bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ddx20, DEAD box helicase 20, is essential for the differentiation of oligodendrocyte and maintenance of myelin gene expression
Authors: Simankova Anna , Bizen Norihisa , Saitoh Sei , Shibata Shinsuke , Ohno Nobuhiko , Abe Manabu , Sakimura Kenji , Takebayashi Hirohide
Published: July 2021

Oligodendrocytes form myelin sheaths that surround axons, contributing to saltatory conduction and proper central nervous system (CNS) function. Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) are generated during the embryonic stage and differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes postnatally. Ddx20 is a multifunctional, DEAD‐box helicase involved in multiple cellular processes, including transcription, splicing, microRNA biogenesis, and translation. Although defects in each of these processes result in abnormal oligodendrocyte differentiation and myelination, the involvement of Ddx20 in oligodendrocyte terminal differentiation remains unknown. To address this question, we used Mbp‐Cre mice to generate Ddx20 conditional knockout (cKO) mice to allow for the deletion of Ddx20 from mature oligodendrocytes. Mbp‐Cre;Ddx20 cKO mice demonstrated small body sizes, behavioral abnormalities, muscle weakness, and short lifespans, with mortality by the age of 2 months old. Histological analyses demonstrated significant reductions in the number of mature oligodendrocytes and drastic reductions in the expression levels of myelin‐associated mRNAs, such as Mbp and Plp at postnatal day 42. The number of OPCs did not change. A thin myelin layer was observed for large‐diameter axons in Ddx20 cKO mice, based on electron microscopic analysis. A bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling experiment demonstrated that terminal differentiation was perturbed from ages 2 weeks to 7 weeks in the CNS of Mbp‐Cre;Ddx20 cKO mice. The activation of mitogen‐activated protein (MAP) kinase, which promotes myelination, was downregulated in the Ddx20 cKO mice based on immunohistochemical detection. These results indicate that Ddx20 is an essential factor for terminal differentiation of oligodendrocytes and maintenance of myelin gene expression.
An Overview of Recent Advances in the Synthesis of Organic Unsymmetrical Disulfides
Authors: Ong Chiu Ling , Titinchi Salam , Juan Joon Ching , Khaligh Nader Ghaffari
Published: July 2021

Organic unsymmetrical disulfides have been extensively applied in various academic and industrial fields including intermediates in organic synthesis, agriculture, and food science, natural materials, biochemistry, pharmaceutical and medicine chemistry, polymers, material engineering, etc. They play a crucial role in the fabrication of various biological active sulfur heterocycles. Due to broad and extensive applications, many methods have been developed for the synthesis of unsymmetrical S−S and efforts have been made to improve some issues such as cost, energy efficiency, green chemistry, avoid or minimizing waste generation. Several outstanding review articles have been previously published highlighting the advances of S−S bond formation, in general, using various reagents under different conditions in the absence or presence of oxidants/catalysts. In 2020, a review paper was published by our group focusing on recent developments since 2014 in the synthesis of organic symmetrical disulfides. However, investigations on new catalytic methods are being regularly reported and new types of unsymmetrical disulfides are synthesized. The present overview has attempted to systematically summarize recent advances in the process of unsymmetrical S−S bond formation with a major focus since 2010, highlighting mechanistic considerations, substrate scope, advantages, and limitations. The patents are not studied in this overview.
Type A/B personality, work–family, and family–work conflict: The moderating effects of emotional intelligence
Authors: Garavan Thomas , Srivastava Shalini , Madan Poornima , O'Brien Fergal , Matthews‐Smith Gerri
Published: July 2021

Many employees experience work–family conflict (WFC) and family–work conflict (FWC), multidimensional states of resource depletion. In this paper, we conceptualize Type A and B personality as resource depletion and resource gain scenarios that have implications for perceptions of WFC and FWC. We draw on conservation of resources (COR) theory to examine the resource loss and gain resulting respectively from Type A and B personality and the resource‐generating role of ability‐based emotional intelligence (EI) on multiple dimensions of WFC and FWC. Utilizing a sample of 305 managers for 15 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) organizations in India, we uncover a fine‐grained pattern of results indicating that Type A personality represents resource loss while Type B personality represents resource gain in the context of time, strain and behavior based WFC and FWC. We also found that ability‐based EI performed restorative and additive resource functions as a moderator in the context of these relationships. The key outcome of the study is that ability‐based EI performs an important role in the context of different types of WFC and FWC because it generates resources to address these conflicts.
A macrophage attack culminating in microthromboses characterizes COVID 19 pneumonia
Authors: Bull Brian S. , Hay Karen L.
Published: July 2021

Introduction

A neutrophilic infiltrate characterizes bacterial pneumonia. Macrophage infiltration is similarly characteristic of the viral pneumonia caused by SARS‐CoV‐2. These infiltrating macrophages, while phagocytic and capable of engulfing virus laden alveolar cells, are also rich in tissue factor—a thromboplastin. This prothrombotic aspect likely explains how a respiratory virus whose malign effects should be confined to the oropharynx, bronchi and lungs, can cause a panoply of extra‐pulmonary organ disorders. Elevated ferritin levels in ICU Covid 19 patients, and elevated acute phase proteins suggest immune overreaction. Elevated d‐dimers implicate clotting as well. This evidence links hyperactive innate immunity (macrophage lung infiltrates) with the elevated levels of oligomeric fibrin present in the bloodstream of these patients.

Methods

An in‐house assay measuring oligomeric (soluble) fibrin (also referred to as soluble fibrin monomer complexes or SFMC) in whole blood, previously developed for monitoring incipient disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) during liver transplantation, was made available to COVID ICU attendings. Since SFMC constitutes the input to intravascular fibrin clots and d‐dimer reflects fibrin clot dissolution, it was thought that the two tests, run in tandem along with assays of immune activation, might clarify the frequency and possibly the cause of DIC in patients with severe COVID‐19 pneumonia.

Results

Classical DIC with intravascular clotting and thrombocytopenia was documented only rarely. However, early in the pandemic shortly after the assay was made available, it identified three patients undergoing acute defibrination. In each patient virtually all of the body's fibrinogen was transformed into SFMC over 3–4 days and deposited somewhere in the vasculature without any gross clots being detected.

Conclusions

Three COVID‐19 patients with evidence of a hyperactive immune response (elevated ferritin and acute phase proteins) defibrinated while blood levels of SFMC were being monitored. SFMC levels that were five times higher than normal appeared in the circulation during the defibrination process. SFMC at these levels may precipitate as showers of microclots, damaging heart, kidney, brain, and so forth.
A homogeneous electrochemical aptasensor based on DNA assembly for zearalenone detection
Authors: Qu Chenling , Xin Lingkun , Yu Songcheng , Wei Min
Published: July 2021

In this work, a kind of homogeneous electrochemical aptasensor based on DNA assembly was designed to detect zearalenone (ZEN). The three DNA strands of ZEN aptamer (Apt), complementary strand DNA1, and complementary strand DNA2 are first mixed to form DNA duplex structure, which cannot be cleaved by RecJf Exonuclease (RecJf Exo) and hinders the electron transfer after addition to the electrode surface. With the existence of ZEN, the combination of ZEN and Apt destroys the duplex structure, and RecJf Exo can catalyze the cleavage of Apt to form short DNA strands, which accelerates the electron transfer after addition to the electrode surface. According to the current difference with or without ZEN, the detection purpose is achieved. The linear relationship between I and LgCZEN was found in the range of 5.0 × 10−6 ng/ml to 50 ng/ml, and the detection limit is as low as 0.51 fg/ml. The prepared sensor showed high selectivity, favorable repeatability, and reproducibility and was effectively used for testing the spiked corn flour and beer samples.
Pleural mesothelial cell migration into lung parenchyma by calpain contributes to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Zhou Li‐Ling , Cheng Pei‐Pei , He Xin‐Liang , Liang Li‐Mei , Wang Meng , Lu Yu‐Zhi , Song Lin‐Jie , Xiong Liang , Xiang Fei , Yu Fan , Wang Xiaorong , Xin Jian‐Bao , Greer Peter A. , Su Yunchao , Ma Wan‐Li , Ye Hong
Published: July 2021

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is defined as a specific form of chronic, progressive fibrosing interstitial pneumonia. It is unknown why fibrosis in IPF distributes in the peripheral or named sub‐pleural area. Migration of pleural mesothelial cells (PMC) should contribute to sub‐pleural fibrosis. Calpain is known to be involved in cell migration, but the role of calpain in PMC migration has not been investigated. In this study, we found that PMCs migrated into lung parenchyma in patients with IPF. Then using Wt1tm1(EGFP/Cre)Wtp/J knock‐in mice, we observed PMC migration into lung parenchyma in bleomycin‐induced pleural fibrosis models, and calpain inhibitor attenuated pulmonary fibrosis with prevention of PMC migration. In vitro studies revealed that bleomycin and transforming growth factor‐β1 increased calpain activity in PMCs, and activated calpain‐mediated focal adhesion (FA) turnover as well as cell migration, cell proliferation, and collagen‐I synthesis. Furthermore, we determined that calpain cleaved FA kinase in both C‐terminal and N‐terminal regions, which mediated FA turnover. Lastly, the data revealed that activated calpain was also involved in phosphorylation of cofilin‐1, and p‐cofilin‐1 induced PMC migration. Taken together, this study provides evidence that calpain mediates PMC migration into lung parenchyma to promote sub‐pleural fibrosis in IPF.
Influence of payer coverage and out‐of‐pocket costs on ordering of NGS panel tests for hereditary cancer in diverse settings
Authors: Lin Grace A. , Trosman Julia R. , Douglas Michael P. , Weldon Christine B. , Scheuner Maren T. , Kurian Allison , Phillips Kathryn A.
Published: July 2021

The landscape of payment for genetic testing has been changing, with an increase in the number of laboratories offering testing, larger panel offerings, and lower prices. To determine the influence of payer coverage and out‐of‐pocket costs on the ordering of NGS panel tests for hereditary cancer in diverse settings, we conducted semi‐structured interviews with providers who conduct genetic counseling and order next‐generation sequencing (NGS) panels purposefully recruited from 11 safety‐net clinics and academic medical centers (AMCs) in California and North Carolina, states with diverse populations and divergent Medicaid expansion policies. Thematic analysis was done to identify themes related to the impact of reimbursement and out‐of‐pocket expenses on test ordering. Specific focus was put on differences between settings. Respondents from both safety‐net clinics and AMCs reported that they are increasingly ordering panels instead of single‐gene tests, and tests were ordered primarily from a few commercial laboratories. Surprisingly, safety‐net clinics reported few barriers to testing related to cost, largely due to laboratory assistance with prior authorization requests and patient payment assistance programs that result in little to no patient out‐of‐pocket expenses. AMCs reported greater challenges navigating insurance issues, particularly prior authorization. Both groups cited non‐coverage of genetic counseling as a major barrier to testing. Difficulty of access to cascade testing, particularly for family members that do not live in the United States, was also of concern. Long‐term sustainability of laboratory payment assistance programs was a major concern; safety‐net clinics were particularly concerned about access to testing without such programs. There were few differences between states. In conclusion, the use of laboratories with payment assistance programs reduces barriers to NGS panel testing among diverse populations. Such programs represent a major change to the financing and affordability of genetic testing. However, access to genetic counseling is a barrier and must be addressed to ensure equity in testing.
Identification of HLA-A2 restricted CD8+ T cell epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins
Authors: Deng Jieping , Pan Junping , Qiu Minghui , Mao Lipeng , Wang Zhigang , Zhu Guodong , Gao Lijuan , Su Jun , Hu Yutian , Luo Oscar Junhong , Chen Guobing , Wang Pengcheng
Published: July 2021

The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has now become a pandemic, and the etiologic agent is the severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). T cell mediated immune responses play an important role in virus controlling; however, the understanding of the viral protein immunogenicity and the mechanisms of the induced responses are still limited. So, identification of specific epitopes and exploring their immunogenic properties would provide valuable information. In our study, we utilized the Immune Epitope Database and Analysis Resource and NetMHCpan to predict HLA-A2 restricted CD8+ T cell epitopes in structural proteins of SARS-CoV-2, and screened out 23 potential epitopes. Among them, 18 peptides showed strong or moderate binding with HLA-A2 with a T2A2 cell binding model. Next, the mixed peptides induced the increased expression of CD69 and highly expressed levels of IFN-γ and granzyme B in CD8+ T cells, indicating effective activation of specific CD8+ T cells. In addition, the peptide-activated CD8+ T cells showed significantly increased killing to the target cells. Furthermore, tetramer staining revealed that the activated CD8+ T cells mainly recognized seven epitopes. All together, we identified specific CD8+ T cell epitopes in SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins, which could induce the production of specific immune competent CD8+ T cells. Our work contributes to the understanding of specific immune responses and vaccine development for SARS-CoV-2.
Emergence of a young case infected with avian influenza A (H5N6) in Anhui Province, East China during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Yu Jun‐Ling , Hou Sai , Feng Ya‐Ting , Bu Ge , Chen Qing‐Qing , Meng Zhao‐Qian , Ding Zhen‐Tao , Guo Liang‐Zi , Zhou Xue , Wang Meng , Huang Xin‐Er , Li Wei‐Wei , He Lan , Gong Lei , Sun Yong , Xu Zhiwei , Pan Hai‐Feng , He Jun , Wu Jia‐Bing
Published: July 2021

In the context of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic, we investigated the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of a young patient infected by avian influenza A (H5N6) virus in Anhui Province, East China, and analyzed genomic features of the pathogen in 2020. Through the cross‐sectional investigation of external environment monitoring (December 29–31, 2020), 1909 samples were collected from Fuyang City. It was found that the positive rate of H5N6 was higher than other areas obviously in Tianma poultry market, where the case appeared. In addition, dual coinfections were detected with a 0.057% polymerase chain reaction positive rate the surveillance years. The virus was the clade 2.3.4.4, which was most likely formed by genetic reassortment between H5N6 and H9N2 viruses. This study found that the evolution rates of the hemagglutinin and neuraminidase genes of the virus were higher than those of common seasonal influenza viruses. The virus was still highly pathogenic to poultry and had a preference for avian receptor binding.
Clinical outcomes of atrial fibrillation with hyperthyroidism
Authors: Zubair Khan Muhammad , Gupta Ashwani , Hodge Jordesha , Patel Kirtenkumar , Patel Krunalkumar , Zarak Muhammad Samsoor , Franklin Sona , Patel Harsh , Jesani Shruti , Savani Sejal , Shah Vraj , Figueredo Vincent M. , Cavale Arvind R. , Kutalek Steven
Published: July 2021

Background

Atrial fibrillation (Afib) is a common cardiac manifestation of hyperthyroidism. The data regarding outcomes of Afib with and without hyperthyroidism are lacking.

Hypothesis

We hypothesized that patients with Afib and hyperthyroidism have better clinical outcomes, compared with Afib patients without hyperthyroidism.

Methods

We queried the National Inpatient Sample database for years 2015‐2017 using Validated ICD‐10‐CM codes for Afib and hyperthyroidism. Patients were separated into two groups, Afib with hyperthyroidism and without hyperthyroidism.

Results

The study was conducted with 68 095 278 patients. A total of 9 727 295 Afib patients were identified, 90 635 (0.9%) had hyperthyroidism. The prevalence of hyperthyroidism was higher in patients with Afib (0.9% vs 0.4%, P < .001), compared with patients without Afib. Using multivariate regression analysis adjusting for various confounding factors, the odds ratio of Afib with hyperthyroidism was 2.08 (CI 2.07‐2.10; P < .0001). Afib patients with hyperthyroidism were younger (71 vs 75 years, P < .0001) and more likely to be female (64% vs 47%; P < .0001) as compared with Afib patients without hyperthyroidism. Afib patients with hyperthyroidism had lower prevalence of CAD (36% vs 44%, P < .0001), cardiomyopathy (24.1% vs 25.9%, P < .0001), valvular disease (6.9% vs 7.4%, P < .0001), hypertension (60.7% vs 64.4%, P < .0001), diabetes mellitus (29% vs 32%, P < .0001) and obstructive sleep apnea (10.5% vs 12.2%, P < .0001). Afib with hyperthyroidism had lower hospitalization cost ($14 968 ± 21 871 vs $15 955 ± 22 233, P < .0001), shorter mean length of stay (5.7 ± 6.6 vs 5.9 ± 6.6 days, P < .0001) and lower in‐hospital mortality (3.3% vs 4.8%, P < .0001. The disposition to home was higher in Afib with hyperthyroidism patients (51% vs 42; P < .0001).

Conclusion

Hyperthyroidism is associated with Afib in both univariate and multivariate analysis. Afib patients with hyperthyroidism have better clinical outcomes, compared with Afib patients without hyperthyroidism.
High and low oxalate content in spinach: an investigation of accumulation patterns
Authors: Mirahmadi Seyed Fazel , Hassandokht Mohammadreza , Fatahi Reza , Naghavi Mohammad Reza , Rezaei Karamatollah
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND

Oxalic acid is a common antinutrient in the human diet, found in large quantities in spinach. However, spinach is highly regarded by vegetable producers because of its nutritional content and economic value. One of the primary purposes of spinach‐breeding programs is to improve the nutritional value of spinach by adjusting oxalate accumulation. Knowledge of the biosynthetic patterns of oxalic acid, and its different forms, is important for a better understanding of this process.

RESULTS

We found three biosynthetic patterns of accumulation and concentration of oxalates. Two of them are related to the maximum type and one is related to the minimum type. We also developed a general model of variations in these compounds in the genotypes that were studied.

CONCLUSION

This study introduced a unique type of spinach with high oxalate accumulation, which could be particularly suitable for consumption. This had the highest ratio of insoluble oxalate to soluble oxalate. It also accumulated more ascorbic acid (AA) than other types. Our findings in this study also indicate a small role for AA as a precursor to oxalate production in spinach, possibly confirming the significant role of glyoxylate as the most critical precursor in this plant. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Improving parametric estimation in the brain from multispin‐echo sequences using a fusion bootstrap moves solver
Authors: Freitas Andreia C. , Gaspar Andreia S. , Sousa Inês , Teixeira Rui P. A. G. , Hajnal Joseph V. , Nunes Rita G.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

To simultaneously estimate the field (along with the T2) in the brain with multispin‐echo (MSE) sequences and dictionary matching.

Methods

T2 mapping provides clinically relevant information such as in the assessment of brain degenerative diseases. It is commonly obtained with MSE sequences, and accuracy can be further improved by matching the MSE signal to a precomputed dictionary of echo‐modulation curves. For additional T1 quantification, transmit field knowledge is also required. Preliminary work has shown that although simultaneous brain estimation along with T2 is possible, it presents a bimodal distribution with the main peak coinciding with the true value. By taking advantage of this, the maps are expected to be spatially smooth by applying an iterative method that takes into account each pixel neighborhood known as the fusion bootstrap moves solver (FBMS). The effect of the FBMS on accuracy and piecewise smoothness is investigated and different spatial regularization levels are compared. Total variation regularization was used for both and T2 simultaneous estimation because of its simplicity as an initial proof‐of‐concept; future work could explore non edge‐preserving regularization independently for .

Results

Improvements in accuracy (up to 45.37% and 16.81% error decrease) and recovery of spatially homogeneous maps are shown in simulations and in vivo 3.0T brain data, respectively.

Conclusion

Accurate estimated values can be obtained from widely available MSE sequences while jointly estimating T2 maps with the use of echo‐modulation curve matching and FBMS at no further cost.
Fluoride ion‐induced gas sensor based on the dipyrromethene boron difluoride derivative: A theoretical investigation
Authors: Wang Hailong
Published: July 2021

In this study, density functional theory (DFT) studies were performed to evaluate the response of the BODIPY derivative (BNDP−) as a gas sensor toward CO2, COS, SO2, SO3, H2S, and NH3. The sensing ability of the BNDP−interacting with the gases was described in terms of geometric, electronic, and optical properties. Results showed that the strong interactions between BNDP−and the gases were ascribed to the short linkage distance and the large variation of geometries. The AIM analysis was used to shed light on the sensor mechanisms of the BNDP−toward the gases. The spectroscopic properties, UV‐vis absorption and fluorescence emission spectra, revealed the behavior of the interaction of BNDP−with these gases. These parameters, including the compositions of the frontier molecular orbitals and the values of orbital energy gaps, indicated that the BNDP−had good sensitivity toward CO2, COS, SO2, and SO3.
Decannulation following tracheostomy in children: A systematic review of decannulation protocols
Authors: Verma Rahul , Mocanu Cora , Shi Jenny , Miller Michael R. , Chiang Jackie , Wolter Nikolaus E. , Propst Evan J. , St‐Laurent Aaron , Amin Reshma
Published: July 2021

Objective

To provide a systematic review of the existing pediatric decannulation protocols, including the role of polysomnography, and their clinical outcomes.

Methods

Five online databases were searched from database inception to May 29, 2020. Study inclusion was limited to publications that evaluated tracheostomy decannulation in children 18 years of age and younger. Data extracted included patient demographics and primary indication for tracheostomy. Methods used to assess readiness for decannulation were noted including the use of bronchoscopy, tracheostomy tube modifications, and gas exchange measurements. After decannulation, details regarding mode of ventilation, location, and length of observation period, and clinical outcomes were also collected. Descriptive statistical analyses were performed.

Results

A total of 24 studies including 1395 children were reviewed. Tracheostomy indications included upper airway obstruction at a well‐defined anatomic site (35%), upper airway obstruction not at a well‐defined site (12%) and need for long‐term ventilation and pulmonary care (53%). Bronchoscopy was routinely used in 23 of 24 (96%) protocols. Tracheostomy tube modifications in the protocols included capping (n = 20, 83%), downsizing (n = 14, 58%), and fenestrations (n = 2, 8%). Measurements of gas exchange included polysomnography (n = 13/18, 72%), oximetry (n = 10/18, 56%), blood gases (n = 3,17%), and capnography (n = 3, 17%). After decannulation, children in 92% of protocols were transitioned to room air. Observation period of 48 h or less was used in 76% of children.

Conclusions

There exists large variability in pediatric decannulation protocols. Polysomnography plays an integral role in assessing most children for tracheostomy removal. Evidence‐based guidelines to standardize pediatric tracheostomy care remain an urgent priority.
Surveillance of pediatric parapneumonic effusion/empyema in New Zealand
Authors: Rix‐Trott Katherine , Byrnes Catherine A. , Gilchrist Catherine A. , Matsas Richard , Walls Tony , Voss Lesley , Mahon Caroline , Dickson Nigel P. , Reed Peter , Best Emma J.
Published: July 2021

Aim

The incidence of childhood empyema has been increasing in some developed countries despite the introduction of pneumococcal vaccination. This study aimed to document the incidence, bacterial pathogens, and morbidity/mortality of parapneumonic effusion/empyema in New Zealand.

Methods

A prospective study of 102 children <15 years of age requiring hospitalization with parapneumonic effusion/empyema between May 1, 2014 and May 31, 2016 notified via the New Zealand Paediatric Surveillance Unit. Parapneumonic effusion/empyema was defined as pneumonia and pleural effusion persisting ≥7 days, and/or any pneumonia, and pleural effusion necessitating drainage. Notifying pediatricians completed standardized questionnaires.

Results

Annual pediatric parapneumonic effusion/empyema incidence was 5.6/100,000 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.7–6.9). Most children (80%) required surgical intervention and 31% required intensive care. A causative organism was identified in 71/102 (70%) cases. Although Staphylococcus aureus (25%) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (25%) infection rates were equal, prolonged hospitalization and intensive care admission were more common in children with S. aureus PPE/E. Māori and Pasifika children were over‐represented at 2.2 and 3.5 times, their representation in the New Zealand pediatric population. Pneumococcal vaccination was incomplete, with only 61% fully immunized and 30% unimmunized. Haemophilus influenzae type b vaccine uptake was near complete at 89/94 (95%), with influenza immunization only 3/78 (4%).

Conclusions

New Zealand has a high incidence of pediatric complicated parapneumonic effusion/empyema with significant morbidity. S. aureus was a significant cause of severe empyema in New Zealand, particularly for Māori and Pasifika children. Improvements in vaccine coverage are needed along with strategies to reduce S. aureus disease morbidity.
Monitoring dynamic networks: A simulation‐based strategy for comparing monitoring methods and a comparative study
Authors: Yu Lisha , Zwetsloot Inez Maria , Stevens Nathaniel Tyler , Wilson James David , Tsui Kwok Leung
Published: July 2021

Recently, there has been a lot of interest in monitoring and identifying changes in dynamic networks, which has led to the development of a variety of monitoring methods. New methods are often designed for a specialized use‐case and rarely compared to competing methods in a systematic fashion. In light of this, the use of simulation is proposed to compare the performance of network monitoring methods over a variety of dynamic network changes. Using the family of simulated dynamic networks, the performance of several state‐of‐the‐art social network monitoring methods from the literature are compared. Their performance over a variety of types of change is compared; both increases in communication levels as well as changes in community structure are considered. It is shown that there does not exist one method that is uniformly superior to the others; the best method depends on the context and the type of change one wishes to detect. As such, it is concluded that a variety of methods are needed for network monitoring and that it is important to understand in which scenarios a given method is appropriate.
The impact of temperature on labor quality: Umpire accuracy in Major League Baseball
Authors: Fesselmeyer Eric
Published: July 2021

Using data from Major League Baseball, I compute an objective measure of the home plate umpire's work quality—the accuracy of his ball and strike calls during a game—and measure how it varies with temperature. I find that an increase in game‐time temperature from between 70 and 80°F to above 95°F decreases an umpire's accuracy by a little less than a percentage point, which is a 5.5% increase in the pitch‐calling error rate when evaluated at the mean error rate of 13.3%. Restricting the sample to borderline pitches increases the magnitude of the hot‐weather effect on accuracy to over a percentage point. My results indicate that very hot temperatures have a nontrivial, negative effect on the labor supply quality of a highly trained and highly skilled workforce in an important, high‐revenue, and high‐stakes industry, and suggest that protecting workers from daily variation in temperature can improve labor productivity.
Who Cares? An Event History Analysis of Co-parenthood Dynamics in Belgium
Authors: Claessens Elke , Mortelmans Dimitri
Published: July 2021

Until the end of the twentieth century, child custody arrangements after separation typically continued the gendered pre-separation parenting division, with mothers taking up childcare and fathers paying child support. Recently, there has been a significant rise in co-parenting after separation, reflecting the trend towards more socio-economic, work- and childcare-related gender equality during the relationship. However, it remains unclear to what extent the organization of the pre-separation household dominates over important changes in the lives and labor force participation of parents after separation in choosing to co-parent.

This study uses longitudinal Belgian register data to consider the effect of post-separation dynamics in parents’ life course and labor force participation in deciding to co-parent. While certain pre-separation characteristics remain predictive of co-parenting, our results suggest a societal trend towards co-parenting as the parenting norm. Increased time in paid work positively affects co-parenting probabilities, but we find no effect of a post-separation income increase, even though this would imply greater bargaining power to obtain sole custody. As such, the investigated post-separation changes seem to be an indication of parents moving towards supporting and attempting to gain gender equal parenting after separation.
Non-well-founded Deduction for Induction and Coinduction
Authors: Cohen Liron
Published: July 2021

Induction and coinduction are both used extensively within mathematics and computer science. Algebraic formulations of these principles make the duality between them apparent, but do not account well for the way they are commonly used in deduction. Generally, the formalization of these reasoning methods employs inference rules that express a generalexplicit(co)induction scheme. Non-well-founded proof theory provides an alternative, more robust approach for formalizingimplicit(co)inductive reasoning. This approach has been extremely successful in recent years in supporting implicit inductive reasoning, but is not as well-developed in the context of coinductive reasoning. This paper reviews the general method of non-well-founded proofs, and puts forward a concrete natural framework for (co)inductive reasoning, based on (co)closure operators, that offers a concise framework in which inductive and coinductive reasoning are captured as we intuitively understand and use them. Through this framework we demonstrate the enormous potential of non-well-founded deduction, both in the foundational theoretical exploration of (co)inductive reasoning and in the provision of proof support for (co)inductive reasoning within (semi-)automated proof tools.
Unifying Decidable Entailments in Separation Logic with Inductive Definitions
Authors: Echenim Mnacho , Iosif Radu , Peltier Nicolas
Published: July 2021

The entailment problem$$\upvarphi \models \uppsi $$φ⊧ψin Separation Logic [12, 15], between separated conjunctions of equational ($$x \approx y$$x≈yand$$x \not \approx y$$x≉y), spatial ($$x \mapsto (y_1,\ldots ,y_\upkappa )$$x↦(y1,…,yκ)) and predicate ($$p(x_1,\ldots ,x_n)$$p(x1,…,xn)) atoms, interpreted by a finite set of inductive rules, is undecidable in general. Certain restrictions on the set of inductive definitions lead to decidable classes of entailment problems. Currently, there are two such decidable classes, based on two restrictions, calledestablishment[10, 13, 14] andrestrictedness[8], respectively. Both classes are shown to be in$$\mathsf {2\text {EXPTIME}}$$2EXPTIMEby the independent proofs from [14] and [8], respectively, and a many-one reduction of established to restricted entailment problems has been given [8]. In this paper, we strictly generalize the restricted class, by distinguishing the conditions that apply only to the left- ($$\upvarphi $$φ) and the right- ($$\uppsi $$ψ) hand side of entailments, respectively. We provide a many-one reduction of this generalized class, calledsafe, to the established class. Together with the reduction of established to restricted entailment problems, this new reduction closes the loop and shows that the three classes of entailment problems (respectively established, restricted and safe) form a single, unified,$$\mathsf {2\text {EXPTIME}}$$2EXPTIME-complete class.
Efficient SAT-based Proof Search in Intuitionistic Propositional Logic
Authors: Fiorentini Camillo
Published: July 2021

We present an efficient proof search procedure for Intuitionistic Propositional Logic which involves the use of an incremental SAT-solver. Basically, it is obtained by adding a restart operation to the system by Claessen and Rosén, thus we call our implementation . We gain some remarkable advantages: derivations have a simple structure; countermodels are in general small; using a standard benchmarks suite, we outperform and other state-of-the-art provers.
Finding Good Proofs for Description Logic Entailments using Recursive Quality Measures
Authors: Alrabbaa Christian , Baader Franz , Borgwardt Stefan , Koopmann Patrick , Kovtunova Alisa
Published: July 2021

Logic-based approaches to AI have the advantage that their behavior can in principle be explained to a user. If, for instance, a Description Logic reasoner derives a consequence that triggers some action of the overall system, then one can explain such an entailment by presenting a proof of the consequence in an appropriate calculus. How comprehensible such a proof is depends not only on the employed calculus, but also on the properties of the particular proof, such as its overall size, its depth, the complexity of the employed sentences and proof steps, etc. For this reason, we want to determine the complexity of generating proofs that are below a certain threshold w.r.t. a given measure of proof quality. Rather than investigating this problem for a fixed proof calculus and a fixed measure, we aim for general results that hold for wide classes of calculi and measures. In previous work, we first restricted the attention to a setting where proof size is used to measure the quality of a proof. We then extended the approach to a more general setting, but important measures such as proof depth were not covered. In the present paper, we provide results for a class of measures called recursive, which yields lower complexities and also encompasses proof depth. In addition, we close some gaps left open in our previous work, thus providing a comprehensive picture of the complexity landscape.
Integer Induction in Saturation
Authors: Hozzová Petra , Kovács Laura , Voronkov Andrei
Published: July 2021

Integers are ubiquitous in programming and therefore also in applications of program analysis and verification. Such applications often require some sort of inductive reasoning. In this paper we analyze the challenge of automating inductive reasoning with integers. We introduce inference rules for integer induction within the saturation framework of first-order theorem proving. We implemented these rules in the theorem prover Vampire and evaluated our work against other state-of-the-art theorem provers. Our results demonstrate the strength of our approach by solving new problems coming from program analysis and mathematical properties of integers.
Superposition with First-class Booleans and Inprocessing Clausification
Authors: Nummelin Visa , Bentkamp Alexander , Tourret Sophie , Vukmirović Petar
Published: July 2021

We present a complete superposition calculus for first-order logic with an interpreted Boolean type. Our motivation is to lay the foundation for refutationally complete calculi in more expressive logics with Booleans, such as higher-order logic, and to make superposition work efficiently on problems that would be obfuscated when using clausification as preprocessing. Working directly on formulas, our calculus avoids the costly axiomatic encoding of the theory of Booleans into first-order logic and offers various ways to interleave clausification with other derivation steps. We evaluate our calculus using the Zipperposition theorem prover, and observe that, with no tuning of parameters, our approach is on a par with the state-of-the-art approach.
Harpoon: Mechanizing Metatheory Interactively
Authors: Errington Jacob , Jang Junyoung , Pientka Brigitte
Published: July 2021

Belugais a proof checker that provides sophisticated infrastructure for implementing formal systems with the logical framework LF and proving metatheoretic properties as total, recursive functions transforming LF derivations. In this paper, we describeHarpoon, an interactive proof engine built on top ofBeluga. It allows users to develop proofs interactively using a small, fixed set of high-levelactionsthat safely transform a subgoal. A sequence of actions elaborates into a (partial)proof scriptthat serves as an intermediate representation describing an assertion-level proof. Last, a proof script translates into aBelugaprogram which can be type-checked independently.Harpoonis available on GitHub. We have usedHarpoonto replay a wide array of examples covering all features supported byBeluga. In particular, we have used it for normalization proofs, including the recently proposed POPLMark reloaded challenge.
Efficient Local Reductions to Basic Modal Logic
Authors: Papacchini Fabio , Nalon Cláudia , Hustadt Ullrich , Dixon Clare
Published: July 2021

We present novel reductions of the propositional modal logics
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and
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to Separated Normal Form with Sets of Modal Levels. The reductions result in smaller formulae than the well-known reductions by Kracht and allow us to use the local reasoning of the prover
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to determine the satisfiability of modal formulae in these logics. We show experimentally that the combination of our reductions with the prover
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performs well when compared with a specialised resolution calculus for these logics and with the b̆uilt-in reductions of the first-order prover SPASS.
Isabelle’s Metalogic: Formalization and Proof Checker
Authors: Nipkow Tobias , Roßkopf Simon
Published: July 2021

Isabelle is a generic theorem prover with a fragment of higher-order logic as a metalogic for defining object logics. Isabelle also provides proof terms. We formalize this metalogic and the language of proof terms in Isabelle/HOL, define an executable (but inefficient) proof term checker and prove its correctness w.r.t. the metalogic. We integrate the proof checker with Isabelle and run it on a range of logics and theories to check the correctness of all the proofs in those theories.
Universal Invariant Checking of Parametric Systems with Quantifier-free SMT Reasoning
Authors: Cimatti Alessandro , Griggio Alberto , Redondi Gianluca
Published: July 2021

The problem of invariant checking in parametric systems – which are required to operate correctly regardless of the number and connections of their components – is gaining increasing importance in various sectors, such as communication protocols and control software. Such systems are typically modeled using quantified formulae, describing the behaviour of an unbounded number of (identical) components, and their automatic verification often relies on the use of decidable fragments of first-order logic in order to effectively deal with the challenges of quantified reasoning.

In this paper, we propose a fully automatic technique for invariant checking of parametric systems which does not rely on quantified reasoning. Parametric systems are modeled with array-based transition systems, and our method iteratively constructs a quantifier-free abstraction by analyzing, with SMT-based invariant checking algorithms for non-parametric systems, increasingly-larger finite instances of the parametric system. Depending on the verification result in the concrete instance, the abstraction is automatically refined by leveraging canditate lemmas from inductive invariants, or by discarding previously computed lemmas.

We implemented the method using a quantifier-free SMT-based IC3 as underlying verification engine. Our experimental evaluation demonstrates that the approach is competitive with the state of the art, solving several benchmarks that are out of reach for other tools.
Perturbative unitarity in quasi-single field inflation
Authors: Kim Suro , Noumi Toshifumi , Takeuchi Keito , Zhou Siyi
Published: July 2021

Abstract

We study implications of perturbative unitarity for quasi-single field inflation with the inflaton and one massive scalar. Analyzing high energy scattering, we show that non-Gaussianities with |fNL| ≳ 1 cannot be realized without turning on interactions which violate unitarity at a high energy scale. Then, we provide a relation betweenfNLand the scale of new physics that is required for UV completion. In particular we find that for the Hubble scaleH≳ × 109GeV, Planck suppressed operators can easily generate too large non-Gaussanities and so it is hard to realize successful quasi-single field inflation without introducing a mechanism to suppress quantum gravity corrections. Also we generalize the analysis to the regime where the isocurvature mode is heavy and the inflationary dynamics is captured by the inflaton effective theory. Requiring perturbative unitarity of the two-scalar UV models with the inflaton and one heavy scalar, we clarify the parameter space of theP(X, ϕ) model which is UV completable by a single heavy scalar.
Lithium and Sr isotopic composition of salar deposits in the Central Andes across space and time: the Salar de Pozuelos, Argentina
Authors: Meixner Anette , Alonso Ricardo N. , Lucassen Friedrich , Korte Laura , Kasemann Simone A.
Published: July 2021

The Central Andes of South America host the largest known lithium resources in a confined area, but the primary lithium sources of the salar deposits and the mobilisation process of lithium are still a matter of speculation. Chemical weathering at or near the surface and leaching in hydrothermal systems of the active magmatic arc are considered the two main mechanisms of Li extraction from the source rock. The lithium and strontium isotope composition of typical salar deposits offer insights into the processes on how Li brine deposits in Andean evaporites are formed. Data from the Salar de Pozuelos indicate near-surface chemical weathering in a cold and dry climate as the dominant mobilisation process of Li, with evaporation being responsible for the enrichment. The Cenozoic ignimbrites are the favoured source rock for the Li, with subordinate additions from the Palaeozoic basement. The identification of the source rocks is supported by radiogenic Nd and Pb and stable B isotope data from salar deposits. A comparison with other Li brine and salt deposits in the Altiplano-Puna Plateau and its western foothills places the Salar de Pozuelos as an endmember of Li solubilisation by chemical weathering with only minor hydrothermal mobilisation of Li.
Understanding the neurological mechanism involved in enhanced memory recall task following binaural beat: a pilot study
Authors: Mujib Muhammad Danish , Hasan Muhammad Abul , Qazi Saad Ahmed , Vuckovic Aleksandra
Published: July 2021

Binaural beat (BB) is a promising technique for memory improvement in elderly or people with neurological conditions. However, the related modulation of cortical networks followed by behavioral changes has not been investigated. The objective of this study is to establish a relationship between BB oscillatory brain activity evoked by stimulation and a behavioral response in a short term memory task. Three Groups A, B, and C of 20 participants each received alpha (10 Hz), beta (14 Hz), and gamma (30 Hz) BB, respectively, for 15 min. Their EEG was recorded in pre, during, and post BB states. Participants performed a digit span test before and after a BB session. A significant increase in the cognitive score was found only for Group A while a significant decrease in reaction time was noted for Groups A and C. Group A had a significant decrease of theta and increase of alpha power, and a significant increase of theta and decrease of gamma imaginary coherence (ICH) post BB. Group C had a significant increase in theta and gamma power accompanied by the increase of theta and gamma ICH post BB. The effectiveness of BB depends on the frequency of stimulation. A putative neural mechanism involves an increase in theta ICH in parieto-frontal and interhemispheric frontal networks.
Explicit and Implicit Non-convex Sweeping Processes in the Space of Absolutely Continuous Functions
Authors: Krejčí Pavel , Monteiro Giselle Antunes , Recupero Vincenzo
Published: July 2021

We show that sweeping processes with possibly non-convex prox-regular constraints generate a strongly continuous input-output mapping in the space of absolutely continuous functions. Under additional smoothness assumptions on the constraint we prove the local Lipschitz continuity of the input-output mapping. Using the Banach contraction principle, we subsequently prove that also the solution mapping associated with the state-dependent problem is locally Lipschitz continuous.