bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing model performance via the most limiting environmental driver in two differently stressed pine stands
Authors: Nadal‐Sala Daniel , Grote Rüdiger , Birami Benjamin , Lintunen Anna , Mammarella Ivan , Preisler Yakir , Rotenberg Eyal , Salmon Yann , Tatarinov Fedor , Yakir Dan , Ruehr Nadine K.
Published: February 2021

Climate change will impact forest productivity worldwide. Forecasting the magnitude of such impact, with multiple environmental stressors changing simultaneously, is only possible with the help of process‐based models. In order to assess their performance, such models require careful evaluation against measurements. However, direct comparison of model outputs against observational data is often not reliable, as models may provide the right answers due to the wrong reasons. This would severely hinder forecasting abilities under unprecedented climate conditions. Here, we present a methodology for model assessment, which supplements the traditional output‐to‐observation model validation. It evaluates model performance through its ability to reproduce observed seasonal changes of the most limiting environmental driver (MLED) for a given process, here daily gross primary productivity (GPP). We analyzed seasonal changes of the MLED for GPP in two contrasting pine forests, the MediterraneanPinus halepensisMill. Yatir (Israel) and the borealPinus sylvestrisL. Hyytiälä (Finland) from three years of eddy‐covariance flux data. Then, we simulated the same period with a state‐of‐the‐art process‐based simulation model (LandscapeDNDC). Finally, we assessed if the model was able to reproduce both GPP observations and MLED seasonality. We found that the model reproduced the seasonality of GPP in both stands, but it was slightly overestimated without site‐specific fine‐tuning. Interestingly, although LandscapeDNDC properly captured the main MLED in Hyytiälä (temperature) and in Yatir (soil water availability), it failed to reproduce high‐temperature and high‐vapor pressure limitations of GPP in Yatir during spring and summer. We deduced that the most likely reason for this divergence is an incomplete description of stomatal behavior. In summary, this study validates the MLED approach as a model evaluation tool, and opens up new possibilities for model improvement.
How to Pack a Punch – Why 3D Batteries are Essential
Authors: Horowitz Yonatan , Strauss Ela , Peled Emanuel , Golodnitsky Diana
Published: February 2021

The miniaturization of implantable medical devices, remote microsensors and transmitters, “smart” cards, and Internet of Things (IoT) systems is impeded by the absence of high‐performance micro‐size power sources. Insufficient areal energy density from thin‐film planar microbatteries has inspired a search for three‐dimensional microbatteries (3DMB) with the use of low‐cost and efficient micro‐ and nano‐scale materials and techniques. In our short review, we present our outlook on the state‐of‐the‐art development of advanced 3D‐microbattery designs and methods of the fabrication of electrode materials. Special attention is given to the 3D‐printing approach, which holds many opportunities for the mass production of microbatteries and their direct integration with electronic devices.
Differential effects of dexamethasone on arterial stiffness, myocardial remodeling and blood pressure between normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Tardelli Lidieli P. , Duchatsch Francine , Herrera Naiara A. , Vicentini Carlos Alberto , Okoshi Katashi , Amaral Sandra L.
Published: February 2021

Dexamethasone (DEX)‐induced hypertension is observed in normotensive rats, but little is known about the effects of DEX on spontaneously hypertensive animals (SHR). This study aimed to evaluate the effects of DEX on hemodynamics, cardiac hypertrophy and arterial stiffness in normotensive and hypertensive rats. Wistar rats and SHR were treated with DEX (50 μg/kg s.c., 14 d) or saline. Pulse wave velocity (PWV), echocardiographic parameters, blood pressure (BP), autonomic modulation and histological analyses of heart and thoracic aorta were performed. SHR had higher BP compared with Wistar, associated with autonomic unbalance to the heart. Echocardiographic changes in SHR (vs. Wistar) were suggestive of cardiac remodeling: higher relative wall thickness (RWT, +28%) and left ventricle mass index (LVMI, +26%) and lower left ventricle systolic diameter (LVSD, −19%) and LV diastolic diameter (LVDD, −10%), with slightly systolic dysfunction and preserved diastolic dysfunction. Also, SHR had lower myocardial capillary density and similar collagen deposition area. PWV was higher in SHR due to higher aortic collagen deposition. DEX‐treated Wistar rats presented higher BP (~23%) and autonomic unbalance. DEX did not change cardiac structure in Wistar, but PWV (+21%) and aortic collagen deposition area (+21%) were higher compared with control. On the other side, DEX did not change BP or autonomic balance to the heart in SHR, but reduced RWT and LV collagen deposition area (−12% vs. SHRCT). In conclusion, the results suggest a differential effect of dexamethasone on arterial stiffness, myocardial remodeling and blood pressure between normotensive and spontaneously hypertensive rats.
Assessment of 12 qualitative RT‐PCR commercial kits for the detection of SARS‐CoV‐2
Authors: Altamimi Asmaa M. , Obeid Dalia A. , Alaifan Taghreed A. , Taha Moroje T. , Alhothali Marwa T. , Alzahrani Fahad A. , Albarrag Ahmad M.
Published: February 2021

The emergence of the novel coronavirus, the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) in the late months of 2019 had the officials to declare a public health emergency leading to a global response. Public measurements rely on an accurate diagnosis of individuals infected with the virus by using real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR). The aim of our study is to relate the fundamental clinical and analytical performance of SARS‐CoV‐2 (RT‐PCR) commercial kits. A total of 94 clinical samples were selected. Generally, 400  µl of each respiratory specimen was subjected to extraction using ExiPrep 96 Viral RNA Kit. All kits master mix preparation, cycling protocol, thermocycler, and results interpretation were carried out according to the manufacturer's instructions of use and recommendations. The performance of the kits was comparable except for the LYRA kit as it was less sensitive (F = 67, p < .001). Overall, four kits scored a sensitivity of 100% including: BGI, IQ Real, Sansure, and RADI. For specificity, all the tested kits scored above 95%. The performance of these commercial kits by gene target showed no significant change in CT values which indicates that kits disparities are mainly linked to the oligonucleotide of the gene target. We believe that most of the commercially available RT‐PCR kits included in this study can be used for routine diagnosis of patients with SARS‐CoV‐2. We recommend including kits with multiple targets in order to monitor the virus changes over time.
Exogenous l‐lactate promotes astrocyte plasticity but is not sufficient for enhancing striatal synaptogenesis or motor behavior in mice
Authors: Lundquist Adam J. , Gallagher Tyler J. , Petzinger Giselle M. , Jakowec Michael W.
Published: February 2021

l‐Lactate is an energetic and signaling molecule that may be produced through astrocyte‐specific aerobic glycolysis and is elevated in striatal muscle during intensive exercise. l‐Lactate has been shown to promote neurotrophic gene expression through astrocytes within the hippocampus, however, its role in neuroplasticity within the striatum remains unknown. This study sought to investigate the role of peripheral sources of l‐lactate in promoting astrocyte‐specific gene expression and morphology as well as its role in neuroplasticity within the striatum of healthy animals. Using in vitro primary astrocyte cell culture, administration of l‐lactate increased the expression of the neurotrophic factors Bdnf, Gdnf, Cntf, and the immediate early gene cFos. l‐Lactate's promotion of neurotrophic factor expression was mediated through the lactate receptor HCAR1 since application of the HCAR1 agonist 3,5‐DHBA also increased expression of Bdnf in primary astrocytes. Similar to our previous report demonstrating exercise‐induced changes in astrocytic structure within the striatum, l‐lactate administration to healthy mice led to increased astrocyte morphological complexity as well as astrocyte‐specific neurotrophic expression within the striatum. Our study failed to demonstrate an effect of peripheral l‐lactate on synaptogenesis or motor behavior. Insufficient levels and/or inadequate delivery of l‐lactate through regional cerebral blood flow within the striatum may account for the lack of these benefits. Taken together, these novel findings suggest a potential framework that links peripheral l‐lactate production within muscle and intensive exercise with neuroplasticity of specific brain regions through astrocytic function.
Periodic Fever, Aphthous Stomatitis, Pharyngitis, and Cervical Adenitis Syndrome: Relapse and Tonsillar Regrowth After Childhood Tonsillectomy
Authors: Lantto Ulla , Koivunen Petri , Tapiainen Terhi , Renko Marjo
Published: February 2021

Objectives/Hypothesis

Tonsillectomy is an effective treatment for periodic fever, aphthous stomatitis, pharyngitis, and cervical adenitis (PFAPA) syndrome, but the role of adenoidectomy, as well as later tonsillar regrowth, is unclear. To find out if the volume of lymphoid tissue is pivotal to the efficacy, we analyzed the association between the relapse of the symptoms of PFAPA syndrome and regrowth of tonsillar tissue after tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy.

Study Design

Prospective cohort study of operated PFAPA pateints.

Methods

We invited all patients that had undergone tonsillectomy or adenotonsillectomy due to PFAPA syndrome at the Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland, between the years 1990 and 2007, at the age of ≤12 years, to a follow‐up visit, after an average period of 9.8 years after their diagnoses. Out of the 132 invited, 94 (71%) participated in the follow‐up study.

Results

At the follow‐up study visit, 5 (5%) of the 94 PFAPA syndrome cases experienced recurrent fevers. The regrowth of palatine tonsillar tissue was seen in four of them (80%) as compared to 19/89 (21%) of symptom‐free patients (P = .006). Two of the patients with clear PFAPA relapse at the time of the study visit were reoperated with clear effect on the symptoms. At the time of the study visit, 59/63 (94%) of the patients who had undergone adenotonsillectomy and 30/31 of the patients (97%) who had undergone tonsillectomy earlier were free of fever flares (P = .99).

Conclusion

Palatine tonsil regrowth was associated with PFAPA syndrome relapse after tonsillectomy. Reoperation might be a treatment option in these patients.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 131:E2149–E2152, 2021
HPV‐16/18 E6‐induced APOBEC3B expression associates with proliferation of cervical cancer cells and hypomethylation of Cyclin D1
Authors: Fan Qiong , Huang Ting , Sun Xiao , Wang Yi‐Wei , Wang Jing , Liu Yao , Ni Ting , Gu Sheng‐Lan , Li Yu‐Hong , Wang Yu‐Dong
Published: February 2021

Oncogenic high‐risk human papillomavirus (HR‐HPV) infection causes a majority of cases of cervical cancer and pre‐cancerous cervical lesions. However, the mechanisms underlying the direct evolution from HPV‐16/18‐infected epithelium to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) III, which can progress to cervical cancer, remain poorly identified. Here, we performed RNA‐seq after laser capture microdissection, and found that APOBEC3B was highly expressed in cervical cancer specimens compared with CIN III with HPV‐16/18 infection. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analysis confirmed that high levels of APOBEC3B were correlated with lymph node metastasis in cervical cancer. Subsequent experiments revealed that HPV‐16 E6 could upregulate APOBEC3B through direct binding to the promoter of APOBEC3B in cervical cancer cells. Silencing of APOBEC3B by stable short hairpin RNA‐mediated knockdown reduced the proliferative capacity of Caski and HeLa cells in vitro and in vivo, but had only a small effect on the migration and invasion of two cervical cancer cell lines. Finally, we identified the changes in gene expression following APOBEC3B silencing in Caski cells by microarray, demonstrating a biological link between APOBEC3B and CCND1 in cervical cancer cells. Importantly, through methyl‐capture sequencing and pyrosequencing, APOBEC3B was found to affect the levels of the downstream protein Cyclin D1 (which is encoded by the CCND1 gene) through hypomethylation of the CCND1 promoter. In conclusion, our study supports HPV‐16 E6‐induced APOBEC3B expression associates with proliferation of cervical cancer cells and hypomethylation of Cyclin D1. Thus, APOBEC3B may be a potential therapeutic target in human cervical cancer.
Concordance and characterization of massively parallel sequencing at 58 STRs in a Tibetan population
Authors: Li Hui , Zhang Cheng , Song Guoqing , Ma Ke , Cao Yu , Zhao Xueying , Yang Qinrui , Xie Jianhui
Published: February 2021

Background

Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) is a promising supplementary method for forensic casework in short tandem repeats (STRs) genotyping, owing to several advantageous features in comparison to traditional capillary electrophoresis (CE). However, the application of MPS in casework requires accessible datasets from the worldwide population to enrich the allele frequencies of sequence‐based STR genotypes.

Methods

In this study, we report the characterization of sequence‐based allele frequencies of 58 STRs from a Tibetan population comprising 120 unrelated individuals using the ForenSeq™ DNA Signature Prep Kit. A concordance study evaluating MPS and CE allele data was performed to ensure that MPS is compatible with current CE‐based forensic databases. The diversity of observed alleles, allele frequencies, and forensic parameters per locus by length (LB), sequence without flanking region (RSB), and sequence with flanking region (FSB) were analyzed and compared.

Results

The concordance study demonstrated a concordance rate exceeding 99%. The combined random match probability (RMP) for the 26 A‐STRs was 2.04 × 10–29, 1.93 × 10–31, and 9.56 × 10–33 for LB, RSB, and FSB, respectively. Similar trends were observed in other forensic parameters resulting from the increase in the number of unique alleles available. A total of 111 and 113 unique haplotypes in the Y‐STR loci were observed when using length‐based and sequence‐based alleles, respectively. In addition, we identified 35 novel alleles at 25 loci and 25 polymorphisms in the flanking regions at 17 STRs.

Conclusions

Our data suggest that MPS‐ and CE‐derived alleles are compatible. MPS‐based analysis of the STR data substantially increased the allele diversity and improved the forensic parameters, which clearly demonstrated the advantages of MPS in comparison to CE. With more pooled data and larger‐scale validation, MPS could play a valuable role in forensic genetics and might be an additional tool for routine casework.
Lycium ruthenicum Anthocyanins Attenuate High‐Fat Diet‐Induced Colonic Barrier Dysfunction and Inflammation in Mice by Modulating the Gut Microbiota
Authors: Tian Baoming , Zhao Jianhua , Zhang Min , Chen Zhifei , Ma Qingyu , Liu Huicui , Nie Chenxi , Zhang Ziqi , An Wei , Li Juxiu
Published: February 2021

Scope

Gut barrier dysfunction and inflammation originating from a dysbiotic gut microbiota (GM) are strongly associated with a high‐fat diet (HFD). Anthocyanins from Lycium ruthenicum (ACs) show antiobesity effects through modulating the GM. However, the mechanism linking the antiobesity effects of ACs and GM modulation remains obscure.

Methods and results

To investigate the ameliorative effects of ACs on colonic barrier dysfunction and inflammation, mice are fed an HFD with or without ACs at doses of 50, 100, and 200 mg kg−1 for 12 weeks. AC supplementation reduced weight gain, enriched short‐chain fatty acid (SCFA)‐producing bacteria (e.g., Ruminococcaceae, Muribaculaceae, Akkermansia, Ruminococcaceae_UCG‐014, and Bacteroides) and SCFA content, depleted endotoxin‐producing bacteria (e.g., Helicobacter and Desulfovibrionaceae), and decreased endotoxin (i.e., lipopolysaccharide) levels. SCFAs substantially activated G protein‐coupled receptors (GPRs), inhibited histone deacetylases (HDAC), increased intestinal tight junction mRNA and protein expression levels, reduced intestinal permeability, and protected intestinal barrier integrity in HFD‐induced mice. These effects mitigate intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the LPS/NF‐κB/TLR4 pathway.

Conclusion

These data indicates that ACs can mitigate colonic barrier dysfunction and inflammation, induce SCFA production and inhibit endotoxin production by modulating the GM in HFD‐fed mice. This finding provides a clue for understanding the antiobesity effects of ACs.
Predictive validity of the braden scale for pressure injury risk assessment in adults: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Huang Can , Ma Yuxia , Wang Chenxia , Jiang Mengyao , Yuet Foon Loretta , Lv Lin , Han Lin
Published: February 2021

Aim

Pressure injuries are common adverse events in clinical practice, affecting the well‐being of patients and causing considerable financial burden to healthcare systems. It is therefore essential to use reliable assessment tools to identify pressure injuries for early prevention. The Braden Scale is a widely used tool to assess pressure injury risk, but the literature is currently lacking in determining its accuracy. This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of the Braden Scale in assessing pressure injury risk.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Methods

Articles published between 1973–2020 from periodicals indexed in the PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science and the Cochrane Library were selected. Two reviewers independently selected the relevant studies for inclusion. Data were analysed by the STATA 15.0 and the RevMan 5.3 software.

Results

In total, 60 studies involving 49,326 individuals were eligible for this meta‐analysis. The pooled SEN, SPE, PLR, NLR, DOR and AUC were 0.78 (95% CI: 0.74 to 0.82), 0.72 (95% CI: 0.66 to 0.78), 2.80 (95% CI: 2.30 to 3.50), 0.30 (95% CI: 0.26 to 0.35), 9.00 (95% CI: 7.00 to 13.00) and 0.82 (95% CI: 0.79 to 0.85), respectively. Subgroup analyses indicated that the AUC was higher for prospective design (0.84, 95% CI: 0.81 to 0.87), mean age <60 years (0.87, 95% CI: 0.84 to 0.90), hospital (0.82, 95% CI: 0.79 to 0.86) and Caucasian population (0.86, 95% CI: 0.82 to 0.88). In addition, 18 was found to be the optimal cut‐off value.

Conclusion

The evidence indicated that the Braden Scale had a moderate predictive validity. It was more suitable for mean age <60 years, hospitalized patients and the Caucasian population, and the cut‐off value of 18 might be used for the risk assessment of pressure injuries in clinical practice. However, due to the different cut‐off values used among included studies, the results had a significant heterogeneity. Future studies should explore the optimal cut‐off value in the same clinical environment.
Effect of Source–Drain Electric Field on Charge Transport Mechanism in Polymer‐Based Thin‐Film Transistors
Authors: Biswas Swarup , Seo Kyeong-Ho , Lee Yongju , Kim Yun-Hi , Bae Jin-Hyuk , Kim Hyeok
Published: February 2021

Donor–acceptor copolymer‐based field‐effect transistors (FETs) have attracted considerable attention from technological and academic perspectives due to their low band gap, high mobility, low cost, and easy solution processability, flexibility, and stretch ability. Among different solution‐processing techniques, meniscus‐guided coating has the potential for large‐area film formation. Moreover, 29‐diketopyrrolopyrroleselenophene vinylene selenophene (29‐DPP‐SVS) donor‐acceptor copolymer‐based FETs have already exhibited excellent performance due to their short π–π stacking distance and strong π–π interaction. Charge carrier mobility of these types of semiconducting materials is significantly dependent on the applied electric field. Therefore, detailed analysis of the electric‐field dependency of charge carrier mobility is necessary to understand the transport mechanisms within these materials. Thus, herein, 29‐DPP‐SVS‐based FETs are fabricated by varying the blade‐coating speed of their semiconductor layer. Then, the effect of the blade‐coating speed on the electrical properties of the FETs is studied through the analysis of electric‐field‐dependent mobility. The results suggest that the charge carrier mobility of different FETs is dependent on the applied electric field and that the type of dependency is Poole–Frenkel. At an optimized blade‐coating speed (2 mm s−1), the device exhibits maximum zero‐field mobility (3.39 cm2 V−1 s−1) due to the low trap density within the conducting channel.
Nonpolar Solvent‐Dispersible Alkylated Reduced Graphene Oxide for Hole Transport Material in n‐i‐p Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Park Jong-Jin , Lee Minwoo , Kim Yunseul , Kim Dong-Yu
Published: February 2021

Reduced graphene oxides (rGOs), despite their excellent electrical properties, have been seldom used as the solution‐processed sole hole transport material (HTM) in perovskite solar cells (PeSCs) with an n‐i‐p structure, due to their low dispersity in orthogonal solvent of perovskite, such as chlorobenzene (CB). The limited rGO dispersion in nonpolar solvents precludes the formation of a fully covered film on top of the perovskite layer. A newly designed alkylated rGO (AF‐rGO) is synthesized, which can be highly dispersed in a nonpolar solvent, for use as a solution‐processed HTM on top of the perovskite layer in PeSCs. The AF‐rGO can be dispersed in CB at a high concentration, and a fully covered AF‐rGO film is successfully introduced on top of the perovskite layer as HTM through a simple solution process. The AF‐rGO in the PeSC exhibits minimal series resistance and charge recombination and exhibits efficient hole extraction and transport abilities, resulting in a maximum power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 17%, which is the highest PCE of PeSCs with an n‐i‐p structure, which use graphene‐based materials as the sole HTM. Moreover, devices with AF‐rGO HTM exhibit improved ambient stability, exhibiting 89% of their original performance after 240 h of storage without encapsulation.
Electrochemical Insight into Mechanisms and Metallocyclic Intermediates of C−H Functionalization
Authors: Budnikova Yulia H.
Published: February 2021

Transition metal‐catalyzed C−H activation has emerged as a powerful tool in organic synthesis and electrosynthesis as well as in the development of new methodologies for producing fine chemicals. In order to achieve efficient and selective C−H functionalization, different strategies have been used to accelerate the C−H activation step, including the incorporation of directing groups in the substrate that facilitate coordination to the catalyst. In this review, we try to underscore that the understanding the mechanisms of the catalytic cycle and the reactivity or redox activity of the key metal cyclic intermediates in these reactions is the basis for controlling the selectivity of synthesis and electrosynthesis. Combination of the electrosynthesis and voltammetry with traditional synthetic and physico‐chemical methods allows one to achieve selective transformation of C−H bonds to functionalized C−C or C−X (X=heteroatom or halogen) bonds which may encourage organic chemists to use it in the future more often. The possibilities and the benefits of electrochemical techniques are analyzed and summarized.
Disruption of morphogenic and growth pathways in lysosomal storage diseases
Authors: Corrêa Thiago , Feltes Bruno C. , Giugliani Roberto , Matte Ursula
Published: February 2021

The lysosome achieved a new protagonism that highlights its multiple cellular functions, such as in the catabolism of complex substrates, nutrient sensing, and signaling pathways implicated in cell metabolism and growth. Lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) cause lysosomal accumulation of substrates and deficiency in trafficking of macromolecules. The substrate accumulation can impact one or several pathways which contribute to cell damage. Autophagy impairment and immune response are widely studied, but less attention is paid to morphogenic and growth pathways and its impact on the pathophysiology of LSDs. Hedgehog pathway is affected with abnormal expression and changes in distribution of protein levels, and a reduced number and length of primary cilia. Moreover, growth pathways are identified with delay in reactivation of mTOR that deregulate termination of autophagy and reformation of lysosomes. Insulin resistance caused by changes in lipids rafts has been described in different LSDs. While the genetic and biochemical bases of deficient proteins in LSDs are well understood, the secondary molecular mechanisms that disrupt wider biological processes associated with LSDs are only now becoming clearer. Therefore, we explored how specific signaling pathways can be related to specific LSDs, showing that a system medicine approach could be a valuable tool for the better understanding of LSD pathogenesis.

This article is categorized under:

Metabolic Diseases > Molecular and Cellular Physiology
Correlators of vector, tensor, and scalar composite vertices of order O($$ {\alpha}_{\mathrm{s}}^2 $$β0)
Authors: Mikhailov S. V. , Volchanskiy N.
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We present analytical results for massless correlators of two vector, tensor, and scalar composite vertices with the Bjorken fractions x and y of order $$ {\alpha}_s^2 $$

α
s
2

β0 of QCD. The structure of these correlators ΠV,T,S(x, y; p2) and properties of its main elements are discussed in detail. Special attention is paid to verifying the results and comparing them with known particular cases. We apply the correlators to evaluate radiative corrections to the distribution amplitudes of light mesons within the QCD sum rules.
Bubble evolution around heterogeneities in ϕ4-field theories
Authors: Marín Juan F.
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Localised heterogeneities have been recently discovered to act as bubble-nucleation sites in nonlinear field theories. Vacuum decay seeded by black holes is one of the most remarkable applications. This article proposes a simple and exactly solvableϕ4model to study bubble evolution about a localised heterogeneity. Bubbles with a rich dynamical behaviour are observed depending on the topological properties of the heterogeneity. The linear stability analysis of soliton-bubbles predicts oscillating bubbles and the insertion of new bubbles inside an expanding precursor bubble. Numerical simulations in 2+1 dimensions are in good agreement with theoretical predictions.
Sensitivity of the NEXT experiment to Xe-124 double electron capture
Authors:   The NEXT collaboration, Martínez-Lema G. , Martínez-Vara M. , Sorel M. , Adams C. , Álvarez V. , Arazi L. , Arnquist I. J. , Azevedo C. D. R , Bailey K. , Ballester F. , Benlloch-Rodríguez J. M. , Borges F. I. G. M. , Byrnes N. , Cárcel S. , Carrión J. V. , Cebrián S. , Church E. , Conde C. A. N. , Contreras T. , Díaz G. , Díaz J. , Diesburg M. , Escada J. , Esteve R. , Felkai R. , Fernandes A. F. M. , Fernandes L. M. P. , Ferrario P. , Ferreira A. L. , Freitas E. D. C. , Generowicz J. , Ghosh S. , Goldschmidt A. , Gómez-Cadenas J. J. , González-Díaz D. , Guenette R. , Gutiérrez R. M. , Haefner J. , Hafidi K. , Hauptman J. , Henriques C. A. O. , Hernando Morata J. A. , Herrero P. , Herrero V. , Ifergan Y. , Johnston S. , Jones B. J. P. , Kekic M. , Labarga L. , Laing A. , Lebrun P. , López-March N. , Losada M. , Mano R. D. P. , Martín-Albo J. , Martínez A. , McDonald A. D. , Monrabal F. , Monteiro C. M. B. , Mora F. J. , Muñoz Vidal J. , Novella P. , Nygren D. R. , Palmeiro B. , Para A. , Pérez J. , Querol M. , Redwine A. B. , Renner J. , Repond J. , Riordan S. , Ripoll L. , Rodríguez García Y. , Rodríguez J. , Rogers L. , Romeo B. , Romo-Luque C. , Santos F. P. , dos Santos J. M. F. , Simón A. , Sofka C. , Stiegler T. , Toledo J. F. , Torrent J. , Usón A. , Veloso J. F. C. A. , Webb R. , Weiss-Babai R. , White J. T. , Woodruff K. , Yahlali N.
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Double electron capture by proton-rich nuclei is a second-order nuclear process analogous to double beta decay. Despite their similarities, the decay signature is quite different, potentially providing a new channel to measure the hypothesized neutrinoless mode of these decays. The Standard-Model-allowed two-neutrino double electron capture (2νEC EC) has been predicted for a number of isotopes, but only observed in 78Kr, 130Ba and, recently, 124Xe. The sensitivity to this decay establishes a benchmark for the ultimate experimental goal, namely the potential to discover also the lepton-number-violating neutrinoless version of this process, 0νEC EC. Here we report on the current sensitivity of the NEXT-White detector to 124Xe 2νEC EC and on the extrapolation to NEXT-100. Using simulated data for the 2νEC EC signal and real data from NEXT-White operated with 124Xe-depleted gas as background, we define an optimal event selection that maximizes the NEXT-White sensitivity. We estimate that, for NEXT-100 operated with xenon gas isotopically enriched with 1 kg of 124Xe and for a 5-year run, a sensitivity to the 2νEC EC half-life of 6 × 1022 y (at 90% confidence level) or better can be reached.
Effective field theory for heavy vector resonances coupled to the Standard Model
Authors: Heiles Mathias , König Matthias , Neubert Matthias
Published: February 2021

Abstract

We construct an effective field theory describing the decays of a heavy vector resonance V into Standard Model particles. The effective theory is built using an extension of Soft-Collinear Effective Theory called SCETBSM, which provides a rigorous framework for parameterizing decay matrix elements with manifest power counting in the ratio of the electroweak scale and the mass of the resonance, λv/mV. Using the renormalization-group evolution of the couplings in the effective Lagrangian, large logarithms associated with this scale ratio can be resummed to all orders. We consider in detail the two-body decays of a heavy Z′ boson and of a Kaluza-Klein gluon at leading and subleading order in λ. We illustrate the matching onto SCETBSM with a concrete example of a UV-complete new-physics model.
Quantum machine learning for particle physics using a variational quantum classifier
Authors: Blance Andrew , Spannowsky Michael
Published: February 2021

Abstract

Quantum machine learning aims to release the prowess of quantum computing to improve machine learning methods. By combining quantum computing methods with classical neural network techniques we aim to foster an increase of performance in solving classification problems. Our algorithm is designed for existing and near-term quantum devices. We propose a novel hybrid variational quantum classifier that combines the quantum gradient descent method with steepest gradient descent to optimise the parameters of the network. By applying this algorithm to a resonance search in di-top final states, we find that this method has a better learning outcome than a classical neural network or a quantum machine learning method trained with a non-quantum optimisation method. The classifiers ability to be trained on small amounts of data indicates its benefits in data-driven classification problems.
Leukemia Inhibitory Factor: A Potential Biomarker and Therapeutic Target in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Wrona Ewa , Potemski Piotr , Sclafani Francesco , Borowiec Maciej
Published: February 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly aggressive, treatment-resistant cancer. Five-year survival rate is about 9%, one of the lowest among all solid tumors. Such a poor outcome is partly due to the limited knowledge of tumor biology, and the resulting lack of effective treatment options and robust predictive biomarkers. The leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) has recently emerged as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for PDAC. Accumulating evidence has suggested that LIF plays a role in supporting cancer evolution as a regulator of cell differentiation, renewal and survival. Interestingly, it can be detected in the serum of PDAC patients at higher concentrations than healthy individuals, this supporting its potential value as diagnostic biomarker. Furthermore, preliminary data indicate that testing for LIF serum concentration or tissue expression may help with treatment response monitoring and prognostication. Finally, studies in PDAC mouse models have also shown that LIF may be a valuable therapeutic target, and first-in-human clinical trial is currently ongoing. This article aims to review the available data on the role of LIF in PDAC promotion, and to discuss the evidence supporting its potential role as a biomarker and target of effective anti-cancer therapy in this setting.
A Modified MSA for Stochastic Control Problems
Authors: Kerimkulov B. , Šiška D. , Szpruch L.
Published: February 2021

The classical Method of Successive Approximations (MSA) is an iterative method for solving stochastic control problems and is derived from Pontryagin’s optimality principle. It is known that the MSA may fail to converge. Using careful estimates for the backward stochastic differential equation (BSDE) this paper suggests a modification to the MSA algorithm. This modified MSA is shown to converge for general stochastic control problems with control in both the drift and diffusion coefficients. Under some additional assumptions the rate of convergence is shown. The results are valid without restrictions on the time horizon of the control problem, in contrast to iterative methods based on the theory of forward-backward stochastic differential equations.
Multivariate analysis of prognostic factors in patients with nodular melanoma
Authors: Susok L. , Stücker M. , Bechara F. G. , Stockfleth E. , Gambichler T.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Nodular melanoma (NM) is associated with worse disease outcome when compared to superficial spreading melanoma (SSM). We aimed to perform a single-center analysis of prognostic factors in patients with NM and compare the data with SSM patients.

Methods

We studied 228 patients with NN and 396 patients with SSM. Patients with in situ melanomas or stage IV at diagnosis were not included in the study. Data were analyzed using the Mann–Whitney test, Chi-square test, Kaplan–Meier curves including the log-rank test, and logistic regression model.

Results

When compared to patients with SSM, patients with NM had less likely lower Clark level, higher tumor thickness, less likely tumor regression, more often ulcerated tumors, and less likely a history of precursor lesions such as a nevus. Within a 5-year follow-up we observed significantly more disease relapses and deaths in NM patients than in SSM patients. On multivariate analysis, disease relapse in NM patients was independently predicted by tumor thickness and positive SLNB, whereas melanoma-specific death of NM patients was independently predicted by male sex and tumor thickness. Histologic regression also remained in the logistic regression model as a significant independent negative predictor of NM death.

Conclusions

We did not observe that NM subtype was per se a significant independent predictor for disease relapse or melanoma-specific death. Among the well-known prognostic factors such as tumor thickness and male sex, NM is also associated with other unfavorable factors such as absence of regression.
Bearingless PM-synchronous machine with axial active magnetic bearing fed by zero-sequence current
Authors: Dietz Daniel , Binder Andreas
Published: February 2021

A novel inverter supply for bearingless PM-synchronous motors with magnetic suspension allows the reduction of the number of power electronic switches. Hence, all six motional degrees of freedom of bearingless AC machines may be controlled via 3-phase inverter topologies. In this paper, instead of a bearingless motor consisting of two half motors, one bearingless motor with an additional radial active magnetic bearing is treated. Bearingless machines with cylindrical rotors in contrast to double cone rotors generate – apart from the electromagnetic torque – only radial magnetic forces. Hence, an axial magnetic bearing is used.

For this bearing, there is no need for a feeding converter bridge as the bearing coil is fed by the zero-sequence current of the feeding 3-phase inverters. The bearing coil is placed between the two star points of the motor winding. The zero-sequence current amplitude is adjusted by the 3-phase inverters via pulse width modulation. The feasibility of this kind of axial position control is proven by simulation as well as with an experiment with a 1 kW prototype motor up to 60000 min−1.
Calculation of structure-borne sound in a direct drive wind turbine
Authors: Cardaun Martin , Schelenz Ralf , Jacobs Georg , Duda Tobias
Published: February 2021

In this publication, the methods will be presented that are deployed to formulate a multi-physical system model of a direct drive wind turbine in order to calculate structure borne sound. The model includes excitation effect as well as sound radiating behaviour. The mechanical structure as a medium partner between excitation and radiation will be formulated through a multi-body simulation model in the time domain. In the multi-body simulation model, all relevant drivetrain components are considered with their structural eigenmodes in the frequency range of interest. The electromagnetic forces of the multi-pole ring generator are calculated and introduced into the mechanical structure at each stator tooth, rotor pole and various axial positions individually. Similarly, the modelling of the bearings is investigated for a range of available methods. Sound emission is evaluated at the large outer surface structures like tower, blades and nacelle cover. To minimize computational effort, the surface accelerations are not calculated for each surface node, instead a modal approach is used. Through a combination of mode shapes with mode participation factors of the respective structures, the surface accelerations can be regained during a post-processing step. Those results are used as input for airborne sound calculations. Nevertheless, the high number of modal and spatial degrees of freedom results in high computing costs.
Improved Appropriateness of Advanced Diagnostic Imaging After Implementation of Clinical Decision Support Mechanism
Authors: Chepelev Leonid L. , Wang Xuan , Gold Benjamin , Bonzel Clara-Lea , Rybicki Jr Frank , Uyeda Jennifer W , Sheikh Adnan , Anderson Dan , Lindaman Jared , Mogel Greg , Mitsouras Dimitrios , Mahoney Mary C. , Cai Tianxi , Rybicki Frank J.
Published: February 2021

The Protecting Access to Medicare Act (PAMA) mandates clinical decision support mechanism (CDSM) consultation for all advanced imaging. There are a growing number of studies examining the association of CDSM use with imaging appropriateness, but a paucity of multicenter data. This observational study evaluates the association between changes in advanced imaging appropriateness scores with increasing provider exposure to CDSM. Each provider’s first 200 consecutive anonymized requisitions for advanced imaging (CT, MRI, ultrasound, nuclear medicine) using a single CDSM (CareSelect, Change Healthcare) between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2019 were collected from 288 US institutions. Changes in imaging requisition proportions among four appropriateness categories (“usually appropriate” [green], “may be appropriate” [yellow], “usually not appropriate” [red], and unmapped [gray]) were evaluated in relation to the chronological order of the requisition for each provider and total provider exposure to CDSM using logistic regression fits and Wald tests. The number of providers and requisitions included was 244,158 and 7,345,437, respectively. For 10,123 providers with ≥ 200 requisitions (2,024,600 total requisitions), the fraction of green, yellow, and red requisitions among the last 10 requisitions changed by +3.0% (95% confidence interval +2.6% to +3.4%), −0.8% (95% CI −0.5% to −1.1%), and −3.0% (95% CI 3.3% to −2.7%) in comparison with the first 10, respectively. Providers with > 190 requisitions had 8.5% (95% CI 6.3% to 10.7%) more green requisitions, 2.3% (0.7% to 3.9%) fewer yellow requisitions, and 0.5% (95% CI −1.0% to 2.0%) fewer red (not statistically significant) requisitions relative to providers with ≤ 10 requisitions. Increasing provider exposure to CDSM is associated with improved appropriateness scores for advanced imaging requisitions.
Dataset2Vec: learning dataset meta-features
Authors: Jomaa Hadi S. , Schmidt-Thieme Lars , Grabocka Josif
Published: February 2021

Meta-learning, or learning to learn, is a machine learning approach that utilizes prior learning experiences to expedite the learning process on unseen tasks. As a data-driven approach, meta-learning requires meta-features that represent the primary learning tasks or datasets, and are estimated traditonally as engineered dataset statistics that require expert domain knowledge tailored for every meta-task. In this paper, first, we propose a meta-feature extractor called Dataset2Vec that combines the versatility of engineered dataset meta-features with the expressivity of meta-features learned by deep neural networks. Primary learning tasks or datasets are represented as hierarchical sets, i.e., as a set of sets, esp. as a set of predictor/target pairs, and then a DeepSet architecture is employed to regress meta-features on them. Second, we propose a novel auxiliary meta-learning task with abundant data called dataset similarity learning that aims to predict if two batches stem from the same dataset or different ones. In an experiment on a large-scale hyperparameter optimization task for 120 UCI datasets with varying schemas as a meta-learning task, we show that the meta-features of Dataset2Vec outperform the expert engineered meta-features and thus demonstrate the usefulness of learned meta-features for datasets with varying schemas for the first time.
Fate of selenium in biofortification of wheat on calcareous soil: an isotopic study
Authors: Ahmad Saeed , Bailey Elizabeth H. , Arshad Muhammad , Ahmed Sher , Watts Michael J. , Young Scott D.
Published: February 2021

Selenium (Se) biofortification of staple cereal crops can improve the Se nutritional status of populations. A field trial employing an enriched stable isotope of Se (77Se) was undertaken over three consecutive cropping seasons in a coarse-textured, calcareous soil in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan. The objectives were to (1) assess the feasibility and efficiency of Se biofortification, (2) determine the fate of residual Se, and (3) assess the consequences for dietary Se intake. Isotopically enriched77Se (77SeFert) was applied, either as selenate or as selenite, at three levels (0, 10, and 20 g ha−1) to a wheat crop. Residual77SeFertavailability was assessed in subsequent crops of maize and wheat without further77SeFertaddition. Loss of77SeFertwas c.35% by the first (wheat) harvest, for both selenium species, attributable to the practice of flood irrigation and low adsorption capacity of the soil. No77SeFertwas detectable in subsequent maize or wheat crops. The remaining77SeFertin soil was almost entirely organically bound and diminished with time following a reversible (pseudo-)first-order trend. Thus, repeat applications of Se would be required to adequately biofortify grain each year. In contrast to native soil Se, there was no transfer of77SeFertto a recalcitrant form. Grain from control plots would provide only 0.5 µg person−1 day−1of Se. By contrast, a single application of 20 g ha−1SeVIcould provide c. 47 µg person−1 day−1Se in wheat, sufficient to avoid deficiency when combined with dietary Se intake from other sources (c. 25 µg day−1).
How do Saudi Children and Their Mothers Evaluate Religion-Based Exclusion?
Authors: Alsimah Munirah , Tenenbaum Harriet R. , Rusconi Patrice
Published: February 2021

This study focuses on Saudi mothers’ and their children’s judgments and reasoning about exclusion based on religion. Sixty Saudi children and their mothers residing in Saudi Arabia and 58 Saudi children and their mothers residing in the United Kingdom were interviewed. They were read vignettes depicting episodes of exclusion based on the targets’ religion ordered by peers or a father. Participants were asked to judge the acceptability of exclusion and justify their judgments. Both groups rated the religious-based exclusion of children from peer interactions as unacceptable. Saudi children and mothers residing in the UK were less accepting of exclusion than were children and mothers residing in Saudi Arabia. In addition, children and mothers residing in the UK were more likely to evaluate exclusion as a moral issue and less likely as a social conventional issue than were children and mothers residing in Saudi Arabia. Mothers in the UK were also less likely to invoke psychological reasons than were mothers in Saudi Arabia. Children’s judgments about exclusion were predicted by mothers’ judgments about exclusion. In addition, the number of times children used moral or social conventional reasons across the vignettes was positively correlated with mothers’ use of these categories. The findings, which support the Social Reasoning Development model, are discussed in relation to how mothers and immersion in socio-cultural contexts are related to children’s judgments and reasoning about social exclusion.
On the Existence of Global Smooth Solutions to the Parabolic–Elliptic Keller–Segel System with Irregular Initial Data
Authors: Heihoff Frederic
Published: February 2021

We consider the parabolic–elliptic Keller–Segel system $$\begin{aligned} \left\{ \begin{aligned} u_t&= \Delta u - \chi \nabla \cdot (u \nabla v), \\ 0&= \Delta v - v + u \end{aligned} \right. \end{aligned}$$

u
t

=
Δ
u
-
χ
∇
·
(
u
∇
v
)
,

0

=
Δ
v
-
v
+
u

in a smooth bounded domain $$\Omega \subseteq {\mathbb {R}}^n$$

Ω
⊆

R

n

, $$n\in {\mathbb {N}}$$

n
∈
N

, with Neumann boundary conditions. We look at both chemotactic attraction ($$\chi > 0$$

χ
>
0

) and repulsion ($$\chi < 0$$

χ
<
0

) scenarios in two and three dimensions. The key feature of interest for the purposes of this paper is under which conditions said system still admits global classical solutions due to the smoothing properties of the Laplacian even if the initial data is very irregular. Regarding this, we show for initial data $$\mu \in {\mathcal {M}}_+({\overline{\Omega }})$$

μ
∈

M
+

(

Ω
¯

)

that, if either

$$n = 2$$

n
=
2

, $$\chi < 0$$

χ
<
0

or

$$n = 2$$

n
=
2

, $$\chi > 0$$

χ
>
0

and the initial mass is small or

$$n = 3$$

n
=
3

, $$\chi < 0$$

χ
<
0

and $$\mu = f \in L^p(\Omega )$$

μ
=
f
∈

L
p

(
Ω
)

, $$p > 1$$

p
>
1

holds, it is still possible to construct global classical solutions to ($$\star $$
⋆
), which are continuous in $$t = 0$$

t
=
0

in the vague topology on $${\mathcal {M}}_+({\overline{\Omega }})$$

M
+

(

Ω
¯

)

.