bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HEE and HSC for flavors: perturbative structure in open string geometries
Authors: Banerjee Avik , Bhattacharya Aranya , Maulik Sabyasachi
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Introduction of electric field in the D-brane worldvolume induces a horizon in the open string geometry perceived by the brane fluctuations. We study the holographic entanglement entropy (HEE) and subregion complexity (HSC) in these asymptotically AdS geometries in three, four and five dimensions aiming to capture these quantities in the flavor sector introduced by the D-branes. Both the strip and spherical subregions have been considered. We show that the Bekenstein-Hawking entropy associated with the open string horizon, which earlier failed to reproduce the thermal entropy in the boundary, now precisely matches with the entanglement entropy at high temperatures. We check the validity of embedding function theorem while computing the HEE and attempt to reproduce the first law of entanglement thermodynamics, at least at leading order. On the basis of obtained results, we also reflect upon consequences of applying Ryu-Takayanagi proposal on these non-Einstein geometries.
Electroweak-like baryogenesis with new chiral matter
Authors: Fujikura Kohei , Harigaya Keisuke , Nakai Yuichiro , Wang Ruoquan
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We propose a framework where a phase transition associated with a gauge symmetry breaking that occurs (not far) above the electroweak scale sets a stage for baryogenesis similar to the electroweak baryogenesis in the Standard Model. A concrete realization utilizes the breaking of SU(2)R× U(1)X→ U(1)Y. New chiral fermions charged under the extended gauge symmetry have nonzero lepton numbers, which makes the B − L symmetry anomalous. The new lepton sector contains a large flavor-dependent CP violation, similar to the Cabibbo-Kobayashi-Maskawa phase, without inducing sizable electric dipole moments of the Standard Model particles. A bubble wall dynamics associated with the first-order phase transition and SU(2)R sphaleron processes generate a lepton asymmetry, which is transferred into a baryon asymmetry via the ordinary electroweak sphaleron process. Unlike the Standard Model electroweak baryogenesis, the new phase transition can be of the strong first order and the new CP violation is not significantly suppressed by Yukawa couplings, so that the observed asymmetry can be produced. The model can be probed by collider searches for new particles and the observation of gravitational waves. One of the new leptons becomes a dark matter candidate. The model can be also embedded into a left-right symmetric theory to solve the strong CP problem.
Global electroweak symmetric vacuum
Authors: Bai Yang , Lee Seung J. , Son Minho , Ye Fang
Published: July 2021

Abstract

Although the Higgs potential in the Standard Model (SM) contains only a simple electroweak symmetry breaking vacuum in the small field region, additional metastable or global vacua could exist in models beyond the SM. In this paper, we study one intriguing scenario with an additional electroweak symmetric vacuum that could be the global one. For the thermal universe ending at the current metastable vacuum, the electroweak symmetry should stay non-restored at high temperatures. We realize the scenario in a model with Higgs-portal couplings to SM singlet scalars with approximately global O(N) symmetries with a large N. For a large portion of model parameter space, both the quantum and thermal tunneling rates are suppressed such that our current metastable vacuum is long-lived enough. Our scenario predicts order-one changes for the Higgs self-couplings and a large contribution to the signal of the off-shell Higgs invisible decay. It can be partly probed at the LHC Run 3 and well tested at the high luminosity LHC. We also discuss the subcritical (anti-de Sitter) bubbles from the thermal tunneling that could have a large population and interesting cosmological implications.
Leading singularities in Baikov representation and Feynman integrals with uniform transcendental weight
Authors: Dlapa Christoph , Li Xiaodi , Zhang Yang
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We provide a leading singularity analysis protocol in Baikov representation, for the searching of Feynman integrals with uniform transcendental (UT) weight. This approach is powered by the recent developments in rationalizing square roots and syzygy computations, and is particularly suitable for finding UT integrals with multiple mass scales. We demonstrate the power of our approach by determining the UT basis for a two-loop diagram with three external mass scales.
Toward massless and massive event shapes in the large-β0 limit
Authors: Gracia N. G. , Mateu V.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We present results for SCET and bHQET matching coefficients and jet functions in the large-β0 limit. Our computations exactly predict all terms of the form $$ {\alpha}_s^{n+1}{n}_f^n $$

α
s

n
+
1

n
f
n

for any n ≥ 0, and we find full agreement with the coefficients computed in the full theory up to $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s^4\right) $$
O

α
s
4

. We obtain all-order closed expressions for the cusp and non-cusp anomalous dimensions (which turn out to be unambiguous) as well as matrix elements (with ambiguities) in this limit, which can be easily expanded to arbitrarily high powers of αs using recursive algorithms to obtain the corresponding fixed-order coefficients. Examining the poles laying on the positive real axis of the Borel-transform variable u we quantify the perturbative convergence of a series and estimate the size of non-perturbative corrections. We find a so far unknown u = 1/2 renormalon in the bHQET hard factor Hm that affects the normalization of the peak differential cross section for boosted top quark pair production. For ambiguous series the so-called Borel sum is defined with the principal value prescription. Furthermore, one can assign an ambiguity based on the arbitrariness of avoiding the poles by contour deformation into the positive or negative imaginary half-plane. Finally, we compute the relation between the pole mass and four low-scale short distance masses in the large-β0 approximation (MSR, RS and two versions of the jet mass), work out their μ- and R-evolution in this limit, and study how their implementation improves the convergence of the position-space bHQET jet function, whose three-loop coefficient in full QCD is numerically estimated.
Seiberg-like dualities for orthogonal and symplectic 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 gauge theories with boundaries
Authors: Okazaki Tadashi , Smith Douglas J.
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We propose dualities of $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= (0, 2) supersymmetric boundary conditions for 3d $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 2 gauge theories with orthogonal and symplectic gauge groups. We show that the boundary ’t Hooft anomalies and half-indices perfectly match for each pair of the proposed dual boundary conditions.
Approximate Tensorization of the Relative Entropy for Noncommuting Conditional Expectations
Authors: Bardet Ivan , Capel Ángela , Rouzé Cambyse
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we derive a new generalisation of the strong subadditivity of the entropy to the setting of general conditional expectations onto arbitrary finite-dimensional von Neumann algebras. This generalisation, referred to as approximate tensorization of the relative entropy, consists in a lower bound for the sum of relative entropies between a given density and its respective projections onto two intersecting von Neumann algebras in terms of the relative entropy between the same density and its projection onto an algebra in the intersection, up to multiplicative and additive constants. In particular, our inequality reduces to the so-called quasi-factorization of the entropy for commuting algebras, which is a key step in modern proofs of the logarithmic Sobolev inequality for classical lattice spin systems. We also provide estimates on the constants in terms of conditions of clustering of correlations in the setting of quantum lattice spin systems. Along the way, we show the equivalence between conditional expectations arising from Petz recovery maps and those of general Davies semigroups.
Moment Functions on Groups
Authors: Fechner Żywilla , Gselmann Eszter , Székelyhidi László
Published: July 2021

In this paper generalized moment functions are considered. They are closely related to the well-known functions of binomial type which have been investigated on various abstract structures. The main purpose of this work is to prove characterization theorems for generalized moment functions on commutative groups. At the beginning a multivariate characterization of moment functions defined on a commutative group is given. Next the notion of generalized moment functions of higher rank is introduced and some basic properties on groups are listed. The characterization of exponential polynomials by means of complete (exponential) Bell polynomials is given. The main result is the description of generalized moment functions of higher rank defined on a commutative group as the product of an exponential and composition of multivariate Bell polynomial and an additive function. Furthermore, corollaries for generalized moment function of rank one are also stated. At the end of the paper some possible directions of further research are discussed.
Exploring potential applications of optical lattice clocks in a plate subduction zone
Authors: Tanaka Yoshiyuki , Katori Hidetoshi
Published: July 2021

Optical clocks improved the accuracy of state-of-the-art cesium clocks by more than two orders of magnitude and enabled frequency comparison with a fractional uncertainty of one part in 1018. Gravitational redshift of two such clocks allows determining their height difference with an uncertainty of 1 cm. In Europe, chronometric leveling has been extensively conducted for unifying the height reference systems. Temporal response of the leveling, which affords monitoring a cm height variation within hours of averaging time, may offer new opportunities to explore seismology and volcanology. Superb stability of optical lattice clocks will be best used for such applications. This article outlines the prospects of chronometric leveling in Japan. Combining optical lattice clocks with an existing observation network of GNSS, crustal deformations may be monitored with unprecedented accuracy in the future.
The Set of Separable States has no Finite Semidefinite Representation Except in Dimension $$3\times 2$$
Authors: Fawzi Hamza
Published: July 2021

Given integers$$n \ge m$$n≥m, let$$\text {Sep}(n,m)$$Sep(n,m)be the set of separable states on the Hilbert space$$\mathbb {C}^n \otimes \mathbb {C}^m$$Cn⊗Cm. It is well-known that for$$(n,m)=(3,2)$$(n,m)=(3,2)the set of separable states has a simple description using semidefinite programming: it is given by the set of states that have a positive partial transpose. In this paper we show that for larger values ofnandmthe set$$\text {Sep}(n,m)$$Sep(n,m)has no semidefinite programming description of finite size. As$$\text {Sep}(n,m)$$Sep(n,m)is a semialgebraic set this provides a new counterexample to the Helton–Nie conjecture, which was recently disproved by Scheiderer in a breakthrough result. Compared to Scheiderer’s approach, our proof is elementary and relies only on basic results about semialgebraic sets and functions.
Selecting the Next Generation of Surgeons: General Surgery Program Directors and Coordinators Perspective on USMLE Changes and Holistic Approach
Authors: Aziz Hassan , Khan Sara , Rocque Brittany , Javed Muhammad Usman , Sullivan Maura E. , Cooper Jeffrey T.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) was designed as a universal assessment tool for states to determine physician's medical licensure's candidacy. Recent changes in the USMLE exam have changed the way future surgical residency candidate applications will be reviewed. The survey aimed to assess the effect of changes in USMLE exams—USMLE Step 1 pass/fail, complete dissolution of USMLE clinical skills exam, and the role of holistic review in future surgical residency candidacy selection.

Methods

An anonymous online survey was created and distributed to general surgery program directors and coordinators across the USA. The survey aimed to assess attitudes toward changes to USMLE exams and the potential changes with a holistic review of candidate applications.

Results

The response rate was 63.7%. Most program directors and coordinators disagree with changing USMLE Step 1 to a pass/fail scoring system. The majority felt that contacts, the medical school's name, and performance in clinical electives and sub‐internships would hold more significance. They also believe that a holistic review of application will decrease socioeconomic discrepancies and promote a more diverse and inclusive resident cohort.

Conclusion

Step 2 clinical knowledge (CK) will gain more importance in future residency matches because of the change in the scoring system of Step 1. The medical school's name, personal contacts, and clinical performance in rotations will hold more significance.
Preoperative Neutrophil‐to‐Lymphocyte Ratio may Predict Postoperative Pneumonia in Stage I–III Gastric Cancer Patients After Curative Gastrectomy: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Mori Mikito , Shuto Kiyohiko , Hirano Atsushi , Narushima Kazuo , Kosugi Chihiro , Yamazaki Masato , Koda Keiji , Yoshida Masahiro
Published: July 2021

Background

Several studies have demonstrated that diverse systemic inflammatory‐based prognostic parameters predict a poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. However, few studies have focused on the relationships between postoperative complications and systemic inflammatory‐based prognostic parameters after curative gastrectomy. We investigated the relationships between postoperative complications and these parameters and assessed the clinical utility of the parameters as predictors of postoperative complications in patients with stage I–III gastric cancer.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed 300 patients who underwent curative gastrectomy for stage I–III gastric cancer. All postoperative complications were classified as infectious or noninfectious. We evaluated the relationships between postoperative complications and clinical factors, including systemic inflammatory‐based prognostic parameters.

Results

In total, 101 patients (33.7%) had postoperative Clavien–Dindo grade II–IV complications, and 54 (18.0%) patients developed infectious complications including pancreatic fistula, pneumonia, anastomotic leak, intra‐abdominal abscess, and cholecystitis. The relationships between postoperative complications and systemic inflammatory‐based prognostic parameters were evaluated by the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves. Postoperative pneumonia was identified as the most sensitive complication to the systemic inflammatory‐based prognostic parameters. Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio (odds ratio, 14.621; 95% confidence interval, 1.160–184.348; p = 0.038) was an independent predictor of pneumonia.

Conclusions

Preoperative neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio may be a useful predictor of postoperative pneumonia in patients with stage I–III gastric cancer after curative gastrectomy.
Clinical and prognostic significance of emergency MRI findings in neck infections
Authors: Heikkinen Jaakko , Nurminen Janne , Velhonoja Jarno , Irjala Heikki , Happonen Tatu , Soukka Tero , Mattila Kimmo , Hirvonen Jussi
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Due to its superior soft-tissue contrast and ability to delineate abscesses, MRI has high diagnostic accuracy in neck infections. Whether MRI findings can predict the clinical course in these patients is unknown. The purpose of this study was to determine the clinical and prognostic significance of various MRI findings in emergency patients with acute neck infections.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively reviewed the 3-T MRI findings of 371 patients with acute neck infections from a 5-year period in a single tertiary emergency radiology department. We correlated various MRI findings, including retropharyngeal (RPE) and mediastinal edema (ME) and abscess diameter, to clinical findings and outcomes, such as the need for intensive care unit (ICU) treatment and length of hospital stay (LOS).

Results

A total of 201 out of 371 patients (54%) with neck infections showed evidence of RPE, and 81 out of 314 patients (26%) had ME. Both RPE (OR = 9.5, p < 0.001) and ME (OR = 5.3, p < 0.001) were more prevalent among the patients who required ICU treatment than among those who did not. In a multivariate analysis, C-reactive protein (CRP) levels, RPE, and maximal abscess diameter were independent predictors of the need for ICU treatment, and CRP, ME, and maximal abscess diameter were independent predictors of LOS.

Conclusion

In patients with an acute neck infection that requires emergency imaging, RPE, ME, and abscess diameter, as shown by MRI, are significant predictors of a more severe illness.

Key Points

• Two hundred one out of 371 patients (54%) with neck infection showed evidence of retropharyngeal edema (RPE), and 81 out of 314 patients (26%) had mediastinal edema (ME).

• Maximal abscess diameter, RPE, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were independent predictors of the need for intensive care unit (ICU) treatment, and maximal abscess diameter, ME, and CRP were independent predictors of length of hospital stay.

• Prognostic significance of MRI findings was evident also while controlling for CRP values.
On the Importance of High-Resolution in Large-Scale Ocean Models
Authors: Chassignet Eric P. , Xu Xiaobiao
Published: July 2021

Eddying global ocean models are now routinely used for ocean prediction, and the value-added of a better representation of the observed ocean variability and western boundary currents at that resolution is currently being evaluated in climate models. This overview article begins with a brief summary of the impact on ocean model biases of resolving eddies in several global ocean–sea ice numerical simulations. Then, a series of North and Equatorial Atlantic configurations are used to show that an increase of the horizontal resolution from eddy-resolving to submesoscale-enabled together with the inclusion of high-resolution bathymetry and tides significantly improve the models’ abilities to represent the observed ocean variability and western boundary currents. However, the computational cost of these simulations is extremely large, and for these simulations to become routine, close collaborations with computer scientists are essential to ensure that numerical codes can take full advantage of the latest computing architecture.
Primary stability of single-stage revision reconstruction of the anterior cruciate ligament in case of failure of dynamic intraligamentary stabilization depends on implant position during ACL repair
Authors: Glasbrenner J. , Fischer M. , Raschke M. J. , Briese T. , Müller M. , Herbst E. , Kittl C. , Schliemann B. , Kösters C.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The object of this study was to evaluate the primary stability of tibial interference screw (IFS) fixation in single-stage revision surgery of the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the case of recurrent instability after ACL repair with dynamic intraligamentary stabilization (DIS), dependent on the implant position during DIS.

Materials and methods

Tibial aperture fixation in ACL reconstruction (ACL-R) was performed in a porcine knee model using an IFS. Native ACL-R was performed in the control group (n = 15). In the intervention groups DIS and subsequent implant removal were performed prior to single-stage revision ACL-R. A distance of 20 mm in group R-DIS1 (n = 15) and 5 mm in group R-DIS2 (n = 15) was left between the joint line and the implant during DIS. Specimens were mounted in a material-testing machine and load-to-failure was applied in a worst-case-scenario.

Results

Load to failure was 454 ± 111 N in the R-DIS1 group, 154 ± 71 N in the R-DIS2 group and 405 ± 105 N in the primary ACL-R group. Load-to-failure, stiffness and elongation of the group R-DIS2 were significantly inferior in comparison to R-DIS1 and ACL-R respectively (p < 0.001). No significant difference was found between load-to-failure, stiffness and elongation of R-DIS1 and the control group.

Conclusion

Primary stability of tibial aperture fixation in single-stage revision ACL-R in case of recurrent instability after DIS depends on monobloc position during ACL repair. Primary stability is comparable to aperture fixation in primary ACL-R, if a bone stock of 20 mm is left between the monobloc and the tibial joint line during the initial procedure.
Acupuncture for radiation-induced toxicity in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma: a systematic review based on PICO criteria
Authors: Bonomo Pierluigi , Stocchi Giulia , Caini Saverio , Desideri Isacco , Santarlasci Veronica , Becherini Carlotta , Limatola Vittorio , Locatello Luca Giovanni , Mannelli Giuditta , Spinelli Giuseppe , Guido Carmelo , Livi Lorenzo
Published: July 2021

Purpose

In head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), the potential mitigating effect of complementary medicine interventions such as acupuncture for radiation-induced toxicity is unknown. This study aimed to assess the impact of acupuncture on the incidence and degree of severity of common radiation-induced side effects.

Methods

In accordance with pre-specified PICO criteria, a systematic review was performed. Two electronic databases (Medline and Embase) were searched over a 10-year time frame (01/01/10 to 30/09/20). Patients undergoing a curatively intended, radiation-based treatment for histologically confirmed squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharynx, oropharynx, larynx, hypopharynx and oral cavity represented the target population of our study. Accurate information on the acupuncture methodology was reported. All included articles were evaluated to identify any potential source of bias

Results

Five papers were included in our qualitative analysis, for a total of 633 subjects. Compliance to per-protocol defined schedule of acupuncture sessions was high, ranging from 82 to 95.9%. Most patients (70.6%) were randomly allocated to receive acupuncture for its potential preventive effect on xerostomia. The large heterogeneity in study settings and clinical outcomes prevented from performing a cumulative quantitative analysis, thus no definitive recommendations can be provided.

Conclusions

Although shown to be feasible and safe, no firm evidence currently supports the use of acupuncture for the routine management of radiation-induced toxicity in HNSCC.
Overexpression of the nucleoporin Nup88 stimulates migration and invasion of HeLa cells
Authors: Makise Masaki , Uchimura Ryota , Higashi Kumiko , Mashiki Yasumi , Shiraishi Rikako , Shutoku Yuumi , Kuniyasu Akihiko
Published: July 2021

Elevated expression of the nucleoporin Nup88, a constituent of the nuclear pore complex, is seen in various types of malignant tumors, but whether this overexpression contributes to the malignant phenotype has yet to be determined. Here, we investigated the effect of the overexpression of Nup88 on the migration and invasion of cervical cancer HeLa cells. The overexpression of Nup88 promoted a slight but significant increase in both migration and invasion, whereas knockdown of Nup88 by RNA interference suppressed these phenotypes. The observed phenotypes in Nup88-overexpressing HeLa cells were not due to the progression of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition or activation of NF-κB, which are known to be important for cell migration and invasion. Instead, we identified an upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase-12 (MMP-12) at both the gene and protein levels in Nup88-overexpressing HeLa cells. Upregulation of MMP-12 protein by the overexpression of Nup88 was also observed in one other cervical cancer cell line and two prostate cancer cell lines but not 293 cells. Treatment with a selective inhibitor against MMP-12 enzymatic activity significantly suppressed the invasive ability of HeLa cells induced by Nup88 overexpression. Taken together, our results suggest that overexpression of Nup88 can stimulate malignant phenotypes including invasive ability, which is promoted by MMP-12 expression.
LRIG1 is a positive prognostic marker in Merkel cell carcinoma and Merkel cell carcinoma expresses epithelial stem cell markers
Authors: Sundqvist Benjamin , Sihto Harri , von Willebrand Maria , Böhling Tom , Koljonen Virve
Published: July 2021

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and aggressive neuroendocrine malignancy of the skin. The cell of origin of MCC is thus far unknown and proposed cells of origin include Merkel cells, pro-/pre- or pre-B cells, epithelial stem cells, and dermal stem cells. In this study, we aimed to shed further light on the possibility that a subset of MCC tumors arise from epithelial stem cells of the skin by examining the expression of hair follicle and epidermal stem cell markers in MCC and normal human skin. We also aimed to elucidate any correlation between the expression of these markers and tumor Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) status or other clinicopathological characteristics or patient survival. Expression of CK19, SOX9, LGR5, and LRIG1 in MCC and normal human skin was studied by immunohistochemistry, and the staining patterns or intensities were statistically correlated with patient, tumor, MCPyV, and survival parameters. In a cohort of 137 cases of MCC, we observed dot-like immunoexpression of CK19 in 30 cases (22.1%) and homogeneous expression in 103 cases (75.7%). We also observed positive immunoexpression of SOX9 in 21 cases (15.3%), LGR5 in 118 cases (86.1%), and LRIG1 in 117 cases (86.0%). Immunoexpression of LRIG1 was found to correlate with better overall and MCC-specific survival. We observed frequent immunoexpression of several hair follicle and epidermal stem cell markers in MCC and found LRIG1 to be a positive prognostic marker in MCC.
Non-uniformly parabolic equations and applications to the random conductance model
Authors: Bella Peter , Schäffner Mathias
Published: July 2021

We study local regularity properties of linear, non-uniformly parabolic finite-difference operators in divergence form related to the random conductance model on$$\mathbb Z^d$$Zd. In particular, we provide an oscillation decay assuming only certain summability properties of the conductances and their inverse, thus improving recent results in that direction. As an application, we provide a local limit theorem for the random walk in a random degenerate and unbounded environment.
A multiple-trait analysis of ecohydrological acclimatisation in a dryland phreatophytic shrub
Authors: Torres-García M. Trinidad , Salinas-Bonillo María J. , Cleverly Jamie R. , Gisbert Juan , Pacheco-Romero Manuel , Cabello Javier
Published: July 2021

Water is the main limiting factor for groundwater-dependent ecosystems (GDEs) in drylands. Predicted climate change (precipitation reductions and temperature increases) and anthropogenic activities such as groundwater drawdown jeopardise the functioning of these ecosystems, presenting new challenges for their management. We developed a trait-based analysis to examine the spatiotemporal variability in the ecophysiology of Ziziphus lotus, a long-lived phreatophyte that dominates one of the few terrestrial GDEs of semiarid regions in Europe. We assessed morpho-functional traits and stem water potential along a naturally occurring gradient of depth-to-groundwater (DTGW, 2–25 m) in a coastal aquifer, and throughout the species-growing season. Increasing DTGW and salinity negatively affected photosynthetic and transpiration rates, increasing plant water stress (lower predawn and midday water potential), and positively affected Huber value (sapwood cross-sectional area per leaf area), reducing leaf area and likely, plant hydraulic demand. However, the species showed greater salt-tolerance at shallow depths. Despite groundwater characteristics, higher atmospheric evaporative demand in the study area, which occurred in summer, fostered higher transpiration rates and water stress, and promoted carbon assimilation and water loss more intensively at shallow water tables. This multiple-trait analysis allowed us to identify plant ecophysiological thresholds related to the increase in salinity, but mostly in DTGW (13 m), and in the evaporative demand during the growing season. These findings highlight the existence of tipping points in the functioning of a long-lived phreatophyte in drylands and can contribute to the sustainable management of GDEs in southern Europe, paving the way for further studies on phreatophytic species.
Local pointwise second derivative estimates for strong solutions to the $$\sigma _k$$-Yamabe equation on Euclidean domains
Authors: Duncan Jonah A. J. , Nguyen Luc
Published: July 2021

We prove local pointwise second derivative estimates for positive $$W^{2,p}$$

W

2
,
p

solutions to the $$\sigma _k$$

σ
k

-Yamabe equation on Euclidean domains, addressing both the positive and negative cases. Generalisations for augmented Hessian equations are also considered.
May bending radiographs be replaced by recumbent CT scans in patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis?
Authors: Prost Max , Windolf Joachim , Konieczny Markus Rafael
Published: July 2021

Purpose

There is no data that show if it is possible to determine if a curve is structural or non-structural or to assess flexibility of an adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) by recumbent images like a CT scan (CTS) instead of bending radiographs (BR). We investigated if the results of BR may be compared to those of CTS.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed prospectively collected data of patients with AIS in whom a selective spinal fusion was performed and in whom a CTS, BR, and full spine x-rays were made preoperatively. We measured the Cobb angles of the main and the minor curve in full spine x-ray, BR, and CTS.

Results

After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, 39 patients were included. We found a strong correlation (r = 0.806, p < 0.01) between the Cobb angle of the main curve in BR and the Cobb angle of the main curve in the CTS and between the Cobb angle of the minor curve in BR and the Cobb angle of the minor curve in the CTS (r = 0.601, p < 0.01). All patients with a minor curve of less than 25 degrees in the BR had a Cobb angle of less than 35 degrees in the CTS.

Conclusion

Spinal curves showed a significant correlation between bending radiographs and recumbent images (CTS). In our group of patients, a Cobb angle of the minor curve of less than 35 degrees in the CTS indicated that this minor curve was non-structural.
Mentalisierungsfähigkeit und Empathie in der Psychiatrie – eine Sozialisationsfrage?
Authors: Steinmair D. , Fink B. , Horvath E. , Matuszak-Luss K. , Löffler-Stastka H.
Published: July 2021

Berufliche Sozialisation entwickelt sich im Kontext der Persönlichkeitsentwicklung und vorhandener Bedingungen unterschiedlich. Das Aufrechterhalten der Mentalisierungsfähigkeit im beruflichen Alltag und vor allem in herausfordernden Situationen ist keine Selbstverständlichkeit, sondern abhängig von Umgebungsbedingungen. Die Übernahme von Verantwortung für die gewählte berufliche Tätigkeit erfordert eine Auseinandersetzung mit dem jeweils spezifischen Anforderungsprofil; es stellen sich Lern- und Entwicklungsaufgaben. Die Integration der beruflichen Identität im Rahmen förderlicher Umgebungsbedingungen bedeutet, sich als Teil dieser Gruppe(n) zu erleben. Aus gruppenpsychoanalytischer Sicht stellt die Identifikation mit einer Gruppe eine Verinnerlichung eines „guten Objekts“ dar, einer Gruppenrepräsentanz, welche in herausfordernden Situationen zugänglich ist. Dies kann die Mentalisierungsfähigkeit verbessern.
Green industrial policies and domestic production of biofuels: an econometric analysis of OECD countries
Authors: Bryngemark Elina , Söderholm Patrik
Published: July 2021

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the relationship between green industrial policies and domestic biofuel production among OECD countries. The analysis builds on a data set including 24 OECD countries over the time period 2000–2016. This panel is estimated using a variant of the so-called Poisson pseudo-maximum-likelihood model and includes the mix of demand-pull (biofuel blending mandates) and technology-push policies (government R&D), as well as the interaction between these two types of instruments. The results suggest a positive relationship between blending mandates and domestic biofuel production. Thus, a more stringent blending mandate does not only increase the use of biofuels, but also domestic production (as a share of total fuel use). Government R&D has not, however, induced domestic biofuel industrialization processes. The results even suggest a negative interaction effect between government R&D and blending mandates, in turn implying that these two polices target different technological fields. The blending mandates tend to primarily favor commercialized first-generation biofuels, while government support to biofuel R&D has instead been focused on advanced biofuel technology.
Machine learning for detection of stenoses and aneurysms: application in a physiologically realistic virtual patient database
Authors: Jones G. , Parr J. , Nithiarasu P. , Pant S.
Published: July 2021

This study presents an application of machine learning (ML) methods for detecting the presence of stenoses and aneurysms in the human arterial system. Four major forms of arterial disease—carotid artery stenosis (CAS), subclavian artery stenosis (SAS), peripheral arterial disease (PAD), and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA)—are considered. The ML methods are trained and tested on a physiologically realistic virtual patient database (VPD) containing 28,868 healthy subjects, adapted from the authors previous work and augmented to include disease. It is found that the tree-based methods of Random Forest and Gradient Boosting outperform other approaches. The performance of ML methods is quantified through the$$F_1$$F1score and computation of sensitivities and specificities. When using six haemodynamic measurements (pressure in the common carotid, brachial, and radial arteries; and flow-rate in the common carotid, brachial, and femoral arteries), it is found that maximum$$F_1$$F1scores larger than 0.9 are achieved for CAS and PAD, larger than 0.85 for SAS, and larger than 0.98 for both low- and high-severity AAAs. Corresponding sensitivities and specificities are larger than 90% for CAS and PAD, larger than 85% for SAS, and larger than 98% for both low- and high-severity AAAs. When reducing the number of measurements, performance is degraded by less than 5% when three measurements are used, and less than 10% when only two measurements are used for classification. For AAA, it is shown that$$F_1$$F1scores larger than 0.85 and corresponding sensitivities and specificities larger than 85% are achievable when using only a single measurement. The results are encouraging to pursue AAA monitoring and screening through wearable devices which can reliably measure pressure or flow-rates.
Sensitivity and feasibility of a one-dimensional morphoelastic model for post-burn contraction
Authors: Egberts Ginger , Vermolen Fred , van Zuijlen Paul
Published: July 2021

We consider a one-dimensional morphoelastic model describing post-burn scar contraction. Contraction can lead to a limited range of motion (contracture). Reported prevalence of burn scar contractures are 58.6% at 3–6 weeks and 20.9% at 12 months post-reconstructive surgery after burns. This model describes the displacement of the dermal layer of the skin and the development of the effective Eulerian strain in the tissue. Besides these components, the model also contains components that play a major role in the skin repair after trauma. These components are signaling molecules, fibroblasts, myofibroblasts, and collagen. We perform a sensitivity analysis for many parameters of the model and use the results for a feasibility study. In this study, we test whether the model is suitable for predicting the extent of contraction in different age groups. To this end, we conduct an extensive literature review to find parameter values. From the sensitivity analysis, we conclude that the most sensitive parameters are the equilibrium collagen concentration in the dermal layer, the apoptosis rate of fibroblasts and myofibroblasts, and the secretion rate of signaling molecules. Further, although we can use the model to simulate significant distinct contraction densities in different age groups, our results differ from what is seen in the clinic. This particularly concerns children and elderly patients. In children we see more intense contractures if the burn injury occurs near a joint, because the growth induces extra forces on the tissue. Elderly patients seem to suffer less from contractures, possibly because of excess skin.
Experimental Characterization of Short Fiber-Reinforced Composites on the Mesoscale by Indentation Tests
Authors: Rauter Natalie , Lammering Rolf
Published: July 2021

Indentation tests are widely used to characterize the material properties of heterogeneous materials. So far there is no explicit analysis of the spatially distributed material properties for short fiber-reinforced composites on the mesoscale as well as a determination of the effective cross-section that is characterized by the obtained measurement results. Hence, the primary objective of this study is the characterization of short fiber-reinforced composites on the mesoscale. Furthermore, it is of interest to determine the corresponding area for which the obtained material parameters are valid. For the experimental investigation of local material properties of short fiber-reinforced composites, the Young’s modulus is obtained by indentation tests. The measured values of the Young’s modulus are compared to results gained by numerical simulation. The numerical model represents an actual microstructure derived from a micrograph of the used material. The analysis of the short fiber-reinforced material by indentation tests reveals the layered structure of the specimen induced by the injection molding process and the oriented material properties of the reinforced material are observed. In addition, the experimentally obtained values for Young’s modulus meet the results of a corresponding numerical analysis. Finally, it is shown, that the area characterized by the indentation test is 25 times larger than the actual projected area of the indentation tip. This leads to the conclusion that indentation tests are an appropriate tool to characterize short fiber-reinforced material on the mesoscale.
Tuning Database-Friendly Random Projection Matrices for Improved Distance Preservation on Specific Data
Authors: López-Sánchez Daniel , de Bodt Cyril , Lee John A. , Arrieta Angélica González , Corchado Juan M.
Published: July 2021

Random Projection is one of the most popular and successful dimensionality reduction algorithms for large volumes of data. However, given its stochastic nature, different initializations of the projection matrix can lead to very different levels of performance. This paper presents a guided random search algorithm to mitigate this problem. The proposed method uses a small number of training data samples to iteratively adjust a projection matrix, improving its performance on similarly distributed data. Experimental results show that projection matrices generated with the proposed method result in a better preservation of distances between data samples. Conveniently, this is achieved while preserving the database-friendliness of the projection matrix, as it remains sparse and comprised exclusively of integers after being tuned with our algorithm. Moreover, running the proposed algorithm on a consumer-grade CPU requires only a few seconds.
Predictive privacy: towards an applied ethics of data analytics
Authors: Mühlhoff Rainer
Published: July 2021

Data analytics and data-driven approaches in Machine Learning are now among the most hailed computing technologies in many industrial domains. One major application is predictive analytics, which is used to predict sensitive attributes, future behavior, or cost, risk and utility functions associated with target groups or individuals based on large sets of behavioral and usage data. This paper stresses the severe ethical and data protection implications of predictive analytics if it is used to predict sensitive information about single individuals or treat individuals differently based on the data many unrelated individuals provided. To tackle these concerns in an applied ethics, first, the paper introduces the concept of “predictive privacy” to formulate an ethical principle protecting individuals and groups against differential treatment based on Machine Learning and Big Data analytics. Secondly, it analyses the typical data processing cycle of predictive systems to provide a step-by-step discussion of ethical implications, locating occurrences of predictive privacy violations. Thirdly, the paper sheds light on what is qualitatively new in the way predictive analytics challenges ethical principles such as human dignity and the (liberal) notion of individual privacy. These new challenges arise when predictive systems transform statistical inferences, which provide knowledge about the cohort of training data donors, into individual predictions, thereby crossing what I call the “prediction gap”. Finally, the paper summarizes that data protection in the age of predictive analytics is a collective matter as we face situations where an individual’s (or group’s) privacy is violated using dataotherindividuals provide about themselves, possibly even anonymously.
Unusual phenotypes in patients with a pathogenic germline variant in DICER1
Authors: Venger Kateryna , Elbracht Miriam , Carlens Julia , Deutz Peter , Zeppernick Felix , Lassay Lisa , Kratz Christian , Zenker Martin , Kim Jung , Stewart Douglas R. , Wieland Ilse , Schultz Kris Ann P. , Schwerk Nicolaus , Kurth Ingo , Kontny Udo
Published: July 2021

Pathogenic germline DICER1 variants are associated with pleuropulmonary blastoma, multinodular goiter, embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma and other tumour types, while mosaic missense DICER1 variants in the RNase IIIb domain are linked to cause GLOW (global developmental delay, lung cysts, overgrowth, and Wilms’ tumor) syndrome. Here, we report four families with germline DICER1 pathogenic variants in which one member in each family had a more complex phenotype, including skeletal findings, facial dysmorphism and developmental abnormalities. The developmental features occur with a variable expressivity and incomplete penetrance as also described for the neoplastic and dysplastic lesions associated with DICER1 variants. Whole exome sequencing (WES) was performed on all four cases and revealed no further pathogenic or likely pathogenic dominant, homozygous or compound heterozygous variants in three of them. Notably, a frameshift variant in ARID1B was detected in one patient explaining part of her phenotype. This series of patients shows that pathogenic DICER1 variants may be associated with a broader phenotypic spectrum than initially assumed, including predisposition to different tumours, skeletal findings, dysmorphism and developmental abnormalities, but genetic work up in syndromic patients should be comprehensive in order not to miss additional underlying /modifying causes.
Exploring experiences of ableism in academia: a constructivist inquiry
Authors: Brown Nicole , Ramlackhan Karen
Published: July 2021

To understand the experiences of the disabled in academia, a fully accessible and inclusive workshop conference was held in March 2018. Grounded in critical disability studies within a constructivist inquiry analytical approach, this article provides a contextualisation of ableism in academia garnered through creative data generation. The nuanced experiences of disabled academics in higher education as well as their collective understandings of these experiences as constructed through normalisation and able-bodiedness are presented. We show that disabled academics are marginalised and othered in academic institutions; that the neoliberalisation of higher education has created productivity expectations, which contribute to the silencing of the disabled academics’ perspectives and experiences due to constructions of normality and stigmatisation; and that it is important to enact policies, procedures, and practices that value disabled academics and bring about cultural and institutional changes in favour of equality and inclusion.
A Bilingual Comparison of Sentiment and Topics for a Product Event on Twitter
Authors: Wedel Irina , Palk Michael , Voß Stefan
Published: July 2021

Social media enable companies to assess consumers’ opinions, complaints and needs. The systematic and data-driven analysis of social media to generate business value is summarized under the term Social Media Analytics which includes statistical, network-based and language-based approaches. We focus on textual data and investigate which conversation topics arise during the time of a new product introduction on Twitter and how the overall sentiment is during and after the event. The analysis via Natural Language Processing tools is conducted in two languages and four different countries, such that cultural differences in the tonality and customer needs can be identified for the product. Different methods of sentiment analysis and topic modeling are compared to identify the usability in social media and in the respective languages English and German. Furthermore, we illustrate the importance of preprocessing steps when applying these methods and identify relevant product insights.
Nano intervention in topical delivery of corticosteroid for psoriasis and atopic dermatitis—a systematic review
Authors: Shetty Kshitya , Sherje Atul P.
Published: July 2021

Atopic dermatitis (AD) and psoriasis are highly prevalent, complex, chronic inflammatory skin diseases that immensly affect the patient’s quality of life. While there is no definitive cure for these conditions, suppressive medications aim at managing the symptoms of these diseases. The application of emollients accompanied by symptomatic anti-inflammatory therapy consisting of topical corticosteroids (TCS) is extensively employed for controlling the symptoms among general practitioners making this therapeutic class an indispensable pillar of dermatotherapeutics. The first TCS, hydrocortisone (HC) introduced in the early 1950s led to the development of different steroidal moieties of varying potencies by inducing chemical modifications to the basic steroid structure. The wide spectrum of the available range of formulations and potency provides flexibility to treat all patient groups, different phases of the diseases, and different anatomical sites. Conventional TCS therapy suffers from drawbacks such as low drug permeation and retention rate. Thus, novel nanoformulations have been developed to overcome these problems. This review provides an insight into the current state of nanocarrier-mediated topical delivery of corticosteroids monotherapy and combination therapy with special emphasis on targeting psoriasis and AD.