bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Software‐assisted decision support in digital histopathology
Authors: Huss Ralf , Coupland Sarah E
Published: January 2020

Tissue diagnostics is the world of pathologists, and it is increasingly becoming digitalised to leverage the enormous potential of personalised medicine and of stratifying patients, enabling the administration of modern therapies. Therefore, the daily task for pathologists is changing drastically and will become increasingly demanding in order to take advantage of the development of modern computer technologies. The role of pathologist has rapidly evolved from exclusively describing the morphology and phenomenology of a disease, to becoming a gatekeeper for novel and most effective treatment options. This is possible based on the retrieval and management of a wide range of complex information from tissue or a group of cells and associated meta‐data. Intelligent and self‐learning software solutions can support and guide pathologists to score clinically relevant decisions based on the accurate and robust quantification of multiple target molecules or surrogate biomarker as companion or complimentary diagnostics along with relevant spatial relationships and contextual information from digital H&E and multiplexed images. With the availability of multiplex staining techniques on a single slide, high‐resolution image analysis tools, and high‐end computer hardware, machine and deep learning solutions now offer diagnostic rulesets and algorithms that still require clinical validation in well‐designed studies. Before entering the clinical practice, the ‘human factor’ pathologist needs to develop trust in the output coming from the ‘digital black box of computational pathology’, including image analysis solutions and artificial intelligence algorithms to support critical clinical decisions which otherwise would not be available. © 2020 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The utility of exome sequencing for fetal pleural effusions
Authors: Jelin Angie C. , Sobreira Nara , Wohler Elizabeth , Solomon Benjamin , Sparks Teresa , Sagaser Katelynn G , Forster Katherine R. , Miller Jena , Witmer P. Dane , Hamosh Ada , Valle David , Blakemore Karin
Published: January 2020

Objective

We sought to evaluate the performance of exome sequencing (ES) in determining an underlying genetic etiology for cases of fetal pleural effusions.

Study design

We examined a prospective cohort series of fetal pleural effusions visualized sonographically between 1 April 2016 and 31 August 2017. Fetal pleural effusions attributed to twin sharing, anemia, or structural anomalies were excluded, as were all cases with a genetic diagnosis established by karyotype or chromosomal microarray analysis. The remaining cases with pleural effusions of unclear etiology were offered ES. ES was performed by clinical sequencing and/or sequencing under the Baylor‐Hopkins Center for Mendelian Genomics' (BHCMG) research platform. All cases were evaluated for novel genes or phenotypic expansion of disease‐causing genes.

Results

ES was performed on six probands affected by pleural effusions. A pathogenic variant was identified in one case (16.7%). Four additional cases had variants of uncertain significance (VUS) in candidate genes of pathological interest. Neither clinical nor candidate genes were evident in the final case.

Conclusion

ES should be considered in the evaluation of prenatally detected idiopathic pleural effusions when other diagnostic workup for a genetic etiology has failed.
Do you know what I'm thinking? A comparison of teacher and parent perspectives of underachieving gifted students' attitudes
Authors: Siegle Del , DaVia Rubenstein Lisa , McCoach D. Betsy
Published: January 2020

The Achievement Orientation Model posits students are motivated to do well in school when they believe they have the necessary skills to perform a task (self‐efficacy), find the task meaningful (goal valuation), and see their environment as supportive. When these factors are present, students self‐regulate and achieve. We examined these factors from underachieving gifted students', their parents', and teachers' perspectives. Results indicated teachers recognize students who are confident and not confident about their abilities to be academically successful; however, they are less able to recognize when students value the work they are encountering in school. Parents' perceptions of students' attitudes more closely correlated with students' perceptions than teachers' perceptions correlated with students' perceptions. Teachers and parents appeared to base their perception of the importance students hold for school on their perception of students' self‐regulation. Furthermore, gender differences existed in students' perceptions. Females' self‐efficacy scores were statistically lower than males' self‐efficacy scores, and males' self‐regulation scores were lower than females' self‐regulation scores. We provide suggestions for how school psychologists may use these findings to (a) collect important information from students, teachers, and parents, (b) interpret these data to identify underlying influential factors, and (c) guide the development of appropriate interventions to address student underachievement.
Microbial Metabolites and Intestinal Stem Cells Tune Intestinal Homeostasis
Authors: Xing Peter Yuli , Pettersson Sven , Kundu Parag
Published: January 2020

Microorganisms that colonize the gastrointestinal tract, collectively known as the gut microbiota, are known to produce small molecules and metabolites that significantly contribute to host intestinal development, functions, and homeostasis. Emerging insights from microbiome research reveal that gut microbiota‐derived signals and molecules influence another key player maintaining intestinal homeostasis—the intestinal stem cell niche, which regulates epithelial self‐renewal. In this review, the literature on gut microbiota‐host crosstalk is surveyed, highlighting the effects of gut microbial metabolites on intestinal stem cells. The production of various classes of metabolites, their actions on intestinal stem cells are discussed and, finally, how the production and function of metabolites are modulated by aging and dietary intake is commented upon.
Shearwave Elastography in the Differentiation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Severity
Authors: Wee Tze Chao , Simon Neil G.
Published: January 2020

Background

There is emerging evidence that ultrasound elastography may provide additional diagnostic information in peripheral neuropathies.

Objective

To investigate the use of ultrasound elastography to evaluate median nerve stiffness in patients with carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), as well as the relationship between the elastographic stiffness and electrophysiological severity.

Design

Case control study.

Setting

Tertiary hospital outpatient neurophysiology clinic.

Participants

Twenty eight patients (47 wrists) with CTS and 25 control patients (25 wrists).

Interventions

None.

Main Outcome Meaures

Ultrasound parameters (median nerve cross‐sectional area [CSA] at carpal tunnel, ratio of median nerve CSA at carpal tunnel and forearm), shearwave elastography parameter (median nerve stiffness), and electrophysiological severity of carpal tunnel syndrome.

Results

In patients with CTS, median nerve stiffness by ultrasound elastography was increased between the different severity groups (control 83.5 ± 24.8, EDx negative CTS 84.2 ± 46.4, mild 117.7 ± 79.3, moderate 144.0 ± 71.1, severe 196.6 ± 48.4). The control versus moderate and severe subgroup was statistically significant.

Conclusions

In total, this study has demonstrated that ultrasound elastography was able to discriminate the severity of CTS whereas conventional ultrasound parameters did not.
Impact of Body Mass Index on Biomechanics of Recreational Runners
Authors: Vincent Heather K. , Kilgore Jack E. , Chen Cong , Bruner Michelle , Horodyski MaryBeth , Vincent Kevin R.
Published: January 2020

Background

Some recreational runners with obesity successfully train or compete without musculoskeletal injury. Insight into the key kinetic strategies of injury‐free heavier runners is necessary to appropriately guide development of safe training programs for this population.

Objective

To determine key biomechanical strategies of running in individuals with body mass index (BMI) values above and equal to and higher than 30 kg/m2.

Design

This was a case‐control study.

Participants

Runners with obesity (n =18; 42.7 years, 38.9% women) who were matched by sex, age, footstrike type, footwear characteristics, and running speed with healthy runners (n = 36; 41.7 years, 32.5% women).

Setting

Research laboratory affiliated with an academic medical center.

Methods

A seven‐camera optical motion analysis system was used to capture running kinematics and an instrumented treadmill captured kinetic data.

Main Outcomes

Main outcomes were temporal spatial parameters, joint excursions, peak ground reaction forces (GRFs), joint moments, vertical average loading rate (VALR), impulses, and vertical stiffness (Kvert).

Results

Runners with obesity demonstrated 15% less vertical excursion of the center of mass, 18% wider strides, and 3% longer stance times than nonobese runners (P < .05). Normalized peak GRFs and VALRs were higher in the nonobese group. GRF impulse was higher in the group with obesity compared to the nonobese group (means ± SD; 339.6 ± 55.2 Ns vs. 255.0 ± 45.8 Ns; P = .0001). Kvert was higher in the obese group compared to the nonobese group (238.6 ± 50.3 N/cm vs. 183.1 ± 29.4 N/cm; P = .0001). Peak hip moments were higher in runners with obesity in the sagittal and frontal planes (P < .05).

Conclusion

Runners with obesity dampened impact forces and controlled loading rate more than nonobese runners by increasing lower body stiffness and constraining vertical displacement.
The Association of Pain Phenotype with Neuromuscular Impairments and Mobility Limitations Among Older Primary Care Patients: A Secondary Analysis of the Boston Rehabilitative Impairment Study of the Elderly
Authors: Roseen Eric J. , Ward Rachel E. , Keysor Julie J. , Atlas Steven J. , Leveille Suzanne G. , Bean Jonathan F.
Published: January 2020

Background

Clarifying the relationship between pain phenotypes and physical function in older adults may enhance screening and treatment for functional decline in primary care settings.

Objective

To investigate the association of more severe pain phenotypes with neuromuscular impairments or mobility limitations among older community‐dwelling primary care patients.

Design

Cross‐sectional analysis.

Setting

The Boston Rehabilitative Impairment Study of the Elderly.

Participants

Adults aged 65 years or older.

Methods

We counted the number of musculoskeletal pain locations (none, single site, multisite, or widespread) using the McGill Pain Questionnaire and identified pain intensity tertiles using the Brief Pain Inventory. Neuromuscular attributes (trunk extensor muscle endurance, and leg speed, strength, strength asymmetry, and range of motion) and mobility (Short Physical Performance Battery [SPPB]) were assessed with performance‐based measures. Additionally, self‐reported mobility was measured on the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). For neuromuscular attributes and LLFDI, scores in the lowest tertile indicated neuromuscular impairment or mobility limitations, respectively. For SPPB, a score <7 (of 12) indicated severe mobility limitations.

Results

Among 430 participants (mean age = 77) most were female (68%), white (83%), and had either multisite (50%) or widespread (14%) pain. After adjusting for baseline characteristics, widespread pain (compared to none) was associated with slow leg speed (adjusted odds ratio, 95% confidence interval: aOR = 2.33, 1.03‐5.27), limited ankle range of motion (aOR = 2.15, 1.03‐4.47) and mobility limitations on LLFDI (aOR = 3.85, 1.81‐8.19). Being in the highest pain intensity tertile, versus lowest tertile, was associated with poor trunk extensor muscle endurance (aOR = 2.49, 1.41‐4.39), limited ankle range of motion (aOR = 2.15, 1.25‐3.71), and mobility limitations on SPPB (aOR = 2.56, 1.45‐4.52), and LLFDI (aOR = 4.70, 2.63‐8.40).

Conclusions

Among ambulatory, older primary care patients, more severe pain phenotypes are associated with neuromuscular impairments identified on physical testing and mobility limitations on validated measures.
An in vitro mimic of in‐cell solvation for protein folding studies
Authors: Davis Caitlin M. , Deutsch Jonathan , Gruebele Martin
Published: January 2020

Ficoll, an inert macromolecule, is a common in vitro crowder, but by itself it does not reproduce in‐cell stability or kinetic trends for protein folding. Lysis buffer, which contains ions, glycerol as a simple kosmotrope, and mimics small crowders with hydrophilic/hydrophobic patches, can reproduce sticking trends observed in cells but not the crowding. We previously suggested that the proper combination of Ficoll and lysis buffer could reproduce the opposite in‐cell folding stability trend of two proteins: variable major protein‐like sequence expressed (VlsE) is destabilized in eukaryotic cells and phosphoglycerate kinase (PGK) is stabilized. Here, to discover a well‐characterized solvation environment that mimics in‐cell stabilities for these two very differently behaved proteins, we conduct a two‐dimensional scan of Ficoll (0–250 mg/ml) and lysis buffer (0–75%) mixtures. Contrary to our previous expectation, we show that mixtures of Ficoll and lysis buffer have a significant nonadditive effect on the folding stability. Lysis buffer enhances the stabilizing effect of Ficoll on PGK and inhibits the stabilizing effect of Ficoll on VlsE. We demonstrate that a combination of 150 mg/ml Ficoll and 60% lysis buffer can be used as an in vitro mimic to account for both crowding and non‐steric effects on PGK and VlsE stability and folding kinetics in the cell. Our results also suggest that this mixture is close to the point where phase separation will occur. The simple mixture proposed here, based on commercially available reagents, could be a useful tool to study a variety of cytoplasmic protein interactions, such as folding, binding and assembly, and enzymatic reactions.

Significance Statement

The complexity of the in‐cell environment is difficult to reproduce in the test tube. Here we validate a mimic of cellular crowding and sticking interactions in a test tube using two proteins that are differently impacted by the cell: one is stabilized and the other is destabilized. This mimic is a starting point to reproduce cellular effects on a variety of protein and biomolecular interactions, such as folding and binding.
Challenges and opportunities of automated protein‐protein docking: HDOCK server vs human predictions in CAPRI Rounds 38‐46
Authors: Yan Yumeng , He Jiahua , Feng Yuyu , Lin Peicong , Tao Huanyu , Huang Sheng‐You
Published: January 2020

Protein‐protein docking plays an important role in the computational prediction of the complex structure between two proteins. For years, a variety of docking algorithms have been developed, as witnessed by the critical assessment of prediction interactions (CAPRI) experiments. However, despite their successes, many docking algorithms often require a series of manual operations like modeling structures from sequences, incorporating biological information, and selecting final models. The difficulties in these manual steps have significantly limited the applications of protein‐protein docking, as most of the users in the community are nonexperts in docking. Therefore, automated docking like a web server, which can give a comparable performance to human docking protocol, is pressingly needed. As such, we have participated in the blind CAPRI experiments for Rounds 38‐45 and CASP13‐CAPRI challenge for Round 46 with both our HDOCK automated docking web server and human docking protocol. It was shown that our HDOCK server achieved an “acceptable” or higher CAPRI‐rated model in the top 10 submitted predictions for 65.5% and 59.1% of the targets in the docking experiments of CAPRI and CASP13‐CAPRI, respectively, which are comparable to 66.7% and 54.5% for human docking protocol. Similar trends can also be observed in the scoring experiments. These results validated our HDOCK server as an efficient automated docking protocol for nonexpert users. Challenges and opportunities of automated docking are also discussed.
Inhibition of the type III secretion system of Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000 by resveratrol oligomers identified in Vitis vinifera L
Authors: Kang Ji Eun , Jeon Byeong Jun , Park Min Young , Yang Hye Ji , Kwon Jaeyoung , Lee Dong Ho , Kim Beom Seok
Published: January 2020

BACKGROUND

The bacterial type III secretion system (T3SS) is one of the virulence determinants of Gram‐negative bacteria through which various effector and virulence proteins are translocated into host cells.

RESULTS

We constructed an assay system to screen inhibitors of hrpA gene expression (a structural gene of Hrp pili) in Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato DC3000. In a plant extract library screening, the root extract of Vitis vinifera L. displayed the most prominent activity. Three resveratrol oligomers, hopeaphenol, isohopeaphenol and ampelopsin A, were identified in grapevine root extract, which significantly reduced the transcription levels of the hrpA, hrpL and hopP1 genes without growth retardation. Additional resveratrol derivatives identified in other plant extracts were also examined for their inhibitory effect on hrpA expression. Another resveratrol oligomer, kobophenol A, also inhibited the transcription of the hrpA gene and other T3SS‐related genes, while resveratrol monomers (resveratrol and piceatannol) were not effective. The severity of bacterial specks was reduced by each hopeaphenol, isohopeaphenol and ampelopsin A treatment.

CONCLUSION

These results show the potential of resveratrol derivatives as anti‐virulence agents for the control of plant diseases.
Associations between riparian plant morphological guilds and fluvial sediment dynamics along the regulated Colorado River in Grand Canyon
Authors: Butterfield Bradley J. , Grams Paul E. , Durning Laura E. , Hazel Joseph , Palmquist Emily C. , Ralston Barbara E. , Sankey Joel B.
Published: January 2020

Effects of riparian vegetation on fluvial sediment dynamics depend on morphological traits of the constituent species. Determining the effects of different morphological guilds on sedimentation rates, as influenced by multiple aspects of dam operations, can help identify viable strategies for streamflow and vegetation management to achieve riparian resource goals. Plants of increasing size and branching density or complexity have been found to have greater effects on sedimentation in free‐flowing systems; however, this relationship could differ in regulated rivers. We tested the hypothesis that plant guilds of increasing height and branching complexity would be positively associated with sedimentation rates on 23 sandbars deposited in zones of recirculating flow (eddies) along the Colorado River in Grand Canyon. We used an image‐based vegetation classification and digital elevation models from annual topographic surveys to track associations between six plant morphological guilds and topographic change over 5 years. Vegetation had significant associations with deposition after accounting for geomorphic setting, but the ordinal guild scale was not positively correlated with deposition magnitude. Instead, low‐statured rhizomatous and herbaceous guilds were particularly effective at capturing sediment in the separation zone of sandbars, whereas tall herbs and large shrubs were most effective at capturing sediment in reattachment zones. These nuanced interactions between geomorphic position and morphological guild may be a direct consequence of flow regulation through modifications to physical deposition and erosion processes. Flow regulation may also select for a narrow subset of morphological guilds, reducing the diversity of vegetation feedbacks on sedimentation and emphasizing geomorphic drivers.
Identifying the Activation Mechanism and Boosting Electrocatalytic Activity of Layered Perovskite Ruthenate
Authors: Li Qun , Wang Dewen , Lu Qingqing , Meng Tian , Yan Mengxia , Fan Libing , Xing Zhicai , Yang Xiurong
Published: January 2020

SrRuO3 as a rare conductive perovskite ruthenate has attracted increasing attention for application in energy conversion. Here, the electrocatalytic activity for the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) of thermally synthesized layered SrRuO3 is investigated and shows a considerable activation during cathodic polarization in alkaline solution. The analysis demonstrates the electrode activation is caused by the increased hydrophilicity of SrRuO3 surface, revealing the influence of the surface properties on HER performance. For further improving the catalytic activity of perovskite ruthenate, the RuO2/SrRuO3 (RSRO) heterostructure is fabricated in situ by reducing the thermal decomposition temperature of 1000 °C for SrRuO3 to 600 °C. The appropriate lattice parameter of SrRuO3 ensures a good lattice match, which results in a strong interaction between SrRuO3 and RuO2. Hence, the RSRO substantially outperforms the corresponding single‐component oxides. In addition, the increased active sites induced by the rapid improvement of hydrophilicity of RSRO surface further highlight its structural advantage for catalytic hydrogen generation. The experimental and theoretical computation results consistently validate the positive synergistic effect among SrRuO3 and RuO2 in tuning the atomic and electronic configuration.
A High‐Temperature Na‐Ion Battery: Boosting the Rate Capability and Cycle Life by Structure Engineering
Authors: Zhou Yanping , Zhang Xianghua , Liu Yanjing , Xie Xinxin , Rui Xianhong , Zhang Xiong , Feng Yuezhan , Zhang Xiaojun , Yu Yan , Huang Kama
Published: January 2020

High‐temperature sodium ion batteries (SIBs) have drawn significant heed recently for large‐scale energy storage. Yet, conventional SIBs are in the depths of inferior charge/discharge efficiency and cyclability at elevated temperatures. Rational structure design is highly desirable. Hence, a 3D hierarchical flower architecture self‐assembled by carbon‐coated Na3V2(PO4)3 (NVP) nanosheets (NVP@C‐NS‐FL) is fabricated via a microwave‐assisted glycerol‐mediated hydrothermal reaction combined with a post heat‐treatment. The growth mechanism of NVP@C‐NS‐FL is systematically investigated, by forming a microspherical glycerol/polyglycerol‐NVP complex initially and then converting into flower‐like architecture during the subsequent annealing at a low temperature ramping rate. Benefiting from the integrated structure, fast Na+ transportation, and highly effective heat transfer, the as‐obtained NVP@C‐NS‐FL exhibits an excellent high‐temperature SIB performance, e.g., 65 mAh g−1 (100 C) after 1000 cycles under 60 °C. When coupled with NaTi2(PO4)3 anode, the full cell can still display superior power capability of 1.4 kW kg−1 and long‐term cyclability (2000 cycles) under 60 °C.
Multifunctional Antimicrobial Biometallohydrogels Based on Amino Acid Coordinated Self‐Assembly
Authors: Song Jingwen , Yuan Chengqian , Jiao Tifeng , Xing Ruirui , Yang Mengyao , Adams Dave J. , Yan Xuehai
Published: January 2020

There is a real need for new antibiotics against self‐evolving bacteria. One option is to use biofriendly broad‐spectrum and mechanically tunable antimicrobial hydrogels that can combat multidrug‐resistant microbes. Whilst appealing, there are currently limited options. Herein, broad‐spectrum antimicrobial biometallohydrogels based on the self‐assembly and local mineralization of Ag+‐coordinated Fmoc‐amino acids are reported. Such biometallohydrogels have the advantages of localized delivery and sustained release, reduced drug dosage and toxicity yet improved bioavailability, prolonged drug effect, and tunable mechanical strength. Furthermore, they can directly interact with the cell walls and membrane, resulting in the detachment of the plasma membrane and leakage of the cytoplasm. This leads to cell death, triggering a significant antibacterial effect against both Gram‐negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram‐positive (Staphylococcus aureus) bacteria in cells and mice. This study paves the way for developing a multifunctional integration platform based on simple biomolecules coordinated self‐assembly toward a broad range of biomedical applications.
Pomegranate extract inhibits migration and invasion of oral cancer cells by downregulating matrix metalloproteinase‐2/9 and epithelial‐mesenchymal transition
Authors: Peng Sheng‐Yao , Hsiao Chien‐Chou , Lan Ting‐Hsun , Yen Ching‐Yui , Farooqi Ammad A. , Cheng Chih‐Mei , Tang Jen‐Yang , Yu Tzu‐Jung , Yeh Yun‐Chiao , Chuang Ya‐Ting , Chiu Chien‐Chih , Chang Hsueh‐Wei
Published: January 2020

Discovering drug candidates for the modulation of metastasis is of great importance in inhibiting oral cancer malignancy. Although most pomegranate extract applications aim at the antiproliferation of cancer cells, its antimetastatic effects remain unclear, especially for oral cancer cells. The aim of this study is to evaluate the change of two main metastasis characters, migration and invasion of oral cancer cells. Further, we want to explore the molecular mechanisms of action of pomegranate extract (POMx) at low cytotoxic concentration. We found that POMx ranged from 0 to 50 μg/mL showing low cytotoxicity to oral cancer cells. In the case of oral cancer HSC‐3 and Ca9‐22 cells, POMx inhibits wound healing migration, transwell migration, and matrix gel invasion. Mechanistically, POMx downregulates matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‐2 and MMP‐9 activities and expressions as well as epithelial‐mesenchymal transition (EMT) signaling. POMx upregulates extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2), but not c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 expression. Addition of ERK1/2 inhibitor (PD98059) significantly recovered the POMx‐suppressed transwell migration and MMP‐2/−9 activities in HSC‐3 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest to further test low cytotoxic concentrations of POMx as a potential antimetastatic therapy against oral cancer cells.
An Electrochemical and Spectroscopic Study on Re(CO)3(L)Cl in Dimethylformamide (L = 2,2'‐Bipyridine)
Authors: Du Jia‐Pei , Siewert Inke
Published: January 2020

Herein, we present an in‐depth study of the redox chemistry of Re(CO)3(L)Cl (1) in dimethylformamide (dmf). Previous reports on 1 focused on acetonitrile (MeCN) and tetrahydrofuran (thf) as solvent, although the complex exhibits also a good activity in dmf in the electrochemical and photochemical CO2 reduction reaction. The combination of scan rate dependent CV data and IR spectroelectrochemical (IR‐SEC) experiments allows to derive a mechanistic scenario for the coupled electrochemical and chemical steps after reduction of the title compound. The relative reaction rates of competing pathways are distinctly different with regard to MeCN. The dimer [Re(CO)3(L)]2, which is the main species after initial reduction of 1 in MeCN, is barely formed in dmf and [Re(CO)3(L)Cl]– is stable. IR‐SEC data allowed to identify crucial intermediates alongside the reduction pathway of 1, and digital simulation of the CV data allowed to derive rate constants for the individual reaction steps.
Evaluating a family of two-loop non-planar master integrals for Higgs + jet production with full heavy-quark mass dependence
Authors: Bonciani R. , Del Duca V. , Frellesvig H. , Henn J.M. , Hidding M. , Maestri L. , Moriello F. , Salvatori G. , Smirnov V.A.
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We present the analytic computation of a family of non-planar master integrals which contribute to the two-loop scattering amplitudes for Higgs plus one jet production, with full heavy-quark mass dependence. These are relevant for the NNLO corrections to inclusive Higgs production and for the NLO corrections to Higgs production in association with a jet, in QCD. The computation of the integrals is performed with the method of differential equations. We provide a choice of basis for the polylogarithmic sectors, that puts the system of differential equations in canonical form. Solutions up to weight 2 are provided in terms of logarithms and dilogarithms, and 1-fold integral solutions are provided at weight 3 and 4. There are two elliptic sectors in the family, which are computed by solving their associated set of differential equations in terms of generalized power series. The resulting series may be truncated to obtain numerical results with high precision. The series solution renders the analytic continuation to the physical region straightforward. Moreover, we show how the series expansion method can be used to obtain accurate numerical results for all the master integrals of the family in all kinematic regions.
Gravity-mediated scalar Dark Matter in warped extra-dimensions
Authors: Folgado Miguel G. , Donini Andrea , Rius Nuria
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We revisit the case of scalar Dark Matter interacting just gravitationally with the Standard Model (SM) particles in an extra-dimensional Randall-Sundrum scenario. We assume that both, the Dark Matter and the Standard Model, are localized in the TeV brane and only interact via gravitational mediators, namely the graviton Kaluza-Klein modes and the radion. We analyze in detail the dark matter annihilation channel into two on-shell KK-gravitons, and contrary to previous studies which overlooked this process, we find that it is possible to obtain the correct relic abundance for dark matter masses in the range [1, 10] TeV even after taking into account the strong bounds from LHC Run II. We also consider the impact of the radion contribution (virtual exchange leading to SM final states as well as on-shell production), which does not significantly change our results. Quite interestingly, a sizeable part of the currently allowed parameter space could be tested by LHC Run III and by the High-Luminosity LHC.
Entanglement wedge reconstruction using the Petz map
Authors: Chen Chi-Fang , Penington Geoffrey , Salton Grant
Published: January 2020

Abstract

At the heart of recent progress in AdS/CFT is the question of subregion duality, or entanglement wedge reconstruction: which part(s) of the boundary CFT are dual to a given subregion of the bulk? This question can be answered by appealing to the quantum error correcting properties of holography, and it was recently shown that robust bulk (entanglement wedge) reconstruction can be achieved using a universal recovery channel known as the twirled Petz map. In short, one can use the twirled Petz map to recover bulk data from a subset of the boundary. However, this map involves an averaging procedure over bulk and boundary modular time, and hence it can be somewhat intractable to evaluate in practice. We show that a much simpler channel, the Petz map, is sufficient for entanglement wedge reconstruction for any code space of fixed finite dimension — no twirling is required. Moreover, the error in the reconstruction will always be non-perturbatively small. From a quantum information perspective, we prove a general theorem extending the use of the Petz map as a general-purpose recovery channel to subsystem and operator algebra quantum error correction.
Correlation function with the insertion of zero modes of modular Hamiltonians
Authors: Long Jiang
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Zero modes of modular Hamiltonian of one interval are found in momentum space for two dimensional massless free scalar theory. Finite correlators are extracted from separate region connected correlation functions with the insertion of zero modes. Correlators of (n, 1)-type are claimed to be conformal block up to a set of theory dependent constants. We fix the correlators of (2, 1)-type with the coefficients of three point function in 2d CFTs.
New linearization and reweighting for simulations of string sigma-model on the lattice
Authors: Bianchi L. , Forini V. , Leder B. , Töpfer P. , Vescovi E.
Published: January 2020

Abstract

We study the discretized worldsheet of Type IIB strings in the Gubser-Klebanov-Polyakov background in a new setup, which eliminates a complex phase previously detected in the fermionic determinant. A sign ambiguity remains, which a study of the fermionic spectrum shows to be related to Yukawa-like terms, including those present in the original Lagrangian before the linearization standard in a lattice QFT approach. Monte Carlo simulations are performed in a large region of the parameter space, where the sign problem starts becoming severe and instabilities appear due to the zero eigenvalues of the fermionic operator. To face these problems, simulations are conducted using the absolute value of a fermionic Pfaffian obtained introducing a small twisted-mass term, acting as an infrared regulator, into the action. The sign of the Pfaffian and the low modes of the quadratic fermionic operator are then taken into account by a reweighting procedure of which we discuss the impact on the measurement of the observables. In this setup we study bosonic and fermionic correlators and observe a divergence in the latter, which we argue — also via a one-loop analysis in lattice perturbation theory — to originate from the U(1)-breaking of our Wilson-like discretization for the fermionic sector.
CROSS RATIOS ON BOUNDARIES OF SYMMETRIC SPACES AND EUCLIDEAN BUILDINGS
Authors: BEYRER J.
Published: January 2020

We generalize the natural cross ratio on the ideal boundary of a rank one symmetric space, or even CAT(−1) space, to higher rank symmetric spaces and (nonlocally compact) Euclidean buildings. We obtain vector valued cross ratios defined on simplices of the building at infinity. We show several properties of those cross ratios; for example that (under some restrictions) periods of hyperbolic isometries give back the translation vector. In addition, we show that cross ratio preserving maps on the chamber set are induced by isometries and vice versa, — motivating that the cross ratios bring the geometry of the symmetric space/Euclidean building to the boundary.
Congruency of intervening events and self-induced action influence prediction of final results
Authors: Kimura Tsukasa , Katayama Jun’ichi
Published: January 2020

Predicting self-induced stimuli is easier than predicting externally produced ones and the amplitude of event-related brain potentials (ERP) elicited by self-induced stimuli is smaller than that elicited by externally produced ones. Previous studies reported that these phenomena occurred strong when stimuli were presented immediately after self-induced action. To be able to adapt to changes, however, it is necessary to predict not only an event that follows a self-induced action but also a subsequent final result. We investigated whether congruency among self-induced actions, intervening events, and final results influences the processing of final results. The congruency of an intervening event with self-induced action was task-irrelevant information for the required response to a final result. The results showed that the P1 amplitude elicited by the final result (i.e., somatosensory stimulus) when an intervening event was congruent with self-induced action was smaller than other elicited amplitudes. This suggests that the congruency of an intervening event and self-induced action may facilitate prediction of a final result, even when this congruency is irrelevant to the ongoing task.
Poincaré polynomials of moduli spaces of Higgs bundles and character varieties (no punctures)
Authors: Mellit Anton
Published: January 2020

Using our earlier results on polynomiality properties of plethystic logarithms of generating series of certain type, we show that Schiffmann’s formulas for various counts of Higgs bundles over finite fields can be reduced to much simpler formulas conjectured by Mozgovoy. In particular, our result implies the conjecture of Hausel and Rodriguez-Villegas on the Poincaré polynomials of twisted character varieties and the conjecture of Hausel and Thaddeus on independence of E-polynomials on the degree.
Midlatitude atmospheric transient eddy feedbacks influenced ENSO-associated wintertime Pacific teleconnection patterns in two PDO phases
Authors: Chu Cuijiao , Hu Haibo , Yang Xiu-Qun , Yang Dejian
Published: January 2020

The El Nino-Southern Oscillation (ENSO)-associated wintertime atmospheric teleconnection patterns in two Pacific decadal oscillation (PDO) phases are investigated using ERA-20C reanalysis data for 1950–2010. A strengthened ENSO-associated Pacific-North American (PNA) teleconnection pattern presents in PDO positive phase, while a West Pacific (WP) pattern over Northwestern Pacific and a squeezed PNA pattern coexist when ENSO occurs in PDO negative phase. The dynamical role of atmospheric transient eddy feedbacks to the teleconnection patterns are highlighted in the present study. When ENSO occurs in PDO positive phase, the uniform strengthened westerly jet anomalies downstream of the climatological main body of jet accompany with energetic transient eddy anomalies over Northeastern Pacific. The transient eddy feedbacks largely enhance and favor the strengthened PNA pattern. When ENSO occurs in PDO negative phase, the strengthened westerly jet anomalies appear to separate into two parts, one locating north of the climatological main body of jet and the other at the downstream. The accompanied transient eddy anomalies also split into two parts. Under such conditions, the transient eddy feedbacks are limited over Northeastern Pacific and favor a weak PNA pattern. However, the transient eddy anomalies over Northwestern Pacific strengthen, and the feedbacks also strengthen and largely contribute to the WP pattern. Moreover, the transient eddy anomalies over Northwestern Pacific seem to be anchored along the anomalously poleward strengthened oceanic subarctic frontal zone (SAFZ) in PDO negative phase. The enhanced atmospheric baroclinicity anomalies, coupled with the strengthened SAFZ, energize atmospheric transient eddy anomalies, and work as the potential maintenance in shaping the WP pattern.
Improving the dietary quality of food parcels leads to improved dietary intake in Dutch food bank recipients—effects of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Neter Judith E. , Dijkstra S. Coosje , Twisk Jos W. R. , Visser Marjolein , Brouwer Ingeborg A.
Published: January 2020

Purpose

Since food banks have a strong influence on recipients’ diets, and seem to have difficulties in supporting healthy diets, improving the dietary quality of food parcels is important. The aim of our study was to assess whether improving the dietary quality of food parcels, using different strategies, can positively impact the actual dietary intake of Dutch food bank recipients.

Methods

This randomized cross-over controlled trial (Trial ID: ISRCTN40554133) with four intervention conditions [(1) Control (standard food parcel), (2) snacks– (standard food parcel with replacement of unhealthy snacks by staple foods), (3) FV+ (standard food parcel plus the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables), (4) snacks– + FV+ (standard food parcel with replacement of unhealthy snacks by staple foods plus the recommended daily amount of fruit and vegetables)] included 163 food bank recipients, from three food banks. At baseline, participants filled in a questionnaire. Dietary intake data were collected through 24-h recalls after both intervention conditions at 4 and 8 weeks follow-up. Primary outcome was daily fruit and vegetable intake, secondary outcomes were daily dietary intakes of food groups and nutrients.

Results

Multi-level linear regression analysis, using a two-level model, showed a higher mean daily fruit intake in participants in the FV+ condition than in participants in the Control condition (delta (δ): 74 [40.3;107.6] g). Both mean daily fruit and vegetable intake were higher in participants in the Snacks– + FV+ condition than in participants in the Control condition (fruit δ: 81.3 [56.5;106.2] g; vegetables δ: 46.2 [17.5;74.9] g), as well as in the Snacks– condition (fruit δ: 70.0 [38.8;101.1] g; vegetables δ: 62.2 [26.2; 98.2] g).

Conclusions

This study shows that improving the dietary quality of food parcels can positively impact the dietary intake of Dutch food bank recipients. With this information we can further develop effective strategies that can be easily applied by food banks, to improve dietary intake of food bank recipients.
Sub-angiographic peripheral emboli in high resolution DWI after endovascular recanalization
Authors: Schönfeld Michael H. , Kabiri Reza , Kniep Helge C. , Meyer Lukas , Sedlacik Jan , Ernst Marielle , Broocks Gabriel , Faizy Tobias D. , Cheng Bastian , Thomalla Götz , Fiehler Jens , Hanning Uta
Published: January 2020

Background and aim

To analyze the incidence of peripheral emboli after successful mechanical thrombectomy (MT) of intracranial large vessel occlusions (LVO).

Methods

We performed a prospective analysis of patients with intracranial LVO who underwent successful MT and received a 1.5 T MRI including diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in standard- and high-resolution as well as susceptibility-weighted imaging (SWI) on the day following the intervention. Reperfusion grade was assessed on post-thrombectomy digital subtraction angiography (DSA) using the expanded thrombolysis in cerebral infarction (eTICI) scale. Punctuate DWI lesions distal to the DWI core lesion were classified as peripheral emboli. DWI lesions outside the primary affected vascular territory were classified as emboli into new territories. Additionally, SWI and post-thrombectomy DSA were analyzed and correlated to findings on DWI.

Results

Twenty-eight patients undergoing successful MT met the inclusion criteria. In 26/28 patients (93%), a total of 324 embolic lesions were detected in DWI representing 2.1% of the cumulated ischemic core volume. 151 peripheral emboli were detected in standard-resolution DWI, 173 additional emboli were uncovered in high-resolution DWI. Eight out of nine patients with an eTICI 3 reperfusion had embolic lesions (29 DWI lesions). 9.6% (31/324) of peripheral emboli were observed in vascular territories not affected by the LVO. SWI lesions were observed in close proximity to 10.2% (33/324) of DWI lesions.

Conclusions

Peripheral emboli are frequent after MT even after complete reperfusion. These emboli occur rather in the vascular territory of the occluded vessel than in other territories. A large proportion of peripheral emboli is only detected by high-resolution DWI.
Sporadic inclusion body myositis: no specific cardiac involvement in cardiac magnetic resonance tomography
Authors: Rosenbohm Angela , Buckert Dominik , Kassubek Jan , Rottbauer Wolfgang , Ludolph Albert C. , Bernhardt Peter
Published: January 2020

Objective

To investigate cardiac involvement in patients with sporadic inclusion body myositis (IBM) by cardiac magnetic resonance tomography (CMR).

Methods

A case series of 20 patients with IBM underwent basic cardiac assessment and CMR including functional imaging, native and contrast-enhanced T1-weighted, and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) imaging.

Results

All IBM patients reported no cardiac symptoms. Echocardiography was normal in 16/17 IBM patients. In CMR, IBM patients had normal ejection fractions (mean LVEF 63 ± 7%) and ventricular mass. They had reduced left (mean 55 versus 88 ml) and right ventricular stroke volumes (mean 54 versus 86 ml) and increased early myocardial enhancement (pathological T1 Ratio in 44% versus 5%), as compared to age- and gender-matched controls. Since arterial hypertension was more often observed in IBM patients, hypertensive heart disease can also be causative for these changes. Late gadolinium enhancement did not differ statistically from healthy controls. There was no apparent association between elevated biomarkers, echocardiography and CMR.

Conclusion

CMR revealed subtle changes in cardiac geometry and tissue characterization in IBM patients when compared to a gender- and age-matched control group. Findings in CMR indicated a higher extent of diffuse myocardial fibrosis as well as smaller left ventricular stroke volumes. These alterations may be due to a higher prevalence of arterial hypertension in the IBM cohort.
A proposed tailored investigational algorithm for women treated for gynaecological cancer with long-term gastrointestinal consequences
Authors: Muls Ann , Taylor Alexandra , Lalondrelle Susan , Kabir Mohammed , Norton Christine , Hart Ailsa , Andreyev H. Jervoise
Published: January 2020

Background and aim

Long-term changes in gastrointestinal function impacting quality of life after treatment for cancer are common. Peer reviewed guidance to investigate and manage GI dysfunction following cancer treatment has been published. This study reviewed gastrointestinal symptoms of women previously treated for gynaecological cancer and considered whether suggested algorithms could be amended to optimise management for this cohort.

Methods

Demographic and clinical data recorded for patients attending a specialist consequences of cancer treatment gastroenterology service prospectively are reported using median and range. The Wilcoxon signed rank test analysed changes in symptoms between initial assessment to discharge from the service.

Results

Between April 2013 and March 2016, 220 women, with a median age of 57 years (range 24–83 years), treated for gynaecological cancer (cervical (50%)), endometrial (28%), ovarian (15%), vaginal or vulval (7%) attended. Twelve gastrointestinal symptoms were statistically significantly reduced by time of discharge from the specialist gastroenterology clinic including bowel frequency ≥ 4/day (88%), type 6 or 7 stool consistency (36%), urgency (31%) and incontinence (21%). General quality of life improved from a median score of 4 at first assessment to a median of 6 at discharge (p < 0.001). A median of four (range, 1–9) diagnoses were made.

Conclusion

Women with gastrointestinal symptoms after cancer treatment benefit from a systematic management approach. After excluding disease recurrence, a proposed investigational algorithm and the oncology team includes FBC, U&Es, LFTs, thyroid function test, vitamin B12, vitamin D, a hydrogen methane breath test and a SeHCAT scan. If rectal bleeding is present, iron studies, flexible sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy should be performed. Patients with normal investigations or symptoms not responding to treatment require gastroenterology input.
Recent advances in chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer: evidence from Japan and recommendations in guidelines
Authors: Okusaka Takuji , Furuse Junji
Published: January 2020

The prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer continues to remain dismal, even though numerous trials have been conducted to establish more effective therapies in Japan and throughout the world. Recent advances in treatment have been characterized by the use of novel combinations of conventional cytotoxic chemotherapies. Especially in Japan, S-1 has become one of the most widely used cytotoxic agents for the treatment of pancreatic cancer, after clinical evidence was established of the survival benefit offered by this drug for patients with resectable or unresectable pancreatic cancer. Unfortunately, with the exception of erlotinib, no targeted treatment strategies have been approved for pancreatic cancer. However, following an increase in interest in drug development in recent years, proactive attempts have been made to develop new therapeutic strategies, including neoadjuvant chemotherapy for patients with resectable or borderline resectable pancreatic cancer, multi-agent combination chemotherapy for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, and therapies with new targeted agents or immuno-oncologic agents for patients with pancreatic cancer bearing specific gene mutations.