed previously by Dressier et al. (1994) from both the ground and with the aberrated HST. The ten-orbit WFPC2 image demonstrated HST’s ability to resolve structure in distant galaxies, showing spiral and elliptical galaxies with a clarity approaching that achieved for the Coma cluster from the ground. Spirals are seen to be relatively abundant in 0939+4713, although they generally show an anomalous morphology.
Chemical Evolution and Extremely Metal-Poor Stars
Authors: McWilliam Andrew
Published: June 2021

Early abundance studies (e.g. Pagel 1968) showed that neutron-capture heavy elements (Z > 30) are present in halo stars, but deficient relative iron. Truran (1981) argued that at low [Fe/H] the chemical enrichment time scale was shorter than the lifetime of low-mass AGB progenitors, which are the main source of solar system heavy elements. He proposed that in the halo the heavy elements were produced by high mass stars, in type II supernova events (SNII), by rapid neutron capture nucleosynthesis (the r-process).

Spite & Spite (1978) investigated the trend of heavy element abundances with metallicity, from a small sample of halo stars. They found that at [Fe/H]~ -1.5 the halo [heavy element/Fe] ratio is approximately solar; but at lower [Fe/H] there is a roughly linear decrease of [heavy element/Fe] with declining [Fe/H]. Subsequent observations confirmed the general trend of heavy elements in the halo: [M/Fe]~0 down to [Fe/H]~ -2, followed by a linear decline in [M/Fe] to lower [Fe/H] (e.g. Gilroy et al 1988, Lambert 1987).

Additional evidence for the role of SNII in halo heavy element synthesis comes from the trend of [Eu/Fe] with [Fe/H]. Europium is an almost pure r-process element (Käppeler et al. 1989) and its abundance trend with metallicity is similar to the α element trend (e.g. O and Mg made in massive stars). The element ratios show an increase in [M/Fe] as [Fe/H] decreases from 0 to —1; below this point [Eu/Fe] and [α/Fe] remain constant at ~+0.3 dex. For α elements this behavior is thought to be due to the change in the relative contributions from type II SN and type la SN in the disk and halo (Tinsley 1979). The trend for Eu also indicates production by massive stars (e.g. SNII). Near [Fe/H]~ -2.5 Eu appears to decline relative to [Fe/H] (like other heavy elements, but unlike the α elements). This abundance trend has been used to constrain the numerous proposed astrophysical sites of the r-process (e.g. Mathews & Cowan 1990).