bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation of presence‐only models for conservation planning and the application to whales in a multiple‐use marine park
Authors: Smith Joshua N. , Kelly Natalie , Renner Ian W.
Published: August 2020

Identification of species’ Biologically Important Areas (BIAs) is fundamental to conservation planning and species distribution models (SDMs) are a powerful tool commonly used to do this. Presence‐only data are increasingly being used to develop SDMs to aid the conservation decision‐making process. The application of presence‐only SDMs for marine species’ is particularly attractive due to often logistical and economic costs of obtaining systematic species’ distribution data. However, robust model validation is important for conservation management applications that require accurate and reliable species’ occurrence data (e.g., spatially explicit risk assessments). This is commonly done using a random subset of the data and less commonly with fully independent test data. Here, we apply a spatial block cross‐validation (CV) approach to validate a MaxEnt presence‐only model using independent presence/absence survey data for a highly mobile, marine species (humpback whale,Megaptera novaengliae) in the Great Barrier Reef (GBR). A MaxEnt model was developed using opportunistic whale sightings (2003–2007) and then used to identify areas differing in habitat suitability (low, medium, high) to conduct a systematic, line‐transect, aerial survey (2012) and derive a density surface model. A spatial block CV buffering strategy was used to validate the MaxEnt model, using the opportunistic sightings as training data and independent aerial survey sightings data as test data. Moderate performance measures indicate MaxEnt was reliable in identifying the distribution patterns of a mobile whale species on their breeding ground, indicated by areas of high density aligned to areas of high habitat suitability. Furthermore, we demonstrate that MaxEnt models can be useful and cost‐effective for designing a sampling scheme to undertake systematic surveys that significantly reduces sampling effort. In this study, higher quality information on whale reproductive class (calf vs. non‐calf groups) was obtained that the presence‐only data lacked, while sampling only 18% of the GBR World Heritage Area. The validation approach using fully independent data provides greater confidence in the MaxEnt model, which indicates significant overlap with the main breeding ground of humpback whales and the inner shipping route. This is important when evaluating presence‐only models within certain conservation management applications, such as spatial risk assessments.
Resting heart rate in ambulatory heart failure with reduced ejection fraction treated with beta‐blockers
Authors: Varian Kenneth D. , Ji Xinge , Grodin Justin L. , Verbrugge Frederik H. , Milinovich Alex , Kattan Michael W. , Tang W.H. Wilson
Published: August 2020

Aims

Current guidelines recommend beta‐blocker therapy in chronic heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) titrated according to tolerated target dose. The efficiency of this strategy to obtain adequate heart rate (HR) control remains unclear in clinical practice. The aim of this study was to determine, in a real‐world setting, the proportion of HFrEF patients who fail to achieve beta‐blocker target doses, whether target doses of beta‐blockers have a relationship with the adequacy in reducing resting HR over time.

Methods and results

Beta‐blocker dose and resting HR of consecutive ambulatory patients with a diagnosis of HFrEF (ejection fraction ≤ 35%) in sinus rhythm were reviewed at the first outpatient contact in the Cleveland Clinic Health System from the year 2000 to 2015. Patients who did not receive beta‐blocker therapy, have congenital heart disease and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, were not in sinus rhythm, or have a history of heart transplant were excluded. Patients were followed up until their last known visit at the Cleveland Clinic. Median resting HR was 71 b.p.m. [inter‐quartile range (IQR) 60–84 b.p.m.] in 8041 patients (median age 65; 68% male) with 67% on carvedilol, 32% on metoprolol succinate, and 1% on bisoprolol. In 3674 subjects (56%), resting HR was ≥70 b.p.m. At final follow‐up after a median of 21 months (IQR 0.1–7.2 years), resting HR was 72 b.p.m. (IQR 60–84 b.p.m.) in the subset of patients with persistently low ejection fraction ≤ 35%. HR ≥ 70 b.p.m. was observed in 55% of this group. Beta‐blocker target dose was achieved in 19%, 5%, and 15% of those receiving carvedilol, metoprolol succinate, and bisoprolol, respectively. In the subset of patients who experienced beta‐blocker up‐titration, reduced mortality or hospitalization due to heart failure was observed in patients who experienced the lowest HR after titration.

Conclusions

In our single‐centre experience, the majority of patients with chronic HFrEF treated with beta‐blocker therapy did not achieve target doses over time, and a substantial proportion had inadequate control of resting HR. There was no relationship between achieved beta‐blocker target dose and resting HR control.
Postfire mechanical properties of Galfan‐coated steel cables
Authors: Sun Guojun , Li Xiaohui , Wu Jinzhi
Published: August 2020

Galfan‐coated steel cables are widely used in prestressed structures due to their excellent mechanical properties and corrosion resistance. Their postfire mechanical properties are important to evaluate the residual load‐bearing capability of the structures after fire. However, the research on the postfire mechanical properties of Galfan‐coated steel cables is stillscarce, especially the cable in stress state. Hence, a research based on experimental study was carried out to investigate the deterioration of mechanical properties of Galfan‐coated steel cables in stress state after experiencing elevated temperatures in this paper. Eighteen tensile tests were conducted on specimens exposed to elevated temperatures varying from 100°C to 500°C and then cooled down to ambient temperature in air. Both twisting characteristic and constant stress level of Galfan‐coated steel cables were considered in this study. The residual nominal yield strength, ultimate strength, elastic modulus, fracture strain, and stress‐strain curves of Galfan‐coated steel cables after experiencing elevated temperatures were obtained and compared with the existing researches. The results show that the postfire mechanical properties are obviously decreased when the fire temperature exceeds 300°C. Equations for the residual nominal yield strength, elastic modulus, ultimate strength, and fracture strain of the Galfan‐coated steel cables were proposed. Furthermore, a modified two‐stage Ramberg‐Osgood model for Galfan‐coated steel cables after experiencing elevated temperatures was established, which can provide reference for the safety assessment and repairment of prestressed structures after fire.
Palaeoenvironmental applications of chromium and aluminium: Concerns on partitioning and early diagenetic remobilization
Authors: Sellappa Gounder Eswaramoorthi , Sundaramurthy Subramanian , Ramasamy Nagarajan , Palanivel Periakali
Published: August 2020

Sequential extraction of core samples collected from Pulicat Lake, east coast of India, showed that on average, 59% of labile Cr and 28% of labile Al remain adsorbed onto Fe–Mn oxides. Similarly, 61% of labile Al and 36% of labile Cr are associated with organic matter. Cross‐correlation analysis revealed that in the Fe–Mn oxides phase, Cr primarily exists with Mn‐oxides, while Al remains mainly adsorbed onto Fe‐oxides. Factor analysis revealed four factors that could explain 82% of the variance in the data. Changes in water column ionic composition, salinity, dissolution of Fe–Mn oxides during microbial oxidation of organic matter, changes occurring to the organic matter and calcium carbonate during early diagenesis are the key factors influencing the Al and Cr concentrations in the labile fractions. The results of this study are useful to interpret palaeoenvironmental conditions.
Cortex‐wide microcirculation mapping with ultrafast large‐field multifocal illumination microscopy
Authors: Chen Zhenyue , Zhou Quanyu , Rebling Johannes , Razansky Daniel
Published: August 2020

The recently introduced large‐field multifocal illumination (LMI) fluorescence microscopy technique opened new possibilities for transcranial observations of mouse brain dynamics with a unique combination of capillary level resolution and centimeter‐scale field‐of‐view (FOV). Here we report on a new acceleration scheme for LMI based on raster scan of a lattice pattern combined with a parallel camera exposure scheme, which attains 200 Hz frame rate over 12 × 12 mm2 FOV with 7.5 μm spatial resolution. We demonstrate real‐time transcranial in vivo tracking of particles and imaging of microcirculation across the entire mouse cortex, thus corroborating the superb spatiotemporal resolution performance of LMI unattainable with other techniques. Potential applications include investigations into cerebrovascular function, cell tracking, as well as large‐scale functional neuroimaging.
Marginal zone lymphoma expression of histidine‐rich glycoprotein correlates with improved survival
Authors: Persson Skare Tor , Sjöberg Elin , Berglund Mattias , Smith Ross O , Roche Francis P , Lindskog Cecilia , Sander Birgitta , Glimelius Ingrid , Gholiha Alex R , Enblad Gunilla , Amini Rose‐Marie , Claesson‐Welsh Lena
Published: August 2020

Purpose

The abundant hepatocyte‐expressed plasma protein histidine‐rich glycoprotein (HRG) enhances antitumor immunity by polarizing inflammatory and immune cells in several mouse models, however, the clinical relevance of HRG in human cancer is poorly explored. The expression and role of HRG in human B‐cell lymphomas was investigated in order to find new tools for prognosis and treatment.

Findings

Immunohistochemical (IHC) analysis and RNA hybridization of tissue microarrays showed that (i) HRG was expressed by tumor cells in marginal zone lymphoma (MZL), in 36% of 59 cases. Expression was also detected in follicular lymphoma (22%), mantle cell lymphoma (19%), and indiffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL;5%) while primary CNS lymphoma (PCNSL) lacked expression of HRG. (ii) MZL patients positive for HRG showed a superior overall survival outcome (HR = 0.086, 95% CI = 0.014‐0.518, P‐value = .007), indicating a protective role for HRG independent of stage, age and sex. (iii) HRG‐expressing MZL displayed significantly increased transcript and protein levels of the host defense peptide alpha defensin 1. In addition, global transcript analyses showed significant changes in gene ontology terms relating to immunity and inflammation, however, infiltration of immune and inflammatory cells detected by IHC was unaffected by HRG expression.

Conclusion

HRG expression by MZL tumor cells correlates with an altered transcription profile and improved overall survival.
Assessment of variation of inline cartridge extraction mass spectra
Authors: Zhvansky Evgeny S. , Eliferov Vasiliy A. , Sorokin Anatoly A. , Shurkhay Vsevolod A. , Pekov Stanislav I. , Bormotov Denis S. , Ivanov Daniil G. , Zavorotnyuk Denis S. , Bocharov Konstantin V. , Khaliullin Iliyas G. , Belenikin Maksim S. , Potapov Aleksandr A. , Nikolaev Evgeny N. , Popov Igor A.
Published: August 2020

Recently, mass‐spectrometry methods show its utility in tumor boundary location. The effect of differences between research and clinical protocols such as low‐ and high‐resolution measurements and sample storage have to be understood and taken into account to transfer methods from bench to bedside. In this study, we demonstrate a simple way to compare mass spectra obtained by different experimental protocols, assess its quality, and check for the presence of outliers and batch effect in the dataset. We compare the mass spectra of both fresh and frozen–thawed astrocytic brain tumor samples obtained with the inline cartridge extraction prior to electrospray ionization. Our results reveal the importance of both positive and negative ion mode mass spectrometry for getting reliable information about sample diversity. We show that positive mode highlights the difference between protocols of mass spectra measurement, such as fresh and frozen–thawed samples, whereas negative mode better characterizes the histological difference between samples. We also show how the use of similarity spectrum matrix helps to identify the proper choice of the measurement parameters, so data collection would be kept reliable, and analysis would be correct and meaningful.
Regeneration of critical‐sized mandibular defect using a 3D‐printed hydroxyapatite‐based scaffold: An exploratory study
Authors: Chang Po‐Chun , Luo Hui‐Ting , Lin Zhi‐Jie , Tai Wei‐Chiu , Chang Ching‐He , Chang Ying‐Chieh , Cochran David L. , Chen Min‐Huey
Published: August 2020

Background

Three‐dimensional (3D) printing has become an available technology to fabricate customized tissue engineering scaffolds with delicate architecture. This exploratory study aimed to evaluate the potential of a 3D‐printed hydroxyapatite‐based scaffold as a biomaterial for obtaining guided bone regeneration (GBR) in vivo.

Methods

Scaffolds composed of 90% hydroxyapatite and 10% poly(lactic‐co‐glycolic acid) were printed using a microextrusion process to fit 4 mm diameter and 0.5 mm thick through‐and‐through osseous defects on the mandibular ramus of rats, with unfilled defects serving as controls. Specimens were analyzed for regeneration‐associated gene expression on day 7, and micro‐computed tomography (micro‐CT) and histology assessments were carried out on day 28.

Results

The scaffolds were 3.56 ± 0.43 mm (x‐axis) and 4.02 ± 0.44 mm (y‐axis) in diameter and 0.542 ± 0.035 mm thick (z‐axis), with a mean pore size of 0.420 ± 0.028 × 0.328 ± 0.005 mm2. Most scaffolds fit the defects well. Type I collagen, VEGF, and Cbfa1 were upregulated in the scaffold‐treated defects by day 7. By day 28, de novo osteogenesis and scaffold–tissue integration were evident in the scaffold‐treated defects, and entire mineralized tissue, as well as newly formed bone, was significantly promoted, as seen in the micro‐CT and histologic analyses.

Conclusion

The 3D‐printed hydroxyapatite‐based scaffold showed acceptable dimensional stability and demonstrated favorable osteoregenerative capability that fulfilled the need for GBR.
Utilization of Vigna mungo flour as fat mimetic in biscuits: Its impact on antioxidant profile, polyphenolic content, storage stability, and quality attributes
Authors: Saeed Syed Muhammad Ghufran , Ali Syed Arsalan , Ali Rashida , Naz Shahina , Sayeed Syed Asad , Mobin Lubna , Ahmed Raheel
Published: August 2020

In the present study, an effort was made to incorporate Vigna mungo flour (VMF) as a fat mimetic for the development of functional biscuits. Rheological properties of dough, pasting profile, total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC), antioxidant activities (1, 1‐diphenyl‐2‐picrylhydrazyl [DPPH] inhibition and ferric reducing antioxidant power [FRAP]), shelf life, and nutritional and sensory properties of the samples were analyzed. An increase in DPPH inhibition, FRAP, TPC, and TFC was observed with increase in the concentration of VMF in wheat flour (WF). The addition of VMF resulted in increased water absorption (58.71–72.40%) and dough stability time (6.30–13.11 min). Set back viscosities (479–81 torque) decreased significantly (P ≤ 0.05), whereas break down viscosities (378–447 torque) increased. The baking process decreased the IC50 values of DPPH inhibition (255.40–169.21 mg/ml) and FRAP (114.45–34.12 mg/ml), although TPC and TFC decreased. The study of shelf life for 2 months revealed no significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) in antioxidant, phenolics, and flavonoids contents of VMF‐WF biscuits. Furthermore, the antioxidants, TFC, and TPC compounds were undetected in control throughout the storage period. The increase in both peroxide value (3.9 mEqO2/kg of fat) and free fatty acid (0.87%) was significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) than that of the control biscuits during storage but were in an acceptable range. It correlates to the enhanced activity of natural antioxidants as TPC and TFC in VMF‐WF biscuits, which are responsible for the decrease in the rate of oxidation. Nutritional data of VMF‐WF biscuits revealed that protein (11.20–15.85%), crude fiber (0.21–2.01%), and ash content (0.53–4.01%) significantly increased (P ≤ 0.05) and calories (497–430 kcal/100 g) reduced because of the addition of fat mimetic. Biscuits prepared with VMF 15% demonstrated superior quality as compared with control. In conclusion, it could be suggested that the addition of VMF as a fat mimetic in biscuits may increase antioxidant and polyphenolic contents with enhanced storage stability. The reduced calories, increased protein, fiber, mineral contents, and enhanced antioxidant activity considerably increase the nutritional status of the biscuits.
Opposite Association of Adropin Concentrations with Obesity in Prepubertal Children Compared with Adolescents
Authors: Herrero Leticia , de Dios Olaya , Gavela‐Pérez Teresa , Riestra Pía , Jois Asha , Soriano‐Guillén Leandro , Garcés Carmen
Published: August 2020

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between obesity and plasma adropin levels in two cohorts of children at two different ages.

Methods

Adropin concentrations were measured in 71 prepubertal and 41 pubertal children with obesity and their age‐ and sex‐matched normal weight counterparts (69 prepubertal and 42 pubertal children). Information was available in these children on insulin levels, lipid profile, and leptin levels. Adropin levels were measured by using a commercial enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay kit.

Results

Plasma adropin levels were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in prepubertal than pubertal children. Adropin concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.001) in prepubertal girls than in prepubertal boys but significantly lower (P < 0.001) in pubertal girls than in pubertal boys. Prepubertal boys and girls with obesity had significantly higher adropin levels (P < 0.001) than their normal weight counterparts. In contrast, no differences in adropin levels were observed in pubertal children when comparing children with obesity and normal weight boys and girls.

Conclusions

An important decrease in adropin levels in pubertal children compared with prepubertal children was shown as well as a differing association of adropin with obesity depending on age. These findings suggest a possible relationship between adropin levels and centrally regulated sex hormones involved in pubertal development.
Bronchial mucoepidermoid carcinoma, recurrent asthmatic symptoms, and pneumonia presenting in pregnancy
Authors: Shiiba Ritsuya , Himeji Daisuke , Beppu Kiichiro , Marutsuka Kousuke , Mitsuoka Masahiro , Nabeshima Kazuki
Published: August 2020

We report the case of a 37‐year‐old pregnant Japanese woman (34th week of gestation) with a left main bronchus mucoepidermoid carcinoma. She had left lower lung pneumonia episodes for eight weeks that had been associated with bronchial asthma. Bronchoscopy revealed a membranous endobronchial tumour obstructing most of the left main bronchus. We delivered the baby without any problems by caesarean section, followed by tumour cauterization using a rigid bronchoscope under general anaesthesia. After that, we performed a sleeve resection of the main left bronchus. At one‐year follow‐up, the patient was disease‐free and her baby was growing well.
Rocky Flats, plutonium, and controversy: Citizen activists provide institutional memory
Authors: Abbotts John
Published: August 2020

The U.S. Atomic Energy Commission (AEC) selected Rocky Flats, east of the Rocky Mountains, as the site to fabricate “plutonium pits,” triggers for H‐bombs, and operations began in 1952. Press reports revealed the plant's connection to atomic weapons in 1956. Denver is downwind and “downslope” by about 16 miles. As western suburbs moved closer to Rocky Flats over time, plant accidents sent plutonium and other contaminants offsite. In 1989, armed agents of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Federal Bureau of Investigation raided the facility, and the plant operator, Rockwell International, subsequently pleaded guilty to criminal environmental violations. By this time, the U.S. Department of Energy had inherited responsibility for Rocky Flats and atomic weapons production. In 1993, the primary mission at Rocky Flats became cleanup of contamination from plutonium and other hazardous substances. Under Energy's “Accelerated Cleanup” plan, remediation was certified complete in 2005 by the Department's cleanup regulators, EPA, and the Colorado Department of Public Health. But planned uses for the “buffer zone” around the facility's central industrial area, and for off‐site areas continued to generate public controversy. This article examines the controversy and reports on general “stewardship” concepts for long‐term waste management.
Actively open‐minded thinking in American adolescents
Authors: Emlen Metz S. , Baelen Rebecca N. , Yu Alisa
Published: August 2020

In a mixed‐methods study following 1551 adolescents from eight diverse schools across the US, a large majority demonstrated (a) strong norms of actively open‐minded thinking (AOT) and (b) a widespread capacity for AOT. Students from two public (government) schools, two private (public) schools, and two charter (academy) schools were followed for 18 months over the transition from middle school to high school, with data collected in each semester of the eighth grade and ninth grade year. The study included an unusually varied set of approaches to assess AOT values and habits, including a rating scale, two new multiple choice measures, teacher reports from three teachers per student, peer nomination, and interviews with subsets of the larger sample. These varied measures converged to reveal widespread openness to disagreement, desire for understanding, and pluralistic norms. In interviews, participants demonstrated AOT in three powerful ways: deep search for ideas, epistemic empathy, and pluralistic thinking. Moreover, repeated administration of measures indicated moderate intertemporal reliability of this trait, with six‐month test‐retest correlations ranging from .27 to .59 depending on the measure. This research suggests that existing capacities for AOT could be more fruitfully leveraged and supported by educators, helping students to capitalise on their own values and intuitions as they develop into mature critical thinkers. [Corrections made on 24 August 2020 after first online publication: ‘web search’ was incorrectly used throughout this article and it has now been corrected to ‘search’ in this version]
Bottom Effect in Atomic Force Microscopy Nanomechanics
Authors: Chiodini Stefano , Ruiz‐Rincón Silvia , Garcia Pablo D. , Martin Santiago , Kettelhoit Katharina , Armenia Ilaria , Werz Daniel B. , Cea Pilar
Published: August 2020

In this work, the influence of the rigid substrate on the determination of the sample Young's modulus, the so‐called bottom‐effect artifact, is demonstrated by an atomic force microscopy force‐spectroscopy experiment. The nanomechanical properties of a one‐component supported lipid membrane (SLM) exhibiting areas of two different thicknesses are studied: While a standard contact mechanics model (Sneddon) provides two different elastic moduli for these two morphologies, it is shown that Garcia's bottom‐effect artifact correction yields a unique value, as expected for an intrinsic material property. Remarkably, it is demonstrated that the ratio between the contact radius (and not only the indentation) and the sample thickness is the key parameter addressing the relevance of the bottom‐effect artifact. The experimental results are validated by finite element method simulations providing a solid support to Garcia's theory. The amphiphilic nature of the investigated material is representative of several kinds of lipids, suggesting that the results have far reaching implications for determining the correct Young's modulus of SLMs. The generality of Garcia's bottom‐effect artifact correction allows its application to every kind of supported soft film.
Four-dimensional gravity on a covariant noncommutative space
Authors: Manolakos G. , Manousselis P. , Zoupanos G.
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We formulate a model of noncommutative four-dimensional gravity on a covariant fuzzy space based on SO(1, 4), that is the fuzzy version of the dS4. The latter requires the employment of a wider symmetry group, the SO(1, 5), for reasons of covariance. Addressing along the lines of formulating four-dimensional gravity as a gauge theory of the Poincaré group, spontaneously broken to the Lorentz, we attempt to construct a four-dimensional gravitational model on the fuzzy de Sitter spacetime. In turn, first we consider the SO(1, 4) subgroup of the SO(1, 5) algebra, in which we were led to, as we want to gauge the isometry part of the full symmetry. Then, the construction of a gauge theory on such a noncommutative space directs us to use an extension of the gauge group, the SO(1, 5)×U(1), and fix its representation. Moreover, a 2-form dynamic gauge field is included in the theory for reasons of covariance of the transformation of the field strength tensor. Finally, the gauge theory is considered to be spontaneously broken to the Lorentz group with an extension of a U(1), i.e. SO(1, 3)×U(1). The latter defines the four-dimensional noncommutative gravity action which can lead to equations of motion, whereas the breaking induces the imposition of constraints that will lead to expressions relating the gauge fields. It should be noted that we use the Euclidean signature for the formulation of the above programme.
Lattice ℂPN−1 model with ℤN twisted boundary condition: bions, adiabatic continuity and pseudo-entropy
Authors: Fujimori Toshiaki , Itou Etsuko , Misumi Tatsuhiro , Nitta Muneto , Sakai Norisuke
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We investigate the lattice ℂP

N−1 sigma model on

$$ {S}_s^1 $$

S
s
1

(large) ×

$$ {S}_{\tau}^1 $$

S
τ
1

(small) with the ℤ
N
symmetric twisted boundary condition, where a sufficiently large ratio of the circumferences (L

s
≫ L

τ
) is taken to approximate ℝ × S
1. We find that the expectation value of the Polyakov loop, which is an order parameter of the ℤ
N
symmetry, remains consistent with zero (|〈P〉| ∼ 0) from small to relatively large inverse coupling β (from large to small L

τ
). As β increases, the distribution of the Polyakov loop on the complex plane, which concentrates around the origin for small β, isotropically spreads and forms a regular N-sided-polygon shape (e.g. pentagon for N = 5), leading to |〈P〉| ∼ 0. By investigating the dependence of the Polyakov loop on

$$ {S}_s^1 $$

S
s
1

direction, we also verify the existence of fractional instantons and bions, which cause tunneling transition between the classical N vacua and stabilize the ℤ
N
symmetry. Even for quite high β, we find that a regular-polygon shape of the Polyakov-loop distribution, even if it is broken, tends to be restored and |〈P〉| gets smaller as the number of samples increases. To discuss the adiabatic continuity of the vacuum structure from another viewpoint, we calculate the β dependence of “pseudo-entropy” density ∝ 〈T

xx
 − T

ττ
〉. The result is consistent with the absence of a phase transition between large and small β regions.
Dimensional regularization and Breitenlohner-Maison/’t Hooft-Veltman scheme for γ5 applied to chiral YM theories: full one-loop counterterm and RGE structure
Authors: Bélusca-Maïto Hermès , Ilakovac Amon , Madjor-Božinović Marija , Stöckinger Dominik
Published: August 2020

Abstract

We study the application of the Breitenlohner-Maison-’t Hooft-Veltman (BMHV) scheme of Dimensional Regularization to the renormalization of chiral gauge theories, focusing on the specific counterterm structure required by the non-anticommuting Dirac γ
5 matrix and the breaking of the BRST invariance. Calculations are performed at the one-loop level in a massless chiral Yang-Mills theory with chiral fermions and real scalar fields. We discuss the setup and properties of the regularized theory in detail. Our central results are the full counterterm structures needed for the correct renormalization: the singular UV-divergent counterterms, including evanescent counterterms that have to be kept for consistency of higher-loop calculations.

We find that the required singular, evanescent counterterms associated with vector and scalar fields are uniquely determined but are not gauge invariant. Furthermore, using the framework of algebraic renormalization, we determine the symmetry-restoring finite counterterms, that are required to restore the BRST invariance, central to the consistency of the theory. These are the necessary building blocks in one-loop and higher-order calculations.

Finally, renormalization group equations are derived within this framework, and the derivation is compared with the more customary calculation in the context of symmetry-invariant regularizations. We explain why, at one-loop level, the extra BMHV-specific counterterms do not change the results for the RGE. The results we find complete those that have been obtained previously in the literature in the absence of scalar fields.
High incidence of (osteo)chondral lesions in ankle fractures
Authors: Martijn Hugo A. , Lambers Kaj T. A. , Dahmen Jari , Stufkens Sjoerd. A. S. , Kerkhoffs Gino M. M. J.
Published: August 2020

Purpose

To determine the incidence and location of osteochondral lesions (OCLs) following ankle fractures as well as to determine the association between fracture type and the presence of OCLs. Up to 50% of patients with ankle fractures that receive surgical treatment show suboptimal functional results with residual complaints at a long-term follow-up. This might be due to the presence of intra-articular osteochondral lesions (OCL).

Methods

A literature search was carried out in PubMed (MEDLINE), EMBASE, CDSR, DARE and CENTRAL to identify relevant studies. Two authors separately and independently screened the search results and conducted the quality assessment using the MINORS criteria. Available full-text clinical articles on ankle fractures published in English, Dutch and German were eligible for inclusion. Per fracture classification, the OCL incidence and location were extracted from the included articles. Where possible, OCL incidence per fracture classification (Danis–Weber and/or Lauge–Hansen classification) was calculated and pooled. Two-sided p values of less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant.

Results

Twenty articles were included with a total of 1707 ankle fractures in 1707 patients. When focusing on ankle fractures that were assessed directly after the trauma, the OCL incidence was 45% (n = 1404). Furthermore, the most common location of an OCL following an ankle fractures was the talus (43% of all OCLs). A significant difference in OCL incidence was observed among Lauge–Hansen categories (p = 0.049). Post hoc pairwise comparisons between Lauge–Hansen categories (with adjusted significance level of 0.01) revealed no significant difference (n.s.).

Conclusion

OCLs are frequently seen in patients with ankle fractures when assessed both directly after and at least 12 months after initial trauma (45–47%, respectively). Moreover, the vast majority of post-traumatic OCLs were located in the talus (42.7% of all OCLs). A higher incidence of OCLs was observed with rotational type fractures. The clinical relevance of the present systematic review is that it provides an overview of the incidence and location of OCLs in ankle fractures, hereby raising awareness to surgeons of these treatable concomitant injuries. As a result, this may improve the clinical outcomes when directly addressed during index surgery.

Level of evidence

IV.
On post-processing in the quantum algorithm for computing short discrete logarithms
Authors: Ekerå Martin
Published: August 2020

We revisit the quantum algorithm for computing short discrete logarithms that was recently introduced by Ekerå and Håstad. By carefully analyzing the probability distribution induced by the algorithm, we show its success probability to be higher than previously reported. Inspired by our improved understanding of the distribution, we propose an improved post-processing algorithm that is considerably more efficient, enables better tradeoffs to be achieved, and requires fewer runs, than the original post-processing algorithm. To prove these claims, we construct a classical simulator for the quantum algorithm by sampling the probability distribution it induces for given logarithms. This simulator is in itself a key contribution. We use it to demonstrate that Ekerå–Håstad achieves an advantage over Shor, not only in each individual run, but also overall, when targeting cryptographically relevant instances of RSA and Diffie–Hellman with short exponents.
Real options in franchise contracting: an application of transaction cost and real options theory
Authors: Hajdini Ilir , Windsperger Josef
Published: August 2020

Previous research has not explained the use of real option clause in franchise contracting. The real option clause has two economic functions: To reduce transaction costs by mitigating opportunism risk and to increase strategic rents by exploiting the profit potential from future upside opportunities under uncertainty. We argue that franchisors will more likely use a real option clause (ROC) in franchise contracts under high behavioral uncertainty, high franchisors’ transaction-specific investments relative to franchisees’ and long contract duration. In addition, by combining transaction cost theory and real option theory, our study provides a new explanation for the impact of environmental uncertainty on the use of ROC in franchise networks by showing that there exists a U-shaped relationship between environmental uncertainty and the franchisor’s use of ROC. Overall, the data from German and Swiss franchise systems provide support of the research model.
Prominent coagulation disorder is closely related to inflammatory response and could be as a prognostic indicator for ICU patients with COVID-19
Authors: Liu Yang , Gao Weibo , Guo Wei , Guo Yang , Shi Maojing , Dong Guiying , Ge Qinggang , Zhu Jihong , Lu Jin
Published: August 2020

The new outbreak of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has emerged as a serious global public health concern. A more in-depth study of blood coagulation abnormality is needed. We retrospectively analyzed 147 consecutive patients with COVID-19 who were admitted to three ICUs in Wuhan from February 9th, 2020 to March 20th, 2020. The baseline coagulation and other characteristics were studied. Our results showed that the prolonged PT, FDP, DD were positively correlated with the levels of neutrophils, ferritin, LDH, total bilirubin, multi-inflammation cytokines, and negatively correlated with the lymphocytes level (p < 0.01). The level of ATIII was significantly negatively correlated with the levels of neutrophils, ferritin, LDH, total bilirubin, IL2R, IL6 and IL8 (p < 0.05). The patients in the ARDS group had a more prominent abnormality in PT, FDP, DD and ATIII, while the patients in the AKI group had more prolonged PT, more severe FDP and DD level, more inferior ATIII and Fib level than those in the non-AKI group (p < 0.01). The value of PT, DD and FDP were positively correlated with the classical APACHE II, SOFA and qSOFA scores, while the ATIII was negatively correlated with them (p < 0.001). The high levels of PT, FDP and DD were correlated with in-hospital mortality (p < 0.001). In conclusion, blood coagulation disorder was prominent in ICU patients with COVID-19 and was correlated with multi-inflammation factors. The abnormality of blood coagulation parameters could be an adverse prognostic indicator for ICU patients with COVID-19.
Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer Model for Film Boiling in Porous Media
Authors: Avramenko A. A. , Shevchuk Igor V. , Kovetskaya M. M. , Kovetska Y. Y.
Published: August 2020

The paper presents results of the modelling of heat transfer at film boiling of a liquid in a porous medium on a vertical heated wall bordering with the porous medium. Such processes are observed at cooling of high-temperature surfaces of heat pipes, microstructural radiators etc. Heating conditions at the wall were the constant wall temperature or heat flux. The outer boundary of the vapor film was in contact with moving or stationary liquid inside the porous medium. An analytical solution was obtained for the problem of fluid flow and heat transfer using the porous medium model in the Darcy–Brinkman and Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer approximation. It was shown that heat transfer at film boiling in a porous medium was less intensive than in the absence of a porous medium (free fluid flow) and further decreased with the decreasing permeability of the porous medium. Significant differences were observed in frames of both models: 20% for small Darcy numbers at Da < 2 for the Darcy–Brinkman model, and 80% for the Darcy–Brinkman–Forchheimer model. In the Darcy–Brinkman model, depending on the interaction conditions at the vapor–liquid interface (no mechanical interaction or stationary fluid), a sharp decrease in heat transfer was observed for the Darcy numbers lower than five. The analytical predictions of heat transfer coefficients qualitatively agreed with the data of Cheng and Verma (Int J Heat Mass Transf 24:1151–1160, 1981) though demonstrated lower values of heat transfer coefficients for the conditions of the constant wall temperature and constant wall heat flux.
Insights into Ethiopian honey bee diversity based on wing geomorphometric and mitochondrial DNA analyses
Authors: Hailu Teweldemedhn Gebretinsae , D’Alvise Paul , Tofilski Adam , Fuchs Stefan , Greiling Juergen , Rosenkranz Peter , Hasselmann Martin
Published: August 2020

Traditional beekeeping has been playing important socio-economic roles in Ethiopia for millennia. The country is situated in northeast Africa, where ranges of major evolutionary lineages ofApis melliferaadjoin. However, studies on the classification and distribution of subspecies and lineages of honey bees in the country are partly inconsistent, either proposing multiple subspecies and lineages or a uniqueA.m.simensis. This study was conducted with the aim of elucidating Ethiopian honey bees in reference to African subspecies and major global lineages using wing geometric morphometrics and COI-COII mitochondrial DNA analyses. For this purpose, 660 worker bees were collected from 66 colonies representing highland, midland, and lowland zones in different locations. Both methods indicated that the samples from this study form a distinct cluster together withA.m.simensisreference. In addition, forewing venation patterns showed that most of the Ethiopian samples are separate from all reference subspecies, exceptA.m.simensis. Analysis of COI-COII sequences revealed fiveDraIhaplotypes (Y2, Y1, A1, and O5’), of which one was new denoted as Y3. Moreover, centroid size strongly associated with elevation. In conclusion, the results supported that Ethiopian honey bees are distinct both at lineage and subspecies levels; however, there is an indication of lineage O in the north.
Patient Perspectives on Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Surgery: A Focus on Sexual Health
Authors: Bouhadana David , Nguyen David-Dan , Zorn Kevin C. , Elterman Dean S. , Bhojani Naeem
Published: August 2020

Background

In the last decade, many novel minimally invasive surgical techniques within benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) surgery were developed to reduce postoperative complications that often discourage patients from pursuing BPH surgery.

Aim

To assess perspective of future and past international BPH surgery patients regarding their postoperative complications, namely erectile and ejaculatory function.

Methods

A survey was distributed randomly to 2 groups of BPH patients: one with 149 patients having undergone surgery in the last 2 years (group A), and the other cohort of 151 men seriously considering BPH surgery in the next year (group B). This survey consisted of 20 questions that assessed patients' motivating factors for undergoing elective BPH surgery and their perspectives regarding the potential postoperative complications attributed to BPH surgery.

Outcomes

The perspective of future and past international BPH surgical patients towards the preservation of their erectile and ejaculatory functions was assessed with the help of a survey.

Results

Results indicated that in general BPH surgery patients considered the maintenance of erectile (95%, n = 284) and ejaculatory function (92%, n = 276) to be important preoperative considerations, regardless of their age. Patients aged 50–59 years were most concerned with the permanent impact on sexual function and patients aged >60 years were most concerned with urinary incontinence. In patients aged >70 years, 66% (n = 43) and 62% (n = 40) of the respondents indicated that maintaining erectile and ejaculatory function was important, respectively.

Clinical Implications

Patient-centered care needs to be implemented in order to address the importance that past and future BPH surgery patients hold toward the maintenance of their postoperative sexual function.

Strengths & Limitations

In the group of patients having previously undergone BPH surgery, the possibility of recall bias should be taken into account when interpreting the study's findings. However, maintaining sexual function was also important for the group of patients seriously considering surgery in the next year suggesting that these considerations are not solely due to recall bias. Additionally, the results were limited by the small sample size of participants in groups A (n = 149) and B (n = 151).

Conclusion

It was found that past and future BPH surgery patients attribute a significant importance toward the maintenance of their sexual function. Although novel approaches with better sexual outcomes such as Rezum and UroLift for prostates <80 mL, and Aquablation for any size prostate are available, more research is needed to investigate their long-term effects on sexual function before they can be recommended to patients.
Variable motion event encoding within languages and language types: a usage-based perspective
Authors: LEWANDOWSKI WOJCIECH
Published: August 2020

Speakers of the world’s languages differ in the ways they talk about directed motion. Speakers of satellite-framed languages (S-languages; e.g., English) typically conflate Path and Manner in a single clause (e.g., run out), whereas speakers of verb-framed languages (V-languages; e.g., Spanish) tend to convey Path and Manner in two different clauses (e.g., salir corriendo ‘exit running’). Herein, we ask whether speakers also show systematic variability within particular languages and language types in their directed motion descriptions. We examine this question by comparing oral narratives of adult native speakers of one V-language (Spanish) and two S-languages (German, Polish) (N = 15), where each subject provided a simultaneous description of an ongoing animated video depicting self- (e.g., jump into the river) and caused-motion (e.g., throw a stone into the river) events. Our results showed strong evidence for both intra-typological and language-internal variability, especially in the extent to which the Manner component is encoded. Overall, the locus of Path encoding (e.g., verb, prefix, particle) and the conceptual structure of motion events (i.e., self-motion, caused-motion) were two key factors that influenced the speakers’ choice of lexicalization pattern. We discuss the implications of our findings, which (i) suggest a more nuanced typology of motion events that expands the binary distinction between V- vs. S-languages – in line with earlier work on intra-typological variability, and (ii) highlight the relevance of such a nuanced typology for motion cognition.
Tracheostomy in the coronavirus disease 2019 patient: evaluating feasibility, challenges and early outcomes of the 14-day guidance
Authors: Glibbery N , Karamali K , Walker C , Fitzgerald O'Connor I , Fish B , Irune E
Published: August 2020

Objectives

To report feasibility, early outcomes and challenges of implementing a 14-day threshold for undertaking surgical tracheostomy in the critically ill coronavirus disease 2019 patient.

Methods

Twenty-eight coronavirus disease 2019 patients underwent tracheostomy. Demographics, risk factors, ventilatory assistance, organ support and logistics were assessed.

Results

The mean time from intubation to tracheostomy formation was 17.0 days (standard deviation = 4.4, range 8–26 days). Mean time to decannulation was 15.8 days (standard deviation = 9.4) and mean time to intensive care unit stepdown to a ward was 19.2 days (standard deviation = 6.8). The time from intubation to tracheostomy was strongly positively correlated with: duration of mechanical ventilation (r(23) = 0.66; p < 0.001), time from intubation to decannulation (r(23) = 0.66; p < 0.001) and time from intubation to intensive care unit discharge (r(23) = 0.71; p < 0.001).

Conclusion

Performing a tracheostomy in coronavirus disease 2019 positive patients at 8–14 days following intubation is compatible with favourable outcomes. Multidisciplinary team input is crucial to patient selection.
Doi Moi and Vietnamese threat perception of Chinese economic growth
Authors: Son Byunghwan
Published: August 2020

A growing body of literature has recently emerged establishing that political socialization influences foreign policy preferences of the public. But the empirical domain of this literature has been confined largely to American foreign policy and whether and how this empirical regularity holds in a non-democratic, non-western setting is unknown. Filling this lacuna, this research note studies the Vietnamese public attitudes toward Chinese economic expansion. I argue that Vietnamese citizens who grew up amid Doi Moi (renovation) had a political socialization experience very different from that of the birth cohorts who immediately preceded them. I demonstrate that the traditional ‘socialist brotherhood’ rhetoric that used to moderate otherwise hostile public opinions about China became insignificant through the course of the reform. This abrupt change led to markedly divergent views between the pre- and post-Doi Moi birth groups on China. Using the data from the latest Pew Global Attitude Survey, I demonstrate that Doi Moi increased the Vietnamese public's negative perception of Chinese economic expansion.
Spontaneous solar water splitting with decoupling of light absorption and electrocatalysis using silicon back-buried junction
Authors: Fu Hui-Chun , Varadhan Purushothaman , Lin Chun-Ho , He Jr-Hau
Published: August 2020

Converting sunlight into a storable form of energy by spontaneous water splitting is of great interest but the difficulty in simultaneous management of optical, electrical, and catalytic properties has limited the efficiency of photoelectrochemical (PEC) devices. Herein, we implemented a decoupling scheme of light harvesting and electrocatalysis by employing a back-buried junction (BBJ) PEC cell design, which enables >95% front side light-harvesting, whereas the electrochemical reaction in conjunction with carrier separation/transport/collection occurs on the back side of the PEC cell. The resultant silicon BBJ-PEC half-cell produces a current density of 40.51 mA cm−2 for hydrogen evolution by minimizing optical, electrical, and catalytic losses (as low as 6.11, 1.76, and 1.67 mA cm−2, respectively). Monolithic fabrication also enables three BBJ-PEC cells to be connected in series as a single module, enabling unassisted solar water-splitting with a solar-to-hydrogen conversion efficiency of 15.62% and a hydrogen generation rate of 240 μg cm−2 h−1.
Author Correction: A male-biased sex-distorter gene drive for the human malaria vector Anopheles gambiae
Authors: Simoni Alekos , Hammond Andrew M. , Beaghton Andrea K. , Galizi Roberto , Taxiarchi Chrysanthi , Kyrou Kyros , Meacci Dario , Gribble Matthew , Morselli Giulia , Burt Austin , Nolan Tony , Crisanti Andrea
Published: August 2020

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via a link at the top of the paper.