bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Observation of Room‐Temperature Intravalley Coherent Coupling Processes in Monolayer MoS2
Authors: Yue Yuan‐Yuan , Wang Hai‐Yu , Wang Lei , Zhao Le‐Yi , Wang Hai , Gao Bing‐Rong , Sun Hong‐Bo
Published: December 2021

Comprehensive understanding of the interactions between excited states with spin‐valley polarizations is crucial for the applications of monolayer 2D transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) in spin‐valleytronics. Here, by broadband femtosecond transient absorption spectroscopy with circularly polarized pump/probe lights, a systematic investigation on the many‐body interactions of band‐edge valley excitons in monolayer MoS2 is performed, where intravalley coherent coupling processes are directly observed at room temperature. Namely, when the intravalley mixing states in the superposition region of A‐exciton and B‐exciton states are excited, there is an intravalley coherent coupling between A‐exciton and B‐exciton in K valley (or A′‐exciton and B′‐exciton in K′ valley) with an oscillation frequency of ≈7–8 THz, rather than the intervalley excitonic coupling in general. The findings elucidate intravalley mixing and coherent oscillations in valley excitons of monolayer TMDs at room temperature, which can give insight into the many‐body coupling mechanisms of excited valley excitons in 2D TMDs.
Parallel Laser Printing of a Thermal Emission Pattern in a Phase‐Change Thin Film Cavity for Infrared Camouflage and Security
Authors: Kim Yeongseon , Kim Chanhee , Lee Myeongkyu
Published: December 2021

Engineering the thermal emission of a material in the long‐wavelength infrared (IR) range is applicable to a wide variety of fields, including IR‐adaptive camouflage, information encryption, radiative cooling, energy‐saving windows, and personal thermal management. Although many different materials or structures have been proposed for these purposes, the position‐selective dynamic control of their thermal emission remains a significant challenge. Herein, a laser printing method is presented to spatially tune the thermal emission of a Ge2Sb2Te5 (GST) planar cavity formed on a metal back reflector. Crystallization‐induced emission patterns are directly recorded into an amorphous GST film (400 nm thick) in a layer‐by‐layer fashion, where the crystallization of each layer is patterned using a spatially modulated pulsed laser beam. The proposed parallel laser printing method can produce gradient emission patterns as well as stepwise patterns, enabling the emissivity at a specific position to be tuned from 0.26 to 0.8. This provides a promising platform for IR‐adaptive camouflage, which is demonstrated with emissivity‐modulated GST emitters. This study also shows that laser‐printed emission patterns can be effectively utilized for security applications such as anti‐forgery.
Self‐Erase Force‐Induced Turn‐On Organic ASE Output Cryptographic Primitive for Advanced Multiple Information Encryption
Authors: Man Zhongwei , Lv Zheng , Xu Zhenzhen , Liao Qing , Liu Meihui , Yao Jiannian , Fu Hongbing
Published: December 2021

The development of high density and security information encryption system, in particular narrowband luminescence cryptographic primitive, is of notable significance but extremely challenging for anticounterfeiting applications. Herein, a novel piezochromic fluorescent (PCF) molecule 4‐(4‐(4‐methylpiperazin‐1‐yl)styryl)‐N,N‐diphenylaniline (TPIZ) is reported, which features high pressure sensitivity and self‐erase force‐induced amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) output multicolor switching. The remarkable green/cyan photoluminescence emission and blue ASE emission of TPIZ microcrystals can be switched reversibly under pressure and pumping energy. A mechanistic study of X‐ray diffraction analysis reveals that the rotation of the C═C bond under low pressure caused the reduction of the weak intermolecular interaction, which is responsible for its excellent PCF performances with self‐erase features. Moreover, the force‐induced amplification of ASE output behaviors are observed due to the high quality of TPIZ microcrystals. Benefiting from the pressure sensitivity, ASE emission as well as self‐erase behaviors of TPIZ microcrystals, a triple encoding self‐erase system is developed for advanced information encryption. This work can provide a crucial step toward the force‐induced narrowband ASE cryptographic primitive materials for high level security application.
Fully Eugenol‐Based Epoxy Thermosets: Synthesis, Curing, and Properties
Authors: Zhang Yuehong , Zhai Mengjiao , Ma Fei , Li Yuzhan , Lyu Bin , Liu Tuan , Gao Zhenhua , Wang Liwei , Vincent Dan , Kessler Michael R.
Published: December 2021

Eugenol‐based epoxy monomer (Eu‐EP) is prepared here, followed by curing with a novel eugenol‐derived diamine (Eu‐DA) curing agent for fully eugenol‐based epoxy thermosets. The cure behavior, thermal stability, mechanical properties, and thermomechanical properties of these eugenol‐based epoxy resins are investigated and compared with a partially biobased epoxy thermoset prepared from diglycidyl ether of bisphenol A (DGEBA) and Eu‐DA. Both epoxy materials exhibit storage moduli higher than 2.1 GPa at room temperature. The tensile strength of Eu‐EP/Eu‐DA (21.9 MPa) is comparable to that of the DGEBA/Eu‐DA (24.3 MPa) thermosets and the epoxy thermoset cured from DGEBA and Eu‐DA shows a higher glass transition temperature than those from Eu‐EP and Eu‐DA. The synthesis strategy of Eu‐DA and Eu‐EP shows great potential to be applied in other biobased building blocks with hydroxyl groups. Overall, eugenol is a renewable resource to develop high value‐added chemicals and sustainable polymers with comparable properties to petroleum‐based counterparts.
Development of data‐driven exponential integrators with application to modeling of delay photocurrents
Authors: Bochev Pavel , Paskaleva Biliana
Published: December 2021

Radiation‐induced photocurrent effects represent a threat to microelectronic components operating in space, manmade and terrestrial radiation environments. Analysis of these threats by circuit simulations requires accurate and computationally efficient compact models. Most existing compact models are based on closed form analytic solutions of the governing equations and require empirical assumptions and idealizations that can limit their validity. In this paper we formulate an alternative numerical, data‐driven approach that learns a compact model from data representative of the type of measurements one can obtain in an experimental facility. To develop the model we start from a generic discrete‐time dynamical system and then use physics knowledge to refine its structure. Numerical studies demonstrate the potential of the model and establish some empirical guidelines for its training.
Applying a stakeholder management approach to ethics in charitable fundraising
Authors: Hansen Ruth K.
Published: December 2021

While nonprofit accountability literature recognizes many stakeholders, even theoretically grounded approaches to fundraising ethics tend to focus more narrowly on donors, organizations, and their missions. This paper draws on business ethics scholarship by proposing a stakeholder management approach to ethics in fundraising. This approach foregrounds intentional examination of the multiple stakeholders in the fundraising process: the organization; its donors; current beneficiaries; the broader population within the issue; the fundraisers themselves; and the community. Following stakeholder theory, ethical fundraising activities must align with the charitable mission of the organization, and take into account the legitimate interests of those groups and individuals who can affect, or be affected by, its activities. The process of intentionally identifying, prioritizing, mapping claims, engaging with, and monitoring stakeholders offers fundraisers, nonprofit executives, and members of governing and advisory boards a pragmatic means of aligning fundraising efforts with the mission, values, and long‐term strategy of their organizations.
Teachers' emotional expressiveness and classroom management practices: Associations with young students' social‐emotional and behavioral competence
Authors: Poulou Maria S. , Garner Pamela W. , Bassett Hideko Hamada
Published: December 2021

Using data from 832 kindergarten and first grade primary teachers and 662 of their students, the current study investigated teachers' use of behavioral and instructional classroom practices and whether these strategies moderated associations between teachers' expressions of positive and negative classroom emotion and students' social‐emotional and behavioral competence. Results indicated that teachers' positive expressiveness positively predicted young students' social competence and was inversely related to negative child outcomes, irrespective of teachers' behavioral and instructional classroom management practices. In contrast, teachers' negative emotional expressiveness positively predicted students' anger/aggression, but only when teachers reported using controlling and teacher‐centered approaches to classroom behavioral management. At the same time, teachers' negative expressiveness predicted low levels of student anger/aggression when teachers reported more child‐centered instructional management approaches. Findings contribute to the understanding of the intersection of teachers' expressiveness and their classroom management practices for explaining children's social‐emotional and behavioral competence in early childhood classrooms.
An algorithm combining procalcitonin and lung ultrasound improves the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia in critically ill children: The PROLUSP study, a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Guitart Carmina , Rodríguez‐Fanjul Javier , Bobillo‐Perez Sara , Carrasco José L. , Inarejos Clemente Emilio J. , Cambra Francisco J. , Balaguer Mònica , Jordan Iolanda
Published: December 2021

Background

Lung ultrasound (LUS) and procalcitonin (PCT) are independently used to improve accuracy when diagnosing lung infections. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of a new algorithm combining LUS and PCT for the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia.

Methods

Randomized, blinded, comparative effectiveness clinical trial. Children <18 years old with suspected pneumonia admitted to pediatric intensive care unit were included, and randomized into experimental group (EG) or control group (CG) if LUS or chest X‐Ray (CXR) were done as the first pulmonary image, respectively. PCT was determined. In patients with bacterial pneumonia, sensitivity, specificity, and predictive values of LUS, CXR, and of both combined with PCT were analyzed and compared. Concordance between the final diagnosis and the diagnosis concluded through the imaging test was assessed.

Results

A total of 194 children, with a median age of 134 (interquartile range [IQR]: 39–554) days, were enrolled, 96 randomized into the EG and 98 into the CG. Bacterial pneumonia was diagnosed in 97 patients. Sensitivity and specificity for bacterial pneumonia diagnosis were 78% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 70–85) and 98% (95% CI: 93–99) for LUS, 85% (95% CI: 78–90) and 53% (95% CI: 43–62) for CXR, 90% (95% CI: 83–94) and 85% (95% CI: 76–91) when combining LUS and PCT, and 95% (95% CI: 90–98) and 41% (95% CI: 31–52) when combining CXR and PCT. The positive predictive value for LUS and PCT was 88% (95% C:I 79%–93%) versus 68% (95% CI: 60–75) for CXR and PCT. The concordance between the final diagnosis and LUS had a kappa value of 0.69 (95% CI: 0.62–0.75) versus 0.34 (95% CI: 0.21–0.45) for CXR, (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The combination of LUS and PCT presented a better accuracy for bacterial pneumonia diagnosis than combining CXR and PCT. Therefore, its implementation could be a reliable tool for pneumonia diagnosis in critically ill children.
The anomaly that was not meant IIB
Authors: Debray Arun , Dierigl Markus , Heckman Jonathan J. , Montero Miguel
Published: December 2021

Type IIB supergravity enjoys a discrete non‐Abelian duality group, which has potential quantum anomalies. In this paper we explicitly compute these, and present the bordism group that controls them, modulo some physically motivated assumptions. Quite surprisingly, we find that they do not vanish, which naively would signal an inconsistency of F‐theory. Remarkably, a subtle modification of the standard 10d Chern‐Simons term cancels these anomalies, a fact which relies on thespecificfield content of type IIB supergravity. We also discover other ways to cancel this anomaly, via a topological analog of the Green‐Schwarz mechanism. These alternative type IIB theories have the same low energy supergravity limit as ordinary type IIB, but a different spectrum of extended objects. They could either be part of the Swampland, or connect to the standard theory via domain walls.
Life cycle assessment of bottled mineral water for the hospitality industry in Northern Italy
Authors: Grisales Viviana , Tua Camilla , Rigamonti Lucia
Published: December 2021

The consumption of bottled mineral water in Italy is amongst the highest at the European level. This life cycle assessment (LCA) aims to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with the distribution of mineral water in the Italian hospitality industry, that is less investigated than the domestic consumption in the existing literature. The use of traditional one‐way PolyEthylene Terephthalate (PET) bottles of small format (0.5 L) was compared with the alternative system of refillable, 1 L, glass bottles. Primary inventory data were collected to describe the system. The evaluation considered 14 impact indicators calculated according to the Environmental Footprint method. LCA results support the replacement of plastic with glass containers in the hospitality industry only in the best conditions for the glass bottles (more than 25 uses and a local distribution) and simultaneously in the worst situation for PET (bottles of small format and 100% from virgin granulate). When a recycled PET bottle is considered, results become heavily in favour of the single‐use PET system. The following recommendations were derived for increasing the environmental sustainability of the distribution of bottled water in the Italian hospitality industry: to move towards a PET bottle closed loop system, in which discarded PET bottles are recycled to produce bottle‐grade granules; to promote a progressive light weighting of refillable glass bottles, compatibly with the bottle resistance and to ensure at least 25 reuses before their disposal; to promote the sale of bottled water from local bottling companies (no more than 300 km distance from the final client).
E‐REVEAL Lite 2.0 scoring for early prediction of disease progression in pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Sahay Sandeep , Bhatt Jiken , Beshay Sarah , Guha Ashrith , Nguyen Duc T. , Graviss Edward A. , Nagueh Sherif F.
Published: December 2021

Risk stratification is an essential tool in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). These tools lack detailed echocardiographic assessment which plays a central role in clinical risk assessment in PAH. Thus, we aimed at assessing whether adding echocardiography‐driven data to REVEAL Lite 2.0 (Registry to Evaluate Early and Long‐Term PAH Disease Management) improves the assessment of risk stratification in PAH. A retrospective analysis of 134 consecutive patients between January 2016 and December 2019 was done. We identified patients who experienced a disease progression “event” defined by the initiation of intravenous (IV) or parenteral prostacyclin, transplant referral, or death due to PAH. All other PAH patients who did not experience an “event” during this period were included in the analysis as controls. Echocardiography and REVEAL Lite 2.0 were collected from 4 to 8 months before the event and compared with the control group to predict the risk of a disease progression event. One hundred and ten patients were included in the final analysis with 22 experiencing a disease progression event and 88 remaining stable during the study period. Different echocardiographic parameters were combined with REVEAL Lite 2.0 scores in both groups. The combination of REVEAL Lite 2.0 and the left ventricular end‐diastolic (LVED) eccentricity index (as a continuous variable) had the highest area under the curve (AUC) of 0.87, which approached a significant difference with that of the REVEAL Lite 2.0 alone (p = 0.052). An additional multivariable regression model that included REVEAL Lite 2.0, LVED eccentricity index as a continuous variable, and RAP achieved the best AUC at 0.88 (0.80, 0.96), which was significantly different from that of the REVEAL Lite 2.0 alone (AUC 0.77 [0.66, 0.88]; p = 0.049). These results suggest that combining different echocardiographic parameters to REVEAL Lite 2.0 provides more statistically accurate risk predictions compared to REVEAL Lite 2.0 alone. A combination of LVED eccentricity index with REVEAL Lite 2.0 achieved the best AUC in predicting the event in our cohort.
Cryobiopsy for Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia secondary to adult T‐cell lymphoma/leukaemia
Authors: Kobe Hiroshi , Saito Kenki , Arita Machiko , Ishida Tadashi
Published: December 2021

A 79‐year‐old woman presented to the emergency department with a 1‐week history of progressively worsening dyspnoea on exertion. Chest computed tomography (CT) showed bilateral consolidation. On laboratory findings, the line blot assay for human T‐cell leukaemia virus type 1 was positive, the white blood cell count was 33,000/μl (atypical lymphocytes 8500/μl, 26% of the total white blood cell count) and β‐d‐glucan was increased to 391.1 pg/ml. In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, there was a small number of atypical lymphocytes, and the polymerase chain reaction for Pneumocystis jirovecii was positive. Sulfamethoxazole‐trimethoprim and corticosteroid were administered, but the lung shadows remained. Adult T‐cell lymphoma/leukaemia (ATLL) cell infiltration was suspected, and transbronchial lung cryobiopsy was performed, which showed no infiltration of lymphoma cells into the lung. The lung shadow showed an improving trend on chest CT. She was diagnosed with chronic type ATLL and discharged without chemotherapy.
Dislocation‐Mediated Hydride Precipitation in Zirconium
Authors: Liu Si‐Mian , Ishii Akio , Mi Shao‐Bo , Ogata Shigenobu , Li Ju , Han Wei‐Zhong
Published: December 2021

The formation of hydrides challenges the integrity of zirconium (Zr) fuel cladding in nuclear reactors. The dynamics of hydride precipitation are complex. Especially, the formation of the butterfly or bird‐nest configurations of dislocation structures around hydride is rather intriguing. By in‐situ transmission electron microscopy experiments and density functional theory simulations, it is discovered that hydride growth is a hybrid displacive‐diffusive process, which is regulated by intermittent dislocation emissions. A strong tensile stress field around the hydride tip increases the solubility of hydrogen in Zr matrix, which prevents hydride growth. Punching‐out dislocations reduces the tensile stress surrounding the hydride, decreases hydrogen solubility, reboots the hydride precipitation and accelerates the growth of the hydride. The emission of dislocations mediates hydride growth, and finally, the consecutively emitted dislocations evolve into a butterfly or bird‐nest configuration around the hydride.
Ternary Transition Metal Sulfide as High Real Energy Cathode for Lithium–Sulfur Pouch Cell Under Lean Electrolyte Conditions
Authors: Guo Hao , Hu Jing , Yuan Huimin , Wu Ningning , Li Yingzhi , Liu Guiyu , Qin Ning , Liao Kemeng , Li Zhiqiang , Luo Wen , Gu Shuai , Wan Weihua , Shi Bin , Xu Xusheng , Yang Qinghua , Shi Jiayuan , Lu Zhouguang
Published: December 2021

Fabrication of a highly porous sulfur host and using excess electrolyte is a common strategy to enhance sulfur utilization. However, flooded electrolyte limits the practical energy density of Li–S pouch cells. In this study, a novel Fe0.34Co0.33Ni0.33S2 (FCN) is proposed as host for sulfur to realize Ah‐level Li–S full cells demonstrating excellent electrochemical performances under 2 µL mg−1 lean electrolyte conditions. Moreover, Kelvin probe force microscopy shows that the FCN surface contains positive charge with a potential of ≈70 mV, improving the binding of polysulfides through Lewis acid base interaction. In particular, the FCN@S possesses inherent electrochemical activity of simultaneous anionic and cationic redox for lithium storage in the voltage window of 1.8–2.1 V, which additionally contributes to the specific capacity. Due to the low carbon content (≈10 wt%), the sulfur loading is as high as ≈6 mg cm−2, approaching an outstanding energy density of 394.9 and 267.2 Wh kg−1 at the current density of 1.5 and 4 mA cm−2, respectively. Moreover, after 60 cycles at 1.5 mA cm−2, the pouch cell still retains an energy of 300.2 Wh kg−1. This study represents a milestone in the practical applications of high‐energy Li–S batteries.
Top cast effect: Influence of bond length on splitting mode failure
Authors: Cairns John
Published: December 2021

It is widely considered that bond strength of bars cast near the top of a pour is weaker than that of bars cast near the bottom. The lesser strength of top cast bars is attributed to: (a)The increase in binder/cement ratio toward the top of a pour due to consolidation of fluid concrete prior to setting. (b)The formation of voids beneath bars as solids in fluid and setting concrete consolidate when the bar is restrained from vertical movement. The difference in bond strength bars cast near the top of a pour and those cast near the bottom varies widely between individual studies, with little difference reported in some studies and reductions in excess of 50% reported in others. A markedly greater top bar effect observed in pullout type specimens with short bond lengths compared to that in studies based on conditions more representative of practical construction. Through a simple analytical model of behavior of a lapped joint based on the local bond slip model in fib Model Code 2010, it is shown that the casting position effect diminishes as bond length increases. This influence is supported by analysis of trends in the top cast section of the ACI408 bond test database. Conclusions demonstrate the casting position factor in current design Codes significantly overestimates the top cast effect and justifies a casting position factor of 1.0 for laps designed to develop the full design strength of Grade 500 bars. Increased bond lengths would still be required for top cast laps designed for lower bar stresses.
Recent Advances in Synthesis and Applications of Single‐Atom Catalysts for Rechargeable Batteries
Authors: Shah Syed Shoaib Ahmad , Najam Tayyaba , Javed Muhammad Sufyan , Bashir Muhammad Sohail , Nazir Muhammad Altaf , Khan Naseem Ahmad , Rehman Aziz ur , Subhan Md Abdus , Rahman Mohammed Muzibur
Published: December 2021

The rapid development of flexible and wearable optoelectronic devices, demanding the superior, reliable, and ultra‐long cycling energy storage systems. But poor performances of electrode materials used in energy devices are main obstacles. Recently, single‐atom catalysts (SACs) are considered as emerging and potential candidates as electrode materials for battery devices. Herein, we have discussed the recent methods for the fabrication of SACs for rechargeable metal‐air batteries, metal‐CO2 batteries, metal‐sulfur batteries, and other batteries, following the recent advances in assembling and performance of these batteries by using SACs as electrode materials. The role of SACs to solve the bottle‐neck problems of these energy storage devices and future perspectives are also discussed.
Short‐term neonatal and long‐term infant outcome of late‐preterm twins: nationwide population‐based study
Authors: Cho G. J. , Cho K.‐D. , Kim H. Y. , Ha S. , Oh M.‐J. , Won H.‐S. , Chung J. H.
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the short‐ and long‐term outcome of late‐preterm compared with term birth in twin pregnancy.

Methods

This retrospective observational cohort study included all women who had a twin delivery between 1 January 2007 and 31 December 2010 recorded in the claims database of the Korea National Health Insurance, with at least one follow‐up recorded in the database of the National Health Screening Program for Infants and Children. Outcomes were analyzed at the pregnancy level, with adverse outcome being defined as an adverse outcome in one or both twins, identified by a diagnosis according to the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision. The primary short‐term outcome was composite morbidity, which included any of the following: transient tachypnea, respiratory distress syndrome, necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Long‐term adverse outcome included any neurological or neurodevelopmental outcome, defined by prespecified neurological and developmental diagnoses; these were assessed by following up all neonates until the end of 2018, by which time they were 8–11 years of age. Outcomes were compared between twins delivered late preterm (34 + 0 to 36 + 6 weeks) and those delivered at term (≥ 37 weeks).

Results

Among 17 189 women who delivered twins at ≥ 34 weeks of gestation during the study period, 5032 (29.27%) women delivered in the late‐preterm period. On multivariate analysis, compared with the twins delivered at term, the late‐preterm twins had an increased risk for the primary short‐term outcome of composite morbidity (adjusted odds ratio (aOR), 2.09; 95% CI, 1.90–2.30), including transient tachypnea (aOR, 1.85; 95% CI, 1.64–2.09), respiratory distress syndrome (aOR, 2.31; 95% CI, 2.04–2.62), necrotizing enterocolitis (aOR, 2.10; 95% CI, 1.20–3.69) and intraventricular hemorrhage (aOR, 2.13; 95% CI, 1.46–3.11). For the long‐term outcome, the late‐preterm twins also had an increased risk for any neurological or neurodevelopmental outcome (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.14; 95% CI, 1.07–1.21).

Conclusions

Twins delivered in the late‐preterm period have an increased risk for short‐ and long‐term morbidity compared with twins delivered at term. These results should be considered when determining the timing of delivery in uncomplicated twin pregnancy. © 2021 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Evaluation of Captive Bolt for Emergency Field Euthanasia in Canada Geese
Authors: Shearer Karen E. , Brook Rodney W. , Sharp Christopher M.
Published: December 2021

In rare circumstances during research or monitoring operations for wild birds, emergency euthanasia is required. However, standard methods of euthanasia may not be humane for large birds. We evaluated the use of a Dick KTBG® spring‐powered, penetrating captive bolt for the euthanasia of Canada geese (Branta canadensis). We conducted trials on hunter‐harvested geese to determine anatomical placement of the device and to assess skull and brain penetration effectiveness. We then assessed the device for euthanasia on anesthetized geese. Although results using dead geese suggested the device may be effective (i.e., consistent skull penetration, and trajectory depth into relevant brain structures), we found the device did not produce consistent, humane euthanasia for anesthetized geese and was not suitable for emergency field euthanasia for Canada geese. We encourage further evaluations of emergency euthanasia methods using a 2‐step process of determining placement and efficacy on dead birds and then testing on live anesthetized individuals. © 2021 The Wildlife Society.
A tale of invisibility: constraints on new physics in b → sνν
Authors: Felkl Tobias , Li Sze Lok , Schmidt Michael A.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

The Belle II experiment will measure the rare decays B → Kνν and B → K∗νν with increased sensitivity which can hence be expected to serve as a very efficient probe of new physics. We calculate the relevant branching ratios in low-energy effective field theory (LEFT) including an arbitrary number of massive sterile neutrinos and discuss the expected sensitivity to the different operators. We also take into account the longitudinal polarisation fraction FL and the inclusive decay rate B → Xsνν. In our investigation we consider new physics dominantly contributing to one and two operators both for massless and massive (sterile) neutrinos. Our results show a powerful interplay of the exclusive decay rates B → Kνν and B → K∗νν, and a surprisingly large sensitivity of the inclusive decay mode to vector operators even under conservative assumptions about its uncertainty. Furthermore, the sensitivity of FL is competitive with the branching ratio of B → K∗νν in the search for new physics contributing to scalar operators and thus also complementary to B → Kνν and B → Xsνν.
Spontaneously stabilised dark matter from a fermiophobic U(1)′ gauge symmetry
Authors: Fu B. , King S.F.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We consider the possibility that dark matter is stabilised by a discrete Z2 symmetry which arises from a subgroup of a U(1)′ gauge symmetry, spontaneously broken by integer charged scalars, and under which the chiral quarks and leptons do not carry any charges. A chiral fermion χ with half-integer charge is odd under the preserved Z2, and hence becomes a stable dark matter candidate, being produced through couplings to right-handed neutrinos with vector-like U(1)′ charges, as in the type Ib seesaw mechanism. We calculate the relic abundance in such a low energy effective seesaw model containing few parameters, then consider a high energy renormalisable model with a complete fourth family of vector-like fermions, where the chiral quark and lepton masses arise from a seesaw-like mechanism. With the inclusion of the fourth family, the lightest vector-like quark can contribute to the dark matter production, enlarging the allowed parameter space that we explore.
Gauge kinetic mixing and dark topological defects
Authors: Hiramatsu Takashi , Ibe Masahiro , Suzuki Motoo , Yamaguchi Soma
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We discuss how the topological defects in the dark sector affect the Standard Model sector when the dark photon has a kinetic mixing with the QED photon. In particular, we consider the dark photon appearing in the successive gauge symmetry breaking, SU(2)→U(1)→ ℤ2, where the remainingℤ2is the center of SU(2). In this model, the monopole is trapped into the cosmic strings and forms the so-called bead solution. As we will discuss, the dark cosmic string induces the QED magnetic flux inside the dark string through the kinetic mixing. The dark monopole, on the other hand, does not induce the QED magnetic flux in the U(1) symmetric phase, even in the presence of the kinetic mixing. Finally, we show that the dark bead solution induces a spherically symmetric QED magnetic flux through the kinetic mixing. The induced flux looks like the QED magnetic monopole viewed from a distance, although QED satisfies the Bianchi identity everywhere, which we call a pseudo magnetic monopole.
A new de Sitter solution with a weakly warped deformed conifold
Authors: Bento Bruno Valeixo , Chakraborty Dibya , Parameswaran Susha , Zavala Ivonne
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We revisit moduli stabilisation for type IIB flux compactifications that include a warped throat region corresponding to a warped deformed conifold, with an anti-D3-brane sitting at its tip. The warping induces a coupling between the conifold’s deformation modulus and the bulk volume modulus in the Kähler potential. Previous works have studied the scalar potential assuming a strong warping such that this coupling term dominates, and found that the anti-D3-brane uplift may destabilise the conifold modulus and/or volume modulus, unless flux numbers within the throat are large, which makes tadpole cancellation a challenge. We explore the regime of parameter space corresponding to a weakly-but-still warped throat, such that the coupling between the conifold and volume moduli is subdominant. We thus discover a new metastable de Sitter solution within the four-dimensional effective field theory. We discuss the position of this de Sitter vacuum in the string theory landscape and swampland.
The entanglement entropy of typical pure states and replica wormholes
Authors: Urbach Erez Y.
Published: December 2021

Abstract

In a 1+1 dimensional QFT on a circle, we consider the von Neumann entanglement entropy of an interval for typical pure states. As a function of the interval size, we expect a Page curve in the entropy. We employ a specific ensemble average of pure states, and show how to write the ensemble-averaged Rényi entropy as a path integral on a singular replicated geometry. Assuming that the QFT is a conformal field theory with a gravitational dual, we then use the holographic dictionary to obtain the Page curve. For short intervals the thermal saddle is dominant. For large intervals (larger than half of the circle size), the dominant saddle connects the replicas in a non-trivial way using the singular boundary geometry. The result extends the ‘island conjecture’ to a non-evaporating setting.
Synergy of epidermal growth factor (EGFR) and angiotensin II (AT1R) receptor determines composition and temporal pattern of transcriptome variation
Authors: Schreier Barbara , Dubourg Virginie , Hübschmann Stefanie , Rabe Sindy , Mildenberger Sigrid , Gekle Michael
Published: December 2021

The tyrosine kinase receptor EGFR and the G-protein-coupled receptor AT1R induce essential cellular responses, in part via receptor crosstalk with an unknown role in nuclear information transfer and transcription regulation. We investigated whether this crosstalk results in linear, EGFR-mediated nuclear signalling or in parallel, synergistic information transfer leading to qualitative and temporal variations, relevant for gene expression and environment interaction. AT1R and EGFR synergistically activate SRF via the ERK1/2-TCF and actin-MRTF pathways. Synergism, comprised of switch-like and graded single cell response, converges on the transcription factors AP1 and EGR, resulting in synergistic transcriptome alterations, in qualitative (over-additive number of genes), quantitative (over-additive expression changes of individual genes) and temporal (more late onset and prolonged expressed genes) terms. Gene ontology and IPA® pathway analysis indicate prolonged cell stress (e.g. hypoxia-like) and dysregulated vascular biology. Synergism occurs during separate but simultaneous activation of both receptors and during AT1R-induced EGFR transactivation. EGFR and AT1R synergistically regulate gene expression in qualitative, quantitative and temporal terms with (patho)physiological relevance, extending the importance of EGFR-AT1R crosstalk beyond cytoplasmic signalling.
Influence of breast cancer risk factors on proliferation and DNA damage in human breast glandular tissues: role of intracellular estrogen levels, oxidative stress and estrogen biotransformation
Authors: Wunder Juliane , Pemp Daniela , Cecil Alexander , Mahdiani Maryam , Hauptstein René , Schmalbach Katja , Geppert Leo N. , Ickstadt Katja , Esch Harald L. , Dandekar Thomas , Lehmann Leane
Published: December 2021

Breast cancer etiology is associated with both proliferation and DNA damage induced by estrogens. Breast cancer risk factors (BCRF) such as body mass index (BMI), smoking, and intake of estrogen-active drugs were recently shown to influence intratissue estrogen levels. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the influence of BCRF on estrogen-induced proliferation and DNA damage in 41 well-characterized breast glandular tissues derived from women without breast cancer. Influence of intramammary estrogen levels and BCRF on estrogen receptor (ESR) activation, ESR-related proliferation (indicated by levels of marker transcripts), oxidative stress (indicated by levels of GCLC transcript and oxidative derivatives of cholesterol), and levels of transcripts encoding enzymes involved in estrogen biotransformation was identified by multiple linear regression models. Metabolic fluxes to adducts of estrogens with DNA (E-DNA) were assessed by a metabolic network model (MNM) which was validated by comparison of calculated fluxes with data on methoxylated and glucuronidated estrogens determined by GC– and UHPLC–MS/MS. Intratissue estrogen levels significantly influenced ESR activation and fluxes to E-DNA within the MNM. Likewise, all BCRF directly and/or indirectly influenced ESR activation, proliferation, and key flux constraints influencing E-DNA (i.e., levels of estrogens, CYP1B1, SULT1A1, SULT1A2, and GSTP1). However, no unambiguous total effect of BCRF on proliferation became apparent. Furthermore, BMI was the only BCRF to indeed influence fluxes to E-DNA (via congruent adverse influence on levels of estrogens, CYP1B1 and SULT1A2).
Accuracy of fractal analysis and PI-RADS assessment of prostate magnetic resonance imaging for prediction of cancer grade groups: a clinical validation study
Authors: Michallek Florian , Huisman Henkjan , Hamm Bernd , Elezkurtaj Sefer , Maxeiner Andreas , Dewey Marc
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Multiparametric MRI with Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI-RADS) assessment is sensitive but not specific for detecting clinically significant prostate cancer. This study validates the diagnostic accuracy of the recently suggested fractal dimension (FD) of perfusion for detecting clinically significant cancer.

Materials and methods

Routine clinical MR imaging data, acquired at 3 T without an endorectal coil including dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences, of 72 prostate cancer foci in 64 patients were analyzed. In-bore MRI-guided biopsy with International Society of Urological Pathology (ISUP) grading served as reference standard. Previously established FD cutoffs for predicting tumor grade were compared to measurements of the apparent diffusion coefficient (25th percentile, ADC25) and PI-RADS assessment with and without inclusion of the FD as separate criterion.

Results

Fractal analysis allowed prediction of ISUP grade groups 1 to 4 but not 5, with high agreement to the reference standard (κFD = 0.88 [CI: 0.79–0.98]). Integrating fractal analysis into PI-RADS allowed a strong improvement in specificity and overall accuracy while maintaining high sensitivity for significant cancer detection (ISUP > 1; PI-RADS alone: sensitivity = 96%, specificity = 20%, area under the receiver operating curve [AUC] = 0.65; versus PI-RADS with fractal analysis: sensitivity = 95%, specificity = 88%, AUC = 0.92, p < 0.001). ADC25 only differentiated low-grade group 1 from pooled higher-grade groups 2–5 (κADC = 0.36 [CI: 0.12–0.59]). Importantly, fractal analysis was significantly more reliable than ADC25 in predicting non-significant and clinically significant cancer (AUCFD = 0.96 versus AUCADC = 0.75, p < 0.001). Diagnostic accuracy was not significantly affected by zone location.

Conclusions

Fractal analysis is accurate in noninvasively predicting tumor grades in prostate cancer and adds independent information when implemented into PI-RADS assessment. This opens the opportunity to individually adjust biopsy priority and method in individual patients.

Key Points

• Fractal analysis of perfusion is accurate in noninvasively predicting tumor grades in prostate cancer using dynamic contrast-enhanced sequences (κFD = 0.88).

• Including the fractal dimension into PI-RADS as a separate criterion improved specificity (from 20 to 88%) and overall accuracy (AUC from 0.86 to 0.96) while maintaining high sensitivity (96% versus 95%) for predicting clinically significant cancer.

• Fractal analysis was significantly more reliable than ADC25 in predicting clinically significant cancer (AUCFD = 0.96 versus AUCADC = 0.75).
Feasibility of artificial intelligence–supported assessment of bone marrow infiltration using dual-energy computed tomography in patients with evidence of monoclonal protein — a retrospective observational study
Authors: Fervers Philipp , Fervers Florian , Kottlors Jonathan , Lohneis Philipp , Pollman-Schweckhorst Philip , Zaytoun Hasan , Rinneburger Miriam , Maintz David , Große Hokamp Nils
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To demonstrate the feasibility of an automated, non-invasive approach to estimate bone marrow (BM) infiltration of multiple myeloma (MM) by dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) after virtual non-calcium (VNCa) post-processing.

Methods

Individuals with MM and monoclonal gammopathy of unknown significance (MGUS) with concurrent DECT and BM biopsy between May 2018 and July 2020 were included in this retrospective observational study. Two pathologists and three radiologists reported BM infiltration and presence of osteolytic bone lesions, respectively. Bone mineral density (BMD) was quantified CT-based by a CE-certified software. Automated spine segmentation was implemented by a pre-trained convolutional neural network. The non-fatty portion of BM was defined as voxels > 0 HU in VNCa. For statistical assessment, multivariate regression and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) were conducted.

Results

Thirty-five patients (mean age 65 ± 12 years; 18 female) were evaluated. The non-fatty portion of BM significantly predicted BM infiltration after adjusting for the covariable BMD (p = 0.007, r = 0.46). A non-fatty portion of BM > 0.93% could anticipate osteolytic lesions and the clinical diagnosis of MM with an area under the ROC curve of 0.70 [0.49–0.90] and 0.71 [0.54–0.89], respectively. Our approach identified MM-patients without osteolytic lesions on conventional CT with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.63 and 0.71, respectively.

Conclusions

Automated, AI-supported attenuation assessment of the spine in DECT VNCa is feasible to predict BM infiltration in MM. Further, the proposed method might allow for pre-selecting patients with higher pre-test probability of osteolytic bone lesions and support the clinical diagnosis of MM without pathognomonic lesions on conventional CT.

Key Points

• The retrospective study provides an automated approach for quantification of the non-fatty portion of bone marrow, based on AI-supported spine segmentation and virtual non-calcium dual-energy CT data.

• An increasing non-fatty portion of bone marrow is associated with a higher infiltration determined by invasive biopsy after adjusting for bone mineral density as a control variable (p = 0.007, r = 0.46).

• The non-fatty portion of bone marrow might support the clinical diagnosis of multiple myeloma when conventional CT images are negative (sensitivity 0.63, specificity 0.71).
Bi-exponential modelling of $$W^{^{\prime}}$$ reconstitution kinetics in trained cyclists
Authors: Chorley Alan , Bott Richard P. , Marwood Simon , Lamb Kevin L.
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the individual $$W^{^{\prime}}$$

W

′

reconstitution kinetics of trained cyclists following repeated bouts of incremental ramp exercise, and to determine an optimal mathematical model to describe $$W^{^{\prime}}$$

W

′

reconstitution.

Methods

Ten trained cyclists (age 41 ± 10 years; mass 73.4 ± 9.9 kg; $$\dot{V}{\text{O}}_{2\max }$$

V
˙

O

2
max

58.6 ± 7.1 mL kg min−1) completed three incremental ramps (20 W min−1) to the limit of tolerance with varying recovery durations (15–360 s) on 5–9 occasions. $$W^{^{\prime}}$$

W

′

reconstitution was measured following the first and second recovery periods against which mono-exponential and bi-exponential models were compared with adjusted R2 and bias-corrected Akaike information criterion (AICc).

Results

A bi-exponential model outperformed the mono-exponential model of $$W^{^{\prime}}$$

W

′

reconstitution (AICc 30.2 versus 72.2), fitting group mean data well (adjR2 = 0.999) for the first recovery when optimised with parameters of fast component (FC) amplitude = 50.67%; slow component (SC) amplitude = 49.33%; time constant (τ)FC = 21.5 s; τSC = 388 s. Following the second recovery, W′ reconstitution reduced by 9.1 ± 7.3%, at 180 s and 8.2 ± 9.8% at 240 s resulting in an increase in the modelled τSC to 716 s with τFC unchanged. Individual bi-exponential models also fit well (adjR2 = 0.978 ± 0.017) with large individual parameter variations (FC amplitude 47.7 ± 17.8%; first recovery: (τ)FC = 22.0 ± 11.8 s; (τ)SC = 377 ± 100 s; second recovery: (τ)FC = 16.3.0 ± 6.6 s; (τ)SC = 549 ± 226 s).

Conclusions

W′ reconstitution kinetics were best described by a bi-exponential model consisting of distinct fast and slow phases. The amplitudes of the FC and SC remained unchanged with repeated bouts, with a slowing of W′ reconstitution confined to an increase in the time constant of the slow component.
On the reliability of behavioral measures of cognitive control: retest reliability of task-inhibition effect, task-preparation effect, Stroop-like interference, and conflict adaptation effect
Authors: Schuch Stefanie , Philipp Andrea M. , Maulitz Luisa , Koch Iring
Published: December 2021

This study examined the reliability (retest and split-half) of four common behavioral measures of cognitive control. In Experiment 1 (N = 96), we examined N – 2 task repetition costs as a marker of task-level inhibition, and the cue-stimulus interval (CSI) effect as a marker of time-based task preparation. In Experiment 2 (N = 48), we examined a Stroop-like face-name interference effect as a measure of distractor interference control, and the sequential congruency effect (“conflict adaptation effect”) as a measure of conflict-triggered adaptation of cognitive control. In both experiments, the measures were assessed in two sessions on the same day, separated by a 10 min-long unrelated filler task. We observed substantial experimental effects with medium to large effect sizes. At the same time, split-half reliabilities were moderate, and retest reliabilities were poor, for most measures, except for the CSI effect. Retest reliability of the Stroop-like effect was improved when considering only trials preceded by congruent trials. Together, the data suggest that these cognitive control measures are well suited for assessing group-level effects of cognitive control. Yet, except for the CSI effect, these measures do not seem suitable for reliably assessing interindividual differences in the strength of cognitive control, and therefore are not suited for correlational approaches. We discuss possible reasons for the discrepancy between robustness at the group level and reliability at the level of interindividual differences.
Profiles of competence development in mathematics and reading in early secondary education
Authors: Freund Micha-Josia , Gnambs Timo , Lockl Kathrin , Wolter Ilka
Published: December 2021

This article examines the development of reading and mathematical competence in early secondary education and aims at identifying distinct profiles of competence development. Since reading and mathematical competences are highly correlated both cross-sectionally and longitudinally, we expected to find a generalized profile of competence development with students developing parallel in reading and mathematical competences. Moreover, previous research confirmed individuals’ specific focus on one of the two domains, for example, in their interest, self-concept, or motivation. Also, differences in competence levels between both domains were found in cross-sectional studies. Therefore, we hypothesized that additional to the generalized profile, there are specialized profiles of competence development with students developing distinctively faster in one of the two domains. To identify both types of profiles, latent growth mixture modeling was used on a sample of 5,301 students entering secondary education from the German National Educational Panel Study. To demonstrate the robustness of the results, these analyses were repeated using different model specifications and subgroups with higher homogeneity (with students belonging to the highest track, i.e., “Gymnasium”). The results indicate only small to non-existent specialized profiles of competence development in all conditions. This finding of roughly parallel development of reading and mathematical competences throughout early secondary education indicates that potential specializations are less important at this point in students’ educational careers.