bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grassmannian and flag sigma models on interval: phase structure and L-dependence
Authors: Pavshinkin D.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We discuss the two-dimensional Grassmannian SU(N)/S(U(N − 2) × U(2)) and the flag SU(N )/S(U(N − 2) × U(1) × U(1)) sigma models on a finite interval and construct analytical solutions of gap equations in the large-N limit. We show that the flag model admits a homogeneous solution for “mixed” Dirichlet-Neumann (DN) boundary conditions only for sufficiently large length L and undergoes a phase transition from the phase of partly broken gauge symmetry U(1) to the symmetric phase U(1) × U(1) for large L. On the other hand, the Grassmannian model has a detached phase with one massive and one massless non-zero condensates that completely break U(2) gauge symmetry. This phase lives on a region of L bounded from above and has to use the Robin boundary conditions. We also examine the L-dependence of the total energy and detect the linear growth inherent to confining string in all phases.
Parton distribution functions from Ioffe time pseudo-distributions
Authors: Joó Bálint , Karpie Joseph , Orginos Kostas , Radyushkin Anatoly , Richards David , Zafeiropoulos Savvas
Published: December 2019

Abstract

In this paper, we present a detailed study of the unpolarized nucleon parton distribution function (PDF) employing the approach of parton pseudo-distribution func- tions. We perform a systematic analysis using three lattice ensembles at two volumes, with lattice spacingsa= 0.127 fm anda= 0.094 fm, for a pion mass of roughly 400 MeV. With two lattice spacings and two volumes, both continuum limit and infinite volume ex- trapolation systematic errors of the PDF are considered. In addition to thexdependence of the PDF, we compute their first two moments and compare them with the pertinent phenomenological determinations.
Angular analysis of Λb→ Λc(→ Λπ) ℓ$$ \overline{\nu} $$
Authors: Böer P. , Kokulu A. , Toelstede J.-N. , van Dyk D.
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We revisit the decay

$$ {\varLambda}_b^0\to {\varLambda}_c^{+}{\ell}^{-}\overline{v} $$

Λ
b
0

→

Λ
c
+

ℓ
−

v
¯

(ℓ = e, μ, τ) with a subsequent two-body decay

$$ {\varLambda}_c^{+}\to {\varLambda}^0{\pi}^{+} $$

Λ
c
+

→

Λ
0

π
+

in the Standard Model and in generic New Physics models. The decay’s joint four-differential angular distribution can be expressed in terms of ten angular observables, assuming negligible polarization of the initial Λ
b
state. We present compact analytical results for all angular observables, which enables us to discuss their possible New Physics reach. We find that the decay at hand probes more and complementary independent combinations of Wilson coefficients compared to its mesonic counter parts

$$ \overline{B}\to {D}^{\left(\ast \right)}{\ell}^{-}\overline{v} $$

B
¯

→

D

∗

ℓ
−

v
¯

. Our result for the angular distribution disagrees with some of the results on scalar-vector interference terms in the literature. We provide numerical estimates for all angular observables based on lattice QCD results for the Λ
b

→ Λ
c
form factors and account for a recent measurement of the parity-violating parameter in

$$ {\varLambda}_c^{+}\to {\varLambda}^0{\pi}^{+} $$

Λ
c
+

→

Λ
0

π
+

decays by BESIII. A numerical implementation of our results is made publicly available as part of the EOS software.
Picard-Lefschetz decomposition and Cheshire Cat resurgence in 3D $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 2 field theories
Authors: Dorigoni Daniele , Glass Philip
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We study three dimensional$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 2 supersymmetric abelian gauge theories with various matter contents living on a squashed sphere. In particular we focus on two problems: firstly we perform a Picard-Lefschetz decomposition of the localised path integral but, due to the absence of a topological theta angle in three dimensions, we find that steepest descent cycles do not permit us to distinguish between contributions to the path- integral coming from (would-be) different topological sectors, for example a vortex from a vortex/anti-vortex. The second problem we analyse is the truncation of all perturbative expansions. Although the partition function can be written as a transseries expansion of perturbative plus non-perturbative terms, due to the supersymmetric nature of the observable studied we have that each perturbative expansion around trivial and non-trivial saddles truncates suggesting that normal resurgence analysis cannot be directly applied. The first problem is solved by complexifying the squashing parameter, which can be thought of as introducing a chemical potential for the global U(1) rotation symmetry, or equivalently an omega deformation. This effectively introduces a hidden “topological angle” into the theory and the path integral can be now decomposed into a sum over different topological sectors via Picard-Lefschetz theory. The second problem is solved by deforming the matter content making manifest the Cheshire Cat resurgence structure of the supersymmetric theory, allowing us to reconstruct non-perturbative information from perturbative data even when these do truncate.
New T-duality for Chern-Simons theory
Authors: Yamazaki Masahito
Published: December 2019

Abstract

It has recently pointed out that a four-dimensional analog of Chern-Simons theory provides an elegant framework for understanding integrable models with spectral parameters. The goal of this short note is to better understand the relation of this theory to the more standard three-dimensional Chern-Simons theory. We point out that two Chern-Simons theories, in four dimensions and three dimensions, are related by a novel T-duality in field theory. We then discuss this T-duality in string theory. Our T-duality prescription applies to a more general class of topological quantum field theories, producing mixed topological/holomorphic theories. This paper is motivated by the observation by C. Vafa.
Functional methods for false-vacuum decay in real time
Authors: Ai Wen-Yuan , Garbrecht Björn , Tamarit Carlos
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We present the calculation of the Feynman path integral in real time for tunneling in quantum mechanics and field theory, including the first quantum corrections. For this purpose, we use the well-known fact that Euclidean saddle points in terms of real fields can be analytically continued to complex saddles of the action in Minkowski space. We also use Picard-Lefschetz theory in order to determine the middle-dimensional steepest- descent surface in the complex field space, constructed from Lefschetz thimbles, on which the path integral is to be performed. As an alternative to extracting the decay rate from the imaginary part of the ground-state energy of the false vacuum, we use the optical theorem in order to derive it from the real-time amplitude for forward scattering. While this amplitude may in principle be obtained by analytic continuation of its Euclidean counterpart, we work out in detail how it can be computed to one-loop order at the level of the path integral, i.e. evaluating the Gaußian integrals of fluctuations about the relevant complex saddle points. To that effect, we show how the eigenvalues and eigenfunctions on a thimble can be obtained by analytic continuation of the Euclidean eigensystem, and we determine the path-integral measure on thimbles. This way, using real-time methods, we recover the one-loop result by Callan and Coleman for the decay rate. We finally demonstrate our real-time methods explicitly, including the construction of the eigensystem of the complex saddle, on the archetypical example of tunneling in a quasi-degenerate quartic potential.
Compatible cycles and CHY integrals
Authors: Cachazo Freddy , Yeats Karen , Yusim Samuel
Published: December 2019

Abstract

The CHY construction naturally associates a vector in ℝ(n−3)! to every 2- regular graph with n vertices. Partial amplitudes in the biadjoint scalar theory are given by the inner product of vectors associated with a pair of cycles. In this work we study the problem of extending the computation to pairs of arbitrary 2-regular graphs. This requires the construction of compatible cycles, i.e. cycles such that their union with a 2-regular graph admits a Hamiltonian decomposition. We prove that there are at least (n − 2)!/4 such cycles for any 2-regular graph. We also find a connection to breakpoint graphs when the initial 2-regular graph only has double edges. We end with a comparison of the lower bound on the number of randomly selected cycles needed to generate a basis of ℝ(n−3)!, using the super Catalan numbers and our lower bound for compatible cycles.
From 6d flows to 4d flows
Authors: Razamat Shlomo S. , Sabag Evyatar , Zafrir Gabi
Published: December 2019

Abstract

SCFTs in six dimensions are interrelated by networks of RG flows. Compactifying such models on a Riemann surface with flux for the 6d global symmetry, one can obtain a wide variety of theories in four dimensions. These four dimensional models are also related by a network of RG flows. In this paper we study some examples of four dimensional flows relating theories that can be obtained from six dimensions starting with different SCFTs connected by 6d RG flows. We compile a dictionary between different orders of such flows, 6d → 6d → 4d and 6d → 4d → 4d, in the particular case when the six dimensional models are the ones residing on M5 branes probing different A-type singularities. The flows we study are triggered by vacuum expectation values (vevs) to certain operators charged under the six dimensional symmetry. We find that for generic choices of parameters the different orders of flows, 6d → 6d → 4d and 6d → 4d → 4d, involve compactifications on different Riemann surfaces with the difference being in the number of punctures the surface has.
A landscape of AdS flux vacua
Authors: Marchesano Fernando , Quirant Joan
Published: December 2019

Abstract

We analyse type IIA Calabi-Yau orientifolds with background fluxes and D6- branes. Rewriting the F-term scalar potential as a bilinear in flux-axion polynomials yields a more efficient description of the Landscape of flux vacua, as they are invariant under the discrete shift symmetries of the 4d effective theory. In particular, expressing the extremisa­ tion conditions of the scalar potential in terms of such polynomials allows for a systematic search of vacua. We classify families of = 0 Minkowski,$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 1 AdS and$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 0 AdS flux vacua, extending previous$$ \mathcal{N} $$Nfindings in the literature to the Calabi-Yau context. We compute the spectrum of flux-induced masses for some of them and show that they are perturbatively stable, and in particular find a branch of$$ \mathcal{N} $$N= 0 AdS vacua where tachyons are absent. Finally, we extend this Landscape to the open string sector by including mobile D6-branes and their fluxes.
New refinements of the discrete Jensen’s inequality generated by finite or infinite permutations
Authors: Horváth László
Published: December 2019

In this paper some new refinements of the discrete Jensen’s inequality are obtained in real vector spaces. The idea comes from some former refinements determined by cyclic permutations. We essentially generalize and extend these results by using permutations of finite sets and bijections of the set of positive numbers. We get refinements of the discrete Jensen’s inequality for infinite convex combinations in Banach spaces. Similar results are rare. Finally, some applications are given on different topics.
Wave Propagation on Microstate Geometries
Authors: Keir Joe
Published: December 2019

Supersymmetric microstate geometries were recently conjectured (Eperon et al. in JHEP 10:031, 2016. 10.1007/JHEP10(2016)031) to be nonlinearly unstable due to numerical and heuristic evidence, based on the existence of very slowly decaying solutions to the linear wave equation on these backgrounds. In this paper, we give a thorough mathematical treatment of the linear wave equation on both two- and three-charge supersymmetric microstate geometries, finding a number of surprising results. In both cases, we prove that solutions to the wave equation have uniformly bounded local energy, despite the fact that three-charge microstates possess an ergoregion; these geometries therefore avoid Friedman’s “ergosphere instability” (Friedman in Commun Math Phys 63(3):243–255, 1978). In fact, in the three-charge case we are able to construct solutions to the wave equation with local energy that neither grows nor decays, although these data must have non-trivial dependence on the Kaluza–Klein coordinate. In the two-charge case, we construct quasimodes and use these to bound the uniform decay rate, showing that the only possible uniform decay statements on these backgrounds have very slow decay rates. We find that these decay rates are sublogarithmic, verifying the numerical results of Eperon et al. (2016). The same construction can be made in the three-charge case, and in both cases the data for the quasimodes can be chosen to have trivial dependence on the Kaluza–Klein coordinates.
Selecting the dosage of ceftazidime–avibactam in the perfect storm of nosocomial pneumonia
Authors: Das Shampa , Zhou Diansong , Nichols Wright W. , Townsend Andy , Newell Paul , Li Jianguo
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Ceftazidime–avibactam is a novel β-lactam/β-lactamase inhibitor combination recently approved in Europe and the USA for the treatment of adults with hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) and ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), among other indications. In the phase III REPROVE trial (NCT01808092), ceftazidime–avibactam demonstrated non-inferiority to meropenem for the treatment of patients with nosocomial pneumonia (NP), including VAP. As ceftazidime–avibactam was not studied in patients with NP prior to REPROVE, selecting an appropriate dosage regimen in the “perfect storm” of NP required careful consideration of potential determinants and confounders of response specific to the NP patient population.

Methods

This review describes the series of preclinical studies and pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic (PK/PD) analyses that supported ceftazidime–avibactam dosage selection for patients with NP/VAP (2000/500 mg by 2-h intravenous infusion every 8 h, adjusted for renal function). In parallel, important considerations for antibiotic dosage selection in patients with NP are highlighted, including adequate drug penetration into the lungs, the suitability of murine-derived plasma PK/PD targets, evaluation of MIC distributions against clinical bacterial isolates from patients with NP, and consideration of PK in patients with NP, who are often critically ill. These analyses also supported the European approval of ceftazidime–avibactam for adults with HAP, including VAP, before the completion of REPROVE.

Conclusions

This work serves as a successful practical example of dosage design for a new antibacterial drug therapy in the indication of NP, including VAP, where previous drug therapies have failed, possibly as a result of evaluation of too few variables, thereby limiting the accuracy of pharmacodynamic predictions.
Redundant nerve roots in lumbar spinal stenosis: inter- and intra-rater reliability of an MRI-based classification
Authors: Papavero Luca , Marques Carlos J. , Lohmann Jens , Fitting Thies , Schawjinski Kathrin , Ali Nawar , Hillebrand Hauke , Maas Rainer
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Patients with central lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) have a longer symptom history, more severe stenosis, and worse postoperative outcomes, when redundant nerve roots (RNRs) are evident in the preoperative MRI. The objective was to test the inter- and intra-rater reliability of an MRI-based classification for RNR.

Methods

This is a retrospective reliability study. A neuroradiologist, an orthopedic surgeon, a neurosurgeon, and three orthopedic surgeons in-training classified RNR on 126 preoperative MRIs of patients with LSS admitted for microsurgical decompression. On sagittal and axial T2-weighted images, the following four categories were classified: allocation (A) of the key stenotic level, shape (S), extension (E), and direction (D) of the RNR. A second read with cases ordered differently was performed 4 weeks later. Fleiss and Cohen’s kappa procedures were used to determine reliability.

Results

The allocation, shape, extension, and direction (ASED) classification showed moderate to almost perfect inter-rater reliability, with kappa values (95% CI) of 0.86 (0.83, 0.90), 0.62 (0.57, 0.66), 0.56 (0.51, 0.60), and 0.66 (0.63, 0.70) for allocation, shape, extension, and direction, respectively. Intra-rater reliability was almost perfect, with kappa values of 0.90 (0.88, 0.92), 0.86 (0.84, 0.88), and 0.84 (0.81, 0.87) for shape, extension, and direction, respectively. Intra-rater kappa values were similar for junior and senior raters. Kappa values for inter-rater reliability were similar between the first and second reads (p = 0.06) among junior raters and improved among senior raters (p = 0.008).

Conclusions

The MRI-based classification of RNR showed moderate-to-almost perfect inter-rater and almost perfect intra-rater reliability.
Comment on “Bioaccumulation of Methyl Siloxanes in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and in an Estuarine Food Web in Northeastern China”
Authors: Kim Jaeshin , Woodburn Kent , Coady Katie , Xu Shihe , Durham Jeremy , Seston Rita
Published: December 2019

We have reviewed a paper titled “Bioaccumulation of Methyl Siloxanes in Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) and in an Estuarine Food Web in Northeastern China” by Xue et al., which was published in the Archives of Environmental Contamination and Toxicology in 2019. In the paper, the authors presented and discussed the measured bioconcentration factors (BCFs), biomagnification factors (BMFs), and trophic magnification factors (TMFs) of selected volatile methylsiloxanes in Shuangtaizi estuary in China. Although we appreciate their efforts for sample collection and data analysis, we have identified significant errors in calculations of BCFs, TMFs, and BMFs, as well as animal welfare issues and food web trophic level assumptions. Based on the data, we have attempted to correct some of the analysis and offered a more complete and robust interpretation of the related data, when possible. Collectively, these errors would likely lead to very different conclusions than yours in the paper.
Chromatic information processing in the first optic ganglion of the butterfly Papilio xuthus
Authors: Chen Pei-Ju , Belušič Gregor , Arikawa Kentaro
Published: December 2019

The butterflyPapilio xuthushas acute tetrachromatic color vision. Its eyes are furnished with eight spectral classes of photoreceptors, situated in three types of ommatidia, randomly distributed in the retinal mosaic. Here, we investigated early chromatic information processing by recording spectral, angular, and polarization sensitivities of photoreceptors and lamina monopolar cells (LMCs). We identified three spectral classes of LMCs whose spectral sensitivities corresponded to weighted linear sums of the spectral sensitivities of the photoreceptors present in the three ommatidial types. In ~ 25% of the photoreceptor axons, the spectral sensitivities differed from those recorded at the photoreceptor cell bodies. These axons showed spectral opponency, most likely mediated by chloride ion currents through histaminergic interphotoreceptor synapses. The opponency was most prominent in the processes of the long visual fibers in the medulla. We recalculated the wavelength discrimination function using the noise-limited opponency model to reflect the new spectral sensitivity data and found that it matched well with the behaviorally determined function. Our results reveal opponency at the first stage ofPapilio’s visual system, indicating that spectral information is preprocessed with signals from photoreceptors within each ommatidium in the lamina, before being conveyed downstream by the long visual fibers and the LMCs.
The association between changes in functional capacity and work ability among unemployed individuals
Authors: Savinainen Minna , Seitsamo Jorma , Joensuu Matti
Published: December 2019

Purpose

Unemployment has multidimensional effects. This study investigated how the changes in functioning are associated with the changes in perceived work ability among unemployed people.

Methods

The participants were clients in projects funded by the European Social Fund (ESF) targeted for unemployed individuals. They answered a questionnaire covering work ability (Work Ability Score) and functioning (cognitive, psychological and social functioning, physical condition and everyday activities) and perceived health at the beginning and at the end of the project (mean follow-up 173 days). The study included data from unemployed respondents (N = 502) aged 19–64 years.

Results

Overall, during the follow-up, both work ability and different aspects of functioning improved, excluding physical condition. Changes in cognitive and psychological functioning, physical condition and everyday activities were significantly associated with the changes in work ability. The physical condition had the strongest association with the changes in work ability. Short unemployment time and especially good perceived health improved WAS over time. Age, gender and follow-up time were not associated with changes in work ability.

Conclusions

Maintaining or improving health and functioning and shortening the length of unemployment appeared to be important issues in enhancing work ability and thus increasing re-employability potential.
Processing time not modality dominates shift costs in the modality-shifting effect
Authors: Roebuck Hettie , Guo Kun , Bourke Patrick
Published: December 2019

Shifting attention between visual and auditory targets is associated with reaction time costs, known as the modality-shifting effect. The type of modality shifted from, e.g., auditory or visual is suggested to have an effect on the degree of cost. Studies report greater costs shifting from visual stimuli, yet notably used visual stimuli that are also identified slower than the auditory. It is not clear whether the cost is specific to modality effects, or with identification speed independent of modality. Here, to interpret whether the effects are due to modality or identification time, switch costs are instead compared with auditory stimuli that are identified slower than the visual (inverse of tested previously). A second condition used the same auditory stimuli at a low intensity, allowing comparison of semantically identical stimuli that are even slower to process. The current findings contradicted suggestions of a general difficulty in shifting from visual stimuli (as previously reported), and instead suggest that cost is reduced when targets are preceded by a more rapidly processed stimulus. ‘Modality-Shifting’ as it is often termed induces shifting costs, but the costs are not because of a change of modality per se, but because of a change in identification speed, where the degree of cost is dependent on the processing time of the surrounding stimuli.
Molecular findings in maxillofacial bone tumours and its diagnostic value
Authors: Cleven Arjen H.G. , Schreuder Willem H. , Groen Eline , Kroon Herman M. , Baumhoer Daniel
Published: December 2019

According to the WHO, mesenchymal tumours of the maxillofacial bones are subdivided in benign and malignant maxillofacial bone and cartilage tumours, fibro-osseous and osteochondromatous lesions as well as giant cell lesions and bone cysts. The histology always needs to be evaluated considering also the clinical and radiological context which remains an important cornerstone in the classification of these lesions. Nevertheless, the diagnosis of maxillofacial bone tumours is often challenging for radiologists as well as pathologists, while an accurate diagnosis is essential for adequate clinical decision-making. The integration of new molecular markers in a multidisciplinary diagnostic approach may not only increase the diagnostic accuracy but potentially also identify new druggable targets for precision medicine. The current review provides an overview of the clinicopathological and molecular findings in maxillofacial bone tumours and discusses the diagnostic value of these genetic aberrations.
Agricultural work and reduced circulating uric acid are both associated with initial hospital admission for Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Liu Hanxiang , Wei Xianwen , Yang Wen , Reynolds Gavin P.
Published: December 2019

Monoamine oxidase type B inhibitors act in Parkinson’s disease (PD) via potentiation of dopamine, but may also have neuroprotective effects by reducing oxidative damage. Oxidative damage is also a feature of environmental toxins, including pesticides, that are an established risk factor for PD. Another risk factor is low circulating uric acid (UA), which may relate to UA being the major endogenous antioxidant in the human body. We have undertaken a study of 192 initial admissions for PD in a general hospital neurology department in a partly rural region of Southern China to determine if there is an increased rate of PD in agricultural workers who have a high risk of exposure to pesticides, and how it may relate to deficits in UA. We found a disproportionately high number of agricultural workers admitted with PD (66.7% vs. 54.3% of all neurology admissions) and that PD subjects have a substantial reduction in UA. This is further reduced in agricultural workers and thus may contribute to the increased vulnerability of this group to PD.
Variation of the adaptive substitution rate between species and within genomes
Authors: Moutinho Ana Filipa , Bataillon Thomas , Dutheil Julien Y.
Published: December 2019

The importance of adaptive mutations in molecular evolution is extensively debated. Recent developments in population genomics allow inferring rates of adaptive mutations by fitting a distribution of fitness effects to the observed patterns of polymorphism and divergence at sites under selection and sites assumed to evolve neutrally. Here, we summarize the current state-of-the-art of these methods and review the factors that affect the molecular rate of adaptation. Several studies have reported extensive cross-species variation in the proportion of adaptive amino-acid substitutions (α) and predicted that species with larger effective population sizes undergo less genetic drift and higher rates of adaptation. Disentangling the rates of positive and negative selection, however, revealed that mutations with deleterious effects are the main driver of this population size effect and that adaptive substitution rates vary comparatively little across species. Conversely, rates of adaptive substitution have been documented to vary substantially within genomes. On a genome-wide scale, gene density, recombination and mutation rate were observed to play a role in shaping molecular rates of adaptation, as predicted under models of linked selection. At the gene level, it has been reported that the gene functional category and the macromolecular structure substantially impact the rate of adaptive mutations. Here, we deliver a comprehensive review of methods used to infer the molecular adaptive rate, the potential drivers of adaptive evolution and how positive selection shapes molecular evolution within genes, across genes within species and between species.
Predictors of Trauma Exposure and Trauma Diagnoses for Children with Autism and Developmental Disorders Served in a Community Mental Health Clinic
Authors: Hoch John D. , Youssef Adriana M.
Published: December 2019

Exposure to potentially traumatic events (PTEs), and trauma related diagnoses are poorly understood in autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and developmental disabilities (DD). The current study examined N = 7695 cases seen by a community mental health provider to compare exposure to PTEs and trauma-related diagnoses between children with ASD, children with DD, and children with other mental health diagnoses (e.g., depression). Predictors included demographics, exposure to negative life events, living situations, and subscales of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). Logistic regressions showed that diagnostic group, number and type of negative life events and locations lived, and SDQ subscale scores predicted trauma reports and trauma diagnoses. The findings suggest screener questions that may be useful across diagnostic groups.
The Impact of Religion and Provision of Information on Increasing Knowledge and Changing Attitudes to Organ Donation: An Intervention Study
Authors: Krupic Ferid
Published: December 2019

One of the most significant developments in recent history has probably been organ donation and organ transplantation. They are frequently the only treatment available in certain cases. However, there is an ever-increasing discrepancy between the number of people needing transplantation and the organs available, because the decision to donate an organ is up to each individual. The study aims to assess the impact of the intervention on knowledge, attitudes and practices on organ donation among religious immigrants in Sweden. Data were collected through three group interviews using open-ended questions and qualitative content analysis. Thirty-six participants, 18 males and 18 females from six countries, participated in the focus group interviews. The analysis of the collected data resulted in two main categories: “Religion in theory and practice” and “More information—more knowledge about organ donation” including seven subcategories. Understanding of religion and religiosity, happiness by taking the class, the practice of religion in everyday life, the overcoming the prejudices in religion, having more information about organ donation and the donations process, as well as that the increased information changes people’s minds, were some of things the informants emphasised as predictors of the decision of organ donation. A class dealing with religion, the religious aspects of organ donation and the way the Swedish healthcare system is organised increased people’s knowledge and changed their attitudes so they became potential organ donors. More intervention studies are needed in every field of medicine to build confidence and give time to educate and discuss issues with potential organ donors in Sweden.
A Multi-causal Model for Chronic Malnutrition and Anemia in a Population of Rural Coastal Children in Ecuador
Authors: Rivadeneira María F. , Moncayo Ana L. , Tello Betzabé , Torres Ana L. , Buitrón Gladys J. , Astudillo Fabricio , Fredricks Todd R. , Grijalva Mario J.
Published: December 2019

Objectives

Chronic malnutrition and anemia are prevalent in developing countries. This research aimed to determine the prevalence of chronic malnutrition and anemia and their associated factors in children under five using a multi-causal model in a rural community in the coast of Ecuador.

Methods

The study included 314 children under 5 years old who were residents of San Isidro, Ecuador. Indicators of chronic malnutrition and anemia were identified. Mothers/caregivers were surveyed on socio-economic and environmental conditions, feeding and care practices, access to health services and biological characteristics. Bivariate and multivariable Poisson regression were performed.

Results

The prevalence was 12.42% (n = 39) for chronic malnutrition and 16.98% (n = 54) for anemia. There was a significant and independent association between chronic malnutrition and family income less than $80 USD per month (Prevalence Ratio [PR] = 2.74, 95% CI 1.04, 7.20), maternal height less than 150 cm (PR 3.00, 95% CI 1.69, 5.32) and residence in a household with more than 4 children (PR 3.05, 95% CI 1.48, 6.29). Anemia was 2.57 times higher (95% CI 1.17, 5.65) in children with more than two episodes of diarrhea in the last 6 months. Prenatal care (5 to 8 visits) provided a protective effect for anemia (PR 0.48, 95% CI 0.27, 0.89).

Conclusions for Practice

Findings support the need for comprehensive interventions targeted toward chronic malnutrition and anemia in children from rural coastal communities. Improvement of socioeconomic conditions, family planning, prenatal care and reduction of diarrheal diseases should be prioritized.
Carbon storage change and δ13C transitions of peat columns in a partially forestry-drained boreal bog
Authors: Nykänen Hannu , Rissanen Antti J. , Turunen Jukka , Tahvanainen Teemu , Simola Heikki
Published: December 2019

Background and aims

In forestry-drained peatlands, drying leads to changes in C cycling which could affect peat δ13C. Furthermore, the δ13C profile of the entire peat column may reveal effects of earlier climatic periods.

Methods

We measured peat δ13C and C inventories in adjacent peat profiles, two collected from undrained and two from the drained side of a bog that was partially ditch-drained 37 years earlier. The cores were sliced into 10-cm subsamples for analyses; matching of the profiles based on surface levelling, peat stratigraphic correlation and a horizontal ash layer found in both profiles.

Results

Surface subsidence of 30 cm was observed in the dried site and the uppermost 160 cm in the undrained site contained an excess of 5.9 kg m−2 of C compared with the corresponding strata of the ditch-drained site. The δ13C values increased but markedly only in the thin surface layer of the drained site, indicating low δ13C of the missing C (ca. –30‰). In the deeper strata, dating to Mid-Holocene, high dry bulk density, C%, N%, humification index and low C/N ratio were connected to low δ13C of peat.

Conclusions

Drainage of 37 years increased δ13C values in the upper peat profile of the drained bog and led to the selective loss of 13C depleted C. Results indicate that C balance studies can be aided by C isotope analyses. Low δ13C values in the peat profile indicate the existence of a wet fen stage during the moist and warm period during Mid-Holocene.
The Meaningful Votes: Voting on Brexit in the British House of Commons
Authors: Aidt Toke , Grey Felix , Savu Alexandru
Published: December 2019

Why do politicians rebel and vote against the party line when high stakes bills come to the floor of the legislature? To address that question, we leverage the three so-called Meaningful Votes that took place in the British House of Commons between January and March 2019 on the Withdrawal Agreement that the Conservative government had reached with the European Union. The bill was defeated decisively three times following a major revolt amongst Conservative backbench Members of Parliament (MPs). We find that three factors influenced their rebellion calculus: the MP’s own ideological views, constituency preferences and career concerns. Somewhat paradoxically, the rebellion within the Conservative Party came from MPs who had supported Leave in the 2016 Brexit referendum and from MPs elected in Leave-leaning constituencies.
Business angel exits: a theory of planned behaviour perspective
Authors: Botelho Tiago , Harrison Richard , Mason Colin
Published: December 2019

Although there are a handful of studies on business angel investment returns, the business angel literature has given little or no attention to exits and the exit strategy. This is surprising given that a primary objective of investing is to achieve a capital gain through some form of liquidity event. Using the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) as an interpretative heuristic, we examine how exits happen: specifically, what are the motivations to seek an exit and to what extent are they planned or opportunistic? Based on multiple case studies in which business angels were invited to tell the story of their most recent exit(s), the evidence suggests that the majority of liquidity events are the outcome of planned behaviour. We propose a typology of angel-backed investment exits as the basis for identifying future directions for research and developing practical advice to angels on effective business practices.
Improved Particle Filter Resampling Architectures
Authors: Alam Syed Asad , Gustafsson Oscar
Published: December 2019

The most challenging aspect of particle filtering hardware implementation is the resampling step. This is because of high latency as it can be only partially executed in parallel with the other steps of particle filtering and has no inherent parallelism inside it. To reduce the latency, an improved resampling architecture is proposed which involves pre-fetching from the weight memory in parallel to the fetching of a value from a random function generator along with architectures for realizing the pre-fetch technique. This enables a particle filter using M particles with otherwise streaming operation to get new inputs more often than 2M cycles as the previously best approach gives. Results show that a pre-fetch buffer of five values achieves the best area-latency reduction trade-off while on average achieving an 85% reduction in latency for the resampling step leading to a sample time reduction of more than 40%. We also propose a generic division-free architecture for the resampling steps. It also removes the need of explicitly ordering the random values for efficient multinomial resampling implementation. In addition, on-the-fly computation of the cumulative sum of weights is proposed which helps reduce the word length of the particle weight memory. FPGA implementation results show that the memory size is reduced by up to 50%.
Experimental research of oily sawdust air gasification
Authors: Gałko Grzegorz , Król Danuta
Published: December 2019

This article shows oily sawdust gasification research on countercurrent installation. Experimental research was on a laboratory scale. The main purpose of the experiment was combustible gas production with higher CH4 concentration. Gas concentrations like CO, CO2, CH4, H2, and CnHm determine syngas composition. The technological parameter’s value defines experimental conditions. Value of this was fuel to air ratio. With fuel to air ratio change, syngas composition was a differential phenomenon where it depended on the process parameters like temperature. Additionally, evaluation of methane formation from CO, H2, and CO2 was done. Methanization coefficients were based on CO and CO2 hydrogenation reactions. Component’s activity was in analogs way to syngas components changed.
The Police Use of Background Information Related to Alleged Victims in Mock Evaluations of Child Sexual Abuse
Authors: Tadei Alessandro , Santtila Pekka , Antfolk Jan
Published: December 2019

When statistically related to child sexual abuse (CSA), background information can assist decision-making in investigations of CSA allegations. Here, we studied the use of such background information among Finnish police officers. We analyzed their ability to identify and interpret CSA-related and CSA-unrelated background information both when placed in mock scenarios and when presented as separate, individual variables. We also measured the ability to correctly estimate the probability of CSA based on such background information. In the context of mock scenarios, officers were better in discarding CSA-unrelated variables than in identifying CSA-related ones. Within-subject performance across different scenarios was, however, not consistent. When information was presented as separate variables, officers tended to incorrectly consider many CSA-unrelated variables as CSA-related. Officers performed better in recognizing whether actual CSA-related variables increase or decrease the probability of CSA. Finally, officers were inaccurate in identifying variables that are CSA-related only for boys or only for girls. When asked to estimate the CSA probability of mock scenarios, participants were accurate only in assessing low-probability cases, and this was not associated with the ability to identify CSA-related and CSA-unrelated variables. We conclude that police officers would benefit from more training in using background information and from using available decision-making support tools in the context of investigating CSA allegations.
Can a simple, short-term memory task help to screen dyslexia?
Authors: Perham Nick , Howell Toni , Watt Andy
Published: December 2019

Funding to support students with dyslexia in post-compulsory education is under pressure and more efficient assessments may offset some of this shortfall. We tested potential tasks for screening dyslexia: recall of adjective-noun, compared to noun-adjective, pairings (syntax) and recall of high versus low frequency letter pairings (bigrams). Students who reported themselves as dyslexic failed to show a normal syntax effect (greater recall of adjective-noun compared to noun-adjective pairings) and no significant difference in recall between the two types of bigrams whereas students who were not dyslexic showed the syntax effect and a bias towards recalling high frequency bigrams. Findings are consistent with recent explanations of dyslexia suggesting that those affected find it difficult to learn and utilise sequential long-term order information (Szmalec et al. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory & Cognition, 37(5) ,1270-1279, 2011). Further, ROC curve analyses revealed both tasks showed acceptable diagnostic properties as they were able to discriminate between the two groups of participants.
Diagnostic Aspects of Chronic Pulmonary Aspergillosis: Present and New Directions
Authors: Wilopo Bayu A. P. , Richardson Malcolm D. , Denning David W.
Published: December 2019

Purpose of Review

Diagnosis of chronic pulmonary aspergillosis (CPA) is important since many diseases have a similar appearance, but require different treatment. This review presents the well-established diagnostic criteria and new laboratory diagnostic approaches that have been evaluated for the diagnosis of this condition.

Recent Findings

Respiratory fungal culture is insensitive for CPA diagnosis. There are many new tests available, especially new platforms to detectAspergillusIgG. The most recent innovation is a lateral flow device, a point-of-care test that can be used in resource-constrained settings. Chest radiographs without cavitation or pleural thickening have a 100% negative predictive value for chronic cavitary pulmonary aspergillosis in the African setting.

Early diagnosis of CPA is important to avoid inappropriate treatment. It is our contention that these new diagnostics will transform the diagnosis of CPA and reduce the number of undiagnosed cases or cases with a late diagnosis.
Cloud detection methodologies: variants and development—a review
Authors: Mahajan Seema , Fataniya Bhavin
Published: December 2019

Cloud detection is an essential and important process in satellite remote sensing. Researchers proposed various methods for cloud detection. This paper reviews recent literature (2004–2018) on cloud detection. Literature reported various techniques to detect the cloud using remote-sensing satellite imagery. Researchers explored various forms of Cloud detection like Cloud/No cloud, Snow/Cloud, and Thin Cloud/Thick Cloud using various approaches of machine learning and classical algorithms. Machine learning methods learn from training data and classical algorithm approaches are implemented using a threshold of different image parameters. Threshold-based methods have poor universality as the values change as per the location. Validation on ground-based estimates is not included in many models. The hybrid approach using machine learning, physical parameter retrieval, and ground-based validation is recommended for model improvement.
A Self-Powered Nanogenerator for the Electrical Protection of Integrated Circuits from Trace Amounts of Liquid
Authors: Hui Zhuang , Xiao Ming , Shen Daozhi , Feng Jiayun , Peng Peng , Liu Yangai , Duley Walter W. , Zhou Y. Norman
Published: December 2019

With the increase in the use of electronic devices in many different environments, a need has arisen for an easily implemented method for the rapid, sensitive detection of liquids in the vicinity of electronic components. In this work, a high-performance power generator that combines carbon nanoparticles and TiO2 nanowires has been fabricated by sequential electrophoretic deposition (EPD). The open-circuit voltage and short-circuit current of a single generator are found to exceed 0.7 V and 100 μA when 6 μL of water was applied. The generator is also found to have a stable and reproducible response to other liquids. An output voltage of 0.3 V was obtained after 244, 876, 931, and 184 μs, on exposure of the generator to 6 μL of water, ethanol, acetone, and methanol, respectively. The fast response time and high sensitivity to liquids show that the device has great potential for the detection of small quantities of liquid. In addition, the simple easily implemented sequential EPD method ensures the high mechanical strength of the device. This compact, reliable device provides a new method for the sensitive, rapid detection of extraneous liquids before they can impact the performance of electronic circuits, particularly those on printed circuit board.
Autonomy is equally important across East and West: Testing the cross‐cultural universality of self‐determination theory
Authors: Nalipay Ma Jenina N. , King Ronnel B. , Cai Yuyang
Published: December 2019

Introduction

Self‐determination theory (SDT) posits the importance of three basic psychological needs (i.e., relatedness, autonomy, and competence) in promoting achievement. However, some cross‐cultural researchers have cast doubt on the generalizability of the theory to non‐Western cultures. The primary aim of the study was to test whether provision of support for relatedness, autonomy, and competence would be associated with achievement across both Western and Eastern cultures.

Method

We drew on a subsample of students from the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) (n = 92,325 students from Australia, Canada, New Zealand, UK, and USA (Western societies); and Hong Kong SAR, Japan, Macau SAR, Shanghai, South Korea, and Taipei (Eastern societies); 46,006 were females and 46,319 were males, with a mean age of 15.77 (SD = 0.29) years). We used multi‐group confirmatory factor analysis (MG‐CFA) and multi‐group structural equation modeling (MG‐SEM) to analyze the data.

Results

Provision of the three basic needs correlated positively with achievement across cultures, providing broad support for the cross‐cultural universality of SDT. MG‐SEM indicated that relatedness and autonomy support were equally important for student achievement in both Western and Eastern cultures, whereas competence support was found to be more important to students in the West than in the East.

Conclusion

Findings support the cross‐cultural relevance of SDT while at the same time highlighting important cultural variations such as greater importance of competence support in the West, suggesting the need to be cognizant of both cross‐cultural universality and variability in motivational theorizing.
Links Between the Coral δ13C Record of Primary Productivity Variations in the Northern South China Sea and the East Asian Winter Monsoon
Authors: Han Tao , Yu Kefu , Yan Hongqiang , Deng Wenfeng , Liu Yi , Xu Shendong , Tao Shichen , Zhang Huiling , Wang Shaopeng
Published: December 2019

The decadal variability of ocean primary productivity (PP) has mainly been studied using relatively short term satellite data, limiting its in‐depth analysis. Here, by removing the influence of the 13C Suess effect, we extract the PP signal on decadal timescales using a record of coral δ13C values from the northern South China Sea (NSCS), where the physical‐biogeochemical conditions are influenced largely by the winter monsoon. Our results show that the PP in the NSCS increased from 1851 to the 1920s and decreased from the 1920s to 2007, and large superimposed decadal‐scale changes were observed. The in‐phase relationship observed between the PP reconstruction and winter monsoon records suggests that the changes in the PP in the NSCS are linked to decadal‐scale changes in the winter monsoon. Considering that the winter monsoon intensity may weaken in the future under global warming, the PP in the NSCS might decrease in the coming decades.